After the trip to a local London hospital during the morning, it was evident for all to see that Esme was Arthur's child… his only child- he didn't need another one. Gwen sat mortified as she listened to Arthur and Esme whine about a needle. Esme was four years old, and Gwen understood her daughter's was a few years shy of 35. Yet, he whined and complained about his shot. Would it hurt? Gwen just sat there in amazement. A dimwitted nursed fanned over Arthur. Gwen almost lost the contents of her stomach. Arthur made it worse for Esme. By the end of the visit, Gwen wanted to place both of them in bed… alone.

Esme crawled into Arthur's lap, and cupped his face. She kissed his cheeks. Gwen merely crossed her arm in dismay as she frown at the blondes. She didn't have any words for either of them. They were a bad influence on each other.

During Esme's nap, Gwen took a few minutes to think about her life and possible painful choices in the near future. They couldn't stay here in Europe. Gwen had a thriving business in LA. Esme and Arthur were another problem to be dealt. Could she take her from her father? She had a right to relationship with him. Gwen never wanted Arthur out of their lives.

Wait a minute. I meant her, not theirs. Arthur is not a part of my life. He's the father of my daughter. He's my baby daddy. Nothing else... nothing more. That ship sail so many years ago. It was a painful voyage for me. I'm not calling my travel agent to rebook on the Arthur/Gwen ship. Not in this lifetime. He's moody, immature, and downright mean. He's just on his best behavior. He's waiting for the kill. One moment for me to show moment of kindness for him. Not going to happen… He thinks that I'm going to play house with him. Fall back into his bed. Not even attracted to him any longer. Just forgive him like that. NO NONONONONONO!

"That's for ruining my break Arthur!"

Later that night, Gwen found Arthur reading legal briefs or something. Her hands knocked on his door.

Smiling, Arthur waved a hand for Gwen to enter his study. She slid into a leather seat adjacent to his desk. Arthur stared at her over a boring legal brief.

"Arthur, can we chat?"

Arthur didn't like the serious look in her eye. He knew this was coming. Too much sweet and nice over the last few days. They behaved like a family. Arthur had stolen time from Gwen. He knew that she would rear back like young filly when she was threatened by his presence. He was so careful to behave around her. He forbade Morgana from his home or attempting to speak with Gwen.

"I suppose it's time."

Gwen lips were set in a tight small smile. "How do you want to do this?"

"Do what?"

Gwen hated when Arthur played stupid. He was quite intelligent. Yet, he allowed people to walk into his trap like a true predator. She wasn't his prey any longer.

"How will you see Esme after we leave?'

Arthur swung in his chair; he wasn't used to direct Guinevere. His Guinevere always took a longer path to reach a conclusion. She never wanted to cause hurt feelings. Yet, the new and improved version didn't have any regard for his feelings.

"Why can't you stay?"

Gwen swallowed. She rolled her eyes at Arthur. "Because I have a life in LA. I have a career, friends, and everything is in LA."

"You didn't say family. You would rather stay away from Esme's family. You could move here… you have a wonderful reputation … you could start over here."

Gwen locked her fingers together. "Arthur, I won't play house with you. I will not confuse Esme any further. Next, she's going to ask for a sibling. It's out of the question."

"Why not?"

Gwen opened and closed her mouth. He was honest. He wasn't joking with her.

"Because, we're over."

"I made a mistake, and I'm sorry. You don't know the depths of my sorrow."

"I know the depths of my pain."

Arthur refused to lose this battle. He had every intention of winning this war with Gwen. "What about Esme?"

"My only thoughts have been of Esme for the last five years. One week doesn't make a father, Arthur."

"I'm trying to be a part of her life. It's going to be hard with an ocean between."

"You put that ocean between us... I mean Esme and you."

"Us... the right word, Guinvere. This isn't about Esme. This is about you and me."

"Not everything is about you."

"This is!"

"Fine, I'm not going to spare your feelings. You destroyed me; I'll never trust you again. How could you? How could you treat me like that? How … Why did you think?"

Arthur met Gwen's brown eyes. "My Uncle said the magic word… Lancelot. You're best mate. You never thought about how it made me feel… You just clung to him. You saved a part of yourself for him."

"He's my friend. He's married to one of my best friends. I gave you everything that I had Arthur. Everything that was precious to me. My love, my virginity, my life in so many ways. I gave you a child. What did you give Lancelot?'

"Your heart… he had it first."

"I'm done. Gwen had to leave before she broke down and cried in front of Arthur. She refused to give him her tears. Not another tear for Arthur, ever.

"Oh… no, you knew me well enough to know that I would have back away from the baby. I was too impatient to wait and see. I was mad and cold… furious… hurt. You had Tristan asked to terminate my parental rights to Esme, knowing what was true about the baby"

Gwen rose from her chair. "I'm not going to answer that question."

"Why because it's true."

"I'm not denying it. You would have taken her from me. So, yes, I used that fact that you're a moron against you. Too bad… so sad for Arthur. You would have done the same thing."

Arthur nodded. "Yes, I would have."

"Honesty, isn't that a novel concept for you. " Gwen gave Arthur a slight wave. "Goodnight."

Gwen had forgotten that Arthur had amazing reflexes. He caught her hand and yanked her into his arms. She opened her mouth to yell, which was a bad idea. Arthur's mouth descended upon Gwen's. His lips crushed hers as his tongue explored her mouth. Arthur kissed Gwen with five years of desire. Gwen pressed her hands against his chest as he held her tightly.

Arthur gave Gwen two gentle kisses before he released her. "How's that for honesty?"

Gwen backed away from him. "Lust."

"Lust is a start."

"That will burn out like a flickering candle, Arthur."

"Please, our flame is still ignited after 15 years."