Chapter Seven

(see my Profile for more info ... Cast of Characters ... Timeline ... etc ...)

Matt's apartment … early evening …

"Is that the doorbell?" Matt asked anxiously, turning towards the kitchen doorway.

"Yes … would you like me to answer it?" Peter asked, amused by his younger brother's behavior.

"Ha! Fat chance, bro … you'll just try to make the moves on MY lovely lady!" Matt laughed as he grabbed the dish towel to dry his hands.

"I happen to be a very happily married man." Peter reminded him as he followed his brother out into the living room.

"You haven't met Stephanie." Matt pointed out simply as he reached to open the door. "Pam. Hi." Matt tried to hide his disappointment and then panic. "Where's Stephanie?"

"Well – at least you said Hi first … her phone rang just as we were leaving so she told me to come on ahead."

"Oh … alright … please, come in." Matt tried to recover his manners and stepped aside.

"Thank you." Pam walked in, carrying a large covered pan. "I went ahead and made us dessert … just in case."

"Thanks. I'm sure we'll love it." Matt took a deep breath as he stayed by the open door. "Pam Douglas – this is my brother, Peter Brannigan." He introduced them.

"Very nice to meet you." Peter smiled politely then reached for the pan. "Let me take that for you."

"Thank you. It needs to be refrigerated." Pam managed a polite smile as she looked around the room. "This is very nice."

"Well – I can't take any of the credit since I'm only a guest." Matt shrugged. "I manage to keep it clean – that's about it."

"When are the Ferguson's returning?"

"They haven't decided yet. They're really enjoying their trip through Europe so …" Matt let his words trail off as he looked out into the hallway impatiently.

"May I get you something to drink?" Peter offered as he returned to the living room.

"That would be nice. Sparkling water, if you have it." Pam followed him over to the bar.

"I think Matt has stocked this bar with a little of everything." Peter reached for a glass and filled it with ice.

"Well – you can never be too prepared." Matt mumbled preoccupied, watching the two of them.

"Too prepared for what?" Stephanie asked from the doorway.

"Here you are … finally." Matt announced with obvious relief as he pulled her into the apartment. One look at her and he could tell that something had upset her. Her eyes gave it all away. "Is everything alright?" He eyed her carefully.

"Everything is just fine, my dear." She leaned and gave his cheek a kiss then automatically reached to wipe off her lipstick.

"Why don't you just stop wearing that stuff and we won't have to worry about the tell-tale signs." He pointed out pensively, his eyes narrowing with concern as he closed the door.

"Why don't you just make the introductions." Stephanie gave him a reassuring smile as she slipped her arm around his waist and gave it a squeeze.

"Oh – alright." He decided, trying to lighten his own mood. "Stephanie Forrester … my brother, Peter Brannigan."

"Hello, Peter. It's very nice to meet you." Stephanie greeted him warmly, extending her hand.

"It's very nice to meet you as well, Stephanie." Peter took hold of her hand then leaned to kiss her cheek.

"Did I say you could do that?" Matt pointed out exasperated.

"Did I ask?" Peter grinned then finally released Stephanie's hand. "My mad chemist brother mixed a batch of martinis. May I pour you one?"

"Please do." Stephanie went over and stood next to Pam. "Dinner certainly smells good – doesn't it?" She asked, trying to draw Pam into the conversation.

"Very good." Pam agreed, taking a sip of her drink.

"Wait until you see what Pam made us for dessert. You'll think you're in heaven." Stephanie took the glass from Peter then let out a heavy sigh.

"So – what shall we drink to?" Peter asked as he raised his own glass. "How about to the union of the Douglas and Brannigan families." He suggested. "Or is that too premature?"

"Not for me." Matt went over and gave Stephanie's cheek a kiss then touched his glass to hers.

"Is it for you?"

"Not at all." Stephanie smiled then touched her glass to Peter's then Pam's before taking a long sip. "Mmmm … you are the master of martini perfection." She teased, leaning to give him a kiss.

"Just wait until you taste my spaghetti." Matt raised an eyebrow.

"Will that be soon? I'm starving. How about you?" Stephanie asked Pam.

"Yes – I am hungry." Pam agreed.

"Well, then – let's move this into the kitchen and serve these lovely ladies some food." Peter suggested, leading the way.

Matt held back, watching as Stephanie and Pam followed. Whatever happened to upset Stephanie definitely involved Pam, he was sure of that. Pam had become totally docile and Stephanie totally protective in just the couple of hours that they had been apart. Frowning pensively, he finally followed them into the kitchen, gulping down the rest of his drink.

The rest of the evening went surprisingly well. It didn't take Matt long to realize that Stephanie was an expert at hiding her feelings. But she kept giving him reassuring smiles so he was able to relax. The four of them enjoyed the meal and the conversation flowed easily and comfortably. Pam even seemed to perk up a bit. Her dessert was a big success which seemed to really please her. The after-dinner drinks around the fire were relaxing and Peter was a natural at relating funny stories about the Brannigan brother's childhood – which the Douglas sisters seemed to really enjoy. The two families had begun to bond. When it came time for Peter to leave to go to the airport, they were all genuinely disappointed and reluctant to end the evening.

"Pam – why don't we clean up these glasses so Matthew and Peter can say their goodbyes." Stephanie suggested then stood, starting to load the glasses on the tray.

"Alright. It was really nice to meet you, Peter." Pam started to help.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Pam." Peter told her sincerely.

Stephanie went over and gave Peter a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"We'll have to do this again sometime." She smiled.

"Soon, I hope." Peter hugged her back. "Thank you for making my brother so happy." He told her quietly.

"The pleasure is all mine." She winked. "Have a safe trip home." She gave Matt a quick kiss in passing then followed Pam into the kitchen.

"So – bro …" Matt went over and helped Peter gather his things together. "Still think I was exaggerating?"

"My God, Matt …" Peter sighed, at a loss to say anything else.

"I know … this is definitely God's handiwork." Matt sighed along with him.

"I've never met a woman with such … what's the word …"

"Presence? Allure? Aura?" Matt suggested smugly.

"All of the above." Peter agreed then paused. "There is so much more there than what meets the eye, Matt. Layers … very deep layers."

"I know … Stephanie has tried to prepare me for that … she's recommending small doses."

"Well, then – listen to her. For both of your sakes."

"We're taking things slow … thanks again for coming and bringing those things for me."

"I wouldn't have missed this for the world, Mattie." Peter gave him a big, affectionate hug. "Is it alright if I share this with Joyce?"

"As long as she agrees not to blab it around to everyone else just yet – sure, go ahead."

"She'll be so surprised – and relieved." Peter had to laugh. "Frankly, we never thought you would ever find what you were looking for."

"Who – not what." Matt corrected him, opening the door. "Have a safe flight. I'll call you in a few days and give you an update."

"I'll be waiting." Peter winked then disappeared out into the hall.

Matt closed the door then let out a heavy sigh as he watched Stephanie and Pam walk back into the room.

"I better go take Tiny for his final walk of the day."

"Do you want us to go with you?" Matt offered, taking them both by surprise.

"Thanks but that's alright. I'm used to going alone. And the doorman always watches out for me." Pam hugged the empty pan to her chest. "Thanks for inviting me for dinner. I had a really nice time."

"So did I … thanks for coming."

"So – will the two of you be coming over for breakfast again?" Pam turned and asked Stephanie.

Stephanie opened her mouth to answer then paused as she slipped her arm around Matt's waist.

"Would it be alright if Matthew and I slept together in your apartment – in the guest room?" She asked Pam, taking them both by surprise.

"Sure – why not." Pam shrugged then walked towards the door.

"You don't mind, do you?" Stephanie asked Matt, raising an apologetic eyebrow.

"Not at all." He shook his head, kissing her cheek.

"Then we'll see you in a few minutes." Stephanie gave her sister an affectionate smile.

"Alright." Pam disappeared out the door.

Stephanie turned into Matt, sliding her arms around his neck and giving him a deep kiss.

"Thank you, my love." She sighed heavily as she laid her head on his shoulder.

Matt tightened his arms around and held her close as he pressed his lips into her hair.

"You're welcome … are we going to wear pajamas tonight?" He asked curiously.

"Well – it would be more comfortable than sleeping in our clothes again – don't you think?" She traced her finger around the button of his shirt.

"I do." He agreed. "I'll just go grab a few things."

"Don't forget your new razor." She reminded him, caressing his cheek before giving him another deep kiss.