Chapter 25

Note: The life goes on...

One month had passed since they were back and life went on. Sometimes it was strange how simple solutions were given for ungodly tangled and messed up situations. Well, maybe not for everything, but still.

David had managed to keep his word. Lena and Gill were not summoned to testify even once; their names were removed from all the case materials.

According to the official version Lena was not home when her parents were killed. The paperwork confirmed that just after their death under the guidance of the social services she was put into orphanage where she supposedly was still. Legally David had absolutely no connection with the girl, nor did Gill besides the fact that she had handled in the documents for adoption and now was waiting for the reply.

Gill knew that somehow David had managed to convince the head of the orphanage to let the girl stay with her. She guessed that his connections had been really handy.

What she didn't know was that in reality it had nothing to do with connections. David had used the oldest form of negotiations – a bribe. The amount requested was not a small one either, but for him it didn't matter. As long Gill and Lena were safe and happy, he would not spare any money in the world.

Gillian was spending most of her time home with Lena, as the girl still had to get used to the new environment.

It didn't mean that the woman forgot all about her responsibilities. Paperwork from the office formed neat piles in her living room. Gill's long absence hadn't gone without its consequences.

Since Emily was staying the rest of the summer with her mother, Cal had practically moved in Gill's house. They had agreed to take it slowly, one step at the time, but his constant presence didn't do much to affirm this decision.

Lack of money was becoming a really big issue. The case, same one Ria had called Cal about, had more serious consequences than anyone anticipated. The court decision was not in the favour of the Lightman Group. Considerable amounts had to be paid in compensations. Cal was still convinced that the whole complain was a load of crap, fabricated to get money from them, but appellation was pointless.

Gill was summoned to testify, but Cal made the decision not to inform her. The woman had been through hell as it was. Cal had no intention to put her in harm's way in an open hearing where David's 'friends' could turn up. The risk was too high.

Considering that officially they had no connection with Shark's case and were not out of the country, the fact that they both didn't turn up for testimony significantly worsened the result. The appeal was legally difficult and would only bring additional bad publicity they really could not afford.

As a result all they could was to tighten the belts and triple the efforts, taking up more cases than normally. Even the ones Cal once referred to as below their dignity were welcomed, although in all fairness it has to be noted that those landed on Loker and Ria. Cal's attention was focused on largest and most important clients; Gill on the other hand was struggling with the paperwork, financial statements and IRS. According to her calculations even all their effort was not enough to pull them through.

Despite the fact that money was a stressful topic, it never caused arguments. Cal and Gill knew that they will make it through. As long as they had each other, everything would be just fine. Money or lack of it if being concise didn't bring storm into the paradise. The reason for their constant fights was completely different and had short and simple name - David.

As soon as the air was finally clear and it was safe to return, David delivered the news in person. When he arrived at the cottage, he momentarily noticed the change of atmosphere. All the small things, like photos and Lena's drawings indicated that his fears had materialized. The situation had finally pushed Cal and Gill together. David dreaded this outcome from the start.

Unfortunately to send both girls away with Cal had been the best solution. Despite the outcome, in his heart David knew that if the situation repeated, he would make the same call. There were no doubts in his heart. Gill's and Lena's safety was far more important than his feelings. Better they were safe and sound with Cal, than in danger, hurt or even killed with him.

The life was not fair, never had been. He just had to finally embrace the fact. Remembering all the shit and tough decisions he had to make to keep them all safe, David hoped that all his efforts were not futile.

The way Gill's eyes glowed with joy and delight when she spotted him inside the cottage, the way she hugged him were memories the man held close to the heart. It was only a friendly gesture, but it was something genuine and good, something that was worth fighting for. Despite everything, even her romantic involvement with Cal, David knew that he would not be able to walk out of her life again. Never.

Cal together with the girls had gone to the town for some groceries. It gave David and Gill some time to talk. David told everything there was to say about the case, main point being that finally it was safe for them to return. Gill was more than happy to hear the news.

Looking at her radiant face David couldn't stop himself. The question that was bugging him for so long broke free before he had a chance to think it through "Back then, when we were dating, if I hadn't walked away... Did we have a chance?"

Gill's expression changed to one of genuine surprise. This was not a turn in the conversation she was expecting. On their own accord her memories returned to the time when out of the blue he had suddenly kissed her in the car, right in front of the child care facility. Seeing how important the answer was to the man Gill thought for a moment before carefully replied "I truly don't know..."

David knew that she was not being illusive; she gave the most truthful answer at her disposal. What was he expecting anyway? Proclamations of undying love?

One more issue was bugging him with the same level of urgency.

"And Lena?" David asked carefully, afraid of what the answer could be.

Gill's eyes were full of tears and voice trembled as she replied "There is no one in the world that I love more than her."

"Are you considering a possibility to adopt her?" the fear was clearly audible in David's voice. He owed Lena her parents, her childhood. The only way he could at least try to make some amendments for his misdeeds was to ensure that she grew up in loving environment and received best care in the world.

Gillian. She was good psychologist not only because of her education or experience; it was because of her kind and caring heart. If she couldn't heal the deeply wounded child, no one would. David had seen the bond those two shared and it warmed his heart. On more than one occasion Gill had fought for his kid risking with her life. It meant everything, but David was not sure what the future would hold with Cal in the picture.

"I will do everything in my power to keep her. That is a promise."

David released the breath he unknowingly was holding, his own eyes watered with unshed tears and he pulled the woman into tight embrace, "Good. I'm so relieved. There is no one else I would like her to be with, but you."

"What about you?" Gill carefully asked.

David eased his grip on her shoulders, but didn't pull away as he caught her eyes. There was no point to lie. She would detect all the half truths right away. For once he didn't want to lie, "The truth is that I can't be a part of her life, at least not officially. It would be too dangerous for both of us. Shark is not the only one after my head. Besides, to keep you both out of the harm's way, I had to sign a contract with the devil, in this case he had taken form of Adams. In three months I'm going under cover again. Compared to these guys Shark is just a common herring."

"It means that we still have three months," Gill looked at him seriously.

"For what?"

"For you two to bond," Gill said putting delicate palm against his cheek, "You are a good man, David. Lena has the right to know her real father. Maybe you will never be in her papers, but I will do everything in my power that you are in her life."

Until now he never realised how much he had longed to hear exactly these words. David closed his eyes relishing in the comfort of her closeness. He didn't want this moment to end. Ever.

Like all good things in this world it ended rather abruptly, with the sound of Cal clearing his throat.

The scene spoke volumes. Cal's blood was boiling. There was nothing, but genuine kindness and compassion on Gill's face and it was understandable considering circumstances. It was David's expression that tuned Cal into jealous schoolboy. He was openly showing his love and affection, something Gill was not catching up because of her pure heart.

Both man gazed at each other with open hostility. The standoff was broken off by Gill, who finally noticed Cal's arrival and worriedly asked "Where is Lena?"

Since that moment both men were figuratively speaking on a war path. Cal hated how David had so solidly put one foot in the doors of their life. He was never going to disappear, never let go. That was a given.

Even more annoying was the fact that his manipulation had worked so perfectly. Gill worked really hard to make Lena accept her father. Since their return the three of them spent more time together than Cal cared to acknowledge.

Moreover, he had seen the way David acted around Gill. Quick touch here, considerate gesture that bordered on intimate there, it was driving him mad. The fact that Gill was oblivious to David's ministrations, at the same time soothed and angered the man. It meant that she was not romantically interested and it was good. At the same time her naivety drove him crazy and he had never been overly good when dealing with his temper.

Gill continuously reminded that her relationship with David was purely platonic, that she had to act taking at heart Lena's best interests, that bonding was important for the father and the daughter.

Quarrels, Cal storming off in jealous rage and latter apologizing had become their routine. Like today, when the whole argument was triggered by David's prolonged goodbyes at the front doors and kiss on Gill's cheek.

Cal's voice was full of venom as he opened the doors "Are you sure I'm not the third wheel here?"

"What? Why?" Gill was dumfounded.

"The kiss..."

"It was just a friendly gesture. Nothing more. You know that I love you," Gill tried to kiss his lips, but Cal leaned away. Sighting she entered the house.

"It is the third time this week when you go out," Cal continued.

"David just wants to spend more time with his daughter. You know how tough it had been, for both of them," Gill sighed knowing full well what was about to come. She knew how difficult it was for Cal, tried everything in her power to lessen the tension, but with no success. Those two acted as archenemies despite her best efforts. Gill knew that it was not Cal's mistrust in her that provoked these scenes; it was his dislike of David.

"Don't you see that he is manipulating with Lena to get to you."

"Don't be ridiculous, Cal. No one is manipulating anybody."

"You are too naive."

"Don't start!"

"I'm not starting, it is a mere fact. You are supposed to read people for living, why you never see anything when it comes to the men in your life, first Alec, now David..."

"Please, Cal, just not today..."

Despite everything, these episodes were only a small stumbling stone. The good things they shared were much more solid and substantial, far more important for both of them. The fights did not drive them apart, not really anyway. Besides make up sex always was excellent.

Nevertheless, deep down Cal feared that one day whole situation might turn into something really ugly. He was well known for his inability to tame his short temper after all.

###

It was the end of second month. Lena was already asleep. Cal had read her a story for night and Gill had tucked her in two hours ago. It was almost midnight, but the two figures sitting in the kitchen were far from relaxed.

They were having serious conversation.

One that they had postponed as much as it was possible, but the time to deal with inevitable had come.

"Cal, you know there is no other way."

"There has to be."

"There is none. You have to go..."

"I will not. I refuse to leave you."

"Please, at least consider it," Gill's voice was almost begging "I can't make you go, but you know how important it is, for you, for me, for us... We can't go on like this..."

"I will change..." Cal started, but Gill stopped him in the middle of the sentence.

"There is nothing left to change; we already tried everything we could... It is the last resort to keep it all together..."

"I don't like it."

"Neither do I, but it is the only way."

"Are you sure you will be fine without me?"

"Truth?"

"Always."

"I don't know," she said thoughtfully, "But I will do my best."

"I'm not worried about Lena. I know she is in good hands, but I don't like the idea of you being alone. Who will be there to help you deal with the nightmares? Who will make sure that you are taking good care of yourself?"

"I will. I promise," Gill smiled putting her palm on his and squeezing it. Then, with a light smile on her lips she added, "Besides, admit it. You actually are interested to go. It is a great opportunity from scientific point of view."

"It is, but I don't like the idea of leaving the firm and you for so long."

"That is not the main reason," Gill said carefully looking at the man "Something else is bothering you."

"Truth?"

"Yes."

"I'm not sure whether I will be able to survive a year without you and Emily by my side."

"One year is not such a long term," Gill said, but her voice lacked necessary amount of confidence to be convincing. One year without any means of communication was too long for her liking.

The money situation had gone from bad to worse. They had to let go half of the staff, as they had no funds for salaries. The whole argument of the moment was directly related to the potential solution to this problem. Fellow scientist of human behaviour and friend of Cal's had offered him to participate in scientific research.

Paul had received a huge grant for the research in Papua New Guinea. Previously unknown tribe had been discovered. Considering their absolute isolation from the outside world they were excellent mach for the research. The remuneration was more than sufficient to help them deal with the money issues. Besides, it was also an excellent promise of new publication for Cal, something he had not been focusing on for too long.

The problem was in this short period of time Cal had grown so close to Gill that it left him wondering how he had managed to live until now without her by his side. The prospect of being separated regardless of how solid the reason was, looked less than appealing. For both of them.

It scared Gill, as she had just started the process of healing her wounds. Cal's presence and constant support was a great help. She loved him, loved the life they had managed to create. The feeling of fulfilment and happiness was almost too good to be true.

Cal on the other hand for the first time in life felt really connected to someone. Not even his relationship with Zoe had brought him such fulfilment and peace. It was everything he had ever wanted, even more. It was like they were created for one another, perfectly synced. He was afraid that his long absence could crash this dream that had finally materialised. Especially considering dark cloud at the horizon named David. The other man would not think twice, before stepping in Cal's shoes and that was something Cal would never allow.

Gill stood up, rounded the table and sat in Cal's lap, wrapping her arms around his neck, "It is you decision to make after all. Know that whatever you will do, you have my full support."

"Have I told you how much I love you?" Cal asked. It was amazing how she always knew just the right thing to say.

"No, today you haven't," Gill smiled, her eyes full of mischief as she leaned closer and kissed him.

###

Two days later Cal invited Gill to their favourite restaurant. After all the contemplations and weightings of pros and cons he finally had agreed to join Paul in his research. The contract was signed today. They were departing in three weeks. It was rather short notice, considering that on the other side they would be deprived from any sort of communication technologies, but the deadlines for project implementation and interim reports were rather strict.

They had already finished the dinner, even desert and were on their third glass of champagne. Gill was smiling radiantly at Cal. He took her small palm in his.

The serious expression on his face made her sober up. Before she had a chance to ask what got him so worried, Cal stood from his seat, moved around the table and got down on his knee.

Gill's breath got caught in her throat as he gently lifted her palm to his lips and kissed it and gently put a beautiful diamond ring on her finger "I know I'm not the easiest man to live with. I know that lately I have been a real jerk. I have hurt you more times than I care to admit. I can't promise that I will never let you down or disappoint you again, but you are the sole reason I have become a better man. I love you Gillian. There are not enough words to describe the depth of my feelings. You are my better half, my heart and soul. I have absolutely no idea how I managed to survive all these years without you by my side not only as friend and business partner, but as my partner of life. Will you consider making me the happiest man alive? Will you marry me?"

Gill looked at him, mouth agape, accelerated heart beat and butterflies flying in the pit of her stomach. Whatever she was expecting tonight, a proposal was not on the list. She had lost the gift of speech from the shock.

Cal's stare was so intensive that it almost burned a whole in her face. His anxiety bordered on fear, fear of rejection. The truth was that until now they had never even brought up the subject of marriage. Both had been burned badly after the first try.

Maybe she was not even ready to think in this direction, maybe his timing was too lousy?

After overcoming initial shock Gill's face turned radiant with a smile, eyes sparkled and whole expression was filled with so much love and devotion that Cal's hands involuntarily shook from emotional turmoil.

That instant he knew the answer. He didn't need the words, but still it was exciting and overwhelming to hear her soft voice whisper three wonderful letters he so desperately had longed to hear.

"Yes!"