A/N: Here you go chapter 7. Thanks for all your wonderful feedback. Big Hugs to all Hope you enjoy this chapter just as much.

The song used is 'From This Moment' and it belongs to Shania Twain. I do not own it and I am merely using it for entertainment purposes.


Chapter 7: The Dance

A week and a half had passed on the quiet suburb of Wisteria Lane. Most of the residents were making the final preparations for the dance. People were rushing about getting the perfect dress; babysitters were being booked for their unruly children. Appointments were made for manicures and facials.

Things had started to calm down in the Mayer residence too. Ever since that night Susan had the horrific nightmare, she couldn't sleep for days every little thing made her anxious. Julie was beginning to notice a change in her mother's actions but Susan didn't tell her about the threats. The last thing she wanted was to worry her.

Mike was her foundation of strength. He stayed with her all the time, being very protective towards her. In all honesty Susan knew that if she didn't have Mike, she would have broken apart by now.

Luckily in the last week Susan had not received anything new and she firmly kept out of Paul Young's way. She hoped he had given up and things were starting to settle back down. She looked at the piece of paper in front of her 'So much for getting some work done' she sighed. Her publisher was adamant that she produced something within the next few days but her mind remained at a loss for ideas.

Susan stood up and headed towards the kitchen pouring herself another cup of coffee. She noticed the flyer for the dance and smiled at the thought. She was looking forward to a night of dancing in Mike's arms. His arms protectively circling her body, nothing could be better.

"Mom we're home," yelled Julie entering the house with Mike. Their arms full with grocery bags. Susan greeted them cheerfully with a smile.

"Hey, geez what did you guys buy out the full store?" she asked with a smirk. Mike set his bags on the counter gently kissing Susan on the lips.

"Miss me?" she asked softly stroking his face.

"Always," replied Mike returning the smile. Susan knelt back into his chest liking the feel of his scent surrounding her. His arms encircling her waist as they moved up and down her bare arms.

"So which of these bags are yours and which ones are ours?" she asked pulling out items.

"Actually all of these are yours," he replied.

"What?" asked Susan looking at Julie who smiled at her sheepishly and hurriedly put the shopping away.

"Julie there's peanut butter, redi-whip and every kind of chocolate bar imaginable in here," said Susan.

"Mom it was Mike's fault he bought them. Besides Mike said chocolate is good for you now and then," replied Julie defending herself.

"Julie there's enough here to feed the whole street and then some," retaliated Susan. A knock on the door interrupted her tirade. "I'll get it," yelled Julie running out of the kitchen. Once they were left alone Susan looked up at Mike as if to scold him. He grinned at her gently kneeling down.

"Don't be mad baby. The redi-whip is a treat," he whispered. Susan looked up at him confusion showing on her pretty face. He took the can of redi-whip gently squirting some onto his finger. He placed a small dab onto Susan's neck. Before she even had a chance to ask what he was doing, Mike's lips covered the cream gently licking it off with his talented tongue. Susan moaned quietly at his actions.

"See it's very sweet. I can't wait to eat it off you later," he whispered huskily. Susan could feel his warm breath beside her ear as his fingers found his way towards the small expanse of her stomach shown by her top.

"Stop it," she hissed rather unconvincingly lightly poking him in the chest.

Mike looked at her mischief gleaming in those blue eyes that she loved. "Don't tell me you're not even willing to give it a try," he pouted.

"I didn't say that, in fact you have found yourself a very willing partner," she replied breathlessly. Mike grinned at her. He gently pushed her against the counter before scooping down and placing his lips against hers. Susan placed her leg in between Mike's as he continued his sweet torture against her mouth.

"Mom, Mike," spoke Julie clearing her throat loudly to get their attention. Susan gently pushed Mike away her cheeks turning red. Mike also turned around to see Karl stood next to Julie.

"Mom, dad came early so I'm gonna go grab my stuff," said Julie heading upstairs. She left the three of them alone. Mike was stood next to Susan his arm around her waist. Karl stood there glaring at them.

"So are you and Julie doing something special?" asked Susan breaking the silence.

"No, no I finished work early and decided to come and pick her up," he relied bluntly staring at Mike. "Although I didn't expect to see you and the plumber humping in the kitchen."

"Oh here it goes," yelled Susan throwing him an exasperated look.

"Come on Susie. You really should be more careful around your daughter," he continued.

"Shut up Karl. We were not humping as you put it," declared Susan furiously. Mike squeezed Susan's hand. "Just leave it baby," he responded.

"Keep out of this plumber. It's none of your business," demanded Karl inching closer to Mike.

"No but you're attacking Susan, so I'm thinking I'm going to make it my business," threatened Mike.

Karl scoffed at the situation, "What the hell do you see in this guy?" he asked looking at Susan.

"A lot more than I ever saw in you," replied Susan frankly. Julie had come down the stairs to see her dad giving Mike a hard time yet again. She wished her dad would give it up. It was getting tiresome.

"Dad I'm ready," she announced making her presence known. Karl turned to look at her as Mike went and helped her bring her bags down.

"Come on Julie let's go," he scowled. Julie hugged her mom goodbye and much to the distaste of Karl gave Mike a warm hug as well. Karl sneered as Mike affectionately ruffled Julie's hair. They waved goodbye one last time before a furious Karl followed Julie out of the house.

Susan sighed loudly and offered Mike a small apologetic smile. "Trust Karl to ruin a perfectly good moment."

"That is what he seems to be good at," offered Mike with his trademark smirk. He walked back into the kitchen and started to put the remaining groceries away. Susan softly crept up behind him; she stood on her tiptoes wrapping her arms around him. She gently nipped the side of his neck before laving the mark with her tongue.

"If I remember someone promised to give me a sweet treat," she whispered in his ear shaking the can of redi-whip in front of him. Mike turned around a beautiful smile gracing his face, "I did promise."

He captured her lips in an urgent kiss. Susan pulled away a teasing gleam in her eyes. "Catch me if you can," she challenged running away from him squealing in happiness as Mike playfully ran after her.


A few days later

"Mike I have to go," murmured Susan.

"Stay a bit longer," he protested as she started to move off his lap. Susan looked at him caressing his stubble-covered jaw.

"Gabby will be waiting," she replied. Mike hesitantly let her go. She kissed him sweetly.

"It'll be worth it. I can't wait till you see me in my dress. You'll be knocked off your feet," she announced joyfully.

"I don't need to see you in a dress to be knocked off my feet. Just being with you does that," he answered

Susan was awed by his words tears began forming in her eyes, "I love you."

"I love you too. Now go before I lock you in here with me," he joked. Susan waved him a goodbye before leaving for Gabrielle's house.


Susan stood near the changing rooms as Gabrielle tried on her tenth dress of the day. She waited patiently as Gabrielle came out in a hot pink dress twirling around gleefully.

"So what do you think?" she asked.

"I think it looks great as did all the others," smiled Susan. Gabrielle pleased with the comment added it to her already enormous pile. They had been shopping for almost four hours now. They already had a manicure and facial in preparation for the dance on Friday.

"You want all of these?" asked the assistant behind the till marvelling in amazement at the amount Gabrielle had purchased. Susan tried to suppress her grin as Gabrielle looked at the assistant as if she was speaking a foreign language.

"Yes honey charge it to this card," she replied handing over one of Carlos' credit cards.

"So what next?" asked Susan looking at Gabrielle as she applied a coat of lip-gloss.

"Honey we have to go and pick up our dresses. I can't wait till Friday. Its going to be so much fun," exclaimed Gabrielle.

They both walked towards the store excitedly talking about the upcoming night and how much they were looking forward to it. Susan was excited at the prospect of seeing Mike in a tuxedo.

"Hi we're here to pick up a dress for Susan Mayer and Gabrielle Solis," she told the clerk. A while later she reappeared with two gorgeous gowns.

"Oh my god, they're so pretty," smiled Gabrielle running her fingers over the delicate material. Susan stared in wonder at her dress it was perfect.

"Susan it's gorgeous Mike won't know what's hit him," sighed Gabrielle.

"I know," Susan replied dreamily smiling as she thought about Mike's reaction. They paid for their purchases and happily made their way home.


Friday Night

"Mom are you ready yet?" yelled Julie up the stairs.

"I'll be down in a minute," came the reply. Julie looked at Mike. He was dressed in a black tuxedo complete with a tie, his face was clean-shaven and his hair in its usual style. He was nervously playing with his fingers. He looked at Julie who was wearing a pretty pink floral dress with her hair tied up in a bun. Julie smiled at him.

"Don't worry Mike. My mom and Mrs Solis have been up there all day and she's still not ready. I'll be surprised if we ever get there." Mike smiled at her expression.

"I'll have you know I am ready," spoke Susan. Mike turned around to watch her slowly descending down the stairs.

He was speechless she looked so beautiful, he didn't think it was possible for her to get anymore gorgeous yet here she was looking like an angel. Susan offered him a small smile as she reached the bottom of the stairs. She watched as his eyes seductively roamed over her body. She was wearing a cream-colored halter neck gown with a detailed slit up one side. Her hair was pinned up with a few loose tendrils framing her soft face. She in turn looked at Mike; she could have sworn he got sexier everyday. He looked amazing standing there.

"Mom you look beautiful," sighed Julie giving her a hug.

"Thanks sweetie so do you," replied Susan. Julie noticed Mike's reaction and decided to give the two a moment alone.

"I'll wait in the car," she said grabbing the keys from Mike's hands and heading outside.

"So you hate it?" asked Susan getting a bit worried that he hadn't said anything in a while. Mike came to his senses and pulled her towards his body.

"What…no…I..you..look..wow," he stammered.

Susan laughed at him. "Thanks I think." Mikealso laughed at his reaction.

"You look gorgeous," he spoke placing a lingering kiss against her lips. Susan's face reddened as he pulled away.

"Thanks so do you," she softly said.

Mike offered her a grin; "I've got something for you." He reached inside his pocket and pulled out a long velvet box, handing it to Susan.

"What's this?" she asked surprised.

"Open it," he whispered. Susan gleefully opened up the box sighing in wonder at the beautiful piece of jewellery. A diamond bracelet with two intertwined hearts in the middle.

"It's beautiful," she whispered.

"Look on the back." Susan lifted out the bracelet and read the inscription on the back, her eyes filling with tears.

Susan, You will always have a place in my heart, Love Always Mike.

She looked up at him a few soft tears strolling down her cheek. "Thank you. It's beautiful." She kissed him softly on the lips a kiss to show how much she loved him. 'How did she ever get a man as considerate and as beautiful as him?' Mike put the bracelet onto her wrist.

"Hey no crying," he said wiping away the fallen tears. "Besides I don't want to be waiting for another hour while you fix your make-up," he joked trying to lighten the mood. Susan laughed with him and he took her hand leading her to the car.


Susan and Mike walked into the hall hand in hand. The hall had been transformed brilliantly, soft fairy lights were draped across the walls creating a romantic glow, the tables were set perfectly in a corner for the meal. Julie saw Danielle wave to her and went to join her.

Gabrielle came running up to Susan, "About time you guys arrived. What took so long?" she asked.

"Hi Gabby, you look gorgeous," smiled Susan kissing her friend on the cheek. Gabrille blushed at the compliment. She was wearing a stunning pink two piece gown.

"Thanks so do both of you," she smiled. Mike returned the smile gratefully.

"Come on," asked Gabrielle pulling Susan from Mike.

"Where are we going?" asked an amused Susan.

"We are going to join the rest of the girls. I'm sorry Mike you're going to have to part with her for a while," grinned Gabrielle.

"I'm sure I can manage," laughed Mike heading over to join the guys.

Susan arrived with Gabrielle and greeted Bree and Lynette with a warm hug. Each looking just as beautiful in their gowns. Lynette was wearing a satin blue gown, whilst Bree opted for a shoulder-less dark green dress.

"Bree this all looks wonderful," remarked Susan in awe.

"Thank you Susan. It's been a great turnout," smiled Bree. Lynette spotted Susan's bracelet.

"Honey where did you get that beautiful bracelet?" she asked intrigued. Susan held it up for the girls to see.

"Mike gave it to me tonight," recalled Susan fondly. The girls all marvelled in wonder at the gift.


The guys were sat huddled in a corner making conversation.

"If I didn't turn up tonight. Lynette warned me that I would be sleeping on the couch for the foreseeable future," laughed Tom.

"That's nothing you should see the dent Gabrielle put on my credit card for tonight. Apparently she just had to have the new manolos and she's not even wearing them," sighed Carlos.

Mike took a sip of his drink, "Do any of you guys know much about Paul Young?" he asked.

"Paul Young, why do you ask?" inquired Rex.

"I dunno something about him seems weird," responded Mike.

"Let me tell you my friend you are not the only one to think that. I don't see him around much but when I do the guy just gives me a weird vibe," declared Carlos.

"Lynette said the exact same thing," agreed Tom.

"So did Bree," responded Rex

"Why, what's he done?" asked Tom.

"Nothing I was just curious," replied Mike.


"If everyone would please take their seats, the meal will now be served," announced Bree into the microphone. She left the stage joining her friends once again.

"Oh Susan, you and Mike are over here at our table," she said.

"Wow this all looks great," replied Lynette. "Makes a change from fish sticks and peas."

The girls laughed at her frown. Lynette saw Tom waiting for her and took the seat next to him. Mike came up behind Susan taking her in his arms.

"So are you enjoying yourself," she asked playing with the collar of his shirt.

"Yeah, I'm a bit jealous though," he responded

"Jealous, why?" she asked.

"Because every guy in here seems to be ogling my girl," he smiled.

"Well tough because they just have to deal with the fact that I am with a man who I completely adore and am insanely in love with," whispered Susan kissing him quickly on the lips.

They turned around to take their seats at the table. Gabrielle was doing an impression of Carlos when he found out the price of her gown. Everyone laughed at this.

"Before everyone begins. I say we raise our glasses to Bree for making this an enjoyable night and for raising money for the children's ward at Fairview General," exclaimed Rex.

They all raised their glasses and toasted Bree on her success. Susan took a bite of her food smiling at Mike,who was in a heated debate with Tom about whose football team was better.

"Sorry I got stuck in traffic," spoke a voice. Susan looked up happily at the sound of the voice only to drop her fork in shock. Paul Young was here and he was sitting opposite her smiling smugly at her reaction. She felt sick. Mike looked at Susan worriedly and noticed Paul sat there. Everyone heard the clanging of the fork hitting the table and looked at Susan.

"Honey are you okay?" asked a concerned Bree. Susan remained mute. Mike gently touched her arm. "Susan?" he asked.

"Hmm I'm fine. I just don't feel very well," replied Susan planting a false smile on her face. She picked up her fork once again silently willing her hands to stop shaking.

"You should see a doctor it might be life threatening," spoke Paul morbidly. Susan ignored him and started to eat once again. Mike tenderly squeezed her hand in reassurance. She could feel Paul watching her she gentlylooked up. His steely grey eyes joining with her soft hazel ones, he glared at her maliciously. Susan shivered and broke the contact but it didn't help. Her nightmare reappeared at the forefront of her mind playing over and over. She dropped the utensil once again and pushed her chair back sharply.

"I'm…I'm sorry..I… need some… air," mumbled Susan before running outside leaving behind her shocked friends.

"Someone should go and check on her," spoke Bree concern lacing her voice.

"I'll go," stated Mike. He stood up his eyes looking at Paul's in rage before leaving to find Susan.


Mike was on his way outside when Julie stopped him.

"Mike why did my mom run outside?" she asked curiously.

"Julie don't worry. She just didn't feel very well. You go ahead and join your friends," he replied with a smile. Julie felling pleased with his response went back to her friends.


Mike eventually found Susan sat on a bench her head resting on her knees. He gently sat down besides her placing his hand on her lower back she jumped up in fear.

"Susan it's me Mike," he spoke calmly. Susan looked at him and immediately wrapped herself in his arms. He held her tightly, tenderly stroking her back whispering words of comfort in the shell of her ear.

"Baby it's okay, he can't hurt you," he whispered.

Susan glanced up at him. His heart broke at seeing tears in her soft eyes andthe underlying fear that lay within them. "I couldn't sit ...there..not with…him next to…me," she sobbed.

"Baby I will never let him hurt you. I promise," declared Mike softly raising her head up and kissing her on the forehead.

"Why..did he have to…turn up? All I could…see was the nightmare again. It was so real…. I lost you," she whimpered her voice hitching with uncontrollable sobs.

He stroked her face, "It wont happen. I promise. Now the girls are worried about you. Let's go inside and show Paul he won't win."

"Promise that you'll…" she began.

"I promise Susan. I will never let anyone hurt you." He took her hand leading her back inside the hall.


Susan joined her friends at the table each looking at her concern evident on their faces.

"Honey are you okay?" they asked.

"I'm fine. I just felt a bit nauseous," she replied gently squeezing Mike's hand for comfort. "I'm sorry Bree for ruining the meal," she said looking at her friend.

"Honey don't worry about it, as long as you're okay," smiled Bree giving her a hug.

Susan smiled, she watched as Julie waved at her from the other side of the room. A song softly played throughout the hall and people paired off onto the dance floor. Susan turned her head to look up at Mike. "Dance with me?" she asked. He looked at her lovingly beforeleading her onto the dance floor.

The rest of the girls watched as the two lovers danced in the room.

"I don't know about you two but Susan did not look sick to me," declared Lynette looking at Bree and Gabrielle.

"It's weird how Paul Young came along and Susan freaked out," responded Gabrielle. "Something's going on she looked really scared."

"Well Susan did tell us about how Paul was hiding something," replied Bree. The friends looked at Susan who was wrapped up in Mike's embrace. They all were worried for their friend and wondered what was happening.

Susan lay with her head resting against Mike's shoulder. His arms protectively placed around her body.

From this moment I have been blessed I live only for your happiness

And for you're love I'd give my last breath

From this moment on

I give my hand to you with all my heart

Can't wait to live my life with you, can't wait to start

You and I will never be apart

My dreams came true because of you.

Susan snuggled in closer to Mike, his scent surrounding her. In his arms she felt safe and at ease. She knew Mike would protect her. Her chest was pressed against his strong body as they gently swayed to the music. She could feel the heat from his body and gently drew her hand to the nape of his neck playing with the back of his hair. She closed her eyes forgetting about her worries, contentment surrounding her.

From this moment as long as I live

I will love you I promise you this

There is nothing I wouldn't give

From this moment on

You're the reason I believe in love

And you're the answer to my prayers form up above

All we need is just the two of us

My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I live

I will love you. I promise you this

From this moment on

Susan gently moved her head from Mike's shoulder as the song ended. She slowly opened her eyes looking into his trusting ones full of love and dedication. He gently leaned down and kissed her full of promise and reassurance. Susan pulled away her eyes sparkling with love.

Julie walked up to them placing herself in between them.

"Hi guys, mom can I stay over at Laura's house tonight?" she asked.

"What's happening at Laura's?" asked Susan looking at her daughter.

"She's having a sleepover. Please mom, Danielle's going too," pleaded Julie.

"If her mom is okay with it then go ahead," smiled Susan.

"Thanks mom. I'll see you tomorrow," grinned Julie giving her a quick hug before rejoining her friends.

A few hours later and plenty more dancing the guests had started to make their way home. Susan was sat with her friends laughing and drinking. Mike came up to her, "Are you ready to go?" he asked. Susan nodded her head. She thanked Bree for the night and gave each of her friends a warm hug promising to meet up tomorrow afternoon at Bree's house for the night's gossip. She took Mike's hand as they drove back home a car following them discreetly behind.


Susan opened the door to her house as Mike followed her in closing the door behind him.

"Thank you for a great night," she spoke looking at him.

He grinned at her, "Thank you for coming into my life."

Susan walked up to him pulling her hair out of the clip, the soft waves falling down her neck. Mike looked at her breathlessly before swooping down and placing his lips against hers. Susan responded just as eagerly and bit at his lip playfully drawing his tongue into her mouth. Mike slowly backed her up towards the door, his body firmly pressed against hers.

Susan placed her hands inside his jacket swooping it off his shoulders and letting it drop to the floor. She hurriedly pulled his shirt out of his pants. Mike pulled away, scooping her up in his arms. Susan giggled at him. He smiled loving the way she laughed as he carried her upstairs to her bedroom.

Susan nipped at his neck lightly sucking on the sensitive spot just below his ear. Mike had somehow managed to get the door to her room open gently stumbling inside. He softly lowered Susan onto the bed, watching, as she looked at him thorough hooded eyes filled with passion. He kicked off his shoes and pulled off his socks before joining her on the bed. He ran a finger across her soft face before running it across her bare arms. He slowly kissed his way down each arm. Susan shivered at his touch; she needed him so much her body was throbbing with desire. He joined their lips together once again needing the taste of her.

She slowly moved closer to him and he ran his hand across her back. He looked at her affectionately before untying the strap holding her dress in place. The dress pooled around her waist, revealing her breasts to Mike's eyes, he covered them with his hands gently kneading them. Susan moaned loudly as he pushed her back onto the bed his body on top of hers. He kissed her neck then moved towards her collarbone before taking a nipple into his mouth and sucking on it gently. Susan arched her body upwards as he continued to inflict this pleasure on her. He continued his journey further down her body placing open mouthed kisses on every inch of skin available. He pulled the remainder of her dress of leaving her only in her panties. She looked beautiful.

Susan smiled at him and kissed his lips urgently. She rolled over so she was on top and pulled his shirt off. Mike grinned at her eagerness. She licked his neck softly before moving her lips across his perfect strong chest. She kissed his chest inflicting the same pleasure he had on her. Mike moaned her name under her touch and she rubbed her naked chest against his delighting in his hiss of pleasure. She straddled his legs seeking his lips once again; she kissed him as he stroked her lower back. She pulled off his pants and boxers in one fluid motion staring in amazement at the sight beneath her. He rolled them over kissing her neck as he pulled off her panties, the final barrier separating them.

Their eyes locked together. Susan ran her hand over his back.

"Now Mike," she rasped out.

Mike took her hand in his and united their bodies and souls together in love.


Susan looked at Mike as he sat at the table the next morning sipping his coffee and reading the sports section of the newspaper. She smiled her heart filling with joy. She joined him placing a kiss against his cheek. He smiled at her, "Aren't you going to eat something?" he asked.

"No I'm too nervous. I've already been sick this morning. I hope the meeting goes well," she replied.

"You'll be great," responded Mike kissing her hand. He stood up joining her as she picked up her sketchpad and bag. They both walked out of the house towards Susan's car.

"Are you sure I can't give you a lift?" he asked.

Susan placed her bag in the backseat, "I'll be fine, besides you have that job you need to get to," she spoke kissing him gently. "I love you."

"I love you too," he replied smiling. Susan glanced at him once more before driving off to her meeting.


The Next Morning

Mike was in the kitchen, feeding Bongo when a knock on the door interrupted him. He looked at his watch. It was 8am, maybe it was Susan. He smiled happily Bongo following him. He opened the door to see Julie stood there

"Hey Mike. Can I speak to my mom?"

TBC


So what did you think? Feedback appreciated. I will try to get chapter 8 up as soon as I can.