A/N: As always, sorry for delay. Believe it or not, we are nearing the climax of this tale. Only four more chapters after this one! Enjoy this rather non-angsty chapter. Consider it the calm before the storm.


Chapter 11:

Despite lack of interest in monuments earlier, Anna found herself sitting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as the sun set over the Mall.

They had lolled in John's bed for a good while after making love. No urgency to go anywhere or do anything. They simply lay entangled cocooned in his warm feather comforter while the frosty A/C blew above them. They spoke little; drained from everything that been said and heard.

Eventually, hunger served as a catalyst to get up. More specifically, Anna's stomach growling. John suggested they stop by her hotel, check her out and then grab dinner before returning that night. Since her hotel was in the heart of DC and parking would be a nightmare, they ended up taking the Metro in rush hour. John assured her, they could catch a taxi for the way back with her luggage, but Anna didn't mind the short train ride. As the car filled up with tired commuters, John gave his seat up to an older lady. Ever the gentleman. Anna followed suit and stood up next to him. Conversation was awkward and limited in the quiet, crowded train. John's hand held on to the shiny pole in the middle of the aisle. Anna trailed her fingers up the pole. She brushed his hand, then covered it, anchoring her in place. They stayed locked to the pole and each other until their stop.

After changing into a sundress and leaving her suitcase at the front desk, they ventured to the hotel restaurant for dinner. Nothing fancy. Conversation was light and superficial. They were still trying to find their new footing after the boundaries they had crossed earlier. Having nothing to hide was as scary as it was liberating.

It was early evening by the time they finished eating. Anna balked at heading back just yet. A nice walk would help digest not only their dinner but the day as a whole. They made their way past the various war memorials, all stone and stark, to plop down at the foot of Lincoln.

Anna sat alone. John had got up a bit ago with a promise to be right back. The area was bustling. There was a huge protest of some sort happening down on the big green stretch of land in front of her. Electric guitars echoed from a stage. She couldn't make out the music or even what the protesters were upset about, but they were loud. Anna chuckled to herself. She couldn't imagine a protest of this magnitude taking place in front of Parliament or Buckingham Palace.

She wiggled her toes out the top of her sandals. Thankfully, she had paid heed to the weather reports before leaving. Never had she experienced such an oppressive heat. Even now as the sun ducked behind the stone of the memorial, it was still stifling. Of course, she lived in a place where air conditioning was rare and a sundress usually required a sweater. She rather liked the feel of her light, flowy dress and her arms exposed. For once in her life, she might actually get a tan.

"Couldn't have an evening without dessert," came a voice from behind her.

Over her shoulder a hand appeared with a good humor bar. Chocolate covered with nuts. Anna couldn't stop a girly squeal from escaping.

"Oh, thanks John! This is brilliant. Really, it is with this heat. I don't how you manage living here."

She took a large bite as John sat down next to her with his own ice cream bar. "And here I thought it had cooled down. Can't you feel that breeze off the Potomac?"

"You've got to be kidding me. I don't feel anyth-. . ."

She stopped short realizing he was teasing. His eyes twinkled down at her.

"Okay, I admit the breeze is pretty much imperceptible, but it's not that bad," he tried to convince her. "Especially with some ice cream in hand."

"Very true," Anna grinned up at him and took another bite. "It's just so different than what I'm used to."

"I'm sure, but after living in some many different places, I can tell you that your body acclimates faster than you'd think. You could get used to living here in no time."

Anna couldn't tell if there was any hidden meaning to his words. She was on the short list to lead her company's U.S. office. Right here. Just outside D.C. She hadn't told him yet. She knew they would have to discuss their future together at some point. Living on separate continents wasn't a feasible option, but she wasn't ready to brooch the subject just yet. It such a huge step, so concrete.

A comfortable silence pervaded as they ate their rapidly melting bars. She looked back at John. He was leaning back on his elbows on the step behind them. He had already finished eating; his popsicle stick lay on the stone next to him. His head was tipped up and body relaxed, loose and slack. He looked ten years younger. Anna had never seen him so content.

A valve had been opened. He finally found an outlet for all his secrets, all his guilt, all his self-imposed shame. Anna was glad she played a role in helping to confront his past. It was a necessary step for a healthy existence if not only for himself but for them as a couple. Yet something niggled at the back of her mind. Worry and discomfort that didn't sit well with her.

She took her last bite and licked the stick clean before any chocolate could drip onto her dress. After wiping her hands on a napkin, she turned to him, "John . . ."

"Hmm . . ." He looked up at her with easy eyes and a slight smile.

"About earlier . . ." Neither of them had spoken of 'earlier' the entire evening.

He didn't say anything but his gaze focused. He gave a slight nod to continue. She rushed on, her words coming fast, part embarrassment and part nerves.

"I don't want you to think that my goal was to manipulate you."

John sat up slowly, confused. "What are you talking about?"

"I've never used my body to get what I want . . . but I did today. I so badly wanted you to see how wrong your thinking was that I . . . well, you know what I did. I don't want you to think I do this all-"

John held up a hand to stop her. "Whoa, hold up. I don't think that at all. I understand how important it for you to be in control of your life and especially your body."

"It wasn't simply about sex, you know."

"I know," John agreed taking her hands.

She interlaced their fingers. She had to make him understand. "John, you weren't looking to reconsider what had happened. You had it all thought out and forgiveness wasn't an option. I had to shut off that mind of yours. Distract you somehow."

"You most certainly did that." John agreed, his voice warm. "Look Anna, you have nothing to explain or be sorry for. I did need to be shaken up. You striped me to my core and that was more important than striping off my clothes. My mind needed to stop making excuses . . . finding fault. You made realize that it was time to forgive myself. Move on, I guess. That it wasn't all my fault and for that I will be forever grateful."

He shifted in his body closer and brought her hand up to his heart. "It's more than sex with us." He grinned sheepishly. "Don't get me wrong, making love to you is an incredible experience, but . . . but . . ." he wrestled for the words. ". . . we're more than that. We fit together . . . even with all the baggage we bring to this relationship, living on separate continents, our age difference, whatever . . . we fit together. We belong together."

Anna smoothed her palm against his chest. A slow heavy thud echoed beneath. His heart beat for her as hers did for him. Her fingers left the cotton of his shirt and crept into his hair. Slowly she brought his head towards hers. Their lips met, soft and wet with a hint of chocolate. He was right. They fit perfectly.


John sat in desk chair with a coffee mug in one hand and a pair of scissors in the other. He took a long swallow before setting the mug down and picking up a prescription pad.

Should have done this ages ago. He cut the small pad in half letting the pieces flutter down to a trashcan below.

A large swatch of sunshine fell across his desk area. John stretched in its warmth before picking up another pad of paper. It was almost 9am, but Anna was still asleep. He was letting her wake up naturally. They were in no hurry, no place to be. John had been up for hours. He couldn't help it. Usually he woke up aching, but not today. He awoke up pain free, comfortably warm with a lovely albeit odd dream on the periphery of his mind.

The warmth came from the sturdy, naked body draped over his good side. She was so damn beautiful in slumber. A faerie, really. Enchanted. A mythical creature in human form. In the haze of early morning, John almost questioned her existence in his bed.

As for his dream, John shook his head as he cut the last prescription pad. It had seemed so real, more memory than fantasy. They were standing in front of some sort of magistrate wearing old-fashioned clothes. Turn-of-the-century maybe. Anna had on a smart hat and a long skirt. He wore a three piece suit. He could feel his gold watch hanging heavy inside his jacket. They faced each other. She held a small bouquet in one hand; her other hand engulfed in his.

He repeated the words of the registrar. "I, John Bates . . . take thee, Anna May Smith . . . to be my wedded wife."

"I, Anna May Smith . . . take thee, John Bates . . . to be my wedded husband." Her voice never wavered, her eyes never left his.

He slipped the simple gold ring on her finger as he swore, "With this ring, I plight thee my troth . . . as a symbol of all we have promised . . . and all that we share."

"It therefore gives me great pleasure to say you are now husband and wife together."

He couldn't help but share a laugh of disbelief with her. They had finally made it happen. They were finally husband and wife.

Husband and wife. John grasped at the dream. It was tangible, more than just something he had imagined, as if he had lived it.

John ruefully shook his head. Overthinking again. He should simply be glad to have dreams that didn't revolve around Afghanistan or being hung. Marrying Anna was a dream he wouldn't mind having again or even turning into reality.

Before he could fully consider that incredible musing, John heard footsteps upon the hardwood floor.

"What are you doing there?"

Putting down his scissors, John made his way into the adjoining living room. "Just clearing out some old boxes. I've lived here almost two years and you can't really tell it."

Anna snorted as she met him. "That's the truth. When we walked in here yesterday, I wasn't sure if it was your apartment or a boy's dormitory room."

She wore pajamas short and modest tank top. Nothing that revealing which made it all the more erotic. He knew what she was covering up. John reached for her. His hands began a slow descent down her shoulders as her hands crept up his neck. "Are you trying to say I'm a messy adolescent?"

"Not so much messy, as cluttered." Her fingers danced through his hair. Such a light touch, but it drove him mad.

"Well, good thing I have you as an inspiration to get my act together and de-clutter this place." His hands settled on her rear. He pulled her close against him as he rested his forehead on hers.

"I'm an inspiration?" she questioned, smiling as his lips skipped down her face.

"Uh-huh," John whispered in her mouth as their lips finally met.

After a lethargically, slow kiss, John pulled back. "So what do you want to do today?"

"Oh, I don't know. Breakfast might be a good start."

"Well now, we can't let you starve." John disentangled and led her by the hand into the kitchen. "How about some Swedish pancakes, eggs and chop up some fruit?"

"Whoa, Swedish pancakes. I am impressed."

John smirked. "Don't be. It's a box mix. A good box mix, but still a box mix."

"Well, I'll leave that to you," she told him as she opened the refrigerator. "Cutting up fruit is about the extent of my culinary talents."

John chuckled as she dug into the crisper drawer. A loud knock came from the front door. Given his building had a buzzer, it was odd to have an unannounced guest from outside.

"Must be a neighbor or maybe the mailman. Be right back." John kissed the top of her head as she continued to rummage for fruit.

John whistled as he opened the door. There much to his surprise stood his sister, Susan. She was wore a Chicago Cubs jersey and a matching ball cap.

John involuntarily winced. Oh, crap. How could he have forgotten?

"The mailman let me in," she waved her hand toward the vestibule before reaching up to kiss him on the cheek. "Real great security you got here, John."

That's his sister, an opinion on everything.

"So are you going to let me in or what?"

As John stepped back and opened the door wider, Susan eyed him and his t-shirt and boxers critically. "You're not even dressed. The game starts at eleven."

"Um, Susan about . . ," John began.

"Aww, hell! You forget, didn't you? We've had this planned for months. Didn't you get my texts I sent yesterday?"

"I've told you I don't text." Besides his phone was the last thing on his mind yesterday.

"Oh yeah, that's right, you're technologically stuck in 1986," Susan cracked before turning serious. "John, is everything all right? I mean, we've been talking about me and Cassie coming out since she first got accepted back in February. How could you forget?"

Before John could answer his sister, Anna popped in from the kitchen. "Hey John, where do you keep the cutting bo-"

"Now I know why you forgot," Susan surmised.

While John most certainly did want Anna to meet his family at some point, this was not the scenario he had envisioned. He glanced over at Anna. She was surprised, wary. It would be best to get introductions out of the way before any misunderstandings could evolve.

With a suffering sigh and what he hoped was a smile, John began, "Anna, I'd like you to meet my sister, Susan . . . and Susan, I'd like you to meet . . . um, well. . . Anna."

Both women grinned broadly and shook hands. They seemed genuinely pleased to meet each other.

"John speaks very highly of you," Susan offered up. "Really, I mean it. He's never gone on about a woman like he has about you. Well, unless you count Mary Kate O'Connell."

"Oh Jesus, Susan," John muttered and rolled his eyes. She knew how to embarrass him like any good sister, but he couldn't stop a grin from forming. "Really, you're bringing up Mary Kate O'Connell?"

"Who's Mary Kate O'Connell?" Anna asked grinning herself.

"Mary Kate O'Connell was one of my best friends growing up," Susan explained. "Like me, she was a couple of years older than John here, but he was madly in love with her. He wrote her poetry, picked her flowers and generally followed her around like a love-sick puppy."

"May I add, I was only ten years old," John interjected. Anna giggled.

"That you were. And your poetry provided comic relief for many a sleepover."

John joined in their laughter. "All right, I admit I wasn't exactly Keats."

"So . . ," Susan turned to Anna, her eyes full of mischief. "Has he written you any poetry yet?"

"Not yet, but I guess now I'll have something to look forward to," Anna acknowledged before moving the conversation forward. "What brings you to town, Susan? I remember John saying you live in Chicago."

"I'm out here with my daughter, Cassie. She got accepted . . ." Susan did a little happy dance complete with jazz hands. ". . . with a full scholarship to Georgetown."

"Takes after me," John pointed out to his chagrined sister.

"Oh, probably does, Mr. I-could-be-in-Mensa," Susan agreed. "Anyway, she's at a summer orientation program this weekend. And John and I were supposed to be going . . ." She sent a pointed look at John.

"I said I'm sorry."

"For what?" Anna scanned between the two siblings.

"We were supposed to go to a baseball game this morning, but it seems he forgot all about it."

John felt bad. They had talked about going to see the Cubs ever since they found the team would be in town the same weekend as Susan. It would be just like when they were kids. But now with the addition of Anna, everything changed.

"I'm sorry, Susan, but Anna's visit was rather unexpected and we want to spend some time together and . . ."

"Is it too late to get tickets?" Anna interrupted.

"Not with the way the Cubs and the Nationals are playing these days. You can always get tickets from scalpers."

"Well then, how about we all go to the game? I've never been to a baseball game before. I don't even know the rules," Anna laughed self-consciously.

"Are you sure?" Because John wasn't. The idea of spending the day with Anna . . . and Susan . . . made him nervous. His sister wasn't exactly known for her discretion. Who knows what she might say to Anna? Hell, she had been there less than five minutes and she had already brought up Mary Kate O'Connell. Plus, he and Anna only had another 24 hours together. He wasn't crazy about sharing his time with her with anyone, even family. "Because we could do something else?"

"Well, that's only if it's all right that I tag along with you two?" Anna asked, her voice timid and unsure.

"Of course, we want you to come! What better way for me to get to know you than getting sunburnt, eating hotdogs and watching the greatest game ever played together," Susan enthusiastically assured her.

"Well, for the record the greatest game is football or as John calls it, soccer," Anna disagreed good-naturedly. "But I'm sure baseball is an excellent game too."

"Ha! I like this girl, Scout," Susan declared. "Come on now, you guys go get dressed. I'll work up some breakfast and we can be on our way and still make the first pitch."

John and Anna followed her orders and headed to the bedroom to change. He was ten again being bossed around by his big sister. He loved Susan dearly, but he hoped she didn't do anything to mortify him . . . at least not too much.


Anna basked in the morning sun as she applied a second coat of sunscreen to her neck and face at John's insistence. He was sure she would bake in the sun. His concern for her fair skin was quite sweet. She didn't think she'd bake, but it was still warmer than she was used to.

They had made it to the ballpark in plenty of time. John procured tickets from a guy outside the stadium. They were sitting along the third base line or at least that's what she thought John had called it. They must have been good seats because when they got to them, Susan described them as "kick ass" and went on how it must have cost him and an arm and a leg, not that she was complaining. Anna felt her checks redden at the thought of what he had spent just to make sure she had a grand experience.

She currently sat with Susan while John went on a snack food excursion before the game started.

"So tell me now, how exactly did you and John meet? He kind of glossed over that."

Susan was open and friendly. Anna felt an instant connection to her. She had dark hair and green eyes, so similar to John's. But it was more than that. There was a familiarity about her. Anna couldn't help but feel comfortable.

Anna recounted how they met and got to know each other. She consciously left out any mention of her impending divorce. There was no need to bring up the fact that she was still a married woman. It would be over soon. Nothing and nobody, especially Mac, would stop her from being with John.

"I know John wasn't in the best sorts when he left you in London. I'm so glad to see that you've worked things out, but Anna . . . I don't know how to say this . . . Are you aware of what happened on his last tour and the problems he's had since?"

"You mean, what happened in Afghanistan and his subsequent addiction?"

Susan just nodded in disbelief. "Wow, he really has been honest with you."

"Sometimes almost too honest," Anna admitted. "It was hard to hear what he went through over there, but I know it's made him the man I love today."

Susan's lips curved upward as tears welled. Then impulsively she hugged Anna. "I'm so happy you two found each other. I had almost given up John ever finding someone."

"I think I had too," Anna confessed.

As she pulled back from their embrace, her eyes were drawn to Susan's throat. "My goodness, that's a pretty necklace."

Susan fingered the small, hand-painted charm that had become visible after their hug. "Pretty, isn't it?"

Anna leaned in for closer inspection. "Bluebells, I'd say."

"Your guess is as good as mine." Susan admitted looking down at the tiny flowers painted upon an ivory oval.

Anna gave nod of certainty. "Definitely bluebells. They were all around where I grew up."

Susan pondered a moment, "Well, that would fit . . ,"

"What do you mean?"

"When I was a kid, an elderly neighbor willed this necklace to me."

"The same neighbor that gave John his pocket watch?" Anna asked knowingly.

Astonishment crossed Susan's face. "Yes, one in the same! My god, John really has opened up to you."

Anna shyly agreed, "We just click."

"I guess so. Anyway, our neighbor was also from England. So I bet you're right about the bluebells."

"Here you go, ladies." John appeared beside them laden with food and drinks. He handed each a water bottle before sitting down on the other side of Anna with a cardboard box filled of snacks. Like Susan, he was wearing a Cubs t-shirt and khaki shorts. It was the first time Anna had ever seen him wear shorts in public. Christ, his legs were bloody long. In addition, he wore sunglasses and sandals. John was the embodiment of summer.

"What have you got there?" Anna couldn't resist poking around the bags and wrappers.

"A junk food paradise, my dear." He kissed her on the cheek. "I couldn't let you go hungry."

Before Anna could answer, the PA announcer asked everyone to rise for the playing of the National Anthem. Anna stood up along with everyone else. She watched as the fans around her placed their right hand over their chest. All except John. He stood tall and rigid, respectful, but silent. Susan, one the other hand, not only had her hand over her heart but she was singing, loudly. As she watched Susan's throat and her necklace jiggle slightly, Anna's mind began to wander and drift away from the stadium.

"Go ahead, open it."

"But I left your gift upstairs," she complained shivering a bit. It wasn't that cold, but there was a definite bite to the air. There was still a chance of a white Christmas.

"Come here, you're cold." He put an arm around her and settled her tight against his chest. "Now, go ahead and open it. You can give me my gift later that way we can properly thank each other twice."

She looked up into his twinkling eyes. God, how they twinkled. "Properly saying thank you wouldn't happen to involve kissing, now would it?"

"The lady is perceptive." He bestowed a quick kiss on her nose. "Now open the gift!"

"As you wish, Mr. Bates." She loved that she had a pet name for him even if it was only addressing him by his formal name.

The wrapping was simple brown paper, but tied with a bright red ribbon. She'd keep the ribbon as a memento, maybe a new bookmark. The paper fell away to reveal a small jeweler's box.

"Oh John, you shouldn't have," she admonished gently.

"What? Give you pretty things. You deserve them."

She didn't say anymore, but opened the box. She gasped at the small ivory charmed necklace. It was the finest piece of jewelry she had ever possessed. Her fingers brushed over the ivory. Even in the dim light of the courtyard she could make out the beauty of the hand-painted charm.

"Bluebells . . ." she sighed.

"To match your eyes," he breathed. "Why don't you put it on? I know you can't wear it openly until things are settled with Vera, but it would please me greatly if you wore it under your collar . . . next to your heart."

She nodded, swiftly handing him the box as she unbuttoned the top of her dress. Without words, he draped the necklace across her exposed skin and fastened it behind her neck.

"There," he told her and buttoned her dress back up.

The ivory was cool against her chest. A welcome weight. It materialized their love into something tangible that she could touch and carry with her.

"Now about that thank you . . ."

The cheer of the crowd surrounded Anna. The song was finishing and people all around her were whistling and clapping.

John caught her bewildered eyes and explained, "Time to play ball."

"Oh, right. Of course."

But her confusion didn't come from baseball; it came from her own mind.


Anna was enjoying herself immensely. At first she thought it might be awkward sitting between the siblings, but as the game went on she found herself more and more comfortable with John's sister.

Susan was a straight shooter who wasn't afraid to give her opinion, solicited or not, on just about everything. Such the opposite of her brother. But John's reserved nature didn't stop him from engaging in a steady stream of banter and friendly teasing between the two. It was quite comical being caught in the middle.

And much to Anna's surprise, John didn't shy away from affection even under his sister's watchful eyes. He had kissed her on numerous occasions and currently had his arm around her shoulders. She breathed him in. Aftershave, bubblegum, and sweat. It was an odd, but still appealing smell. Despite the heat, she leaned into him.

"Pop quiz time," he announced peering down over his sunglasses. He and Susan had been questioning her all day about baseball, helping her learn the rules. "What's the count? And where's the play at?"

Anna checked the bases and peeked up at the scoreboard.

"Hey now, no looking at the scoreboard!" Susan admonished. "That's cheating!"

"Alright, alright," Anna chuckled. "The count is 2 balls and 1 strike. And the best play would be at third base, but also at second and first."

"Correct," John bent down and kissed her temple. "I think you're getting the hang-"

A loud TWACK ringed as ball met bat. The ball went soaring in a high arc. A foul ball. It drifted in their direction. Everybody around her including John and Susan stood up.

The ball was rapidly coming down in their direction. She had seen several balls go into the stands earlier in the game, but none had landed near them. As everyone around her reached up to catch the foul, natural instinct had Anna ducking and covering her head. She felt John stretching in front of her. She looked up to see the ball bobble out of his hands bounce off Susan's shoulder and amazingly enough right into Anna's lap.

Anna picked up the hard, scuffed ball and laughed with delight.

"That was a fantastic catch you made there," John joked and gave her with a congratulatory hug. "Eyes closed, head down, if only our outfield was as skilled."

"This is all so much fun!" She tossed the ball back and forth between her hands. "Susan, will you take a picture of me holding the ball? I don't think Lynnie will believe me unless I have photographic proof."

She handed Susan her phone and reached for John behind her. "Come here, get close. I want you in this picture too."

As Susan held the phone in front of her framing the photo, John's hand snaked around her middle and his chin came to rest upon her shoulder.

"God, you guys are too freakin' cute," Susan complained with a grin. "Okay now, on the count of three. One . . . two . . . three."

Their first photo together.


"I had a really nice time today," Anna told Susan later that night. "I'm so glad to have had the chance to meet you and Cassie."

"Me too. I now have plenty to tell mom. She'll want to know all about you."

"I hope you'll give a satisfactory report."

Susan smiled. "I have only good things to say."

Anna returned her smile. She did really like John's sister. They had spent the entire day with her. After the ballgame and the Cubs triumph over the Nationals, they ended up heading to Georgetown and meeting up with Susan's daughter, Cassie, at the close of her orientation. They toured the campus together before taking in dinner. They had all been too full to order dessert at the restaurant, but after the rather long walk back to John's apartment, the prospect seemed more appealing. So John and Cassie headed for the corner grocery mart for some cartons of ice cream leaving Susan and Anna alone.

"Truly, I don't know if I've ever seen John so relaxed and well . . . happy. Don't get me wrong, we had a wonderful time growing up together."

Anna could see it so clearly. The two of them racing bikes down a tree-lined street of brick bungalows. John pedaling furiously to catch up; Susan pedaling just as hard to stay ahead of him. A typical childhood. A happy childhood.

Susan paused slightly before continuing, "But John, he's always been more reserved, more solemn. Older than his years if that makes sense."

"It does," Anna nodded. "He is an old soul."

Susan grabbed her hands and squeezed lightly. "You really do understand him. I am so glad for you to be part of our family."

Anna could feel herself blush. "Well, we haven't taken things that far yet."

"Oh, if I know John at all, he is a man for doing things proper. But until then . . ."

Susan let go of her hands and reached behind her neck. "Take this as an official welcome to the Bates Family."

She unclasped the ivory necklace and held it out to Anna.

"Oh my gosh, I couldn't!" Anna held up her hands to refuse.

"Of course, you can." Susan took hold of her palm and placed it inside. "And I won't take no for an answer."

She began to protest again, but once her fingers touched the ivory, she had no words. So smooth and delicate. It felt right to be her possession.

Anna lifted up her hair and fastened the necklace. A peculiar peace engulfed her.

"Perfect," Susan complimented before pulling her in for a hug.

"Thank you so much," Anna told her as the front door opened.

John and his niece ambled in the front door carrying grocery bags and looking down at a smartphone. Cassie's phone, Anna assumed.

"Jesus, Susan. You let her go to the prom with a guy who has spiked purple hair, a nose ring . . ."

"And a tongue ring, Uncle John," Cassie retorted with inherited sass.

John raised his eyebrows and added, "And a tongue ring and wears a kilt and combat boots?"

Susan defended herself with a laugh, "Colin is a good, smart kid; going to Yale in the fall. Besides, who are you to talk? I distinctly remember you walking around your whole senior year in a black leather jacket, an earring in one ear and carrying around a beat up copy of On the Road."

"Do you have photos?" Anna inquired sweetly.

A triumphant smile crossed Susan's face. "I do, indeed."

"Oh, dear god…" John groaned before heading to the kitchen with the ice cream.


John dropped to closed toilet seat. His side was on absolute fire. It had been too much today with all the walking at the stadium, around campus and the city. He knew even as they were walking that he would be suffering later. But he just didn't want to let anyone down, not Susan or Cassie, and more importantly not Anna. He still had enough male pride left to foolishly push himself beyond his known physical limits. And now he was paying for it.

He had warmed his wrap-around heating pad in the microwave and was trying to fasten it around his chest before Anna got off the phone. He didn't want her to see how weak and broken he actually was. If he could just fasten the pad and get a t-shirt on over it. Damn, the velcro strips were hard to match up. He needed to reach around his back some more . . .

"I was able to switch to the 11am flight. I won't get until about midnight. I'll be like a zombie the next day at work, but it will be worth it to have a few more hours in the morning."

"That's great," John muttered not looking up as he continued to battle with his heating wrap.

"John, here let me help you."

He did look up at that. He hated being so helpless. "I've got it, Anna. Really, I do."

With the rise of a single eyebrow, Anna backed off and dug into her toiletry bag. She began to brush her teeth as he managed to get the first of three velcro strips fastened. Anna watched John in the mirror as she brushed and spit into the sink. She rinsed her mouth out and turned to John.

"Oh for heaven's sake, let me do that."

Before a protest could leave his mouth, she was bending over him and pulling the heating pad tight around his chest. She had it in place and fastened in under five seconds.

"There. John, it's all right to lean on each other. I need you as much as you need me."

She made it all sound so simple. And maybe it was. He had been alone for so long, it would take some getting used to. But Anna was worth giving it a try.

John hefted himself off the toilet and grabbed his t-shirt off the sink counter. He struggled getting it over the wrap. He felt old. Not just regular old, Methuselah old. He glanced over at Anna washing her face with a washcloth. She looked even younger than usual in her pink pajama shorts and tank top with spaghetti straps. He took a step and pain missiled up through his side. There was no way with how battered his body was tonight. He better let her know now.

"Um . . . Anna." She met his eyes in the bathroom mirror. "I just want to let you know that . . . well, there's no way . . . I mean, my body is just not up to . . . Not that I don't want too, it's just . . ."

She turned around and put a hand up. "Are you trying to tell me that you can't make love to me tonight?"

Defeated and decrepit, John nodded.

"It's alright, John. While I enjoy making love with you considerably, I enjoy just being with you. Believe me when I tell you that."

Amazingly, he did.

Anna continued with a grin. "Don't worry I wouldn't try to jump your bones, but I wouldn't mind snuggling up next to you. Come on, it's been a long day, let's get to bed."

She put down her hair brush and led him into the bedroom. Without words, they went to their respective sides of the bed. They had never discussed whose side was whose, but instinct led them to opposite sides. Back to back, John took off his socks as Anna set the alarm on her phone.

"I like this," she told him as they turned down the comforter. "Doing the mundane things. Getting ready for bed. It's so . . . domestic."

John laughed as he laid down and wiggled to get in a comfortable position. Anna must have sensed his need for adjustment. She didn't climb into bed until he reached out for her.

"Oh, you're all warm and toasty," Anna told him as she settled snug against his side. "Thank you for today. It was lovely. I liked being with your family."

"I did too." His initial reservations about having his sister tag along, vanished when he saw how well she and Anna got along. And he had missed Susan. Despite her knack for embarrassing him, he did love her very much and it had been a long time since they had enjoyed each other's company when it didn't involve something weighty like the bombings or addiction. That said, he wasn't crazy about the idea of her and Anna exchanging email addresses and becoming friends over social media. Pictures of him in high school really didn't need to resurface.

"Being an only child, I have to say I'm jealous of your relationship with Susan. And Cassie too. What a charming girl."

"I know, she's blossomed into a smart, confident, not to mention beautiful, young woman." John shook his head in memory. "It seems like just yesterday she was a baby crawling around."

Anna propped herself up on one elbow and looked down at him. "You have a really good rapport with her. Obviously, you're her favorite uncle."

John laughed, "I'm her only uncle." His eyes were subconsciously drawn to Anna's neck.

"What's this? I've never seen you wear this before." He fingered the ivory in the darkness. He could barely make out the delicate paintwork. Blue flowers. He had seen it before . . . somewhere.

"Oh, you like it? You're sister gave it to me. I thought it was so sweet of her."

So it was Susan's. That made sense. He must have seen her wearing it.

Anna continued, "I suppose it matches your pocket watch. The same old lady that gave you it, gave the necklace to Susan."

Old lady . . . pocket watch . . . Anna Bates . . . Downton Abbey . . .

John sat up with a start, tumbling Anna off his chest. "Oh my god, I can't believe I forgot to tell. I wanted to call you when I found out, but that's when we wer-"

"Slow down, John. What's this all about? What did you want to tell me?"

He took a deep breath. "Remember when we were at Downton Abbey, then we went to talk with the local historian?"

Clearly confused where he was going, Anna nodded slowly, "Yes, nice, old Mr. Molesley."

"And he told us about the John Bates who was hanged and was married to an Anna."

"Yes, our namesakes, I couldn't forget that."

"Well," John puffed an implausible laugh and shook his head. "You're not going to believe this, but that Anna is the same person as the elderly lady who gave me the pocket watch and Susan the necklace."

"What? You've got to be kidding me!" Anna blinked in disbelief; the comforter dropping from her shoulders. "How can you be sure?"

"I was talking on the phone with my mother and randomly the subject of old Mrs. Bates came up and everything my mother said started to match what we knew about Anna from Downton. For instance, her first name was Anna, she came to America widowed at a young age, never remarried, she had worked for a Lord back in England, but what really confirmed it was the fact that she had served as a nanny for the Wrigley family just like Molesley had said. There are too many similarities. It can't be coincidental."

Anna closed her eyes processing. "So Anna Bates of Downton Abbey was the same Anna Bates that lived down the street from you as a child?"

"One in the same."

"I don't know what to say, that's just . . . just . . . amazing," Anna stammered.

"And a little eerie," John admitted. "My mother is currently in the process of cleaning out her attic and she told me that she has a box of Mrs. Bates's personal affects. It seems Mom was the executor of her will."

"No way! That's so unbelievable and utterly odd."

"I know!" John agreed excitedly. "She's going to mail me her belongings. I figured it would be interesting to go through."

"Most definitely!" Anna agreed just as enthused as John. "I'll contact Harold and see if he can find any more information, photos, whatever dealing with either Anna or John. Concord did decide to purchase the Abbey after my presentation. Usually, I just pass my notes on to the development department and they figure out how to plan and market the property, but I want to make sure they get the whole story of John and Anna. That would really be something if we could piece together papers from Anna in America with Anna at Downton."

Anna glanced over at John who was just staring at her with a soft smile. "What? What are you smiling at?"

"You. You're so eager and enthusiastic."

"It's just so unreal." Anna brought her fingers to the necklace again. "To think I'm wearing her necklace. What are the chances?"

His side started to burn again with his upright position, so John sunk back down into the covers. Anna took his lead and curled back up against him.

"Do you think it was meant to be? I mean, you and I coming into possession of items belonging to another John and Anna. Maybe it's some sort of sign that . . . I don't know . . . that we're supposed to have the happiness they never were allowed to have."

"I don't hold much with the idea of predestined fate, but it is hard to dismiss as mere coincidence. I feel a . . , " John struggled to make sense. ". . . a connection to them. A bond of sorts."

Anna lifted her head and rested her chin upon his chest. "I do too."

He brushed static hair from her face before running a single finger down her cheek to the necklace. He touched the ivory. "Bluebells . . . they match your eyes perfectly. It's beautiful . . . You're beautiful. I love you, Anna."

"No more than I love you, Mr. Bates."


A/N: Much thanks to ELW who gave me the idea (all the way back last summer—I know, I know, this story has been taking forever to write!) for Anna to come into possession of her old necklace through John's sister. It was a great twist!

Astute reader challenge: Most folks thought we'd see Robert this chapter—Don't worry we'll see him in the flesh a few chapters down the road. Next chapter: Spoiler—Mac returns! What does he do to wreak havoc with John and Anna?