Chapter 28
Ben lay in the morning light watching her in wonder, wanting to touch her yet not wanting to wake her, feeling so happy and yet a little scared, she was carrying their child. He sensed the change in her breathing and leant over and kissed her ever so gently knowing she was coming awake.
She became aware of her surroundings as his lips gently touched her cheek with a kiss, she opened her eyes and smiled he had watched her wake and kissed her as she surfaced it always surprised her how he managed that. She loved it, especially the sparkle in his eyes, the warmth of his love, all making her feel so secure. She saw that special smile and guessed he was thinking about their baby as well as her.
He watched her smile grow, the sparkle in her eyes showing her love for him and happiness knowing just how loved and secure he felt when waking to her touch as she brushed his fringe back or just kissed his cheek.
He stopped her as she started to sit up with a gentle touch and words, "Five minutes and you can have breakfast in bed. My Soulmate, sweetheart and mother of our screaming child to be."
She laughed, "With you first I hope?"
"Of course … only sorry it can not be all day, but we have work to do and news to tell." He said with a smile, which turned into an inquiring look as he carried on. "What would you like? I understand you can get very picky."
She was silent for a moment thinking about being with him all day then sighed. "Yeah I think Sara will be a bit miffed if I leave her to it today. Umm as for being picky give me two more weeks then I will let you know."
Still with a twinkle in his eyes Ben's smile turned to a look of concern as he spoke, "That sounds as though you've had experience of this before, should I be worried?"
"No, Mum said she was fine up to two months then she started having 'fun'." Meg said with teasing seriousness.
Ben gave a sigh of weariness, "I know pickles and Ice cream together at midnight and then wondered why she threw up in the mornings!"
"Ben!" She said with mock horror and then as though realisation came, "You've been talking to Dad!"
"What ever gave you that idea Sweetheart?" He said with mock innocence and added. "Five minutes and hold the pickles and ice cream on the waffles … till later!" her giggles followed him out the room.
Five minutes later he came in with tray on it was there breakfast and a small vase with a single red rose bud.
As he sat beside her and they started to eat she could not help smiling as she wondered if he had a hidden stash of rose buds because he seemed to produce them at a drop of a hat. She resisted the temptation to ask thereby answering his questioning smile, instead sipped her orange juice, knowing her eyes would be sparkling as his were.
She loved these comfortable quiet times when words were not needed, they finished their breakfast and still silent he held his hand out to her, his eyes and smile doing all the talking.
He led her into the bathroom and they showered together the silence broken by the spluttering laughter or the gasping for air as they kissed and the water enveloped them. They dried each other and got dressed loving each other's company teasing and talking about their day and future.
Eventually almost reluctantly went their separate ways him to all his places of work and her to Sunset Sisters with the promises to meet up some time later.
oxoxo
The Judge watched Derek, Tess, Jake and Dr. Petersfield being escorted out of the courtroom and retired to his chambers relieved it was all over.
He opened the door and smiled there were the other Judges sat waiting for him with glasses of his drink in their hands and a spare one on the table; they looked back at him without a guilty expression between them.
He nodded and walked in commenting dryly "Glad to see you remembered the host." and paused as he walked behind his desk and sat down then he looked at their expectant looks and said. "That went well, not a mutter from any of them" he sighed and admitted "which is leaving me with a very uneasy feeling."
He took his drink said "Cheers." And got their raised glasses back then took a sip and sat back and started the briefing they obviously wanted and admitted. "I had no option but to have Tess, Jake and Derek travel together. Dr Petersfield is going in the other direction and will leave almost at once. The others are back to base to wait transport, which I have ordered to be escorted by our Officers to their limits and the other side take over and Derek should be in double restraints. Thanks for countersigning the order by the way."
Terry and Phillip nodded, Phillip said. "So you still feel Derek is up to something?"
The Judge nodded adding a bit heatedly, "Come on! You faced him in Court Christmas morning so you know his bad side and this morning they are watching each other very guardedly" he calmed down a bit, knowing it was not going to do any good and carried on. "Mind you that could be because of his statement rubbished hers not Jakes, and that hinted it was Maria he wanted rather than her … either way they were going down. Yes, I think he was too quiet during the trial and so do Ricardo and Ben."
Terry countered. "Perhaps the sessions have worked and he has just accepted his fate. Will be content with messing up their lives every anniversary by publishing an article, you know the wronged brother in jail type thing."
The Judge nodded and smiled. "Can't do that … I've slapped an order on him and the others … I'm not I'm having this coming up again and again … it covers books, tv, radio, papers and internet don't think I've missed any out. We all know Dr Estrada is good but the sessions have not been going long enough for the complete turn around he showed in court."
He sighed knowing nothing more could be done so put it to one side and looked over the top of his glass and then took a sip and then added thoughtfully looking at his friends. "Another thing … if I ever have two Judges in my court as witnesses again I'm going to ban them from the front row where I can see them."
Terry and Phillip laughed knowing their friend and Phillip answered for both of them. "Too much for you then."
"It's that knowing look you both have … going to fine it next time I see it I think." He gave a smile as he added with a sigh, "and as for witnesses on the monitor."
"Thought Ben would be good." Terry said knowing his words could be taken either way and remembering the statement Ben made to plead his case in the police station. Having heard it on tape he still could not make up his mind whether Ben was totally in shock or knew Hank just needed a little push in the right direction to keep him out of Cedar Oaks.
The Judge gave a little shake of his head and a smile. "Oh he was, in both respects … he put into words what I was thinking and a few things I did not think of which was good but some comments were … well … it's not really right to have the Judge suddenly start laughing in middle of something … mind you, you two were just as bad … trouble is you knew you were doing it he was just speaking his mind."
Terry and Phillip looked at each other and smiled.
The Judge looked at them then exclaimed. "Hell you noticed!"
Terry said slowly to reassure his friend as well as realising he could end up in his place, in fact they all could given the right circumstances. "Only because we know you. … It was a good case handled well especially with the press … glad it's a one off though. What about Ben and his driving ban?"
Phillip gave a nod of agreement they both knew feedback on cases where possible was essential and any comments never went beyond the group.
The Judge gave a hint of a smile and said with a slight edge his friends knew. "Thank you kind sirs." he took another sip of his drink and then became serious. "A year ban and a fine certainly not putting a suspended jail sentence on top. It might tempt someone to get him the break it. From past history he is a careful driver, he's not driven because of the court case and now some flashbacks have started again. The ban will take any pressure off him to drive too soon. Dr Robinson said the flashbacks should to settle down now the case is over.
Of course the family restriction regarding children is difficult I'm hoping the family court will allow Meg's family to cover his actions along with a doctor check for the child every so often, rather than removing any children or an official nanny. … They can of course have a private nanny but it would be their choice for their own reasons and no sessions with a shrink to dig up his past he's had enough of that. Even Dr. Estrada agrees with that so we have her backing, which should help things."
Phillip said thoughtfully "I suppose the suspended sentence might tempt Derek to set something up." The Judge nodded, Philip carried on. "Good thinking. I'll back anything up regarding the family court. I can understand their reasoning in view of the recent abuse cases but I would have thought Ben would take more care of any children rather than the opposite. Anyway that's for the future."
Terry nodded his agreement.
The Judge put his empty glass down and looked at his friends with a slight smile, Terry and Phillip knew that look and waited. "Right lets sort out next month's charity do, have lunch, your treat I believe then back to business."
Terry and Phillip smiled at each other; they deserved that one so Phillip got out a coin and said. "Okay toss you for it!"
All three laughed as he flipped the coin in the air.
oxoxo
In the news room at Liberty Corp Ben perched casually on the corner of the desk, trying to look innocence and business like with a folder in his hand. Vanessa was on the phone and the other members of staff were trying hard to look busy and keep grins off their faces so the surprise would be complete.
Vanessa waved at Ben and suddenly everyone was busy but not too much noise, a couple started to give a nervous giggle, which nearly set Ben off. He looked across at them with a gentle smile, which sent their hearts racing and smothered their giggles as they heard her voice from the corridor. To Ben she sounded her normal buoyant self and he wondered how AJ had managed to get her there without a hint of the news filtering through either from his attitude or people passing in the corridor … perhaps they all decided to play along.
Bette came into the office and saw him, her heart missed a beat he looked really good not jaded from the ordeal of the past two weeks. Her smile was of pure delight, her voice was teasing not over the top, which she could be when excited. "Goodness Ben you look umm handsome is definitely an understatement. … There was I getting ready to hunt you down for a statement for my column and I find you here." She laughed brightly and added a bit seductively, "You obviously know I always get my man!"
He gave a slight smile as he put the file down and stood up waiting for her to come up to him, she held out her hands to him, which he took. The office had grown quiet not so much in anticipation of her reaction to the news but out of the respect and love she obviously had for Ben and him for her. As they hugged her words were quiet and for him only "How is my Prince of Darkness now we know all about him."
"Fine now it's over. Thank you for your support." He said quietly, she had been there when the others could not be.
They broke the hug, but Ben still kept a hand on her arm and smiled - it took her breath away; she did not know AJ was in the doorway nor did she care for anyone else in the room. Her voice was soft with amazement. "Meg is a very lucky woman and you are so in love with her."
Ben said gently "We would like you and AJ to be Godparents to our child when he or she is born."
Her eyes widened and the exclamation "Ben!" came out as a whisper, she looked at him speechless with delight and tucked into his hug. Ben looked across at AJ and smiled then at the others who watched in silence.
From the doorway AJ smiled and said "Well Ben that's the first time I've seen her so quiet, congratulations." There was a general gentle laugh from their friends and workmates.
Bette moved from his hug looking at Ben with tears in her eyes then round at AJ. "You knew!" she accused but her voice was gentle.
"Ben wanted to tell you himself and I said yes to being a godparent." AJ said with a smile and in his defence.
"I want all the details Ben." Bette found a tissue and wiped her eyes.
Ben said gently with a smile "Okay, we were in bed she had been wearing a silk nightdress but I had carefully eased her out of it and …"
"Hey! Prince of Darkness behave!" Bette exclaimed laughing along with everyone else especially as Ben looked innocently at her as if to say 'well you did ask'. A phone at another desk rang reminding everyone of work. Bette added trying to control her giggles; he could look so gloriously innocent no woman had a chance. "I mean how are you and Meg and when?"
Arm round her shoulders Ben guided her out of the office with AJ just in front "I'm over the moon and so is Meg, she is about six weeks and there is Ricardo and Gabi to consider as well."
Bette gripped his arm. "You don't mean they are!"
Ben said with a grin, "Yes, Gabi is the same as Meg and no it was not a foursome evening either." They laughed and AJ opened the office door and let them go in first.
He stayed at the doorway and with an attempt of serious expression and voice told them, "Bette you have him for a quarter of an hour then he's all mine and work." AJ laughed at Ben's expression "In one piece Bette or Meg will be after you."
He heard Bette's laugh and Ben's "AJ!" as he closed the door on the pair of them.
oxoxo
The shop was busy with customers and friends who came to gossip - her news was greeted with hugs and laughter and quiet words so gradually the news spread throughout Sunset Beach.
Ricardo and Gabi smiled as they received congratulations and the banter of teasing and horror stories regarding police officers and kids as their news spread through the police station and out into the town. To their surprise they were summonsed by the Chief for a quiet chat, which ended with congratulations and the order of the rest of the day on leave.
They felt like two little kids released unexpectedly from school listing all the things they could do ticking them off one by one as not good enough, remembering the happiness of last night which started with a phone to Carmen. To their surprise she gave them her congratulations and happiness, and then there came the quieter congratulations from Maria and quick words about the journey home from Benjy. Then they visited the Mission and saw the obvious joy from Antonio with his invitation of lunch which they could now accept.
oxoxo
As Meg and Sara started to close up Sunset Sisters for the night a messenger brought her a rose bud with a letter, which asked her to be at their special spot at sunset. The two sisters bantered between them all the possibilities of his surprise because the afternoon had clouded over and the sun might be hidden so there had to something more. Meg countered that sometimes they could be the best but by the time they were locking the door their ideas were way over the top more ludicrous the better so they parted in giggles with Sara's instructions to tell all in the morning.
Meg arrived on the beach as the sun peaked out from under its patchy blanket of cloud as though it was hoping no one would notice it diving down behind the horizon for the night this time. In the light it sent across the bay she saw him sitting on a blanket with a picnic basket opened and glasses ready.
As she sat down beside him smiling with anticipation because he had that all too innocent expression on his face, which she loved and knew it would mean something good was going to happen. He still kept silent which she knew was a tease so she stayed quiet waiting resisting the temptation to kiss him and break his resolve, he reached into the basket and opened a bottle and started to pour it, hiding the label from her, it looked like a clear sparkling wine.
She was just going to remind him she should not drink alcohol when he said lovingly his eyes sparkling but no hint of tease. "Only the best fruit juice for us my love, next bottle of booze will be when the baby is born and boy will we need it!"
She giggled and accepted the drink and took a sip it, true to his word it was good and they watched each other as they drank some more. She knew there was more because he was looking at her in that special way which meant she would have to get it from him.
She decided two could play at that game and said in a loving tease, which she knew would get him going. "Umm that was special and I like it, guess you survived all the congratulations and horror stories. How did Aunt Bette take the news got all the gory details out of you with her special smile and laugh? " He smiled but stayed silent still watching her she gave a sigh and said "Did you know Gabi and Ricardo were able to sneak off for the rest of the day … why didn't we do that?"
"Simple they are the workers we are the bosses. Like another drink?" He said reasonably giving nothing away and knowing she had not finished her first one.
Meg shook her head and gave in. "Okay what's the mystery?"
His eyes sparkled as he finished his drink so she played along with him by finishing hers. He smiled and said gently. "I've handed the Deep over to Roger and Dave, I will keep a close eye on my investment but they are in charge. So I can have you to myself every evening and a manager will be taking over the Java Web with the view to buying it in due course. Charles has all the papers worked out and signed."
She could hardly believe he had really done it she knew how much he enjoyed them and after working in the shop she understood how special they were to him, the shop was one of the things she was determined to keep on with and said softly. "My, you have been busy. So you're going to be a home husband then."
"Sounds good and we do have enough to live on and your parents will be on hand, I thought we would make it an easy fivesome." He said with a gentle laugh before he kissed her.
For all they cared the sun could have turned blue as she carried her dainty descent beyond the horizon, the clouds still hung around her as if covering her modesty or perhaps they were protecting her from the fact they were not looking at her that evening.
