Drop Dead Hero

by Reba-Brockfan

Brock dies and returns as a different person. Can he win Reba's heart? Can she recognize her soul mate in a different body? Breba story mixed with some Drop Dead Diva.

10. Looking forward, looking back

Title: Drop Dead Hero

Chapter 10: Looking forward, looking back

Time: Spring 2008 (when the Reba show would be in season seven)

No copyright infringement intended.

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Previously-

"You're almost family."

It was the 'almost family' part that bugged him. He was frustrated by his role in the family. He felt like an outsider looking in. He drew away from her, but she grasped his arm.

"Daniel? Are we okay?"

"Sure." But he couldn't quite meet her gaze.

What happens next? Stay tuned to find out! Keep reading to find out more!

The answers to the questions above will be revealed as you read the story. Here is Drop Dead Hero!

Now on with our next chapter-

Brock/Daniel took the name problem directly to Kyra. Barbra Jean wasn't being very helpful lately. She was too busy in her new relationship. He remembered how she was before, when they first got together. This time, she was jumping into a relationship with Parker feet first with her usual Barbra Jean style. So far, Brock/Daniel really liked the benefits that came with Barbra Jean dating his boss. Life at work was very pleasant for Brock/Daniel and Reba.

Parker was more cordial than usual. He was not usually known for being a pleasant person because he had a reputation for being more of a hothead. Quality clients and properties were being handed over to Reba and Daniel's team. Reba's assistant had quit after having a baby. Parker got Kevin Thomas a new assistant and gave Kevin's more experienced assistant over to Reba. Faye was excited about the new assignment. She found that Barbra Jean was right. Brock/Daniel and Reba were very entertaining to watch.

Kyra approached her father's problem in her usual way with the intuition and sarcasm that she inherited from her mother. They were discussing the name problem in Barbra Jean's kitchen.

Kyra handed him a sheet of paper. "Here, write your name on this, your real name. I need to find something out."

He found himself writing Daniel Hammond down on the paper.

Kyra saw that, too. "Okay, this time, try writing Brock Hart on the paper. I'm glad that you're getting used to being Daniel, but we're all alone here. You can be yourself now."

"This is me, being myself. Look at me. Being Daniel has changed me."

"Yeah, I've noticed. You're like some kind of Brock/Daniel hybrid. It's weird."

"But that's the idea. I'm supposed to change my life and become a better man like Daniel was."

"Okay, but it's creeping me out. I miss my dad."

"I'm right here, Kyra." He wrote Brock Hart down on the paper.

Kyra glanced at it. "Apparently not only do memories remain with the soul, but handwriting does, too." Kyra laughed. "With slip-ups and everything, I just don't understand. You smell like Brock Hart. You have the same mannerisms and way of speaking sometimes. Sometimes I can see it in your eyes even. You work with Mom every day side by side."

"That's my favorite part about being Daniel."

"Okay, but she never notices these things? Mom is swimming down a river of denial. You've even kissed her."

"That part I'd prefer not to discuss with my own daughter. But yes, I've given her at least a dozen ways to question me. She hasn't taken the bait once. This is the way that she wants it and I'm not doing anything that threatens her state of mind, for her sake and the baby's."

"Fair enough. I think that you should write Mom a letter, telling her about the baby's name. Make it look like it was written a long time ago and I'll hide it in Mom's drawer. She'll find it and that's how she'll come up with the name."

"How'd I get such a smart kid?"

"It's in the genes, besides redheads are the smartest of the species. Give her time, Dad."

Brock/Daniel was still irritated somewhat by what happened at the picnic. But his irritation vanished when he went by Reba's office. He leaned in her doorway and said hello.

She glanced up and smiled the kind of smile that made his world tilt, the kind that told him he was the greatest guy ever.

"Hi, yourself," she said. "I went looking for you a few minutes ago."

Suppressing a surge of satisfaction, he went inside her office. Things between them had been awkward since the picnic and he half suspected she'd been avoiding him.

"What's up?" he asked, glad he sounded suitably casual. As if he hadn't missed their closeness.

"Stratford High's spring dance is coming up on Saturday and I'm hosting some festivities before the dance. I usually do. I wondered if you'd like to come over. A light, late lunch for the girls while they get ready for the dance. Apparently, all Kyra's friends are coming over to primp and dress. Cheyenne is excited about the sisterly bonding."

"Ah, the Spartans, Westchester High's rivals. Explain to me why you have Kyra at Stratford and Jake at Westchester."

"Long story short, Kyra was having trouble at Westchester and she wanted to transfer to Stratford. Jake wanted to go to Westchester. Besides Jake's made friends at Stratford, he's going to the dance with an eleventh grade girl."

Brock was filled with fatherly pride. His son, the freshmen, got asked out by a junior from the rival school. His thoughts were interrupted as Reba continued.

"So you wanna come over or not? I'll understand if you don't wanna come. I'm gonna have teenagers swarming my house."

It sounded like a parental thing. He was thrilled to be asked. "For you, anything." It was so close to the truth, his ears grew hot.

"The reason I asked was because I'll be waiting up till all hours and I thought you might be willing to keep me company."

"Absolutely." Nothing like playing hard to get. That plan of his after the picnic crashed and burned fast. He was a goner, even knowing he might always run a far second in Reba's heart.

"Good."

"Anything you want me to bring."

"Nope. I've got it under control."

"You always do, honey."

When Brock/Daniel arrived at Reba's house, he walked inside the open front door.

Reba came from the kitchen. "You made it."

"Yeah. There are girls everywhere."

"It sure seems like it."

"Where's Jake during all this?"

"He's getting ready for the dance with Van. Van's giving him the talk, man-to-man."

"But Van's the brother-in-law."

"I know, but Van's the one who gave Jake the facts of life talk when he was ten."

"Oh, wasn't Brock around for that?"

"We jumped the gun a little on that one. I chalked that up to another miscommunication on our parts. We had everything established on who did what for parenting the girls. But Jake was another story. The divorce changed everything."

"I'd be happy to talk to Jake for ya."

"I appreciate that, but Van's got it covered."

He shrugged off his feelings of disappointment. "Need any help?"

"Yes, I've got pop in coolers in the kitchen, if you'd ice it down."

He inwardly laughed, still the ice man. "Sure thing." Seeing Reba in a blue-green, scoop-neck blouse made him pretty sure he should ice down his libido at the same time.

"You look beautiful." He kissed her on the lips, wishing he could kiss her more passionately without raising twenty sets of eyebrows.

"Thank you. The cleavage fairy has been very good to me this time around."

"I could lie and say I hadn't noticed. But you probably caught me staring a couple of minutes ago."

Reba grinned. "I thought maybe you'd noticed." She leaned close, whispering in his ear, "At least I hoped so."

He groaned. Having her so close, her breath warm on his neck, made him want to whisk her away to a five-star hotel and make love to her all night long.

"It's almost like prom night. You know what happens on nights like this, don't you?" He raised an eyebrow.

"No, why don't you tell me." She answered in a low, sexy way instead of her usual sarcasm. She turned and headed toward the kitchen, a saucy swing to her hips. And given her growing girth, he imagined it took some effort. Effort he greatly appreciated.

"You are an evil woman." He followed her, thinking he'd gladly follow this woman anywhere.

A few minutes later, Kyra stormed through the kitchen with a couple of friends, grabbing sandwiches from the tray and sodas from the ice chest. Frowning, she commented, "No ice. Seriously, Daniel. Mom only gives you one job to do. You're the ice man," she commented with a hint of mock anger. She was afraid of appearing too close to Daniel too soon, but still wanted to drop hints for her mother. There was no way that her father was going to be able to handle this on his own.

"Kyra, be nice."

"Sorry, Daniel." She winked at him quickly, before leaving the room.

"Great kid."

"Most of the time. That's just the way she is." Reba looked apologetic.

"I know that it's hard on you because Brock's not here. This is a big night for her. You said that she was very close to her dad." He stepped up to her, resting his hands on her shoulders.

She turned, tears shimmering in her eyes, and walked into his open arms. "You know me too well."

Brock/Daniel ignored yet another pang of jealousy, telling himself that it was natural for Reba to still pine for Brock. He kissed the top of her head. "Ssh, It's a rough time, but you'll get through it. This is a good idea having her friends come over. With all the activity, she's not likely to focus on how much she misses her father."

"Hopefully." Reba wiped her eyes and stepped back. "But this is just the beginning of occasions we'll have to get through without him; her graduation, her wedding... She won't have anyone to walk her down the aisle."

"There's always Van."

She laughed. "Like she'd let him do that." She shook her head.

"I'm always available."

Liz arrived before she could comment. Barbra Jean left for a weekend away to South Padre Island with Parker Harrison. Liz volunteered to help Reba with the kids. She was babysitting Elizabeth and Henry that night for a couple of hours, so Reba could get some much needed time away.

Meanwhile, Kyra was upstairs with Brock's letter. He'd written it the day before and slipped it to Kyra. Kyra was trying to get the envelope hidden in her mother's drawer without looking suspicious. She had the perfect opportunity while her father was distracting her mother downstairs. The door to Reba's bedroom opened while Kyra was in the drawer.

"Kyra, what are you doin' in my room?"

"I wanted to borrow some perfume. Thanks for the trust, Mom."

"And apparently some earrings, too. I keep my jewelry in there."

Kyra inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Her mother didn't suspect a thing. "Yeah, I didn't think that you'd mind."

"Okay, it's a special night.

Kyra got the perfume and earrings, pretending to find the envelope in the drawer. "Hey, Mom. What's this?" She pulled the envelope out of the drawer, handing it to her mother.

Reba looked at the writing. It said, To My Darling Wife. It was from Brock. Reba imagined that it must have been written a long time ago if it was addressed that way. It must have been six years ago, before the divorce. She placed it on the dresser. She wasn't ready to deal with the contents of that envelope at the moment.

Brock/Daniel provided a much needed male presence when the girls' dates had arrived to pick them up for the dance. He kept trying to stare down Kyra's date. Cheyenne and Van departed for a date of their own.

He took Reba's hand. "Can we go somewhere private and talk?"

"We could always go next door. Barbra Jean's away for the weekend. Are you okay?"

Brock nodded, wordlessly. They left Liz in charge of the little ones and departed for some privacy. He twined his fingers in hers, wanting to hold on tightly. He wanted to let go of some of his negative feelings, but he felt them bubble up as they passed the family photograph on their way out of the living room and into the kitchen. They left out the back door quietly so Liz couldn't see them go next door. Walking out the front door would've made them easy targets to spy on.

He unlocked BJ's back door and they swiftly entered. Reba giggled. They'd made a clean getaway. She closed the curtains in the kitchen and living room so no one could see inside. Brock/Daniel made two cups of hot chocolate and they sat down to talk.

"I guess I'm a cheap date tonight, huh?"

"Well, it's obvious that Kyra is your daughter. She gets her sarcasm from you. I brought you here for a serious talk and you give me sarcasm."

"Gosh, Daniel, I was just trying to lighten the mood here."

"I'm sorry. Communication is important to a good relationship and I need to tell you how I feel. It's not easy being the rebound guy."

"Rebound guy? Is that all you think you are to me?"

"Kyra told me that you weren't able to move on after the divorce. All of those relationships were temporary because Brock holds the key to your heart, no pun intended. You're heartbroken. You just lost the love of your life. You were the love of his life, too. That's not easy. You're a woman with a lot of love to give and you've allowed me to reach out to you."

"Well, it was either you or Jack Morgan. There's a mistake I won't make again."

"Seriously, Reba?"

"No, of course not. I can't believe how you view me, how you view us."

His voice was rough when he said, "I saw you at the picnic, Red. I'm sitting on the sidelines, but I'd rather do that than not be in your life at all."

"We're partners at work and friends. Why would I push you away?"

"I can think of a reason, but we don't talk about it."

Reba thought about whether or not she wanted the conversation to take this direction. She may not like where it went, judging by Daniel's tone. She thought about Brock. One of their biggest problems was avoiding feelings and issues. She wasn't dumb enough to make the same mistake twice. She wanted to do whatever it took to make the relationship good. She wanted it to be meaningful and longer lasting than the others. That wouldn't happen if she didn't open up about the things that scared her.

"Go ahead. I'm prepared to talk about anything." She grabbed his hand in hers.

He kissed it and let it go. He got up from the table and started pacing the floor, running his fingers through his hair in frustration. Reba found it odd because it reminded her of Brock. "It's about the baby. I've been so generous up until now. I haven't pushed the issue of the possibility that you're carrying my child."

"Look, I've thought about it, but there's just no way that it could be true."

"Come on, you're smarter than that. Van and Cheyenne only did it once, and Elizabeth's proof of that. Everything went so fast that night. We drank a lot, and our bodies were doing a lot of the talking. I barely got the condom on in time. I don't think that I did a very good job of getting it on. I was fumbled because my mind was cloudy. I couldn't think of anything else but the sexy redhead in front of me."

"You did fine. I've had problems with condoms before, in a hot tub, for example. That's how Jake came to be. I'd have known if that were the case here."

"You were drunk, too. Don't forget that."

"What are you trying to say, Daniel?" She wrapped her arms around herself tightly.

"I don't want to lose you."

"Has it come to that?"

"No, it hasn't. I don't want to push you, but I want to be with you. I want to take things to the next level." He stepped closer to her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. "I think that we agree on that."

"I don't know. I'm not sure. I've never made it to the next level before in my other relationships. I do think that there's something wonderful here. But I'm tellin' ya that this baby is Brock's."

"I understand how you feel. I just wish that we could be 100 percent sure of it. If we were, I'd devote myself to you and raise this child as my own. But what if it is my child? Would you want me to raise my child as someone else's?"

Reba tried to pull away from him, but he held on tighter. "I can't deal with this. I'm sorry." Her voice broke and tears shimmered in her eyes.

Her pain cut through him like a knife. He would face this issue head-on, no more running away for him. He would give her anything she needed. He would give her time, but he refused to consider letting her go now. "I'm the one who's sorry. If you say that the baby's is Brock, who am I to dispute that? I care about you and I trust you to make the right decisions." He dipped his head and kissed her with all the hunger in his soul, attempting to erase the hurt between them.

"Daniel..." Her voice was edged with need.

He could feel her pulse pounding beneath his thumb where he caressed her jaw. He could hear her quick intake of breath as his fingers trailed down her throat.

She stood up to face him. Heat rushed through him as she drifted closer, until her pregnant belly came in contact with his groin. He wrapped his arms around her and drew her tightly against him, finding primitive satisfaction in her yielding moan.

She was touched that Daniel set aside his doubts for her. She surrendered to the moment, wrapping her arms around his neck and returning his kiss with a tender passion that shouldn't have surprised her. She wanted him. That was clear. She will filled with wanting, not the hunger from before¸ but with a need to share her body and soul with him. In 25 years, she hadn't felt this way with any other man before, except Brock. She was more confident in taking this step than she was a few minutes ago. Was she falling in love with him? It was intoxicating to be held by a man who wanted her as much as she wanted him. He cherished with his gentle touch and tender words. He seemed willing to do whatever it took to make the relationship work. She'd never found that in a man before. It reminded her of being young and falling in love for the first time.

It reminded her of Brock. She pushed those thoughts aside quickly to focus on the man in front of her.

He broke off the kiss. "How long do we have?" His breathing was uneven.

"I gave both the kids a 1 a.m. curfew."

Smiling, he nibbled at the corner of her mouth. "That might be enough time."

Reba's pulse raced, capturing his lips again.

He rested his forehead against hers. "I want to make love with you in a real bed, taking our time, learning about each other."

She took his hand, rushing up the stairs eagerly. She led him to the bed, letting go of his hand while she remove her clothing one item at a time.

"You're so beautiful. Thank you for giving me another chance for us to finally be together like this again."

"And I'm not even drunk this time, but I am the only one who's naked. Are you gonna stand there and stare at me all night or are you gonna get naked and climb into the bed with me?"

Actions spoke louder than words. He stripped out of his clothes in less than a minute, joining her in his bed.

"Forget South Padre Island. This is much better."

He had to agree. As long as he was with Reba, anywhere was paradise. He took the time to explore her. He caressed her round belly, his fingers skimming lightly, and raising goose bumps. The baby kicked in response. He stopped for a moment. She grabbed his hand, placing over the spot where the baby was kicking.

"That's amazing. You've got a little football player in there."

"Or another Kyra. Is this ruining the mood?"

"No, why would you say that?"

"Because I figured that my figure might not be the biggest turn-on right now."

She was wrong. Their baby was causing the changes in her body since the last time that they made love. He was in awe of her. She was beautiful and she didn't even know it.

"I haven't done this, making love in my third trimester, since I was pregnant with Cheyenne. Brock never really seemed to want it after I got big like this."

He knew that he made so many mistakes before. Now was the time to set things right. They had a fresh start and it was time to show her how much she meant to him. "You're so beautiful. You are sexy. Don't let me catch you saying otherwise. I'm sorry that you were ever made to feel any differently before."

"Are you all talk and no action, Hammond?" she challenged.

"Honey, you're making it hard for me to give you the experience that you deserve. Stop teasing me. I want to kiss you, touch you, and taste you like never before." He proceeded to show her exactly what he meant by giving her the best lovemaking they'd ever shared.

It was slow, tantalizing torture for him. He was driving her wild. She'd begged for more. When they finally came together, it was mutually satisfying. All thoughts of the past were gone now. She snugly fit in his arms like she'd always belonged there. She was glad that she'd waited, that she hadn't experienced this with any of her other boyfriends. It made it all the more special now.

Brock/Daniel looked at his watch. It was 12:30 in the morning. He would have to take Reba home soon. He heard a noise coming from downstairs. He heard giggling and thumping. Reba saw Daniel rush to put on some clothing and check things out. She did the same.

Glassware clinked. Then there were whispers. The only ones with keys to the house were Barbra Jean and Kyra. He was sure that Barbra Jean wouldn't be back so soon, not when they were having a romantic weekend in a five star hotel on the beach. It had to be Kyra. He didn't like this one little bit. He worried about Reba's blood pressure. Teenagers did not have sex or alcohol on Reba's watch. He anticipated fireworks between the two redheads.

His suspicions were confirmed by the couple making out on the sofa. A bottle of wine sat on the nearby table. "Take it easy, Red," he lovingly whispered to her. She flipped on the light switch and the teens broke apart.

"Kyra Eleanor Hart, what are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing, but I think that I already know. Why is it any different that I'm doing the same thing that you're doing? I'm eighteen years old. Dad has always trusted me. You should try it sometime." Kyra's nostrils were flaring.

"Because you know the rules. You want to be treated like an adult. Act like one. You're underage to drink. You know I don't approve of it. Try respecting the house rules. We don't allow you to be home alone with boys in either house."

Brock stared angrily at Kyra's date. The boy got scared, kissed Kyra on the cheek, and left the house like his feet were on fire. Kyra was angrier than ever.

"I'm an adult. Dad finally started treating me like an adult, and now this happens. Say something, Daniel. Please."

He stayed quiet.

"Why is it okay for Jake to have sex tonight, and not me? At least, I'm old enough to."

Reba's mouth dropped open. She turned to Daniel. "Call Jake's cell and tell him to come home now! When he gets here, I want you to talk to him. He's too young to have sex. At least, Cheyenne waited until she was seventeen."

"I'm still a virgin and I'm eighteen. Is there a double standard around here?" Kyra remarked.

"I made a mistake and I'm sorry that I didn't trust you before to help me with Jake. Daniel, can you handle this while I talk to Kyra?"

Daniel was frustrated. Reba was in way over her head with the kids. Van was encouraging Jake's behavior and Reba let him get away with it. "Are you asking me to leave? I don't think that's fair."

"Of course not, you can stay. Thank you. Try to get a hold of Jake." She rubbed his arm for reassurance.

"You've always said that I shouldn't have sex unless I was in love. Cheyenne was in love with Van. You were in love with Dad. I waited until I was eighteen and I'm sure that I'm in love. I don't understand what I did wrong. Besides, I should be asking you about what you're doing. I know what happened here tonight. It's obvious. Do you love Daniel or are you being a hypocrite?"

Reba knew that even Daniel was waiting on an answer to that. She chose to skirt the issue. "My feelings for Daniel are private. It's none of your business, young lady. Now, go home and we'll talk about this more later." She turned back to Daniel. "I'm sorry that things ended up this way. I'd appreciate it if you'd take Jake back here tonight. He needs some one-on-one time with a responsible adult. Kyra does, too. I really need the help. So, you deal with Jake and I'll deal with Kyra. How does that sound?"

Brock/Daniel was happy that they were handling this situation as a team. He walked her home and kissed her goodnight on her doorstep. They entered the house. He waited for Jake to come home and the two walked next door for the night.

Reba made sure that Kyra was in bed before getting ready for bed herself. She wasn't ready to answer Kyra's question. Did she love Daniel? Was she setting a good example for her children? She grabbed a bottle of water and some comfort food up to bed with her. When she got into her room, she grabbed her favorite photo album and Brock's letter. She sat on the bed, thinking about Brock. She felt like the family was falling apart without him. She opened his letter, hoping to get some comfort from his words. As she started to read, she began to hear Brock's words coming from the words on the pages.

My dearest wife,

This is the hardest letter that I've ever had to write. I've made a mistake with BJ and I don't know how to fix things. I just have to suffer the consequences. I know that means that our marriage is probably over. I need to tell you some things. First, I'll always love you. Second, I never meant for our separation to be final. I made a mistake, honey and I don't know how you'll ever forgive me.

I sat in my office today, listening to BJ tell me that she's pregnant. All I could think about was that I wished it were you. I pictured you carrying another child, maybe a daughter born to our family that we'd name after my Grandma Margaret, but we'd call her Maggie. Maybe another son would be born. I know that Brock has never been your first choice for a name, but it'd make a good middle name. We'd name our next son, Christopher Brock Hart.

I know that I hurt you. I hope someday that you can find it in your heart to forgive me. I hope that we can find a way back to each other. If we can't, then I hope that we can be friends. We have to find a way to continue raising our children together as a family. You have to know that you will always be a part of me as a partner and a best friend. I tried to give you a happy life. That's all I wanted for you. I don't even know how to say goodbye to you, so I'll say goodbye just for now. I hope that our love will help see us through.

Loving you forever,

Brock

Reba couldn't control the sobs coming from her body. She looked at the photos tried to find comfort in memories that they'd shared. She fell asleep crying, trying to take comfort from Brock's face.

To be continued...

What happens next? Stay tuned to find out!

Author's note: I'm working as hard as I can to get this story completed. It won't be too much longer now. Reba's in her third trimester.

*** If you want to see Reba on Lifetime Television, there's a marathon on Tuesdays from 3:30-6 p.m., sometimes 3:30-7 p.m. Regular episodes air on Mondays and Wednesdays through Fridays from 3:30-5 p.m. Central time.

I am experiencing some writers' block for It's a Wonderful Life and Drop Dead Hero, so any ideas would be helpful.

As always, please feel free to leave any comments, suggestions, or predictions for any of my stories. I love getting them. It lets me know how I'm doing. Was there a part you liked or a part that you hated? What would you like to see happen? What do you think will happen next?

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I thank all my readers for your continued support. Your support really keeps me writing! Without you, my stories wouldn't be continued every week.

Characters I don't own: Reba McKinney-Hart, Brock Hart, Kyra Hart, Jake Hart, Cheyenne Hart-Montgomery, Van Montgomery, Elizabeth Montgomery, Barbra Jean Booker, Buzzard Booker, Henry Hart, Dr. Schmidt, Jack Morgan, Liz Hart, and any other characters from the Reba cast.

Characters I do own: Anyone not part of the Reba cast – original characters developed for this story include: Parker Harrison, Timothy, Faye, Daniel Hammond, Sara, the mysterious gunman, the Mason family, Mr. Martin, Lucy Wright, Cliff, and Kevin Thomas.