Chapter 34
(see my Profile for more info ... Cast of Characters ... Timeline ... etc ...)
The Forrester Mansion ... Stephanie's Bedroom …
Stephanie closed the door after Matt then turned and saw that the two of them were watching her with wide-eyed – what – she wasn't sure. Hope? Desperation? Trying not to frown, she walked back over to the bed.
"Your father exaggerates my abilities." She pointed out quietly as she stroked Jenny's hair. "Why don't we get comfortable on the bed." She suggested with a tender smile. "Sometimes – the best thing to do is to just shut out the rest of the world and have some quiet snuggle time with your children." She waited while the four of them climbed onto the bed and got comfortable up against the pillows then took the blanket and joined them next to Darcy, covering them all up.
"Why do I feel like I'm the three-year-old?" Davey spoke up quietly as he tucked his side of the blanket around him and Timmy.
"Is there really anything wrong with that?" Stephanie pointed out with an easy smile then let out a heavy sigh. "Children reflect their parents' moods. If you're feeling tense and anxious – so will they." She settled back into the pillows against Darcy. "I remember when Ridge was just a tiny baby. He would get so fussy and I wouldn't know what to do … I was convinced I was a terrible mother and that he didn't like me. I really didn't have anyone else to talk to or ask questions. So I started to talk to him. We had long discussions about what he needed or didn't need. Liked or didn't like. And gradually, just by spending that time together, we were both able to relax. We got to know each other. And that physical and emotional contact created a very strong bond between us. And I continued that with each of my children – as well as my grandchildren. So that's about the best advice I can give you." She shrugged then gave Darcy a reassuring smile before she leaned over and kissed the top of her head.
The Forrester Mansion … Living Room ...
Matt stood at the bottom of the stairs and watched the scene in the living room. He was reassured to see that everyone looked relaxed and comfortable and were chatting amicably with each other. The two families seemed to be meshing together. Now – all he had to do was get rid of two of them. After a moment, he caught Ridge's eye and motioned him to come out into the foyer.
"Where's Mother?"
"Still upstairs with Davey and Darcy – giving parental pointers." Matt explained pensively. "We've got a bit of a situation with their spouses –" He frowned as he looked back into the living room. "Seems they're having an affair – with each other."
"Ouch." Ridge murmured sympathetically.
"The only thing to do at this point is to just send them packing. How long will it take to get a taxi here?"
"Not long at all. The company usually has a few of them parked and waiting in the neighborhood." Ridge explained as he went over to the phone and dialed.
"Should've known. Rich people don't like to wait." Matt remarked matter-of-factly.
"Less than five minutes." Ridge told him as he hung up.
"Thanks. Let's just get this over with." Matt decided then went over to the doorway. "Marissa and Phil – I need help sorting out the luggage." He told them.
"Sure." Phil spoke up as the two of them stood and went out into the Foyer.
"Which ones belong to the two of you?" Matt asked then waited while the two of them separated the bags. "So that's everything that the two of you brought with you?"
"Yes." Marissa answered quietly.
"Good." Matt walked closer. "For reasons I'm sure I don't need to spell out – the two of you are leaving here. So – take your luggage and go wait outside. A taxi will be here any minute –"
"Matt –" Phil started to interrupt.
"No discussion. Just leave." Matt raised an eyebrow.
"But Timmy –" Marissa started to panic.
"Timmy will be just fine with his father and the rest of us. Same for Jenny. We'll be in touch about what happens from here."
Ridge went over and opened the front door. Marissa and Phil hesitated then picked up their bags, hesitated again then turned and walked out the front door. Ridge closed it after them then went and stood next to Matt with an impressed expression.
"You certainly have a way of getting things done." He remarked.
"I've already wasted way too much time with all the indecisions and uncertainties of life." Matt told him quietly then went over to the rest of the luggage. "What time will your children be here?"
"We have a few more minutes before the wave hits."
"Care to help me get the rest of these upstairs?"
"Sure." Ridge started to pick up the some of the bags then paused. "Just for the record – what would you have done differently?"
Matt made a thoughtful face.
"I would've grabbed hold of Stephanie 35 years ago and never let her go." He answered simply with a shrug then turned to start up the stairs then stopped when he saw Stephanie starting to come down the stairs.
"Guess that's what you'll be doing for the next 35 years." Ridge pointed out with a smirk as he saw the way both of their faces lit up when they saw each other.
"Guess so." Matt grinned. "That didn't take long."
"What can I say – I'm a fast miracle worker." Stephanie shrugged. "All four of them are sound asleep." She grinned then leaned to give him a quick kiss when she reached the bottom of the stairs.
"On our bed?" Matt raised an eyebrow as he set down the luggage.
"Yep. On our bed." Stephanie gave him an amused smirk.
"It's really nice that someone is making use of it." Matt mumbled jealously.
Stephanie gave him a consolation kiss.
"How much longer before our grandchildren arrive?" Stephanie asked Ridge, raising an impatient eyebrow.
"Only a few more minutes."
"Good. I'll just go to the kitchen – to get some fresh tea. I won't be gone long." Stephanie decided then looked at Matt again and raised an eyebrow.
"I better help you carry." He decided.
"I thought you'd think of some reason to join me." She smirked then led the way.
As soon as they were out of sight from everyone else, Matt grabbed her and pressed her back against the wall.
"Matthew – " She started to protest as he started to kiss her hungrily. "Mmmm … this beats ice tea any day." She finally decided as she started to return his kisses.
"I thought you'd think so." He murmured. "Mmmm … I've missed you, my darling."
"Gee – I never would've guessed." She teased then sighed contentedly as his lips worked their magic her.
"I should probably shave again before we get –"
"That can wait – this can't." She interrupted him as her lips found his again.
"Oops!" Felicia blurted out as she turned the corner and saw the two of them.
"Oops is right!" Mary agreed, stunned by what she saw.
"Christ –" Matt let out an irritated moan. "Can't we get any privacy?" He mumbled then felt a hard poke from Stephanie. "Don't poke me like that."
"I was just showing your mother where the bathroom is." Felicia informed them as she tried not to laugh.
"If you want privacy – go to your bedroom – not the hallway in front of the bathroom." Mary pointed out exasperated.
"Guess she told you." Stephanie whispered as she pulled him out of the way.
"Ha!" Was all Matt said as he turned and walked away.
"We'll be in the kitchen." Stephanie told them as she followed Matt down the hall.
"Getting some ice tea – yeah – we know." Felicia called out after them.
"Alright – let's just get this over with – I'll be the first one to say it – I'm being a real asshole." Matt admitted with a tired sigh as soon as they walked into the kitchen.
"No you're not – "
"Yes I am – "
"Well – if you're going to insist – then let's rephrase that by saying that you're my gorgeous, sexy, extremely lovable asshole." Stephanie pushed him down onto the stool then leaned into him as she combed her fingers through his hair. "You're also getting panicky again – aren't you?"
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even closer.
"I'm trying not to … it's just that there's all these people –"
"And pretty soon, there's going to be even more people …little people –"
"I just don't have your people skills … I'm not a real sociable person – you knew that. I'm just a selfish, possessive, cranky, old asshole you wants you all to himself."
"You're still forgetting the gorgeous, sexy, lovable part." She started to tease his face with kisses. "And the best part of all – you're all mine." She whispered as she met his lips in a deep kiss of longing.
"But are you all mine?" Matt had to ask once they parted to catch their breaths.
"Mmmm … absolutely." Stephanie sighed contentedly as she nuzzled his ear. "Don't ever doubt that, my love." She whispered. "I am all yours … body – mind – and soul." She met his lips again.
"Knock knock." They heard his mother's voice announce from the hallway. "I'm going to walk into the kitchen now so consider yourselves warned."
Trying not to laugh, Stephanie straightened as they turned towards the doorway, keeping their arms around each other.
"Just thought I would take this opportunity to spend a minute or two alone with my son and his fiancé." Mary explained as she walked towards them.
"You might as well just start calling Stephanie my wife. I do." Matt pointed out.
"I noticed." Mary pointed out. "My son and new daughter-in-law, then." She rephrased as she sat down on the stool next to them.
"I'm sure I'm not exactly what you were expecting." Stephanie pointed out. "So you can just go ahead and admit it." She shrugged.
"Well – truthfully – no, you're not. But if you're expecting me so say something negative – I won't. First of all, because I don't have anything negative TO say. And second of all, I'm sure that if I did, my son – who, despite his recent rude behavior, happens to love me dearly – would probably tear me to shreds."
"I probably would." Matt admitted with a shrug.
"I will say that I can see how much the two of you love each other and I'm very grateful for that. It's very reassuring for a mother to know that her child has finally found the love and happiness that he needs. So – having said that – now, I'm going to suggest that the two of you take the time and go upstairs and do whatever it is that you need to do in private so that you can rejoin the rest of us and –"
"Mom – " Matt interrupted her embarrassed.
"It's just a suggestion, dear." Mary reached over and gave his cheek a pat and Stephanie a wink then stood and left the room.
Stephanie finally started to laugh softly as she combed her fingers through Matt's hair.
"I think I'm going to like having her for a mother-in-law." She decided. "She reminds me of you."
"Gee – thanks." Matt mumbled as he pulled her back into him and buried his face in her neck. "We don't have a bedroom to go to." He pointed out sullenly.
"Just a temporary situation. If we can hold out for another hour or two – we can go upstairs and spend as much time alone together as we want." She pointed out optimistically. "We could even have a nice long hot bath together."
"Another hour or two." Matt repeated pensively. "And then I can have you all to myself for as long as I want and do whatever I want –"
"Now you're just starting to sound selfish." Stephanie interrupted. "I was suggesting a "we" scenario –"
"Oh – like all my "I's" wouldn't satisfy all your "you's" and be the same as all the "we's"?" He pointed out. "I have news for you, my love. MY only purpose on this planet is to satisfy all of YOUR desires."
"Well – when you put it like that –" She made a thoughtful face. "I do still like the sound of "we" more, though. We've been two lonely old "I's" for far too long."
"Then "we" it is. You and me. Until the end of time." He gave her a tender, loving smile as he caressed her cheek.
"I sure hope no one else listens to these private conversations of ours. They'd have us committed for sure." She had to laugh as she leaned to give him a long, hungry kiss. "Mmmm … I love the way you taste." She sighed contentedly as she caressed his cheek. "But it is getting to the point when you do need to shave."
"And you need to get some food into you. You haven't eaten since breakfast. And if you continue to kiss me like that – I won't be accountable for my actions – no matter who is watching." Matt raised an eyebrow.
"I'll grab something quick to eat."
The Forrester Mansion … Living Room … 45 minutes later …
Matt relaxed back into the sofa cushions. Being next to Stephanie as the remaining seven of her grandchildren "swooped" in was pretty much the same as listening to all of their email voice messages. It was just one big love fest as they all hugged and kissed and gushed over the Grandma that they loved to pieces and had missed so much. Some much longer than others. Thomas and Steffy had traveled from London to attend their wedding and seeing them had made Stephanie burst into tears of joy. Tears that had an emotional effect on everyone else in the room – including his cranky old father.
The younger children had pretty much accepted him into their lives quickly and unquestioningly. The older ones were a little more wary at first but were so relieved to see their Grandma healthy and happy, that they soon got over that. Not long after, Bridget arrived with her brother, Rick. And now, the Forrester-Brannigan Family was complete. And all in one room. What a crowd. One they were going to have to contend with for the next three and a half days. One he was going to have to compete with for Stephanie's attention. One who was not going to be so congenial when they realized he intended to steal this woman away from them and have her all to himself for as long as possible – as often as possible. Beginning soon. A few more arrivals to deal with and then Stephanie would be his – upstairs – in the privacy of their bedroom – with a locked door between them and the rest of the world …
"Do I really have to guess what you're thinking about?" Stephanie's whisper interrupted his thoughts and she watched the blush quickly color his cheeks. "That's what I thought." She gave him an amused smirk then leaned over to give him a quick kiss.
Matt pulled her back for a longer kiss.
"Something tells me that WE are thinking the same thing." He pointed out purposefully, watching the blush color her cheeks. "That's what I thought."
"You rat." She laughed softly as she nuzzled his neck then sighed contentedly as they settled into each other.
"So Grandma Snuggles – is it safe to say that all is right with the world?"
"I would say so, Grandpa Snuggles. Would you agree?"
"I would agree."
"Just a few more things to take care of and then we're free to do whatever we want." She glanced at her watch.
"Besides getting our marriage license – which I still haven't quite figured out how we can do via a house call –"
"Anything is possible if you know the right people." Stephanie winked. "Besides – didn't you say that you would like to thank Judge Reynolds in person some day –"
"The judge who finalized your divorce is coming here to give us our marriage license?"
"Can you think of anyone more appropriate?"
"Ha! Guess not. Does he agree?"
"He agrees. And he's happy to do it. But first, my doctor will be here. To give me a quick check-up. And hopefully, a clean bill of health." She saw the concern cloud his eyes. "It's just routine, Matthew. You of all people know how well I'm doing."
"True." He admitted.
"Then Judge Reynolds. Then my attorney, Barry. With more legal documents for us to sign –"
"Us?"
"WE are an US now. Joint ownerships. Co-partnerships -"
"Of what?"
"Everything. Barry will have a list."
"Shouldn't it be the other way around. A Pre-nuptial –"
"Be serious. If I can't share what I have with you of all people –"
"Stephanie –"
"Everything I have is yours, Matthew. Body – mind – soul – foundations – corporations – trusts - everything."
"Why haven't we discussed this before now?"
"I didn't think there was anything to discuss. For me – this is just a natural progression of our relationship. When two people love each other and trust each other as much as we do – this is just part of the process of becoming one."
Matt made a thoughtful face.
"I suppose so. I'm going to add your name to my bank accounts."
"Same thing."
"Hardly." He gave her an exasperated look. "Then what?"
"Our business manager – with some checks and documents for us to sign – to keep things running while we're on our honeymoon. And then our publicist with the write-up for our wedding announcement."
Matt made another thoughtful face.
"Do you know what I would really like to do? Let's give that guy from the Chicago Tribune exclusive rights to our wedding announcement and photos. I mean – the guy took one look at our first photo together and came up with 'A Match Made in Heaven.' He hit the nail right on the head. So let's return the favor."
"Sounds perfect, my romantic pile of mush." Stephanie smiled as she leaned to give him a kiss, quoting his father's earlier description of him.
"So – is that it?"
"That's it." She shrugged.
"Once all of that is taken care of – I can sweep you off your feet and carry you upstairs into our bedroom and –"
"And collapse from a broken back and we can spend the next few months in a hospital room -" She laughed. "I'll walk up the stairs right next to you –"
"I'm going to interrupt the two of you and ask – why in the hell did you invite us all to participate in this wedding if you're just going to continue to shut us out like this?" David asked matter-of-factly.
Stephanie and Matt just turned and looked at him silently for a moment.
"You may as well get used to it." Matt told him just as matter-of-factly. "It was never our intention to be the constant center of attention or the entertainment."
"We just wanted our families here to share in our happiness and to have the chance to get to know us and each other." Stephanie added.
"And we intend to spend as much time alone together as we want."
Mary reached over and gave her husband's knee a pat.
"Guess they told you." She had to smirk at their honesty.