Chapter nine

San Francisco house

Alex, Phillip and Kristin were all waiting impatiently for the arrival of the other three members of the San Francisco house.

As soon as they heard the chopper, they all rushed out waiting for it to land.

Derek was the first one out followed by Nick. Nick turned and was helping Julia out of the chopper.

The minute Alex saw Julia, she ran towards her, "God," she shouted out loud, "I never thought I will see you again. Not in this life time."

Julia looked at her friend and opened her arms moving closer. Alex fell into her arms and for a long moment the two friends were embraced in a tight hug.

"It's so good to have you back here at home with us," said Alex.

"It's wonderful to be home," replied Julia quietly checking her surrounding. The house hasn't changed at all. At least it didn't on the outside.

After Julia and Alex finally parted, Julia saw Phillip standing next to her. She smiled a big smile and soon enough, his arms were wrapped around her. She put her own arms around the young priests shoulders saying, "Hello dear old friend."

Phillip had a wide smile on his face. "Oh my Julia, God have mercy. Is that really you? It is a miracle." He then saw Kristin standing aside, and let go of Julia.

"Jules, I want you to meet the newest addition to the San Francisco house, Kristin Adams, formerly, a member of the Boston house."

The two women shook hands. "Nice to meet you," said Kristin. "I heard a lot about you."

"Nice to meet you too," replied Julia when Derek interrupted, "Can we continue this reunion inside the house please?" he asked.

"That would be great because I'm freezing," said Julia.

Nick immediately took of his jacket and put it around her shoulders, then putting his palm on her back, directed her to the house.

"Your room was left untouched, Julia. So you can just settle back in it," said Derek.

"That's great," she said although she had different sleeping arrangements in mind. All in it's time, she thought to herself. "I'll finally be able to get rid of these clothes," pointing to the clothes she had to borrow from Tanja.

Nick took her hand in his and walked toward the stairs. "Good," he said. "I could use a change of clothes as well. Maybe even a nice hot shower."

Everyone downstairs looked at the climbing pair smiling.

"Have you guys talked to Rachel lately?" asked Derek in his Precept tone.

"Yes. She's been here a few times, but mostly she's been catching up on the phone," said Kristin.

"She said she's working on some project," continued Alex. "Most of the time she is with Kat. She spends as much time possible with her to make up for all they've both been through."

"A project?" asked Derek curiously. "What kind of project?"

"Rachel said it was something personal. She wouldn't tell any of us what it's about," answered Phillip.

Derek looked at his watch. It was still rather early. "I'm going to my office to make some calls," he said, leaving the younger trio.

"All is back to "normal" in the house of legacy," said Phillip.

Both Kristin and Alex began to laugh. Then each went about his or her business.

Abi/Ben

Ben was lying in bed staring at the ceiling when Abi came into the room. He seemed distracted and didn't even feel her presence until she jumped op bed next to him making him startle.

He laughed and pulled her down next to him, his arms wrapped around her, but she still felt he wasn't completely with her.

Abi stared at his face for a second, and then maneuvered her body so she was sitting on top of him.

"So," she said. "Wanna tell me what's wrong?"

Ben looked into her eyes smiling, "Nothing is wrong," he answered.

"Ben please. Tell me what's on your mind. I can't help you if I don't know what it is. And there is obviously something going on in that head of yours."

"It's nothing my precious angel. I've been doing some thinking, that's all. It's been a week since we got here, and I know we promised to enjoy ourselves as much as possible before we start thinking of future plans, but I had some things on my mind and I believe it's time we started making plans."

Abi moaned softly. She hated hearing those words, but she knew he was right. She wasn't one to avoid things and hope it will sort out on its own. She was an action person, usually knowing what she wanted and going for it. But it was different now. She had to admit it was time they decide what it is they want to do. "So? Did you reach any conclusions?" she asked him sliding off from her position and lying close next to his body staring at his face.

"Yes," was all he said quietly, trying to get his thoughts in order.

"Come on Benjamin. Am I gonna have to drag it out of you? Tell me what's on your mind love."

"I've decided to quit my job," he said, no hesitation in his voice.

"I thought you loved your job," said Abi. "You always loved the force and being a detective. Are you sure about this?" she asked concern in her voice.

"My father," replied Ben. He paused and Abi decided not to push him. She just lay there next to him waiting for him to tell her what it was all about. Though she was pretty sure she knows what he's about to say.

Ben rolled over to his side raising his hand to caress her face. "He offered me the company," he said. "He has decided to retire and go on an extended vacation with my mom. They've been talking about it for some years now. Anyway, he offered me to take over as head of the company."

"Well," said Abi. "It's a good thing Ben. If that is what you want to do. The security system they made for the legacy house is amazing, and I know you have great ideas on how to make it even better."

"Yes."

"So, is that what you want?" asked Abi.

"Before we left on this honeymoon I spoke to my father and he told me the company is mine if I want it. If not then he will have to sell it and he doesn't really want to do that. I know I can do good things with it. I always wanted to work there, but not as my father's son. So I stayed away. But now it will be mine to do with as I choose. I won't have to feel like someone is always watching behind my back, waiting for the boss's son to screw up."

"Is that how you felt when you were working there? I mean when you just got out of the army you went to work for him. Is that why you left and joined the police?" she asked softly. She always wondered what made him quit working for his father but he never said anything and she just let him be about it. He was a great business student and great with electronics as well, and he loved doing both. She never knew he left because he felt people were constantly judging him for being his father's son.

"Yes, I guess that's how I felt. I want this Abi. The more I've been thinking about it the past week, the more I want it. I want to make it the best security company in the country," he said passion and enthusiasm in his voice.

"What about Jacob. Your partner?"

"That's another reason I want this," and to Abi's confused looks he explained, "Jacob is going to retire as well in about 6 weeks. I don't want a new partner. I don't need them to assign me a rookey and have to teach him how to get along with an old dog like me. I don't wanna be a babysitter."

Abi started laughing at his words. "You are not an old dog," she said softly, "But I understand. I will be by your side and support you no matter what you decide to do. You know that. If that's how you feel Ben, then you should definitely go for it."

"I have to call my father and let him know," said Ben. "He said he's expecting an answer when we return, but I feel I need to tell him now."

"Sure," she said. "Call your father and tell him the answer is yes."

Her voice sounded strange to him and he stared at her sharply for a minute. "I'm sorry Abi," he then said.

Abi was puzzled, "What about honey? You didn't do anything wrong."

"I just wish it was as easy for you to make up your mind, as it seems to have been for me."

Abi giggled. "Silly man," she said with a loving look.

Ben kissed her forehead and then called his father telling him the news. "We'll settle everything when we get back," he told him and hung up.

"Well, now that your future line of work is in order, I guess it's time to think about mine." She paused for a minute. "Ours," she said. "What ever I decide will affect us both and our children. So we have to work at it together."

Ben wrapped his arms around her, her back against his. "You look tired," he told her. "Let's get some sleep and talk about it later."

"Ok," she said cuddling up against him. A sharp pain cut through her body and it made her hold her breath.

"Abi, what's wrong?" asked Ben feeling the sudden tension in her body.

"Hurts," she mumbled.

"What? Where does it hurt? Do you need a doctor?" he asked frantic. "Should I call for an ambulance?"

"No honey. No need for that. It's just the baby's way of letting me know he's here. He can feel everything that we're going through."

"Has this happened before?" asked Ben.

"Yes."

"Then why didn't you tell me? Is there anything I can do?"

"No. He will calm down in a while," answered Abi.

"Is that why you look so tired Abi? Has the pain been keeping you from sleeping properly?"

"Yes, I guess so," she said.

Ben put one of his palms on her stomach. "Is that where it hurts?" he asked.

"Yes, but not anymore."

Ben took of his hand and brought it up to move the hair that fell over her face. She gasped again, another sharp pain going through her.

Ben slid his hand back to her tummy. And as magic the pain was gone.

"Ben, keep your hand where it is. Seems our son just wants to feel his father closer. I need to sleep for a while," she asked of him.

"No problem," he said, rubbing her stomach gently. "I'll take care of our son's need for attention for now. You sleep my sweet angel. Go to sleep."

Abi pushed her back even closer to his body, kissing the hand that was under her head. "I love you Ben," she whispered before drifting off to sleep.

"Love you too," he said continuing his circular motion on her abdomen and slowly drifting into sleep as well.