Thanks to everyone who read, reviewed, alerted and favorited this story. You guys are awesome!

co-written by RatedrKjErIcHo

They pulled into the driveway the next day and Holly looked over at Alex when she saw John was already there. Alex sighed. "I'll take care of it." He said getting out.

They walked to the door and Alex let Holly go in. He then turned to John. "What are you doing here?"

"We need to talk." John said. "Let's go inside."

"No, we will talk out here." Alex said to him.

"You changed the locks, ignored my phone calls, put a hold on the trust fund? You owe me some answers."

Alex sighed. "I'm working things out with Holly after what happened the other night with Wade. What I let happened. I feel sick that I let it happen. That I didn't stop it. I'm not letting that happen again with my wife. So, things are changing."

"You're cutting me out?"

"Yes, I am." Alex replied to him. "John, I love Holly and I want my marriage to be good. So, yes, I am cutting you out. It's time we went our separate ways."

"Is that your final word on the matter?"

"It is."

"I'll give you the space you need. But mark my words, you'll be back. And when you come back to me for help keeping her in line, this thing with Wade will seem like child's play."

"I won't need your help." Alex said turning toward the door.

"Oh you will. Once you realize, that you enjoy having control over your wife. That life is better when she is weak and dependent on you. When she is nothing but someone to give you a son and use for sex. You're realize that love is for suckers." John didn't' say more as he walked away. He knew Alex would come crawling back to him.

Alex walked into the house and found Holly in the kitchen. "I told John he's out of my life." He said as he walked in.

"Good. I hope he stays away." She said to him. "So, I thought I would cook dinner tonight. Anything in particular you want."

"Whatever you want is fine."

"Alright. I thought pasta and salad?"

"Sounds good." He said as he kissed her. "I'm going to head to the office. I have a file to pick up and I need to talk to Wade." She nodded and watched as he walked out the backdoor and headed to the office.

Amber picked up her phone and dialed Holly's number as she sat in the house. She hope Holly was back from her trip with Alex and that she was okay.

"Hello?"

"Hey, I was hoping you'd be back from your trip."

"We got back earlier." Holly replied. "What's up?"

"I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine. The trip was exactly what we needed."

"Good. You wanna go shopping tomorrow?"

"Sure. That sounds like fun." Holly replied. "I definitely need a girls day."

"Alright so I'll meet you at the usual spot for lunch."

"Great. See you then." She said before hanging up. She was excited to hang out with her sister. She just wanted things to go back to normal. She continued making dinner with the thought in the back of her mind that she hoped things could get back to normal after everything that happened.

Alex walked into the office and headed to Wade's. He took a breath as he knocked on the door and heard him say come in.

"Alex, how was the vacation?" Wade said when he saw him.

"It was good. It was what we needed." He said walking in and sitting down. "Wade, I wanted to talk to you about what happened."

"Alright."

"I promised Holly wouldn't happen again." Alex said looking at him. "I love my job, Wade. I do and I'm good at it. I hope you keep that in mind. I shouldn't have let it happen to begin with. She's my wife and I promised to love her and keep her safe. And I failed when I let that happen. It can't happen again."

"Pity. She was incredible." Wade said looking at him. "Definitely someone I wouldn't mind having again. But I understand. And don't worry, this shouldn't effect your work as long as you continue to do the work you have been."

"My work will be good."

"Good. Then see you tomorrow." Alex nodded and walked out of Wade's office. He was glad that Wade understood even though he knew Wade would probably try to get him to let him have Holly again. But he wouldn't let that happen.

He pulled into the driveway and headed into the house. "Something smells really good." He said when he walked into the kitchen.

"Thanks. It's bacon wrapped sirloins." She replied.

"Yum." He said to her before sitting down at the bar in the kitchen. "I talked to Wade and he knows what happened won't happen again."

"Good." She replied. "Amber called me and wants to go shopping tomorrow."

"I think you should. It would be nice to have some girl time I'm sure."

"Yes it would."

"So, I took care of John and Wade. So, we can get back to us."

"I agree we can." She smiled and kissed him. "Just have a little patience in the intimate department."

"I know. So, are you going to continue to not work or did you want to go back?"

"Do I need to work? I mean to pay the bills and things?"

"No, baby. You don't have to work unless you want too."

"I might go back one or two days a week for a few hours. But I'm hoping I will get over my fears and we will get pregnant again. I know we have had two miscarriages but I still want a baby."

"I do too. More than anything." He looked at her. "Holly, maybe you should see a therapist. It might help you get over the fear."

"Do you want me to go to a therapist? And tell him or her everything that happened. Have someone else know what happened that night?"

"You're right. They'd report it to the cops."

"No, they wouldn't. Doctor/Patient confidentially." She replied to him. "But I'm afraid they might when they realize it was rape."

He looked at her. "So, what to do? I mean I want you to be okay and be intimate again with me. If not therapy, then what?"

She sighed. "I don't know. Time. If you don't push me too soon to be intimate with you. I feel I can be. You just have to give me some time." She looked at him. "You can do that right?"

"Yes, I can. I will give you all time you need."

"I love you Alex."

"I love you too." He replied before kissing her.

She smiled when he pulled away. "Okay it's time for dinner. Can you set the table?"

"Yes." He said walking into the dining room. He felt this was a turning point for them and now they could get back to where they were.

Amber looked at Ted as they ate dinner. "I called Holly and we are having a girls' day tomorrow."

"That'll be nice for both of you."

"Yeah."

"You want to make sure she doesn't have anymore bruises right?"

"Yeah. I just want to make sure she is fine. And if she doesn't have any bruises or anything then I'll let it drop for now."

"I think that's for the best. We just need to keep a eye out on things but don't get on the hate Alex train. And everything will be fine for everyone."

"I'm going to play it cool for now."

"Good." He smiled and kissed her. He knew that was the best thing right now. They just needed to watch and keep an eye on things.

Please Review!