CHAPTER 27
2 MONTHS LATER
'The rest of the summer was pretty much uneventful. Connor and Angel spent a lot of time together... but still argue. Dawn only spent a month and a half in LA until her Dad's girlfriend convinced him to take her on a month long cruise. Liz and Mija returned 2 weeks ago. Zan managed to get through the summer without Liz and I managed not to kill my Grandfather.
Mom and Dad are getting closer and are Mom and I. Everything in my life is working out.'
"Emma your going to be late." Martha calls
"Just a minute." Emma returns then looks back at her journal and continues writing.
'I have to get back to school today. But in two weeks it will be my birthday... I can't wait. Uncle Mobi said he'd be here. And its my first birthday with Mom. I better go... Martha is getting impatient.'
20 MINS LATER: SCHOOL
"Bye Daddy." Emma leans across the seat kissing her Dad's cheek.
"Have a good day." Ian says watching Emma get out of the car and join her friends.
HOUR LATER: VORSCHLAG
"I have come to a decision." Kenneth announces standing at the window of his office. "It is time for Emma to make her appearance as my Granddaughter."
"Father she's not old enough." Ian protests "She has a life out of the public eye."
"You and the girl are my heirs."
"Father"
"She is to attend the benefit dinner next week. If you want the lovely detective to attend..."
"Sara and I have discussed it and we have agreed that she will keep her distance from Vorschlag. I will contact Mobius and see if he can arrive earlier than planned. If I am working I want someone I trust to keep a close eye on Emma."
"Good." Kenneth nods "Make sure what she chooses is something... appropriate."
"Yes Father."
NOON: PARK
"WHAT?!" Sara exclaims "Ian you can't be serious!"
"I am."
"Ian she's a kid! One you've kept away from the public."
"He wants to admit she actually exists." Ian says looking at his hands.
"Has he even thought about how this will make Emma feel? By him doing this its going to change her life."
"I know Sara. I always have known this day would happen." He looks at Sara "We're his heirs Sara. He's not going to be around forever. When he dies Emma and I... and any children we may have before or after his death as well as any grandchildren will get everything."
"Will Emma be able to handle it?"
"We'll have to see." Ian brings Sara hand to his lips.
"Ian she's just a child."
"I know. Look if your worried about people finding out that you are Emma's mother they won't find out."
"You know I don't care about that!" Her eyes narrow suddenly "And why won't people find out?"
"All records... birth certificate, the adoption papers you signed, and all files pertaining to Emma have been sealed and protected by a lawsuit. Anyone who leaks or publishes anything about Emma without permission will be sued." At Sara's expression he shrugs "I asked Father to do that when Emma was a baby."
"Why?"
"Mostly because I was scared that someone would barge into your life and start asking you questions and tell you I had Emma... I wanted to be the one to tell you."
"Ian what about Emma? Do you think she's ready for this?"
"She has always known it would happen. When she was younger Father hired an ettiquite teacher. He hoped she'd become a proper society girl... and we all know that plan failed." He says dryly.
"Why now?" Sara sighs
"I guess he's realized she's not someone he can ignore any longer."
"Its your choice." Sara says stiffly.
Ian winces at her tone. "Sara"
"I have to get back to work." Sara says standing.
"Sara"
"Look you raised Emma... its your decision." She glances at her watch "I have to get back to work."
Ian watches Sara walk away and sighs. 'She's mad at me.'
8PM: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
"Emma get off the phone." Ian calls from the doorway of her room.
"But" Emma protests
"Now Emma."
Emma sighs "Dawn I have to go. Dad wants to talk to me. Yeah... later." She hangs up looking over at her Dad. "Something going on?"
Ian sits on the bed. "How was school?"
"Good. Decent first day."
"Teachers?"
"I don't see why I couldn't stay in normal classes." Emma grumbles.
"You need some challenges... I don't want you bored. It was this or tutors."
"Its still easy."
"I know. If its too easy then we'll figure something else out."
"But Dad I want to have fun. Honors classes are so boring."
"I know but public schools are not known to be challenging to kids like you. If its not challenging enough then you can continue with Latin or something else."
"I know."
"Today your Grandfather brought something up."
"If its the boarding school or private school again tell him no."
"No that wasn't the topic this time."
"OK what did he want?"
"I had hoped he wouldn't suggest or request this for a few years."
"Out with it Dad." Emma rolls her eyes
"He wants you to go to the benefit next week."
Emma bolts upright from her lounging position. "Uh why?"
"I think he realizes you aren't someone he can ignore anymore."
"I like the fact he ignores me."
"Emma you know what happens when he dies."
"Hopefully soon." Emma mutters
Ian ignores her remark "When he dies we get everything. I want you prepared to deal with the press rather than get yourself thrown into the spotlight so suddenly."
"I don't want to" Emma grumbles
"I know."
"Its going to be boring."
"Well I convinced Father to get a room for you to hide out in when you get bored. I called Mobius and he is coming down early to go. He'll keep you company."
"I have to wear a dress don't I?"
"Yes."
"Damn."
"Martha will take you shopping."
"I'll look tomorrow. I'm going shopping with Liz, Dawn and Ava tomorrow."
"All right but Martha has the final say on the dress you wear."
"OK."
"I'll make this up to you." Ian promises
"Its OK." Emma shrugs
NEXT AFTERNOON: MALL
"So what exactly is this thing your going to?" Liz asks
"Some sort of museum benefit." Emma lifts her shoulders. "Dad says its black tie but I don't have to go totally dressy since I only have to be around for a little while."
"So you can leave after you make the rounds?" Dawn asks
"Dad wants me to stick around. He talked him into requesting a room there so I can hide out."
"What kind of dress do you want?" Liz asks
"Not sure. Its been a long time since I've worn one."
"How long?" Liz asks
"2 years I guess. I wore a dress to Martha's parents 40th anniversary."
"You close to Martha's parents?" Liz asks
"Yeah. Martha helped raise me."
"Have they met your Mom?" Dawn asks
"They came up for a few days last month."
"Well let's get crackin'" Ava says happily.
"God I love shopping." Dawn says
"I hope Zan's OK." Liz says thoughtfully.
"Liz." The girls groan
"Sorry" Liz says sheepishly.
"Zan will be fine. He's at work... with Lonnie." Dawn points out. "So no worries about chicks hitting on him."
"I know I know."
"So Emma what's the deal with you and Connor?" Ava asks curiously.
"Huh?"
"Oh come on you two spent a lot of time together this summer." Ava says.
"He amuses me." Emma shrugs slightly embarrassed.
"Plus you have a lot in common." Dawn adds. "You should date him."
"Dawn" Emma groans
"Oh come on you two would be a great couple." Ava smirks.
"You actually manage to get him to do homework." Liz says "No one not even Dawn has managed that."
"Before you Connor hadn't picked up a book since before his Grandparents died." Ava states "Since you came around he's a lot different."
"Let's just shop huh?" Emma says squirming.
"All right let's leave Emma alone." Liz laughs
"Thank you."
MIDNIGHT: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
Sara looks up from reading her file as Ian enters the kitchen. "Hey your home late."
"Where's Emma?"
"In bed... why?" She frowns when she notices he's walking with a slight limp. "Ian what happened?" She asks worried as she notices a scrape on his cheek.
"Nothing." Ian looks away.
Sara steps up to him and gently touches the scratch with her fingertips. "He did this."
"He lost his temper." Ian shrugs "He hasn't hit me in a few months."
"Ian" she says sadly.
"So your no longer mad at me." Ian states
"I wasn't... I just... I don't see why Emma needs to be pushed out into his world at his whim."
"It will one day be her world as well."
"It should be on her terms." Sara says
"I agree but he wants to do it now... while he's still alive."
"I don't see why you bend to his every whim." Sara says
"Sara can we not argue about this." Ian pleads
"Fine. Let's just go to bed."
WEEK LATER: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
"I'm not going!" Emma sits on her bed wearing her bathrobe her arms crossed over her chest.
"You are going Emma." Ian says firmly from the door. "Now get dressed."
"This is going to be boring."
"Emma just get dressed. We have to go to the house." Ian closes the door. "You have five minutes." He calls
Emma sticks her tongue out.
15 MIN LATER: CAR
Ian glances in the rearview mirror to see Emma pouting. "Emma don't pout. You know your Grandfather hates when you do."
"I don't want to go. Can't he just go on ignoring I exist? I've been fine with it for all these years."
"Emma just pretend to get a long with him for one night."
"I don't like him. He doesn't like me."
You can at least hide your hostility for one night." Mobius remarks
"Fine but don't expect me to be all 'Oh yes he's the best Grandfather.' We all know he sucks in the parent areas and deserves to be smacked upside the head."
"Emma just don't start a fight with him." Ian requests
"Fine but if he starts one with me" Emma warns
OVER HALF AN HOUR LATER: 1111 FAUST
"Next time you want to drag me out in public pick something I can wear jeans too." Emma scowls at Kenneth as he enters the living room.
"Don't scowl, its not ladylike." He looks at Ian "This is why she needs boarding school."
"First off I can scowl if I want. Second... I'm a kid who is a long way off from needing to act ladylike. Third there is no freakin' way I am going to boarding school."
"Emma." Ian warns
"He started it."
"Is everything ready Ian?" Kenneth inquires as he straightens his tie.
"Yes Father. Mobius and I checked everything out this afternoon."
"Can we get this over with? I have better things to do."
"Like being around those delinquents." Kenneth sneers
"Way more entertaining than hanging out with some rich boring adults."
"Emma enough" Ian warns
"I didn't start it." Emma protests
"I don't care." Ian says quickly.
"Fine." Emma grumbles
"Put your shoes on and go out to the limo." Ian says sternly.
"Yes Daddy" Emma puts on her sandals and walks out of the living room with Mobius.
"Control your daughter Ian."
"Emma is fine sir."
"Fine? Try rude."
"If you wouldn't challenge her she wouldn't retort." Ian lowers his head quickly as his father glares at him.
"Control her Ian I don't want her causing an incident."
"She'll behave." Ian assures
"She better" Kenneth warns walking out of the living room.
HOUR LATER: HOTEL
"Just behave Emma." Ian warns as he and Emma enter the hotel ballroom. "Mobi won't be too far OK?"
Emma nods
"He just wants to introduce you around all right?"
Emma nods
"I just have to go up to the security office but I won't be long. Don't argue with him and don't start a fight."
"I'll be good."
"Thank you." Ian glances at Mobius who nods then he walks away leaving Emma with Irons as he heads to the security office.
WHILE LATER: SECURITY OFFICE
Ian is watching the monitors checking for anything suspicious as he feels his phone vibrate in his pocket. With his eyes still on the monitors he removes his phone a flips it open pressing talk. "Yes?"
"Hey baby."
Ian smiles faintly. "Aren't you supposed to be at work?"
"I am. I just thought I'd check in on you two. How's Emma?"
"She's doing well. Being nice. Trying hard not to fight with him." Ian replies as he finds Emma on the monitor standing beside Kenneth.
"And him?"
"Being his normal public self."
"Faking he's a nice guy."
Ian sighs "Can we not get into this argument again?"
"Fine." Sara mutters
"Where are you?" Ian asks
"Stakeout with Danny."
"Be careful."
"Always am." Sara assures
"I better return."
"Tell Emma hi for me."
"I will. I will have her call you in a while."
"Sure. Have fun."
"I'm wearing a suit Sara... when does a suit equal fun?"
Sara laughs "Your sense of humor always catches me off guard."
"If you think mine catches you off guard try Mobi's."
"I bet." Sara chuckles "I have to go. Danny's giving me the annoyed look."
"Tell him I said hello."
"I will. Bye."
"Bye." Ian hangs up returning the phone to his pocket he walks out of the security office.
AFTER MIDNIGHT: HOTEL SUITE
Ian enters the suite to find Mobius on the couch reading a book as Emma sleeps beside him with the TV on. "How long has she been asleep?"
"Not long."
"Father is almost ready to leave. Why don't you go down and deal with him and I will take care of her."
"She's out brother."
"Not surprised." Ian says dryly. "When she's bored she gets tired and pretty much passes out. It takes a while to wake her when she's like this."
Mobius nods "Have fun." He stands walking out of the suite.
Ian sits on the edge of the couch and gently strokes Emma's cheek with his knuckle. "Wake up sweet Em."
Emma stirs slightly.
"Emma wake up." Ian says louder.
Emma slowly opens her eyes. "Daddy?" She says groggily.
"Come on its late. We're going now."
"Carry me." Emma whines holding her arms out.
"No."
"I'm tired."
"I know but your Grandfather definitely wouldn't like the idea of me carrying you in public. You can go back to sleep in the limo."
Emma yawns and slowly sits up rubbing her eyes. "OK"
"Put your shoes on and we'll go downstairs."
Emma slowly stands and slips her feet into her sandals. "I'm ready."
"Come on." Ian holds his hand out to Emma.
Emma slips her hand into his. "I'm tired Daddy." She whines
"I know baby." Ian kisses the top of her head before they walk out of the suite. "You were very good tonight. Thank you for behaving."
"I said I would."
"I know. I also know how hard it is for you to keep quiet around him."
Emma shrugs "I just wanna go home and go to bed." Emma leans against him her head on his arm.
"I know. We just need to get your Grandfather home then we'll go home."
"OK." Emma yawns as the elevator doors open and they step inside. "Where's Mom?" She asks as her Dad presses the buttom for the first floor.
"I checked in with her a while ago. She's still on her stakeout." Ian answers
"Daddy?"
"Yes?"
"Why didn't Mom come too?"
"She's working." Ian hedges
"Truth." Emma says knowing he's not being truthful.
Ian takes a deep breath. "All right. Your Mom and I discussed it and we decided she'd keep her distance from public association with Vorschlag and your Grandfather."
"Oh." Emma yawns as the elevator comes to a stop and the doors open.
"Emma where is your jacket?" Ian asks as they step out of the elevator.
"Don't know." Emma yawns "Too tired to think."
Ian sighs removing his suit jacket he holds it up. "Arms." He slips her arms into the sleeves. "Better?" He asks adjusting the jacket.
Emma giggles as she looks down to see the jacket rest just below her knees. She holds her arms out to show the sleeves are longer than her arms.
"This brings back memories." Ian chuckles "We need to find your Grandfather."
Emma walks with her Dad remaining close as they go into the ballroom where Kenneth is talking with a man. She rests her cheek against his arm "Wanna go home."
"I know... we'll be home before long."
"Good."
OVER AN HOUR LATER: NOTTINGHAM HOUSE
Ian brushes Emma's hair back as she lies in bed. "Goodnight sweet Em."
"Night Daddy."
Ian leans down kissing her forehead. "Sleep well."
Emma nods burrowing into the covers. "Love you Daddy."
"I love you too Emma Joy."
DAWN
Ian opens his eyes slightly as he feels Sara snuggle into him. "Hello beautiful."
"Shh tired." Sara mumbles burying her face into his neck slinging her leg of her his.
Ian strokes her hair. "Sleep." He says softly.
EARLY AFTERNOON
Sara stumbles into the kitchen bleary eyed and in search of coffee. She grunts in greeting at Emma and Martha.
"Late night." Emma says amused
Sara glares at her daughter "Not before coffee please." She pours herself some coffee and takes a sip. After a few moments she speaks. "Where's your Dad?" She asks Emma.
"At work." Emma answers "Aren't you working?"
"No. What are you doing today?"
"Not sure. Everyone is busy. Mija has to baby-sit. Ava is doing something. Dawn is spending the day with her sister. Rath and Lonnie are working. Zan and Liz have an all day date. Connor is grounded."
"What did he do this time?"
"Snuck out." Emma shrugs "Went to some party at midnight and didn't get home until like six."
"Ouch. How long is he grounded for?"
"Depends on how many times he pisses Angel off." Emma laughs "Dawn says when Angel gets really annoyed with Connor when he's grounded Kathy or Buffy usually vetoes Connor's grounding for a day so the two can calm down before they start fighting."
"How was last night?"
Emma scowls "Long and boring."
"I bet."
"Well we managed not to kill each other."
"On your side yeah... his side." Sara scrunches up her nose
Emma grins "All went well. But if I have to do that again they better give me a really good incentive."
"Bribery always worked with me." Sara laughs
"Bribery the foundation of allowances." Emma smirks
"Don't bribe your father too bad kiddo." Martha laughs
"Never." Emma says mischievously.
Sara looks down feeling a nudge at her leg. "Hey Loki." She greets the youngest dog as she scratches his head. "I'm glad you made it through that in one piece."
"Yeah so am I."
CHAPTER 28
JUST OVER A WEEK LATER
Emma awakens startled when her alarm goes off and she reaches over and slaps the snooze button. She is about to go back to sleep when she remembers. "It's my birthday." She says happily then leans over looking at Felix and Loki who are asleep beside her bed. "Its my birthday!" She scrambles to her feet and grabs the remote for the stereo and presses power.
Across the hall Ian chuckles slightly as his sensitive ears pick up the sound of Emma's stereo. "Sara" he gently strokes Sara's hair.
Sara slowly stirs sighing happily. "Is the birthday girl up yet?"
"She's probably jumping on her bed. Soon she'll barrel through the door and jump on the bed."
"Still find it hard to believe that 14 years ago she was born." Sara mumbles
"Don't feel guilty Sara."
"I can't help it. Sometimes I don't but sometimes I do."
"It's the past love."
"I know." Sara lifts her head accepting a kiss. "I love you." She murmurs
"I love you my Sara." A moment later the bedroom door opens and Emma barrels into the room throwing herself on the bed. Ian chuckles looking at Emma "You are cheerful."
"It's my birthday." Emma says happily.
"Oh is it?" Ian asks innocently.
Emma stands and starts jumping up and down. "It's my birthday." She says happily.
Sara laughs "Is she like this every birthday?"
"Mmm since she first climbed out of her crib. Back then she wasn't able to reach the door knob so she'd pound on my door until I opened it."
Emma stops jumping up and down and looks at her parents. "Do I have to go to school? It's my birthday."
"Yes you have to go to school." Ian replies
"Mom?" Emma pouts
"Don't give me the puppy dog look." Sara groans
"You're going to school so don't try to talk your way out of it."
Emma drops onto the bed. "But its my birthday" She whines
"I know but you're going to school." Ian says firmly.
Emma crawls between them pouting.
"That won't work Emma." Ian says
"Happy birthday sweetie." Sara looks at the clock and laughs
"What is it?" Ian asks
"I just realized that exactly 14 years ago at this time I went into labor but it was 12 very long hours before you were finally born." Sara brushes Emma's hair back.
Ian looks at the clock "Emma go get ready for school."
Emma sighs "All right." She scrambles off the bed and bounces out of the bedroom.
"It was 12 long yet amazing hours." Sara says absently as Emma leaves the room.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there." Ian says softly.
Sara looks at him and gives him a small smile. "I know." She kisses him lightly "I'm going to go take a shower."
"I will go get you some coffee."
"You keep spoiling me" Sara trails off.
"You'd finally say yes?" Ian asks hopefully.
"Mmm" Sara kisses him. "I will... one day." She gets out of bed and walks into the bathroom.
Ian sighs "Soon I hope." He mutters.
OVER AN HOUR LATER: SCHOOL
"Bye Dad." Emma leans across the seat kissing her Dad's cheek.
"Have a good day." Ian watches as Emma gets out of the car and closes the door.
Emma shoulders her backpack and makes her way to her join her friends.
"Hey kid." Zan greets noticing Emma.
"Hey."
"Happy Birthday." Liz says
"Thanks"
"So what's yous plans for tonight?" Zan asks
"You're honey. You know I hate it when you don't use decently proper English." Liz chastises gently.
"Sorry babe." Zan says sheepishly.
"We don't usually do much for birthdays in my family. Usually its just dinner, opening presents and watching a movie." Emma shrugs "Then we spend time with the Evil One and he and I argue. That's the extent of celebrating my birth."
"Well maybe things will be different with your Mom around." Liz says
"Maybe." Emma shrugs
"Must be weird." Zan remarks
"It is." Emma admits "But its also kind of cool."
"Hey Emma" Dawn joins her friends "Happy Birthday."
"Thanks."
"Plans?"
"Stay home." Emma shrugs "Same thing I do every year. Mobi's picking me up."
"Who exactly is Mobi?" Zan asks curiously.
"Mobi is... well basically he's Dad's only friend." Emma admits
"He's... strange." Zan states
"Yeah he is but he's a great Uncle."
"You have a strange family." Liz says dryly.
"You have no idea." Emma laughs
EVENING: HOUSE
"So how has your birthday been?" Sara asks Emma as they sit on Emma's bed.
"Good. Lonnie and I had our normal insults. Connor beat his record on getting dates... it took him two periods to get dates for the whole week. Rath and Lonnie beat their record for getting into a fight... two before lunch and five by the end of the day."
"Those two fight all the time."
"Their fights are amusing. One time Lonnie threw her history book at Rath."
Sara laughs "So you had a good day."
"Yep."
"You know this is the only time I've ever been out of the office at a decent time on your birthday since I started working."
"Really? Why?"
"I don't know... guilt mostly. Thinking about the past was hard. I missed you and your Dad... alot. Throwing myself into my work was easier than thinking."
"Oh."
"I always hoped I'd be able to spend at least one birthday with you... now I get to spend one and many more with you."
"I'm glad."
"So am I baby." Sara brushes Emma's hair back. "So am I." She repeats.
LATER THAT NIGHT
Sara sits on Ian's lap watching Emma play with Loki and Felix while Hugo lies nearby. "She's happy."
"Mmm" Ian nuzzles Sara's neck. "Emma" He calls
"Yes Daddy?" Emma looks up.
"Time for bed."
"Dad" Emma groans
"No arguing. Say goodnight to Mobi and Martha then go on up to bed."
"Oh all right."
WHILE LATER
Ian enters Emma's bedroom just as Emma jumps into bed. "So how was your day?" He asks as he sits on the edge of the bed.
"Good. You know me... I'm more of a birthday anticipation person rather than a birthday person."
"We've never been much for birthdays in this family." He tilts his head. "I always felt bad about that."
"Why?"
"Well you're my little girl. You deserve to have everything I didn't have... and more. I guess that's why I over compensate with presents and allowing you a lot of freedom."
"Well don't feel bad about it." Emma shrugs
"I have something for you." Ian reaches into his pocket. "Your Grandfather gave it to me a long time ago and told me to give it to you when you were old enough." He removes a small box and hands it to Emma. "It used to be Elizabeth's and he thought she would want you to have it." He hands the box to Emma.
"Elizabeth? The one who died when I was a baby?"
Ian nods "She really liked you. She thought you were adorable."
"Well I was." Emma says cheekily.
Ian laughs "That you were and are."
Emma opens the box to find a silver necklace with an oval pendant with a black pearl in the middle. "Wow."
Ian looks at the necklace. "She used to let you play with it."
"She did?"
"Mmm." Ian nods.
"Daddy why didn't he marry her?"
"She died before he could ask her. After she died he returned to the way he was before he met her."
"What was she like?"
"Nice. She used to be a photographer. She was always taking pictures of you. That's how we have most of the pictures of you as a baby."
"She did?"
Ian nods. "She gave me most of the pictures but I'm pretty sure your Grandfather has more somewhere." He looks at the clock "Its late you need to get to sleep."
"Where's Mom?"
"She's downstairs doing some paperwork. I'll send her up."
"I love you Daddy"
Ian smiles. "I love you my sweet Em." He kisses her forehead then stands walking out of the bedroom.
Emma looks at the necklace in her hand 'He actually did something nice... for me.' She thinks surprised.
Ian enters the kitchen where he finds Sara sitting at the kitchen table looking through a file. "She wants to see you."
"All right." Sara closes the file and stands kissing Ian quickly before walking out of the kitchen and heading upstairs. She reaches Emma's room and knocks before entering. "Hey sweetie."
"Hey Mom."
Sara notices the object in Emma's hand "What is that?"
"Dad said that the Evil One wanted me to have it. It used to be Elizabeth's."
"The woman Irons was involved with when you were a baby?"
Emma nods handing the necklace to her Mom. "Dad said she used to let me play with it."
Sara looks at the necklace. "Its beautiful."
"I'm a little surprised he gave it to me."
"I think Irons likes to surprise people from time to time."
Downstairs Ian and Mobius sit in the living room talking.
"He's getting old." Mobius remarks as he looks at Hugo who's head is resting on Ian's leg.
"I've had him since Emma was a baby."
"So what did Kenneth give her this year?"
"Elizabeth's necklace."
"Ahh the infamous Elizabeth. Sure he didn't tag it?"
"I checked it."
"Of course."
Ian looks at his friend "I may give into most of my Father's... demands on my own life and I do allow him very few concessions when it comes to Emma's education but I will never allow him to invade her privacy."
Upstairs Sara smoothes Emma's hair back. "Happy Birthday my girl."
"Thanks Mom." Emma grins "And thanks for my present."
Sara nods "You're welcome. Now sleep well."
"Love you Mom."
"I love you too... always have... always will."
"I know." Emma sets the necklace on the nightstand. "Night Mom." She says as she snuggles into the covers.
"Night baby." Sara smiles kissing Emma's cheek before walking to the door.
"Turn off the light please."
"I will." Sara flicks the switch turning off the light. "See you in the morning."
"Yeah." As her Mom starts to close the door Emma calls "Mom?"
"Yes?"
"I'm glad your here."
"Me too." Sara smiles closing the door.
WHILE LATER
"Feel better?" Ian asks as he strokes Sara's hair while she lies on top of him.
"Being with you always makes me feel better." Sara mumbles
"Good to know but you know what I'm talking about."
Sara sighs "Yeah I know." She rubs her cheek against his shoulder. "When the nurse took her out of the room she was screaming." Sara says softly. "All I wanted was to tell them that I changed my mind and I wanted her but I couldn't."
"I'd change it if I could."
"I know."
"I'll make it up to you Sara."
"I know." Sara yawns suddenly.
"Get some sleep." Ian murmurs pulling the covers up.
"I love you Ian."
"And I you my Sara." He kisses the top of her head. "I will forever and ever."
Sara smiles at that 'I love that thought.'
TBC...