A/N: Thanks to itsnotrightbutitsokay for reviewing!
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Unanticipated
The last week of October, Katherine and Edward left for Dublin an hour before Karen and Jack did. They were needed at the American Embassy since there was a message for them there.
As they were getting ready to go, Katherine said to her sister, "I'm truly sorry to leave the children with you both without any warning at all."
"It's fine Kath," Karen said. "I'm just worried about what this message is."
"I'm sure it's only about Edward's land in Northern Ireland," Katherine said as she put on her coat. She then turned to her son and daughter and said, "All right you two, I want the lot of you to behave for your Aunt and Uncle. And be of some help to them if you can."
"Yes Mummy," Amber said.
"Aye Ma, we will," Patrick said with a saucy grin.
'Keep an eye on your sister and cousin when you get to the city,' Katherine said in Irish Gaelic to her son.
Patrick nodded and then hugged Katherine around the waist tightly.
"Come on Katherine, we'd best go," Edward said as he walked down the stairs. He ruffled Patrick's hair and pinched Amber's cheek lightly. "Behave you two."
"We will Da," Patrick responded.
"See you guys at the hotel Karen," Katherine said as Edward took her hand and led her out the door.
"So Auntie Karen, what'll we do until we leave here?" Patrick asked.
"Your mother told you to help me and Jack, so I want you to watch Ebie while we pack," Karen said.
"Can't we go outside to play Auntie?" Patrick asked.
"No, we're leaving in two hours, so no going outside where I can't keep an eye on you two," Karen said.
"Come on Patrick, let's go and play with Ebie," Amber said, pulling her brother's arm and leading him to the stairs.
~~~
When Katherine and Edward arrived at the American Embassy in Dublin two hours later, they were ushered into the Ambassador's office.
"Mr. O'Neill, Mrs. O'Neill, a pleasure to meet you both," the Ambassador, Henry Nichol said, shaking both of their hands. "Please have a seat."
"I have a feeling, Ambassador, that this has something to do with my family's landholdings in the north," Edward said.
"No, I'm afraid that I have much more somber news to tell you," Nichol said. He folded his hands on top of the desk and said, "I'm afraid that your mother has died Mr. O'Neill."
"What?" Edward asked in shock. "But...I spoke with her just four days ago. She was fine."
"Mr. Ambassador, why are you telling us this news?" Katherine asked
Nichol sighed and said, "Your mother was in Northern Ireland at the time of her death. I'm sorry, but she was murdered."
"Murdered!" Edward cried, leaning forward in his seat.
"Yes, a faction of Protestant radicals claims responsibility for her death," Nichol said.
"Why would they kill her?" Katherine asked. "She was an old woman who wouldn't have given the Protestants any benefit from her dying."
"Things have gotten more and more bloody there Mrs. O'Neill," Nichol answered. "A prominent Protestant woman was killed accidentally by a Catholic a few days before your mother was murdered Mr. O'Neill. This was a way of retribution; they knew she was a Catholic."
Edward moaned suddenly in pain and buried his face in his hands.
"Could you give us a moment alone?" Katherine asked the Ambassador.
"Of course, take as much time as you need to," Nichol said. He got up from his desk and then left the room.
"Oh Edward, I'm so sorry," Katherine murmured. She got out of her chair and kneeled in front of her husband, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"I can't believe it, she's...gone," Edward said. He wiped a tear off his cheek and then put his arms around Katherine. "Now I know how you felt when your parents died."
"Aye, but at least your mother's killer is known," Katherine said quietly.
They were both silent for a moment until Edward stood up. "I'm going to have to start getting the funeral ready," he said looking at Katherine.
"Where will you bury her?" she asked.
"I don't know, I'll have to wait until the will is read," Edward said. "Let's go Katherine; the children will be here soon with Jack and Karen."
~~~
Karen, Jack and the children met Katherine and Edward that afternoon in a restaurant in the middle of the city.
"Hi you guys," Jack said as Katherine and Edward sat down at their table. "What was the message at the Embassy?"
"We'll tell you later," Katherine said, squeezing her husband's hand surreptitiously. "I trust my son and daughter didn't cause any problems Karen."
"They were fine Kath," Karen said, smiling at her sister. "Your boy tried to sneak out to say bye to the horses before we left though."
"That true Patrick?" Edward said, looking at his son.
"Aye Da," Patrick said, lowering his eyes.
"I'll trust you to be mindful of your aunt and uncle in the future Patrick O'Neill," Edward said sternly.
"Eddie, what's wrong with you?" Jack asked, sensing something was amiss with his brother in law.
"I'll let you know later," Katherine said quickly for her husband. "Let me get the waiter and then we'll eat."
~~~
After lunch, they all headed over to their hotel and went to their suites which were next door to each other.
"Edward," Katherine said after she had set Patrick and Amber to unpack in their small room. "Why don't you take a nap, you don't look so well."
"Katherine, what's wrong with me?" Edward said, sitting on their bed. "I can't cry for my mom, it's like I don't love her."
"Oh, Edward, no," Katherine said, hurrying over and sitting next to him on the bed. "Everyone has different reactions to this kind of news. Just because you're not crying, doesn't mean that you never loved her." She leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you Katherine," Edward said, kissing her temple lightly. "I love you."
"I love you as well Edward," Katherine responded immediately. "Now please love, take a nap and get some rest." When he was settled on the bed, she left the room and went over to Jack and Karen's suite.
"Are you going to tell us what the Embassy said now?" Karen asked the second she opened the door to Katherine.
"Yeah, where's Jack?" she asked.
"On the bed with Ebie, come on," Karen said. She walked into the large room where Jack was on the bed, playing hide and seek with their daughter.
"Hi Kat," Jack said as he covered Elizabeth's eyes with his hands. "Where'd you go Ebie?" he asked playfully. He pulled his hands away and cried, "There you are!"
Elizabeth screamed with laughter and she grabbed his hands. "Da-da!" she cried out.
"That's right Ebie," Jack said, reaching down and lifting her up. "So why are you here Kat?"
"I wanted to tell you guys why Edward and I had to go to the Embassy today," Katherine said. She took a breath and then said, "It turns out that his mother was murdered the other day in Northern Ireland."
"Oh my god," Jack said. "No wonder he looked so sad."
"Why was she killed?" Karen asked.
"It has to do with the conflict in that country," Katherine said. "That's all I can tell you really, that's all we know at the moment."
"What are you guys going to do now?" Jack asked.
Katherine sighed and said, "We need to leave for England; tonight."
"Why so soon?" Karen asked.
"Edward needs to make sure that his mother's last wishes will be fulfilled," Katherine said.
"Do you want us to watch the kids for you, while you guys are over there?" Jack said.
"No, Edward wants Amber and Patrick to pay their last respects to their grandmother," Katherine said. "But I also need to tell you, Edward and I plan to return to New York as soon as the funeral's done. You guys will be on your own for the rest of the week, I hope it's okay."
"We were here for a week on our honeymoon Kath," Karen said, smiling. "What time are you guys leaving?"
"At five," Katherine said.
"We'll take you to the airport so we can say goodbye," Jack said quickly.
~~~
On Halloween, two days before Jack, Karen and Elizabeth went back to New York City; they received a call from Katherine.
"Hey Kath, how is everything going?" Karen asked when she had answered the phone.
"It's been a little difficult to tell you the truth," Katherine said. "It turns out that Edward's mother left some instructions that are going to delay our returning to the city."
"What are you talking about Kath?" Karen asked, confused.
"I don't know," Katherine answered. "I wasn't present when the will was read. Only Edward and two of his cousins were in the room."
"Kath, he's not going to be turned into a Lord or something so you guys have to stay over there," Karen said after thinking for a while.
"I really am not sure Kare," Katherine said. "But if that is the case, I'm sure Edward will let his cousin take the lordship so we can return home." There was a sudden shout in the background and she said, "I need to go Kare, dinner is about to be served. I'll call you later."
"Ok Kath, give my love to my niece and nephew," Karen said.
"Bye Kare," Katherine said, before she hung up the phone.
"Was that Kat?" Jack asked as Karen walked into the suite's bedroom.
"Yeah, she said they might be staying there longer," Karen said as she lay down next to him.
"Why?" Jack asked, turning on his side to face her.
"Something about Eddie's mom's will, Kath didn't know," Karen said.
They were both silent for a while until Jack spoke. "Are we going out tonight with Ebie?" he asked.
"Yes, but not for too long poodle," Karen said. "There's going to be a lot of drunken Irishmen out on the street and I don't want Ebie to get hurt."
Jack lifted his head and brought his lips down to Karen's, kissing her deeply. When he pulled back, he said, "Too bad we don't have costumes for tonight."
Karen laughed and said, "I brought some with me."
"Brought what?" Jack asked, looking down at her.
"Before we came here, Kath told me we would be in the city for Halloween and to pick out some costumes," Karen said.
"You're serious?" Jack said.
"Yep, they're in the closet," Karen said, lifting her head up and kissing his chin.
Jack smiled and got off of the bed, hurrying to the closet. He opened the door and looked inside, seeing the two costumes.
"You're a twenties gangster poodle," Karen said, standing in the doorway of the closet behind him.
"And you're a flapper right?" Jack asked.
"Almost, I've got a twenties style dress," Karen said.
"Do you have a costume for Ebie?" Jack said.
"No, I'm just going to wrap her up in a blanket that's the same color as my dress," Karen answered. "Go get dressed Jackie and then we'll go."
"You're the best Kare, I love you," Jack said, taking his costume and kissing her cheek as he left the closet.
A half-hour later, Jack and Karen were walking down O'Connell Street, dressed in their costumes, Karen was carrying Elizabeth.
Jack was wearing a three piece black pin stripe suit with a crimson tie and a black hat. Karen was wearing a twenties styled dress that was dark red and sleeveless.
"So where are we going first?" Jack asked, putting his arm around Karen so they wouldn't be separated in the crowded street.
"Dinner, and then I guess we'll just walk around for a little bit," Karen answered, shifting Elizabeth to her other arm.
They walked to a restaurant where they ate a long, leisurely dinner before going back out on the frigid street.
"Ready to go?" Jack asked as they put on their coats.
"Let me get Ebie in her blanket," Karen said. She wrapped the red blanket around their daughter and then settled Elizabeth in her arms. "Ready."
As they walked down the street, in the direction of their hotel, Jack and Karen watched the different street performers on the sidewalks. Fifty minutes later, they approached a small stage that was set up in the middle of the closed off street.
"Hear ye! Hear ye!" a man yelled from the stage suddenly. "Witches and the devil are tormenting the fair city of Salem! And here in a moment you shall see the play of this event, 'Cry Innocent,' in just a few moments."
"Want to watch this poodle?" Karen asked.
"Sure, but not too long," Jack said. "Ebie's going to freeze up."
They turned their attention to the stage then, as a few actors came out. The play was very interesting and Jack and Karen stayed for the entire play instead of just a few minutes.
As the actors took their last bows, Karen looked at her watch and said, "Jackie, it's nine fifteen! We need to get Ebie inside."
Without wasting any time, Jack put his arm on Karen's back and led her towards the hotel. When they were in the warm lobby and walked to the elevators, he said, "This was a lot of fun."
"Yeah, it was Jackie," Karen said when they stepped in the elevator car.
"Thank you for bringing the costumes," Jack said to her.
"Come here poodle," Karen said, grabbing his tie and pulling his lips to hers so they could kiss.
Jack pulled back a little and then kissed Karen's lips softly. He was about to kiss her deeply again when a tiny hand patted his cheek.
"Da-da," Elizabeth said happily.
Karen giggled while Jack laughed and then handed him their daughter.
"Don't worry, I was going to kiss you eventually Ebie," Jack said, he kissed her cheek softly and then hugged her tightly.
Smiling happily, Karen looped her arm through Jack's free one and then leaned her head on his shoulder as the elevator continued up to their floor.
~~~
November second, Karen and Jack walked back into their penthouse, having landed at JFK two hours before.
"Man it's great to be back home!" Jack exclaimed as he followed Karen into Elizabeth's room.
"Here you go Ebie," Karen said, kissing their daughter's cheek before putting her in her crib. "Go to sleep honey." After a few moments, she left the room with Jack following her. "Do we really have to go to dinner with Grace and Wilma?" she asked as they walked down the stairs.
"Is la niña asleep Miss Karen?" Rosario asked, coming into the entryway.
"Yes, and you better let her sleep all night," Karen snapped.
"Come on Kare," Jack said, putting his arm around her. "We're going to be late."
They left the penthouse then, leaving behind Rosario who muttered about Karen being a drunken dog.
~~~
"I'm really glad you guys came out here for dinner," Grace was saying as the meal ended. "How is Edward doing?"
"They're doing okay," Karen said simply. "Kath told me that she doesn't know when they'll be back here though."
"Poor Edward, can't believe his mom was murdered," Will said, finishing his wine.
Jack yawned suddenly and he said, "I am exhausted you guys. I think I need to get some sleep or else I'll get jet lagged."
"Then let's go Jackie, see you guys later," Karen said, standing up from the table.
When the two had left, Will turned to Grace and said, "What are you going to do now that Kat still isn't coming back?"
"I don't know, but I guess I'll just keep this assistant I've got until she does," Grace said. She took a deep breath and settled back in her chair. "Come on Will, let's get out of here, I'm feeling depressed."
"Sure," Will said, getting up from his chair and following her out of the restaurant. He was trying to put on his mittens when he bumped into someone, knocking their scarf to the floor. "Oh, I'm sorry about that," Will said. "I didn't see you."
"Will Truman?" the man he had bumped into said.
"Zach...Bunting right?" Will asked. When he nodded, Will reached out and shook his hand. "It's nice to see you again."
"Same to you," Zach said, grinning. "So...how is Jack doing these days?"
"Really well, his wife had a baby girl, she's a year old now and-" Will answered.
"Will, are you coming or what?" Grace said from the entrance, not noticing Zach at first.
"Oh, I better go, Grace doesn't have her copy of the key to my apartment," Will said, laughing sheepishly. "Um, she's not my girlfriend just so you know."
"Yeah, I know," Zach said, smiling. "Listen, why don't you give me a call in the future and we can get together for a few drinks or something." He pulled a business card out of his pocket and gave it to Will. "That's my cell number. Hope we talk soon."
"Okay, see you later...Zach," Will called as the man was led into the restaurant and to a table. He turned and then followed Grace out onto the street.
"I hope you'll call him Will," Grace commented as they walked back to Riverside Drive. "You need to go out, very badly."
"Yeah, well, I'll see what happens," Will said, grinning.
~~~
Jack was lying in bed later that night, still dressed.
"I don't know why you wanted to leave the restaurant so early poodle," Karen said as she walked to the bed and sat next to him.
"I was getting bored with those two, they never talk about anything fun," Jack said shrugging.
"Can I talk to you Jackie?" Karen asked after a few minutes.
"Aren't you talking to me now?" Jack replied quickly.
"Very funny," Karen said, slapping him playfully on the chest. "I'm trying to be serious though Jackie."
"Okay, what is it?" Jack said, sitting up.
"I've thought about having another kid and I decided on whether or not I would like to," Karen said. When Jack nodded for her to go on, she said, "I think that I do want to have another one."
"Are you sure?" Jack asked. "Because I don't want you to feel you have to because I want to."
"I'm sure poodle," Karen said, putting her hand on his cheek. "I really, really want to have your baby-again."
"Our baby, Karebear," Jack said, putting one hand on her stomach. He smiled and then leaned forward, kissing her deeply. When they pulled apart a few minutes later, he asked, "Should we start now?"
"Hmm, I guess now is a good enough time," Karen said. She wrapped her arms around his neck and let Jack lay her down on the mattress.
"Wait a sec, Kare, what about your birth control pills you're taking?" Jack said. "Don't we have to wait for them to wear off or something?"
"I stopped taking them a week ago," Karen said. "We shouldn't have any problems."
"Oh, good," Jack said. He kissed her deeply while he blindly undid her bun. "You know I would still make love to you even if you were taking them right?"
"Yes Jackie," Karen said, giggling. "I know."
Jack smiled and then went back to kissing her. He groped in between their bodies and started to unbutton Karen's blouse, and he took that off along with her bra. He kissed her breasts before going up to her neck and sucking the skin softly there.
Karen reached up and pulled off Jack's sweater and then his shirt. She ran her fingernails down his bareback a few times, and was rewarded with a shudder from him. Smiling, she laced her hands through his hair and then pulled his head up so they could kiss deeply.
Sighing happily, Jack helped Karen pull off her skirt and then her panties. Before she could reach his trousers, he slipped his fingers inside of her quickly.
"Jackie, wha..." Karen started to say when he then started to pleasure her. A few minutes later, she clutched at Jack's back when she reached her peak, moaning very loudly in pleasure.
"You look beautiful Kare," Jack said as he cupped one of her breasts in his hand.
"When I'm all sweaty and red?" Karen asked in surprise as she tried to get her breath back.
"Even more pretty," Jack said.
Karen smiled and held her arms out to him saying, "Come here poodle." She kissed him deeply and let her hands wander down to his trousers then pulled them off along with his boxers. "Make love to me my sweet, sweet Jack," she said when he pulled away from her slightly.
He ran the back of his hand over her cheek and then lowered himself onto her. Then he started to make love to Karen very gently at first.
"Hmm, Jackie," Karen mumbled as he started sucking on her breasts. "Go harder please."
Jack didn't say anything, but immediately moved faster to satisfy her. He lifted his head from her breasts a long time later when he felt Karen near her edge and kissed her jaw softly whispering, "I love you, Karen McFarland."
With a loud cry, Karen hit her edge and wrapped her arms around Jack, groaning out his name as her body shuddered.
Whispering, "I love you," over and over, Jack reached his edge and put his forehead against Karen's.
When Jack had collapsed on top of her, burying his head on her shoulder, Karen ran her fingers through his damp hair. "Poodle, let's go take a bath, I want to wash your hair" she said, kissing the top of his head.
"Okay, but I wash yours first," Jack responded immediately.
"Come on Jackie," Karen said as they got off the bed.
They walked to the bathroom and Jack sat down in the empty tub while Karen turned on the water.
As soon as she turned the water off, Karen went over to Jack and kissed his face softly as he washed her hair.
"My turn Kare," Jack murmured when her hair was rinsed. She kept on kissing him though, and he turned his head so she kissed his lips instead of his cheek.
"What is Jackie?" Karen asked when they pulled apart to breathe. "Oh, I'm sorry poodle, I forgot about washing your hair." She kissed his lips quickly and then started washing his hair.
While she was rinsing the last of the shampoo out, Jack grabbed her waist and settled her down on his lap and he made love to her again.
"Ooo," Karen breathed, dropping the showerhead attachment into the water. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed deeply.
When Karen reached her climax first, she dug her fingers into Jack's back and pulled away from their kiss, yelling his name. When Karen had broken off their kiss, Jack had reached his edge and brought his mouth down on her left breast, sucking on the eagerly as he moaned in satisfaction.
They slumped against each other when they were both sated, and rested their foreheads together.
"I don't think I can move Jackie," Karen said a few minutes later.
"Do you want to go back to bed?" Jack asked. When she nodded, he put his arms around her and then stepped out of the bathtub.
Karen smiled and wrapped her legs around his hips, putting her head on his shoulder.
Jack lay her down on the bed, and then got on top of her, kissing Karen deeply and passionately. "I love you," he whispered, pulling away.
"I love you too Jackie," Karen said softly.
"Can I make love to you again?" Jack asked a while later.
"You know you don't have to ask," Karen said, kissing his lips gently.
Smiling, Jack put a hand on her breast while he started to make love to her once again.
~~~
Very late that night, Karen stroked Jack's hair as he fell asleep after they had finished making love for the sixth or seventh time, he was sleeping on top of her breasts. When she heard his breathing become heavier and more even, she touched her stomach with her free hand. As she herself started to fall into a deep sleep, she prayed in her mind that she and Jack would be able to become pregnant and have another child as wonderful as their daughter.
Disclaimer: I don't own Will and Grace or its characters.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Unanticipated
The last week of October, Katherine and Edward left for Dublin an hour before Karen and Jack did. They were needed at the American Embassy since there was a message for them there.
As they were getting ready to go, Katherine said to her sister, "I'm truly sorry to leave the children with you both without any warning at all."
"It's fine Kath," Karen said. "I'm just worried about what this message is."
"I'm sure it's only about Edward's land in Northern Ireland," Katherine said as she put on her coat. She then turned to her son and daughter and said, "All right you two, I want the lot of you to behave for your Aunt and Uncle. And be of some help to them if you can."
"Yes Mummy," Amber said.
"Aye Ma, we will," Patrick said with a saucy grin.
'Keep an eye on your sister and cousin when you get to the city,' Katherine said in Irish Gaelic to her son.
Patrick nodded and then hugged Katherine around the waist tightly.
"Come on Katherine, we'd best go," Edward said as he walked down the stairs. He ruffled Patrick's hair and pinched Amber's cheek lightly. "Behave you two."
"We will Da," Patrick responded.
"See you guys at the hotel Karen," Katherine said as Edward took her hand and led her out the door.
"So Auntie Karen, what'll we do until we leave here?" Patrick asked.
"Your mother told you to help me and Jack, so I want you to watch Ebie while we pack," Karen said.
"Can't we go outside to play Auntie?" Patrick asked.
"No, we're leaving in two hours, so no going outside where I can't keep an eye on you two," Karen said.
"Come on Patrick, let's go and play with Ebie," Amber said, pulling her brother's arm and leading him to the stairs.
~~~
When Katherine and Edward arrived at the American Embassy in Dublin two hours later, they were ushered into the Ambassador's office.
"Mr. O'Neill, Mrs. O'Neill, a pleasure to meet you both," the Ambassador, Henry Nichol said, shaking both of their hands. "Please have a seat."
"I have a feeling, Ambassador, that this has something to do with my family's landholdings in the north," Edward said.
"No, I'm afraid that I have much more somber news to tell you," Nichol said. He folded his hands on top of the desk and said, "I'm afraid that your mother has died Mr. O'Neill."
"What?" Edward asked in shock. "But...I spoke with her just four days ago. She was fine."
"Mr. Ambassador, why are you telling us this news?" Katherine asked
Nichol sighed and said, "Your mother was in Northern Ireland at the time of her death. I'm sorry, but she was murdered."
"Murdered!" Edward cried, leaning forward in his seat.
"Yes, a faction of Protestant radicals claims responsibility for her death," Nichol said.
"Why would they kill her?" Katherine asked. "She was an old woman who wouldn't have given the Protestants any benefit from her dying."
"Things have gotten more and more bloody there Mrs. O'Neill," Nichol answered. "A prominent Protestant woman was killed accidentally by a Catholic a few days before your mother was murdered Mr. O'Neill. This was a way of retribution; they knew she was a Catholic."
Edward moaned suddenly in pain and buried his face in his hands.
"Could you give us a moment alone?" Katherine asked the Ambassador.
"Of course, take as much time as you need to," Nichol said. He got up from his desk and then left the room.
"Oh Edward, I'm so sorry," Katherine murmured. She got out of her chair and kneeled in front of her husband, wrapping her arms around his waist.
"I can't believe it, she's...gone," Edward said. He wiped a tear off his cheek and then put his arms around Katherine. "Now I know how you felt when your parents died."
"Aye, but at least your mother's killer is known," Katherine said quietly.
They were both silent for a moment until Edward stood up. "I'm going to have to start getting the funeral ready," he said looking at Katherine.
"Where will you bury her?" she asked.
"I don't know, I'll have to wait until the will is read," Edward said. "Let's go Katherine; the children will be here soon with Jack and Karen."
~~~
Karen, Jack and the children met Katherine and Edward that afternoon in a restaurant in the middle of the city.
"Hi you guys," Jack said as Katherine and Edward sat down at their table. "What was the message at the Embassy?"
"We'll tell you later," Katherine said, squeezing her husband's hand surreptitiously. "I trust my son and daughter didn't cause any problems Karen."
"They were fine Kath," Karen said, smiling at her sister. "Your boy tried to sneak out to say bye to the horses before we left though."
"That true Patrick?" Edward said, looking at his son.
"Aye Da," Patrick said, lowering his eyes.
"I'll trust you to be mindful of your aunt and uncle in the future Patrick O'Neill," Edward said sternly.
"Eddie, what's wrong with you?" Jack asked, sensing something was amiss with his brother in law.
"I'll let you know later," Katherine said quickly for her husband. "Let me get the waiter and then we'll eat."
~~~
After lunch, they all headed over to their hotel and went to their suites which were next door to each other.
"Edward," Katherine said after she had set Patrick and Amber to unpack in their small room. "Why don't you take a nap, you don't look so well."
"Katherine, what's wrong with me?" Edward said, sitting on their bed. "I can't cry for my mom, it's like I don't love her."
"Oh, Edward, no," Katherine said, hurrying over and sitting next to him on the bed. "Everyone has different reactions to this kind of news. Just because you're not crying, doesn't mean that you never loved her." She leaned against him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Thank you Katherine," Edward said, kissing her temple lightly. "I love you."
"I love you as well Edward," Katherine responded immediately. "Now please love, take a nap and get some rest." When he was settled on the bed, she left the room and went over to Jack and Karen's suite.
"Are you going to tell us what the Embassy said now?" Karen asked the second she opened the door to Katherine.
"Yeah, where's Jack?" she asked.
"On the bed with Ebie, come on," Karen said. She walked into the large room where Jack was on the bed, playing hide and seek with their daughter.
"Hi Kat," Jack said as he covered Elizabeth's eyes with his hands. "Where'd you go Ebie?" he asked playfully. He pulled his hands away and cried, "There you are!"
Elizabeth screamed with laughter and she grabbed his hands. "Da-da!" she cried out.
"That's right Ebie," Jack said, reaching down and lifting her up. "So why are you here Kat?"
"I wanted to tell you guys why Edward and I had to go to the Embassy today," Katherine said. She took a breath and then said, "It turns out that his mother was murdered the other day in Northern Ireland."
"Oh my god," Jack said. "No wonder he looked so sad."
"Why was she killed?" Karen asked.
"It has to do with the conflict in that country," Katherine said. "That's all I can tell you really, that's all we know at the moment."
"What are you guys going to do now?" Jack asked.
Katherine sighed and said, "We need to leave for England; tonight."
"Why so soon?" Karen asked.
"Edward needs to make sure that his mother's last wishes will be fulfilled," Katherine said.
"Do you want us to watch the kids for you, while you guys are over there?" Jack said.
"No, Edward wants Amber and Patrick to pay their last respects to their grandmother," Katherine said. "But I also need to tell you, Edward and I plan to return to New York as soon as the funeral's done. You guys will be on your own for the rest of the week, I hope it's okay."
"We were here for a week on our honeymoon Kath," Karen said, smiling. "What time are you guys leaving?"
"At five," Katherine said.
"We'll take you to the airport so we can say goodbye," Jack said quickly.
~~~
On Halloween, two days before Jack, Karen and Elizabeth went back to New York City; they received a call from Katherine.
"Hey Kath, how is everything going?" Karen asked when she had answered the phone.
"It's been a little difficult to tell you the truth," Katherine said. "It turns out that Edward's mother left some instructions that are going to delay our returning to the city."
"What are you talking about Kath?" Karen asked, confused.
"I don't know," Katherine answered. "I wasn't present when the will was read. Only Edward and two of his cousins were in the room."
"Kath, he's not going to be turned into a Lord or something so you guys have to stay over there," Karen said after thinking for a while.
"I really am not sure Kare," Katherine said. "But if that is the case, I'm sure Edward will let his cousin take the lordship so we can return home." There was a sudden shout in the background and she said, "I need to go Kare, dinner is about to be served. I'll call you later."
"Ok Kath, give my love to my niece and nephew," Karen said.
"Bye Kare," Katherine said, before she hung up the phone.
"Was that Kat?" Jack asked as Karen walked into the suite's bedroom.
"Yeah, she said they might be staying there longer," Karen said as she lay down next to him.
"Why?" Jack asked, turning on his side to face her.
"Something about Eddie's mom's will, Kath didn't know," Karen said.
They were both silent for a while until Jack spoke. "Are we going out tonight with Ebie?" he asked.
"Yes, but not for too long poodle," Karen said. "There's going to be a lot of drunken Irishmen out on the street and I don't want Ebie to get hurt."
Jack lifted his head and brought his lips down to Karen's, kissing her deeply. When he pulled back, he said, "Too bad we don't have costumes for tonight."
Karen laughed and said, "I brought some with me."
"Brought what?" Jack asked, looking down at her.
"Before we came here, Kath told me we would be in the city for Halloween and to pick out some costumes," Karen said.
"You're serious?" Jack said.
"Yep, they're in the closet," Karen said, lifting her head up and kissing his chin.
Jack smiled and got off of the bed, hurrying to the closet. He opened the door and looked inside, seeing the two costumes.
"You're a twenties gangster poodle," Karen said, standing in the doorway of the closet behind him.
"And you're a flapper right?" Jack asked.
"Almost, I've got a twenties style dress," Karen said.
"Do you have a costume for Ebie?" Jack said.
"No, I'm just going to wrap her up in a blanket that's the same color as my dress," Karen answered. "Go get dressed Jackie and then we'll go."
"You're the best Kare, I love you," Jack said, taking his costume and kissing her cheek as he left the closet.
A half-hour later, Jack and Karen were walking down O'Connell Street, dressed in their costumes, Karen was carrying Elizabeth.
Jack was wearing a three piece black pin stripe suit with a crimson tie and a black hat. Karen was wearing a twenties styled dress that was dark red and sleeveless.
"So where are we going first?" Jack asked, putting his arm around Karen so they wouldn't be separated in the crowded street.
"Dinner, and then I guess we'll just walk around for a little bit," Karen answered, shifting Elizabeth to her other arm.
They walked to a restaurant where they ate a long, leisurely dinner before going back out on the frigid street.
"Ready to go?" Jack asked as they put on their coats.
"Let me get Ebie in her blanket," Karen said. She wrapped the red blanket around their daughter and then settled Elizabeth in her arms. "Ready."
As they walked down the street, in the direction of their hotel, Jack and Karen watched the different street performers on the sidewalks. Fifty minutes later, they approached a small stage that was set up in the middle of the closed off street.
"Hear ye! Hear ye!" a man yelled from the stage suddenly. "Witches and the devil are tormenting the fair city of Salem! And here in a moment you shall see the play of this event, 'Cry Innocent,' in just a few moments."
"Want to watch this poodle?" Karen asked.
"Sure, but not too long," Jack said. "Ebie's going to freeze up."
They turned their attention to the stage then, as a few actors came out. The play was very interesting and Jack and Karen stayed for the entire play instead of just a few minutes.
As the actors took their last bows, Karen looked at her watch and said, "Jackie, it's nine fifteen! We need to get Ebie inside."
Without wasting any time, Jack put his arm on Karen's back and led her towards the hotel. When they were in the warm lobby and walked to the elevators, he said, "This was a lot of fun."
"Yeah, it was Jackie," Karen said when they stepped in the elevator car.
"Thank you for bringing the costumes," Jack said to her.
"Come here poodle," Karen said, grabbing his tie and pulling his lips to hers so they could kiss.
Jack pulled back a little and then kissed Karen's lips softly. He was about to kiss her deeply again when a tiny hand patted his cheek.
"Da-da," Elizabeth said happily.
Karen giggled while Jack laughed and then handed him their daughter.
"Don't worry, I was going to kiss you eventually Ebie," Jack said, he kissed her cheek softly and then hugged her tightly.
Smiling happily, Karen looped her arm through Jack's free one and then leaned her head on his shoulder as the elevator continued up to their floor.
~~~
November second, Karen and Jack walked back into their penthouse, having landed at JFK two hours before.
"Man it's great to be back home!" Jack exclaimed as he followed Karen into Elizabeth's room.
"Here you go Ebie," Karen said, kissing their daughter's cheek before putting her in her crib. "Go to sleep honey." After a few moments, she left the room with Jack following her. "Do we really have to go to dinner with Grace and Wilma?" she asked as they walked down the stairs.
"Is la niña asleep Miss Karen?" Rosario asked, coming into the entryway.
"Yes, and you better let her sleep all night," Karen snapped.
"Come on Kare," Jack said, putting his arm around her. "We're going to be late."
They left the penthouse then, leaving behind Rosario who muttered about Karen being a drunken dog.
~~~
"I'm really glad you guys came out here for dinner," Grace was saying as the meal ended. "How is Edward doing?"
"They're doing okay," Karen said simply. "Kath told me that she doesn't know when they'll be back here though."
"Poor Edward, can't believe his mom was murdered," Will said, finishing his wine.
Jack yawned suddenly and he said, "I am exhausted you guys. I think I need to get some sleep or else I'll get jet lagged."
"Then let's go Jackie, see you guys later," Karen said, standing up from the table.
When the two had left, Will turned to Grace and said, "What are you going to do now that Kat still isn't coming back?"
"I don't know, but I guess I'll just keep this assistant I've got until she does," Grace said. She took a deep breath and settled back in her chair. "Come on Will, let's get out of here, I'm feeling depressed."
"Sure," Will said, getting up from his chair and following her out of the restaurant. He was trying to put on his mittens when he bumped into someone, knocking their scarf to the floor. "Oh, I'm sorry about that," Will said. "I didn't see you."
"Will Truman?" the man he had bumped into said.
"Zach...Bunting right?" Will asked. When he nodded, Will reached out and shook his hand. "It's nice to see you again."
"Same to you," Zach said, grinning. "So...how is Jack doing these days?"
"Really well, his wife had a baby girl, she's a year old now and-" Will answered.
"Will, are you coming or what?" Grace said from the entrance, not noticing Zach at first.
"Oh, I better go, Grace doesn't have her copy of the key to my apartment," Will said, laughing sheepishly. "Um, she's not my girlfriend just so you know."
"Yeah, I know," Zach said, smiling. "Listen, why don't you give me a call in the future and we can get together for a few drinks or something." He pulled a business card out of his pocket and gave it to Will. "That's my cell number. Hope we talk soon."
"Okay, see you later...Zach," Will called as the man was led into the restaurant and to a table. He turned and then followed Grace out onto the street.
"I hope you'll call him Will," Grace commented as they walked back to Riverside Drive. "You need to go out, very badly."
"Yeah, well, I'll see what happens," Will said, grinning.
~~~
Jack was lying in bed later that night, still dressed.
"I don't know why you wanted to leave the restaurant so early poodle," Karen said as she walked to the bed and sat next to him.
"I was getting bored with those two, they never talk about anything fun," Jack said shrugging.
"Can I talk to you Jackie?" Karen asked after a few minutes.
"Aren't you talking to me now?" Jack replied quickly.
"Very funny," Karen said, slapping him playfully on the chest. "I'm trying to be serious though Jackie."
"Okay, what is it?" Jack said, sitting up.
"I've thought about having another kid and I decided on whether or not I would like to," Karen said. When Jack nodded for her to go on, she said, "I think that I do want to have another one."
"Are you sure?" Jack asked. "Because I don't want you to feel you have to because I want to."
"I'm sure poodle," Karen said, putting her hand on his cheek. "I really, really want to have your baby-again."
"Our baby, Karebear," Jack said, putting one hand on her stomach. He smiled and then leaned forward, kissing her deeply. When they pulled apart a few minutes later, he asked, "Should we start now?"
"Hmm, I guess now is a good enough time," Karen said. She wrapped her arms around his neck and let Jack lay her down on the mattress.
"Wait a sec, Kare, what about your birth control pills you're taking?" Jack said. "Don't we have to wait for them to wear off or something?"
"I stopped taking them a week ago," Karen said. "We shouldn't have any problems."
"Oh, good," Jack said. He kissed her deeply while he blindly undid her bun. "You know I would still make love to you even if you were taking them right?"
"Yes Jackie," Karen said, giggling. "I know."
Jack smiled and then went back to kissing her. He groped in between their bodies and started to unbutton Karen's blouse, and he took that off along with her bra. He kissed her breasts before going up to her neck and sucking the skin softly there.
Karen reached up and pulled off Jack's sweater and then his shirt. She ran her fingernails down his bareback a few times, and was rewarded with a shudder from him. Smiling, she laced her hands through his hair and then pulled his head up so they could kiss deeply.
Sighing happily, Jack helped Karen pull off her skirt and then her panties. Before she could reach his trousers, he slipped his fingers inside of her quickly.
"Jackie, wha..." Karen started to say when he then started to pleasure her. A few minutes later, she clutched at Jack's back when she reached her peak, moaning very loudly in pleasure.
"You look beautiful Kare," Jack said as he cupped one of her breasts in his hand.
"When I'm all sweaty and red?" Karen asked in surprise as she tried to get her breath back.
"Even more pretty," Jack said.
Karen smiled and held her arms out to him saying, "Come here poodle." She kissed him deeply and let her hands wander down to his trousers then pulled them off along with his boxers. "Make love to me my sweet, sweet Jack," she said when he pulled away from her slightly.
He ran the back of his hand over her cheek and then lowered himself onto her. Then he started to make love to Karen very gently at first.
"Hmm, Jackie," Karen mumbled as he started sucking on her breasts. "Go harder please."
Jack didn't say anything, but immediately moved faster to satisfy her. He lifted his head from her breasts a long time later when he felt Karen near her edge and kissed her jaw softly whispering, "I love you, Karen McFarland."
With a loud cry, Karen hit her edge and wrapped her arms around Jack, groaning out his name as her body shuddered.
Whispering, "I love you," over and over, Jack reached his edge and put his forehead against Karen's.
When Jack had collapsed on top of her, burying his head on her shoulder, Karen ran her fingers through his damp hair. "Poodle, let's go take a bath, I want to wash your hair" she said, kissing the top of his head.
"Okay, but I wash yours first," Jack responded immediately.
"Come on Jackie," Karen said as they got off the bed.
They walked to the bathroom and Jack sat down in the empty tub while Karen turned on the water.
As soon as she turned the water off, Karen went over to Jack and kissed his face softly as he washed her hair.
"My turn Kare," Jack murmured when her hair was rinsed. She kept on kissing him though, and he turned his head so she kissed his lips instead of his cheek.
"What is Jackie?" Karen asked when they pulled apart to breathe. "Oh, I'm sorry poodle, I forgot about washing your hair." She kissed his lips quickly and then started washing his hair.
While she was rinsing the last of the shampoo out, Jack grabbed her waist and settled her down on his lap and he made love to her again.
"Ooo," Karen breathed, dropping the showerhead attachment into the water. She wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed deeply.
When Karen reached her climax first, she dug her fingers into Jack's back and pulled away from their kiss, yelling his name. When Karen had broken off their kiss, Jack had reached his edge and brought his mouth down on her left breast, sucking on the eagerly as he moaned in satisfaction.
They slumped against each other when they were both sated, and rested their foreheads together.
"I don't think I can move Jackie," Karen said a few minutes later.
"Do you want to go back to bed?" Jack asked. When she nodded, he put his arms around her and then stepped out of the bathtub.
Karen smiled and wrapped her legs around his hips, putting her head on his shoulder.
Jack lay her down on the bed, and then got on top of her, kissing Karen deeply and passionately. "I love you," he whispered, pulling away.
"I love you too Jackie," Karen said softly.
"Can I make love to you again?" Jack asked a while later.
"You know you don't have to ask," Karen said, kissing his lips gently.
Smiling, Jack put a hand on her breast while he started to make love to her once again.
~~~
Very late that night, Karen stroked Jack's hair as he fell asleep after they had finished making love for the sixth or seventh time, he was sleeping on top of her breasts. When she heard his breathing become heavier and more even, she touched her stomach with her free hand. As she herself started to fall into a deep sleep, she prayed in her mind that she and Jack would be able to become pregnant and have another child as wonderful as their daughter.