"No no no. He cant be doing the show" Willow said quietly as they walked out of the hospital to their taxi. "How the hell is he even out?" "I dont know Wills. But dont let him get to you. You are better than him" Amy replied as Willow wiped away tears and said "Take me to Matt please. Hes going to be pissed when he sees that list" "He'll be ok Wills. He knows you arent staying in the same place as him. Plus we dont know the circumstances of him being on the show" Amy said as they entered the taxi. "Where to ladies?" Willow heard a familiar voice ask from the front seat. As Willow looked up she smiled, "What are you doing here Matt?" she asked, but before he could reply, Amy replied "I called him. I figured you two could use some time alone after last night" Willow smiled and quietly said "Thank you" as Amy left the car and jumped into a taxi behind her, leaving Matt and Willow alone for the first time in almost two days.
"Im so sorry Matt, about everything. I know i ruined yesterday and it was such an amazing day" Willow began to say as she felt tears roll down her face. To her surprise, Matt leant in and kissed her, before wiping away her tears. "You didnt ruin anything Wills. How are you feeling anyways? Whats going on?" he asked as Willow told him "Ive got more cysts. One popped last night, thats where the blood was from. I thought i'd lost Ruby" "Jesus baby..." Matt said as they began driving "Shes ok though. Shes a little fighter" Willow replied as she placed her hand on top of Matts. "She is, isnt she?" he replied adding "Just like her mom" "Im sorry for pushing you away Matt. Everything thats happened lately, its been messing with my head. The weddings, Victor, nickname guy, these stupid cysts and now Dean" she said as Matt asked "What about Dean?" "You havent seen the list have you?" Willow replied as Matt shook his head "Wills, whats going on? What list?" he asked as she said "This morning, about 30 minutes ago, some website posted a list of everyone who is doing the x factor and Deans name is on the list. Im not happy with this Matt" "How the fuck is he out? And how is he allowed to come anywhere near you after what he did" Matt said angrily as Willow replied "I dont know Matt. Im really not happy with this. If hes doing the show, then im not" "Youre not quitting over him. Wills if you quit, then he wins" Matt said adding "im not letting him win. Not this time" "Matt you are the the most amazing man ive ever met. You really think we can survive him again?" Willow asked as Matt nodded "I know so baby. You're stronger, we're stronger this time around. Do you know your first song yet?" "Not yet, theres been a few songs thrown around but nothing definite. Thank you for believing in me, in us Matt. I dont know how im going to get through these weeks without you. I love you" Willow said, finally realising that Matt wasnt driving her to the house "Matt, where are we going?" she asked as Matt replied "Its a surprise. Its just a day for me and you" making Willow smile, "I love that smile. So does Jas" Matt said as Willow asked "what was wrong with her last night? Mom said something about her waking up screaming?" "You dont even want to know Wills. I left the hospital and as soon as i got home, Elly came downstairs. She'd been trying for over an hour to calm her down. So i went up to her room. She'd trashed it. Toys are broken, shes drawn on the walls, clothes ripped on the floor. Her bed is broken, she had to sleep with me last night" he said as Willow sighed "whats gotten into her lately?" "Jas overheard us one night, talking about Victor. Shes terrified of him, that hes going to come back and hurt you again" Matt replied continuing "Ive told her hes not coming back, shes promised to be a good girl and look after you in New York. She was so upset, she thought you hated her" "I could never hate her, where on earth would she get that idea?" Willow said as Matt replied "I think she saw you upset with her last night and assumed it" "Where is Jas anyway? I thought she'd have wanted to be with us?" Willow said "Elly and Phil have taken her for the day, they are going to bring her up later tonight, so we have the whole day to ourselves" Matt replied as Willow stifled a yawn. "Why dont you try and get some sleep Wills? I'll wake you when we get there" he said as Willow closed her eyes and instantly fell asleep.
"Hey Wills, we're here" Matt said quietly, as Willow woke from her sleep. As she opened her eyes she saw that they were parked at the beach. "Matt its freezing and we're at the beach" Willow said as Matt said "Come one, time for your surprise" As they got out of the car Matt said "Close your eyes and take my hand" she groaned as she closed her eyes as she felt him take her hand. "Watch your step Wills" she heard him say as he led her up a few stairs. Willow heard the gentle crashing of waves on the sand as she began to feel the most relaxed she had in a while. "Ready Wills?" Matt said as they stopped walking and Willow nodded her head, as he whispered "Open your eyes" "Oh my god Matt! This is incredible" Willow said as she took in what was in front of her. Matt had rented a house right on the beach, or so she thought. "Its ours Wills. I bought it a while ago and ive been doing it up in secret. It was going to be your wedding present from me to you" he said as Willow felt tears roll down her face as she turned to face him, smiling. "This is...its amazing. I love it. I love you" she said as she kissed him. As they pulled apart he turned her around to show her the view, they were right on the beach. "Youre full of amazing surprises lately Mr Hardy" Willow teased as Matt put his arms around her and kissed her neck. "You deserve this Mrs Hardy. I love you more than you know" he replied as Willow turned and faced him again, kissing him, shivering. "Youre cold Wills, shall we go inside?" Matt said as Willow nodded. As Matt led her inside, Willow began kissing him again. As he kissed her back they began to strip each other. Willow wrapped her legs around him as she whispered in his ear "Matt, take me to bed"
"When was the last time we got to do this Matt? Just lie in bed, just the two of us, no interruptions" Willow asked as she placed her head on his chest "Before Jas? Remember those days off where we used to just stay in bed all day" he asked as Willow giggled "They were amazing days but i wouldnt change anything right now" she said as she placed their hands on Ruby, who had started kicking. "I just wish i'd told you about Jas earlier and we wouldnt have missed out on three years of family life" "We found each other again Wills, it might have taken a while but we're still here. Still together" Matt replied kissing her forehead, making her smile. "Is this really ours Matt? Its so perfect and peaceful" Willow said as Matt replied "Its really ours. Just got to put a few finishing touches to this place and then its our secret getaway. No one will find us here" "Can we just stay like this? For the remainder of the afternoon?" she asked as Matt kissed her again, his arms wrapped tightly around her, "we can do anything you want Wills" he said as she closed her eyes and fell asleep again. She awoke a few hours later, looking at the clock on the bedroom wall it said 6pm. It took her a few seconds to realise that she was all alone in the bed. "Matt?" she called out but the house was silent. Willow got up and got dressed, heading downstairs where she realised she was all alone. I need some air. Ive been couped up inside all day she thought to herself as she wrapped herself up and stepped out onto the veranda overlooking the ocean. She took a seat and stared out across the beach, into the ocean, losing all track of time. "Wills? Where are you?" she heard Matt call from inside the house but she didnt respond. She was too engrossed in watching the boats on the water in the distance. "Hey there you are, ive been calling for you" Matt said as he eventually found her on the veranda. "Sorry Matt, i was miles away" Willow replied as Matt leant down and kissed her, "You hungry? I forgot we didnt have food in, so ive got takeout and some stuff for breakfast tomorrow" he said as Willow nodded and replied "Im starving, what do we have" following him back inside the house.
"Thank you for the last two days Matt. Ive needed them. We've needed them" Willow said as Matt served up their food "With the exception of the trip to the hospital this morning of course" "You deserve every second of this Wills. Ive put you through hell the last few weeks, not to mention other things happening outside of us" Matt replied "I think we needed some alone time to reconnect after everything thats happened, and i think we have" "Can we make a deal? Mom and dad date night, once or twice a month. Just me and you getting away from Jas and Ruby for a few hours so we can breathe and chill together" Willow asked as Matt nodded "Sounds like a plan Wills. Why dont we start right now?" he teased as he picked her up, kissing her. "What if someone walks in Matt?" Willow whispered as Matt replied "No one is due here for at least 4 more hours so we have all the time in the world" before kissing her again, only this time they didnt stop. Clothes were flying all over the floor as they ended up in bed together again.
"You know what i want to do right now?" Willow said as she smiled at Matt who replied "I have no idea. Tell me" "I want to go sit in front of the TV, binge on a box set and eat ice cream with you" Willow replied as she rolled on top of Matt and straddled him. Matt pulled her closer to him and said "I can give you two of those things. But we dont have ice cream" as Willow giggled "Well then, i guess we're staying here" before kissing him and sleeping with him again. A few hours later, Elly and Phil entered the house, carrying Jasmine, who was asleep. They heard noises coming from the living area, "Oh fuck Matt!" they heard Willow scream as they rushed into the living Elly yelled out "OH MY GOD" as Matt and Willow bolted upright and saw them standing there. "What the fuck are guys doing here?" Willow asked as Matt saw the time as they scrambled for a blanket to cover themselves in, slightly embarrassed that they'd been caught having sex. "We've brought Jas up Wills" Phil said as Matt asked "Do you guys mind turning around for two minutes, just so we can put some clothes on" "Tell you what, why dont we go put this one to bed, you guys get ready and then we'll come catch up?" Elly suggested as Willow nodded replying "That sounds good Elly" as Matt added "Jas' room is upstairs, 3rd door on the left. Theres a spare room too if you guys want to go ditch your stuff for the night" "Thanks guys. Now put some clothes on!" Phil said as he disappeared upstairs with Jasmine, followed by Elly as Matt and Willow started laughing.
20 minutes later, Elly and Phil reappeared downstairs, Matt and Willow finally dressed and sitting on the sofa. "Ok guys spill. Whats going on with you two?" Phil asked as Willow replied "Nothing. Just happy to have some time alone with this one before New York" "You two have been acting like love sick teenagers for a while now. Whats really going on?" Elly said as Matt replied "We've just been struggling to find some alone time lately and with everything thats been happening we couldnt help ourselves." "What is this place anyways?" Elly asked "Its ours. Its our secret hideaway" Willow replied as she lay back into Matt and placed her head on his chest. He put his arms around her and added "I bought it a while ago, ive had workers revamping it and i surprised Wills with it yesterday" You guys own this place? Its incredible" Phil said "Its smaller than the house in Cameron, but its amazing. Its right on the beach, what more do you guys want" "Victor to be gone and nickname creep caught?" Willow said jokingly, before adding "Dean not to be doing the X Factor with me" "WHAT?" Elly yelled "Sorry. How is he allowed to do the show? How is he even allowed to be anywhere near you after what he did?" "I dont know Elly. But im not going to let him break us again" Willow replied as Matt squeezed her hand. As Willow stifled a yawn Matt said "I love you, you know" "I love you too Matt. I might head up to bed. Im starting to feel really sleepy and we have a long drive tomorrow" she replied as she stood up to go to bed. "Go. You've had the longest 24 hours out of all of us. I'll be up soon" he replied as she kissed him before heading up to their bedroom.
"Shes scared guys, i know it. She wont admit it but shes scared" Matt said as Elly asked "Are you worried about her?" "Its not her im worried about. Its him. I trust her, she wont have anything to do with him" Matt replied as Phil asked "Hes the one who hurt her? Shot Eric? Tried to claim Jas as his own?" Matt nodded and replied "He wasnt aiming at Eric when he shot him. He was aiming at me" "Willow has never told us that part" Elly said as Matt added "We've never told anyone that, except the cops" "You think hes going to try something?" Phil asked as Matt shrugged his shoulders and said "I honestly dont know. Hes still trying to claim Jasmine as his. I dont know how much hes changed in prison, I just have a bad feeling about him" "Shes smart Matt, and tough. Shes not going to let him get close to her or Jas or Ruby. Plus Brooke and Christian will be around" Elly said as Matt yawned as she added "Matt why dont you head up to bed too? Its been a long day for everyone" "I might just do that Elly. Thanks for today guys, taking Jas and bringing her up here" Matt said before disappearing upstairs, joining his wife who was already fast asleep in bed.
"Youre worried about her arent you?" Phil asked Elly as they lay in bed, as Elly felt him put his arms around her she replied "I am Phil. I vaguely remember a Dean from childhood, i remember him always following us around, but i dont know if its the same Dean" "I cant help you there El. Would it help if we could find a photo of him?" Phil said as he kissed her head. "If its the same Dean from the trial last year, then a pre prison photo might help. But right now, im tired. Its been a really long two days" she replied as she placed her head on his chest and closed her eyes. "I know Elly. We'll all get through this together" he replied as he kissed her forhead and closed his eyes too. "I cant lose her Phil. Not when we've already spent most of our lives apart" she whispered "You wont lose her El. Matt wont let them win" he replied sleepily. They lay in silence, the sound of the crashing wavesin the distance sending them into a deep sleep.
Willow awoke early the next morning. She smiled as she turned to face Matt who was still asleep. She got out of bed and walked over to the window, sitting in the chair next to it and stared out across the ocean, the stars reflecting on it. She'd been in the house less than twenty four hours, yet she already loved it. She sighed and closed her eyes as she listened to the waves gently breaking upon the shore. She didnt have her eyes closed for long when she heard Matt calling for her from the bed "Wills?" "Im fine Matt, go back to sleep" she replied, as Matt got out of bed and walked over to her. "You ok Wills? Its only 5am, come back to bed" he said as he crouched in front of her as she replied "Im fine Matt. I cant sleep, this one is starting to kick, hard" as she said that, Ruby kicked and her tiny foot made Willows skin pop. "Shes kicking hard isnt she?" Matt said, placing his hands on her bump "I think shes going to be a wrestler" Willow replied, giggling as Matt kissed her. "Come on back to bed Wills" He said again as he helped her from the seat. "How long do you think we have before Jas wakes? Willow asked as Matt led her to the bed. "Hopefully not for a few hours yet, why?" Matt replied as Willow kissed him "Want to carry on from last night? You know, before we were interrupted in the living area" she teased as she pushed him onto the bed, climbing on top of him and kissing him.
The next morning, they were awoken by Jasmine running into their room shouting "MOMMY! DADDY!" before jumping on their bed. "Hey Jas doll, what are you doing up?" Matt said as Jasmine crawled in between them "I couldnt sleep anymore and i want to go play!" Jasmine said before realising they werent in Cameron. "Daddy, where are we?" she asked as Willow replied sleepily, "We are in our special hiding spot Jas" "Momma, im sowwy momma. for being naughty yesterday and not going to bed when you told me too" Jasmine said as she faced Willow, who was smiling and replied "Come here, crazy beautiful daughter of mine" cuddling her. "A little bird told me that you thought i didnt love you anymore. Thats not true, of course i love you Jas. I love you no matter what" Willow added as Jasmine hugged her tight "Just like you love daddy right?" Jasmine said as Willow nodded "and your sister" "Sister?" Jas asked curiously, as Matt replied, "You know how at Christmas we told you that mommy had a baby growing in her tummy? Shes going to be your sister" at being told that she was getting a sister, Jas crept down to Willows little bump and said loudly "HI LITTLE SISTER! IM JASMINE AND IM YOUR BIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIG SISTER" making Willow and Matt giggle. "IM GOING TO TEACH YOU ABOUT THE BESTEST FOOD EVER: PANCAKES!" "Speaking of pancakes Jas, you want to go get breakfast?" Matt asked as Jas shook her head. "Not yet dadda" Jas said as she kissed Willows bump before crawling back in between them. "More cuggles" she said as she pulled Matt and Willows arms around her and smiled as she closed her eyes. It wasnt until she heard the waves that she remembered that they hadnt told her where they were. "Mommy, daddy. Where are we?" she asked again as Willow replied "We're in Kitty Hawk. Daddy bought this house a while ago and has been renovating it in secret" "I have an idea. Jas, why dont we go make some breakfast then we can go play on the beach for a little while before we head to Delaware?" Matt asked as Jasmine nodded.
45 minutes later, Matt and Jasmine were in the kitchen making pancakes. Willow was sitting out on the veranda, with Elly joining her. "This place is pretty amazing huh?" Elly said as she passed Willow a coffee, "I love it Elly. Its just so calming and peaceful here. How did Matt keep this a secret?" she replied taking a sip of her coffee, "I have no idea Wills. He's full of surprises lately isnt he" Elly replied as Willow smiled and nodded "He really is. I got lucky all those years ago. Coming over to find Amy, meeting Jeff and Trish and then Matt" Willow said taking another sip of coffee "It could have all been so different"