AN: Here's the better one. Sorry the last one came up so messed up! I was on another computer. I'll have the next chapter up soon. Enjoy.

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Chapter 13

I looked over at Kat. She had a big smile on her face. "Oh, that watch! I remember that. It really stopped the day you met?" She asked.

"Yeah it did." Vaughn replied. He reached across the table and grabbed my hand.

I blushed and smiled. "Well, I'm going to go put Gracie to bed. It's been a long day. For all of us."

I got up from the table and went to go find Gracie, asleep on the couch. I scooped her up into my arms and carried her up the stairs into her room. I forehead and went back downstairs. Vaughn had taken Gracie's place on the couch and was watching TV.

I saw Kat doing the dishes and I went over to help her.

"Hey." Kat said, greeting me.

"Hey," I replied. "Can I help with the dishes?"

"Sure, if you really want to," Kat said sarcastically.

I picked up a sponge and began to wash some of the dishes. "You know, I really do appreciate you letting us stay here."

Kat laughed, her eyes lighting up. "No problem. I enjoy the company. I'm glad I just get to take a break from traveling. And it's nice to see Michael again. It's been so long. And I'm glad he finally found someone. You'll be good for him."

I laughed. "Thanks."

"Well, since we're done with the dishes, I'm going to head up to bed as well. I'm exhausted!" I exclaimed.

Kat reached over and gave me a quick hug. I was surprised, but I hugged her back. "I'm glad you're here!" Kat whispered.

She smiled and walked out of the kitchen and headed towards her room. I walked over to the couch and plopped down next to Vaughn. I lay my head on his shoulder.

"Hey sweetheart!" He said. He wiped the loose hairs out of my face and kissed my forehead lightly.

I snuggled up to him. "I love you." I whispered.

"I love you too. With all of my heart!" Vaughn replied. He wrapped his arms around me and pulled me closer.

We fell asleep on the couch, watching a hockey game.

* * *

I woke up. I looked up and found Vaughn sitting next to me. We were still on the couch. My head was on his lap and a wool blanket had been wrapped around me.

"Good morning!" I said.

He pulled his focus off the TV to look at me. "Hey! Good morning!" He kissed me. I took a deep breath and smelled something cooking.

"What's that smell?"

"Breakfast." Vaughn replied. He took my hand and entwined his fingers with mine. I smiled and closed my eyes.

Moments later, something pounced on me. I looked up to see Gracie kneeling on my stomach. "Oh!" I cried. "Gracie!"

"Hi Mommy!" She exclaimed, as bright and cheerful as ever. "Tante Kat and I are making breakfast! Nous avons des crêpes, les oeufs, le lard et le lait pour le petit déjeuner." Gracie placed her hands on her hips proudly.

I looked at Vaughn. "She said We're having pancakes, eggs, bacon and milk for breakfast'." He couldn't help but laugh. He turned to me. "L'évêché? Je vous ai dit si (See? I told you so). I assume that Kat's been giving her French lessons."

I playfully punched him in the arm. He stood up and helped me up. We all walked over to the kitchen table where food was already laid out. I sat down. Kat placed a cup of coffee in front of me.

"Merci." I said, sipping my coffee.

* * *

Later that day, Gracie, Vaughn, Kat and I went out to the backyard. We let Frankie run around to get some exercise. I took out my cell phone and dialed the number of our old bed and breakfast.

"Hello?"

"Amy? It's Sydney."

"Oh my gosh! Are you alright?"

"Yes. We're fine, but we won't be coming back for quite a while. If there is any trouble with keeping any of the pets, I'll get someone to come get them."

"No, no they're no trouble at all. Andy has been in heaven. He's been riding each horse every day and the kittens adore him. We're alright and business is doing great. We just wish that you guys would be here."

"I know, us too. We're in hiding and it's not that great. We hope to see you soon. Bye!"

"Bye Sydney. Stay safe."

"We will. I'll talk to you later."

"Ok."

"Bye!" I hung up my phone.

Vaughn walked over to me and wrapped me in his arms. "This will be over soon. I promise."

"I just wish our lives would be normal, you know?" I said, trying not to cry. "Especially for Gracie. It's not fair to her, or to us. I wish that Sloane were out of the picture."

"Me too honey. Me too," Vaughn hugged me tighter. I closed my eyes and swayed with the breeze in Vaughn's arms. It was peaceful and quiet until my phone rang.

I jumped, startled, and reached to answer it. "Hello?"

"Sydney, it's me."

"Dad?"

"Yeah. I have some news for you."

"What? What is it?"

"Sloane's dead."