Previously in "His Box of Letters", Tanya meets Jack, Alaric and Jenna's nephew.

Chapter Ten

Alaric had a concerned look on his face as placed Jenna down on the bed. She was in a lot of pain and it was killing him to see her like that. "I'm going to call Meredith and have her come here. I don't like this at all. One minute you're okay, and the next, you're in agony."

Jenna nodded as he pulled the covers up around her, their warmth enfolding her in a warm, gentle embrace. "I'm sorry that I have to put you through this, Ric and I wish that I wasn't having you carry me everywhere," she said.

Alaric shook his head. "No, don't apologize. I'd carry you everywhere if you weren't sick." He kissed her forehead and then her lips. "I love you, Jenna, don't ever forget that."

"Never," she replied with a tired smile.

Alaric smiled. "Try to get some rest, okay? I'll call Meredith and tell her what's going on." His wife nodded and closed her eyes as she soon easing off into what Alaric hoped was a peaceful sleep. When he got out into the hallway, Alaric picked up the phone, dialing Meredith's number. After several rings, he heard her pick up. "Meredith, its Alaric. Jenna is in pain again. I just put her in bed and I'm really worried about her."

"What were her activities today?" Meredith asked in a professional tone as she searched for a notepad to write on.

Alaric sighed. "She did move around a little and I thought she was improving."

"I see. But it was nothing too intense for her?" Meredith asked.

"Not at first, no," Alaric replied.

Meredith nodded and made a note of that. "I'll definitely come by tomorrow and check on her. For today, let her rest and don't let her have any more visitors, okay?"

Alaric nodded. "I'll make sure of that, Meredith. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Ric," she replied. "It's what I do as a doctor. And you know that you can call me any time."

"I'll definitely remember that. You have a good day," Alaric said before hanging up the phone.

After hanging up with Meredith, Alaric went back downstairs and saw Jack and Hannah hugging. Jack looked up and saw his uncle. "What's going on, Uncle Alaric? Is Aunt Jenna okay?"

"I hope so," he replied. "I just got off the phone with Dr. Fell. Or, should I say, Dr. Gilbert. She said she'll come here tomorrow to check on her. For today, we should let her rest and not let her have any other visitors."

Jack nodded. "Would it be all right if I skip dinner tonight? I'm not very hungry."

Alaric nodded. "Just don't let it get too late before you come home, okay?"

Jack nodded and walked out. He knew what he was doing as he was leaving. He was going to see Tanya and didn't care if her father caught him. He had to see her, because she was the only one who could help him take his mind off his current situation.

At the Lockwood's Mansion…

Tanya was walking around the perimeter of her father's mansion, given to him by her Uncle Richard after he wed Tatia. It was her favorite place to go right now, when she wanted sanctuary, but since her mother had passed, Mason had closed off a lot of the rooms because he said that they were reminders of hearing Tatia's laughter. It was while she was walking around that Tanya got the feeling that she wasn't entirely alone. Turning around, she saw… "Jack? What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you again," he replied. "My aunt isn't well and I couldn't bear to stay in the house. I need to take my mind off it and the only one I could think of who can help me is you, Tanya. I don't care if your father catches me."

"Oh, I think you're going to care," Mason's voice said from behind Jack.

Both Tanya and Jack whirled around to find her father firmly holding a shotgun against his broad shoulder. "Daddy, it's not what you think," she started to say.

Jack ignored his pounding heart as he said, "Sir, I mean your daughter no harm. I just want to see her. I don't know if you heard me, but my aunt isn't well and Tanya is the only one I can think to talk to."

"And who is your aunt, young man?" Mason asked.

"Jenna Sommers Saltzman," Jack replied.

Mason lowered the gun. "I had no idea. Does she have what my wife had?"

"I don't know, but she's in a lot of pain. Uncle Alaric is beside himself with worry."

Mason nodded. "I'll go and see him. Maybe it might take his mind off of things if he had someone his age to talk to," he said before turning and heading to the house, but paused halfway there. "Don't stay out late, Tanya."

"Of course not, Daddy," Tanya said with a reassuring smile. Once Mason was gone, Tanya looked at Jack. "Walk with me?"

Jack nodded and took her hand as they began their trek out of the barn, walking hand in hand in silence for a few minutes before Jack spoke up. "I know I feel as if I'm pushing my burdens on you…"

"You don't have to feel that way. I'm here to listen whenever you need me," Tanya told him with a soft smile.

Jack nodded. "Thank you, Tanya. I appreciate it." Then, he stopped walking and pulled her close, capturing her lips with his in a passionate kiss. He didn't know why he was doing it, but it felt good.

Lifting a gentle hand to his face, Tanya let a soft sound escape her, one filled with passion and hunger as her other hand joined the first one, letting her fingers stroke up his strong cheekbones and into his hair, combing the strands of silk. Since their kiss was gentle, and closed-mouthed, Tanya let herself be bold and open her lips beneath his persuading tongue, her own tongue shyly meeting his before retreating.

Then she broke off the kiss, turning away and letting her hand drift up to cover her lips. Jack saw what she was doing. "Tanya, you don't have to be embarrassed. You did nothing wrong. All we did was let ourselves give into the passion that I know you've been feeling since we met."

"I know I shouldn't have pulled away, but I'm scared. I mean, what if something happens to me and I don't make it past a certain age?" Tanya asked quietly.

Jack gently pulled her to him. "You don't have to be scared, Tanya. I'm right here and I won't let anything happen to you. I swear it to you here and now."

"I wish I had your confidence," she whispered against his neck.

Jack kissed the top of her head. "I mean it, Tanya. You're going to be okay, and should the unthinkable happen, I'll stand by you because I love you that much." Even though he accidentally let those words slip, he meant them and he always said what he meant.

Tanya smiled against his neck at his words then gently pushed on his chest, easing him away from her embrace and then began pushing him toward the nearest empty stall, where she pressed him against the wall. Jack switched their positions, his hands gentle and soft as he lifted her legs to wrap around his lean waist before arching back to pull his shirt up and over his head.

Tanya did the same with her peasant top, throwing it to the floor next to his shirt. Jack kept his gaze on her as he reached behind her and removed her bra, gently caressing her breasts and kissing them both gently. "Are you sure this is what you want, Tanya? I don't want to force you into doing something you don't want to do."

"I'm sure, Jack," she replied. "I want this. I want you. I've wanted you since we met at the supermarket."

He nodded then let her down so that he could remove both of their lower halves' garments, jeans and slacks included. After they were all gone, Jack helped lower her onto the pile of hay that was beneath them, kissing her softly as his hands began to explore her olive-skinned body. Tanya writhed beneath his caresses, trembling every so often and eventually caught up, her tongue boldly pushing into his mouth as she then rolled them until she was on top, breaking the kiss to sit up, her arms bending to lift her hair up and away from her neck before stroking up and then let them drift back down. She let one hand reach down to gently caress the velvet skin of his member, the motion almost whisper-soft before Tanya brought it toward her warm, wet heat, enveloping him in a vice-like grip. "Tanya…"

Tanya panted as she heard him say her name that way and trembled under his touch. "Jack…"

Two Hours Later…

Jack walked to the tack room and back, bringing a blanket on his return. Tanya smiled at him then snuggled against him after he covered them both with the blanket. Tanya sighed happily. "That was amazing."

Jack nodded. "It was, wasn't it?" He kissed her hair. "I'm definitely glad I came here tonight."

"Me too," she said, her hands tracing circles over the skin of his chest and abs.

Jack looked at her. "I meant it when I said I love you, Tanya. I fell in love with you the moment we met."

"And I did too. I…I guess I just struggle sometimes. Living without Mama is hard, because she was the glue that held everyone together," she said softly.

Jack nodded. "I'm sorry for your loss, Tanya."

"Thank you," she replied. "It's still hard sometimes, but we're getting through it as best we can. My aunts and uncles were very supportive and still continue to be."

"It sounds like you have a wonderful family and for that, I'm grateful. It means that you have the backbone that you need in them," Jack told her.

"Yes, and I'm grateful for that," Tanya said. "And I think they'll love you as much as I do."

"I hope so," he said, smiling over at her.

Tanya kissed his chest. "They will. Once they see how happy we are together, they'll welcome you with open arms."

Jack smiled and kissed her forehead. "I love you, Tanya Lockwood."

Tanya smiled as well. "I love you too, Jack Winters. You make me feel like a new woman."

Up at the House…

Mason was looking through the photo album of his and Tatia's life together, smiling at some of the pictures but his eyes were filled with tears because the memories made him miss her all that much more. Sniffing, Mason wiped his tears with his hand. "I will always love you, Tatiana. I miss you so much."

He glanced up when he felt a hand touch his shoulder and was startled to find the spirit of his wife starting at him, giving him a gentle smile. "Do you really miss me that much?" she asked.

Mason smiled as well. "Yes, Tatiana, I miss you very much. I've been so miserable since you died. I even closed off most of the rooms in the mansion because they reminded me of your smile and laughter."

"You didn't have to do that, Mason," she replied. "I know that you were hurt, but you shouldn't close off everything that reminds you of me. It's all right to have memories."

Mason shook his head, more tears falling down his cheeks. "I'll never forget the first time I laid eyes on you," he said. "Do you remember?"

"I will never forget that night either," she told him, her ghostly fingers gently wiping away his tears.

Some Years Earlier

Miami, Florida…

Mason was just parking his bicycle by the front door outside the shared condominium he lived in with Jules and Brady, and nearly collided with a sobbing female walking by. "I'm sorry, miss. I didn't see you there." He saw the tears streaming down her face. "What's wrong? Why are you crying? I didn't hurt you, did I?" She shook her head, releasing the gentle hold he had on her upper arms then ran off down the street. Mason immediately took off after her, gently cradling her into his arms bridal style and walking back to his condo's building, carrying her inside and gently placing her on the covers of his bed. Mason gently touched her cheek. "Just rest now. You're safe here."

Her raven black hair bobbed silently as she nodded then curled up into the pillow beneath her head. Mason smiled then brought the blankets up from the end of the bed where they were wrinkled on the floor and covered her small body with them. After he'd done that, Mason left his bedroom and went out into the living room, feeling the scrutinizing gazes of Brady and Jules on him as he began walking around to clean up. "Lockwood, what's going on?" Brady asked.

Mason sighed, knowing he couldn't lie to them. "It would seem we have a guest. I ran into a young lady while I was on my way home tonight. I couldn't leave her, so I brought her here."

Brady nodded and so did Jules. "If you need any help, Mason, let me know. She might need feminine help," Jules offered with a soft, gentle smile.

Mason smiled. "Thank you, Jules. I think I might need you. She might trust me, but I think she might also open up to you."

Jules smiled again. "I'll be back then. She might need a change of clothes for later. She retreated to Mason's bedroom to go kneel beside the bed, where she gave the girl a gentle smile as she said, "Hi there."

Tatia returned her smile. "Hi." Her smile faded. "Who are you?"

"I'm Julianne, a friend of Mason's. And very far from being romantic with him," Jules said with another smile. "And I was wondering if you'd let me help you by shopping for some new clothes, if you won't mind giving me the size of the clothes you wear."

Tatia smiled again. "It's nice to meet you, Julianne. I'm Tatiana Gilbert, but everyone calls me Tatia." She ran a hand through her hair. "As far as shopping goes, my dress size is a 4. The same goes for my pant size."

"Alright, I'll be back soon with some clothes for you. I'm going to assume that Mason will let you stay here with us, and you know what? I'm more than okay with that. I miss someone back home, back in my childhood hometown," Jules said with a soft, sad smile.

Tatia nodded. "I'm sure that you'll see your friend again, whoever it is. And thank you for letting me stay here. I really appreciate it."

"It's not a problem. Mason is free to do whatever he pleases, I won't stand in his way," Jules said.

Tatia nodded. "You're a good friend, Julianne."

"I try to be. Mason and Brady are like the brothers I never had," she said. Tatia nodded and soon fell asleep again. Jules exited the room and saw Mason and Brady looking at her. "I found out her name is Tatiana Gilbert, but she also answers to Tatia. I didn't press her for any other information, since she'll probably explain that when she's ready."

Mason nodded then leaned in to kiss Jules' forehead in a brotherly, affectionate manner. "Thanks for doing this, Jules. I really appreciate it," he said softly.

Jules nodded. "It's my pleasure. You're like a brother to me and I'll do anything for you, within reason, of course."

Mason chuckled then hugged her quickly before stepping back. "Go on, get out of here. I'm going to go check on her," he said.

Jules nodded and quickly walked out. Mason then walked to the room that Tatia was in, smiling when he saw that she was asleep. Poor thing, she must've been exhausted. Carefully, Mason sat down next to her but remained upright just in case she got frightened or something. Tatia slowly opened her eyes and when she saw Mason, she gave him a tired smile. "Well, if it isn't my knight in shining armor."

"Hello to you too, Tatiana," he replied. "I thought I'd come in and see how you are."

"I'm doing quite well. Though, I should probably call my parents to let them know where I am," she said.

Mason nodded and handed her the phone on the nightstand. "Here you go. I'll give you privacy if you want."

"No! Please stay," she pleaded, giving him The Look when he made a move to leave the bed, tugging him back onto the covers.

Mason sighed. "Okay, Tatia, I'll stay with you. I just thought you'd want to have privacy when you talk to your parents."

"No, it's all right, I want you here with me," Tatia said. "To be honest, I'm sort of nervous about telling my parents about where I am, and I need you here to keep me calm."

He nodded then kept one hand gently cradled around hers, their fingers intertwined together. "I'm right here, just squeeze my hand if it gets too intense," he told her.

Tatia nodded and dialed her parents' number, waiting as it rang, looking at Mason. When she heard Miranda pick up on the other end, she said, "Hey, Mom."

"Tatiana, thank goodness," Miranda said. "Your father and I were worried sick about you. Are you all right?"

"Yes, Mama, I'm fine," Tatia replied. "I'm actually in Florida."

"You're where!?" Grayson demanded in the background.

Tatia squeezed Mason's hand when she heard her father's harsh words. "I'm in Florida."

"Tatiana Marie Gilbert, what the hell are you doing in Florida!?" Grayson demanded. "Your mother and I are worried sick about you! Do you realize the danger you could've gotten into?"

"Daddy, I'm fine," Tatia said. "I'm actually staying with some friends."

Mason gestured for the phone and Tatia handed it over silently. "Mr. Gilbert, this is Mason Lockwood," he said, introducing himself first then listened to the question asked. "Yes, as in the Mayor's estranged brother."

"It's good to finally meet you, Mason," Grayson said. "So, how is it that my daughter came to be with you?"

"I was coming home and I saw that she was walking around, crying and hurt. Emotionally, of course, not physically," he replied. "My friends and I are letting her stay with us."

"What kind of friends do you have that are willing to share whatever kind of housing you live in?" Grayson asked.

"Well, sir, I have one other male living here, and one female. The female is going to help me with the shopping for Tatia, because she's like a sister to me," Mason replied.

For a few minutes, there was a silence and Mason got nervous, thinking Grayson had hung up on him. Finally, he heard the older man say, "Do you promise to keep my daughter safe while she's there with you?"

"You have my solemn vow, sir, that Tatiana won't be going anywhere without me at her side at all times," Mason replied.

"You better, or I'll come down there and deal with you accordingly," Grayson said. "Trust me, I'm a doctor, I'm skilled with a knife. Then, I'll hide your body where no one will find you."

"Daddy, you should be ashamed!" Tatia yelled at him, since she'd taken the phone back.

"Tatiana. I'm so, so sorry," he said immediately and she could hear the remorse in his tone.

"You should be, Daddy," she replied. "Mason is taking care of me. I don't appreciate you threatening him like that."

"Just come home whenever you can, Tatiana. Your mother and I will welcome you with open arms," her father said before hanging up.

Tatia put the phone back onto the hook then left the bed to begin pacing. Mason watched her, his eyes cautious about what she would do next. Tatia saw him watching her, looking at him. "I'm sorry you had to hear that, Mason. My father is protective, and sometimes, he can't control what comes out of his mouth."

"Are you the youngest or the oldest?" was all that Mason asked next.

"The youngest," she replied. "I have two sisters named Elena and Katherine, both of whom are married. Well, actually, I'm the first youngest, because I have a brother named Jeremy."

Mason nodded and smiled at her, chewing gently on his thumbnail. "Were you each born individually?" he asked next.

Tatia nodded. "Yes, we were."

"No, I mean you, your sisters, and your brother? Were you each born separately?" Mason asked.

Tatia giggled. "Oh. Well, my sisters and I are triplets. Jeremy was separate."

"Wow, your mom must have been really brave to carry triplets to full term," Mason said with a bewildered smile.

"Actually, it was quadruplets, but we don't know what happened to the fourth," Tatia told him with a sad smile as she stopped her pacing to go and stand over by the window.

Mason joined her by the window. "You're safe here, Tatia. We won't let anything happen to you."

"I know," she said softly.

Present Day…

Mason sighed as he felt fresh tears in his eyes. "You may not believe this, Tatia, but that I fell in love with you that night."

"I believe it," she replied. "I fell in love with you that night too." She sighed. "Still, I only wish my father wouldn't have spoken to you so harshly."

"It's not your fault," Mason said. "He was worried about you. I know I would be if anything were to happen to Tanya, Melinda or the boys."

"You're a wonderful father, Mason," Tatia said. "I've watched you since the funeral and I'm proud of you."

"I almost used a shotgun on this new boy that Tanya seems to be in love with, so I don't know if I'd call my parenting wonderful," he said.

Tatia smiled. "Oh, yes, Jack. Well, what would you say if I told you that I brought them together without their knowledge?"

Mason gave her a confused look. "Can you actually do that, you know, from up there?" he asked, pointing his index finger to the ceiling in a pointed manner.

His deceased wife laughed softly. "Of course we can do that, love. We are allowed to do anything we set our minds to," she replied.

Mason nodded, still a bit shocked by what Tatia told him. "Wow, that's…amazing."

Author's Note: Here comes another update! I won't know what the next one will entail, but here is to hoping it will be good!