Thank you for reading. I'm sorry that it's taken longer than anticipated to post more of this. I'm just really busy with work -
I appreciate those who have stuck with this one... Thank you all for your comments.
Previously - Vic embarrassed by the situation, coldly replies "I've gotta go" and with that she grabs her clothes and heads into the bathroom... leaving Walt cold on the floor.
Walt locates his boxers and puts them on...
A fully dressed Vic emerges from the bathroom, as Walt stands up... "Vic?"
She ignores him and walks out of the cabin towards the Ram – driving off... leaving Walt alone and confused...
#####
Chapter 25
Frosty February arrives in Durant.
In the intervening weeks that had passed by, Vic avoided all contact with Walt, at times if she saw him - she would walk in the opposite direction.
Even when it was announced that their son William had won 'Littlest Cowboy' and was overall winner in the Durant Courant competition.
The winners were announced shortly after their 'encounter', Vic continued to ignore him, disregarding him when he tried to talk to her...
Walt knew he'd screwed up... he'd rushed things with her... made a school-boy error.
But he did not regret what happened - he loved her.
He just didn't know how to talk to her and tell her how he felt.
The group prize was $1000 for the winning Cowboy and Cowgirl; as well as a full year of being the poster children for the local area and $5000 for the overall competition winner, including a year contract with a Child Model Agency.
Vic opened a college fund bank account and placed the cheques into the account.
Publicity photos were taken with Vic and William – Walt took the polite hint on his answer phone from Vic; about him not being needed to be present.
In all fairness Walt didn't want to court publicity... He was not a fan of the local media.
He thought them a pit of vipers; he'd been bitten by them and didn't wish to fall into their trap again...
Walt was concerned that the 'old headlines' would rear their ugly heads again...
He had made some really stupid decisions in the past and he owned his mistakes...
He just wanted one last thing – forgiveness. – That was going to be a very long road ahead..
####
Vic in the meantime, had booked flights for her and William; she decided that it was time she took her son, to see the rest of the Morettis...
In the years that had passed, Vic had told her family that she used a sperm donor to have a child, when her marriage broke down.
For Vic, it was the easiest excuse to use, there was no way her family would accept a child born out of wedlock and as a result of an 'affair' - however short the duration.
In truth Vic felt ashamed, almost humiliated in letting Walt use her again... She felt a fool, a stupid, misguided fool.
Cady and Ruby were now playing 'go-between' Vic and Walt.
Neither of them knowing what had actually transpired between the two...
Vic was now beginning to regret ever coming back to Wyoming.
She felt trapped and isolated - She thought to herself - why did she always make the wrong choices...
She was never going to have a nice life – Walt would see to that... And she really did not want to go back to Philadelphia.
She was a grown woman who needed to move forward... not backwards... two weeks in Philly would be more than enough time... to get her head together, to make a plan for her and William.
#######
It's the morning of Williams 4th birthday.
Vic was definitely beginning to regret what she termed 'that stupid moment' with Walt.
And now it was beginning to dawn on her... she was slightly late... although her periods were not as regular or normal, in terms of duration as they used to be before she had William... Her cycle had been intermittent... sometimes her period was bang on time and other times it was one after six weeks and then another one two weeks later..
So 'late' was a relative term...
Vic lay in bed, after another restless night... one of many since 'that moment'...
She woke to that awful feeling rising in her stomach...
A single tear rolled down the side of her face.
On the other side of her bedroom door, she heard the sounds of Cady and William talking.
Her thoughts took her back - 4 years previous;
Williams birth and meeting her beautiful boy for the first time
the over-powering feeling of love that took control of her.
The enduring love she felt for her son...
how she promised him, that she would do whatever it took, to protect him...
Her hand rested on her forehead, sighing, she needed to get herself 'together' for the sake of her son.
She throws the duvet off and gets up, walking out of the bedroom towards the bathroom.
As she sat on the toilet she glanced down and noticed the spotting of blood in her underwear...
"thank god" – she quietly mutters to herself – at least this time her period arrived... having another child at this point in time was not an option.
She was in no position - financially or emotionally to have a baby.
There's a knock at the bathroom door
"Vic...you okay?" Cady asks.
"yeah... yeah ... I'm fine"... - 'I'm more than fine' - she mutters to herself.
She'd spent the last few sleepless nights worrying about seeing Walt again...
She felt embarrassed that she'd fallen for him again.
She felt that it almost destroyed her the last time with Walt's rejection and apparent coldness and self-obsessed attitude towards her.
She didn't want to go through that again... She couldn't go through that again...
Vic composed herself, catching her breath.
####
A short time later,
Cady and William were sitting at the table, as Vic walks in fully dressed and appeared ready for the day ahead.
"Happy Birthday Sweetie!" she kisses her son... and ruffles his hair.
She walks over to the counter, places some bread into the toaster and pours herself a coffee.
Cady asks "Are you sure you are okay Vic?"
Vic nods... "I'm more than okay" smiling at both Cady and William... "we've got a big day ahead"
William nodded and said "I am Four today!" - holding up four fingers to his mother...
"yes, you are! ... " Vic looks at her son, she wanted his day to be special...
Whatever issues she had with Walt - they'd have to be put to one side for today...
Nothing was going to spoil Williams birthday.
#####
Meanwhile at Cabin
Walt doesn't want to miss this important date
But he is also aware and mindful that the last time he and Vic spoke – they had one all mighty argument, which led to them becoming intimate, and then Vic running out on him - did she regret what they did? - He thought to himself.
For the last few weeks, Walt had been making Williams birthday present - it helped Walt take his mind of the 'situation' with Vic.
Walt was now putting finishing touches on his gift to William.. ...
Making sure that everything was and looks perfect...
When he finished with Williams birthday present, he takes a shower and shaves, combing his hair.
Walking back into his bedroom, he puts on his best shirt and jeans - cleans his boots.
Looks at his watch as he places the key into the ignition of the Bronco.
He did not want to be late.
####
Williams Birthday party was held just after noon at Cady's house.
Just over 20 pre-schoolers were being entertained by Bob Barnes as a clown – Bob had offered his services as a gift to the little boy.
Vic warned Bob that if he turned up drunk to her sons birthday - she'd kick him from now till next Sunday...
Bob took the hint and stayed sober in the days leading up to the big day...
Ruby had made Williams birthday cake – the cake had "Happy Birthday William" on it – white icing with blue piping. With a horse and a boy on it.
Party food and healthy snacks were eaten, with a glass of white wine mixed with Orange juice for the mums.
Omar arrived to the party, sans invitation; in the vain hope that he'd find at least one single mother who'd take an interest in him.
Walt had proved to him – that little kids give you an extra zest for life... and Omar wanted in on that action... to be a father.
Omar felt as though he had a wealth of life experience and knowledge he wanted to pass on.
He'd seen how Walt was more upbeat and naturally happier with William around.
Henry had given William a necklace which had a carving of a bear with Williams initials on it.
"For protection" – Henry said to Vic – "A spirit guide."
Vic appreciated that Henry had put some thought into her sons gift...
It may not have been something he could play with, but it would be something that would 'protect him' as the Cheyenne say.
Vic thanked Henry for his thoughtful gift.
William had received toys, some Duplo lego, a train set, clothes, money and a bike.
Vic looked at the gifts and wondered what Walt had done with his gift... as it appeared he'd not even brought one.
As the party came to finish - Cady and Ruby made sure each child left with a goodie-bag, as William waved goodbye to each one of his guests.
###
Omar and Henry are chatting to Walt on the back porch while Cady and Vic, along with Ruby are tidying up inside.
William and Esme are playing with one of Williams new toys – a Thomas the Tank Engine – Daring Dragon Drop.
"Cheers Walt... got a few phone numbers for some prospective Mrs Rhodes No5." Omar taps Walt on the arm.
"Always on the look-out for the next victim " said Henry.
"I'm a natural hunter Henry – I'm always on the prowl." Omar winks.
"Walt – what you get the little fella?" Omar asks.
"I've made him a little something – it's up at my place"
"yeah, I'm sure he'll appreciate what you've done for him...well... I've got to go, the little guy seems to have an eye for the older woman (Omar looks in the direction of William) ... I told Vicky that next year I'll get the little guy a rifle for his 5th...(Omar laughs) ... if looks could kill, eh Walt!?... she's a feisty one"
Omar walks towards the back gate and out towards the road.
"bye Omar" Walt and Henry said in unison.
######
Walt drove his Bronco back to his Cabin; Vic, Cady and William followed in Cadys' SUV.
As they get out of their respective vehicles, William instinctively walks up to his father, taking his hand and follows him to the side of the cabin – where Williams birthday present was.
With Henry's help Walt had built a swing/slide with a tree-house – it was a little big, but big enough for William to grow into.
Vic almost instantaneously felt a pang of guilt about being back at the cabin, the last time she was there ended in her and Walt on the floor naked...
She felt angry at herself for letting him in again, he knew what buttons to push and she felt that he played her ...
He used her once again... she was angry and pissed off...
William started to climb onto his birthday gift – he was clearly a happy little chappie.
"Wow, Dad!... – it's amazing! - How come you didn't do anything like this for me?" Cady said jokingly.
Walt simply replied "Sorry Punk... I should have made one for you.. ... I'll make one for your next birthday"
Cady smiles at her father... "I think I'll get over it... "
Vic added somewhat a little coldly – "I did start to wonder if you had forgotten to get him something."
Vic refused to make eye-contact with him.
"No... I could never do that! - I just wanted to give him something personal... to make up for the previous birthdays.. that I missed." - a shot across the bow from Walt.
Vic finally looked at Walt in the eye... yep, there it was... the old-self obsessed Walt – he'd been hiding him well..
She'd had enough – she didn't want to be anywhere near him.
While the others were preoccupied – Vic self dialled – calling herself and answering – pretending to talk to someone on the other end.
She made her excuse to leave.
"Listen Cady... I'd forgotten that I should have spoken to Alicia Doran (she looks over to where her son is playing)... sorry, I've gotta go... can I take the car? – William seems to be happy playing.. don't really want to take him away, not while he is having fun."
"yeah.. okay... erm take the car.. (She gives Vic her keys)... Dad'll drop munchkin and I, home later on"
Vic walks over to William "listen sweetie... you stay here with your daddy and Cady... I'll see you later" she kisses his cheek.
As Walt turns his attention from his son, to Vic.
He wanted to say something - but he thought - were his 'words' good enough?
And so he continues to watch her getting into the car, and driving off.
They needed to talk things through... If only she'd give him the time of day - Walt thought.
Cady turns after watching Vic leave... the car travelling further and further in the distance...
She watches her father push his young son on the swing..
Cady knew something was up.
#####
Much later that evening.
Walt drops Cady and William home.
Cady notices her car parked outside - Vic was home.
Walt helps his son down and looks at Cady.
"I better go punk and check to see if Dash has things under control"
"okay Dad – see you later" Cady hugs and kisses her father.
Walt picks up his son – "listen Buddy... hope you enjoyed your birthday... (William nods)... you got a kiss Goodnight for your old Dad? "
William kisses his father "Goodnight Daddy"
"Goodnight Son - Love you"
"Love you Daddy"
He sets the boy down and gets back into the Bronco.
Cady and William wave, as Walt drives off and then walk up the path into the house.
Vic was in her yoga pants reading some file on the sofa, when the pair came in through the front door.
"Hi... you guys had fun?"
"Munchkin has had a big day ... spent over an hour playing on his tree-house... Dad let him have a ride on horse."
Vic drew her son in for a cuddle on the sofa... "you look tired sweetie... you ready for bed?"
The little boy nods his head...
"he's a natural on the horse... Dad says he'll get him a pony - maybe in the summer"
Vic wants to change the subject subtly.. "I think it's time for your bedtime" Vic strokes her sons back.
"I want a story mummy" asks a tired William.
Vic gets up of the sofa and puts William to bed.
###
Vic returns a while later, after reading a bedtime story to her son.
Vic and Cady talk...
"So I spoke to Alicia today and she hasn't spoken to you... what's going on Vic?"
"I'm just sick of his sanctimonious crap. " replied Vic.
Cady thought there was more to it... but Vic was clearly upset and so didn't press it any further.