An Unexpected Love: Someone's at the Door

by tarskeewee08

3 Weeks Later

(Evangeline's POV)

Lying in bed I reflect on the events of the past 3 weeks. The police launched a full investigation into Layla's recent attack and found that Adrianna was the person responsible. Her fingerprints were all over the syringe. Problem was when they went to arrest her she'd already fled. Dorian claim to not know where she was and was hysterical and the insinuation that she would hurt anyone.

The car that hit and killed Natalie was the same vehicle described at the scene of Layla's accident. After getting a warrant from Nora, Officer Vaughn found that the vehicle was actually Kelly Cramer's, the paint on the front bumper was from her Mercedes and there was blood up under it seeped into the tires.

I couldn't believe that Adrianna had flipped. Rex was overwhelmed by grief, since he was the one that kept her in his orbit. The role between him and my sister changed and she was now taking care of him. She said he was coming around but his grief had guilt had him trapped in a lonely private hell. Reminded me of a certain brooding blue eyed cop I hadn't seen in close to a month.

I called St. Anne's and he refused my calls. It hurt me deeply and I spoke to Dr. Jamison who told me it was part of his heeling. He was dealing with a lot and couldn't be drawn to me. Looking across the cold room I sigh and wish momma hadn't left to go back to Philly. I had gotten used to her waiting on me hand and foot.

Pulling myself up on my elbows I felt my sweetie shift as well. The last doctor visit said she was 6 pounds and I had gained only 10. Well I felt like it I gained a 100 and moving around became harder for me. Heaving up I glanced at the clock at saw it was after 10 am. I would call Layla to find out how she was and see if she wanted to go to lunch. I know it was forbidden but I just needed to get out of here before I went crazy.

Hearing a knock at the door I frowned. I didn't have visitors. If couldn't be Layla or Nora because both knowing my struggles with moving around called well in advance before coming. Easing my legs to the floor I grabbed my satin robe pulling it on and tying it around my expansive waist line. The knocking becomes more persistent and I run my hands through my wild hair surprised by the visit.

Waddling side to side I breathe out and put my hand behind my back to steady my stride.

"Who is it!" I snap not really meaning too, but to tired to be polite.

Hearing nothing I stop in the middle of the living room and call out again. The knock comes louder in response and my frown deepens. Going to the peep hole I look through it to see no one. Thinking of Adrianna I back away from the door, as the person continues to knock, turning I waddle to the end table and pull out the little drawer retrieving the gun. Ever since mom left with uncle clay I kept it near. Placing it at my side I go back to the door and undo the lock. If she came charging in I would have something for her.

Pulling open the door I almost shoot at the floor from the sight at him standing in the doorway smiling at me. Dropping the gun I rush into his arms. He laughs and tries to hold me but our daughter prevents him from getting as close as we would like. "Oh god John, I can't believe it's you!"

Kissing my face and lips in the doorway he wipes at my tears. "It's me baby, and oh how I've missed you."

Grinning I pull him in and he immediately notices the gun on the floor. He lets go of my hand and goes to it picking it up. I close and lock the door seeing the alarmed look on his face. "A lot has happened since you were gone."

I tell him that Adrianna attacked Layla in the hospital and is on the run. I also tell him that she was responsible for Natalie's death. John shakes his head sadly but says nothing. Checking the chamber of the gun he looks at me with a raised eyebrow "You loaded this yourself?" he asked amused.

I see that sly sexy smile on his lips and I grin at him. "Sure did, just like I've seen you do over and over again."

He puts the gun down "That's my girl" he says coming over to me and placing his hand on my belly. "I have missed you two so much."

Feeling him rub me softly I melt under his touch. "I've missed you to John."
He looks up from my stomach to my face. "Have you?"
"Yes baby" I say touching his face.

He pulls me back to him and kisses me tenderly, then more demandingly. Running his hands through my hair his kisses trail to my neck and he holds me tight as he administers the love bites I've missed over these months.

Moaning I can't believe at eight months pregnant he evokes the hot desire from me. "You're so beautiful" he whispers lustfully in my ear and my eyes roll into my head. "God, I've dreamed of this moment" he says running his hands down my back to my behind and squeezing gently.

I don't know what to say. To be desired by him even now has rendered me speechless. Finally letting me go he looks into my face and I see his eyes shimmering with tears. I frown at the sight of it "What is it John?"
"I almost lost you Evangeline, my stubborn ego and selfish pride almost drove you away. You could be 3000 miles from me having this baby alone. I came so close to loosing it all"

I smile at him. "Well that's really irrelevant now because I don't plan on going anywhere"

"Do you mean that? Are you willing to let me back into your heart?" he asked hopeful
"You never left it John" I say rising on my tippie toes and kissing his lips lightly.
Taking my hand he slowly walks me back into the room. "How is the pregnancy?" he asked concerned helping me into the couch.

I touch my belly lovingly looking down at it "It's been hard. These past weeks I've grown and I can barely get any sleep with the soccer practice going on inside. I don't know where she gets the energy."

He chuckles "Are you kidding me? You're the energizer bunny…she's definitely her mothers daughter."

"I agree" I say looking at him.
He leans back into the couch and looks up at the ceiling sighing deeply "We need to talk Van."

I hear the sadness in his voice and reach for his hand "Okay baby"
Taking my hand and bringing it to his lips he closes his eyes kissing my knuckles. Lowering my hand he still avoids my eyes "I killed a man at the age of nine and my dad's friends at the force covered it up"

My heart starts pounding then leaps to my throat making it hard for me to swallow or obtain air. My shock so profound I look at him completely speechless. He turns his head and looks over at me and I see pain in his eyes. "I've carried that with me for almost 30 years. I've never told anyone, not even Michael or mom."

I nod still unable to speak. I mean what can I say to that? He killed a man? Oh god how could that have happened to a nine year old. As if reading my mind he told me the whole story of riding shotgun with his dad while he did his rounds. How his dad told him to go home but he disobeyed and instead barged in on a violent scene that set things in motion that were out of his control. His voice cracks several times and I put his hand back on my belly to soothe him.

It seems to work. He tells me that therapy was about forgiveness, he had to forgive himself and then let go of the overwhelming guilt he carried. He told me of his demons, listing each one, from his dad's murder and subsequent victim at his hands to his latest in Natalie. He explained how the ghost followed him. They appeared in his sleep. They appeared at anytime manifesting the self imposed prison he locked himself into.

Now he's exercised them. Every now and then he will hear Caitlyn's voice whispering her love for him or his dad's voice saying he's proud of him. He sees Natalie's smile in his dreams telling him she forgives him and it all gives him a new peace.

He will always be sad and mournful over the lost of the people he loved, but he finally understands what it is to be free. He loves himself again and it's giving him the ability to love me and our daughter in a whole new exciting way.

I reach for him and snuggle under the crook of his arm. Wrapping my arm around his waist I relax on his chest under the deep soothing sound of his strong voice. He talks of our love and how it completes him. How much he desires and treasures me. He actually thanks me for blessing him with fatherhood and laughs at how exciting our lives will be. I smile and say nothing.

What is there left to say? He's done what I always knew he could. He's healed himself. This new man in my arms is more than I'd hoped for. All the pain and regret between us has melted away. The gulf that divided our love and made me distrust him has sealed and I'm so grateful that I have a second chance with this wonderful man.

"John…"
"Yes" he says rubbing my back.
"I know you wanted to name her angel but I've been thinking of another name."
"Okay…"
"Katie Marie, I want to name her after Caitlyn. Somehow I believe she's responsible for giving you back to us. I feel that so strongly and I want to honor her in this way."

He pulls me up and looks into my face shocked "Are you sure?" he asked smiling
"Positive..."
He laughs and kisses me quickly and I have to push him back because he's holding me awkwardly. Releasing me he giggles and touches my belly. "How much longer?"
I smile at him 4 weeks but she's a big one and the doctors said she's already turned so she could come sooner.

"Wow…"
"I know isn't it exciting."
"Are you scared?"
I nod wide eyed "Oh I'm petrified. I keep calling Nora every time I get heartburn or I mistake one of her powerful kicks as contractions."

"Well I'm here now my luggage is in the car. I won't be going anywhere."
I snuggle him again "Good.

We spend the rest of the day inside. He treats me with going to get some Thai food. Although its not supposed to be a part of my diet I've desperately craved it since I arrived in town. Watching TV he rubbed my feet after dinner and we laughed at the old reruns of Martin Lawrence show. Falling asleep on the couch I awoke briefly to feel him lift my two ton pregnant butt off the couch effortlessly and carry me to bed. The feel of being in his arms again lulls me back into a blissful sleep.

Through the night I sleep and although most of it is uncomfortable with me jarring for a good position I'm soothed by his attention and effort to keep me relaxed.

In the morning I open my eyes to hear him on the phone. He's laughing and joking about my complaints and demands and how good it feels to be waiting on me. Squinting and listening I try to tell who he's speaking too I then discover its his mom. Closing my eyes before he turns around and see I'm awake I listen to him.

"Mom…I'm so happy now. Can you believe we're going to have a baby?"

"I know ma and she's going to be beautiful, just like my Evangeline….'

"Yes…its getting close and if you could try to get here that would be great"

"Yes, the worst part is over. I have regular sessions scheduled for follow up visits with the doctor but the worst part is over and I didn't need drugs to get through it."

"Thanks ma, I love you too"

"Okay, we will keep you posted"

Opening my eyes at him hanging up the phone I smile. He comes and sits on the bed. "Morning princess" he says leaning over and kissing my forehead.
"Morning.. .'
"What would you like for breakfast?"
"French toast, eggs, bacon and I have some melon in the fridge" I say grinning.

His eyes get wide. "Well your wish is my command!" he says laughing and raising up to go to the kitchen.

Watching him leave my smile grows wider. We're a family.