Come What May
Chapter 29
Rebecca, now much larger and seven months into her pregnancy, was sitting in a rocker by the living room window, knitting a pair of baby booties. She put down her yarn and needles when she saw a car pull up to the house. Moving closer towards the window to see why, she saw a middle-aged woman step out of the vehicle and stare at the house.
"Oh no…" she used the sides of the chair to stand up and went over to the door just as the bell rang.
"Mother? What are you doing here?" she asked as Ellen Hoffman walked past her and walked into the house uninvited.
"A woman can't come visit her daughter?"
"Not when that woman treated said daughter terribly." She crossed her arms over her large middle.
"I see that husband of yours has already put you in the family way."
"Yes, he has. We're having twins due in July." Rebecca smiled at her mother's disapproving glare.
"Wonderful…" Ellen faked a smile. "Where is your sister?"
"Upstairs, sleeping."
"Still sleeping at this hour?"
"It's only ten in the morning, mum. Plus she needs sleep when she can. Some nights her daughter keeps her up at all hours."
"Must be difficult for her to raise the child without a husband." She said in a 'she-should-have-listened-to-me' tone.
"Actually, she is doing fine. It is difficult, but Harold and I help her and things are actually going quite well."
"But when you have your children, you won't be able to help her as much. You'll have your own family to care for."
"I haven't really thought of that. I suppose we'll have to hire a nanny just to help out. We have the money for that."
"Oh yes, I heard you girls acquired your inheritance."
"We did." Rebecca could sense her mother was going to ask for money, and was surprised when she didn't.
"Your home is nice."
"Thank you?" She was taken aback that her mother actually approved of something.
They heard a baby crying from upstairs and then footsteps. A moment later, Kelly walked down the staircase, holding Evelyn, and stopped as soon as she saw their company. "Why is she here?"
"Kelly, she stopped by apparently to see how things are going."
"Things are fine. Now please get out." Kelly stated angrily and rudely.
Mother replied, "I didn't raise you this way, Kelly Ann. Now please, do mind your manners and try to remain civil."
"You better not be here with any hopes of taking us back home. We're both adults and we have our own home and money and family. You have no power over us."
"I know that."
Feeling awkward because of the tension, Rebecca suggested she go put on a pot of tea and left the room.
"My grandchild seems to be doing well."
"She's not exactly your grandchild. Not by blood anyway. Not even in any other way, considering the way you treated me."
"Are you aware of how bad you two have made our family look over the past year? The consequences your actions have had on our family name?"
"I can imagine, and I really don't give a damn."
"One daughter left a highly respected American millionaire at the alter for a middle-class sailor. And you ran away, forgetting the arrangements with the Morleys and then came to London, giving birth to another sailor's bastard. It's sickening."
Kelly was furious, "No, mother, what is sickening is a woman that is so greedy and desperate for wealth that she would sacrifice her own two children to the wolves of society."
"You have displayed yourself to society as a harlot. You should set things right, or at least make it a bit better, by marrying somebody. Living the proper way. But I doubt any good man would be interested in you now."
"Actually, I have found a good man who is very interested in me. He also comes from a family with money."
"Really? Well that's good. You're going to need him soon."
"Why?" she eyed her mother worriedly.
"I've been talking to a lawyer and I have come up with a not-so-pleasant proposition for you. It is wrong for you to be living as a single mother, and if you do not marry soon, I can and will take custody of your daughter."
"No! You can't!"
"Yes, I can. I can accuse you of being an unfit mother and take your daughter. Then you'd have to listen to me and come home with me. I'd be able to marry you off to a rich gentleman and by holding my custody of your child against you, you would help support me for years."
"You disgust me. You're using your children as property and using us for money just to keep yourself living your despicable lifestyle in high society. Do you not see how wrong this all is?"
"If you marry somebody soon, I will not be able to do anything. I could just play your sister a bit and try to get some money out of her. But either way, I will see you married and living a proper lifestyle. You will not embarrass this family any further."
"I do not wish to be a part of your family anymore."
Rebecca entered the room again. Kelly handed Evelyn to her and proceeded to run up the stairs.
"What did you do?" Rebecca asked.
"Nothing at all. Your sister is insane."
Kelly came back down a moment later, fully dressed with a suitcase in hand. She took Evelyn from her sister's arms. "I'm going away for a bit. I refuse to be in this house with that woman," she pointed at their mother.
"Kel…" Rebecca called after her, just as the door slammed shut.
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Danny was at work when he heard a knock on his office door. He opened it and Kelly walked inside.
"My mother found us."
"What?" he asked.
"My mother found us and she's at my home right now. There were some words exchanged and I left."
"Is that why there's a suitcase in your hands?"
"Yes. I need to find some place to stay. But I thought I'd come see you first."
"Where's Evelyn?"
"Your secretary has her. She asked to hold her and then just did not want to give her back just yet."
"Maura has always been found of children. She has a young son of her own. Why did you decide to come here?"
"I came here because I needed to see a friendly face." She hugged him.
"Come home with me."
She stared at him.
"No, not like that. I didn't mean that way. I just meant you can come and stay the night with my family. We have plenty of rooms. Our maid could take care of Evelyn. Plus you could meet my family."
"Sure. If it's not too much trouble."
"It won't be any trouble. I'm sure it will all be fine. Just let me finish this one paper and we can go in twenty minutes."
She kissed him softly, "Thank you." She left the room and sat in the waiting room with the secretary.
A little while later, Danny emerged from his office holding his briefcase. "Ready to go?"
Kelly nodded and took Evelyn from Maura's arms. They left and entered Danny's car.
About a half hour later they arrived at a large pale yellow house. He parked the car in the front and led Kelly up the brick steps towards the door that was surrounded by two pillars and a tiny roof supported by them.
A tall blonde woman in a plain maid's uniform let them in. "Good afternoon, sir."
"Good afternoon, Caroline." He walked in, hold Kelly's hand. He placed his briefcase on the floor in the entrance hall.
"Shall I let the cook know to set another place for dinner later?" Caroline asked while looking at Kelly.
"Yes. We'll also need the guest room upstairs to be set up to accommodate my friend Kelly and her daughter."
"I'll get right on that." She curtsied and left.
Danny let go of Kelly's hand and motioned for her to follow him into the next room, the sitting room.
There sat a slightly overweight gentleman with graying hair on his head and his distinguished-looking mustache. He was reading the newspaper and didn't notice the presence of people in the room.
"Father?" Danny walked over to him.
The man put the newspaper down on his lap. "Daniel, why are you home early?"
"I took the rest of the day off. My friend, Miss Hoffman," he gestured to her, "had a family dispute and left her home. She needs a place to stay for the night so I offered her our guest room, if that's alright."
"That should be fine." He looked at Kelly, "How are you, Miss?" he stood up and came over to her, "I'm Oliver Banner."
"I'm doing fine. Thank you, Mr. Banner." She smiled politely.
"Please sit down." He pointed to the couch. They all sat down. "So, if it's not too much to ask, tell me about yourself, Miss Hoffman."
She paused to think, "Well, my name is Kelly. I'm eighteen years old. I have a four month old daughter named Evelyn. What exactly would you like me to tell you, sir?"
"You seem very polite. I'll assume you were brought up well and educated as appropriate? Who are your parents?"
"Thomas and Ellen Hoffman. My mother is not someone I wish to talk to. She is actually the reason I'm here right now. As for my father, he died last April."
"Oh, I am very sorry. What happened?"
"The ship we were traveling to America on sunk and unfortunately he was one of the unlucky ones who didn't make it. We were first class passengers on the Titanic. It isn't really something I wish to discuss sometimes. I try my best not to think about the sinking, but it's hard since it haunts me everyday."
"I understand that was a tough time for you. I won't make you speak of it. I was only wondering about your family. I like to get to know people."
"That's all fine, Mr. Banner."
"What happened to your husband?" he stared at Evelyn, who was squirming and fussing on Kelly's lap.
"I'm not married, nor have I ever been married." She stated softly, not making eye contact with the man.
Instead of commenting, he just continued asking questions, trying to find out more about her.
"Daniel, may I speak to you in the study for a moment?" Mr. Banner asked after a while.
Danny followed his father. "Son, I just felt the need to ask, how close are you to this girl?"
"Why?"
"Well you don't normally bring home women, and I see something in the way you look at her. Don't even try denying it."
"Alright. Yes. I have feelings for her."
"But why? She is very sweet and polite, but this is a woman with no husband and she has a baby. She probably has a lot of scandal attached to her name. Is this really the kind of woman you want to marry?"
"I think she's amazing. She is a lot different from the other women you've tried to introduce me to. She's more down to earth and she's very sweet and funny. I think she's great, and I would marry her if given the chance. Not right now, but in the future I would."
"Isn't this the girl who nearly got you killed? You got shot trying to protect her!"
"Well, father, isn't that proof enough that I care about her?"
"I just hope you realize what you'd be getting yourself into."
"I do realize it. And I'm sure I'm going to love it."
---------------
Out behind the Banner's house was a beautiful garden full of bright flowers and stone pathways. There was a fountain in the middle of it and a bench made of wrought iron and oak. Kelly sat on it, next to Danny who held Evelyn on his lap.
Kelly took the baby and held her, then kissed the top of her head. Danny covered his eyes and then uncovered them, causing Evelyn to giggle sweetly.
"Who's this?" a young man asked as he walked towards them. His hair was light brown like Danny's, but his face was a bit rounder and he was a few inches shorter.
"This is my good friend, Kelly Hoffman, and her daughter Evelyn." Danny answered and turned to Kelly, "This is my brother, Matthew. He's a pain-in-the-neck."
"I beg your pardon. I am not a pain-in-the-neck. You must have me confused with yourself."
Danny sighed, "They're staying over tonight. She's taking one of the guest bedrooms."
"Why doesn't she just share your room?" he asked sarcastically.
"Because that would be inappropriate. Why don't you go hang out with your drunken college buddies like usual and leave us alone?"
"Fine." He looked at them all in an odd way, shook his head, and left.
"My brother is an idiot. Don't even listen to anything he says. He's so obnoxious. Hopefully he'll spend his time tonight with his friends and away from here."
"He seemed fine to me. No different than any other college boys or younger brothers I've seen."
"I guess so…" he murmured, and then went back to playing with Evelyn.
---------------
"It is lovely to meet a friend of Daniel's." said Julia Banner, Danny's mother. She was a middle-aged woman and her hair auburn was a little bit grey. Her smile resembled Danny's, but most of her facial features were passed on to Matthew.
They were all around the Banner family's dinner table.
"It is lovely to meet you too, Ma'am." Kelly smiled politely as she slowly ate her dinner.
"Daniel, dear, please tell me you are courting this young woman. She is so sweet."
"Actually, mother, I am."
"That's lovely, son. I'm very happy for you. She's a lovely girl." Julia Banner looked over at Kelly and smiled.
"Thank you, ma'am." She smiled back politely.
"You may call me Julia if you'd like. I wouldn't mind."
"Alright. Thank you, Julia."
"You're very welcome." She took a bite of her dinner and chewed it and took a sip from her wine glass.
After dinner, Oliver asked Danny to assist him for a bit with a few legal cases, and Julia took Kelly into the sitting room.
An older maid walked in carrying tea.
"Thank you, Jane." The woman then silently left and Kelly and Julia sipped their tea for a few quiet moments.
"So how old is your daughter?" Julia asked.
"She is four months old. And quite a handful."
"I understand. All my children were handfuls too when they were little. Some still are."
"Does it get easier?"
"Yes. After they learn to walk though, it is difficult to catch up with them. They want to go everywhere. And as they grow older, they are a bit easier to take care of. Watching your children grow up is a beautiful experience."
"I'm looking forward to that."
"And please do keep her safe. I'd hate for anything to happen to her." Julia had a sad expression and looked away for a moment.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine. Just got lost in thought for a moment. That's all."
"Okay…"
"Before Daniel and Matthew were born, I had two daughters, Katharine and Olivia. My little Kate and Livvy. They were my angels, but in December of 1885 they both became ill." Her eyes were watering a bit, "I was pregnant with Daniel and for my own safety, Oliver sent me to my mother's home. I couldn't be with my little girls when they died. It broke my heart. One was just four years old and the other was only an infant."
"I am so sorry to hear that, Mrs. Banner. I really am. That's a terrible thing for any mother to go through."
"Yes, it is. One of the toughest times of my life." She wiped her eye and then looked at away, "Well, that's all in the past."
"I understand what it's like to lose people. Not a child, but I did lose both my father and the love of my life on the Titanic…"
"Oh, dear. That's terrible! That was such a horrible tragedy. What did you do when you found out? Did you get sent a letter or something?"
"No, actually I was there to witness it all…"
Julia stayed silent, and then placed her hand on Kelly's shoulder. "I really don't know what to say to that. I can't imagine what that was like."
"It was one of the most difficult times of my life. You told me about yours, so I thought I'd share mine. I don't really wish to elaborate much on it yet. The wounds still aren't healed enough for me to want to think about it."
"That's alright, dear. I don't wish to make you speak of it."
"Thank you…" she replied quietly.
"So that's what happened to your baby's father?"
"Yes, ma'am. He froze to death... And I understand that you and your husband probably think I'm a pretty awful person. I was unmarried and I suppose I was foolish."
"No, actually you weren't foolish at all. You got a beautiful child out of the experience, and some people are going to disapprove, but who needs them? To be honest, I got pregnant before I was married. I gave birth to my first daughter, Katharine, in May of 1881 and Oliver and I married in November 1880. Although that isn't why we got married. We were already engaged. It was arranged, but we actually fell in love. Then one thing led to another. I think as long as you love someone and your whole heart is committed to them, then it's alright."
"My whole heart was committed to Jim. That's Evelyn's father. We were going to get married. But he died."
"Well, see, you were going to do things properly and marry him. And you loved him. There's nothing wrong with that in my eyes."
"I just want people to accept me and my daughter for who we are. I want life to be normal, and I want to be who I want to be. Not who I'm told to be."
"Good. Be who you want. Life is more fulfilling that way."
"I wish life could go exactly the way it should. So much has happened this year."
"I understand things have been horrible. Everyone has rough patches in their lives. You just have to keep moving forward. There is no where to go but up from here."
"That's true."
"I'm sure things will get better for you, dear." Julia smiled sincerely.
Oliver and Danny entered the room.
"Did you two ladies have a nice chat?" Mr. Banner asked.
"Yes. I think we did." Kelly responded.
"Daniel, darling, will you show Kelly to the guest room?"
"Sure, mother." He walked over to Kelly and offered her his arm.
She hooked her arm with his and they walked up the stairs. "Your mother is the sweetest woman. I am quite fond of her. She is so understanding."
"Yes, she is."
"I think you do take after her a bit."
"Really? How so?"
"Well, you're also very sweet, and you are understanding. Not many men who could end up with any high society girl they want would settle for a girl with so many issues. You befriended me and cared for me, knowing that I had a past and a bit of scandal attached to me. I am so grateful I found you."
In response to this he stopped in the hall and kissed her. "I am so grateful that I found you as well." He then pointed to the room next to them. "This is your room." He opened the door and brought her inside. "Evelyn is downstairs still. The maids don't want to let her go." He chuckled for a moment, "They seem to be quite taken with her. There is a bassinet in the room," he pointed to the corner of the room, "Someone will bring her up here. For now, just get some rest. And if you get lonely during the night, my room is right across the hall." He gave her a suggestive smile.
"Oh, Danny." She sounded slightly appalled, but amused. She picked up a pillow and smacked him in the arm with it.
"Sorry, my dear. It was only a suggestion."
"I know. If I decide to take you up on that, then you'll hear me lightly knocking on your door later tonight. But I can't make any promises."
"That's fine with me. I should probably go down stairs now to my parents before they assume something inappropriate is going on. Sleep well." He kissed her on the cheek and left.
She laid down on the bed and stared at the ceiling until a maid knocked on her door. "Come in."
"Good evening, ma'am. I was just returning your child to you. She sure is adorable. Such a sweet little thing."
"Thank you." Kelly took Evelyn and placed her in the bassinet. "Hello, angel." She stroked the baby's cheek softly with her finger.
The maid left, and Kelly rocked Evelyn to sleep, before laying down in bed herself. But she didn't sleep. She sat up contemplating a few things, and waiting for the right moment to visit Danny. She had something on her mind that she needed to speak with him about.
Around midnight, she tiptoed out of the room and across the hall. She knocked lightly on the dark wooden door.
Danny opened it, looking awake. He wasn't even in his pajamas. She assumed he was waiting up for her to come to him.
"I knew you'd come." He shut the door behind her.
"I came because I needed to speak with you."
He led her over to his bed and gestured for her to sit down on the edge. He sat right next to her. "What's going on?"
"Well, when my mother came to visit this morning, I didn't just leave because of her presence. Its more about what she said to me…"
"What did she say to you?" he asked curiously.
She took a deep breathed. "Uhh… well, she told me that she wishes to take custody of Evelyn."
"What?!" he stood up.
She pulled his arm gently so he'd sit back down. "That's not all. She hopes that I will follow her and my child home with her so she can marry me off to some wealthy bastard and she can live off of my money."
"That's terrible. I won't let this happen. I'll help you in any way that I can."
"There is only one way she will forget all of this. There's one way, she said, that I can foil her plan."
"And what is that? Tell me. I'll help you."
"The only way to stop her is if I get married."
He was silent.
"I know this is crazy. Never mind. I take it back. I'll find my own way out of this mess. Although I can't guarantee it will work out in our favor…"
"I said I'd help you anyway I can, and I'd love to marry you. But now? This quick?"
"It wouldn't have to be so soon, of course. I don't know. I just don't want to lose my child, or you." She had tears welling up in her eyes.
He wrapped his arms around her and brought her close to him.
"Don't cry, please."
The tears were falling from her eyes onto his sleeve.
He rubbed her back soothingly. "Kelly, I need you to stop crying and look at me."
She listened.
"Will you marry me?"
"You don't have to do this, Danny."
"But I want to. Look, I love you, and I love Evelyn, and I want to care for you and be with you for the rest of my life. I'll do anything to keep you and the baby safe and happy, and if this is what I must do, then I'll do it. I want to marry you. I didn't dream of it being so soon, but I don't care. I want to take care of you. We can have our own family and be happy. I'll give you everything I have to give, honey. I promise you that."
She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. He placed his hands on her waist and returned the kiss with as much power as she had kissed him. He slowly pushed her backwards, while their lips were still connected, until she was resting on her back with him above her.
"I love you. I absolutely love you. I need you to know that." He kissed her again, and he could feel her grinning against his lips.
"I love you too." She responded during one of the few moments his mouth wasn't against hers.
He began to kiss her neck, and then move to her shoulder, and then her collarbone.
"Danny…" she said, but he didn't stop to acknowledge her. "Danny." She said again. He looked into her eyes. "I'm not ready for this."
"Oh, of course. Right. I apologize. I wasn't thinking straight."
"I love you, and I do want to be with you in that way, but not until we're married. Just to keep things right. Plus, I don't think I could handle another child right now. I wouldn't want any accidents occurring."
"That's fine. We'll wait 'til whenever you're ready."
"So when do you want to do this?"
"Soon." He said quickly with a smirk on his face.
She giggled. "I meant the wedding."
"Whenever is good for you. I just might need a bit of time to get adjusted to the idea that I'm going to be getting married."
She sat up and straightened herself up. "So… you really want to do this? You're absolutely certain?"
"I am very sure." He smiled and kissed her again.
"Thank you. Really, thank you. You're truly saving me and my daughter from going back to a life we tried to hard to escape."
"As long as you're mine, you will never have to go back to that."
She kissed his cheek, and he put his hand on her stomach, pushing her down gently. They lay in his bed, above the covers, talking and holding each other, until they accidentally drifted asleep.
---------------
There was a knocking on the door, and then it was pushed open. "Well, well, well… What have we here..." Matthew said while staring at the two sleeping figures. He went over and picked up his leg to kick Danny playfully in the thigh.
"Uh…" he woke up, "Matty, what do you want?" he sat up to stretch.
"I don't know. How about we ask your little room mate over here." He pointed to Kelly.
"Shit!" Danny jumped up, then tapped her arm a few times.
Her eyes fluttered open. "Good morning." She said, and then saw Matthew standing next to the bed. "Oh God! What time is it?"
"It's eight o'clock." Matthew answered. "I've been asked to wake you both for breakfast. Thank you for making me only have to make one stop."
"Matt, I know what you're thinking, but absolutely nothing happened, so do wipe that smirk off your face before I do it for you!"
"Fine, fine." He backed away slowly, "Just come down stairs before Mother and Father hang you." He left and shut the door.
"I have to go check on my baby!" Kelly gasped and went across the hall, taking Evelyn in her arms, and holding her close to her bosom.
Danny came and leaned against the doorframe. "She alright?"
She nodded and followed him out of the room.
Kelly and Danny ran down the stairs, through the sitting room, down the hall, and into the dining room. They plopped down into the mahogany chairs.
"Good of you two to finally grace us with your presence." Oliver joked.
A maid took Evelyn from Kelly's arms. We'll take care of her for you, miss. Enjoy your breakfast." Another maid came in with two plates, one for herself and one for Danny.
"So Danny, did you have a good night?" Matthew asked while eying him mischievously and pushing his food around his plate with a fork.
Just smiling politely, he answered "Yes, I did. Thank you for asking." Then shot Matthew a dirty look before returning to his food.
"Was last night a pleasurable one for you?"
Danny slammed his hand on the table. "God damn it, Matt! Will you just shut up!"
"Boys, what's going on here?" Julia asked worriedly.
"This morning guess who I found all nice and nestled up together in Danny's bed."
All eyes went to Kelly, who covered her face.
"Daniel Joseph Banner!" Oliver yelled.
"Matthew, I think you should leave." Julia suggested.
"But why?" he asked in a whiny tone.
"Just go before I wring your neck!" Danny looked furious and stood up.
Matthew fled the room.
"Sit down!" Oliver yelled at his son. "Now what is your brother talking about?"
"Kelly and I were talking last night. That was all, I swear! Then we fell asleep on my bed. We were above the covers and fully clothed. No inappropriate things occurred at all."
"You two still should not have been alone in a bedroom. It's improper." Oliver's face was starting to turn red from anger. "You aren't married."
"But we will be." Danny blurted out.
"What did you say?"
Danny stood up and walked towards Kelly, placing his hand on her shoulder. "We're engaged."
Oliver was silent, but Julia was smiling. "That's wonderful." She got up and kissed her son's cheek, then Kelly's. "When are you two planning to be married?"
"We're not sure yet. I guess sometime in the next few months."
"Daniel, may I speak with you in the next room?" Oliver stood up and gestured to the door.
Once in the office next to the dining room, Danny sat down on the leather couch. "I know what you're going to say, Dad, but-"
"Do you realize what you're doing?"
"Yes, I do. I-"
"No, you don't. You're going to marry a single mother. You'll not only have the responsibility of being a husband, but also a father. Are you sure you're ready for that? I don't think you're responsible enough. She's a lovely girl, and I'll accept her into my family, but just think about the consequences there could be? She's obviously done things to upset society. Do you want to be involved with her tarnished reputation?"
"I don't care about any of that. I don't give a damn about society. I want to live my life by my own rules. I want to be happy, and I know I can be. I'll be ready for whatever comes at me, and our family has weathered worse. It'll all be fine."
"It better all be fine. Or else you'll be the one taken down by this. Not me and not this family. Is this clear?"
"Crystal, father."
Oliver walked off down the hall, and entered his study, where he slammed the door and locked himself inside for the day.
Danny went back into the dining room, where his mother was sitting. "Where's Kelly?"
"She's up in the guest room." She answered, "And son, I just want to say that she's a lovely girl, and I am excited that you're marrying her. I think she can keep you in your place." She laughed for a second, "Although I have to ask… There is no reason you two have to get married, right?"
"Well, actually, yes. But I don't mind. It's what's best for the baby."
Julia's mouth was wide open. 'Excuse me? Baby?"
Danny then realized, "No, mother, I don't mean like that. You see, her mother is threatening to take away her child if she doesn't get married. She'll be forced to returned to her mother and be married off to a man she doesn't love, and possibly separated from Evelyn. And I'll do anything in my power to prevent it. Even if it involves this. I love her."
"As long as you love her. I think what you're doing is wonderful. And that little baby is so adorable. I just love her to pieces. Your new fiancé is lovely too. Don't let this one go, dear."
"I won't." he smiled, and then left to head upstairs.
Pushing open the door to Kelly's room, he saw her putting her suitcase together.
"You're leaving?"
"Your father didn't seem too thrilled. I figure I should go home. Plus I have to talk to my mother. I have to tell her she can't take away my daughter. If you're still up for marriage…"
"Of course I still am." He took her in his arms and held her close. "And it's not going to change. I promise."
After saying goodbye to Oliver and Julia, and even Matthew, Danny walked Kelly home.
"My mother should still be here. Knowing Rebecca, she'd never kick her out." Kelly commented as they walked up the front steps to her home.
They opened the door and entered the sitting room. "Rebecca?" she called out.
Rebecca appeared and walked to Kelly, hugging (as best as she could with her giant stomach). "What happened?"
"Where's Mother?" Kelly asked, ignoring Rebecca's question.
"She's sitting in the dining room."
"Good. I have to speak to her." Kelly handed Evelyn to her sister and walked ahead, and Rebecca and Danny, after looking at each other for a moment, followed.
"Mother," Kelly said as she entered the room, "You don't have to take my daughter away."
Rebecca looked shocked, and looked to Danny questioningly. He just stayed quiet.
"Why?"
"I got engaged, just like you told me to. I'm going to make everything proper. Anything to keep my baby girl out of your care."
Rebecca stepped forward. "Mother! You threatened to take Evelyn away?!"
"Yes, I did. And if Kelly doesn't get married within the next four months, I'll still take the child away. It isn't right for her to be raised as a bastard by her unwed mother."
"You are so-" Kelly started to say, but Danny interrupted her.
"Mrs. Hoffman, don't you worry. We'll be married in the next few months and everything will be fine. Your grandchild will be in my care, and you won't have to deal with any of this."
"Fine." Mother seemed unfazed.
"And one more thing. After the wedding, I don't want you near my daughter. I don't want you to ever get your hands on her. I won't give you the chance to do to her what you've done to me. If anything happens to me, Danny will take her, and if anything happens to him too, she'll go to Rebecca and Harold. And after that, she'd go to Danny's family. And after that, send her to Michael and Grace for all I care! But as long as she is never in your care, I'll rest easy." Kelly explained.
"And I'll rest easy knowing you'll be living a proper lifestyle." Mother stood up from her chair, "now excuse me. I wish to take a nap." She left the room.
"I can't believe she would do this…" Rebecca shook her head slightly.
"I can." Kelly answered.
Danny took Evelyn from Rebecca's arms, and put one arm around Kelly's shoulders. "It's all going to be fine, dear."
"So you two are really going to get married?"
"Yes, I suppose so." Kelly answered, "As long as Danny still wants to."
"I've told you again and again, I want to. Give me a few months time and the cold feet will dissipate."
"Last night when we talked you said soon." She smiled while talking, trying to not giggle.
"Well that was only because that would mean we could… you know." He smirked. "I was only kidding. We have what, four months, right? How about September? We have until then anyway."
"That's fine with me." She answered and rested her head on his shoulder.
She then tickled Evelyn and the baby giggled. She seemed so comfortable in Danny's arms.
"You three look like an adorable little family." Rebecca commented.
"We do, don't we?" Danny smiled, holding Evelyn and Kelly closer to him, never wanting to let them go.
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Thanks for reading chapter 29. Don't you guys just hate mrs hoffman? evil mother. lol. But from her threat came something good. Hopefully it will all stay good... you never know with Becky and I.... dun dun dun! Anywho, thanks. Please review. I'll be so happy. =]
