The Burden of Love: Amazing Grace

by tarskeewee08

John woke before she did turning to find her nestled up under his arm. He still couldn't believe it wasn't a dream and had to make love to her several times through the night to be sure she was back in his arms. Looking into her face he moved some of her hair away and smiled. She was amazing and she was his.

Looking up at the ceiling he recalled some of the things her uncle clay said. Though he would never let anyone come between them, he had to admit that what she went through the past year had to be extremely painful. Learning her pain only made him more determined not to repeat those mistakes.

"Morning" she said sliding her hand across his chest
"Morning…" he said kissing her forehead. "You hungry?"

Evangeline rolled on top of him "Mmmm hmmm" she moaned kissing the inside of his neck. He couldn't believe after their all nighter she would awake for more. Closing his eyes to the soft kisses raining down on his neck he slid his hand across her silky smooth skin.

"I love you" she said softly in his ear. The sound of those words from her made his heartbeat quicken. She straddled him and he opened his eyes to look up at her. Evangeline swiped her wild tresses backward from her face and smiled sweetly at him.

He stared at the wondrous vision of her hovering above him. She looked like a goddess to him. Feeling her reach for his member she guided him into her as he let out a deep sigh. Rising on her knees she slid down taking him all in while balancing herself by placing the palm of her hands on his chest.

Soon she began her erotic dance in his lap. He grabbed her hips and tried to slow her pace Be she arched her back increased the frequency of her rotation and John found himself crying out like a baby.

Lowering her face to his to silence him she kissed him passionately rolling her tongue around in his mouth. The intensity of that kiss coupled with the powerful thrusts from her hips drove him to a premature orgasm that made him blush with embarrassment.

She giggled softly slowing down her pace going to the inside of his neck she kissed him tenderly. John moaned under her kisses and began to tickle her. She squealed and he swiftly flipped her over on to her back sliding out of her.

"Stop…stop!" she wheezed as he wrestled her to the spot and kept tickling her. She laughed out loudly trying to escape and all out war broke out under the covers. With the sheets above their heads and arms and legs everywhere she tried to find a way from under the covers and away from his assault but he dragged her to him for more. Laughing so hard and kicking her feet as he began to bite her in between tickles she barely heard her phone ringing in the other room.

"Wait…wait.." she panted
"No…you did that to me on purpose" he said ignoring her pleas.
"It's the phone" she said screaming out in laughter as he grabbed her foot under the covers and began to tickle while pinning her to the mattress with his weight causing her to kick at him. She struggled hitting at his back with her hands laughing and screaming so loud she was going hoarse.

Fighting and wiggling underneath him she almost fell off the side of the bed. "John it's the phone!" she screamed but he wouldn't stop and she thought she would go insane under the constant laughing and struggling. The phone stopped ringing just as they both fell over the side of the bed tangled in the covers.

John's phone in his room began to ring now and they froze. Still under the covers he gave her a Oooh that's your mom and she knows you are in my room! look. Evangeline burst into laughter and tried to get from under the covers rolling around on the floor trapped. Finally breaking free she crawled to the ringing phone on the nightstand dragging the covers with her. John on the floor naked watched her get up to her knees to retrieve it.

"Hello" she panted
"Cookie?" Lisa said shocked.
"What is it mom?" Evangeline said giving him an 'ut oh' look. He giggled and reached for her foot but she moved it in time backing away shaking her head no.

"Are you singing in the funeral today? Darlene called and said you were" Lisa asked in a disgusted voice knowing what she must have interrupted.
"Yes, I'm singing."
"Well Bishop Murray is presiding and it will be at Mt. Zion AME so you need to speak to the choir director Benjamin about..."
"Mom, I know the drill. We'll be there in plenty of time. Was that all you needed?"

Lisa grew quiet and Evangeline waited for her to finally say what was on the tip of her tongue "Cookie, you know I love you"

Evangeline watched John get up from the floor and walk naked to the bathroom. Admiring his calves and the roundness of his butt as he walked away she bit down on her lip fighting the urge to drop the phone to go after him. "Yes mom I do…."

"It's just that right now you're hurting Cookie, and its natural to reach to someone when you're in pain. I'm afraid that you would do things that you wouldn't normally…."

"Mom, I understand that you care for me. I'm trying to be respectful of that, but pretty soon I may be forced to end these little talks until you can come to terms with my life choices." Evangeline said rising from the floor and covering her nakedness with the sheet. She went and sat on the now stripped mattress hearing the shower turn on.

"Are you back with him? Are you two a couple?"
Evangeline stared at the open bathroom door and her lips turned up into a smile "Yes momma and this time its so much better, we're so much better. Please let me be happy and enjoy this. Especially today while I bury my best friend."

"Okay baby….all I ever wanted was your happiness and if John is really going to do that for you then I will respect your decision and support you."

"Thank you momma" Evangeline said relieved
"See you at the funeral"
"Bye"

Hanging up she rose from the bed dropping the sheet. Walking to the bathroom door she stepped inside to see the steam and water sprinkles come up from the shower curtain. She smiled pulling it back seeing him under the shower his hair wet from his recent shampoo. "You started without me" she pouted stepping in.

He winked and pulled her to him under the water. "John wait my hair!" she squealed but it was too late as he brought her under the sprout. She laughed as the water came down upon her face and he lifted her into his arms kissing her. Wrapping her arms around his neck she kissed him back. Feeling his arms around her she relaxed from the safety his embrace brought.

Walking into the Mt. Zion AME, John carried the case of sodas she made him stop and get. The repast was in the church's basement after the service. Ms. Agnes greeted them smiling and Evangeline smiled wider at seeing her hugging her tightly.

"Look at you baby, you are so pretty." Agnes said touching her face.
"You look good too Mrs. Agnes" Evangeline said kissing her cheek. The older woman stood about five foot two and was round and plump. Her silver hair was in tight sponged roller curls. She was a soft brown complexion and her always twinkled with her smile. She looked over warmly at John and smiled "And who you baby?"

Evangeline touched his back beaming "Mrs. Agnes this is John McBain my boyfriend"
Mrs. Agnes smiled at him. "Nice to meet you John, take dem soda's down dem stairs over dere" she said pointing to the left. "The repast is in de basement."

John nodded and walked off and Agnes grabbed her hand "He's a handsome one Cookie…"
Evangeline giggled "Yes he is"

Mrs. Agnes looked back into her face and her smile faded. "They doing the viewing now baby and Charlotte looks so beautiful, you ready to see her?"

The color drained from Evangeline's face and she blinked shocked. In all her exuberance over her new love she forgotten that she'd have to see Charlotte again. The image of her on that metal slab in the ME's office flashed before her eyes and she fought the urge to cry. John came back up the stairs to see Evangeline staring at Ms. Agnes with a painful look on her face. Going to her side he touched her back "You okay?"

Ms. Agnes touched Evangeline face "It's okay baby you don't have to go in yet."
Evangeline smiled weakly "No I want to pay my respects"
She grabbed John's hand and squeezed it. "Let's go" she said confidently walking toward the double doors. The young men in suits that were the ushers opened it as she and John stepped on the royal purple carpet that lined the pews and colored the flag above the pulpit with a large gold cross.

Many mourners were already seated and John saw Lisa and Clay turn around watching them coming down the isle. Evangeline barely noticed those seated. All she saw was her friend lying in the casket as if she was asleep. John felt her squeeze his hand tighter and he looked at her closely to see if she was okay. She appeared calm and collected to everyone but he knew her, each step they took a small piece of her crumbled inside.

Reaching the casket she let go of his had griped the outer side of the casket staring down at Charlotte. She was dressed in a ivory colored suit with a ivory shirt beneath. Evangeline looked at the Macy's department store brand suit and smiled inside. Charlotte wouldn't be caught dead in that in that outfit.

Her hair was curled by not in the precision curls she liked and she wanted to turn and scream that she would never wear her hair like that. Her skin looked rigid and colorless and she saw her cheeks were puffier than normal. Shaking her head she began to cry. This wasn't her friend. She didn't know who this woman was but Charlotte was more beautiful and vibrant than this.

John saw her leaning over and reached for her helping her stand. She went into his arms crying and he hugged her in front of the church with everyone staring. For him none of it mattered. She was all that mattered. Leading her away from the casket he found a seat for them in the fourth row that wasn't marked for the family. Lisa got up and came over to them sitting on the other side of Evangeline pulling her away from him into her arms.

John didn't resist and let her go but he could tell Evangeline wished he hadn't. Soon the Bishop and choir came in and John could see the band getting ready to play. A lady in a white robe with a purpled wide lapel that went down the middle with a gold cross at her breast began to sing. "I'll fly away from here…"

Everybody rose and Evangeline now able to stand on her own reached behind her and grabbed his hand as Charlotte's family came down the isle. Charlotte's mother that he'd met earlier was being held by her father as she wailed loudly. Her two brothers with their wives came behind them crying silently and holding onto them for support. Everyone dressed in black and blues marched in behind them filling the first four rows. John was reminded of his father's funeral and the feeling of hopelessness mixed with profound grief. He closed his eyes as the anxiety gripped his chest and heard the Bishop announce for everyone to take their seats.

Evangeline looked over and saw him sweating, turning pale. She pulled him down to the pew with her and moved closer putting her arm around him. She realized that funerals had to be very hard for him as well. He opened his eyes looking gratefully at her, she always knew what he needed. She mouthed that she loved him into this face and he mouthed it back taking comfort in those words that used to be so painful to say or hear.

They listened to the minister speak, eulogizing a woman he watched grow up in his church from a baby. Evangeline tried to take comfort in his words and with the casket now closed she was able to find some peace. But the fact that she would never see Charlotte again ate away at her heart.

After several others spoke of how she touched and changed their lives Evangeline was called up to the front to sing for her friend. Her legs didn't move at first and John leaned over to her ear whispering encouragement. "You can do this baby"

Swallowing hard she rose and walked out into the isle up to the pulpit. Taking the microphone she listened to the organist play reaching for her voice. Opening her mouth it cracked and he played the lead in again to give her time to collect herself. Looking out into the congregation she saw his face full of love and adoration and felt stronger. She would sing for her friend with all her heart to let them all know how she loved her…

Amazing Grace…How sweet the sound….That saved a wretch like me…..I once was lost….but now am found….Was blind, but now I see…..

Twas Grace that taught my heart to fear…And Grace my fears relieved…..How precious did that Grace appear…..The hour I first believed….

John watched her singing in front of him and absorbed her beauty mixed with her strength, he felt so proud of her. She wore a dark blue suit with a white blouse underneath. Her hair was blown straight and framed around her face and her eyes were closed as she sang from her heart with tears rolling down her face.

He watched her and each lyric healed a pain in him that sent him all the way back to being nine years old watching his dad bleed to death on the driveway praying the ambulance got there in time.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares….I have already come…..'Tis Grace hath brought me safe thus far….And Grace will lead me home…..

The Lord has promised good to me…..His Word my hope secures….He will my shield and portion be….As long as life endures.

Amazing Grace…How sweet the sound….That saved a wretch like me…..I once was lost….but now am found….Was blind, but now I see….

When Evangeline finished singing John saw many standing fanning toward her or shouting out praises to the lord. Some women in the isles were standing with both their hands raised in the air praying and the overwhelming sense of community and fellowship filled the sanctuary granting him his own peace. Evangeline opened her eyes swollen with tears and looked directly at him smiling. He smiled too. It was grace that saved them both.

Riding back to the hotel John looked over to see her sleeping next to him. She had a full day. After the funeral they went to the gravesite and lowered Charlotte into the ground next to her grandparents. John waited patiently as Evangeline stood by the graveside after everyone left saying her goodbyes to her friend. She didn't cry anymore, the song she sang at the funeral released her pain and now she trusted that her friend was at peace.

Putting on her channel shades she walked back over to him the wind blowing at her navy blue cashmere coat. He took her hand and led her to the car. In that moment he knew that the next step he would make would be to make her his wife. She was everything to him and they were one. It would soon be time to make that official.

At the repast Clay pulled him aside. He told him that he didn't trust him and he didn't think he was worthy of Evangeline's love. But in the end he trusted and respected his niece. If she said that he was what she wanted then he would have to accept that. He apologized for offending him and let him know he'd always be watching. John shook his hand and appreciated the effort it took to come to him. He didn't expect the man's respect after what he learned of his past with Evangeline, but he did expect a fair shot to earn it.

Lisa was much more diplomatic than Clay. She told John that she wanted him to take care of her baby, and to please find the murderer of Charlotte. John hugged her and assured her he would do both.

Now they were on their way to the hotel to rest up for their trip. Their flight didn't leave until early in the morning and he figured he would get her to bed and order room service.

Once they valeted led her sleepily inside and to their rooms. Taking her straight to his she walked in silently coming out of her jacket and clothes. John went to the bathroom and five minutes later when he returned to the room all her clothes were on the floor and she was in his bed naked and asleep.

He smiled and collected her clothes from the floor. Going into the other room he gathered all her things and repacked her stuff the best he could. She would be out for the night he was sure of it and he wanted to make sure that when she did awake there wasn't much a hassle to get her stuff ready.

Brining her stuff into his room he closed the adjourning door. There was no need for it anymore, she wouldn't be leaving his side. Going to the dresser to get the menu for room service he saw his phone blinking. In all the excitement he'd left his cell phone on the table in the hotel room while they went to the funeral.

Picking it up he dialed his voicemail curious for the update he was waiting on.

Message One: "Lt. McBain this is detective Grey, I have some unfortunate news. It appears that Ryan O'Reilly committed suicide this morning in his cell….Please call me as soon as you arrive back into Chicago" End of Message.

John eyes grew wide and his face frowned in shock. He replayed the message twice to make sure he heard it correctly. Taking a seat at the table he looked over at Evangeline who was now sound asleep. This news was devastating for them both. Something was terribly wrong. Calling the station he asked the dispatch to connect him with Grey.

"Detective Grey, violent crimes unit speaking"
"Grey it's McBain…what's going on up there?"
"Lt. glad you called. Our boy was ready to flip. He asked for the DA yesterday and was scheduled to meet with her this morning. When the guard went for him in holding he found him strangled to death in his cell by his sheet"

Blowing out a frustrated breath John ran his hands through his hair. "Was he in the cell alone?"

"Yes….and get this, we got him. He was our cop killer. Looks like Charlotte Pryce was right about Cletus Jones. We released him today."

"How did you get him?"
"The search warrant turned up some interesting things. A hit list of some sort and things from the rash of robberies the cops responded to and were killed. Plus we found Charlottes purse and identification at his house. Looks like case closed. Barnaby is very pleased"

"I bet he is…"John said disgusted
"Sir?"
"Never mind I'll be in tomorrow, I want to see all this evidence"
"Yes sir"

John hung up and tossed the phone. Somehow Barnaby did this. He was cleaning up his mess and tying up loose ends. Well it wasn't going to work, he'd find out how he was connected to these murders including his father's and make the bastard pay.

Rising he came out of his suit jacket and undressed in front of the bed. Crawling on top he got under the sheets with her and pulled her close to him. Smelling her fresh shampooed hair he buried his face into it and closed his eyes. He would hold her and face it all in the morning. Tonight they would just be.