Chapter 10- Like Old Times
As they exited the car and started to make their way into the pastry shop, Olivia heard someone call her name. She turned around and came face to face with Brian Cassidy. "Brian…" Olivia could only say.
"Liv," Brian breathed out before looking over at Trevor who had a hand on Olivia's lower back. "And you must be the husband." Brian almost spat giving Olivia a quick glance.
Olivia stared blankly at Brian before recovering, "How… how did you find out?" Olivia asked as she stumbled over her words. She felt Trevor start to rub her back gently, reassuring her that he was there, while at the same time stepping closer to her.
"People talk, especially at the courthouse." Brian said matter-of-factly. "So, were you ever going to tell me that you were, or, that you are married?" Brian asked harshly.
"I… wanted to, but…" Olivia sighed, "Brian I'm sorry, when you showed back up in my life I was lost, and you were there and…"
"Convenient," Brian finished. He could tell that she was trying to come up with a nice way in saying that he was just convenient for her. "You accused me of never wanting to commit to you but in actuality you couldn't legally either." Brian turned towards Trevor, "For someone who is supposed to be her husband, where were you when she needed support, for someone to be there for her." Brian said with an accusatory tone.
"Brian stop, I was the one who left, I'm the one to blame for all this mess. Trevor is the one who was trying to respect my wishes." Olivia said stepping in.
Brian nodded, "Do you still love him?" Brian asked, his voice a little softer. He was hurt that Olivia was never completely open and honest with him, yet, he wasn't either.
Olivia nodded, "Yes, I do love him." Olivia gave Brian a small smile, "I should've been more forthcoming, I'm sorry for hurting you. I am grateful for your support during the whole Lewis situation, despite me trying to push you away."
Brian nodded, "Well at least I know it wasn't just me you were trying to push away. I am sorry that you had to marry a defense attorney." Brian said showing his dislike towards Trevor.
Olivia rolled her eyes, "And I love him despite it. Look Brian we need to get going, take care of yourself."
"You too Liv, and you better take care of her and not let her go again, got it." Brian said glaring at Trevor.
Trevor was not fazed by Brian, not one bit. Trevor took a step forward, "Trust me, I'm not letting her go ever again. But thanks for trying to take care of her. Now that I'm back she'll be perfectly fine now." Trevor said with a smirk on his face.
Olivia grabbed Trevor's hand, "Bye Brian." Olivia said before Brian could respond and pulling Trevor into the pastry shop, once in, Olivia shook her head as they waited in line. "I can't believe you two."
Trevor laughed, "Come on Liv, I was just having some fun with him." Trevor said pulling her close to him before giving her a peck on her lips.
Olivia laughed against his lips, "Jealous are we," Olivia teased. She was disappointed when Trevor pulled back, god she missed his lips on hers.
Trevor shook his head before turning to the cashier who asked to help the next person in line. After placing their order, they stepped down to the other end of the counter to wait for their order. "Honestly, Liv, I feel a little better after seeing Brian. He has feelings for you no doubt, but he is not right for you."
Olivia raised an eyebrow, "And who is?"
Trevor gave a smirk before winking, "I am, my love." Trevor said as he grabbed the box that contained their assortment of pastries. "Let's go and face my mother." Trevor said as he grabbed one of Olivia's hands making their way out of the little shop.
Olivia just shook her head smiling because she knew he was right. Despite everything, Trevor was still and will always be the love of her life.
An half hour later found Trevor and Olivia walking up the stairs of Trevor's mother's home. As Trevor was about to ring the doorbell the door flew open revealing his mother who pulled him into a hug. "Trevor it's good to see you sweetheart," Evelyn said with her thick German accent, before letting him go, then turning towards Olivia with the biggest smile on her face. "Oh, Livia I'm so glad to see you." Evelyn said as she pulled Olivia into a tight hug.
Olivia returned the hug just as tightly, "It's good to see you too Evelyn." Olivia said before pulling back.
"Come on in, make yourselves comfortable." Evelyn said stepping to the side allowing them to enter the home.
"We brought you some pastries from your favorite pastry shop." Trevor said smiling holding up the white box.
"Trevor, I made Franzbrotchen for you." Evelyn's famous Franzbrotchen was not only Trevor's but Olivia's favorite pastry. They even had this sugar-cinnamon filled with a butter glaze pastry at their wedding.
Olivia laughed as she shook her head, "You know I gained like ten pounds from those pastries." Olivia said making Evelyn laugh. "I'm serious, that's like my kryptonite." Olivia added causing Trevor to break into laughter also as he set the box down on the coffee table.
Evelyn waved her off, "I'll go make some coffee to have with our pastries. You two look like you haven't slept in days." Evelyn said as she started walking into the kitchen making some coffee before returning to the living room with small plates and napkins. "Trevor, go grab the Franzbrotchen please." Evelyn said before opening the box of pastries that they brought with them and taking a seat in the recliner. "So, Olivia, how have you been?" Evelyn asked.
Olivia gave Evelyn a small smile. "I'm doing better, it's been a really tough year, but slowly getting better." Olivia admitted. "Thanks for the flowers by the way." Olivia added referring to the flowers she received after her ordeal with Lewis.
Evelyn nodded, "It's not a problem, I was so worried about you and still am. You have been through so much over the past couple of years. I'm just, happy that you're doing better." Evelyn said as Trevor returned with the Franzbrotchen and coffee on a tray, setting it down on the coffee table, before pouring everyone a cup of coffee and taking a seat next to Olivia. "So," Evelyn started, gaining their attention. "Am I to assume that you two are back together." Evelyn said being hopeful.
Trevor glanced at Olivia as he set a gentle hand on Olivia's back before looking at his mother who was smiling from ear to ear because of this action. "Yes, mom, we are back together."
Olivia laughed when Evelyn started clapping. "Yeah, that seems to be the consensus with many people." Olivia said as she grabbed a piece of Franzbrotchen. "We're working on our marriage." Olivia added as she heard Trevor phone vibrate.
Trevor saw a text from Veronica telling him that she is on her way with Noah and will be there in less then an half hour. "Mom," Trevor started as he set his phone down. "Liv and I really want to make this work. We both know that we have a long road ahead of us but with the help of Dr. Lindstrom I have faith that our marriage will be strong, if not stronger and we'll be ok."
"Who is Dr. Lindstrom?" Evelyn asked curious as she took a sip of her coffee.
"Dr. Lindstrom is my, well now our therapist who is helping us to repair our marriage. He helped me with the ordeal of Lewis and helped guide me through my emotions and grief with the lost of Mason." Olivia said as she took a bite of her Franzbrotchen and a sip of her coffee.
Evelyn nodded, "I'm pleased to hear that you two are seeing someone to help build and strengthen your marriage. I'm just excited to have you two back together." Evelyn turned to Olivia, "Liv, I love you like you were my own daughter and I wish I'd been more helpful towards you as I saw how much pain you were in with the passing of Mason. Trust me I understand you were grieving, however…" Evelyn said changing her tone, "You broke my son's heart when you left him. At first we all thought you just needed time away, but we were wrong in assuming that." Evelyn paused as she drunk some of her coffee. "As much as I am happy to have my son's better half back, I want to make sure that you're back for good. I do not want you to drag my son and my family through all of this just to leave again." Evelyn stated firmly.
Olivia understood where her mother in-law was coming from. After all, like Evelyn said, she broke her son's heart and no doubt hurt her and Veronica in the process. "I'm not leaving again," Olivia started to say, "The only way to prove that, is through action. When we lost Mason, I could not bring myself to look at Trevor because Mason looked just like Trevor and my heart just broke all over again. I was wrong for not seeking help and for leaving and hurting Trevor. That's why I want Trevor and I to see Dr. Lindstrom to help both of us to move forward together." Olivia took a breath as she felt Trevor grasp her hand squeezing it reassuringly.
Trevor leaned forward, "Mom, like I said, we have much to work on, but I have faith that we can fix our marriage. I am also confident that Olivia is here to stay, plus I'm not going to let her go so easily either, especially now that I have her back." Trevor said reassuring his mother. Trevor took a breath preparing himself to disclose the next piece of information, hoping she will be happy for them. "Mom, there's more." Trevor started
"Should I be worried?" Evelyn asked nervously.
Trevor laughed, "No, no mom, this is good news. Um, the case that had Liv and I cross paths involved a young woman who I represented, she was murdered and her little baby boy who Liv found during a separate case earlier this year was now by himself with no family coming forward. The judge asked Liv if she will be willing to foster Noah for a year and at which time, she will be able to adopt him. Knowing that we were trying to work on our marriage but back together nonetheless, she wanted to include me in the decision. Together we decided to foster Noah in the hopes of adopting him." Trevor explained as he watched his mother absorb the information that he just laid on her.
Setting her mug down on the side table next to her along with her empty plate Evelyn took in and digested the news. "Are you two confident that you two will be able to work on your marriage with a child in the mix? Because if you don't, which I hope to God that you do, but heaven forbid if you don't work out, what happens to Noah?"
Olivia understood where Evelyn was coming from. She did think about that while they discussed it in the conference room, but she also had faith that they will be able to fix their marriage, she was not planning on leaving again. "I'm confident that we'll work out, I'm here to stay." Olivia said confidently and firmly. "You're stuck with me," Olivia said to Trevor with a smirk on her face.
"Wouldn't have it any other way," Trevor said smiling.
Evelyn relaxed some as she watched their interaction, "Good, that's what I wanted to hear." Evelyn said as her smiled returned to her face, "So when do I meet my grandchild?"
Olivia laughed, "Soon, Veronica should be here with Noah in less then ten minutes." Olivia said as she popped the last bite of her Franzbrotchen in her mouth, God, she loved this stuff.
Evelyn stood up, "Good," She said as she poured herself some more coffee. "Is that why you two look like you haven't slept in days?" Evelyn asked as she retook her seat.
"Yup," Trevor replied. "Noah was up for the majority of the night, and with everything happening with the case and with us trying to work on things, neither one of us have gotten much sleep." Trevor explained as his mother nodded in understanding.
"Yet, despite the lack of sleep, we couldn't be happier." Olivia added as the doorbell rang.
Trevor stood up, "That's probably Veronica with Noah." Trevor said as he opened the door. "I'll take the carseat Veronica." Trevor said as he took the carseat from Veronica, "Thanks for watching and bringing him." Trevor said before closing the door and locking it. He set the carseat down and began to unbuckle Noah who was starting to squirm wanting to be set free from the restraints. "Hey buddy, did you have fun with your auntie today?" Trevor cooed as he carried Noah over to his mother, "Mom, this is Noah, Noah this is…" Trevor paused. "Do you still want to be called Nana?" Trevor asked his mother.
Evelyn nodded as she stood up taking Noah from Trevor. "Come to Nana," Evelyn cooed, "You are just so adorable, yes you are." Evelyn continued in a baby voice making Noah laugh.
Veronica grabbed one of her mom's homemade Franzbrotchen before sitting down next to Olivia. "I take it everything went well with mom." Veronica stated as she bit into her Franzbrotchen. "I love this stuff." Veronica said before taking another bite.
"Tell me about it," Olivia laughed as she grabbed another Franzbrotchen. "But yes, everything went well." Olivia said as she smiled at Noah who was looking over at her.
Veronica watched Olivia with a smile on her face, happy that her brother and sister in-law could finally experience parenthood together. She just hopes that by the end of the year they will be able to adopt Noah and he will be permanently part of the Langan family. "What are we doing for dinner?"
"How about I cook us some dinner." Evelyn suggested before turning to face Olivia, "Olivia why don't you join me." Evelyn said as she handed Noah back to Trevor.
"Sure," Olivia said standing up knowing that it was not an option. As Olivia made her way into the kitchen, she gave Trevor a nervous look, but he gave her a reassuring smile, letting her know that everything will be ok.
Evelyn was moving about in the kitchen when Olivia walked in. "There's an apron in the top drawer to your right." Evelyn said as she grabbed some ingredients from the refrigerator. "Olivia I am so happy that you and Trevor have finally come to your senses." Evelyn said as she began to chop some veggies. "Can you chop up the onions for me please?" Evelyn asked
Olivia nodded as she grabbed a knife from the knife block and begun chopping up the onions. "You know, it's more like I came to my senses." Olivia said as she continued to chop up the last bit of the onions.
Evelyn grabbed a skillet and dumped the onions Olivia chopped up and the veggies she chopped into the skillet before grating some garlic into the mix. "That's true, but Trevor could have gone to you and got things started a whole lot sooner." Evelyn started to say as she stirred the veggies before facing Olivia. "I believe that if you two really wanted that marriage to be over with, it would've been. But you never forced Trevor to sign the papers and Trevor never, well, signed them." Evelyn explained as she watched Olivia who seem to have something on her mind. Evelyn turned back to the vegetables turning them off and proceeded to put some pasta in a pot of boiling water before turning back to face Olivia. "Talk to me Olivia, what's going on in that pretty head of yours?"
Olivia licked her lips, "I really hurt him Evelyn. Today we had our first session with Dr. Lindstrom and the hurt and anger that I saw in his eyes was something that I was so scared to see for the last four years." Olivia moved to sit on the stool at the island. "I know he says he forgives me, but I feel that I don't deserve his forgiveness. I keep wondering why he would want to forgive me after how much I hurt him." Olivia wiped away a tear that had escaped.
"Because I love you," Trevor's voice cut through the kitchen causing Olivia to turn to face him. "Liv, we all make mistakes, we're imperfect humans." Trevor added as he moved towards Olivia. "Did I feel hurt, anguish, and betrayed, yes, but I have forgiven you and want to work on our marriage and live a life with you and Noah. Don't forget, you are the only woman for me. You are and will always be the love of my life." Trevor added trying to reassure her.
Olivia brought their conjoined hands to her lips and kissed them. "I do love you, and if you believe me or not, you're it for me. You are the only man for me, plus who else could put up with me." Olivia said as she leaned up and kissed Trevor as he wrapped his arms around Olivia bringing her closer to him as she deepens the kiss.
Evelyn cleared her throat causing them to jump apart, as they quickly remembered that Evelyn was in the kitchen with them. "Sorry," They said as Trevor took a step back as Veronica brought in a whimpering Noah. "Sorry, but I think he misses his mama." Veronica said as she handed Noah to Olivia. "So, what did I miss?" Veronica asked as she saw Trevor blushing.
"Oh, not much, just a little make out session with the lovebirds over there." Evelyn said teasing them as she turned the pasta off and drained it before grabbing some ground chicken and adding that to a skillet.
"You made out in front of mom, wow, you just can't keep your hands off of her." Veronica said continuing the teasing, making Trevor laugh.
"I guess nothing has really changed, it's like old times." Evelyn quipped as she watched Trevor and Veronica banter back and forth and Olivia making faces at Noah, making him laugh.
TBC
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