Love Conquered

In the Morning

Disclaimer: I own no one

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Stephanie woke up in the tight embrace of someone's arms. Rolling over, she found herself staring into the closed eyes of Chris Irvine.

" 'Bout time," he murmured, keeping his eyes shut. Gently, he tightened his grip on her. "How did you sleep?" She sighed softly.

"Alright, only an hour and a half. Somebody kept me up all night," she teased, feigning rage. Chris caught on.

"How so?" he asked, gently running his hand around her belly. She shivered slightly.

"We got home at six, talked until eight-thirty, ordered a pizza at eight-forty, talked about what we both want out of our relationship 'til eleven. Then, we had adult fun until four. That's when you dragged me into the shower with you." she said, giggling. She couldn't remember the last time she had felt so airy, so light. Slowly, Chris opened his eyes. She snickered, like an innocent school girl.

"I don't remember you complaining last night," he remarked, kissing her lips. Her eyes were sparkling, just like they used to. He hadn't seen that sparkle in years.

It was love. That sparkle was only in her eye when she was in love.

"You've got me there," she said, giggling. She shivered in the cool air. Chris tightened his grip on her. "Hungry?"

"Depends on what you mean," he murmured, his eyes lit up with life. She made him feel care-free. He had spent a good portion of time dating and he had yet to find another woman who made him feel the way Stephanie did. He had loved her from the first day.

"Food!" she said, giggling. Gently, he nibbled her neck. "We have time for that later," He loosened his grip on her, and he closed his eyes. Stephanie was crestfallen. Had she said something wrong? What was it?

"Sweetie, I'm leaving this afternoon. I'm going back to Canada at five," he murmured. He was leaving...again? Had last night been nothing but a one-night stand? Why had God allowed her feelings for him to be rekindled? Did God like torturing her? "It's only for six weeks. I've rented an apartment in town,"

"What?" Stephanie had to hear what he was saying again. She didn't want to believe it.

"I've rented an apartment on Greenwich Avenue. It's a one-bedroom, small and pricy. It's better than the alternative," he said. Her heart rate settled back into a normal rhythm. He wasn't leaving her forever! It was a miracle! "What would you like for breakfast?" He got out of bed, and slipped into his boxers.

"Surprise me," she said, wrapping the blanket tightly around her. Once he left, she couldn't help but feel guilty. She felt like she was betraying the memory of her husband and daughter by falling in love again. She had loved Paul

for five marvelous years. They had created a baby! She had loved him dearly. She missed him every day. If that was the case, why had she fallen in love so easily? Wasn't it supposed to be difficult to fall in love after losing your husband?

Then, she realized it. Once she figured it out and the realization sunk in, she clung to a pillow and wept bitterly.

She had always been in love with Chris. From day one, she had been in love with Chris. She had loved Paul, but she had never been in love with him. How was that possible? Was that wrong? Could she ever make it up to her deceased husband and daughter?

"Baby Girl, what's wrong?" Chris asked, rushing to her. He sat down, putting his arms around her. "Talk to me, Steph,"

"I love you," she sobbed. Rubbing her back, he was baffled. Why was loving him a bad thing? "I've loved you since Day one. I've been in love with you from day one. I was never in love with Paul," Suddenly, Chris realized what had been bothering her. It was so clear.

"Baby Girl, I love you, too." he murmured. She sobbed harder. What was he doing wrong? Why couldn't he make her feel better?

"I can't love you," she sobbed. Chris bit his lower lip, in an effort to stop himself from saying something stupid. Looking at him, she could see his heart was breaking. Taking a deep breath, she continued to cry. "If I love you, that makes me vulnerable. What if you leave? What if you die? I don't want to live without you in my life," Kissing her tears away, Chris rubbed her back.

"Nothing in this life is certain. I don't plan on EVER leaving you of my own free will," he said. "Shh," Her sobs softened to sniffles. "I love you, Baby Girl,"

"I love you,too,"

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Hiatus on this story is over! Expect the next chapter in a few days.

Jen