I take one last look into the oven before switching it off. The baked banana pancakes are done. Like every Sunday, we either have baked banana pancakes or crepes for breakfast. Today, I made both while Troy is hitting the indoor gym - just to see which one Ana prefers. It's early in the morning and I take a sip of my hot lemon tea as my eyes look through the window above the sink. The sun is slowly rising above the Thames, awakening the city. There are bright reds, oranges and pinks in the sky, foreseeing a frosty day. It will be her first day home. Her first proper day home. She's going to meet the others.

I stayed up the whole night, praying she won't freak out.

Soft blues music is coming out of the speakers in the kitchen, awakening my ears in those early morning hours. I shift my weight from left to right, feeling my sore muscles. Everything from my ankles to my fingertips is sore. And we didn't even use our special room. Sometimes I forget how breathtaking normal - vanilla - sex can be. We have tried so much in the last years and our taste has grown into a direction that takes my breath away every single time. It's dark, it's twisted and it's beautiful. I don't know how Troy can workout this morning. I was busy the whole night keeping his hunger at bay - and mine as well. And the few hours he did sleep, I spent worrying about Ana. But I restrained myself from checking up on her. She deserves a little privacy after all she's been through.

Suddenly, I feel eyes burning into my back. I turn around and expect see my husband, but to my surprise I don't. I face an even smaller human. I face Ana. "Good morning sweetie." I greet her with a smile on my lips as I walk over to her, "Why are you up so early?" I brush through her blonde hair that's a bit messy. "Are you hungry?" Is she going to eat more today?

She shakes her head. "Although it does smell good. But I told you. I never miss a sunrise." Her voice sounds a little sleepy, but she smiles at me.

"Well if that's the case, then we should head into the living room where there's a much better view than from the kitchen." I hold out my hand.

She takes it before we walk into the living room. I place my cup of tea on the chess table before I move an armchair so it faces the glass front that we have in the living room. The colours of the rising sun are even more beautiful here, more vibrant. The colours fill the whole living room in the most stunning way. "Can I sit in your lap?"

"Sure." I say before sitting down in the armchair. I tap on my lap and she grabs the cashmere blanket from the other chair before taking a seat. She's so lightweight that I barely feel her. I wrap my arms around her waist and pull her closer to me. She smells just like her green eyes indicate: a fresh forest. She's so innocent. Yet, she's been through hell.

More than Troy.

More than me.

"It's beautiful, isn't?" I ask as I brush through her hair.

She nods before leaning back against my chest. I ignore the sharp sore muscle pain running through my body. God, he fucked me senseless last night.

I love it.

"I like the vibrancy." Ana agrees with me, "It washes off yesterday. It's the start of a brand new day."

"Yes."

"I used the journal today." She announces with a grin on her lips, "Would you like to know what I wrote?"

I smirk, "Only if you want to share."

"Okay."

"What are the three things you're grateful for?"

"Easy: You, Daddy and Adaline. But it was really hard to pick an order." She frowns, "The system is meant to be simple, but I find it really hard."

I chuckle at her words, "What would make today great?"

"See the sunrise with my Mommy, beat Adaline at chess again and watch the crackling fire in the open fireplace."

I feel tears building in my eyes. She did not only tick a thing off of her list, but she ticked one off of mine as well: getting to know Ana better. Maybe touch her, if she allows me to.

And now we're spooning.

"I like your list." I breathe out, my voice sounding a bit broken. That little girl has my heart already.

"And my mantra…" she tilts her head to the side, so I can see her forest green eyes. "My mantra is to enjoy every day with my family."

Now she's making it really hard for me to keep myself together. I gulp the football down my throat, fighting the tears as much as possible. "That's a really good mantra."

"I know." She say simply before leaning against my chest, "Your heart is beating very fast." She notices.

Oh she has no idea it's because of her. I watch her closing her eyelids and allow a tear to roll down my cheek. I knew adoption would be beautiful and an emotional rollercoaster ride at the same time.

But I didn't think it'd be taking my breath away this fast.

Quickly, she has fallen asleep again. I pick up my cup of tea and take another sip as I watch the sun rising high, coating the whole living room in shades of pink now. It's the start of a brand new day, just like Ana said. The blues music is really silent here, but I can still hear it a little. I smile, it took us three days to have the first proper contact. The first cuddle. I thought it would take more. Claire said that sometimes it takes months, but usually a few weeks. We made it in three days.

That's a good progress.

For at least half an hour I sit there, enjoying this moment. Our first proper moment. It still feels a bit surreal to have her here.

"Hey," I twist my head around as a I hear my husband's voice. He's sweaty from his gym session and I feel his pheromones filling my nostrils. Damn it, my husband makes me want him even after a good workout and a night of sex. "Shhh!" I hiss at him, pointing down on me.

He frowns before walking closer. His eyes widen as he sees Ana sleeping against my chest. "Just when I think I couldn't love you more, you prove me otherwise." He whispers into my ear and I smile before I kiss him softly. He gives me the same feeling every day.

"Do you want me to carry her back to bed?"

I shake my head, "I can do that myself." I insist but feel my body protesting as I move a little. Ana's a really deep sleeper, I notice as she doesn't move an inch.

"Really?" He narrows his eyes at me.

"Alright fine." I whisper back rolling my eyes. "But this is all your fault. Because you fucked me senseless."

"It was you who kept needing more. I was just pleasing you."

"Most of all, you were pleasing yourself."

"That, too." He smirks at me before picking her up with ease.

"But shower afterwards or else last night will be repeated in the kitchen." I let my fingers run over his beard, "And shave."

"You don't like my three day stubble?"

"I like it a little..." I let my thumb run over his mouth, "or maybe a lot. No one should see you this sexy."

"I look less sexy clean shaved?"

I bite my lip and shake my head, "No you don't. But I feel a little less jealous."

I can see his blue orbs sparkle with desire as he walks past me, "I'll shower for our children's sake then."

I shake my head laughing as I watch him walking through the foyer and upstairs. I see him passing the gallery before he disappears in the hallway on our first floor.

My husband, the sex addict.

And his wife, the sex addict.

We really are a match made in heaven.

"What are the plans for today?" Della asks while cutting through her baked banana pancakes. She put berries on them before pouring maple syrup above.

"Breakfast, getting dressed and head to the Christmas tree market." Troy answers before taking a sip of his coffee. He showered and shaved, just like I asked him to.

But his appearance is still making me wet.

"Sounds like fun." Ana smiles before slicing the crepes. Unlike Della she didn't drown them in maple syrup. She chose Greek yogurt, berries and coconut sugar as a topping instead. "These are really good."

Finally she seems to have an appetite. "I'm glad you like them." I smile at her.

"Told you Mom could bake and that you wouldn't miss sugar." Della has a triumphantly smile on her lips. The very same her father has on his lips sometimes. Usually when I beg him to fuck me. Which occasionally happens because he teases me. I've never been patient.

Ana nods before we continue eating in silence. I look at Troy whose eyes are trained on Ana. I think he has the same issues with her eating habit as I do. It must bother him just as much.

"The others are coming in later to help us decorate the tree." I breathe out. I haven't told them yet. Ana doesn't know what comes with buying a Christmas tree in the Bolton household.

"The others?" Ana sounds confused.

"Just uncle Ryan with Kelsi and Luc with Miley. We have this tradition of decorating the Christmas tree together." Della starts explaining to her sister, "There's Christmas music and usually one of us plays the piano. We drink hot chocolate with marshmallows and sing along. Miley bosses us around - it's become her job. Kelsi hisses at Ry for not being efficient enough. We divide the tree in three sections: one for Miley and Luc, one for Kelsi and Ry and one for us. The best two sides will be faced towards the living room - the worst will face the wall. The winner chooses what will be placed on the very tip of the tree. It was a star last year as Miley and Luc won. The year before that we won. It's a lot of fun."

Anastasia's eyes sparkle, "Okay. I'm in."

"Good, because this year I want to win!" Della chuckles.

I smile at them, so we have green light. She wants to meet the others. It's good. It's really good. Suddenly, I feel his eyes burning into me and I turn around. My husband's blue orbs stare at mine while Ana and Della discuss their strategy about winning this year. As always the voices and surroundings get silent when he looks at me like that. It's just so mesmerising. "What?" I ask him in a whisper.

He leans over to me before I feel his hot breath on my ear, "I freaking love my family."

I grab his left hand and squeeze it in response, feeling his wedding band, "I do, too."

The winter wonderland here is nothing compared to the scenery in Russia. We've been on the road for almost an hour. We always buy our trees here. I have to restrain myself from placing my hand on his. It's resting on the gear change. Even from the corner of my eyes, I can see his platinum wedding band. A ring I slipped on his finger over seven years ago - as we got married alone on our own island.

It was the best decision in my life.

"Wow, there are so many trees!" Ana breathes out, her face pressed against the window.

"We always buy our trees here." Adaline explains, her head buried in a book. This time it's about the digestive system. I didn't question her when she wanted to have it. That way I'd be even more shocked, but I assume it's for her lectures with Prof. Bell. Or for fun. It could be both.

"There will be for sure one for us."

Troy parks the silver Tesla between two black Audis. "Alright, everyone out. We're here."

Without another word both Ana and Della open the car doors before hopping out. In the side mirror I can see them running over to the many Christmas trees. Just as I open the door, I feel his hand on mine, shutting the door again. Frowning, I look away from the window. I feel his lips crashing on mine a second later. I return his kiss and allow his tongue to dance with mine for a moment before I break us apart. "I wanted to touch or rather kiss you since we left the house."

"You can't even wait an hour?" We never kiss in our car but it has become a habit ever since Ana came into our life.

"I can't even wait a minute as soon as our lips part."

"Well you got to do both." I smile before brushing through his hair, "Much to my liking."

He returns my smile as his thumb brushes my left hand. I stare into his bright blue orbs being mesmerised again. Damn, he's too good to be true. "We should go."

He nods before letting go of my hand. We both open the doors sychronically before shutting them close. I pull the wool coat tighter around my body. It's much colder than in London. Much colder. We walk over to the many trees that look like a little forest of fir trees. There are families like ours looking for a Christmas Tree, but most of the good ones seem already gone. After all, we are quite late with the tree this year. Among the many green trees, I can see Ana's blonde hair clearly sticking out. She's wearing the same light grey bobble hat as Adaline. They're the same height, and wear all black. Except for their coats. Ana's navy colored and Della's beige. I can see them discussing something as Della points to the tip of the fir tree. Ana nods before answering. I feel like I have to pinch myself. I can't believe this is real.

"Have you guys found one already?" Troy asks them as we reach them. He knees down between them. Della and Ana turn around and I have to gulp to control my emotions.

Fuck, I can't believe this is my family.

The doorbell rings as I stare at the naked bushy fir tree. It's not a Christmas tree yet, but it will be in an hour. There are pine needles everywhere, showing the exact way we brought it in. It has started to snow again. Big chunky white flakes fly down from the sky. We have the equipment with ornaments and flashy lights wrapped in boxes in front of the tree. The only Christmas decoration is a white light that is laying behind the framed photos on the mantelpiece of our fireplace. We still have to hang up our Christmas stockings. Now, we have to hang up four socks instead of three. Christmas music is coming out of the speakers to get us into the mood. Not that I need anything to get into the mood for Christmas.

After all I have everything I ever wanted.

"I'll get it." Della runs already to the front door. I smile she's so excited for the others to meet Ana. Her sister.

Suddenly, panic overcomes me. They are here. Oh my god, they are here! Ana is going to meet the rest of our family - well, the biggest part since Diana is on vacation and Shai has to work.

"We brought eggnog." I hear Miley saying in the foyer. "I missed you, little genius."

"My sister is in the living room."

"We know." I can hear Luc's smile through his voice. He sounds just like his older brother.

"Come on, let me introduce her to you guys."

I can hear Ryan's chuckle before zippers open and shoes are taken off. "I wouldn't miss it in the world!"

"Hurry up!" Della urges them.

Another chuckle in response, "We are." Kelsi ensures her.

I can hear footsteps coming to us and look at Ana. Her green eyes look scared. She looks terrified. Crap, she's not ready for this. "Don't worry. They will love you."

She doesn't seem to hear me as her eyes continue staring to the direction of foyer. I knee down in front of her to block her vision. "They will love you." I repeat, seeing her eyes focusing mine.

She gulps and nods, but doesn't say a word.

Shit, she's going to freak out. This is too much too soon. I knew it! I knew it! She'll crack and wants to be alone. She'll-

"Ana," Della's voice interrupts my thoughts. Ana's eyes focus behind me and her pupils widen again.

"You don't have to do this." I say to her, squeezing her little hand. "We can hide in your room if you want to." I wouldn't blame her. Less than 72 hours ago she was sitting in an orphanage, playing chess with burned down candles. Now, she's in freaking London in a house she thinks is a palace. With a group of new people. One of them she's now calling her sister. Two her parents.

But we're still strangers to her. She has no idea who we are.

We have no idea who she is.

Really, I wouldn't blame her if she ran and hid in her room.

She shakes her head and releases my hand before she walks over to Della. Once again, she decides to dive in headfirst. She's such a fighter. She conquers her own fears. She's so strong. She's a Bolton.

I turn around and watch her reaching Della. Ryan and Kelsi are behind her. "Okay, this is Ryan and Kelsi. You know, the one-"

"I know." Ana interrupts her before taking a look first at Kelsi and then at Ryan. Her green eyes scan their features, her brain making up thoughts. I hold my breath as I watch them stare at each other.

Ryan knees down first, holding a book. "Hi, I am Ryan. But you can call me Ry." He says before handing her a book, "We brought you a book. About sketching people's faces. Your Mom says you draw."

Ana frowns before taking the book from his hand, "I've never gotten a gift. Thank you very much. It's really thoughtful."

I feel my heart cracking at her simple words. A child like her should be drowning in gifts. She should have everything she wishes for. The whole fucking world should lay right in front of her little feet.

She shouldn't be stuck in an orphanage.

Suddenly, she pulls Ryan into a hug. I feel the tears burning in my eyes and take a deep breath. She might not know it, but this hug means the world to all of us. "You're welcome." He whispers, returning the embrace with a smile at his girlfriend.

I stand still in the living room, blending out the Christmas tunes. I can't believe this is really happening. It somehow still feels surreal.

Ana releases Ry from the hug before looking at Kelsi. Without a word she hugs her as well. She's so grateful. She deserves to feel this way for the rest of her life.

"Hey, Mils, are you crying?" I can hear Luc's worried voice before they appear behind Ryan and Kelsi.

She waves her hand at him, "Hormones." She breathes out but I know she is just as moved as the rest of us. Her baby bump is clearly visible. 25 weeks look fabulous on her.

"Oh and these are Lucas and-"

"You're Hannah Montana." Ana's voice is full of shock.

I chuckle in the same moment as Miley. "God that was what 15 years ago?!" Her eyes mirror her chuckle as she looks down at Ana. She knees down across her, "Miley. It's Miley or Mils. However you prefer."

Ana nods, grinning from one ear to another. I think I just found out what her favourite tv show is. And the superstar is standing across her.

This is by far going to be the best Christmas she ever had.

"They showed your show 32 times where I used to live. Every song was played 58 times, but the best of both worlds was played 165. It has a catchy tune. It stuck in my head."

"I can't believe they still show that… it feels like a lifetime ago." Miley seems just as surprised as the rest of us.

"Can I hug you?"

Miley smiles, "Of course. Mine are by far better than Ryan's or Kelsi's hugs!" She jokes before Ana's arms wrap around her.

"I can't believe Miley Cyrus is my aunt…" she breathes out as she seems still in disbelief.

"Bolton." Lucas corrects her. "Miley Bolton."

Her green eyes look up at him as she releases his wife from her hug. Both pair of green eyes stare at each other for a moment and I wish I knew what either of them was thinking. After an eternity, Luc knees down so they are even. But Ana keeps her hands to herself. She seems reluctant for some reason. Suddenly, she takes a step back.

Oh fuck!

Is she going to have a nervous breakdown?!

She tilts her head to the side, watching her opponent closely. Neither of us says a word, afraid we scare her. The atmosphere is tensed. Really tensed.

I don't breathe.

Suddenly, I hear Troy's office door open and he walks out. "Okay, I cleared everything with-" he stops abruptly at the scene in front of him. He frowns as he sees us all stranding like statues. "What's going on?" He asks, but neither of us dares to say a word. He looks at all of us, seeing me standing in the living area. I don't even dare to move. This could go either way.

"Della," he looks at his daughter beside him, but she seems just as mesmerised as the rest of us. Another first for her. He frowns before looking up at me again. I shake my head, asking him to be silent. I don't want this to turn into the false direction. Ana doesn't like him. She doesn't like Luc. Is she afraid of him? Has he awoken some horrific memories? Is she going to start crying? Will this turn into a disaster?

"Ana," Troy's voice rips her out of her thoughts, causing her to look at him. Whatever she thought, now it's gone. "Are you okay?"

She nods.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." She ensures him before looking at Luc, "You are just like your older twin-brother."

My mouth falls open. I expected her to say anything - but not that. Lucas and Troy are like day and night. The only thing they have in common is the sky. But other than that they are not alike. Not even the slightest.

"Okay…" Lucas frowns at her before rising to his full height again. He is the only one who didn't get a hug from her.

I am not sure what that means. I clear my throat, "Who wants hot chocolate?" I need to do something and I need to clear the air. Whatever this was, I don't think it was good.

"Me!" both of my girls scream, holding up their tiny hands.

"I'll help you." Miley offers before we walk out of the living area.

"Okay and we'll start decorating." Ryan says smiling to the rest.

"We'll win this year." Della smirks at him.

"Oh we'll see about that."

"With Ana's visual point of view, we'll win." Della nods before looking at Ana, "Right?"

"I'll do my best." she shows a little smile and I know whatever she thought a minute ago has been locked deep in her memory.

I hope no one digs it out for the rest of the day.

As I reach the kitchen, I grab on the kitchen island. I inhale deeply, I feel like I am the only one really stressing about it.

"She's so cute!" Miley's words reach my ears and I turn around. "Hey, are you alright?" her worried expression shows and she rests her hands on her baby bump.

"Yes." I say and force myself to smile.

"Don't lie." she urges me as she reaches me. Her blue eyes are burning through me.

"I guess I am just a bit stressed, that's all." I say before turning around and heading for the fridge. After all, I promised them hot chocolate.

"Is it because of that stare down with Luc?"

I get out the milk before shutting the fridge again. "No."

"It is." she says as she gets out two cups.

I place the milk next to her, "Look, I don't want her to freak out. And that was pretty close."

"She wasn't anywhere near freaking out, Gabs." Miley explains as she gets out the powered cocoa.

"You don't know her." I say getting out a pot to heat the milk in.

"And you don't either." she points out as I turn on the stove.

She's right. I don't know her either. "I'm just afraid this is all too much." I explain as I pour the milk into the pot. As if on point, I can hear Della's and Ana's laughter coming out of the living room.

"It doesn't sound like it's too much for her." Miley smiles before pulling me into a hug. "She's fine."

"You sound just like Troy."

"I hate to admit it, but your husband is right." she says grinning before she looks beside me. I can feel his presence before he even says a word. "Speaking of the devil."

"Oh, I haven't been called that before." I feel his hands wrapping around my waist.

"Okay, that's my cue to leave you guys alone." with that Miley walks out of the kitchen.

I chuckle before I lean against his strong torso, savoring his touch.

"Are you alright?"

"No." I breathe out, unable to lie towards him.

"She's doing very well."

"What happened with Luc scares me. What if it happens again? What the hell was she thinking? Did he give her some kind of flashbacks?" I ask him, turning around.

"I don't know. We have to take it step by step with her."

"I have a feeling this path will be flooded with mines." I breathe out as he get out a spoon to stir the heating milk.

"There might be a few surprises but overall I think she's holding together quite well."

"I still want to take her to Dr. Wyatt. After all the shit she's been through, she must have some damage. No one could walk away from that gracefully. And we don't even know the whole story. Like the plate-thing."

"You mean that she's leaving the plate half empty?"

I nod as he stirs the milk, "It bugs me. It really does."

"You should try to enjoy this, Gabriella. We're all here, decorating the Christmas tree together. And Ana seems to enjoy this."

"Okay..." I breathe out and smile. "I'll try."

"Good. That's all I am asking for."

"Time to pick the winner this year!" Lucas announces with a bright smile on his face. We've spent the last two hours decorating the tree. With no nervous breakdowns, no stare downs and no crying. It was a lot of fun actually. We sang along with the Christmas music, Troy played on the piano and I watched the girls decorating our third of the tree.

"To be fair, I think our side is facing the wall this year." Ryan's disappointment can't be masked. I walk over to him and look at his side of the three. The colorful transparent ornaments are hanging on the tree with golden strings of stars. There are some yellow ornaments and some in bright orange. The transparent ones are filled with little pearls in every color. It's nice but... No, that's definitely not the winner. "I think you're right." I agree, laughing as I pad on his shoulder.

"So, it's just between us now." Miley smiles at Ana who smiles back. "I think I know who's going to win."

"As the democratic family we are, we have to vote after having a look at each side." Adaline looks at us, reminding us of our rules.

"Of course." Troy agrees with a small smile on his lips before looking at Miley's and Luc's side with me. They have chosen dark red ornaments. Bobbles and stars are hanging on the pine needles with lights. There are some ornaments made out of cloth: rentiers, angels and Santa. It looks very beautiful.

"Okay, now the other side." I say to Troy before we all look on Della's and Ana's side. They chose golden bobbles, hallow stars and hearts. Some are matte, while other's are shiny. The same lighting string as Luc's and Miley's side is hanging on their side. Suddenly, I notice that a few matte ornaments have our names engraved in them. In a beautiful curly handwriting. A handwriting I have seen before. But we don't own such ornaments. "Who did the engravings?"

"Me." Ana says with a small smile on her lips. "With one of Della's scalpels."

She held a scalpel in her tiny hands. She's so much like Adaline and yet so different. "They are very beautiful." I return her smile.

"Okay, I think it's fair if we give up here." Lucas gives in with a smile as he looks at his wife, "I mean, we don't have engraved ornaments on our side."

"I agree. We are both too clumsy to do that. This side is definitely the most beautiful one."

"Wait, no vote?" Della seems perplex.

"No vote. We decided that unanimously." Lucas speaks for all of us.

"We won!" Ana is grinning from ear to ear.

"Duh, of course we won! I have the best sister in the world!" Della responds, wearing the same smile on her lips.

The best sister in the world.

I don't even try to hide the tear that's rolling down my face.

I hide at the wall, my ears listening closely to the scene that's happening in Ana's bedroom. We decided to switch today. I've already put Della asleep, who was almost too excited about her triumph to fall asleep. Adaline is having a really good time with Ana so far, it seems like those two will be inseparable in the future.

"Did you had fun today?" my husband's deep voice gives me goosebumps like on the very first day we met.

"Yes!" I can't see it but I can definitely hear her smile.

"That's good. What did you like most?"

She thinks for a moment, probably remembering every single second of today. "Well, I like picking out the Christmas tree... and decorating the Christmas tree... Della's smile when we won... Oh and I enjoyed watching you guys dance together in front of the fireplace."

Troy chuckles, "Yeah, I did enjoy dancing with your Mom as well."

"But the best part was meeting Miley! I had no idea you were related!"

I take a step closer to the door and peak inside. Ana's already laying in bed and Troy is sitting on the right bedside, facing me with his back. Ana's green eyes are shining through the dimmed light as she looks at her father. Her blonde hair is braided into two braids. The scene nearly bursts my heart.

"Well, now you can spend as much time as you want with Miley."

She grins at him, "I can?"

He nods, "I promise you."

"That's so cool!"

I watch Troy's body language change as the muscles in his back suddenly tense. "What do you think of Lucas?" I hold my breath at his question. I didn't expect him to ask her that already.

Her lips form a thin line, "I can see that he really loves you and his wife and..." she shrugs.

"And what?"

She shakes her head, telling him to better drop the subject her way.

"You can tell me."

She's about to find out how hard Troy can press on someone to get out information. I've seen it. I've experienced it. More than enough. "He loved Mommy." she answers while biting her lip.

Troy moves on the bed, as he if wanted to calm his nerves down. He definitely doesn't like this answer. "What do you mean?" he asks slowly as I am still holding my breath.

"I saw it in his eyes."

"We're a big family, we all love each other."

She shakes her head, "No, his love for her was different once. It hasn't always been that way."

I feel a knife cutting into my heart. She knows we hooked up a lifetime ago! She knows! How the hell can she know that?!

"They have a deeper connection than the rest of us do with him. It's different from your's and certainly different from Kelsi's and Ryan's... and Miley's. It's..." she shrugs, "It's unique, I guess."

I close my eyes, god I thought we were past this whole fucking thing over seven years ago! I thought we moved on... I thought we forgot about it.

But then Ana lays it on the table, right in front of our eyes.

It's a nightmare.

A fucking nightmare!

"Ana, how do you know these things?" Troy asks her slowly. Somehow, he doesn't seem offended at all. Maybe we are over it - or maybe he is just holding himself together.

She shrugs, "I just do."

"Did something like that happen before?"

She nods, "With Mommy, yes. But I don't remember what I said to her."

He nods before he brushes through his hair. "What about me?"

She tilts her head to the side, "No..." she breathes out after a moment of staring at him.

"Why do you think is that so?"

I watch her reaching out for his left hand, "Because you have nothing to hide."

He smirks at her, "Everyone has secrets." he kisses her forehead, "You should sleep now."

She nods as Troy gets up from the bedside, "Goodnight, Daddy."

"Goodnight, Ana." he turns around and notices me watching them. His blue orbs start flickering in a darker shade. Crap, he's mad.

I close my eyes and lean against the wall next to the door. Why the hell does it haunt us? Over seven years have passed - almost eight - and we are still circling around the same topic...

Troy switches off the lights and closes the door. "Fucking room. Now." he barks at me.

I feel a thrill of excitement rushing through my body before the realization of reality hits me again. He wants to claim me as his. He wants to own me.
He's still heartbroken over this.

I follow him down the hallway and into our master bedroom, "Troy, wait!" I call out as he's about to disappear into our dressing room.

To my surprise he stops and walks back to me, "What?"

"Shouldn't we talk about it?"

He sighs, "We talked a lot about it and we've moved on. Just because Ana somehow senses this whole thing between you guys, doesn't mean anything has changed. In fact, nothing has changed."

I frown, "So, we're not going in there because you have some kind of need to claim me or fuck it out of me?"

He shakes his head before cupping my face. "No. I want to go in there before I want to burry myself deep deep inside of you. I want to cherish you, love you and fuck you."

"Are you sure?" I ask him back, staring deeply into those dark blue orbs.

He stares back at me for a while, "Yes."

"No jealousy?"

"No."

I gulp, "Nothing inside of you happened when she said that?"

"How long have you been watching us?"

"A few minutes..." I trail off.

"Well, she did hit a nerve by saying that, but then again I see it, too."

"You do?"

"Yes, it's gotten weaker over the years and I know he truly loves Miley and is happy with her... but I know you will always have a special place in his heart."

"I will never-"

"I know." He interrupts me. "I know you won't and he won't either. Because he loves and adores Miley. And you love me. But this tiny part of him..." he shrugs.

"And that doesn't freak you out even the slightest bit?"

He stares at my lips before slowly meeting my gaze again, "No."

Why doesn't it hurt him? He is the jealous kind of husband - and I am the jealous kind of wife. It would rip me apart if I knew my very own sister would love my husband the way I do, even if it's just a tiny bit of her. I frown, "Why not?"

Suddenly, his face turns cold as his eyes fall into sadness. The dark blue fades into a grey in his eyes. Oh god, what have I done? "Because." with that he shrugs.

"No, not just because. Give me a reason." I say, "I need a reason." I whisper back.

He bites his lip, clearly not willing to give me that reason. "Alright, I'm going to say this once and I will never ever repeat myself, so you better listen closely."

I nod because I think he needs some kind of confirmation from me.

"I am not jealous of him or feel hurt by this because..." he stops as if saying it out loud is hurting him. "Because I know he'll be there when I won't." he says quickly in one breath.

I stumble from his words as I take a step back. Because he'll be there when I won't. I shake my head, feeling the tears burning in my eyes. He'll be there... when I won't. The realization, the words hit me like a fucking wrecking ball. "Are you... are you sick?" I ask him back, frowning as the tears start forming in the corner of my eyes. How could I have not seen this? He looks healthy to me, but then maybe I just didn't pay enough attention. Between being a Mom and an entrepreneur, maybe I've neglected my obligations as a wife. Oh god, does he have cancer?!

"No, no, no!" he shakes his head just in case his words don't reach my ears. He places his hands on my shoulders and I feel his strong grip stabilizing my body as I have apparently started to shake.

"Are you sure?" I ask him back, seeing his face behind a curtain of my tears. Just the thought of being without him tears me apart already.

He nods, "Yes. I am all healthy and I plan to stay this way for a long, long time." with his thumbs he wipes away the tears that roll down my cheeks. I wrap my arms around my - apparently - all healthy husband. He wraps his strong arms around my petite body and I inhale deeply as I rest my head against his chest. I can hear his heart pumping and feel his pulse humming as I rest my thumb against his neck. He's healthy. He's alive... And Luc will be there when he won't. When one day... I shiver as my mind starts traveling to a place I never want to live in. I can't imagine my life without him. I won't have a life without. I won't. Despite all the things he says.

"I'm here..." he whispers into my ear before kissing my temple. I hold on to him even tighter, suddenly all I want to feel is the safety he gives me. His scent washes over me like the ocean waves in a stormy night. No, I never want to lose this... "And I'll be here for as long as I shall live."

His hot promise runs through me like lava, warming my body and soul. "Me, too." I mumble into his chest, but I know he can still hear me clearly.

I'll be there for as long as I shall live.

Even longer.

A new chapter! Please review!

Xoxo