Chapter 4
I-495 Between Springfield, VA
& Washington, DC
"Do you have any idea where we're going?" Mike asked Bailey late the next morning as she switched lanes on the 4-lane highway with the fluidity of a Nascar driver.
"Of course I know where we're going," she replied, checking her rearview mirror and moving over another lane. "Do you want to drive?"
"Me? No way," he shook his head. "You're doing just fine," he assured her, certain that he'd either kill someone or pull off to the side of the expressway and never venture out again. The motorists in Washington, DC seemed oblivious to the fact that there were other people attempting to share the road. Nothing Mike had ever experienced in New York could compare to what he was witnessing at the moment.
"Where are we going first?" Molly questioned from the backseat of the Liberty.
"I thought you and Mike had this all figured out," Bailey replied. "I'm just the chauffer."
"We thought the Natural History Museum first, right Little Bit?" Mike asked over his shoulder.
"Is that the one with the big elephant?" Molly wanted to know, looking up from her book on Disney Princesses.
"That's the one."
"Well, if we're doing that first, we should work our through whatever other ones you want to visit – the American History Museum, Air and Space, the Art Museum…" Bailey began, but stopped when Mike shot her a look.
"Art Museum?"
"Yeah – you know 'art' as in portraits, paintings, sculptures," she explained. Mike met Molly's gaze over the seat and the duo shook their heads in unison.
"No, we don't need to do that one," Mike told her. "What about the Zoo?"
"The Zoo isn't in the same area – we can do the museums and some of the memorials if you're interested," she looked at Mike. The memorials would only be interesting to Molly if Mike were interested, Bailey thought.
"I'd like to see the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial," he replied thoughtfully. "Have you ever been to the World War II Memorial?"
"No," she shook her head. "That one's relatively new and I haven't been in DC since before Molly was born."
"I wouldn't mind going there if you're interested," he said. "What else would you suggest?"
"The National Archives were reopened to the public within the last year or so. I was there when I was in high school," Bailey told him, but added: "We can't do everything in one day."
"Well, we've got today and we can always do more tomorrow," Mike suggested.
"Daddy said if we couldn't do everything today, we'd get a hotel room and stay overnight," Molly said from the backseat, obviously enjoying the idea of staying in a hotel.
"But we didn't bring clean clothes or pajamas," Bailey pointed out, but Molly was quick to tell her:
"Yes, we did. Daddy packed a suitcase while you were in the shower."
"What? Why?" Bailey spared Mike a quick glance. "We're not that far from my parents'…"
"I know that, but we had a heck of a time trying to get you to not go to the bar today. I figured if we had you away from the house, it'd be a good time for you to relax," he explained, certain that she'd object.
Bailey fell silent then, aware of Molly listening from the backseat. She felt that she had been outnumbered from the time she had entered the kitchen earlier to find Claire and Mike at the breakfast nook, deep in conversation. She had been uncomfortably aware of the way her mother's gaze had moved over her and Mike's smile behind the rim of his coffee cup. She didn't care for the fact that the two of them seemed to have a secret or that the secret was about her.
She had poured her own cup of coffee, bid them a soft 'good morning' and walked outside to sit at the small picnic table. Her head felt fuzzy from the events of the previous day and she was still trying to comprehend everything that had happened.
She was mortified when she recalled the shameless way she had acted with Mike after he had found her in the shower. He had been gentle and sweet, wanting only to get her out of the cold water and dried off. She had been lost in the past, reliving the night that she had been raped when he had located her. When she had felt him touch her, her only thought had been to erase Denton from her memory and she believed the only way to do that was to make love with Mike. She had kissed and touched him with little consideration for where they were or what Mike might want. Mike had returned her kisses and had even allowed her to touch him intimately while he backed her into the bedroom.
"You're so beautiful," he had told her, lifting his head to look down at her.
"Mike, please…" she whispered, trying to recapture his mouth with hers, but Mike took a step back, breaking her contact with his body. "Mike?"
"I'm going to check on Molly," he spoke softly. "Why don't you get in bed and I'll be back up in a bit?"
"Don't you – you don't want me?" her lower lip trembled and tears filled her eyes.
"Honey, you just felt how much I want you," he replied. "But this isn't what you want – as much as I'd like to think you did. All you want is to forget Denton and what he did to you," he cupped her cheek with a gentle hand. "When we finally make love, Mrs. Logan, you're going to want it as much as I do." He dropped a feather-light kiss on her soft lips and pulled back the sheet and comforter.
He had waited for her to get into bed and then covered her much the same as he would Molly. He leaned down and even kissed her forehead as if she were a child before he left her to rejoin her parents and Molly downstairs. She didn't remember much else, other than waking up in the darkness to find herself wrapped in Mike's arms. Before she could slip away, Mike had stirred, his breath warm on her forehead as he whispered:
"Don't, B – stay with me." And she did. She relaxed against him with her hand resting on his chest before falling into the most restful sleep she'd had in years. When she had woke again, it was morning and Mike was sitting on the edge of the bed, freshly showered and dressed in faded blue jeans and a pale green shirt.
"Good morning," he smiled down at her.
"If you say so," she mumbled. "What time is it?"
"Almost 8," he replied. "Molly's had breakfast and is next door at the neighbor's playing until we're ready to go."
"Ready to go? Go where?" She raised herself up on her elbow, holding the sheet to her chest with her free hand to cover her breasts. "I have to get over to the bar…"
"No bar, not today," he shook his head. "We're going to take Molly and do something fun for the day."
"I can't, Mike, I have to make sure that the orders are placed and that everything's running properly," she began but Mike simply smiled that boyish grin that indicated he'd made up his mind and said:
"The bar will run properly with Candy and your dad – you, me and our daughter are going to spend the day together." He leaned down and kissed her lightly. "Now get moving before I change my mind about last night and come back to bed."
"…right there," Mike's deep voice broke into her thoughts and drew her back to their present location.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?" Bailey asked.
"Just that there was a parking spot right back there," he pointed behind him, offering her a crooked smile. "You OK?"
"I'm fine," she fibbed.
"Liar," Mike whispered. "But we'll talk about it later."
"There's nothing to talk about," she stated, slowing the Jeep to wait for a car to pull away from the curb so they could take the space. "I'm just worried about my father being at the bar for the first time, without any help."
"Your father has Candy and your mother. They won't let him overdo anything," he assured her. "Sitting home is driving him crazy – it'll do him good to get out of the house for a few hours."
"I don't…"
"You don't like not being in control," Mike stated when Bailey switched off the engine. "It's his bar, not yours and if the doctor thinks it's OK for him to put in a few hours a day, then it's up to him whether or not he wants to do it."
Bailey said nothing to this but turned her attention to Molly in the rear seat.
"Slide over and get out on Mike's side, Molly. And, you have to stay with us at all times, no wandering off on your own, understood?"
The Smithsonian Museums were located in the area between 3rd and 14th Streets and spanned approximately one mile. Across the street from where they had managed to park was the area commonly called "The National Mall". Standing on the sidewalk, the Washington Monument was easily visible at the far end of the mall and Mike hoisted Molly up on his shoulders to point it out to her.
"Depending on how far you plan on walking today, the Lincoln and Vietnam Memorials are on the other side of the Reflecting Pool. We might luck out and find some parking down that way and then we could leave there and head for the Zoo…" Bailey said, and turned to the sight of Molly smiling broadly, her tiny hands holding either side of Mike's head to steady herself as she rode on his shoulders. Bailey's breath caught in her throat at the unexpected emotion she felt at the picture before her.
Mike's smile was one of pure joy and fatherly pride as he met Bailey's gaze. She saw something else in the hazel depths though, and her stomach felt as if a thousand butterflies had been set free. Mike laid his right hand on Molly's leg and reached for Bailey's hand with his left.
"Let's go, Mommy," Molly broke into her thoughts and Bailey smiled up at her.
"How come you get to ride way up there?" she teased her daughter.
"You're too big to ride on Daddy's shoulders," the child reasoned.
"That I am," Bailey agreed and felt Mike's fingers tighten around hers when they began to walk. She tried to pull her hand free, but Mike refused to loosen his grip. Bailey knew she could insist but to do so would cause Molly to ask questions Bailey wasn't prepared to answer. The child was truly happy for the first time in weeks and Bailey couldn't bring herself to do anything to ruin it.
Once inside the Natural History Museum, Molly was amazed by the size of the African Elephant standing proudly in the rotunda. Perched on Mike's shoulders, she studied the animal in awe and asked questions as they walked around the display. Anyone looking their way would see a normal family, Bailey realized and she felt a sadness envelope her. No matter how much Molly wanted them to be a family, Bailey was certain she'd never be 'normal' again.
Aware of Mike's gaze on her, Bailey shook off her melancholy and offered him a shy smile. He seemed to sense her thoughtful mood, but said nothing in front of Molly. He released his hold on her hand to slide his arm around her waist, pulling her close against his side.
"Let's go this way," Molly pointed in the direction that had caught her attention and their adventure began.
Bailey lost herself in the day as she joined in the fun and sightseeing. While she knew that they were simply putting on a show for Molly's benefit, Bailey allowed Mike to hold her hand or keep an arm around her waist or shoulders throughout the day. Several times, she turned at the sound of her name, almost a whisper and was surprised when he dropped a kiss on her lips. Each time, Mike would study her expression for her reaction even though she could read nothing in his hazel eyes.
He was with her and Molly because it was where he wanted to be. Pausing her thoughts, Bailey corrected herself – Mike was with Molly because it was where he wanted to be, he was with Bailey because of Rick Denton's arrest and his need to attend the preliminary hearing. He was there to offer support and comfort to Bailey to help her get through the ordeal. They were separated and headed toward a divorce in spite of how he was now behaving towards her and Bailey needed to remember the fact.
"Look, Mommy," Molly cut into her thoughts several hours later as they sat at an outside café eating lunch. Visible on the lawn of the mall were several kites flying high in the sky.
"Their beautiful, aren't they?" she asked Molly, smiling at her daughter. "It looks like a lot of fun."
"Where to next?" Mike asked, reaching for his coffee.
"We can head over to the memorials if you think you've seen enough of the museums," Bailey replied. "Or if you'd rather, we can go to the zoo and do the memorials on our way back through – they're nice during the day, but lit up at night they're even more impressive…"
"What do you think, Little Bit? The zoo next?"
Molly nodded her eager agreement as she took a bite of her sandwich. She was so happy to have Mike with them that Bailey was certain she'd agree to just about anything he suggested. To Bailey's surprise, it was Mike who reminded Molly she needed to finish her lunch before they continued on.
"What?" Mike met her gaze across the table upon seeing Bailey smile.
"You're the one who wants to give her dessert before she's even started dinner," she pointed out.
"It's taken some time, but I'm learning," he told her. "I've only ever been responsible for me but I'm getting this whole 'dad thing' down pretty good."
"Yes, you are," Bailey agreed and meant it.
The trip to the National Zoo was far more interesting in Molly's eyes and she drew Mike and Bailey into her excitement. She walked ahead of them, but stayed within arm's reach as she studied the animals.
"How much longer do you think you'll be staying with your parents, now that your father's out of the hospital?" Mike's question startled her.
"I hadn't really given it much thought," Bailey replied honestly. "He seems so frail that I'm afraid he's not ready to oversee the bar…"
"The doctor says he is," he reminded her. "But you aren't willing to see it. Why is that?"
"I just don't think he's well enough," Bailey denied, but flushed softly at the look Mike cast her way.
"You like the fact that your parents need you," he stated.
"That's not true," she shook her head as she looked up at him and he realized that the thought had never occurred to her.
"They weren't anywhere to be found when you needed them the most, Bailey. Why do you think you owe them anything?"
"They're still my parents, Mike. I didn't stop loving them, or Lily and Thomas. Besides, you and my mother seemed to be enjoying each other's company this morning."
Mike studied her upturned face for a moment but didn't feel the need to confide in her about his conversation with Claire earlier that day. Instead, he left her side to scoop Molly up and return her to his shoulders so she could get a better look at the Panda Bears. Bailey remained a few feet back, watching as they laughed and talked. Bailey's heart ached at the sight, knowing that she had willingly excluded herself from the closeness the two shared and the realization now saddened her.
"Come on, Mommy!" Molly's voice dragged Bailey's thoughts back to the present and she feigned a smile as she joined them. "Look at the Pandas…"
It was getting dark when they started for the parking lot. Mike carried a tired Molly, whose eyes were already drooping as she rested her head on his shoulder. Bailey walked alongside him, carrying Molly's newly purchased stuffed Panda Bear and a bag with a stuffed monkey and bear Molly had chosen for Jake and Emma. Unlocking the Jeep, Bailey set the bag in the back while Mike fastened Molly's seatbelt.
"I'm not sure she's up to much more walking," Mike commented, when Bailey joined him and set the stuffed Panda on the seat alongside her.
"She'll surprise you – if she naps between now and the time we get back to the memorials, she'll be raring to go again. She's having a blast spending the day with you, Mike. Thank you for doing this."
"What about you? Are you having a good time?" Mike closed the door to study her.
"This isn't about me. It's about Molly spending time with you," Bailey began, but Mike captured her chin gently with his thumb and forefinger.
"Are you having a good time?" he repeated his question, his gaze locking with hers.
"Yes," she replied simply.
"And is it OK if we spend the night and do some more sightseeing tomorrow?"
"I don't know." She wanted to shake her head, but Mike's fingers still held her chin.
"You have no reason to be afraid of me, Bailey," his tone was so soft.
"I'm not afraid of you," she denied. "I just don't see the sense in wasting money on a hotel room in the city, no matter how excited Molly is when we're so close to my parents'…"
"The hotel room isn't for Molly. It's for you, so you can relax and spend some time with Molly. That little girl is missing you like crazy," Mike told her. He released his hold and dropped a gentle kiss on her lips. "And I remember when she was the most important person in your life."
"She's still the most important person in my life," Bailey stated firmly.
"Then prove it to her. Give her this weekend, B."
Mike carried Molly and left Bailey to carry the suitcase when they registered in the hotel later that evening. Molly had proven her mother right and had been wide-awake after her nap in the Jeep. They had spent the next several hours touring the memorials that remained open to the public after dark and ate dinner at a small pizza place before Bailey suggested they stay overnight.
Molly had been overjoyed at the prospect and hugged her mother tightly. Bailey had forgotten the simple pleasure to be found in her daughter's excitement and looked up to find Mike smiling his approval. She flushed under his gaze but had known that he had Molly's best interest at heart and for that she couldn't be angry. Since she and Molly had arrived in Virginia, Bailey had made every attempt to spend time with Molly each morning and evening, but it had proven more difficult as the demands on Bailey's time had grown.
"Is there a swimming pool?" Molly asked when Mike set her down to retrieve his credit card.
"There is," the clerk smiled.
"I don't know that Daddy would have thought to pack your bathing suit, Sweet Pea," Bailey began, but Mike said:
"I did – and yours, too."
"What about yours, Daddy?" Molly tugged on his arm.
"Swim trunks are one thing I don't own, Little Bit," he told her.
"We do have a gift shop that's still open, sir," the clerk was quick to tell him. "They sell swim trunks, if you're interested."
"I don't think that's necessary," Mike shook his head, but Molly's look was so pitiful that Bailey couldn't help but smile.
"Oh, if Molly and I are going swimming, you are too."
"I'm New York City born and raised. You have any idea how many times I've gone swimming?" he wanted to know.
"It's easy, Daddy. I'll teach you."
"You know how to swim?" Mike was doubtful.
"Like a fish," Bailey answered for her. Turning her attention to the clerk, she asked: "Where's the gift shop?"
Less than thirty minutes later, Mike watched Molly swim across the width of the pool. He sat on the edge of the pool, wearing the blue and white swim trunks Bailey had insisted on buying for him. Bailey stood in the water up to her waist, self-consciously aware of Mike watching them from the sidelines. She was quick to remind herself that the man had seen her naked the previous evening and had easily rebuffed her attempt to seduce him, so the sight of her in a bathing suit would have even less of an effect on him.
"You need to come in the water, Daddy," Molly called happily.
"I'd rather sit here and watch you and Mommy," he returned with a broad smile.
"But you got a new bathing suit," Molly pointed out as if that logic should be enough to get him in the pool. "Can't you swim?"
"Not as good as you, Little Bit," he replied.
"Well, we didn't buy you trunks to sit on the sidelines," Bailey decided it was less of a distraction to have him in the water than as a spectator. "The water's warm and I promise we won't let you drown," she teased.
"You won't, huh?" he asked with that boyish grin that lit up his eyes.
"I'll show you how to float," Molly offered from the opposite side of the pool.
"You face down bad guys everyday in your job. You can't possibly be afraid of a little water," Bailey smiled, coming to stand in front of him. Mike considered her words before he lowered himself into the water directly in front of her.
"You promise not to let me drown, right?" he questioned teasingly.
"The water isn't close to being over your head right here, so I'm sure you'll be fine," Bailey assured him.
"You can never be too safe," Mike replied. He took a step towards her but she took a few steps back with a shake of her head.
"Molly offered to teach you to float. She'd be thrilled if you'd let her." Had Bailey really thought it better to have him in the pool with them? Bare-chested and playful, Mike Logan was making Bailey extremely aware of how attractive he was. He studied her upturned face for a few seconds before he turned his attention to Molly.
Bailey watched them for a brief instant before she decided to head off to the deeper end of the pool while Molly played teacher to a willing Mike. The need to clear her thoughts pulled Bailey's mind away from them and she allowed the warm water to envelope her. She swam the length of the pool several times, oblivious to Mike floating on his back and Molly supporting his head.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn't hear them talking or see Mike bring his finger to his lips, silently telling Molly to be quiet. Back in the deeper end, Bailey touched the edge and was just about to turn when her ankle was grabbed and she was pulled unceremoniously under the water. She kicked to free herself as she twisted around to find Mike had suddenly learned to swim, and very well at that. Breaking the surface of the pool, she gasped for air even as she laughed at the unexpectedness of his playful attack. She wiped the water from her eyes just in time to see his dark hair approaching the surface and laid her hands on his head and pushed him back down.
Mike seized her tightly around the waist to drag her under with him even as he maneuvered her back against the wall of the pool, his hands on the concrete on either side of her head as they surfaced. Trapped between the pool and Mike's hard body, Bailey's laughter echoed throughout the room.
"You said you didn't know how to swim," she accused him with a smile.
"No, I asked if you had any idea how often I had the opportunity to swim in New York City," he corrected, his own smile doing strange things to her heartbeat. "You assumed I didn't know how to swim."
"And you allowed Molly and I both to take pity on you," Bailey replied, aware of the feel of him against her in the buoyancy of the water. With Molly only a short distance away, Bailey wasn't as skittish as she might normally be in such a situation.
"Two beautiful women fussing over me? What's not to like?" Even as he spoke, his hazel gaze moved over her face and his smile faded. Bailey was certain he was going to kiss her and was surprised to realize she wanted him to. He lowered his mouth to hers, the movement bringing him in closer contact with her. She laid her hands on his shoulders to steady herself in the water and Mike took the opportunity to press her back against the pool wall with the length of his body.
"Molly…" Bailey whispered against his lips.
"She's fine," Mike replied and leaned in to kiss her again, but Bailey drew back slightly. She looked over Mike's shoulder to see Molly swimming the width of the pool in the shallower end.
"We shouldn't – we need to stop."
"Why?" he asked, his tone slightly amused since he knew she was enjoying their closeness almost as much as he was.
"We're in public, Molly's right over there and have you forgotten that you're involved with someone else?" If she had assumed he'd release her, she was mistaken. Instead, he moved even closer as his laughter filled the room.
"I am?" he challenged and Bailey nodded.
"The first night – when Molly called you, there was a woman…" Mike thought for a moment and his amusement grew when he recalled the event Bailey was referring to.
"Jealous?"
"Of course not. We aren't together and you're free to see whomever you want. It's none of my business…"
"Since she happens to be a friend of yours and you and I are still married, it is your business," Mike told her. It was his turn to look over behind him to make certain Molly was safe. He watched her hold her nose and sink to the bottom of the pool before 'popping' up out of the water.
"A friend of mine?" Bailey asked curiously.
"About your height, auburn hair, green eyes – and if her husband thought for one minute that she and I were fooling around, he'd break me in two."
"Charli?"
"Charli," he confirmed. "All you had to do was ask."
"And you would've told me?" She glanced over his shoulder to check on Molly, who was happily diving after a brightly colored plastic tube they had bought at the gift store.
"After I enjoyed the thought that you might actually care," he admitted. "I'm used to you pushing me away, the idea that you were jealous gave me hope."
"Hope?" Bailey was curious.
"That we still might have a chance of making this marriage work," Mike told her with a confidence that startled her. She looked up him as he lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her soundly before he released her and swam back to Molly.
*************
Bathed and in her pajamas, Molly insisted that Mike tuck her in while Bailey took a shower. She could hear them talking and laughing as she undressed, but couldn't make out what was being said. Certain they were plotting against her, Bailey stepped under the warm spray of the water and washed off the chlorine from the pool. Mike's words continued to echo in her ears and she wondered if the man could possibly be serious. Over the last 24 hours he had sent her some very confusing signals and Bailey wasn't sure what to believe anymore. While she still doubted her ability to have a physical relationship, Bailey had thrown herself at Mike the previous evening. Although he claimed to want her, while he had spent the day touching and kissing her, Mike had easily rebuffed her attempts at seduction as if she were an unruly child.
When she emerged from the bathroom, Bailey found Molly sleeping soundly in one of the two beds and Mike, still wearing his swim trunks along with a white T-shirt, sitting on the edge of the other bed, remote control in hand, flipping through the TV channels. He tossed the remote on the bed as he rose to feet, his hazel eyes traveling over her. Her hair was still damp and she wore a pair of brightly striped pajama bottoms and a pale blue tank top that Mike had packed for her.
"Bathroom's all yours," she said, feeling as naked under his gaze as she had been the night before.
"I'll just grab a quick shower," he replied as he walked towards her. He paused in front of her but before he could touch her, Bailey sidestepped him and moved towards the bed Molly slept in.
"What are you doing?" he asked, watching as she pulled the sheet back.
"Going to bed…"
"With Molly?" He apparently found the idea amusing.
"With Molly," she confirmed.
"Are you telling me after last night that you still won't admit you have feelings for me?" Mike challenged. "Or today – just an hour ago in the pool?"
"Whether or not I have feelings for you isn't the point," Bailey tried to keep her tone even, speaking softly so as not to wake Molly. "There's more to making a marriage work than just saying the words, Mike, a lot more. You were the one who told me you wanted a sexual relationship – but last night, you were the one to push me away. You didn't want me…"
"Last night you were in shock. You were reaching out to me to forget Denton," Mike told her. "You would have hated me this morning if I took advantage of you but don't ever think I didn't want you. Stopping you was one of the hardest things I've ever done."
He retrieved his clothes from the night table before he disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door. Bailey sat on the edge of Molly's bed and ran her hand through her hair. She thought back to her life before Mike Logan and sighed at how uncomplicated it had been. It had been just her and Molly and things were so simple. In an effort to protect her daughter, she had allowed Mike into their lives and now he was forcing her to make choices. Choices that to Bailey were frightening and difficult. She could go back to the same lonely existence she had known, or she could allow herself to hope for more, to work at building a marriage with a man she had grown to respect and care for.
*************
Bailey was still sitting on the edge of the bed when Mike found her. He spared her a glance as he tossed the swim trunks on the pile of clothes on the floor by the suitcase, but said nothing. She knew that he was upset with her for doubting him and she couldn't blame him. He was right and she knew it. If he had made love to her last night, it would have been a mistake and Bailey would surely have regretted it.
She knew Mike was stubborn, opinionated and overly confident, but he was also kind and decent. He would never intentionally take advantage of her and last night had only proven that.
"Thank you," she whispered and Mike raised a curious eyebrow as he turned to face her. "For last night – for not…you know," she broke off, blushing softly.
"You're welcome," he replied.
"Why are you so determined that we can make this marriage work?" she met his gaze as she spoke.
"Why are you so determined that we can't?" he countered. He stood on the opposite side of the empty bed, his hands on his hips. He wore a plain white T-shirt and a pair of pajama bottoms and Bailey wondered when green plaid flannel had become sexy.
"Besides the obvious reasons you're already aware of?" She watched as he pulled the comforter and sheet back.
"There's more to a good marriage than sex, B. And that'll happen in time."
"You don't know that," Bailey replied. "I can't promise you that it ever will – and you wouldn't be happy in a platonic relationship."
"Do you remember when Goren and I were undercover, and I came home with a card for a therapist that Don Cragen gave me?" He asked as he got into bed and turned on his side to face her, his head cradled in his hand.
"Dr. Kessler," Bailey nodded and Mike continued.
"I've met with her a few times since you left. There's things that we can try – things to work on trust and helping you to heal. We could meet with her together and I've got some information she's given me to read that you can take a look at."
"You saw a therapist? For me? Why would you do that?" The very thought that Mike Logan had sought professional advice in order to help her evoked more emotion than Bailey could put into words.
"Because I think you're worth the effort," he told her before he reached up to turn off the bedside lamp and settle into the mattress. Bailey sat in the darkness for several minutes before she leaned down to kiss Molly before she stood up. Crossing the short span between the two beds, she reached for the comforter, only to have Mike lift it for her as an invitation for her to join him. She slid between the sheets and felt Mike's arms slip around her as he pulled her against him. Silently, she pressed a soft kiss against his lips and snuggled against him.
For the first time in many years, Bailey allowed herself the luxury of hoping that maybe, just maybe, she could have a normal life. And if she could, she didn't want to share that life with any other man but Mike Logan.
Flanigan Home
Springfield Virginia
"What time do you think they'll be home?" Lily Frazier asked Claire as they worked together in the kitchen.
"Mike told me he wanted Bailey to relax and enjoy the weekend so we weren't to plan anything around them," came Claire's response as she glanced at the clock. "If they're hungry, they can eat when they get back."
"So, what do you think of Bailey's husband?" Lily was curious.
"He wasn't anyone I would have thought Bailey would go for, but I think he's good for her. I like him."
"Since when did you get so soft-spoken?" Lily couldn't help but laugh. "Come on, Mom, give me the scoop on this guy."
"What sort of 'scoop' do you want?" Claire couldn't help but smile. "I'd say he's in his mid to late 40s. He's tall, good looking and very take charge."
"Really?" Both women knew that Bailey had always shied away from strong-willed men.
"I told you, he wasn't anyone I would have chosen for your sister, but it's obvious he loves her."
"I still don't understand why he didn't come with Bailey when Daddy had his heart attack," Lily mused. Claire hadn't told either of her children, or their spouses, that Mike and Bailey had been separated.
"He's a police detective and had work to do. He came as soon as he could."
"Just in time to testify at Rick's preliminary hearing…"
"That's none of our concern," Claire didn't want to discuss the preliminary hearing or Rick Denton. "Your sister needs to do what she thinks is right but I'd just as soon your father didn't know. He can't stand the upset with his health the way it is right now."
"Have you ever talked to her about that night?" Lily asked softly, aware that it was not a subject discussed in the Flanigan house.
"No," came the clipped response.
"Don't you ever wonder? I mean, after what he did to me, didn't you think that maybe Bailey was telling the truth?"
"That's enough!" Claire snapped. "They'll be here any time and I won't have you causing any upset. All that matters now is that Bailey's gotten on with her life – she's married, her daughter is the most precious little thing and she's back here with us."
"Has Bailey talked about who the father is?" Lily couldn't believe she asked the question aloud.
"It's very obvious that Mike is Molly's father. You just have to see the two of them together," Claire replied.
"I just wondered is all. She must have met Mike very soon after leaving here if Molly's six."
"She must have. I do know they've only been married a little while, but that doesn't seem to matter in this day and age."
"Mom," Lily began, but Claire shook her head firmly.
"I know you're curious, but don't go digging for things that don't concern you. You're happy with your life, Bailey's got a good life and she's happy – why are you looking for trouble that isn't there?"
Lily was saved from answering when the sound of voices drifted in through the screen door. Molly ran to her grandfather, chattering excitedly about the National Zoo and the hotel swimming pool.
"… and Daddy told us he couldn't swim, but he really can. He was just trying to play a trick on Mommy," Molly laughed.
"Sounds like you had a good time, Pip Squeak," Reese smiled.
"It was lots of fun," she nodded. "Daddy said we could go back whenever we come to visit you and Grandma."
"The next time you go, Grandma and I will go with you. How's that?"
Adam Frazier watched the child as she talked to her grandfather, seeing her resemblance to Bailey immediately. She was a beautiful little girl, happy and open. His gaze strayed to the sight of Bailey walking alongside a man who had his arm securely around her waist. Her husband, Adam assumed and he saw the man drop a kiss on her lips.
"Here they are," Claire announced brightly, carrying a bowl of fruit salad from the house. Lily followed behind carrying a plate of burgers and hotdogs to go on the grill.
"Lily…"
"Bailey…" The sisters spoke in unison and Lily handed the plate off to Adam as she rushed towards her older sister. The women hugged tightly as the men looked on, before Lily took a step back and studied her sister. "You look good for being such an old lady," Lily teased.
"You'll be my age soon enough," Bailey laughed good-naturedly. "This is Mike – my husband," she smiled up at him.
"It's nice to finally meet you," Lily shook her brother-in-law's hand. "Mom and Daddy can't say enough good things about you, which is saying a lot."
"Oh, great. That's all he needs to hear, now he'll be even more full of himself than he usually is," Bailey sighed, but couldn't hide her smile.
"Mike, I'm Adam Frazier," Adam extended his hand, wondering what, if anything, the other man might know about him and his history with Bailey.
"Adam," Mike shook his hand, even as he mentally sized up Bailey's ex-fiancé. The man was the opposite of Mike in everyway. Blond haired and blue eyed, he was what Lennie Briscoe would have called a 'pretty boy' but without being conceited or pompous. To the contrary, he seemed to be a soft-spoken, unassuming man.
"Daddy!" Molly interrupted the conversation as she ran across the back yard.
"What's up, Little Bit?" Mike asked, swinging the girl into his arms.
"Can you get my Panda Bear out of the Jeep so Grandpa can see it?" she asked, her gaze drawn to the two people she hadn't met yet. "You look like my Mommy," Molly spoke to Lily.
"That's because we're sisters. I'm your Aunt Lily and this is your Uncle Adam." Reaching out to touch Molly's cheek, Lily said: "You look like your Daddy."
Bailey felt the color drain from her face, wondering what Adam may have told Lily or what Molly might innocently reveal, but thinking quickly, Mike said:
"She's too pretty to look like me – she's as beautiful as Bailey is. Let's go get that bear…" he spoke to Molly as he carried her towards the Jeep.
Reese announced that he was hungry, causing Lily to retrieve the plate of hamburgers and hotdogs from Adam before she headed off for the grill. Alone, Adam studied Bailey for a moment before he said:
"You look great."
"Thank you," Bailey replied.
"You've got to be feeling pretty overwhelmed, being back here after all these years. Me married to Lily…"
"You and Lily always had seemed to have a connection," she smiled. "I'm just glad you found each other. You look really happy together."
"We are," Adam nodded. "What about you and Logan?"
"He makes me very happy," Bailey told him without hesitation.
"And Molly?"
"What about Molly?" she eyed him warily.
"Does he know that she's not his daughter?"
"Mike knows everything, Adam. He loves Molly and in every way that matters, he is her father. You have to promise me you won't say anything to Dad or Lily though, please."
"I won't cause any trouble, if that's what you're worried about."
"I didn't think that at all," Bailey replied softly. "I just don't want them upset or saying anything to Molly…"
"She knows Logan isn't her father?"
"She knows that Mike is her 'Daddy' and to her that's all that matters. But, yes, she knows that Rick's her biological father but she doesn't know the events that led to her birth." She turned at the sound of laughter to see Molly getting a piggyback ride into the backyard before Mike set her and her Panda Bear down.
"She's a sweet kid," Adam said almost to himself.
"She is," Bailey agreed. "I'm very lucky."
"You think so, even after what you went through?" He wanted to know.
"I do – she's a gift. The one good thing that came out of a horrid situation and I can't imagine my life without her."
Goren Home
New York City, NY
Bobby was in the garage with the hood of the Mustang up while he replaced the spark plugs. He wiped his grease-covered hands on his faded flannel shirt as he turned to pick up a wrench. The movement from the doorway caught his attention and he smiled.
"Hi."
"Hi," Charli returned his smile. "The twins just left with Carolyn and Mitchell and I thought you might like a cold drink." She walked towards him and handed him the glass of iced tea she carried. It had taken Charli great soul searching to allow her mother into her life. It had been a slow process and Bobby admired his wife's willingness to try to rebuild a connection with the woman who had left her so many years before.
"Thanks," he accepted the glass and leaned down for a quick kiss, before Charli looked under the hood of the car.
"Did you change the air filter already?"
"No, I'm just finishing up the plugs," he took a long swallow of tea as his gaze moved over her. She had her long hair pulled into a ponytail and wore old jeans and an oversized blouse. He smiled when he realized she'd walked from the house barefoot. "Watch you don't step on anything," he cautioned. Charli looked down at her bare feet and wiggled her toes.
"Shoes are for wimps," she shrugged, leaning under the hood to loosen the nut holding the cover to the air filter. "I thought Lewis was coming to help you…"
"He had a date," Bobby replied, setting his glass down and retrieving the new filter. He came to stand close behind her and set the filter on the blanket that protected the car. He aligned his body with hers as he reached his left hand to remove the air filter cover and Charli was aware of the heat of him through their clothes. "I invited him for dinner one night next week," he spoke against her ear as he set the cover on the blanket.
"Let him know he can bring his friend if he'd like," she said, feeling Bobby's right hand as it found its way beneath her shirt to caress her hip. "Maybe Alex would like to come and bring Paul…"
"They broke up," Bobby told her as he held the lid and allowed her to remove the dirty filter. "She's seeing Peter Lyons again," he told her. "I think she's always regretted that she ended that relationship."
"Then she can bring Peter," Charli smiled. "What are you doing?" she asked when Bobby's tongue traced the shell of her ear.
"If you have to ask, I must be doing something wrong," he teased as his teeth nipped at her earlobe.
"You're supposed to be working on your car, not trying to hit on your help," she pointed out, dropping the dirty filter when his right hand moved higher to cup her lace-covered breast.
"It's not my fault that the help is so damned beautiful," he whispered, trailing kisses along the side of her throat.
"I'll bet you say that to all your helpers," she laughed when Bobby swung her around.
"Can't say that I have ever said that to Lewis," he chuckled as he lowered his mouth to hers. Charli wound her arms around his neck and parted her lips to deepen the kiss.
Bobby growled his approval, pressing his body against hers as his hands roamed the curves beneath her shirt. It never ceased to amaze Charli that he knew exactly how to draw a response from her. She had worried that her lack of experience would bore him, but Bobby had shown her time and again how very attractive he found her. He took great pleasure in teaching her that there could be many levels to their intimacy and she should never be afraid to share her desire with him.
"Let's go inside," he whispered against her mouth.
"Why?"
"If you have to ask, I must be doing something wrong," he repeated his earlier words, his breath warm on her skin.
"You're doing everything just right," she assured him. "But I've never made out with a boy in a car before," she looked towards the Mustang and smoothed her hands over the front of his shirt, undoing several buttons.
"I've got more in mind than 'making out'," he told her in a tone that made her stomach somersault. "And I think I'm a little too large to do it comfortably in that backseat."
"You won't know unless we give it a try," she coaxed, slipping her hands inside his shirt to stroke over his hair-roughened chest. Bobby considered her words even as he lowered his mouth to hers and all coherent thought was lost.
It was much later when Bobby smoothed a few strands of stray hair from Charli's face to press a gentle, breathless kiss to her lips. Charli rested her forehead against his as she whispered:
"I love you."
"I love you," came Bobby's response. The sound of his cell phone ringing had Charli looking around for the annoyance in the scattered clothes on the floor and backseat of the Mustang. "Leave it," he said, tightening his hold on her hips where she straddled his lap.
"It could be important."
"Nothing's as important as you," he told her, trying to recapture her mouth but Charli stretched to reach the phone before righting herself.
"It's Alex," she held the cell out to him and Bobby's look was less than pleased as he took it from her.
"Goren…"
Charli began retrieving her clothes, but Bobby refused to release her as he spoke.
"How the hell did that happen?" he demanded, the anger in his voice drawing Charli's attention. "Damn it, Eames. I'll meet you there." He closed the phone and threw it on the seat.
"Bobby, what is it?" Charli cupped his face in her hands. "Bobby?"
"It's Nicole – she's – she's killed a female guard and escaped from prison…"
End Chapter 4