Summary: The return of an old love changes the rules of the game.

DemonWitch: Yeah, I know. I had to go through it again not too long ago with some bloody buggers they dare to call wisdom teeth.

HopelessRomantic45: Glad you liked.

Arwennicole: Of course he didn't, he's a bloody idiot.

GinaStar: Almost all fathers do… mine's still that way too.

Charmedfan80: No he's not, she'll have to come to him.

Celeron Red: Yeah, Andros is the best.

Slytherin-Angel44: You're wish is my command.

PRISFAN: Patients and all will be revealed.

AstroYellow: Here's another chapter for your enjoyment. Hope you like.

Challon86: Here's another chapter, maybe I'm finally going to make some progress in finishing my stories.

Alexandra Khayman: Hey, never mind apologizing, you reviewed, didn't you? Doesn't matter when, you still did.

Phantom Rogue: Would be funny to write a story where Andros is a bad daddy… -grins- You can do that :P

Forbidden Love

Chapter 25

Andros looked up in mild surprise. He was in the process of picking up his crying son from his crib when the doorbell rang. Quickly taking the infant into his arms, he started down the hall to the stairs, all senses on high alert.

"Who would be at the door at this time of night?" He asked Dyre softly, but the boy just kept on wailing.

As he stood for the door, he realised he was only wearing the sweatpants he used as pyjamas. A moment later he decided he didn't care; it was in the middle of the night and if it weren't for Dyre, whoever it was was getting him out of bed.

His eyes widened when he opened the door and saw Ashley standing there. She was shifting her weight from one foot to the other and back again nervously. Her eyes fell on the crying infant in his arms and tears seemed to suddenly water her eyes.

He couldn't help but the worst thoughts rushing through his mind. What if she and Carlos patched up their marriage and wanted to have Dyre back? He didn't think he could live without his son; after these past three months, the nights would just be too empty.

"Come in." He offered, now noticing the chill of the night air and he shivered.

Ashley stepped in gratefully and he pointed to the living-room as he closed the door again. After glancing at her retreating back, he sighed and quickly sealed the house. He really didn't want to have to do this, but she wasn't taking Dyre from him.

He turned up the lights in the living-room and watched Ashley standing in the middle of the room for a few moments. She looked rather lost and sad, staring at the still crying baby in his arms.

"Do you want to hold him?" He offered reluctantly.

"Are you sure?" Ashley asked tentatively, obviously having heard his reluctance in his voice.

"It's easier fixing his bottle if I have two hands to use, anyway."

Ashley carefully accepted the squirming baby into her arms. She looked rather scared holding him and didn't need to be prompted to sit down when Dyre started to squirm even more. Andros watched them for a moment longer before heading into the kitchen.

He carefully listened to every sound coming from the living-room as he started fixing his son's bottle, surprised to find the crying slowly turning into whimpering.

Once the bottle was ready he walked back into the living-room and watched Ashley holding Dyre, who was now happily sucking on her index finger. The sight tugged painfully at his heart. It wasn't fair to any of them, but there just wasn't any other way.

Ashley looked up at him and smiled sadly, tears now clearly shining in her eyes.

"Did you know this is the first time I've even got to hold him?" She muttered softly.

"Do you…" Andros started, biting his lip before offering. "Do you want to give him his bottle?"

Ashley's eyes widened and she nodded quietly. Andros sat down next to her and handed her the bottle. He watched her closely as she offered the boy his bottle instead of her finger.

"I… How's Carlos?" Andros asked after a moment.

"I… um… we… I left him." Ashley sighed before explaining. "He told the press the baby was still born. I thought it was for the best… but… Well, he wanted us to have a child, and it just didn't feel right. Our marriage never quite was the same again and I started longing for my baby more and more. We did nothing but fight anymore, so I filed for a divorce and it was just made final this afternoon."

"So… why are you here?" Andros asked tentatively, not trying to sound too eager or accusing. "If I can ask, of course."

"It's your house, your planet!" Ashley laughed softly. "Of course you can ask. And I came here to see my son, finally. To hold him, love him and right the mistake I keep making for so long."

"And that would be?" Andros asked softly.

"Letting you go and not chasing you, not fighting to be with you." Ashley muttered. "If you'll still have me that is…"

"I don't know, Ash." Andros sighed, sitting down on the couch. "I'll have to think about it."

"I understand." Ashley whispered, a tear now escaping her eye and rolling down her cheek.

"I still love you as much as I always did." Andros admitted. "But I can't deny that you hurt me. I have to know that I can trust you won't change your mind again. How can I be sure you're not going to return to Carlos again in a while, because you want to give your relationship with him yet another shot?"

"Because he bloody well cheated on me before I even considered sleeping with you." Ashley exclaimed, a sudden temper flaring. "And not even once either."

"I'm sorry." Andros offered, holding his arms out for Dyre when he noticed the little boy had finished his bottle.

Ashley handed him over reluctantly and stalked off into the kitchen with the empty bottle. He ignored the sounds of the tap running and concentrated solely on his young son. He was so absorbed in burping the infant and rocking him back to sleep that he didn't notice Ashley standing in the door opening watching him.

"You're a good father." She whispered softly when he finally noticed her. "It pains my heart to give him up, but it would shatter it more if I'd take him away from you. I'll leave now… But… could I? Could I at least come visit some times? Just to hold him and see him grow?"

Andros felt his resolve falter and sighed again.

"Where are you staying?" He asked.

"I don't know yet." Ashley admitted. "I packed my bags and checked into a hotel when I found Carlos cheating on me and once the divorce was final I was on the first shuttle here without arranging anything."

"I'll have your bags send over. You can stay in the guestroom for the time being. After all… he's your son too."

A smile now graced Ashley's face, together with a grateful expression.

"Thank you. I don't know how I can repay you for this." She said.

"Prove to me you'll stay." Andros replied. "Follow me, this little one needs to go back to bed. I'll show you your room at the same time and then I'll call to have your bags brought here."

Ashley strayed in the door opening of the nursery while Andros put Dyre back in his crib before he showed her the guestroom. She was closing the door watching his walk to his own room.

"Andros?" She called and he turned around. "I… I love you…"

A sad smile appeared on his lips.

"I love you too." He replied.

Then he turned his back to her again and entered his room, closing the door behind him. Ashley sighed and closed her door too. He had already offered her more than she expected him to. Maybe there really was a chance to set this thing right still.

A/N: Hope you liked it. Please review.