CHAPTER 97
Richie hoped he wasn't too late. Beth had reluctantly agreed to go with her sisters to dinner and
a movie in the city, and he was going to watch Cassie. The truck wouldn't start and he'd had to
walk from the stable to the house. It was still incredibly hot and humid outside, but still, as he
promised Mac, he carried his jacket with the sword concealed inside.
He was just stepping up onto the porch when he felt it … there was an immortal inside the house.
He knew it wasn't anyone he knew because Amanda was still in Europe and he'd only just talked
to Mac that afternoon on the phone. His mind raced with possibilities. Maybe someone was
looking for Methos and didn't realize he was dead. Maybe they were trying to use Beth and the
baby as bait.
He dropped his jacket and stepped carefully into the house with his sword drawn.
He could hear Beth singing from what must have been the shower. Obviously she had no idea
there was danger. The presence appeared to be coming from the baby's room. Richie
swallowed hard as he continued.
"We both know you don't belong here." Richie called out. "Show yourself and let's take this
outside. They aren't a part of this."
There was no answer.
Richie held the sword in front of him and prepared to attack whatever came at him. He was now
so close to whoever else was in the house that he couldn't completely discern direction. The
sensation was strong. Whoever was there was powerful, and their presence appeared to
surround him.
Carefully Richie pushed open the nursery door, but his eyes didn't have time to adjust to the low
light. He realized his mistake too late. In a flash, someone grabbed his arm, spun him around,
held him in a vise like grip against their body and had Richie's own sword at his throat.
"Tsk Tsk Tsk" a familiar voice chided against his ear. "Your courage is admirable, but the follow
through could use a little work."
"Methos?" Richie couldn't manage more than a whisper because of the sword against his throat.
Releasing him, Adam stepped back and flipped on the little light beside the crib. Cassie was
playing and cooing in the semi darkness, not seeming to notice as she waved a soft pink elephant
above her head. When Adam and Beth woke up from the short sleep after their lovemaking,
she'd wanted to clean off the day's sweat and grime. He had been tempted to join her, but the
sound of their daughter playing in her crib was too much to resist. Adam had pulled on his jeans
and come in to greet the little girl. The elephant had been retrieved from his bags on the porch
that were now in their bedroom.
Richie was in shock. He rubbed his neck and stared at the older immortal, not sure what to think
until he saw the twinkle of "gotcha" in the man's eyes.
When he saw that, his face broke into a grin. "Man do you have any idea how good it is to see
you?" He didn't hesitate but pulled the thought dead immortal into a quick but enthusiastic hug,
slapping his back soundly.
Adam pretended indifference, but honestly he was glad to see Richie as well. The young man
had been more than loyal to him and he knew from talking a few minutes with Beth before they
got up that he had moved his life out here to watch over them. He was proving to be a true
friend.
"So what happened? Where were you? What made you come back? You know we thought you
were dead right?" Richie had a million questions, but they were interrupted by Cassie beginning
to fuss. "Somebody's cranky. Bet she's hungry." He commented as he took his sword back.
Adam picked up the little girl and the elephant and took them both into the main room as Richie
followed.
"I know where Beth keeps the baby food." Richie told him. "How does strained carrots, peas and
apple sauce sound?" He went into the kitchen and started pulling out baby food jars and Cassie's
spoon and bib.
Adam wrinkled his nose as he set Cassie in the high chair, amazed at how she'd grown enough
to sit on her own. "Icky peas." He made a face at the little girl, who laughed at him.
"You know how to do this?" Richie asked as he set the 3 jars on the table.
"Of course, how hard can it be?" Adam scoffed as he put a big glop of carrots on the spoon and
moved the spoon near Cassie.
Richie stepped back and chuckled under his breath. This should be good.
Cassie did not disappoint her Uncle Richie. She flailed an arm and sent the spoon and the
carrots flying back into her Daddy's face.
Adam had to bite his tongue as he wiped the orange glop from his chin and nose with the dish
towel Richie had at least left for him. "I see we will have to work on table manners." He replied
calmly, giving Richie a glare when the younger man began to laugh out loud.
"Richie isn't it wonderful!" Beth's voice came from behind them. "Can you believe he's here?"
Her hair was still slightly damp as it fell over the shoulders of her white robe. She walked to
where Adam had turned in the chair and opened his arms to her, pulling her onto his lap. "Why
don't you let me do that?" she laughed as she urged him to scoot over to the next chair so she
could feed the baby.
"Yeah … I was just asking Adam what happened when Cassie got hungry." Richie replied, giving
her shoulder a squeeze before moving to the chair across the table. "I wanted to know more
before I called Mac and Joe to tell them the good news … but my questions can wait. I know you
don't need me around right now. You two deserve some time alone." He could see the way the
two were looking at one another and knew tonight three would definitely be a crowd.
"You can't call them." Adam replied.
Beth and Richie both gave him a questioning look.
"I'm sorry, but you can't tell them … not over the phone." Adam continued. "Joe said himself that
the Watchers tapped his phones while I was missing, and I can't let anything spoil what has been
set in motion."
"Just what have you set in motion?" Richie asked. Beth had a general idea, but no details. She
wanted to know as well.
Adam told them both about how he had gone to Cassandra with the idea. She had been
reluctant to help and they had even come to blows at one point before she realized she couldn't
be the one to break Beth's heart or leave Cassie without a father, even if she did deem him
completely unworthy. She'd tossed her sword aside, cursing him for even thinking she would do
this. Still, she agreed.
"She doesn't want to admit it, but somewhere in her heart … Cassandra has found a measure of
peace with who you were and who you are now." Beth told him. Adam wasn't sure he agreed,
but didn't argue and continued to tell them about the plan and how it worked.
The Watchers knew Cassandra had a relationship with Adam and Beth, and that she had
delivered Cassie. This meant they had to proceed very carefully. The first step had been to
make sure the Watchers revisited Cassandra's old files and read about what the Horsemen, and
in particular what Methos had done to her. That would help plant the idea in their minds that
Adam must not be Methos because she would never help him … she would want him dead.
Once accomplished, it wouldn't be long before Evan would want to know more and the bait was
taken. Cassandra recounted not only her hatred for him, but in a feigned drunken rambling had
confessed taking Methos' head.
"That's what some Watcher told Joe." Richie interrupted. "He called him three months ago … he
was pretty torn up … still is."
Adam was sorry for that. "I'm sorry I had to put any of you through this. Cassandra agreed that
we needed to make sure it worked before I surfaced." He reached across the short distance and
covered Beth's hand. Cassie had finished eating and was playing in her chair with the little
elephant. "You are here now. That's all that matters." She whispered, choking a little on the
words as she thought about what her life had been like until a few short hours ago when he'd
walked through her door.
Seeing the tears beginning to form in her eyes he reached to stroke her face. "I won't do that to
you again. I won't let you go."
Richie could see the air getting thick with emotion and knew he should get out of there soon, but
he needed to find a way to get word to the others and hoped Adam had a plan for that.
The phone interrupted them. "Oh no! I forgot I was supposed to go with Chris and Rayna." Beth
gasped.
"I think they will forgive you." Richie laughed as he moved to answer it for her. He didn't give any
details, but told them something had come up. Of course Chris was concerned, but Richie
assured her Beth was fine and would see them in the morning.
"I thought maybe you would want a night alone … after I get out of here that is." He explained.
Beth thanked him and Adam was relieved he wouldn't have to share any time with his wife until
the next day.
"You can't just let Joe and Mac and Amanda think you are dead. That's just not right." Richie
returned them to the previous conversation.
"I agree, but not over the phone."
"Then I'm flying back to Seacouver tomorrow." Richie stated.
Beth started to thank him for doing that, but Adam didn't feel comfortable leaving the news to
Richie. As much as he had grown to respect the young immortal, too much was at stake.
"I'd rather you found a way to get them here." He replied.
"What? So you can give them a welcome like I got?" Richie laughed, rubbing his throat. Beth
had no idea what he was talking about and Adam knew she'd be upset even if he had been
simply having a little fun at Richie's expense. He gave Richie a look that said to keep quiet.
"There's the annual BBQ next week." Beth mused. "Dad wanted to invite them."
"I hate keeping this from them for an entire week." Richie complained.
"You could ask them to come early because it would be good for Beth to see them." Adam
replied. "But don't slip up."
Richie nodded. "I can do that. I know Joe wanted to come see Beth and the baby anyway.
Since he got the news about you, he hasn't been interested in the bar. He can't look at a beer
without thinking about …" Richie didn't finish. Adam got the idea. He'd put his friends through a
lot of pain.
"I'm out of here." Richie stood up and gave Cassie a little kiss on the head before tapping her
nose and making her laugh. "See ya cutie."
Beth stood and gave him a hug. "You got me through this you know that don't you?"
Richie hugged her tightly. "You've helped me too …" They both wished his sorrow could have
the same happy ending. It hurt Beth to know she couldn't make that happen for him.
Adam followed him out onto the porch. Richie was a little concerned he might be upset at how
close he and Beth had become. "Look man, you don't need to worry …."
Adam cut him off. "I'm not worried. I wanted to thank you for taking care of them. You didn't
have to put your life on hold like that, and I appreciate what you did."
Richie nodded. "I'm living at the stables. If you need anything …" He could see Adam was
anxious to get back inside with Beth and the baby and didn't say anymore. He turned and walked
up over the hill to the stables.
When Adam walked back inside, Beth had wiped Cassie's face and was dancing with her. The
little girl chuckled and her eyes sparkled. He watched them for a moment and thanked whatever
force had made it possible for them to be together.
Beth looked up and smiled at him, dancing her way across the room where Adam wrapped his
arms around the both of them. They spent the next few hours lounging on the bed with Cassie
and her toys. The little girl couldn't get enough attention from Adam. It's as if they had never
been apart. When she finally nodded off, it was leaning back against his chest with the elephant
clutched in her chubby little hands. Adam kissed her soft curls and enhaled the sweet scent of
her before Beth carried the baby off to bed.
When she returned she found Adam pouring 2 glasses of wine. Beth snuggled up against him as
he sat with his back against the headboard. Their whispered conversation and tender love
making continued until almost dawn. There was so much they had to share after such a long
time apart. When they did sleep, it was with their bodies entwined.
Richie hoped he wasn't too late. Beth had reluctantly agreed to go with her sisters to dinner and
a movie in the city, and he was going to watch Cassie. The truck wouldn't start and he'd had to
walk from the stable to the house. It was still incredibly hot and humid outside, but still, as he
promised Mac, he carried his jacket with the sword concealed inside.
He was just stepping up onto the porch when he felt it … there was an immortal inside the house.
He knew it wasn't anyone he knew because Amanda was still in Europe and he'd only just talked
to Mac that afternoon on the phone. His mind raced with possibilities. Maybe someone was
looking for Methos and didn't realize he was dead. Maybe they were trying to use Beth and the
baby as bait.
He dropped his jacket and stepped carefully into the house with his sword drawn.
He could hear Beth singing from what must have been the shower. Obviously she had no idea
there was danger. The presence appeared to be coming from the baby's room. Richie
swallowed hard as he continued.
"We both know you don't belong here." Richie called out. "Show yourself and let's take this
outside. They aren't a part of this."
There was no answer.
Richie held the sword in front of him and prepared to attack whatever came at him. He was now
so close to whoever else was in the house that he couldn't completely discern direction. The
sensation was strong. Whoever was there was powerful, and their presence appeared to
surround him.
Carefully Richie pushed open the nursery door, but his eyes didn't have time to adjust to the low
light. He realized his mistake too late. In a flash, someone grabbed his arm, spun him around,
held him in a vise like grip against their body and had Richie's own sword at his throat.
"Tsk Tsk Tsk" a familiar voice chided against his ear. "Your courage is admirable, but the follow
through could use a little work."
"Methos?" Richie couldn't manage more than a whisper because of the sword against his throat.
Releasing him, Adam stepped back and flipped on the little light beside the crib. Cassie was
playing and cooing in the semi darkness, not seeming to notice as she waved a soft pink elephant
above her head. When Adam and Beth woke up from the short sleep after their lovemaking,
she'd wanted to clean off the day's sweat and grime. He had been tempted to join her, but the
sound of their daughter playing in her crib was too much to resist. Adam had pulled on his jeans
and come in to greet the little girl. The elephant had been retrieved from his bags on the porch
that were now in their bedroom.
Richie was in shock. He rubbed his neck and stared at the older immortal, not sure what to think
until he saw the twinkle of "gotcha" in the man's eyes.
When he saw that, his face broke into a grin. "Man do you have any idea how good it is to see
you?" He didn't hesitate but pulled the thought dead immortal into a quick but enthusiastic hug,
slapping his back soundly.
Adam pretended indifference, but honestly he was glad to see Richie as well. The young man
had been more than loyal to him and he knew from talking a few minutes with Beth before they
got up that he had moved his life out here to watch over them. He was proving to be a true
friend.
"So what happened? Where were you? What made you come back? You know we thought you
were dead right?" Richie had a million questions, but they were interrupted by Cassie beginning
to fuss. "Somebody's cranky. Bet she's hungry." He commented as he took his sword back.
Adam picked up the little girl and the elephant and took them both into the main room as Richie
followed.
"I know where Beth keeps the baby food." Richie told him. "How does strained carrots, peas and
apple sauce sound?" He went into the kitchen and started pulling out baby food jars and Cassie's
spoon and bib.
Adam wrinkled his nose as he set Cassie in the high chair, amazed at how she'd grown enough
to sit on her own. "Icky peas." He made a face at the little girl, who laughed at him.
"You know how to do this?" Richie asked as he set the 3 jars on the table.
"Of course, how hard can it be?" Adam scoffed as he put a big glop of carrots on the spoon and
moved the spoon near Cassie.
Richie stepped back and chuckled under his breath. This should be good.
Cassie did not disappoint her Uncle Richie. She flailed an arm and sent the spoon and the
carrots flying back into her Daddy's face.
Adam had to bite his tongue as he wiped the orange glop from his chin and nose with the dish
towel Richie had at least left for him. "I see we will have to work on table manners." He replied
calmly, giving Richie a glare when the younger man began to laugh out loud.
"Richie isn't it wonderful!" Beth's voice came from behind them. "Can you believe he's here?"
Her hair was still slightly damp as it fell over the shoulders of her white robe. She walked to
where Adam had turned in the chair and opened his arms to her, pulling her onto his lap. "Why
don't you let me do that?" she laughed as she urged him to scoot over to the next chair so she
could feed the baby.
"Yeah … I was just asking Adam what happened when Cassie got hungry." Richie replied, giving
her shoulder a squeeze before moving to the chair across the table. "I wanted to know more
before I called Mac and Joe to tell them the good news … but my questions can wait. I know you
don't need me around right now. You two deserve some time alone." He could see the way the
two were looking at one another and knew tonight three would definitely be a crowd.
"You can't call them." Adam replied.
Beth and Richie both gave him a questioning look.
"I'm sorry, but you can't tell them … not over the phone." Adam continued. "Joe said himself that
the Watchers tapped his phones while I was missing, and I can't let anything spoil what has been
set in motion."
"Just what have you set in motion?" Richie asked. Beth had a general idea, but no details. She
wanted to know as well.
Adam told them both about how he had gone to Cassandra with the idea. She had been
reluctant to help and they had even come to blows at one point before she realized she couldn't
be the one to break Beth's heart or leave Cassie without a father, even if she did deem him
completely unworthy. She'd tossed her sword aside, cursing him for even thinking she would do
this. Still, she agreed.
"She doesn't want to admit it, but somewhere in her heart … Cassandra has found a measure of
peace with who you were and who you are now." Beth told him. Adam wasn't sure he agreed,
but didn't argue and continued to tell them about the plan and how it worked.
The Watchers knew Cassandra had a relationship with Adam and Beth, and that she had
delivered Cassie. This meant they had to proceed very carefully. The first step had been to
make sure the Watchers revisited Cassandra's old files and read about what the Horsemen, and
in particular what Methos had done to her. That would help plant the idea in their minds that
Adam must not be Methos because she would never help him … she would want him dead.
Once accomplished, it wouldn't be long before Evan would want to know more and the bait was
taken. Cassandra recounted not only her hatred for him, but in a feigned drunken rambling had
confessed taking Methos' head.
"That's what some Watcher told Joe." Richie interrupted. "He called him three months ago … he
was pretty torn up … still is."
Adam was sorry for that. "I'm sorry I had to put any of you through this. Cassandra agreed that
we needed to make sure it worked before I surfaced." He reached across the short distance and
covered Beth's hand. Cassie had finished eating and was playing in her chair with the little
elephant. "You are here now. That's all that matters." She whispered, choking a little on the
words as she thought about what her life had been like until a few short hours ago when he'd
walked through her door.
Seeing the tears beginning to form in her eyes he reached to stroke her face. "I won't do that to
you again. I won't let you go."
Richie could see the air getting thick with emotion and knew he should get out of there soon, but
he needed to find a way to get word to the others and hoped Adam had a plan for that.
The phone interrupted them. "Oh no! I forgot I was supposed to go with Chris and Rayna." Beth
gasped.
"I think they will forgive you." Richie laughed as he moved to answer it for her. He didn't give any
details, but told them something had come up. Of course Chris was concerned, but Richie
assured her Beth was fine and would see them in the morning.
"I thought maybe you would want a night alone … after I get out of here that is." He explained.
Beth thanked him and Adam was relieved he wouldn't have to share any time with his wife until
the next day.
"You can't just let Joe and Mac and Amanda think you are dead. That's just not right." Richie
returned them to the previous conversation.
"I agree, but not over the phone."
"Then I'm flying back to Seacouver tomorrow." Richie stated.
Beth started to thank him for doing that, but Adam didn't feel comfortable leaving the news to
Richie. As much as he had grown to respect the young immortal, too much was at stake.
"I'd rather you found a way to get them here." He replied.
"What? So you can give them a welcome like I got?" Richie laughed, rubbing his throat. Beth
had no idea what he was talking about and Adam knew she'd be upset even if he had been
simply having a little fun at Richie's expense. He gave Richie a look that said to keep quiet.
"There's the annual BBQ next week." Beth mused. "Dad wanted to invite them."
"I hate keeping this from them for an entire week." Richie complained.
"You could ask them to come early because it would be good for Beth to see them." Adam
replied. "But don't slip up."
Richie nodded. "I can do that. I know Joe wanted to come see Beth and the baby anyway.
Since he got the news about you, he hasn't been interested in the bar. He can't look at a beer
without thinking about …" Richie didn't finish. Adam got the idea. He'd put his friends through a
lot of pain.
"I'm out of here." Richie stood up and gave Cassie a little kiss on the head before tapping her
nose and making her laugh. "See ya cutie."
Beth stood and gave him a hug. "You got me through this you know that don't you?"
Richie hugged her tightly. "You've helped me too …" They both wished his sorrow could have
the same happy ending. It hurt Beth to know she couldn't make that happen for him.
Adam followed him out onto the porch. Richie was a little concerned he might be upset at how
close he and Beth had become. "Look man, you don't need to worry …."
Adam cut him off. "I'm not worried. I wanted to thank you for taking care of them. You didn't
have to put your life on hold like that, and I appreciate what you did."
Richie nodded. "I'm living at the stables. If you need anything …" He could see Adam was
anxious to get back inside with Beth and the baby and didn't say anymore. He turned and walked
up over the hill to the stables.
When Adam walked back inside, Beth had wiped Cassie's face and was dancing with her. The
little girl chuckled and her eyes sparkled. He watched them for a moment and thanked whatever
force had made it possible for them to be together.
Beth looked up and smiled at him, dancing her way across the room where Adam wrapped his
arms around the both of them. They spent the next few hours lounging on the bed with Cassie
and her toys. The little girl couldn't get enough attention from Adam. It's as if they had never
been apart. When she finally nodded off, it was leaning back against his chest with the elephant
clutched in her chubby little hands. Adam kissed her soft curls and enhaled the sweet scent of
her before Beth carried the baby off to bed.
When she returned she found Adam pouring 2 glasses of wine. Beth snuggled up against him as
he sat with his back against the headboard. Their whispered conversation and tender love
making continued until almost dawn. There was so much they had to share after such a long
time apart. When they did sleep, it was with their bodies entwined.