Chapter 6
Danny heard the porch door open with a loud screech and stood up quickly, a look of relief crossing his face. An identical look was on Rafe's face as he too stood, Danny saw. 'Thank god,' was the look that passed between the two friends. The last twenty minutes had been extemely painful. Between Julianna's flirting and inappropriate remarks - 'Would it be possible to see your scars, Danny? I've never seen a bullet wound before!' eye lashes fluttering wildly, - and Mrs. Williams' probbing questions and disdainful sniffs, Danny had never felt so low. Rafe and Evelyn hadn't been much help. Evelyn had tried, but Mrs. Williams had rudely ignored her. How was it that Kate was related to these women, Danny wondered?
He was stopped short on his way to the kitchen by the appearance of Mr. Williams. Looking behind him Danny searched for Kate before turning questioning eyes back to her father. Seeing the man's red rimmed eyes and slumped shoulders Danny began to worry.
"Where's Kate?" he asked. "Is everything alright?"
Mr. Williams smiled faintly at Danny's concern. "Everything is fine. Kate is fine," he told him. "I believe she is waiting for you at the pond." He waved his hand in the direction he and Kate had walked earlier.
Glancing around the room, Danny tried to calculate how quickly he could get to Kate. She might be 'fine,' but that didn't mean he wanted to leave her alone any longer than was necessary. The thing was, he couldn't just leave Rafe and Evelyn to deal with in-laws. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair...what to do? Mr. Williams solved his problem quite nicely moments later.
"I would like to thank you for your hospitality," he began, moving to shake Rafe and Evelyn's hands. "I'm sure we've more than overstayed our welcome," his eyes slid over to his wife and daughter, "but thank you none the less. I know that you took Kate in when Danny was...away...and I'd like a chance to thank you for that too," he said to Rafe.
Rafe looked uncomfortable. "Well, uh, you're welcome I guess. It was nice meeting you." Mr. Williams smiled knowingly, catching Rafe in his lie.
"Kate's a welcome addition to the family," Evelyn said, drawing attention away from her husband. "She's a wonderful woman and friend."
"Thank you, my dear," Mr. Williams said, nodding politely. "It's good to know that she has such fine friends as you. I think that was something that was missing in her life." He turned to his wife and daughter. "Jane, Julianna, I believe it's time to go."
"Of course," Mrs. Williams said. Standing she walked to her husband. "It was a pleasure to meet you both. You have a...lovely...farm," she said, though the look of displeasure did much to override her kind sounding words. She limply shook each of their hands, going so far as to actually wipe her hand on her skirt afterwards. Turning to Danny, she nodded haughtily. "Mr. Walker."
"Ma'am," he replied watching as she walked out of the room, a bemused look on his face.
Julianna ignored everyone, walking straight over to Danny. Taking his offered hand in both of hers, she held it, looking up at him with a beguiling smile. "It was an honor to meet a hero such as yourself," she gushed. "I'm looking forward to seeing you again - soon I hope! You and Kate simply must come to my wedding."
Danny looked uncomfortably over at Rafe who was trying not to smile at Julianna's antics. "Uh, well, I don't know...I'll be in school and I don't know if we'll have the time..."
"Nonsense!" Julianna declared, pulling his hand closer to her chest. "You simply must come! Daddy can write a letter or something to your school. I'm sure they'll let you come for my wedding. We're family now, Danny. We should see lots of each other."
"Uh, okay," Danny replied, trying to pull his hand away from her.
"Julianna," her father warned, rolling his eyes.
"Just a minute, daddy,"she said, not taking her eyes off Danny. "I'm saying good-bye to my new brother. I need to make up for mama's rudeness." She leaned forward confidentially. "She just doesn't like it that you are a better man than who she had picked out," Julianna said in a loud whisper. "Truth is, Kate would never have married Thomas...he's so...childish," her pert little nose wrinkled. "He's done nothing in his life...not like you," her smiled widened. "You know, this whole shaking hands thing is just ridiculous," she declared brightly, finally releasing his hand, much to Danny's relief. "We're family!" Without warning she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him briefly on the lips. Danny's eyes bulged in surprise. In a panic he looked over at Rafe and Evelyn who were covering their smiles with their hands. Danny glared at them, but Rafe only winked.
"Julianna!" her father barked, grabbing her arm and wrenching her away from the surprised Danny. "Your mother is waiting for you in the car."
"Yes, Daddy," she replied, her eyes still on Danny. "You are very tall," she told him. "I mean, I'm several inches taller than Kate and I still had to be on my very tippy toes."
"Uh....." Danny had no idea how to respond to something as outrageous as that.
"That's enough Julianna. Go!" her father pointed to the door.
"Yes, daddy," she glared at him. "Bye Danny," she smiled, fluttering her fingers. "I hope to see you soon. Maybe Christmas?"
Not willing to list all the reasons why they would not be coming to New York for Christmas, Danny just said, "Maybe," and left it at that.
Julianna smiled brillantly, as if he had just agreed. "Wonderful! Bye-bye!"
"Bye," Danny said softly as the door closed behind her, letting out a sigh of relief. Hearing Rafe laughing quietly, he tried to glare at his friend, but the effect was lost when he started grinning too.
Running a hand through his hair, Danny turned to Mr. Williams. "Are you sure she's related to Kate?" he asked.
Mr. Williams chuckled, shaking his head. "Sometimes I don't know if she's even related to me," he confided. "Jane and Julianna....they live in a very enclosed world, I'm afraid. They have been very....spoiled," he said sadly. "That does not condone their behavior, but...they are what they are. There is no changing them now."
"It's alright," Danny told him. Awkwardly they looked at each other for a moment. "I'm glad you were able to make it."
Kate's father smiled slightly. "Thank you for inviting me. I thought it best that we were not here for the ceremony. Lord knows what Jane might have said and I knew that Kate probably wouldn't be happy with us here," he shrugged. "I wanted to be here...to see her marrying the man that she had chosen. But....I didn't want to ruin the day for her either. I compromised. Maybe it's selfish of me, but I just had to tell her a few things...before it was too late."
Danny nodded solemnly. "I'm sure Kate's glad that you came." Seeing his father-in-law's bemused look, Danny sheepishly corrected himself. "She will be glad...someday. Because I do know that whatever she may think or say now, she does love you, and I think a part of her would have wanted you at the wedding."
"Thank you," Mr. Williams said quietly, his eyes suspiciously misty. "I'd like to believe that. I haven't been a good father," he told Danny. "I don't know what she has told you - and I don't want to know. I'd like to maintain some aura of dignity," he smiled feebly, "but I love her and I want the best for her. And now that I've met you - and Rafe and Evelyn," he included them with a kind nod, "I know that Kate has found the family she deserves." He held out his hand to Danny. "Take good care of her - and your children."
"I will, Sir," Danny nodded solemnly watching Mr. Williams walk away.
Stopping at the door, Kate's father turned to face them again. "You're a good man, Daniel Walker," he said. "I'm sorry for everything that I did in the past that hurt you or Kate. I was wrong." He paused looking Danny over quickly. "You're a good man," he repeated. "I'm glad that you found each other." Not waiting for a reply he turned and left.
Soon the sound of a car starting filled the quiet room. Both Danny and Rafe let out loud sighs of relief. Evelyn laughed at them. "Well, that was...."
"Insane?" Rafe offered
"Painful?" Danny joked.
"I was going to say 'interesting,' but painful works," she laughed again. "Are you sure Kate is related to them? Maybe she's a..changling, or adopted or something."
"It's no wonder she doesn't talk about her family much," Rafe said. "Her father's not all that bad, but her mother and sister are....." he shook his head in wonder. "I don't know what they are."
Danny laughed. "I think it will be safe to say that we will not be going to New York for Christmas...or the wedding. Kate said much about her family," h shook his head ruefully. "Now I understand why."
"Speaking of Kate..." Evelyn began. "Are you going to go get her, or give her some time to think?"
"Oh, I'm going to go get her," Danny replied, a small grin flitting across his face. "Ev, could I borrow a couple blankets? Old ones you don't mind getting dirty?"
"Sure." A bewildered look crossed her face, but she didn't say anything as she moved down the hall to retrieve them.
Rafe just looked knowingly at his friend, Danny blushed slightly. "What?!" he asked.
"Nothing, nothing," Rafe responded a sly grin on his face. "She is your wife after all...."
Danny smiled. "Yeah.."
"Here you go," Evelyn said, coming back into the room and handing the blankets to Danny.
"Thanks," he said, tucking them under his arm. "I'll see you guys in the morning." He nodded to Rafe and turned to leave. Stopping at the kitchen he turned around again. "If Sam needs us in the night...." he began.
"I know where to find you," Rafe interjected. "Now get going. Kate's waiting for her wedding night!" Danny blushed.
"Rafe!" Evelyn whispered, elbowing her husband in the ribs. He only laughed, putting his arm around her.
"'Night," Danny called over his shoulder, closing the kitchen door quietly behind him.
Evelyn turned to Rafe. "So where's he going?" she asked.
Rafe smiled. "You know that hollow on the other side of the pond?" Evelyn nodded. "Well, there's a nice spot there, surrounded by small trees, but open to the stars. The grass is soft. It's the perfect place for a little rendezvous," he winked down at her.
"Oh really," Evelyn asked, "and how would you know that, Rafe McCawley?"
His grin only widened. "Well, I wasn't a choir boy growing up," he told her.
Evelyn laughed. "I never thought you were."
Danny walked quickly down the path towards Kate. He hoped that she was okay. He had a feeling that if she had been really upset he would have known it. He would have felt it. Talking with Mr. Williams, Danny got the feeling that their conversation had been intense, but needed. He slowed down when he rounded the last bend, seeing Kate's shadowed form sitting on an old fallen log, like he guessed she would be.
"Took you long enough, flyboy," she said quietly as he moved to sit by her. Putting the blankets down he pulled he into his arms, sitting her on his lap. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around his waist, burrying her head under his neck. She sighed softly. This is what she had been waiting for.
"Well, I couldn't just leave Rafe and Evelyn to deal with your family," he told her.
"No," she agreed. "That would be above and beyond the call of friendship." She sat there for a moment. "My mother didn't....offend them too badly, did she?" Kate asked softly.
"No, I don't think they're offended," Danny told her. "Amused, but not offended." Kate laughed lightly as he hoped she would. "Actually, Evelyn was wondering if you were adopted or something - we just have trouble believing that you are related to two women like that."
"Yeah, well, I had nannies," Kate told him sadly. "Once mama realized how socially inept I was, Julianna became her pet project and I was left alone to do whatever I wanted...mostly."
Danny held her tight, knowing that, though her words were flippant, the abondonment by her mother was still painful. Kate quickly recovered. "Did Julianna manage to keep her hands off you?" she asked, a grin in her voice this time.
"What do you mean?" he asked innocently.
"Don't give me that, Walker," she laughed, looking up at him. "I saw the way she was looking at you. She would gladly have you for breakfast, lunch and dinner!"
"Brat," he said with a smile, shoving her head back under his chin.
"So, what'd she do?" Kate prodded.
Danny sighed. "She flirted the whole time, asked to see my scars, called me a hero...simpered, batted her eyelashes. Do you know she has the most grating laugh I've ever heard?" he asked.
Kate laughed delightedly. "Oh, I know. Believe me, I know. So what else did she do?"
"You don't give up, do you?" Kate shook her head. "Fine. I tried to shake her hand goodbye, but then she wouldn't let go of it. And then she managed to go from a handshake to a hug and kiss before I knew what was going on." Kate snorted. He gave her a squeeze. "It's not funny!" He declared. "A person should be warned before meeting her!"
"I would have warned you," Kate told him, "had I known she was coming."
Danny sighed, kissing her head softly. "I'm sorry. I know it wasn't fair to invite your father, but it just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. I had no idea he would bring your mother and sister along. Had I known that...." he trailed off.
"It's okay, Danny," Kate finally said. "I forgive you." She sighed. "You were right. I needed to talk to him."
"How'd it go?" he asked when she remained silent.
"Fine," Kate began. "I told him everything - or most everthing - about Micheal. I blamed it all on him. I don't know if I really do," she said thoughtfully, "but it felt good to say it anyways. It really shocked him, I think. He had no idea how bad Michael really was." She shrugged. "Not that it matters."
Danny waited while she collected her thoughts. He was glad that that she was finally able to vent all her anger and hurt. She had told him a lot of it, but sometimes blame needs to be placed, sometimes you just have to strike back. Since Micheal was dead, her father was the next logical choice. Danny couldn't feel sorry for the man, either.
"He's dying," Kate whispered. "He said that he realized that he made a lot of mistakes and that he knows that he hurt me...and he wanted me to know that he only did what he thought was best," she snorted. "He also said that he....loves me....and that he is proud of me - for surviving, I guess."
Danny felt her silent tears through his shirt. "I believe him."
"So do I," Kate admitted.
Tipping her chin up with a finger, he smiled softly at her. "I'm glad." Leaning down he kissed her tenderly.
Pulling away from him, Kate looked at the blankets at his feet, then back up at him. "So, what are the blankets for?"
Lifting her off his lap, Danny stood up beside her. With the blankets under one arm and her hand tucked over his other, Danny smiled at her. "Come with me, my dear."
Kate laughed at his playfulness, more than willing to follow him anywhere. In a few short minutes he had led her around the swimming pond and to a small copse of trees. Once inside the trees, Kate saw that it was actually a small clearing, maybe ten feet by ten feet, the grass soft beneath her feet. Danny spread one of the blankets out in the middle of the clearing, then pulled her into his arms. "Look up," he whispered. Kate let out sharp gasp when she did. The sky was open above them, the stars winking down. It was as if the stars were there for only them to enjoy. "It's so pretty."
"Yeah," Danny agreed, his eyes focused on her. He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, just a gossamer touch. "Very pretty." His voice had deepened into what Kate secretly called his sexy voice. Like honey poured over sandpaper. It always caused goosebumps to break out all over her, her skin becoming instantly sensitive to his touch. She smiled up at him, stretching her hands up his chest slowly, feeling the increase in tempo of his heart beat under her fingertips.
"So what are we doing here?" she whispered.
Danny grinned. "Well, I thought I'd give you a chance to make good on your previous suggestion," he told her. His hands softly kneading her lower back.
Kate raised her eyebrow in question. "Oh, and what was that?"
Danny leaned down, his lips just a breath away, his eyes never leaving hers for a moment. Expectantly, Kate licked her lips. "To seduce me under the stars," he whispered just before capturing her lips with his. With a groan, Kate pressed her body against his, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck as he straightened, pulling her more fully against him. 'It's about time,' she thought.
Danny heard the porch door open with a loud screech and stood up quickly, a look of relief crossing his face. An identical look was on Rafe's face as he too stood, Danny saw. 'Thank god,' was the look that passed between the two friends. The last twenty minutes had been extemely painful. Between Julianna's flirting and inappropriate remarks - 'Would it be possible to see your scars, Danny? I've never seen a bullet wound before!' eye lashes fluttering wildly, - and Mrs. Williams' probbing questions and disdainful sniffs, Danny had never felt so low. Rafe and Evelyn hadn't been much help. Evelyn had tried, but Mrs. Williams had rudely ignored her. How was it that Kate was related to these women, Danny wondered?
He was stopped short on his way to the kitchen by the appearance of Mr. Williams. Looking behind him Danny searched for Kate before turning questioning eyes back to her father. Seeing the man's red rimmed eyes and slumped shoulders Danny began to worry.
"Where's Kate?" he asked. "Is everything alright?"
Mr. Williams smiled faintly at Danny's concern. "Everything is fine. Kate is fine," he told him. "I believe she is waiting for you at the pond." He waved his hand in the direction he and Kate had walked earlier.
Glancing around the room, Danny tried to calculate how quickly he could get to Kate. She might be 'fine,' but that didn't mean he wanted to leave her alone any longer than was necessary. The thing was, he couldn't just leave Rafe and Evelyn to deal with in-laws. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair...what to do? Mr. Williams solved his problem quite nicely moments later.
"I would like to thank you for your hospitality," he began, moving to shake Rafe and Evelyn's hands. "I'm sure we've more than overstayed our welcome," his eyes slid over to his wife and daughter, "but thank you none the less. I know that you took Kate in when Danny was...away...and I'd like a chance to thank you for that too," he said to Rafe.
Rafe looked uncomfortable. "Well, uh, you're welcome I guess. It was nice meeting you." Mr. Williams smiled knowingly, catching Rafe in his lie.
"Kate's a welcome addition to the family," Evelyn said, drawing attention away from her husband. "She's a wonderful woman and friend."
"Thank you, my dear," Mr. Williams said, nodding politely. "It's good to know that she has such fine friends as you. I think that was something that was missing in her life." He turned to his wife and daughter. "Jane, Julianna, I believe it's time to go."
"Of course," Mrs. Williams said. Standing she walked to her husband. "It was a pleasure to meet you both. You have a...lovely...farm," she said, though the look of displeasure did much to override her kind sounding words. She limply shook each of their hands, going so far as to actually wipe her hand on her skirt afterwards. Turning to Danny, she nodded haughtily. "Mr. Walker."
"Ma'am," he replied watching as she walked out of the room, a bemused look on his face.
Julianna ignored everyone, walking straight over to Danny. Taking his offered hand in both of hers, she held it, looking up at him with a beguiling smile. "It was an honor to meet a hero such as yourself," she gushed. "I'm looking forward to seeing you again - soon I hope! You and Kate simply must come to my wedding."
Danny looked uncomfortably over at Rafe who was trying not to smile at Julianna's antics. "Uh, well, I don't know...I'll be in school and I don't know if we'll have the time..."
"Nonsense!" Julianna declared, pulling his hand closer to her chest. "You simply must come! Daddy can write a letter or something to your school. I'm sure they'll let you come for my wedding. We're family now, Danny. We should see lots of each other."
"Uh, okay," Danny replied, trying to pull his hand away from her.
"Julianna," her father warned, rolling his eyes.
"Just a minute, daddy,"she said, not taking her eyes off Danny. "I'm saying good-bye to my new brother. I need to make up for mama's rudeness." She leaned forward confidentially. "She just doesn't like it that you are a better man than who she had picked out," Julianna said in a loud whisper. "Truth is, Kate would never have married Thomas...he's so...childish," her pert little nose wrinkled. "He's done nothing in his life...not like you," her smiled widened. "You know, this whole shaking hands thing is just ridiculous," she declared brightly, finally releasing his hand, much to Danny's relief. "We're family!" Without warning she flung her arms around his neck and kissed him briefly on the lips. Danny's eyes bulged in surprise. In a panic he looked over at Rafe and Evelyn who were covering their smiles with their hands. Danny glared at them, but Rafe only winked.
"Julianna!" her father barked, grabbing her arm and wrenching her away from the surprised Danny. "Your mother is waiting for you in the car."
"Yes, Daddy," she replied, her eyes still on Danny. "You are very tall," she told him. "I mean, I'm several inches taller than Kate and I still had to be on my very tippy toes."
"Uh....." Danny had no idea how to respond to something as outrageous as that.
"That's enough Julianna. Go!" her father pointed to the door.
"Yes, daddy," she glared at him. "Bye Danny," she smiled, fluttering her fingers. "I hope to see you soon. Maybe Christmas?"
Not willing to list all the reasons why they would not be coming to New York for Christmas, Danny just said, "Maybe," and left it at that.
Julianna smiled brillantly, as if he had just agreed. "Wonderful! Bye-bye!"
"Bye," Danny said softly as the door closed behind her, letting out a sigh of relief. Hearing Rafe laughing quietly, he tried to glare at his friend, but the effect was lost when he started grinning too.
Running a hand through his hair, Danny turned to Mr. Williams. "Are you sure she's related to Kate?" he asked.
Mr. Williams chuckled, shaking his head. "Sometimes I don't know if she's even related to me," he confided. "Jane and Julianna....they live in a very enclosed world, I'm afraid. They have been very....spoiled," he said sadly. "That does not condone their behavior, but...they are what they are. There is no changing them now."
"It's alright," Danny told him. Awkwardly they looked at each other for a moment. "I'm glad you were able to make it."
Kate's father smiled slightly. "Thank you for inviting me. I thought it best that we were not here for the ceremony. Lord knows what Jane might have said and I knew that Kate probably wouldn't be happy with us here," he shrugged. "I wanted to be here...to see her marrying the man that she had chosen. But....I didn't want to ruin the day for her either. I compromised. Maybe it's selfish of me, but I just had to tell her a few things...before it was too late."
Danny nodded solemnly. "I'm sure Kate's glad that you came." Seeing his father-in-law's bemused look, Danny sheepishly corrected himself. "She will be glad...someday. Because I do know that whatever she may think or say now, she does love you, and I think a part of her would have wanted you at the wedding."
"Thank you," Mr. Williams said quietly, his eyes suspiciously misty. "I'd like to believe that. I haven't been a good father," he told Danny. "I don't know what she has told you - and I don't want to know. I'd like to maintain some aura of dignity," he smiled feebly, "but I love her and I want the best for her. And now that I've met you - and Rafe and Evelyn," he included them with a kind nod, "I know that Kate has found the family she deserves." He held out his hand to Danny. "Take good care of her - and your children."
"I will, Sir," Danny nodded solemnly watching Mr. Williams walk away.
Stopping at the door, Kate's father turned to face them again. "You're a good man, Daniel Walker," he said. "I'm sorry for everything that I did in the past that hurt you or Kate. I was wrong." He paused looking Danny over quickly. "You're a good man," he repeated. "I'm glad that you found each other." Not waiting for a reply he turned and left.
Soon the sound of a car starting filled the quiet room. Both Danny and Rafe let out loud sighs of relief. Evelyn laughed at them. "Well, that was...."
"Insane?" Rafe offered
"Painful?" Danny joked.
"I was going to say 'interesting,' but painful works," she laughed again. "Are you sure Kate is related to them? Maybe she's a..changling, or adopted or something."
"It's no wonder she doesn't talk about her family much," Rafe said. "Her father's not all that bad, but her mother and sister are....." he shook his head in wonder. "I don't know what they are."
Danny laughed. "I think it will be safe to say that we will not be going to New York for Christmas...or the wedding. Kate said much about her family," h shook his head ruefully. "Now I understand why."
"Speaking of Kate..." Evelyn began. "Are you going to go get her, or give her some time to think?"
"Oh, I'm going to go get her," Danny replied, a small grin flitting across his face. "Ev, could I borrow a couple blankets? Old ones you don't mind getting dirty?"
"Sure." A bewildered look crossed her face, but she didn't say anything as she moved down the hall to retrieve them.
Rafe just looked knowingly at his friend, Danny blushed slightly. "What?!" he asked.
"Nothing, nothing," Rafe responded a sly grin on his face. "She is your wife after all...."
Danny smiled. "Yeah.."
"Here you go," Evelyn said, coming back into the room and handing the blankets to Danny.
"Thanks," he said, tucking them under his arm. "I'll see you guys in the morning." He nodded to Rafe and turned to leave. Stopping at the kitchen he turned around again. "If Sam needs us in the night...." he began.
"I know where to find you," Rafe interjected. "Now get going. Kate's waiting for her wedding night!" Danny blushed.
"Rafe!" Evelyn whispered, elbowing her husband in the ribs. He only laughed, putting his arm around her.
"'Night," Danny called over his shoulder, closing the kitchen door quietly behind him.
Evelyn turned to Rafe. "So where's he going?" she asked.
Rafe smiled. "You know that hollow on the other side of the pond?" Evelyn nodded. "Well, there's a nice spot there, surrounded by small trees, but open to the stars. The grass is soft. It's the perfect place for a little rendezvous," he winked down at her.
"Oh really," Evelyn asked, "and how would you know that, Rafe McCawley?"
His grin only widened. "Well, I wasn't a choir boy growing up," he told her.
Evelyn laughed. "I never thought you were."
Danny walked quickly down the path towards Kate. He hoped that she was okay. He had a feeling that if she had been really upset he would have known it. He would have felt it. Talking with Mr. Williams, Danny got the feeling that their conversation had been intense, but needed. He slowed down when he rounded the last bend, seeing Kate's shadowed form sitting on an old fallen log, like he guessed she would be.
"Took you long enough, flyboy," she said quietly as he moved to sit by her. Putting the blankets down he pulled he into his arms, sitting her on his lap. Instinctively she wrapped her arms around his waist, burrying her head under his neck. She sighed softly. This is what she had been waiting for.
"Well, I couldn't just leave Rafe and Evelyn to deal with your family," he told her.
"No," she agreed. "That would be above and beyond the call of friendship." She sat there for a moment. "My mother didn't....offend them too badly, did she?" Kate asked softly.
"No, I don't think they're offended," Danny told her. "Amused, but not offended." Kate laughed lightly as he hoped she would. "Actually, Evelyn was wondering if you were adopted or something - we just have trouble believing that you are related to two women like that."
"Yeah, well, I had nannies," Kate told him sadly. "Once mama realized how socially inept I was, Julianna became her pet project and I was left alone to do whatever I wanted...mostly."
Danny held her tight, knowing that, though her words were flippant, the abondonment by her mother was still painful. Kate quickly recovered. "Did Julianna manage to keep her hands off you?" she asked, a grin in her voice this time.
"What do you mean?" he asked innocently.
"Don't give me that, Walker," she laughed, looking up at him. "I saw the way she was looking at you. She would gladly have you for breakfast, lunch and dinner!"
"Brat," he said with a smile, shoving her head back under his chin.
"So, what'd she do?" Kate prodded.
Danny sighed. "She flirted the whole time, asked to see my scars, called me a hero...simpered, batted her eyelashes. Do you know she has the most grating laugh I've ever heard?" he asked.
Kate laughed delightedly. "Oh, I know. Believe me, I know. So what else did she do?"
"You don't give up, do you?" Kate shook her head. "Fine. I tried to shake her hand goodbye, but then she wouldn't let go of it. And then she managed to go from a handshake to a hug and kiss before I knew what was going on." Kate snorted. He gave her a squeeze. "It's not funny!" He declared. "A person should be warned before meeting her!"
"I would have warned you," Kate told him, "had I known she was coming."
Danny sighed, kissing her head softly. "I'm sorry. I know it wasn't fair to invite your father, but it just seemed like the right thing to do at the time. I had no idea he would bring your mother and sister along. Had I known that...." he trailed off.
"It's okay, Danny," Kate finally said. "I forgive you." She sighed. "You were right. I needed to talk to him."
"How'd it go?" he asked when she remained silent.
"Fine," Kate began. "I told him everything - or most everthing - about Micheal. I blamed it all on him. I don't know if I really do," she said thoughtfully, "but it felt good to say it anyways. It really shocked him, I think. He had no idea how bad Michael really was." She shrugged. "Not that it matters."
Danny waited while she collected her thoughts. He was glad that that she was finally able to vent all her anger and hurt. She had told him a lot of it, but sometimes blame needs to be placed, sometimes you just have to strike back. Since Micheal was dead, her father was the next logical choice. Danny couldn't feel sorry for the man, either.
"He's dying," Kate whispered. "He said that he realized that he made a lot of mistakes and that he knows that he hurt me...and he wanted me to know that he only did what he thought was best," she snorted. "He also said that he....loves me....and that he is proud of me - for surviving, I guess."
Danny felt her silent tears through his shirt. "I believe him."
"So do I," Kate admitted.
Tipping her chin up with a finger, he smiled softly at her. "I'm glad." Leaning down he kissed her tenderly.
Pulling away from him, Kate looked at the blankets at his feet, then back up at him. "So, what are the blankets for?"
Lifting her off his lap, Danny stood up beside her. With the blankets under one arm and her hand tucked over his other, Danny smiled at her. "Come with me, my dear."
Kate laughed at his playfulness, more than willing to follow him anywhere. In a few short minutes he had led her around the swimming pond and to a small copse of trees. Once inside the trees, Kate saw that it was actually a small clearing, maybe ten feet by ten feet, the grass soft beneath her feet. Danny spread one of the blankets out in the middle of the clearing, then pulled her into his arms. "Look up," he whispered. Kate let out sharp gasp when she did. The sky was open above them, the stars winking down. It was as if the stars were there for only them to enjoy. "It's so pretty."
"Yeah," Danny agreed, his eyes focused on her. He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand, just a gossamer touch. "Very pretty." His voice had deepened into what Kate secretly called his sexy voice. Like honey poured over sandpaper. It always caused goosebumps to break out all over her, her skin becoming instantly sensitive to his touch. She smiled up at him, stretching her hands up his chest slowly, feeling the increase in tempo of his heart beat under her fingertips.
"So what are we doing here?" she whispered.
Danny grinned. "Well, I thought I'd give you a chance to make good on your previous suggestion," he told her. His hands softly kneading her lower back.
Kate raised her eyebrow in question. "Oh, and what was that?"
Danny leaned down, his lips just a breath away, his eyes never leaving hers for a moment. Expectantly, Kate licked her lips. "To seduce me under the stars," he whispered just before capturing her lips with his. With a groan, Kate pressed her body against his, her arms wrapping tightly around his neck as he straightened, pulling her more fully against him. 'It's about time,' she thought.
