A/N: 3 Happy Heart Day dear readers. 3 Since Katrina was born on "Valentine's Day" it's a little too late for you to get a traditional Valentine chapter from me. I hope this will do. ;) Just another chapter of mushiness before I get back to the story at hand. I know - just be patient - I can hear you all complaining about this one now. LOL! : ) Last minute note to PCGirl - Nope! Not a dream sequence!! Until 28 xox-G
Chapter Twenty-seven
"Hey." Cam whispered - his voice groggy. "Why are you up so early?"
"I have to work. Rafe's not coming in today." Abby replied as she leaned down to kiss him.
"What? Did he call? I didn't hear the phone." Cam said - rubbing at his eyes.
Abby shook her head and brushed her hand through his hair. "He didn't call - I saw it. Katrina was sick. They spent the night at the hospital."
"Oh God. Is she OK?" Cam asked, his face full of concern.
She kissed him again. God was he cute, Abby thought as she did. "She's fine. They're home now but I don't think he should have to worry about the gym too. I'll call them in a little bit."
"They're lucky to have you." Cam said as he tried to pull her back into bed. "and so am I."
"Cameron…" She warned him.
"You still have some time don't you?" Cam said as he pulled her closer and began to kiss her neck.
Abby sighed, fighting not to give in, "I'm trying to be a good sister-in-law."
"How 'bout being a good wife first?" He suggested, his hands moving to her hair.
She pulled back and looked deeply into his eyes. "Later." She promised as she kissed him. Her eyes sparkled as she smiled at him. "If you're patient I promise it'll be worth it."
Cam was already wishing for the end of the day to come as he grinned and watched her walk out the door.
***********
Alison smiled as she looked up into Rafe's eyes. "So. You're saying you need me - huh?"
He silenced her with another kiss. "Yeah." He replied as he gave her a grin. "I'm saying it. But - you know - I'm not getting the idea that you hear me yet."
Alison squirmed beneath him on the bed and giggled. "No?"
He shook his head. "No. Maybe I'll have to show you how much I need you."
"You know - that's a good idea." She smiled wider. "I'm still a little confused." Seemed like Rafe wasn't wasting any time. She felt his hands begin to ease the zipper of her sweatshirt down. Seconds later - his mouth followed the same path.
Pushing the shirt off her shoulders he made his way back up to look into her eyes. "Do you believe me yet?"
"Not yet." She gasped as she brought his face closer to hers. "Say it again…"
"I need you - Alison." He whispered against her neck, his hands roaming over her skin, peeling away layer after layer . "I need you."
As he brought his lips back to hers it seemed someone else needed something too.
Katrina was wide awake - and - it seemed - she wanted to world to know it.
Rafe sighed as he braced himself on his elbows and hovered above her, gazing into her eyes. "That kid has terrible timing."
Alison reached up to run a hand over his cheek. "Rafe -" she laughed at him.
"I'm serious." He laughed back. "She'll be an only child for sure if she keeps this up." He kissed her nose and shifted so that he now sat beside her. Alison moved to get up herself.
"No. Relax. Stay right there." Rafe insisted as he kissed her once more. "I'll get her." He shrugged his shirt back on and went over to the crib to pick Kate up, placing a kiss on her forehead.
The gesture made Alison smile but she was still worried. "Fever still gone?" She asked.
He smiled back at her. "Yes. She's fine." He kissed Kate's forehead again. "I'll go change her."
As they left Alison swung her legs over the side of the bed and shuffled to the bathroom - the events of the night before catching up to her. She changed into the nightgown that hung on the door there and yawned. It was nearly eight in the morning but it felt just like midnight. Walking back into the bedroom, she moved to the bed and turned down the covers. Suddenly exhausted, she lay down and snuggled in. Finally talking to Rafe and knowing for sure that Kate was all right made her able to let go at last.
As she drifted off - Rafe and Katrina made their way back into the room. "We're back!" He called out softly and then stopped in his tracks.
"Well. That didn't take long." He said with a laugh as he spied Alison fast asleep. Kate squealed in agreement. He held her closer and whispered. "OK. Katie. Guess it's just you and me this morning."
************
Abby looked up from the counter to see a delivery person approach with a very large, very beautiful bouquet of flowers.
"Abigail Donovan?" He asked her with a grin.
"Yes?" She replied.
He placed the vase on the counter. "For you. Sign here please."
Abby's gaze never left the flowers as she gave her signature. "Thanks." She replied.
"No problem. Have a good day." He called as he walked away.
Abby heard a voice behind her. "Oh my God - Abby. Forgive him already - or whatever he wants - you have to say yes." Melissa gushed. She was beginning to give up on finding true love but between Alison and Abby she had newfound hope.
"I'm sure I will." Abby replied as she took the card from the envelope. She started to smile as she read it.
"What's it say?" Melissa asked curious.
Abby knew she wouldn't get the joke but told her anyway. "It says - 'I'm getting impatient.'" She said as she burst into laughter.
************
Hours later, she felt something soft running along the length of her cheek. She murmured and sighed. It was a terrific sensation. Her eyes fluttered open and she saw Rafe sitting beside her. "Hey." He whispered, running the rose along the side of her face again. "Wake up sleepyhead."
"What time is it?" She purred at him.
"2 o'clock." He replied.
"Oh my God Rafe. What are you still doing here? You have to go to work!" Alison cried.
He kissed her to calm her down. "No - I don't. Abby's there. She called before."
Alison sat up and saw the bouquet on the dresser. "They're beautiful - Rafe." She said with a sigh. "You and Kate went out today I see."
"No." He kissed her again. "I brought them home last night. I guess I must have dropped them when I came into Kate's room. I found them this morning." He ran the rose he held in his hand over her cheek again.
"They're still beautiful." Alison insisted. The feel of the petals over her skin was starting to make her shiver. Or maybe it was the look in his eyes.
"Wow." She said, inching closer to him. "What a lovely way to wake up."
"You sure you're awake now - right?" Rafe asked - his eyes squinting at her. "Because Kate just went down for a nap a minute ago."
"Really?" Alison giggled.
"Really." He replied as he ran the rose down the length of her arm. "And I thought that maybe we could pick up where we left off."
She grinned and pulled him closer, lying back down on the bed. "Hmmm. Where were we?" She asked as she brought his mouth to hers. "Refresh my memory." She whispered against his lips.
"You don't remember? It really wasn't that long ago." He started as he pressed her back into the pillows. "But if you need me to - I will. You see - I was trying to convince you how much I needed you." His hands pulled at the hem of her nightgown, easing it up over her head and tossing it aside, his hands driving her crazy as he did.
"I'm starting to remember." She teased, as she arched against him. "But you know - it's still a bit blurry." Alison smiled as she moved to sit up a bit, her hands moving to unbutton his shirt, pushing it off his shoulders. She couldn't wait to feel his skin against hers.
As his mouth searched for hers again Alison sighed. Kate was cooperating so far but they both knew they should hurry. It was hopeless. Being together like this was so perfect that they decided to take their time.
************
Cam was angry - but exhilerated. He had wanted to get home early tonight - of all nights. There was a late breaking story and amazingly his editor assigned it to him. It meant staying late. Really late. Abby is probably asleep by now. He thought with a frown.
He opened the door to the apartment and was a bit startled. Abby was no where to be found. He looked around and saw he'd certainly blown it. She had obviously planned a romantic evening. The evidence was all around him. There were a few candles still burning and the remnants of dinner on the counter.
She'd even cooked for him. He was sure he was in real trouble now.
He heard the sound of music coming from the bathroom. "Abby?" He called out as he pushed the door open.
Cameron was more than pleased with what he saw on the other side.
Abby - in the tub - surrounded by millions of bubbles.
"It's about time you got home." Abby said with a sigh. "But you're in luck. I just added more hot water."
Cameron thought Abby looked gorgeous, with her hair on top of her head, damp curls sticking to her cheeks. She was all rosy and pink. The air smelled like vanilla and spices from the candles she had lit. He'd never been happier to be home in his life. He started to laugh at her. "You sure there's room for me in there?"
"I think so. Stop talking and get in here." She said with a smile. "I'm going to shrivel up I've been waiting for you so long."
He wasn't about to waste any more time. Cameron shed his clothes quickly and joined her, sloshing soapy water all over the floor as he did. He misjudged and over calculated. He slipped and landed right on top of her his face landing in a sea of bubbles.
Sputtering - he came up for air to find Abby it a fit of giggles.
"Oh my God. Cameron? Are you OK?"
"This isn't going to work is it?" He replied - still trying to get the taste of soap out of his mouth.
"Looks more romantic than it really is." Abby agreed as she tried to wipe the suds from his face.
Soap still stung his eyes as Cam stood up and pulled a towel off the rack, tying it around his waist. As Abby rose from the tub he grabbed a second one and bundled her up in it. He carried her into the other room and laid her gently on the bed.
"Cameron." Abby pretended to pout. "You lied to me. You said you were getting impatient."
His mouth covered hers, preventing her from scolding him any further.
As he eased away and looked into her eyes she smiled, "It sure took you long enough."
