AOT Part21

DRAGONJULS' Storybook
~ All Our Tomorrows ~
J M Dragon
Part Twenty-one
© February 2001
e-mail: jmdragon1@hotmail.com

Disclaimer: See Part One

Chapter Forty-two

“Dad you would not want me to be unhappy would you?” Lucy pleaded with her father, he had asked her once again to reconsider her position and go back to finish her degree.

Jason Bardley shook his grey head of hair, gave his youngest child a searching gaze. He didn’t want any of his children unhappy but knew that sometimes you had to be cruel to be kind in this world. “No I do not Lucy, but you must understand that unless you complete your education your prospects for the future will be limited.”

Alison Bardley was watching the exchange between her daughter and husband. Jason hated to be the one to chastise his children but this time Lucy had ignored all her pleas. It was Jason’s time to try and convince their daughter that her current situation could be resolved, without the need for her to break her studies for a long period of time.

“I know that! But I hate it in college and I want to see something of life before I’m too old to appreciate it.” Her face turned into a scowl as she faced her father, in an adversarial stance.

Alison could not help herself she laughed quickly leaving the room to make coffee. The young today thought that if they didn’t have every conceivable experience before they were twenty they were too old. Perhaps she was like that at Lucy’s age…then again no, it didn’t seem like that when she was young. Times have changed that was for sure.

Jason had jerked an amused eyebrow at his wife when she had laughed at the absurdity of the comment from Lucy. For an intelligent child his youngest did go off on a tangent sometimes. He had been hard pressed not to laugh at the comment as well, but Lucy’s face had deterred him.

“Lucy how old are you?” Jason asked quietly as he sat down in his favourite chair idly picking at the corners of the dog-eared book that was on the table next to the easy chair.

Lucy snorted at the question, “as if you didn’t know Dad, I’m twenty! Is your memory going?”

Jason looked up at the cocky remark from his child gave her a censured glance before he inspected the corners of the book again.

“That will be enough of that kind of remark young lady! As you are twenty, what will you do if you do not go back to college?”

Lucy shuffled back and forth before she answered, then with her back turned to her father gazing out of the window she replied. “I’ll get a job!”

“You will, will you? Where exactly and doing what?” His tone was calm as he watched her back stiffen at the questions.

“I’ll go work for the movie studio as Jace did. I should get a job easy especially at UCP, I know the president of the company right.” Lucy remarked confidently.

Jason scratched the side of his chin in thought placing his hand over his mouth to hide the smile that passed over his features momentarily. “Oh so you know James Thompson well do you? What makes you think that you have any skills that he might be interested in to employ you?”

“Dad! It’s family, that’s what Jace’s so called other half said at the last family gathering that I attended.” Lucy said in a disparaging tone.

“Ah, now that it suits you to use Catherine’s position and wealth for your own purposes you will conveniently forget that you dislike the woman, wanting nothing to do with her or her help?” Jason retorted calmly, waiting for her reaction, he expected a vitriolic defence.

“What difference does that make! She would not expect me to wait on tables. That wouldn’t look good with all her money, if the papers got a hold of that information.” Lucy scathingly hurled back into the room making her father cringe at her words.

“I thought I brought up my daughters to be more respectful young lady? Obviously, that isn’t the case here is it? If you think that you can walk into a post purely on the back of someone else’s name and fortune you have much to learn.” Jason raised his voice a fraction becoming hard and steel like in its resonance.

Lucy turned to face him; she hadn’t heard that tone of voice in years. It had been so rare, usually meant her Dad had made a decision that would be immovable. “If not there! I’ll get a job someplace.”

“Do you think it is easy to work for a living Lucy? When you are young and unqualified, as you appear to want to start out in the world. Do you think you will achieve your ambitions having to work long hours for little pay? Well do you?” Jason bit out savagely, having risen out of his chair to face his daughter.

The atmosphere in the room was electric each party standing their ground with equal forcefulness.

Turning her face towards her father Lucy gave another scowl, before replying. “No, but I will succeed Dad just as you did!”

Jason eyed his daughter with pity for that was the only emotion he could think of for her at this moment. “Times are different child, the opportunities less certain, today people want educated candidates. Lucy you are a bright woman, with the intelligence to go ahead and achieve your goals. But you need to face the real problem that’s eating you, and then meet it, meet it as your first real challenge as an adult. What do you say?”

Lucy looked down at her stocking feet moving her toes absently, her eyes tracking the movement, it distracted her from her Father’s words for a moment. Then she turned tearful eyes to her Father as she spoke brokenly, sobs interspersing the words. “I thought you and Mom had left me here on my own Dad… I don’t want to be here alone; when college is difficult I talk with Mom she helps and you too. Now that you are in New York I can’t do that… it is too far away! You’ve left me to fend for myself…because of that woman’s influence over you all!”

Jason stepped forward gently pulled his daughter into his arms letting her cry on his shoulder, stroking her hair as she sobbed. He smiled into her hair as he placed a tender kiss on the top of her head. ‘And she wanted to go out into the world alone.’

“Darling we haven’t abandoned you, far from it! You can call us anytime you know that. I thought after two years you would have found some friends, would want your own space. Having a molly-codling Mom and Dad around would not be good for the image now would it baby?”

Lucy gazed up into the warm loving eyes of her father, smiling weakly at him. Fishing in her pocket for tissue but having a large white crisp handkerchief placed into her hands from her father, whose eyes twinkled kindly at her. “I guess not.”

Alison chose that moment to re-enter the room, and saw the emotional scene as she settled the beverages on the coffee table. Sitting down quietly, patience was of the essence here she decided.

“I have an idea, how about you take the next semester off. Come to New York with us, I’ll employ you at Xianthos. You will live in the apartment with your Mother and I. But you will be required to pay your way on the food and any other personal items you want in that period. In essence, except for rent you will be responsible for yourself and I mean that totally Lucy.” Jason smiled at his daughter as he winked in the direction of his wife. If his child wanted to face the real world, then she could, on his terms.

“Really Dad?” Lucy was flabbergasted at the comment, he was surely backing down on his original statement about using names to create a job, wasn’t this the same? Nepotism!

“Yes, really. You will start in a position that suits your current qualifications; the rest will be up to you. You will either decide working without qualifications is the way to go, or you re-enter college and work through the summer to catch up with your classes. Your call at the end of the day, I’ll accept whatever you decide at that time.” Jason said seriously placing her at arm’s length from him so that she could see his intent.

“I’ll do it Dad, I’ll make you proud of me.” Lucy brushed back her tears as her Mother gave her a small smile, before she was subjected to a bear hug from her Father.

As he released her she rushed out of the room to make arrangements, the words floated by them as the door closed behind her.

Jason’s final comment lost on her. “Make yourself proud, baby.”

Alison looked at her husband who came over to her chair as she rose from it so that they made eye contact. “You think this is the only way?”

Jason smiled his eyes warmed with the depth of love he had for his family. “This time yes. At least we will not be subjected to the uncertainty we had with Jace, when we did not know where she was for a while. A controlled situation is better than Lucy doing something adolescent that might be extremely stupid.”

“Jason what post will she be given? You can’t have people thinking you are using your position in Xianthos to help relatives, it isn’t right. Even if I am talking about my own daughter.” Alison asked quietly, the situation was in her opinion rather reckless and unwise.

Jason pulled his wife closer nuzzling her neck tenderly. “Well, Ali there is such a thing as the post room you know.”

Alison couldn’t help but laugh, wondering what their youngest child would think of Daddy’s proposition if she knew that! Then was lost in her husband’s embrace, as he travelled from her neck with delicate kisses to her lips.

* * * * * * * * * *

Catherine was seated between Lisa and Jake; Jace had taken Elena to the nearby beach as she watched her partner hold one of their youngest daughter’s hands walking along the sands. It was a remarkable sight.

They had gone out on a family outing together. Lukas needed to escort Althea to the ferry that afternoon; she was leaving for Athens and was unable to guide them.

Jace had arranged to borrow the jeep that Lukas had previously used to take them around the island. Having just finished a light lunch in a small restaurant close to a beautiful beach cove. It had been a very happy affair and as the meal approached its end, Lisa and Jake had asked if it was okay for them to ask Catherine a couple of questions.

Jace had seen the concentration in both the children’s faces; she also had a good idea what it was all about. Not wanting to leave her partner but knowing that perhaps that might be a good idea for a few minutes she had taken Elena for a stroll along the beach.

“Okay I’m all yours.” Catherine said softly as she twirled the stem of her glass that held the solitary glass of wine she allowed herself with the meal.

Jake swallowed hard as he considered which one of them should ask the question. He guessed it should be him, more so when Lisa kicked him under the table.

“Catherine, a long time ago you said you would adopt us and that it would be soon. You haven’t yet, we wondered if we had done something wrong?”

Catherine turned stunned blue eyes to his hazel ones then to Lisa’s blue gaze that settled intently on her face. ‘Jesus, how did she answer that one?’

Tempted to drink the contents of the half-empty glass of wine, she instead moved it out of range giving both children a serious look.

“You haven’t done anything wrong, trust me on that. I want to adopt you I really do; it isn’t through lack of trying. Unfortunately the authorities at home have decided that it is not in your best interests at the moment.”

“Why?” Lisa breathed out in surprise; Catherine was a Mother to them, Jace too. It wasn’t fair!

Glancing down at the checked tablecloth she gave it a rueful smile, ‘why indeed.’ Turning her gaze back to the children she threaded her fingers through one of each of theirs gently.

“It is a long story, the details are something I will tell you one day, when you’re a little older.” Both children sighed at her mention of them being too young to understand.

“How will we understand if you can’t tell us anything Catherine?” Jake asked sharply, somewhat affronted that he was still a child in her eyes.

“Yeah how Catherine?” Lisa entered the fray petulantly, although she wasn’t sure why.

Catherine clasped both of their hands a little tighter but not to hurt them purely to draw attention, this was some dilemma. Her eyes scanned the beach for her partner, drawing strength from the younger woman’s bright countenance as she swung Elena up in her arms hearing the laughter that action brought about.

Taking in a deep breath, she tried to explain the situation. “When I was a child, about your age Jake. I was a little wild. No, let me say I was very wild, virtually uncontrollable for my Aunt, where I lived when my Mother died.” Glancing at the children in turn, she saw their rapt faces; she had certainly gained their attention.

“I did many things over a period of time that I’m not proud of when I was a teenager. I also broke the law, which I was punished for.” Catherine stopped and picked up a glass of water drinking from it thirstily.

Jake’s jaw dropped at the admission from his heroine, ’Catherine was a criminal’?

Lisa was opened mouthed too but managed a whispered, “did you go to prison Catherine?”

Catherine looked up to the heavens for inspiration. “Yes Princess I did. It was the most unpleasant time in my life, I wished that I’d been different but I wasn’t. Now the authorities are very wary of people with my kind of background, more so when it comes to adoption, they have to make sure that the person is a decent upstanding citizen.”

“But you are now Catherine, you have the ranch, you have lots and lots of money, you can have anything you want. So you are decent now, right?” Lisa piped up enthusiastically, making Catherine laugh at her exuberance.

“Lisa be quiet, Catherine hasn’t finished have you?” Jake said softly, he had seen the sadness cross her face as she related her story.

“No, I have not quite finished. Yes Lisa, I hope that now I’ve become a decent citizen I love you both very much and want to have you officially as part of my family forever. You both know that, right?” Catherine saw them nod their heads vigorously at her question.

“The chances are slim that I can personally adopt you now. Obviously it makes me wish that I could have my time over again to not make those mistakes but sometimes our wishes are not answered, this one will never be.” Catherine finished sadly.

“No one will take us away will they Catherine?” Jake asked her directly, he had seen in the orphanage other boys and girls that had been placed in homes then they returned later. He had never known why, but the children used to cry a lot when they came back. He didn’t want that to happen to him or Lisa either, they were a family now and that was how it must stay.

Catherine turned anguished eyes to the boy at her side giving him a compassionate glance. “No Jake, you are being well cared for. Although the authorities are making more regular checks on me, that will not happen I promise you.”

“Are you sure Catherine?” Lisa asked her eyes filling with tears as they slowly trickled down her cheeks. She didn’t want to leave Catherine, Jace, her brother, sister and all the rest of the family. Who would ride her pony? He loved her and would miss her. That would be much worse than when that nasty lady had taken her away to that horrible cold, dark room!

Catherine saw the uncertainty and the dark pain that settled in the child. Releasing Jake’s hand, Catherine picked up the thin child hugging her as she whispering soothingly into the red hair. “It will be okay Princess, Jace and I have a plan, want to hear it?”

Lisa gave her a tearful glance waiting as she sobbed softly unable to stem the tears totally. Jake stood up and came around to face Catherine also waiting for her plan, it had better be good or he would have to make one.

“Jace has talked with the authorities when we were in England on holiday. If everything checks out, Jace will adopt you, which means we can remain a family forever, what do you say to that?” Catherine smiled warmly at the children. Both at first unsure what to say then Jake spoke.

“Jace hasn’t got a sordid past has she Catherine?” There was nothing but straight talk from her boy, had he been taking lessons from the red headed child in her arms?

“I think Jace is squeaky clean Jake. Can you imagine your Mom being any other? My past wasn’t sordid Jake! Just somewhat tarnished.” She tried to retrieve her reputation with her children.

Jake grinned, moving closer placing his strong arms around the two of them in a short hug, as he kissed Catherine’s cheek. “Will that mean you might be a little more lenient with us if we sometimes misbehave?”

“Hey boy that’s pushing it too far. Let me tell you one thing about reformed characters they become even more squeaky clean than your Mom.” Catherine laughed softly as she chucked his chin; he grinned as he moved away.

“That means Jace will be my real Mom soon then Catherine?” Lisa asked in wonder as she starred at the laughing form of Jace on the beach with Elena.

“Yes, I’m sure it will Princess.” Catherine answered quietly; although it brought sadness deep within her that she could not adopt them. The feeling disregarded very quickly as she felt the rightness of the situation take effect.

Lisa scrambled off Catherine’s lap smiling broadly as she scampered away to catch up with Jace and her sister.

“I guess she’s happy now, what about you Jake?” Turning to the boy who watched as Lisa caught the others up. Bouncing literally or so it seemed into Jace’s arms, it was rather comical.

Jake looked at her seriously shrugging his shoulders a fraction. “I love Jace, she loves us and she loves you. It is right.”

“Yes Jake it is right. I’m sorry I’m not able to do this myself, some mistakes catch up with you years later, mine have.” Catherine moved away from the table that they had now vacated, walking towards her partner and the girls.

As they both moved away towards the slope that would take them to the beach, Jake asked cheekily. “I bet you looked great in a prison uniform.”

Catherine had to laugh at his audacity pulling him close to her as she said quietly into his ear. “You mention my past like that again my dear Jake and I will cut out the computer for a month, perhaps even longer.”

Jake heard the threat but it was veiled with warmth, although he knew she meant every word. He also knew she could take the joke too. “Okay, I’ll never mention it again, at least not until…” He bantered with her as they made their way arm in arm towards the other members of the family.

* * * * * * * * * *

Chapter Forty-three

Althea had allowed Lukas to take the bags she had onboard the ferry, ensuring she had a seat allocated. It was a busy ferry today therefore he had used a little influence to secure her a passage. He had been tempted to say that there wasn’t any room but that would have been wrong.

Now there was just the final goodbye to take place. He fervently hoped it wasn’t a final one, something in his gut told him that Althea was never going to come back to the island. Or at least not for many years, there were so many bad memories to contend with and it was going to take a long time he suspected for her to recover from the ordeal. Although it had been an ordeal for them all, Althea had been the one that had suffered the most. In a matter of days she had betrayed her family, watched her closest relatives die at the hands of a madwoman. Admittedly, her mother was mad too, but George had turned the tables on the foreigner. He had shown that he wasn’t the evil killer that his mother had wanted; he had become instead a hero, a flawed hero but one nonetheless.

“You have everything for the journey Althea?” Lukas asked quietly smiling directly at her; she was a very beautiful woman he wished things had been different, how he wished that.

The young woman smiled back at the man who had proved to be a good friend when she had needed one. He may not have been her first choice, but he had proved to be the best as events had proved.

“Yes Lukas, thank you.” Her response polite but warm.

“I’ll check up on the villa for you, make sure that the prospective buyers are valid on your behalf.” He couldn’t think what else to say. He didn’t want her to go but knew he did not have the right to ask her to stay, why would she for him?

Althea heard the words at first they didn’t register, she wanted so much to be pulled against that broad shoulder to be held and cared for. Perhaps then she wouldn’t feel the pain of the last week, held safe within his arms from any more heartache. But why would he? “Thank you Lukas I know I can rely on you. It would have been difficult to handle the sale from Athens.”

“If you need anything else you know that I am here for you, whatever that might be.” The man said quietly, as they both starred at each other in silence for several minutes, somehow words had no meaning.

The final call for passengers, broke their gazes as they looked around a little embarrassed, each filled with thoughts about the other but afraid to voice them.

“I think that is my call Lukas, I need to go.” Althea spoke softly her eyes filled with a question he didn’t understand.

“Yes it is. I suppose this is goodbye then?” Lukas managed to smile at her, though he really was not in the smiling mood.

“Yes.” A single word dashing his hopes as he hung his head for a second then smiled ruefully at her.

“How about a hug before you go…for old times.” Althea smiled as her eyes filled with tears, the poignancy of the situation creating a rush of emotion within.

“For old times…yes of course.” She moved swiftly into his arms immediately crushed into that familiar broad shoulder, it was home or at least that was how she felt about it. Everything was lost to her except this, this one rock in a vicious sea called life.

Lukas was overwhelmed with the feeling that this woman was worth waiting for, even if he had to wait years. They shared a connection he was sure. It did not have anything to do with the tragedy that had brought them together. This feeling was something more profound than that. Could this be love?

“I will miss you Althea.” He breathed into her hair placing a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

Althea felt the gentle caress moving so she could gaze up into his face. Such a dear face, he had been so very good to her. Without being able to stop herself she reached up and placed a slow tender kiss on his lips. What she hadn’t bargained for was the response of her body or his, the kiss deepened and they lost all track of time and place.

A throat clearing behind them brought them gasping for breath as Althea turned distractedly to see one of the ferry crew appealing for her to go onboard.

Lukas was unable for the moment to say anything; the strength of the emotional crashing around in his body could not be silenced easily as he drew in several short sharp breaths. ‘My god what was that?’

“Goodbye Lukas.” Althea finally whispered as she boarded the ferry, the gangway immediately drawn up as she touched the deck.

“You can’t go!” He tried to shout, but only a croak came out, she was too far away to hear him.

The ferry began to manoeuvre out of the docking station as he watched unable to do anything but respond to the wave that Althea gave as he watched her depart out of his life…for good?

As the ferry turned he was unable to see her, Lukas closed his eyes as he recalled the tumultuous feelings the kiss they shared had invoked. No by god, she would not leave him for good; he would wait a couple of days and call her. They would work something out, even if it meant he had to leave Xianspiros himself.

Turning on his heal he went back to his vehicle and the lonely ride home, he needed to talk with Constantia it was vitally important to the rest of his life.

* * * * * * * * * *

Grace was finally home!

She was here in her own house with her own possessions and most importantly of all her husband.

As she settled back into one of the pine chairs seated around the kitchen table, she smiled as she heard the scrunch of the gravel outside of the house and heavy boots clump loudly against the deck. Her heart raced as she heard the pace of the footsteps increase as the door to the kitchen from the main hall creak open reluctantly.

A tall figure stooped through the doorway walking steadily towards her, a grin plastered brightly over his weatherworn face. He stopped inches from her as she felt the heat that permeated from him, through the thin trousers she wore for the travelling.

“I think my Mom was glad to be back here, she became somewhat tired of the long hours on the aircraft.” Grace smiled up at him, as she thought she saw ‘was that more lines around his eyes’? They crinkled up, as the impression was lost, she mentally shrugged at the silly suspicion.

“Yes, Judy welcomed her back with open arms. I think she missed your Mother, the house does get kinda lonely being so big.” Colin didn’t divert his attention from his wife’s face; he could stand here forever if she’d let him and just watch her.

They had a rather quiet welcome home. Colin wasn’t the demonstrative type in public and with her Mother present even less so. He’d collected the bags quietly after kissing her briefly, surprisingly kissing her Mother’s cheek too. It was rather embarrassing for him but Faith had loved the unexpected attention.

“What about you?” Grace whispered catching her breath as she saw the raw emotion cross his face, his need for her transparent as she gazed into his expressive eyes.

Dropping to his knees beside her chair he picked up her hands and kissed each one with a tender caring as she felt the tears prick at her eyes. He might not like public displays, when they were alone that was a different situation altogether, and she loved every minute of it.

“I missed you Grace!” he said hoarsely as he looked up into her eyes all his love laid bare for her alone to see.

Moving forward slightly she removed her hands from his placing them around his face, looking directly into his grey eyes, her own brown ones reflecting the measure of love she had for him. “I missed you too Colin, you will never know how much.” Her tears slowly trickled down her cheeks and she placed a gentle kiss on his lips that quickly developed into a more passionate encounter.

As they moved apart Grace tenderly stroked the hair that was growing down the nape of his neck, he needed a haircut. “I love you darling, I always will.” Grace whispered into his ear, she could feel him shiver at the sensation her warm breath produced on the sensitive skin.

He kissed the side of her neck softly replying, “Grace you’re the reason why I live. I adore you, worship you and love you to distraction.”

Grace felt her heart soar as he spoke the words filled with such intensity that she wanted to be lost in his arms for the rest of their lives, never moving away from each other. Then junior decided to make his or her presence known as she jerked back in surprise rather than pain.

“Darling are you okay?” Colin asked anxiously thinking he had somehow hurt her.

Grace looked into his distressed features and shook her head slowly; smiling wryly she quickly retrieved one of his large hands placing it over her swollen abdomen. The baby was certainly moving around today, guess the journey must have woken him or her up.

Colin looked up at her grinning boyishly; he looked so…so thrilled at the feeling of movement. “I think our son or daughter wants to be a footballer Colin?” Grace laughingly remarked as she felt his hand though large and coarse but very gentle against the fabric of her cotton shirt.

Grinning from ear to ear he replied. “I know someone who will teach him… or her well, when the time comes.” Grace’s quirky look as he almost forgot the fact that a daughter could play the sport too was amusing.

“Perhaps we should, on the next scan ask to know if the baby is a girl or boy?” Grace asked her husband tentatively, as he stroked her belly absently, the baby appeared to be soothed by the gentle caress.

“I thought we agreed that it didn’t matter and a surprise would be good?” Colin was surprised at Grace’s question. He had been quite eager to know at the beginning, but she had said a surprise was the best. He didn’t mind that, so long as they were both okay at the end. What did it matter a son or daughter both were equally as precious.

“Yes, yes I know but…oh never mind.” She said quietly, her eyes shadowed with a touch of sadness fleetingly.

Colin could sense her unease and if that’s what she wanted then of course that was what would happen. “Okay the next scan we find out if we are having a son or daughter.”

Grace eyed him suspiciously and then smiled warmly at him. “Lots of things happened on this trip Colin. They made me realise how short life was and how important it is to live each day to the full never to allow people you love to trickle through your fingers as if they didn’t matter. I realised that the people I loved were so very important in my life, and never to go a day without telling them that in some small way.”

Watching silently as Colin stood up to his tall height she looked up knowing she couldn’t keep that position for long or she would crick her neck. Then Colin held out his hand to her and hauled her gently to her feet and pulled her into a gentle embrace, her head resting on his shoulder.

“Grace tell me?” The question was so quietly spoken she wasn’t sure she heard it, but knew she had.

“I would like to call our son George or our daughter Georgina.” She simply stated. As her tears began all over again, for a life lost and yet so many saved.

Colin felt helpless as his wife succumbed to her emotional state. Some would say it was hormonal but he knew differently. Something had happened in Greece that had profoundly affected his wife. “Want to tell me all about it and I’ll make the tea?” He responded gently.

Grace looked up into his kind dear face, why do we run away from love? This was love; it felt so comforting and right! “Yes.”

Colin tenderly steered her towards the lounge settled her in her favourite chair as he kissed her and departed to make the tea. Today was Grace’s day to narrate her adventures, and the events that had obviously changed her life in a very profound way. Tomorrow would be his day to explain the events surrounding Danni O’Neil. That was tomorrow and today was his wife’s day.

‘George? Georgina? Yeah why not we might set a trend!’ He thought as he went back into the kitchen to make tea.

* * * * * * * * * *

“You told them?” Jace asked Catherine as they sat quietly together watching the setting of the sun on the balcony.

“They asked. I decided the truth was the best defence. Was I wrong?” Catherine shifted slightly hooking her arm around Jace’s shoulders to bring her closer.

“No, no darling you made the right call.” The blonde head rested gently on the broad shoulder of her partner.

“Perhaps.”

“Perhaps? You have doubts?” Jace asked, looking up and only seeing from her vantage point the strong chin of her partner.

“Well, it isn’t everyday that you find out that one of the people you call a parent is a jailbird, now is it?” Catherine starred at the brightness of the sunset; it was full of bright oranges, pinks and soft blues.

“True, but Catherine that was years ago, you were a child yourself.” Jace pointed out surprised as long arms swiftly encased her, pulling her forward so that they could meet eye to eye.

“I was not a child!” The half-hearted cry brought a smile to Jace’s lips. At one time that would have caused untold fireworks now there was just a spark, Catherine wouldn’t be Catherine without the spark.

“No, sorry a young woman who made a few interesting choices, is that better?” Chuckling, the blonde turned sparkling emerald eyes to the ice blue ones and was immediately forgiven, if the warmth in the depths of those eyes had anything to do with it.

“That’s better.” Catherine said rather petulantly. Although she knew that Jace was right, the first time around. She had been a child, had never learned any lessons along the way from people who wanted to share their experiences in a loving educational way. But who takes notice when you’re seventeen and out to do everything but what the adults want you to.

“So, what did the kids think of your past?” Jace had to smile but masked it, for she suspected that it hadn’t been easy for Catherine to admit her past life.

“Lisa wanted to know if I had become a decent citizen.” Catherine had to laugh softly as she recalled the serious expression in her eldest daughter’s face, a rather rare event for Lisa.

“I’m sure you convinced her of that, didn’t you?”

“Absolutely.” Replied the taller woman as she gazed at the serenity of the horizon before them.

“And Jake?” The blonde was fascinated with Jake’s reaction, for Catherine could really do no wrong in his eyes.

“Well, he was…let me say he had a different perspective.” Catherine finally finished, giving nothing away.

“A different perspective huh? Please Catherine tell me more, I’m all ears.” Jace laughingly remarked rewarded with a nip to the said ears, which made her giggle all the more.

“Well, how about I’m not going to tell you.” Her partner smiled as she said the words, Jace knew she would hear it. You just had to push the right buttons.

“How about I say please in a different way.” Her lips trailed the soft skin of her partner’s neck and she felt the tension building in Catherine as she did so.

“Mmm I think you can say please in this way any time you want.” Catherine murmured her train of thought now with the sensual exploration that Jace was subjecting her body to.

“Why not tell me now Catherine and I’ll put you out of your misery.” Jace seductively whispered into her ear.

“This is misery? Then please Jace let’s have some pleasure here.” Her partner rasped out and had to be brought round to the question at hand as smaller fingers tilted her chin to look her straight in the eye.

“Tell me what Jake said?” Jace demanded softly.

“He said he would have loved to see me in a prison uniform or words to that effect.” Catherine was brought out of her sexual stupor by Jace’s loud laugh and the shaking of her body in mirth. This wasn’t happening to her surely?

“Have you finished Jace?” Catherine waited a few minutes before she asked the question of the blonde who was obviously enjoying the comment way too much in her opinion.

“Yes…yes sorry darling.” Jace spluttered gaining her outward composure although inside she was smiling wickedly.

“You find it funny?” Catherine was now giving her partner a more sombre look; it was bad enough for Jake to take advantage but Jace too? What was the world coming to?

“Nope…no way…would I?” The blonde looked at the stoic expression and grinned at her with affection.

“Oh come on Catherine, I bet you looked cute in a prison uniform, can’t blame him now can you. I know it would have crossed my mind, in fact more than crossed my mind.” Catherine looked up perplexed raising her expressive eyebrows in question.

“What exactly?” She asked tentatively.

“Well, if you decide you want an early night tonight, how about I show you what I would think of a prison uniform?” Jace’s voice lowered into a husky sexy quality that had Catherine’s blood pounding through her body at three times the rate it normally did.

“What about Lisa?”

“Lisa decided that she needs to stay with Elena to protect her from the dark. Now that Faith has gone home, I decided that having the two girls in our room was only going to cause problems later. So, this evening I mentioned in passing that Elena was going to stay in her own room.” Jace explained with a twinkle in her eye.

“I married a very clever woman didn’t I?” Catherine smiled warmly at the smaller woman who was now held in a loving hold.

“Yeah, yeah actually I think you did! Do you want an early night?” Her voice bantered playfully.

“With you anytime my love, anytime at all.” Catherine grasped Jace’s hand and led her quickly out of the room.

Continued in Part 22

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