A/N: Thanks to itsnotrightbutitsokay for reviewing!
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Thirty-Four
A New Addition
On the twenty-ninth of September, Will and Grace were taken to York by Katherine and Edward so they could take a train to London. They were going back to New York City to return to their jobs.
"Are you sure you'll be okay with out me?" Katherine asked as they all stood on the station platform.
"Don't worry Kat, I've got someone who'll help me until you guys come back," Grace said.
"Yeah, if we're luckily she'll keep this person on as assistant and fire Karen," Will said, grinning.
"Very funny Will," Katherine said. She was about to say something else when the conductor suddenly called for passengers to board.
"Well, we better go," Will said. "Have fun in Ireland you guys."
"We will," Katherine said as she hugged Grace. "Call us when you get home so we know your trip went okay."
"Alright," Grace said, hugging Edward.
After Will and Edward shook hands and Katherine hugged Will, he and Grace boarded the train.
"Things'll be more quite at Eadoin now," Edward said as he and Katherine walked out of the station to the car.
"Just a bit," Katherine said. "Jack and Karen are still there."
Edward laughed as he started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. "Better not let your sister hear you say that," he said.
"It's alright, Kare doesn't mind when I say those kinds of things," Katherine said, smiling at her husband.
"You know her best," Edward said.
Katherine leaned over and kissed her husband's cheek and said, "You're right, I do. Now let's hurry home so we can take the horses out for a ride before tea."
~~~
The next morning, Karen woke up when she heard the sound of someone wearing boots walk in the hallway outside hers and Jack's room. Yawning, she got out of bed carefully so she wouldn't wake up Jack and changed into black pants and blouse. Once she had fixed her hair and put on makeup, she left the room and went downstairs to the dining room.
"You must be ill Kare," Katherine said from the other side of them room. Her back was turned and she was dishing up porridge from a pot on the serving table.
"No, I heard you walk past my room," Karen said, walking over to her. "Ugh, are there any eggs Kath?"
"Right here," Katherine said, pointing to a covered dish. "Well, since you're up, how'd you like to go out with me for a ride?"
"Sure, but can we go someplace different than the woods near the stream?" Karen said as she and her sister sat at the table to eat.
"Oh, alright. I can take you up by Rinley's Hill," Katherine said.
The two started to eat and they chatted once in a while about what they would be doing in Ireland the next week when they got there.
After breakfast, Katherine led Karen out of the manor and they walked to the stables to get their horses. "Bobby told me that the mare you rode a few weeks ago has to be re-shod, so I'll have you take Eire," Katherine said as she walked into the stable of a white horse. She quickly put the reins and saddle on and then helped Karen up onto it.
"You never told me the name of your horse Kath," Karen said as her sister led Eire out of the stable.
"I'll tell you when I come back out," Katherine said. She went back into the building and then came out on top of a pure black stallion. "This here is Cesar," she said to Karen.
"Interesting," Karen said.
"Come on, let's get going," Katherine said. She kicked her horse and set off at a full gallop.
"Hey, wait for me Kath!" Karen cried, spurring her own horse on. She followed Katherine away from the manor, going north instead of through the woods to the east.
After riding for fifteen minutes, Katherine stopped her horse and called for her sister, who was still catching up behind her, to stop as well.
"I thought you were going to take me to Rinley's Hill?" Karen asked as her horse stopped next to her sister's.
"This is Rinley's Hill," Katherine said simply. "The villagers who lived about two miles north of here called it a hill because it was the only thing that resembled a hill around here."
"The British have strange ways of doing things," Karen mumbled.
"Aye, I'll agree with you there," Katherine said, laughing. She looked around and said, "I used to sneak out at night and ride my horse up here."
"In the dark?" Karen asked her sister incredulously.
"Oh, no. Only when there was a full moon," Katherine answered. "I wasn't stupid enough to do that." After a few moments of silence she said, "Well, I suppose we should head back and see what the others want to do today." She turned her horse around and let it gallop down the hill, Karen following close behind.
~~~
When they got back to the manor, Katherine and Karen were surprised to see that everyone was outside the house.
"What's going on?" Katherine asked when she stopped in front of the group.
"New horse," Sara said soberly. "Bobby needs your help."
"Oh Christ," Katherine muttered. She jumped down from her horse and handed the reins to her sister in law. "Sara, take care of Cesar for me."
"What's happening poodle, what's going on?" Karen asked Jack as he helped her down from Eire.
"I guess Robert ordered a new horse," Jack answered. "And he's trying to tame it or something."
"Here Karen, I'll take care of the horse," Edward said, walking over to her. "Here's your daughter."
"Thanks Eddie," Karen said, taking Elizabeth from him.
"Where did you and Kat go?" Jack asked as they walked past the stables to where a corral was set up.
"Up to that little hill over there," Karen said, gesturing with her head. "Did you feed Ebie yet?"
"Yeah, we were just finishing breakfast when the horse was delivered," Jack said. He pointed towards the inside of the corral where Robert was holding onto a rope that was tied around a horse's neck.
"My god, it's an Andalusian," Katherine said from where she was leaning against the steel fence. "Absolutely beautiful." With a quick glance over at Karen, she hoisted herself up and climbed over the fence.
"Kath, what are you doing?" Karen cried out.
"I have to help Bobby train her," Katherine said. "She's too wild for him to tame alone."
"Kath..." Karen started to say worriedly.
"Don't worry Kare, I've been doing this since I was eleven," Katherine said, smiling encouragingly at her sister. She turned and hurried over to her brother. "What do you figure Bobby?"
"The owner said the breeder didn't know an abscess was in its mouth when it was time to train her," Robert answered, struggling slightly with the horse. "He whipped her too much before he discovered it."
"Perfect, this shouldn't take but a few days on my part," Katherine said. She turned and hurried over to where Edward was standing at the fence. "Can you get me an apple and some sugar cubes love?"
"Be right back," Edward said, nodding. He turned and hurried back to the manor.
"Bobby, take off the rope and then sit on the fence," Katherine called to her brother. When he had done what she asked, she walked over to the horse very slowly. "Alright my love, it'll be okay," she whispered as she got nearer to the horse. She held out both of her hands and very, very gently, put one on the horse's neck. "That's a good girl," she murmured as she patted the horse softly.
"What is she doing?" Karen asked Robert.
"Earning her trust," Robert replied. "Once the horse sees she's not going to hurt her, Kat can try and get on her back."
Katherine murmured quietly to the horse while she moved to its back. She then took the rope in her hand and started walking slowly to the fence. "Okay, let's see if I can start breaking you in," she said as she climbed on the fence. She jumped onto the horse's back and held on to the rope tightly as it started bucking wildly.
"Oh my god, Kath!" Karen cried worriedly.
"Is she out of her mind?" Jack asked Robert.
"This is what she does to start taming a horse," Sara said quietly.
After a few minutes, Katherine realized that she was slipping off of the horse's back and she tried to correct herself while the horse was in mid-buck. Her face collided painfully with the horse's neck and she felt blood run out of her nose.
"Kat, best jump off!" Robert yelled when he saw the blood.
Katherine tried to jump, but her hand got stuck under the rope and she couldn't get off for a few moments. When she finally got her hand free, she lost her balance and was thrown forward in front of the horse.
"Kat, Kat!" Robert cried as he jumped down from the fence and ran over to her. "Are you okay?"
"Fine, I'm fine," Katherine said as her brother helped her stand. "I think I sprained my wrist a bit though." She held her left arm against her chest and walked to the gate of the coral.
"My god Kath, you're out of your mind!" Karen cried, running up to her sister. "You could have died!"
"I'm fine Kare," Katherine said as they all walked back to the manor. "It's not the first time that's happened."
"That's true Kat, but this was the first time a horse has thrown you," Robert said, shaking his head.
~~~
Later on that night, Katherine, Edward, Karen, Jack, Sara and Robert were in the living room, having coffee and some brandy after dinner.
"So how's that wrist of yours sister?" Robert asked.
"It's fine, the swelling has gone down a lot in the past couple of hours, so I'll be okay," Katherine answered, smiling. "It doesn't look like I'll be able to tame that horse in time Bobby."
"That's quite alright Kat," Robert said. "I'll do it in good time."
"So what are you all going to do at Glaeve for four weeks?" Sara asked.
"We're still staying in Dublin the last week of October, right Kath?" Karen asked her sister.
"Yes, and we'll be staying in the city until the second of October," Katherine said, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Ah, Samhain in Ireland. Always a jolly good time," Robert said, raising his brandy slightly.
"What's that mean?" Jack asked, looking over at Katherine.
"Unless I'm mistaken, I think he means the Celtic version of Halloween," Edward said.
"He's right," Katherine said. "In Dublin, there are a lot of festivities to attend that night, so I thought you'd like to be there for that."
"Sounds like it's going to be fun," Jack said.
"Well, I say that we all drink to the success of this month's visit," Robert said suddenly. "No serious fight between the lot of us is something we need to drink to."
"Wait, I need a drink," Karen said holding up her glass that had held brandy.
"Here Kare," Jack said, pouring her a cup of coffee.
"Thanks poodle," Karen said, leaning over and kissing his cheek.
The six of them then lifted their drinks, tapping the glasses together before they all took a sip.
~~~
Three days later in Dublin, on the second of October, Katherine and Edward went out to get some supplies before they left for Glaeve that afternoon.
As they walked down the street, Katherine suddenly felt a hand slipping into her pants pocket, taking her wallet. She whirled around and grabbed the wrist of a little boy.
"Hey, leave go of me!" the boy cried.
Katherine grabbed her wallet from his hand and said, "What's the matter with you, trying to rob me?"
'Let me go you British bitch!' the boy then cried out in Irish Gaelic.
'I speak the language as well, so mind your tongue,' Katherine replied in Gaelic calmly.
The boy's eyes widened and then he look down at the ground. "I-I just wanted to get something to eat," he said and tears started to roll down his cheeks.
"Then come along with us," Edward said. "We'll treat you to some breakfast."
"T-thank you," the boy managed to say as they started to cross the street to a restaurant.
When their food was served, Katherine asked, "What's your name?"
"Patrick ma'am, Patrick Fitzhenry," the boy replied before he literally attacked his plate, eating with great gusto.
"Do your parents know you're not in school Patrick?" Edward asked.
"Haven't gotten none," Patrick replied bluntly, taking a sip of tea.
"Who do you live with then?" Katherine asked. "Surely you've someone who takes care of you."
"No one ma'am," Patrick said. "I'm me own person. Live on the streets I do."
"How old are you?" Katherine asked.
"I turned seven three days ago," Patrick said.
'Edward,' Katherine said to her husband in French. 'I don't want to let this boy go back in the streets, for god's sake; he's nearly as old as Amber!'
'Why don't we take him in?' Edward asked, in French as well.
'Better if we adopted him,' Katherine said and Edward nodded.
"Ma'am, Sir, if it's okay, I'd like to go now," Patrick said.
"Patrick, how would you like it if my husband and I brought you home with us?" Katherine asked gently.
"Why's that?" Patrick asked suspiciously.
"We'd like to adopt you Patrick," Edward said calmly.
"You do?" Patrick asked in surprise.
"Only if you'd like us to become your parents Patrick, it's truly up to you," Katherine said.
"Bloody hell, of course I do!" Patrick cried, causing the other people in the restaurant to turn and stare.
"Come along then Patrick and we'll get everything started," Edward said, leaving some money on the table.
~~~
"Where have you guys been?" Jack asked after Edward had opened the adjoining door to their hotel room. "I thought we were leaving at twelve?"
"We were sidetracked a bit," Katherine said.
"By what honey, the St. Patrick's day parade?" Karen asked, coming into the room.
"No, we've adopted a child," Katherine said calmly, going over to the bed and starting to pack a suitcase.
"You did what?" Jack asked surprised.
"I'm all done with my bath ma'am," Patrick said, coming out of the bathroom. He looked different now that he had washed. He had a small, heart shaped face with wide green eyes. He had a smattering of freckles on his slightly upturned nose and he had cinnamon colored hair.
"This is Patrick, our son," Katherine said, walking over to the boy and putting her arm around his shoulder.
"You adopted him in just five hours?" Karen asked incredulously.
"Well, it's not final yet," Edward said. "We have to come back next week to sign the last of the papers and then he'll be an O'Neill."
"Where's Amber?" Katherine asked. "I'd like her to meet her brother."
"I'm right here Mummy," Amber said, standing next to Karen.
"Amber love, this is Patrick, and he'll be your brother soon," Katherine said, taking her daughter's hand.
"Hi," Amber said shyly.
"Hullo...sister," Patrick said slowly. He then grinned at Amber and they both started to laugh.
"Auntie Karen, can I show Patrick our cousin?" Amber asked.
"Go ahead honey, but not for too long 'cause I think we're going to leave soon," Karen said.
When the two children disappeared to see Elizabeth, Jack said, "I thought you guys were going to the store instead of an orphanage."
"We didn't go to an orphanage," Katherine said, closing the suitcase on the bed. "Patrick tried to steal my wallet, and I caught him."
"What?" Karen asked, confused.
"It's a long story," Edward said.
"Which I'll tell you both later," Katherine said. "Right now, we need to leave for Glaeve."
~~~
The next week, Katherine and Edward returned to Dublin with Patrick to sign the last of the papers that would make the adoption legal.
On that day, Jack walked into the nursery where Karen was sitting on a window seat with Elizabeth in her arms. "Hey Kare-"
"Quiet Jackie," Karen said quickly. "She's finally fallen asleep."
"Sorry Kare," Jack said, sitting next to her. He put his hand on Elizabeth's back and kissed the back of their daughter's head. "I was wondering if you want to take a walk with me."
"How about we take Amber and go for a horseback ride?" Karen said, standing up and walking over to the crib and putting Elizabeth in it.
"Sure, want me to go get her?" Jack asked quietly. When Karen nodded, he left the room and went to get his niece.
Ten minutes later, the three of them got on their horses and took off for the hill behind Glaeve.
When they reached the top, Karen said to Jack, "I want to talk to you for a second poodle."
"Sure," Jack said easily. He got off his horse and tied the reins to a nearby tree branch, and then he walked over to Amber. "Amb, why don't you pick some wildflowers for your mom?"
"Okay Uncle Jack," Amber said. She slipped down from the horse into Jack's arms and he set her down on the ground.
"Don't go too far from us Amber," Karen said as Jack helped her down from her horse.
"I won't Auntie Karen," Amber cried before she hurried over to a wide patch of blue and white flowers.
"So what did you want to talk about Kare?" Jack asked, sitting next to her in the high grass.
"I just wanted to say, I'm still not sure about having a second kid," Karen said. "I'm sorry Jackie, I know you want to have one soon, but-"
"No, it's okay Kare, really," Jack said, putting his arm around her should. "I told you to take as much time as you need to decide."
"Are you sure?" Karen asked, resting her head on his chest.
"Yes Kare," Jack said firmly. "And if you don't want another child, then it'll be okay. I'll be very happy if it ends up being just you, me and Ebie."
"Thanks Jackie," Karen said, lifting her head and kissing his chin. "I love you."
"I love you too," Jack said. He lowered his head to hers and they kissed deeply.
~~~
Later that night, Katherine, Edward and Patrick returned to the manor.
"Is everything set?" Jack asked as they sat at the dinner table with them.
"It took forever, but yes," Katherine said. "Patrick is our son now."
"Congrats you guys," Karen said, waving her fork.
"Thanks Auntie Karen," Patrick said with a grin. He looked over at Jack and nodded to him. "Uncle Jack."
Katherine smiled broadly and looked at her daughter and son who were sitting next to each other. "Well, we are a happy lot aren't we?"
"Amen to that Sister Katherine," Jack said, causing everyone to laugh.
~~~
Jack was lying in bed late after dinner, still fully clothed. He was staring up at the canopy when Karen sat on the edge of the bed next to him.
"What's on your mind poodle?" she asked him.
"Nothing much," Jack answered, looking up at her. "Just you."
"Really?" Karen asked disbelievingly.
"Yeah, you're the only one who's on my mind night and day," Jack said, putting his hand up her shirt. "Especially when night comes."
Karen giggled and leaned down to kiss him, but he stopped her. "What?" she asked, surprised.
Jack sat up and then pushed back until he was sitting against the headboard. "Come here Kare," he said.
Smiling seductively, Karen got up on top of the mattress and crawled on her hand and knees up to him. She straddled his hips and then ran her tongue over his lips before kissing him deeply.
"Mmm, god Kare, I love you so much," Jack murmured as they pulled apart to breathe.
"Not as much as I love you," Karen said as he laid her down on the bed.
"How about." Jack said as he kissed her neck and unbuttoned her shirt. "We just call. it a tie?"
"Perfect," Karen said, pulling his head back up to hers.
They kissed for a long time before Jack managed to pull away and he quickly took off Karen's bra. And while he rubbed her breast, he took off the rest of her clothes as fast as he could without ripping them off.
Then, with his help, Karen took off Jack's clothes and kissed his deeply, running her tongue against his.
Sucking on the skin on her shoulder, Jack sat up and pulled Karen with him. When she was straddling his lap, he quickly started to make love to her.
"Ohhhh..." Karen sighed as Jack worked his way down her chest to her breasts. "Wait... Jackie.. kiss me.." she breathed before he put his lips on one of them.
"Love you," Jack mumbled as he brought his lips to hers, crushing them and making them swollen.
All of a sudden, Karen pulled back from the kiss and moaned out Jack's name as she reached her peak.
Jack nuzzled his head into Karen's shoulder as he hit his edge a few moments later. When he lifted his head up, he said, "You know, if you decide to have another baby, we'll get there pretty quickly."
Giggling, Karen leaned down slightly and kissed him softly. She was surprised when he pushed her down onto the mattress and started to make love to her again. "So soon Jackie?" she asked.
"Couldn't help it," Jack answered before he started sucking on her breast.
~~~
It was two a.m. the next morning when Karen got out of the bed a few minutes after just making love to Jack.
"Where you going?" he asked, lifting his head up.
"I want to take a shower," Karen responded, going into the bathroom. "I'll be back."
Jack lay back down and yawned as he heard the water start running in the shower. He got an idea a few minutes later and he hurriedly got off the bed.
Karen was standing under the water, just letting it run over her, when the glass door slid open and someone joined her. "Jackie!" she cried. "You scared me."
"Sorry Kare," Jack said.
"Decided to take a shower with me?" Karen asked, putting her arms around his neck.
"Kinda," Jack said. He pulled her tightly to him and kissed her passionately.
Sighing happily, Karen returned the kiss and held onto Jack more tightly. She loved it when he came into the shower with her since he didn't do that too often.
Pulling away from her, Jack smiled wickedly at Karen.
"What? What's with that look?" she asked.
Not saying anything, Jack suddenly lifted her up and pushed her against the wall of the shower. He held on tightly to her hips and then started making love to her roughly.
"Jackie...oh my god!" Karen gasped in surprise and lust. She was very surprised that he was making love to her here, since they had never done it in a shower before. After thinking that, Karen realized she was incredibly aroused and she pulled Jack's head down to her breasts so he could suck on them.
Moaning, Jack eagerly put his mouth on Karen's right breast. He had never, in the course of their relationship or marriage, felt so aroused and lustful as he did now. So he made love to her frantically, trying to satisfy the both of them. A long time later, when he felt Karen nearing her edge, he pushed her back against the wall harder. With a muffled growl, he let go of Karen's breast and said huskily, "Scream my name Kare."
Karen, who was nearly delirious from their lovemaking, was only able to moan in response.
Putting his hands on Karen's back, Jack slid the both of them down to the floor of the shower. "Scream my name," he hissed into her ear before biting on the lobe softly.
"Oh... oh god... I...oh," Karen moaned. A second later, she reached her peak and she screamed, "Oh, Jack, JACK!"
At the exact same time, Jack hit his edge and he shouted, "Kare! Oh my god... oh... KAREN!"
Breathing heavily, Karen leaned against Jack as he fell back on the floor of the shower, the water running over the both of them still. "You are an animal Jackie," she said when she got her breath back.
"'Cause I'm making love to you," Jack said, looking up at her.
"Love you," Karen said.
"Forever Karebear," Jack murmured. "Come on; let's get out of here before we get too wrinkly." When they had stood up, he lifted Karen into his arms and then carried her out of the bathroom and over to the bed.
They kissed each other softly, too exhausted from their lovemaking to be passionate and they lay back on the mattress
Jack, who was sleeping on Karen's breasts, yawned and said, "Night Kare, sweet dreams."
"Hmm, good night my sweet Jackie," Karen mumbled as she fell asleep.
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Thirty-Four
A New Addition
On the twenty-ninth of September, Will and Grace were taken to York by Katherine and Edward so they could take a train to London. They were going back to New York City to return to their jobs.
"Are you sure you'll be okay with out me?" Katherine asked as they all stood on the station platform.
"Don't worry Kat, I've got someone who'll help me until you guys come back," Grace said.
"Yeah, if we're luckily she'll keep this person on as assistant and fire Karen," Will said, grinning.
"Very funny Will," Katherine said. She was about to say something else when the conductor suddenly called for passengers to board.
"Well, we better go," Will said. "Have fun in Ireland you guys."
"We will," Katherine said as she hugged Grace. "Call us when you get home so we know your trip went okay."
"Alright," Grace said, hugging Edward.
After Will and Edward shook hands and Katherine hugged Will, he and Grace boarded the train.
"Things'll be more quite at Eadoin now," Edward said as he and Katherine walked out of the station to the car.
"Just a bit," Katherine said. "Jack and Karen are still there."
Edward laughed as he started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. "Better not let your sister hear you say that," he said.
"It's alright, Kare doesn't mind when I say those kinds of things," Katherine said, smiling at her husband.
"You know her best," Edward said.
Katherine leaned over and kissed her husband's cheek and said, "You're right, I do. Now let's hurry home so we can take the horses out for a ride before tea."
~~~
The next morning, Karen woke up when she heard the sound of someone wearing boots walk in the hallway outside hers and Jack's room. Yawning, she got out of bed carefully so she wouldn't wake up Jack and changed into black pants and blouse. Once she had fixed her hair and put on makeup, she left the room and went downstairs to the dining room.
"You must be ill Kare," Katherine said from the other side of them room. Her back was turned and she was dishing up porridge from a pot on the serving table.
"No, I heard you walk past my room," Karen said, walking over to her. "Ugh, are there any eggs Kath?"
"Right here," Katherine said, pointing to a covered dish. "Well, since you're up, how'd you like to go out with me for a ride?"
"Sure, but can we go someplace different than the woods near the stream?" Karen said as she and her sister sat at the table to eat.
"Oh, alright. I can take you up by Rinley's Hill," Katherine said.
The two started to eat and they chatted once in a while about what they would be doing in Ireland the next week when they got there.
After breakfast, Katherine led Karen out of the manor and they walked to the stables to get their horses. "Bobby told me that the mare you rode a few weeks ago has to be re-shod, so I'll have you take Eire," Katherine said as she walked into the stable of a white horse. She quickly put the reins and saddle on and then helped Karen up onto it.
"You never told me the name of your horse Kath," Karen said as her sister led Eire out of the stable.
"I'll tell you when I come back out," Katherine said. She went back into the building and then came out on top of a pure black stallion. "This here is Cesar," she said to Karen.
"Interesting," Karen said.
"Come on, let's get going," Katherine said. She kicked her horse and set off at a full gallop.
"Hey, wait for me Kath!" Karen cried, spurring her own horse on. She followed Katherine away from the manor, going north instead of through the woods to the east.
After riding for fifteen minutes, Katherine stopped her horse and called for her sister, who was still catching up behind her, to stop as well.
"I thought you were going to take me to Rinley's Hill?" Karen asked as her horse stopped next to her sister's.
"This is Rinley's Hill," Katherine said simply. "The villagers who lived about two miles north of here called it a hill because it was the only thing that resembled a hill around here."
"The British have strange ways of doing things," Karen mumbled.
"Aye, I'll agree with you there," Katherine said, laughing. She looked around and said, "I used to sneak out at night and ride my horse up here."
"In the dark?" Karen asked her sister incredulously.
"Oh, no. Only when there was a full moon," Katherine answered. "I wasn't stupid enough to do that." After a few moments of silence she said, "Well, I suppose we should head back and see what the others want to do today." She turned her horse around and let it gallop down the hill, Karen following close behind.
~~~
When they got back to the manor, Katherine and Karen were surprised to see that everyone was outside the house.
"What's going on?" Katherine asked when she stopped in front of the group.
"New horse," Sara said soberly. "Bobby needs your help."
"Oh Christ," Katherine muttered. She jumped down from her horse and handed the reins to her sister in law. "Sara, take care of Cesar for me."
"What's happening poodle, what's going on?" Karen asked Jack as he helped her down from Eire.
"I guess Robert ordered a new horse," Jack answered. "And he's trying to tame it or something."
"Here Karen, I'll take care of the horse," Edward said, walking over to her. "Here's your daughter."
"Thanks Eddie," Karen said, taking Elizabeth from him.
"Where did you and Kat go?" Jack asked as they walked past the stables to where a corral was set up.
"Up to that little hill over there," Karen said, gesturing with her head. "Did you feed Ebie yet?"
"Yeah, we were just finishing breakfast when the horse was delivered," Jack said. He pointed towards the inside of the corral where Robert was holding onto a rope that was tied around a horse's neck.
"My god, it's an Andalusian," Katherine said from where she was leaning against the steel fence. "Absolutely beautiful." With a quick glance over at Karen, she hoisted herself up and climbed over the fence.
"Kath, what are you doing?" Karen cried out.
"I have to help Bobby train her," Katherine said. "She's too wild for him to tame alone."
"Kath..." Karen started to say worriedly.
"Don't worry Kare, I've been doing this since I was eleven," Katherine said, smiling encouragingly at her sister. She turned and hurried over to her brother. "What do you figure Bobby?"
"The owner said the breeder didn't know an abscess was in its mouth when it was time to train her," Robert answered, struggling slightly with the horse. "He whipped her too much before he discovered it."
"Perfect, this shouldn't take but a few days on my part," Katherine said. She turned and hurried over to where Edward was standing at the fence. "Can you get me an apple and some sugar cubes love?"
"Be right back," Edward said, nodding. He turned and hurried back to the manor.
"Bobby, take off the rope and then sit on the fence," Katherine called to her brother. When he had done what she asked, she walked over to the horse very slowly. "Alright my love, it'll be okay," she whispered as she got nearer to the horse. She held out both of her hands and very, very gently, put one on the horse's neck. "That's a good girl," she murmured as she patted the horse softly.
"What is she doing?" Karen asked Robert.
"Earning her trust," Robert replied. "Once the horse sees she's not going to hurt her, Kat can try and get on her back."
Katherine murmured quietly to the horse while she moved to its back. She then took the rope in her hand and started walking slowly to the fence. "Okay, let's see if I can start breaking you in," she said as she climbed on the fence. She jumped onto the horse's back and held on to the rope tightly as it started bucking wildly.
"Oh my god, Kath!" Karen cried worriedly.
"Is she out of her mind?" Jack asked Robert.
"This is what she does to start taming a horse," Sara said quietly.
After a few minutes, Katherine realized that she was slipping off of the horse's back and she tried to correct herself while the horse was in mid-buck. Her face collided painfully with the horse's neck and she felt blood run out of her nose.
"Kat, best jump off!" Robert yelled when he saw the blood.
Katherine tried to jump, but her hand got stuck under the rope and she couldn't get off for a few moments. When she finally got her hand free, she lost her balance and was thrown forward in front of the horse.
"Kat, Kat!" Robert cried as he jumped down from the fence and ran over to her. "Are you okay?"
"Fine, I'm fine," Katherine said as her brother helped her stand. "I think I sprained my wrist a bit though." She held her left arm against her chest and walked to the gate of the coral.
"My god Kath, you're out of your mind!" Karen cried, running up to her sister. "You could have died!"
"I'm fine Kare," Katherine said as they all walked back to the manor. "It's not the first time that's happened."
"That's true Kat, but this was the first time a horse has thrown you," Robert said, shaking his head.
~~~
Later on that night, Katherine, Edward, Karen, Jack, Sara and Robert were in the living room, having coffee and some brandy after dinner.
"So how's that wrist of yours sister?" Robert asked.
"It's fine, the swelling has gone down a lot in the past couple of hours, so I'll be okay," Katherine answered, smiling. "It doesn't look like I'll be able to tame that horse in time Bobby."
"That's quite alright Kat," Robert said. "I'll do it in good time."
"So what are you all going to do at Glaeve for four weeks?" Sara asked.
"We're still staying in Dublin the last week of October, right Kath?" Karen asked her sister.
"Yes, and we'll be staying in the city until the second of October," Katherine said, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Ah, Samhain in Ireland. Always a jolly good time," Robert said, raising his brandy slightly.
"What's that mean?" Jack asked, looking over at Katherine.
"Unless I'm mistaken, I think he means the Celtic version of Halloween," Edward said.
"He's right," Katherine said. "In Dublin, there are a lot of festivities to attend that night, so I thought you'd like to be there for that."
"Sounds like it's going to be fun," Jack said.
"Well, I say that we all drink to the success of this month's visit," Robert said suddenly. "No serious fight between the lot of us is something we need to drink to."
"Wait, I need a drink," Karen said holding up her glass that had held brandy.
"Here Kare," Jack said, pouring her a cup of coffee.
"Thanks poodle," Karen said, leaning over and kissing his cheek.
The six of them then lifted their drinks, tapping the glasses together before they all took a sip.
~~~
Three days later in Dublin, on the second of October, Katherine and Edward went out to get some supplies before they left for Glaeve that afternoon.
As they walked down the street, Katherine suddenly felt a hand slipping into her pants pocket, taking her wallet. She whirled around and grabbed the wrist of a little boy.
"Hey, leave go of me!" the boy cried.
Katherine grabbed her wallet from his hand and said, "What's the matter with you, trying to rob me?"
'Let me go you British bitch!' the boy then cried out in Irish Gaelic.
'I speak the language as well, so mind your tongue,' Katherine replied in Gaelic calmly.
The boy's eyes widened and then he look down at the ground. "I-I just wanted to get something to eat," he said and tears started to roll down his cheeks.
"Then come along with us," Edward said. "We'll treat you to some breakfast."
"T-thank you," the boy managed to say as they started to cross the street to a restaurant.
When their food was served, Katherine asked, "What's your name?"
"Patrick ma'am, Patrick Fitzhenry," the boy replied before he literally attacked his plate, eating with great gusto.
"Do your parents know you're not in school Patrick?" Edward asked.
"Haven't gotten none," Patrick replied bluntly, taking a sip of tea.
"Who do you live with then?" Katherine asked. "Surely you've someone who takes care of you."
"No one ma'am," Patrick said. "I'm me own person. Live on the streets I do."
"How old are you?" Katherine asked.
"I turned seven three days ago," Patrick said.
'Edward,' Katherine said to her husband in French. 'I don't want to let this boy go back in the streets, for god's sake; he's nearly as old as Amber!'
'Why don't we take him in?' Edward asked, in French as well.
'Better if we adopted him,' Katherine said and Edward nodded.
"Ma'am, Sir, if it's okay, I'd like to go now," Patrick said.
"Patrick, how would you like it if my husband and I brought you home with us?" Katherine asked gently.
"Why's that?" Patrick asked suspiciously.
"We'd like to adopt you Patrick," Edward said calmly.
"You do?" Patrick asked in surprise.
"Only if you'd like us to become your parents Patrick, it's truly up to you," Katherine said.
"Bloody hell, of course I do!" Patrick cried, causing the other people in the restaurant to turn and stare.
"Come along then Patrick and we'll get everything started," Edward said, leaving some money on the table.
~~~
"Where have you guys been?" Jack asked after Edward had opened the adjoining door to their hotel room. "I thought we were leaving at twelve?"
"We were sidetracked a bit," Katherine said.
"By what honey, the St. Patrick's day parade?" Karen asked, coming into the room.
"No, we've adopted a child," Katherine said calmly, going over to the bed and starting to pack a suitcase.
"You did what?" Jack asked surprised.
"I'm all done with my bath ma'am," Patrick said, coming out of the bathroom. He looked different now that he had washed. He had a small, heart shaped face with wide green eyes. He had a smattering of freckles on his slightly upturned nose and he had cinnamon colored hair.
"This is Patrick, our son," Katherine said, walking over to the boy and putting her arm around his shoulder.
"You adopted him in just five hours?" Karen asked incredulously.
"Well, it's not final yet," Edward said. "We have to come back next week to sign the last of the papers and then he'll be an O'Neill."
"Where's Amber?" Katherine asked. "I'd like her to meet her brother."
"I'm right here Mummy," Amber said, standing next to Karen.
"Amber love, this is Patrick, and he'll be your brother soon," Katherine said, taking her daughter's hand.
"Hi," Amber said shyly.
"Hullo...sister," Patrick said slowly. He then grinned at Amber and they both started to laugh.
"Auntie Karen, can I show Patrick our cousin?" Amber asked.
"Go ahead honey, but not for too long 'cause I think we're going to leave soon," Karen said.
When the two children disappeared to see Elizabeth, Jack said, "I thought you guys were going to the store instead of an orphanage."
"We didn't go to an orphanage," Katherine said, closing the suitcase on the bed. "Patrick tried to steal my wallet, and I caught him."
"What?" Karen asked, confused.
"It's a long story," Edward said.
"Which I'll tell you both later," Katherine said. "Right now, we need to leave for Glaeve."
~~~
The next week, Katherine and Edward returned to Dublin with Patrick to sign the last of the papers that would make the adoption legal.
On that day, Jack walked into the nursery where Karen was sitting on a window seat with Elizabeth in her arms. "Hey Kare-"
"Quiet Jackie," Karen said quickly. "She's finally fallen asleep."
"Sorry Kare," Jack said, sitting next to her. He put his hand on Elizabeth's back and kissed the back of their daughter's head. "I was wondering if you want to take a walk with me."
"How about we take Amber and go for a horseback ride?" Karen said, standing up and walking over to the crib and putting Elizabeth in it.
"Sure, want me to go get her?" Jack asked quietly. When Karen nodded, he left the room and went to get his niece.
Ten minutes later, the three of them got on their horses and took off for the hill behind Glaeve.
When they reached the top, Karen said to Jack, "I want to talk to you for a second poodle."
"Sure," Jack said easily. He got off his horse and tied the reins to a nearby tree branch, and then he walked over to Amber. "Amb, why don't you pick some wildflowers for your mom?"
"Okay Uncle Jack," Amber said. She slipped down from the horse into Jack's arms and he set her down on the ground.
"Don't go too far from us Amber," Karen said as Jack helped her down from her horse.
"I won't Auntie Karen," Amber cried before she hurried over to a wide patch of blue and white flowers.
"So what did you want to talk about Kare?" Jack asked, sitting next to her in the high grass.
"I just wanted to say, I'm still not sure about having a second kid," Karen said. "I'm sorry Jackie, I know you want to have one soon, but-"
"No, it's okay Kare, really," Jack said, putting his arm around her should. "I told you to take as much time as you need to decide."
"Are you sure?" Karen asked, resting her head on his chest.
"Yes Kare," Jack said firmly. "And if you don't want another child, then it'll be okay. I'll be very happy if it ends up being just you, me and Ebie."
"Thanks Jackie," Karen said, lifting her head and kissing his chin. "I love you."
"I love you too," Jack said. He lowered his head to hers and they kissed deeply.
~~~
Later that night, Katherine, Edward and Patrick returned to the manor.
"Is everything set?" Jack asked as they sat at the dinner table with them.
"It took forever, but yes," Katherine said. "Patrick is our son now."
"Congrats you guys," Karen said, waving her fork.
"Thanks Auntie Karen," Patrick said with a grin. He looked over at Jack and nodded to him. "Uncle Jack."
Katherine smiled broadly and looked at her daughter and son who were sitting next to each other. "Well, we are a happy lot aren't we?"
"Amen to that Sister Katherine," Jack said, causing everyone to laugh.
~~~
Jack was lying in bed late after dinner, still fully clothed. He was staring up at the canopy when Karen sat on the edge of the bed next to him.
"What's on your mind poodle?" she asked him.
"Nothing much," Jack answered, looking up at her. "Just you."
"Really?" Karen asked disbelievingly.
"Yeah, you're the only one who's on my mind night and day," Jack said, putting his hand up her shirt. "Especially when night comes."
Karen giggled and leaned down to kiss him, but he stopped her. "What?" she asked, surprised.
Jack sat up and then pushed back until he was sitting against the headboard. "Come here Kare," he said.
Smiling seductively, Karen got up on top of the mattress and crawled on her hand and knees up to him. She straddled his hips and then ran her tongue over his lips before kissing him deeply.
"Mmm, god Kare, I love you so much," Jack murmured as they pulled apart to breathe.
"Not as much as I love you," Karen said as he laid her down on the bed.
"How about." Jack said as he kissed her neck and unbuttoned her shirt. "We just call. it a tie?"
"Perfect," Karen said, pulling his head back up to hers.
They kissed for a long time before Jack managed to pull away and he quickly took off Karen's bra. And while he rubbed her breast, he took off the rest of her clothes as fast as he could without ripping them off.
Then, with his help, Karen took off Jack's clothes and kissed his deeply, running her tongue against his.
Sucking on the skin on her shoulder, Jack sat up and pulled Karen with him. When she was straddling his lap, he quickly started to make love to her.
"Ohhhh..." Karen sighed as Jack worked his way down her chest to her breasts. "Wait... Jackie.. kiss me.." she breathed before he put his lips on one of them.
"Love you," Jack mumbled as he brought his lips to hers, crushing them and making them swollen.
All of a sudden, Karen pulled back from the kiss and moaned out Jack's name as she reached her peak.
Jack nuzzled his head into Karen's shoulder as he hit his edge a few moments later. When he lifted his head up, he said, "You know, if you decide to have another baby, we'll get there pretty quickly."
Giggling, Karen leaned down slightly and kissed him softly. She was surprised when he pushed her down onto the mattress and started to make love to her again. "So soon Jackie?" she asked.
"Couldn't help it," Jack answered before he started sucking on her breast.
~~~
It was two a.m. the next morning when Karen got out of the bed a few minutes after just making love to Jack.
"Where you going?" he asked, lifting his head up.
"I want to take a shower," Karen responded, going into the bathroom. "I'll be back."
Jack lay back down and yawned as he heard the water start running in the shower. He got an idea a few minutes later and he hurriedly got off the bed.
Karen was standing under the water, just letting it run over her, when the glass door slid open and someone joined her. "Jackie!" she cried. "You scared me."
"Sorry Kare," Jack said.
"Decided to take a shower with me?" Karen asked, putting her arms around his neck.
"Kinda," Jack said. He pulled her tightly to him and kissed her passionately.
Sighing happily, Karen returned the kiss and held onto Jack more tightly. She loved it when he came into the shower with her since he didn't do that too often.
Pulling away from her, Jack smiled wickedly at Karen.
"What? What's with that look?" she asked.
Not saying anything, Jack suddenly lifted her up and pushed her against the wall of the shower. He held on tightly to her hips and then started making love to her roughly.
"Jackie...oh my god!" Karen gasped in surprise and lust. She was very surprised that he was making love to her here, since they had never done it in a shower before. After thinking that, Karen realized she was incredibly aroused and she pulled Jack's head down to her breasts so he could suck on them.
Moaning, Jack eagerly put his mouth on Karen's right breast. He had never, in the course of their relationship or marriage, felt so aroused and lustful as he did now. So he made love to her frantically, trying to satisfy the both of them. A long time later, when he felt Karen nearing her edge, he pushed her back against the wall harder. With a muffled growl, he let go of Karen's breast and said huskily, "Scream my name Kare."
Karen, who was nearly delirious from their lovemaking, was only able to moan in response.
Putting his hands on Karen's back, Jack slid the both of them down to the floor of the shower. "Scream my name," he hissed into her ear before biting on the lobe softly.
"Oh... oh god... I...oh," Karen moaned. A second later, she reached her peak and she screamed, "Oh, Jack, JACK!"
At the exact same time, Jack hit his edge and he shouted, "Kare! Oh my god... oh... KAREN!"
Breathing heavily, Karen leaned against Jack as he fell back on the floor of the shower, the water running over the both of them still. "You are an animal Jackie," she said when she got her breath back.
"'Cause I'm making love to you," Jack said, looking up at her.
"Love you," Karen said.
"Forever Karebear," Jack murmured. "Come on; let's get out of here before we get too wrinkly." When they had stood up, he lifted Karen into his arms and then carried her out of the bathroom and over to the bed.
They kissed each other softly, too exhausted from their lovemaking to be passionate and they lay back on the mattress
Jack, who was sleeping on Karen's breasts, yawned and said, "Night Kare, sweet dreams."
"Hmm, good night my sweet Jackie," Karen mumbled as she fell asleep.