Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows Chapter 14: Trials and Tribulations Pt I, a guiding light fanfic

Title: Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows

Author: Kimberly21570

Fandoms: Guiding Light / All My Children

Pairings: Olivia and Natalia / Lena and Bianca

Disclaimers and Other Assorted Ramblings: The characters of Olivia and Emma Spencer, Natalia and Rafe Rivera, Gus/Nicky Aitoro, Doris Wolfe, Phillip, Alan, Alan-Michael, and Alan Cooper "Zach" Spaulding, Josh and Shayne Lewis, Beth and Bradley Raines, Buzz, Frank, Eleni, Harley, and Marina Cooper, and Jim Lemay are owned by CBS/TeleNext and Proctor & Gamble.

No copyright infringement intended with regard to Guiding Light, CBS/TeleNext, Proctor & Gamble, or any other entity. With the exception of the confrontation between Olivia, Natalia, and Frank that aired on 5.4.2009, and a few lines from the conversation between Olivia and Natalia that aired on 9.9.2009, the dialogue, settings, and story content in these scenes are original. Written for fun, not profit. All other standard disclaimers apply.

Thanks again to my pal, MoniRod for the edit. As always, you totally Rock, my friend! You always find time, even when you're busier than I am, and I appreciate you.

Rating: Chapter 14 is rated NC-17 for some sexual content and strong language.

Thank you so much for all of the wonderful comments you've left me. Some, I am unable to respond to personally because of user settings, but I wanted you all to know how much I appreciate the time taken to comment.

I do apologize for the long delay in posting. The last few months have been crazy busy with school and clients, but I'm happy to say the craziness is almost over! At least for now… LOL Anyway, I'll have more time to write this summer, so y'all should see more frequent updates. Or at least longer ones… We'll see how that works itself out. In the meantime, this one's a long one, to hopefully make amends for the long delay in posting.

I hope you all enjoy!

Kimberly

Confessions Lead to Strange Bedfellows

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do."

— James 1:2-8, the Bible, New International Version (NIV)

"God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

Unknown

Chapter 14 – Trials and Tribulations:

Friday, May 29, 2009… Olivia Spencer Memorial Park—10:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time

His lackluster brown hair disheveled, shirt crumpled and un-tucked, Frank Cooper shoved his hands into the front pockets of his black jeans. Distractedly, he shuffled down the well-traveled footpath that meandered around the lake that marked the center of the Olivia Spencer Memorial Park, the dark gravel crackling under the pressure of his heavy boots. He had just come from the sonogram appointment, where Olivia Spencer had stood beside the woman he loved, the woman who was carrying his child, throughout the entire examination. She had held Natalia's hand, and kissed her temple, whispered reassurances in her ear, and smiled with her, and hugged her, in joyful celebration of the news that Natalia was carrying a baby girl. All of the things he wanted to do, but couldn't, because that was apparently Olivia's place, not his. Memorial Park, indeed.

As he approached a grove of aging maples, whose abundance of sturdy branches and thick green foliage sheltered an old wooden bench, he stepped off of the path, and slumped down onto the weathered seat. The decaying wood released a groan of protest that matched Frank's own discontented sigh.

Reaching into the pocket of his black denim shirt, he pulled out the sonogram picture he had been given before he left Olivia and Natalia alone in the examination room. He ignored the wave of resentment that coursed through him, making his heart pound wildly in his chest. He had felt so out of place there with them, and lacking the wherewithal to cope, he simply didn't know what to do. Holding the thin, glossy paper between his thumbs and fingertips, he stared down at the stunning 3D image in both awe and disbelief, as he tried to wrap his head around the meaning of it. He was having another daughter. And she was already beautiful, with her perfect, delicate little features. The image told him so. But it simply didn't feel real to him that she was his. Not yet, anyway.

A dismal expression plagued his face, as he remembered what it was like when Eleni was pregnant with Marina. What should have been one of the most joyous times of their lives, was turned into a chaotic mess by the half-truths, and deceptions, and outright lies told by Alan-Michael Spaulding. All to keep Frank away from Eleni, to keep him from knowing the truth—that Eleni was carrying his child. He had always hoped that if he were blessed enough to have another child, that things would be different. But clearly, that was not to be. Olivia, not he, would be the one at future doctor's appointments; the one hearing that precious heartbeat each time. She would share that first kick, and countless other joyous moments with Natalia. And Olivia would be the one to experience all the wondrous changes in Natalia's body as her pregnancy progressed. She would steal that pleasure away from him, just as Alan-Michael had stolen it during Eleni's pregnancy.

And even the things that he did get to experience with Eleni and Marina would be stolen away from him this time. Olivia would be the one to help pick out furniture, and decorate the nursery. And she would be the one in the delivery room, witnessing his daughter's first breath, hearing her first cries. She would be the one to sit up with Natalia during three a.m. feedings, the one to change diapers, give baths, and rock his baby girl to sleep. Olivia. Not him. He felt like an outsider in his own life. How had it come to this?

To their credit, Olivia and Natalia had invited him to join them as they shopped for baby furniture the following morning. But he had declined. He couldn't even imagine such an outing. Not with the two of them. The way they looked at one another. The way they touched. No, he couldn't stand that. The reality of it still had him off balance. Neither of them had ever looked at him, had ever touched him, that same way. Not even when he was making love with them. He wondered if he could even call it that anymore. Perhaps he was a bigger fool than he even realized. But that was something he couldn't admit to himself, let alone anyone else. No—denial was his best defense. Probably always would be.

He shoved those thoughts aside, and refocused his attention on the snapshot in his hand. Despite circumstances, he was happy, excited even, about the baby. Excited to welcome another daughter.

A wistful smile teased at the corners of his mouth, as he remembered Marina as a baby. She had been such a good baby. Sweet, and always smiling, with those big, bright eyes that sparkled when she laughed, and those beautiful dark curls, so much like her mother's. It was so hard for him to believe they had just celebrated her twenty-fourth birthday—and she was married now, with a child of her own.

He wondered what this new child, this new daughter, would be like, and he hoped she turned out just like Natalia—both her beauty and her personality. Or, at least the personality Natalia had before Olivia sank her fangs in, and changed her. He didn't much care for this assertive Natalia. Just as he hadn't cared for assertive Eleni, when she finally started standing up for herself, and voicing her opinions. And especially when she began to succeed on her own as a caterer, rather than allowing him to take care of her. Sadly, the true parallel between the two women was completely lost on him, and so, unenlightened even by his own inner ponderings, he simply continued to sulk.

"Weight of the world on your shoulders, Frank?"

The sound of Phillip Spaulding's voice startled Frank from his thoughts. He hadn't a clue how long he had been sitting there, but the sun was directly overhead now, trickling through the branches and leaves to reach the path in front of him. Given the evidence, he gathered it must have been a while. "Just a lot on my mind," Frank answered. He didn't bother looking up.

"Mind if I sit?" Phillip gestured toward the bench.

"Suit yourself," Frank muttered, sounding more passive than he actually felt. The last thing he wanted to do was talk with Phillip Spaulding. He hoped his former brother-in-law wasn't fishing for information about his nephew Zach, because Harley would certainly have a coronary over that! If there was one thing Frank agreed with Olivia Spencer on, it was the subject of Phillip Spaulding. The man was not to be trusted. Not after he tried to kidnap his children, Zach included.

Undeterred by Frank's apparent lack of interest, Phillip folded his tall, muscular frame, lowering himself down to the seat. He relaxed easily, draping an arm over the back of the bench. "Been a long time since I've visited this park," he commented, as his blue eyes scanned the terrain. The sounds of water babbling in the nearby brook, the familiar sight of the old footbridge that crossed over it, the birds chirping from their perches in the trees and the mallards swimming in the lake, children playing in the distance… it all reminded him of such simpler times. He and Beth used to sit on that very bench, all those years ago, when they could manage to sneak away from her step-father Bradley's watchful eye. The trees were taller now, their limb-span so much wider, and their foliage more dense. And the beauty, the tranquility of this place seemed all the richer for it.

He glanced toward the gazebo, noting the memorial plaque that hung in Olivia's honor. It wasn't a surprise to him. He had learned that Gus dedicated it to her when she was sick. "Can't tell you how grateful I am, knowing that this place never really became a Memorial Park."

That caught Frank's attention. "Grateful?"

How the man managed to sound doubtful, curious, and surprised within the span of a single word was beyond Phillip. "Of course," he replied. "Olivia and I haven't always gotten along, but I would never wish her harm. And I would never wish that Emma grow up without her mom."

"Sometimes I forget that Emma is yours." Frank's fib suited his dour mood. He felt like poking a stick at a hornet's nest, and Phillip Spaulding's estranged relationships with his children made as good a nest as any. And it was certainly plausible enough. The child didn't even carry the Spaulding name, for Christ's sake! He wondered how often Olivia and Natalia forgot that Phillip was Emma's father. And more importantly, he wondered how easily they would forget that Frank was the father of Natalia's baby girl. That was what he feared the most: being excluded from his child's life. He had missed out on so much with Marina when Eleni left. This would be his last chance at being a parent, and he just didn't want to miss out on anything this time around.

Frank's not-so-subtle dig was not lost on Phillip, but he chose to ignore it. There was no point in belaboring old grudges. Not anymore. "I haven't exactly been a model parent," he acknowledged. "Emma is lucky to have Olivia and Natalia."

"It doesn't bother you that someone else is raising your kid?"

"You mean does it bother me that she has two mothers?" Phillip was curious as to the underlying reason for Frank's question.

"No, dammit, that's not what I mean!" Frank exclaimed defensively.

Startled by the intensity of Frank's response, Phillip visibly recoiled. He lifted his hands in surrender. "Hey, y'know, sorry, man. Didn't mean to cause a scene."

"Why does everyone assume I'm a homophobe?" Frank muttered. "I just meant does it bother you that you take a back seat to the two of them?"

Eyeing Frank curiously, Phillip wondered why the guy was so bent out of shape, and why the question seemed so pressing to him. But given then tentativeness of their relationship, he supposed he would never know. So he chose to focus on the question, considering it at length. "You know, when Jim Lemay was raising Lizzie and James, it bothered the hell outta me, because he was such a smug son-of-a-bitch. Not that I have any room to talk," he admitted as a casual side note. "But they were my kids, so he had no right casting stones."

He paused, reflecting. "It doesn't bother me at all that Natalia is helping to raise Emma. Everything I've seen and heard tells me she's a wonderful person. And whatever else anyone could say about Olivia, she's a good mother. Emma is happy, healthy, well-adjusted," he pointed out. "Whatever they're doing, it's working," he shrugged. "So why would I be opposed to that?" He would never intentionally undermine their parenting. Hell, he would be happy just to spend some time with his little girl, before it was too late. But he wouldn't push. Natalia had warned him that was the wrong way to approach the situation, and though he admittedly didn't know her well, he trusted her to know what was best when it came to dealing with Olivia.

How any child raised by Olivia Spencer could turn out well-adjusted was beyond him, but Frank didn't voice his concerns. "Yes, Emma is a wonderful little girl," he complimented, surprised that he truly believed it. "And she sure does love you." He hoped his new baby girl would love him that way someday.

"Yeah?" Phillip's smile lit up his entire face.

"Yeah," Frank confirmed, smugly. "She tried to visit you a few weeks back. Got away from Olivia, took the bus. Remy found her wandering through the park. Alone." He emphasized that final word, hoping the little tidbit of information would change Phillip's perspective on Olivia's parenting abilities.

"Natalia told me about that," Phillip commented. There was not even hint of censure in his tone.

Deflated, Frank shuffled his boots in the bark dust beneath him, and muttered under his breath.

"What?"

"Nothing," Frank said, passively. He cleared his throat, buying time. "I just didn't realize you and Natalia were that well acquainted."

"It was the first time I met her, actually. She told me she and Olivia were scared that I took Emma again," Phillip added, ruefully. He hated that they had reason to suspect him. "I respect her for her candor, and I don't blame them for thinking that way. I deserve it after what I did."

Frank couldn't disagree, but he had bigger concerns at the moment. Determined, he moved forward with his agenda of discrediting the hotelier. "Yeah, well, Olivia's choices haven't exactly been above-board, either," he accused.

Clasping his hands together, Phillip leaned forward, planting his elbows on his knees. "Look, I get what you're saying, Frank. Yes, Olivia has done some questionable things in the past. But so have we all." He emphasized the collective propensity of humans to make mistakes. "If I remember correctly, you used to chop cars for a living. That's not exactly what I would call above-board, but no one judges who you are today, based upon the mistakes you made back then. You had your reasons. So did Olivia. And I think she deserves that same courtesy."

"Well, you can hardly compare Olivia's scheming, cheating, heartbreaking ways with…"

"You're absolutely right, Frank." Phillip smoothly cut Frank's argument off with a show of agreement.

Frank perked up.

"She schemed, and she cheated, and she broke your heart," Phillip empathized. "But she didn't break any laws in the process."

"What are you talking about?" Frank barked. "She's broken more laws than I can count!"

"So have you and I," Phillip countered. "So unless we want to be judged by those choices, we need to stop judging her for them."

"Well, I'm not talking about that anyway," Frank huffed. "She's gonna hurt Natalia the same way she hurt me, and you, and my Pop, and every other man she's ever screwed over," he sulked.

"That's quite a chip you've got on your shoulder there, Frank," Phillip observed. "It's been years since the two of you were involved. Why are you still so angry with her?"

"She took Natalia away from me!" Frank barked. "And now she's trying to take our baby, too. She just never stops!"

That last statement caught Phillip's attention. "Baby?"

"Yes. Baby," Frank repeated. He flipped the sonogram printout toward Phillip with a smug expression on his face. "Natalia and I are having a little girl. And Olivia is trying to steal them away from me. She has Natalia all mixed up inside. She's taking advantage of her, and eventually, Natalia is gonna get hurt, and so will my daughter."

Phillip had to admit that he could relate to Frank's mentality. He had felt that same way about Olivia once upon a time. But he had realized, entirely too late, how flawed his perspective had been. People were gifts to be loved and treasured, not property to be possessed and controlled. Funny, how impending death brought life into perspective.

"I think you're wrong about that, Frank," Phillip disagreed. He knew Olivia far better than Frank ever could. He understood the vulnerability beneath that impenetrable exterior—he had seen it, his heart had ached over it once upon a time, but he had never been allowed to touch that part of her. It hadn't taken but a few minutes in her office that day for him to see that Natalia had done what he never could. She had accomplished the impossible—she had gained access to the true heart of Olivia Spencer. "Olivia is different now. I've seen it with my own eyes," he asserted. "She'll always approach life with that unbridled passion. That's what makes her uniquely Olivia. But I'm telling you, that self-destructive streak of hers, the one that drove her to hurt the people who loved her, has been tamed."

"I'll never believe that. She destroys everything she touches," Frank seethed.

"Natalia seems to be holding her own, just fine," Phillip insisted. "She's a strong woman. She can take care of herself."

"You don't even know her," Frank said, snappishly.

"Well, she held her own against Alan. Kept him from getting his hooks into Rafe," Phillip pointed out. "That tells me everything I need to know about her strength, and her character."

Frank realized that his current argument was futile, so he changed tactics. "Olivia can never love her the way I do," he insisted.

Shaking his head, Phillip contemplated his next words carefully. "You know, for someone who claims to love her, I think you grossly underestimate her," he commented. "And for some reason, you have this idea that you have a right to possess her. Take it from me, Frank, it doesn't work that way. You don't own the rights to Natalia, or to that child, any more than I owned the rights to Olivia, or Beth, or Harley, or any of the children I have with them."

"What the hell do you know," Frank muttered under his breath, as he quickly stood from the bench. He fixed Phillip with a look of utter disdain, as he stubbornly shoved his hands into his pockets. Turning on his heel, he shuffled off toward the footbridge, the bark dusk snapping beneath his boots, as he went in search of a few moments of solitude where he could sulk in peace.

Phillip stared after him, wondering what had gotten into the man. Frank had never seemed like an unreasonable guy, but he certainly had it in for Olivia. And worse, he truly did seem to believe that Olivia had stolen what belonged to him. Sadly for Frank, he didn't stand a chance. Olivia had changed, but not that much. If Frank ever posed a threat to Natalia, he knew Olivia would crush him like a bug. And Phillip wouldn't blame her one damned bit.

Friday, May 29, 2009… Olivia & Natalia's Suite, the Beacon—10:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time

"Well, all-in-all, I think that went pretty well," Olivia commented, as she and Natalia entered their suite at the Beacon. They had just come from the sonogram appointment, and decided on a private lunch in their suite before getting to work.

"I don't know," Natalia said, skeptically. She set her purse and a shopping bag from a locally owned book shop on the coffee table in the sitting area, and turned toward Olivia. "Frank seemed a little tense to me."

"That's understandable, don't you think?" Olivia remarked. Closing the door, she clicked the lock and slid the safety latch in place. Turning, she dropped her purse on the table as she made her way toward Natalia. "I mean, this is all so new to all of us. It must be kind of uncomfortable for him, being there with the two of us, none of us really knowing how to define our roles."

"I know how to define them, just fine," Natalia insisted, fingertips lightly brushing Olivia's cheeks. "Frank is this baby's father, and he will always have a place in her life…"

The intonation in Natalia's voice, the weight of her pause, told Olivia there was a significant "but" on the way.

Gently, Natalia cradled Olivia's face in her hands. "But you are my partner," she said, emphasizing the identity of her significant other. And then, gazing into those mesmerizing jade eyes, she declared, "And you are the one I want by my side through it all."

"How do you always know what I need to hear?"

Olivia's voice was an amalgam of thankfulness and awe, and Natalia smiled softly at her. "Because you trusted me enough to let me see the real you," she answered.

A simple nod accompanied the wistful smile that teased at Olivia's lips. And then, her hands lightly gripping Natalia's elbows, she went willingly, as Natalia drew her closer, sealing her explanation with a tender kiss.

A few light kisses later, Olivia was smiling against Natalia's lips. The warmth of Natalia's hands on her face was sublime. "I love it when you kiss me this way," she murmured.

"What way is that?" Natalia quietly asked.

"Holding my face in your hands," Olivia whispered.

Dimples bloomed. "You're just so beautiful, I can't help myself," Natalia flirtingly confessed. Leaning close, she pressed another kiss to Olivia's lips.

"Flatterer," Olivia coyly accused. Her eyes sparkled, as she wrapped her arms around Natalia's waist.

"Flirt," Natalia accused in return.

The soft laugh that spilled from Olivia's lips fell into sensual moan, as lightly, Natalia stroked Olivia's cheeks with her thumbs.

"Your touch is always so gentle," Olivia murmured, as she reveled in Natalia's caress.

"I can't imagine being anything but gentle with you," Natalia declared. She found it ironic, given the multitude of times in the past when she wanted to throttle the infuriating woman.

Olivia must have been reading her mind. "Times sure have changed," she said with a teasing lilt.

"Indeed, they have, my love," Natalia agreed, chuckling softly. "And now not being able to keep my hands off of you has taken on a whole new meaning."

An eyebrow arched. "Oh, really?" Olivia husked. "Tell me more."

Natalia smiled in response. "I just love you so much, that I always feel the need to touch you," she confessed, as her hands slowly caressed Olivia's upper chest. "Doesn't matter where we are, or what we're doing. I need that connection with you."

Instinctively, Olivia knew Natalia's comments had nothing to do with sex. This was about that inexplicable bond they shared. "I need that connection, too," she said. "Just… don't ever stop, okay?"

Olivia sounded so vulnerable it made Natalia's heart ache. "I won't, Honey. I promise."

Natalia's voice was a reassuring caress. Every single time a moment of insecurity crept in, somehow, Natalia managed to dispel it, without even knowing it was there. Briefly, Olivia wondered how long it would take before those moments of self-doubt would dissipate altogether. And then, brushing the thought aside, her eyes slid closed as she rested their foreheads together, the way they often did. And together, they remained still, simply reveling in that familiar contact. The world fell away then, and the only sounds in the room were the steady cadence of their harmonized breathing, and the light humming of air purifier that Natalia had insisted upon having installed after Olivia's transplant.

Thanks to Natalia, there was also an air purifier that ran constantly in their office suite downstairs, and two more at the farmhouse. The quiet reminder of Natalia's constant love brought a smile to Olivia's lips. And all of the other little things that Natalia did for her—decaffeinated coffee, healthy food choices balanced with the occasional treat just to make her happy, all of the fussing and fretting, enough blueberries to feed the multitudes—fell into place. "Thank you for taking such good care of me," she whispered.

No further explanation was needed for Natalia to understand the totality of Olivia's comment. "Always," she whispered in promise, as she gazed intently into Olivia's eyes. And then she kissed Olivia again, and that which began as a tender moment of connection readily turned into so much more. Tongues effortlessly tangled, seeking that familiar heat, and breathing grew rapid, as hands explored at will.

Olivia's fingertips were the first to make contact with skin, as they slipped beneath the loose fabric of Natalia's blouse. Lightly caressing Natalia's lower back, she reveled in the softness and the warmth she always found there. Who ever knew that the small of a woman's back would be so much warmer than the rest of her skin? She had marveled at that countless times, when lowering Natalia to their bed, and yet, it still delighted her each and every time she experienced that heat against her palm. So much so that the small of Natalia's back had become one of her favorite places to kiss when they made love. She loved rolling Natalia onto her belly, and then taking her time, licking and kissing her there, as her fingertips explored between Natalia's legs from behind. The mere memory of it made Olivia feel flush with excitement.

In the meanwhile, Natalia's fingertips had woven their way into Olivia's hair, tangling with those thick chestnut locks. They felt like pure silk, gliding through her fingers, as she fell deeper into Olivia's kiss. Her breath quickened, and she felt an accompanying flash of heat deep in her belly, when Olivia's tongue swept across her own once again; and instinctively, Olivia pulled her closer.

They lingered together for a while longer, and then slowly, Natalia brought their kiss to an end, smiling against Olivia's lips. Sliding her hands down to Olivia's chest, she gently pushed back. "That's enough for now," she declared, unconvincingly. Nearly drunk with desire, her eyes were half-lidded, and her tone was sort of gravelly, with the slightest touch of humor. "What would you like for lunch?" she forced herself to ask. She knew exactly where they would end up if she didn't find a distraction.

Jade eyes smoldered in answer. "Do you really need to ask?"

Natalia's low laugh was ridiculously seductive without even trying. "You had that for breakfast," she purred, as her fingertips toyed with the buttons on Olivia's silky gray suit jacket.

"Well, I'm still hungry," Olivia pouted.

Unable to resist those full, sexy lips, Natalia kissed her again. "Later," she promised, patting the center of Olivia's chest with her hand. She couldn't believe she was actually turning down sex with Olivia, especially given how aroused she was after that kiss. But she knew they were both starving. Neither had eaten breakfast that morning. Not the kind involving food, anyway. She grinned and flushed at the memory of Olivia's wake-up call. Better than any alarm clock, that was certain! "Right now we both need actual food. I didn't take very good care of you this morning."

Olivia's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh, I beg to differ."

Delivered on a throaty husk, the insinuation in Olivia's words caused another surge of heat deep in Natalia's belly. It startled her, causing her breath to catch even as her clit twitched between her legs.

Olivia smirked as she caught the reaction. She had quickly learned that for Natalia, that particular reaction on the surface meant that other things were reacting down below. Releasing the final button on her jacket, she held Natalia's gaze as she slipped it off, revealing a sleek white camisole that just so happened to show off the swells of her breasts and her toned biceps quite nicely. The expression on Natalia's face was not lost on her as she tossed the jacket across the back of a nearby chair.

Laughing softly, Natalia shook her head. "You're incorrigible," she accused, as she stepped toward the desk, reaching for the telephone receiver. "Now what kind of food would you like to eat?" She stressed the food part.

Flashing her lover that sexy smile, Olivia issued a challenge: "Surprise me."

With that, she dropped down on the sofa, and reached for the plastic bag that Natalia had placed on the table. Pulling out the book that they had purchased on the way from the appointment, she tossed the bag back onto the table, and relaxed into the sofa cushions.

Natalia smiled as Olivia drew the book from the bag. She couldn't wait to get into it with her partner. So many possibilities, she thought. We might not even make it to work this afternoon. The fact that she knew it wasn't possible to skip out on work did nothing to quell her excitement. Giddily, she punched the room service button, and ordered something healthy, yet fabulous, for their lunch. Having a Master Chef in-house certainly had its advantages, as did falling hopelessly in love with the boss.

Friday, May 29, 2009… Farley's Bar—11:00 a.m. Central Daylight Time

"Hey, Detective." The bartender's greeting was casual when Frank entered Farley's not long after abandoning Phillip on the park bench. "Dropping by for some lunch?" He would occasionally come by for a meal when he was working a case on the south side of town.

Sinking down onto the barstool in front of her, he clasped his hands together as he shook his head. "Just a beer, thanks."

Sweeping long auburn tresses behind her right shoulder, her piercing dark eyes studied him intently. That wasn't like him at all. "Little early, isn't it, Chief?" Force of habit had her running a wet bar towel across the surface in front of him, wiping away imaginary condensation.

Frank groaned. "Not after the morning I've had," he sighed.

"One of those days, eh?" Reaching down into the cooler, Dana popped the cap on a bottle of his favorite lager, and slid it across the smooth wooden surface.

Frank nodded in response, and lifted the bottle, tipping it toward her. "Thanks, Dana."

Propping her elbows on the bar, Dana leaned her chin on her upturned hand. "So, what ails, Frankie?" As a bartender, she had long-since accepted her role as pseudo-therapist.

After taking a long draw, Frank set the bottle down on the coaster with a thump. But he never removed his hand from it. Instead, as he continued drowning his sorrows in cheap beer, he poured out his entire sob story to the woman, beginning with Natalia's faith, their one-night stand and his subsequent marriage proposal, continuing with Olivia stealing Natalia away from him after first pushing them together, the unexpected pregnancy, and that morning's sonogram. He finished with his fear of losing out on his new daughter's life, leaving Dana's head reeling.

"Wow," Dana said, drawing the word out for emphasis. And she thought she had women troubles. "That's rough."

"You're tellin' me." Frank's laugh held no humor. "Might be easier if I didn't already know Natalia was gonna get hurt. But Olivia, she has a history of breaking hearts."

"I know I don't know these women, Detective Cooper, but given Natalia's religious background, it seems to me that Olivia is the one who stands to get hurt here," Dana asserted. "Religious women and gay relationships are a bad combination in my experience."

"Yeah?" Frank perked up. Maybe there was hope that Natalia would change her mind after all.

Dana chuckled at the change in Frank's demeanor. "Yeah, in fact I remember a woman who came in on Ladies Night a few months ago. Said she was straight, but she felt a growing mutual attraction to a woman who was hung up on her religion…" She stopped mid-sentence as she remembered the conversation in its entirety. Frank hadn't used any last names, but then again, he hadn't needed to. Olivia Spencer was very well known in Springfield, and Dana had recognized her the moment she sauntered into Farley's that night, in search of clarity more so than a martini. Much like she had recognized the mayor, Doris Wolfe, despite the fact that she was wearing a hat.

The expression on her face caught Frank's attention. "What is it?"

Shaking her head, Dana smiled. "It's nothing," she answered. "I was just remembering the conversation. I told her to run, that the woman would eventually hurt her."

"Oh," Frank mumbled. "So you think Natalia might come back to me now that she's pregnant?"

"Would you really want her to just because of the baby?" Dana asked.

"Well, of course," Frank replied. He couldn't imagine why she would even ask such a thing. "Why wouldn't I?"

Regarding him with a sincere expression, Dana gently squeezed his hand. "Because I think you deserve better than a relationship built on circumstance and convenience, Detective. You deserve the real thing, and I don't think that's ever gonna happen with her."

Nodding, Frank contemplated her response. He knew she was right, but it was simply too difficult to face at the moment. Peering up at her, he grinned. "How come you and I never dated?" he asked. Sadly, he didn't have the alcohol to blame. He had only downed three beers.

Dana smiled and patted his hand. "Well, first of all, I'm young enough to be your daughter," she said with a chuckle. "I graduated with Marina, remember?"

Frank grimaced. He did remember that.

"And secondly, as I'm sure you're well aware, I'm about as lesbian as it gets," Dana added with a teasing grin.

Groaning, Frank pushed off of the barstool, tossing a twenty onto the bar. "Must be something in the water," he muttered, as he pushed his way through the door.

Staring after him, Dana's face held an expression of concern for the man she had known since her first year of grade school with his eldest daughter. He was hurting, that much was certain, and she hoped he would find his way out of the pain and disappointment he was experiencing. To remain there would only sentence him to a lifetime of living alone, and he deserved far better than that.

Friday, May 29, 2009… Olivia & Natalia's Suite, the Beacon—11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

Casually crossing her legs, Olivia sank back into the sofa cushions, idly flipping through the pages of A Name for Your Baby, while she waited for Natalia to finish ordering their lunch. So many possibilities, she mused. A soft smile touched her face as she wondered who their little girl would be. Would she be an Abigail… or a Zoë? A Crystal… or a Jessica… or perhaps a little Nadia?

Olivia's next awareness was the sensation of Natalia's fingers sifting through her hair as she rounded the back of the sofa, taking her seat next to her partner. "What's that smile all about?" Natalia coaxed.

Glancing toward Natalia, Olivia met her gaze. "Just wondering who we're about to meet," she said, affectionately.

Natalia grinned excitedly. "Let's find out." Snatching the book from Olivia's grasp, she received a grumble of protest, which she promptly ignored. She fingered through the pages, landing in the 'L's' as she leaned into Olivia's side. "Okay, here we go… Lacy… Leila…"

"Eh…"

"Liberty…"

Olivia actually groaned at that one.

None of those sounded appealing to Natalia, either. Flipping backward in the book, she landed in the middle of the 'I's'. Uh… let's see. Isabelle?" She looked rather skeptical about Isabelle.

Scratching her head, Olivia shrugged.

"Isis?" Natalia laughed at that one.

Raking her fingers through her hair, Olivia laughed with her. "Mm… I don't know."

"Ivy?" Natalia's voice perked up. "Ivy's pretty."

"I like it," Olivia smiled. "I like Ivy."

"Ivy Olivia?" Natalia tried it on for size.

"Ooh—," Olivia winced, pursing her lips. "That's… that's a lot of vowels, and that's a lot of 'V's'," she said with a touch of humor in her tone.

"A lot of 'V's'," Natalia repeated. She scrunched up her face. "Okay…"

Olivia couldn't take her eyes off of Natalia, as Natalia turned her attention back to the book.

But then a soft gasp fell from Natalia's lips. "Ooh, wait…" she murmured, as she was reaching for Olivia. "Give me your hand. Give me," she said, urgently.

When Olivia complied, Natalia pressed Olivia's hand firmly between her belly and her own hand. Immediately, Olivia became acutely aware of the warmth and softness of Natalia's touch.

"Here… feel," Natalia said, insistently. "Feel that? Did you feel her kick?" she asked excitedly. Neither of them could stop smiling.

"Yeah—," Olivia breathed. A wave of love swept over her, as she experienced the joy that exploded on her partner's face. It was breathtaking to witness, and she vowed right then and there to do everything in her power to always keep that joy in Natalia's world.

"Our 'lil baby…" Natalia smiled, pulling Olivia from her thoughts.

"Yeah—," Olivia's voice was a soft caress, her gaze locked on Natalia's face. "I love you…"

Delivered on a whisper, Olivia's declaration drew Natalia's gaze into her own, and those dark eyes shimmered with happiness. Searching the depths of Olivia's eyes, Natalia brushed the backs of her fingers against Olivia's cheek. "I love you too," she breathed, as she held Olivia's face in the palm of her hand. And then she leaned forward, nuzzling against Olivia's face before drawing her into a kiss that lingered far longer than either of them realized.

The moment was broken by a knock at the door, and simultaneous groans fell from two sets of disappointed lips. "That would be our food," Natalia commented.

"That was your idea," Olivia teasingly accused. "I would've been perfectly happy just enjoying a little more of you for lunch."

Natalia pecked Olivia's lips. "You can enjoy me for dessert."

A roguish grin broke out on Olivia's lips, but before she could respond, Natalia was already on her feet, making her way toward the door, a mischievous smirk plastered across her face.

Friday, May 29, 2009… Top Shelf Discount Liquors—11:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time

After abandoning the bar stool at Farley's, Frank made his way toward his old stomping grounds on Fifth Street, where he stepped into the little mom-and-pop liquor store on the corner of Fifth and Hough. Top Shelf Discount Liquors, the scuffed up painted lettering on the dirty glass door boasted. The store's name was a veritable oxymoron, but that fact was lost on the oft-clueless detective. It seemed only fitting that he would choose to frequent such an establishment.

Tucked into the corner of a parking lot, the unassuming building was one of only a few that survived the devastating Fifth Street fire. It had been owned and operated by the same Bosnian gentleman and his wife for as long as Frank could remember, and it looked as though it hadn't been updated for at least as many years. The condition of the paint on the glass looked almost passable when compared to the window shade, tattered and yellowish with age, which struggled to effectively cover the window when the store was closed.

A bell jingled, and the light fixtures flickered in protest, as Frank pushed the glass door open. Quickly, he glanced upward, checking to see that nothing was falling from the ceiling. That's all he needed today, he groused internally. And then he glanced around, taking notice of the room. The stock shelves, scratched and rusting, were showing their years of wear, and the discolored linoleum beneath, scuffed and marred from multiple rearrangements of the shelving units, peeled around the edges where it had been gouged. Thick, gray gunk, caked with dirt, collected along the outer edges of the round metal feet, and fading ringlets of a similar substance marked the floor where the units had stood once upon a time. Nearly every item, every fixture in the place looked as though they were in need of repair or replacement, and Frank wondered how the man hadn't been cited for code violations.

"Good morning, Frankie," Mr. Dudaković, the elderly proprietor greeted in that heavily accented voice that was so familiar to the detective. The man looked genuinely happy to see him.

"Morning," Frank grumbled, wishing the old man would just leave him alone. He was in no mood for idle chitchat. He stuffed her hands into the front pockets of his jeans as he strode toward the back of the store with marked determination. Silently, he chastised his decision to walk into a familiar place when all he wanted was solitude. Thank God Mrs. Dudaković didn't appear to be there. That woman was a chatterbox. He'd be stuck there all damned morning!

"You not work today?" Mr. Dudaković felt a sense of collective pride when it came to Frank's success in life. The boy had done well for himself, despite his humble beginnings. He was a neighborhood success story; proof that it didn't matter where a person came from, or what they did in the past, it was possible to achieve one's dreams.

The store was small enough that it wasn't difficult for Frank to hear him, even from the opposite end of the room. "No—," he said, brusquely. Grasping the bottle he sought, he yanked it from the shelf. The entire unit shook on its unsteady feet, and he cursed it under his breath.

"Well, time for self is important," Mr. Dudaković said. "The Mrs. is taking the day, too. Spending it with our new granddaughter."

The mention of a new baby only served to heighten Frank's annoyance. Approaching the counter, he set the bottle down with a loud thud. He said nothing in response.

"Ah, you celebrate, Frankie?" Mr. Dudaković pointed toward the bottle, smiling and nodding as he spoke, as if trying to convince Frank of it. He sounded pleased for the detective; whatever he was celebrating.

"Somethin' like that," Frank muttered in reply.

"Will this be all for you, then?"

"Yes."

Baffled by the detective's odd behavior, Mr. Dudaković shook his head as he methodically tapped the buttons on the vintage resister. The antiquated machine, its ornamental finish tarnished with age, clacked as he entered the price of the merchandise—ten dollars, plus two dollars, plus ninety cents, plus five—one button at a time. It sounded like a ratchet when he rolled the handle, registering the sale, and then it clanged as the cash drawer slid open. "Twelve ninety five, please," he announced, as he reached for a paper bag, slipping the bottle inside.

Fishing through his wallet, Frank handed him a twenty, and muttered a "Thank you" upon receiving the change. Shoving it into the front pocket of his jeans, he simultaneously grasped the bottle with his other hand, and turned, trudging toward the door.

Mr. Dudaković looked after him, wondering what had the man so out of sorts. Frank Cooper was never even unfriendly, let alone blatantly rude. Clearly something was amiss.

Friday, May 29, 2009… Olivia's Office, the Beacon—1:15 p.m. Central Daylight Time

After a leisurely light lunch of grilled chicken salads with lightly toasted Ciabatta bread, Olivia and Natalia made their way down to Olivia's office. They were still chattering about possible names for the baby, when Natalia pointed out that they really did have work to do if they wanted to make it home early enough for movie night with Emma.

Olivia grinned, and pulled Natalia down into her lap.

Surprised by the action, Natalia let out a squeak, and Olivia laughed. "I remember you promising me some dessert," she reminded.

A soft laugh fell from Natalia's lips as she wrapped her arms around Olivia's neck. "I certainly did," she agreed. She pressed a kiss to Olivia's mouth. "But I never said when."

Receiving a groan in response, Natalia laughed again, as she patted Olivia's cheek. "I know, but I have a full afternoon ahead of me."

"What's on your agenda?" Olivia wondered how long it would be before she could safely interrupt.

"Well, I have contracts to finish for the Davidson and Cantrell weddings," Natalia answered.

Olivia nodded. "No issues with our florist delivering on the exotic flowers for the Cantrell reception, I take it." It wasn't a question.

"I insisted on a performance agreement," Natalia reported. "They don't deliver quality product, on time, we get a twenty-five percent discount on our next four events, no exceptions."

"That's my girl," Olivia said, proudly. "What else do you have this afternoon?"

"Let's see… Gregg needs to go over a few more details for tomorrow night's event," Natalia reported.

"Again?" Olivia looked baffled.

Natalia confirmed with a nod and a sigh. "He's been a nervous wreck all week." Springfield Southeast High School was holding their Senior Prom in the Beacon's Grand Ballroom the following evening, and their banquet manager had insisted upon reviewing every last detail, multiple times throughout the week, almost to the point of driving Natalia crazy.

"I think he's dating the band director over there," Olivia reported.

Chuckling, Natalia shook her head. "How do you know these things?"

Olivia just gave her that look, and Natalia's chuckle turned into a full laugh. "I know, I know, you're Olivia Spencer, and there's nothing goes on in this hotel that you don't know about," she said, repeating one of her boss's favorite mantras. Funny thing was, there was plenty Olivia didn't have a clue about. Not that Natalia would ever tell her.

"Anyway, I'm meeting with Tracy at two to train her on processing month-end invoices, and I have a supplier contract to renegotiate." Natalia continued ticking off her afternoon agenda. "All before the three forty-five interview Jen and I have scheduled for Tracy's position. So I have to scoot."

"Gee, I hope I'm paying you enough for all that," Olivia said facetiously.

Natalia grinned, and kissed her. "You've been known to offer up a nice bonus here and there."

"And they're non-taxable, too," Olivia winked.

Natalia laughed, and slapped Olivia's chest. "Stop it. I have to go."

Teasing aside, a look of awe painted Olivia's gaze. Natalia was thriving in her position, and Olivia thoroughly enjoyed watching it happen. "I am so incredibly proud of you," she said, softly.

Natalia blushed under Olivia's praise. "Thank you," she said. Cupping Olivia's face in her hands, she kissed her again. "I learned from the best," she complimented. "Now, I have to go. The sooner I finish, the sooner we have movie night. And the sooner movie night is over, the sooner you get your dessert."

"Ooh!" Olivia exclaimed. "Well, in that case…"

Laughing, Natalia stood from her seat in Olivia's lap. "Thought so," she teased. "I should be ready to leave by four thirty."

Olivia smiled. "Meet you in the atrium then."

Friday, May 29, 2009… Observation Deck, Lake Springfield Lighthouse—3:15 p.m. Central Daylight Time

Three hours later, perched on the observation deck at the old lighthouse on the shores of Lake Springfield, Frank Cooper found his solitude—at the bottom of a bottle of cheap vodka. Or so he foolishly thought.

Even sloshed out of his mind, he couldn't escape the perceived stranglehold Olivia Spencer held on his life. And the more he drank, the tighter her grip seemed to clench around his throat, suffocating him. She was everywhere, even when she was nowhere around. All he need do was look down to be reminded of that. Lake Park, where Olivia's so-called "Memorial" was located, sprawled out beneath him, encompassing the lighthouse and several acres due east, almost as far as the intersection of Long Bay Drive and East Lake Shore Drive. Even the damned lighthouse wasn't a safe haven!

The reminder of her, as he peered down at the grounds that Natalia's husband had prematurely dedicated to the memory of a woman who seemed to have lived for the express purpose of ruining Frank's own life, only served to reignite his ire. He could understand how Gus, and Phillip, and even Natalia had been so drawn to her. She had that way about her. That enigmatic way of making a person feel as though they were the most important person in the world—as long as they held interest for her, anyway. But once they no longer benefitted her, she was finished. The trail of broken hearts that wore the Olivia Spencer brand was proof enough of that. And now she had her hooks into Natalia.

He had tried to focus on the warmth and genuineness of Olivia's congratulatory smile after the sonogram. He even tried to believe Phillip's contention that she had changed. But those things did little to ease his disquiet. In fact, they pissed him off. And the alcohol only added fuel to an already blazing fire.

And then the memory of her smile mocked him. How dare she smile at him like that, and congratulate him, as though she thought he mattered in this at all, even as she plotted to steal his chance at happiness!

He had to give her one thing, he thought, caustically: She was damned good at what she did—getting what she wanted, no matter who she hurt. And now she had lured Natalia into her lair, in her quest to prove that she could do whatever the fuck she wanted. Natalia was just another conquest to her. A new and different kind challenge. Nothing more. He was certain of that, and it pissed him off even more.

Fueled by the fury that rose up inside him, once again, he allowed his anger to dictate his actions. Rising too quickly from his post, his head began to spin, as he fought to gain purchase. Unsuccessful, he teetered on unsteady feet, falling forward against the railing. The old metal frame creaked against his weight, and the empty vodka bottle slipped from his hand, careening toward the ground far below. He heard it crash, smashing against the concrete foundation where the lighthouse stood. Screams of protest from bystanders quickly followed.

Cursing under his breath, he reached toward the exterior of the structure, fumbling his way toward the observation deck door. Olivia Spencer was out of her fucking mind, if she thought she was going to steal his family away from him.

Friday, May 29, 2009… the Atrium at the Beacon—4:15 p.m. Central Daylight Time

A quick check-in with Shayne Lewis, the assigned foreman on the Beacon renovation, ended Olivia's already perfect day on a high note. As promised, Josh checked in on the progress every day, and this afternoon was no different. Meeting him in the atrium, Olivia toured the worksite with both men, as she and Natalia had on many previous occasions. The end result was always the same—she was beyond impressed with Shayne's management of his crew, and quite pleased with the overall progress on the job. If all went as scheduled, the new library which was slated to be called the Book Nook, and Rhapsody, the Bohemian-style coffee house, would be ready for opening by the end of June. And according to Shayne, the renovations to the atrium would be finished by then, as well.

Chatting with Josh for a few minutes after they finished the tour, she thanked him again for his willingness to work with Rafe, and reminded him that the hearing was scheduled for the following Wednesday.

Hands tucked into the front pockets of his jeans, Josh leveled that familiar boyish grin at her. "Nervous?"

"Concerned," Olivia admitted. Her expression was grim.

"About?"

"Rafe went ballistic on Natalia when she told him about the baby," Olivia shared. "He told her not to even bother coming to the hearing."

Nodding, Josh's lips pressed into a tight thin line. "Sounds about right for a pissed off teenaged boy." He spoke from experience. His relationship with Shayne had been strained almost beyond recognition once upon a time. He was thankful for the relationship they shared now—both personally and professionally.

Eyes downcast, Olivia simply nodded. She knew he was remembering all the difficult times with his own son—the anger and disappointment over Shayne's lost opportunity with the Chicago Cubs, the accident that left him paralyzed, and Josh's own guilt over having caused the accident. "It was hard with Shayne," Olivia said, knowingly. Glancing up, she met his steady gaze expectantly.

"Yeah, it was. It was hell on earth," Josh admitted. "But look at us now." Reaching out, he gave her arm a comforting squeeze. "That's how I know things will get better with Rafe. I don't know when, but I know they will. Just give him time. And give me time to work with him."

"Thank you, Josh," Olivia said. Her eyes were filled with deep sincerity.

Josh smiled at her, his blue eyes twinkling. "Any time." He leaned down then, lightly kissing her cheek. "I'll see you Wednesday, if not before."

"'Night." Olivia was smiling, thankful for the events that brought Joshua Lewis back into her life. He had every right to despise her, and yet, he had chosen to forgive. As she watched him walk away, it struck her, how similar he and Natalia were, in so many ways, but particularly in that way. She had been fortunate to have been loved so completely by that man, and she had screwed it up royally. The simple reminder of that brought a renewed commitment to making certain she didn't repeat those mistakes with Natalia.

With that thought in mind, she turned toward the front desk, intent upon speaking with Tracy as she waited for Natalia to arrive. But before she even made it halfway there, she heard a ruckus behind her. Rotating on a heel, she came face-to-face with Frank Cooper, as he struggled to navigate through the revolving door.

Bedraggled, he looked as though he had been through the wringer, and the stench of booze arrived before he did. It permeated the air, making Olivia's head spin. This was not the man she had seen just eight hours prior, and she wondered what in hell had happened.

When he finally emerged, cursing loudly, he stumbled, barely able to keep himself upright.

Olivia lunged forward to catch him, and he swiped his arm at her. His keys flung from his grip as he missed her, and landed across the atrium near the front desk. "I don't need your help," he growled.

Frank's condition was so blatantly obvious it was impossible not to notice. Concerned, Tracy moved to snatch his keys up from the floor, silently tucking them into her pocket. And then she went to Olivia's aid, grasping Frank's bicep, helping to hold him upright.

"How did you get here?" Olivia's voice was filled with concern.

"My squad car!" Frank snapped. "How the hell else would I get here?"

"You're drunk, Frank." Olivia pointed out the obvious. "What are you thinking? You can't be driving around town, drunk off your ass. You're the Chief of Detectives, for Christ's sake!"

"What do you care?" Frank snarled. "If something happens to me, then you get exactly what you want—Natalia, and my baby."

It wasn't the time to remind him that she already had them. He would have to face that truth on his own. "Given the way you've been behaving, quite honestly, I'm more concerned about the other people you might hurt," Olivia said, sarcastically. She didn't really mean it, but he was pissing her off.

"You're trying to take my kid away from me," he slurred.

Olivia sighed. Do we seriously have to go through this shit again? Pinching the bridge of her nose, she fought for control. "I'm not trying to take anything from you, Frank."

"You took Natalia," he whined.

"Don't you get it, Frankie? She was never yours!" Olivia exclaimed. This was really getting old. "She's not some piece of property for you to own. She's a human being, and she has a right to make her own choices."

Frank snarled at her.

Sensing the need to calm him down before he spiraled out of control, Tracy stepped in. "Why don't we go sit down, Frankie," she suggested. "Right over here." She pointed toward a seating area in the corner of the atrium.

"I don't want to sit down," Frank barked. Shaking himself loose from Tracy's grasp, he lurched forward, slamming into the brochure rack. The metal feet scraped against the hardwood flooring, emitting a screeching sound that echoed in Frank's head, as a bevy of leaflets scattered all around his feet.

Olivia counted herself grateful that the new granite flooring wasn't scheduled for installation until the following week. It was a petty thought, given current circumstances, but she didn't care. Frank was being beyond ridiculous.

Embarrassed by his alcohol-induced lack of coordination, Frank leveled a glare at Olivia as if it were her fault. "I have rights too, y'know. So fuck you. Fuck Natalia," he spat. Clearly, the alcohol was talking. "Hell, fuck you both. I won't let the two of you keep me from what's mine."

"Don't be angry with Natalia," Olivia said, pleadingly. "She feels bad enough as it is, Frank."

"Oh, I'm not angry with her at all, actually," Frank said, condescendingly. "This was your idea, wasn't it?"

"Excuse me?"

"The two of you hooking up," Frank accused. "Or whatever the fuck it is that you're doing."

"Frank, I know this is difficult, and I'm sorry…" Olivia said, empathically.

"You mixed her up," Frank interrupted, the way he always did. "Because that's exactly what Olivia Spencer does, doesn't she? She sees something that she wants, she goes after it, and she does every trick in the book to get it."

"Could we not talk about this here?" Olivia challenged. "This is my place of business."

Frank ignored her request. "What was it… y-you… you… you didn't want to see us happy? You couldn't, you couldn't deal with that? Is that what it was?"

"That's not… fair," Olivia countered.

Fair? Frank thought. Who the fuck is she to talk about fair? "You struck out with Gus, so you decided to go after his wife?" he accused.

"Stop… Stop, Frank!" Natalia ordered, as she approached the insolent man. Her ire was evident in the harshness of her tone, and her dark eyes flashed with fury, as they locked on his, her gaze never faltering. "You want somebody to blame, blame me."

"No," Frank adamantly refused. "I know the reason you turned down my proposal, the reason we won't be raising our daughter together, and it's standing right here." He pointed his thumb toward Olivia, almost toppling over in the process.

Tracy and Olivia each grabbed an arm, attempting to hold him upright. Immediately, he jerked away, nearly falling into the brochure display again.

Annoyed, Natalia scowled at him. "Frank, if you think that Olivia pushed me into anything, that I could be that easily manipulated, then you never really knew me at all."

"Natalia, you don't have to do this," Olivia said, gently. Her hand lightly grazed Natalia's lower back in a show of support.

Natalia shook her head, refusing Olivia's offer of an escape. She turned her attention back to Frank. "I care… too much for you to let us live a lie, and that's exactly what a marriage would've been between us."

Completely unmoved by Natalia words, Frank continued his fight for control. "She got into your head," he insisted, his tone raspy. "She can convince anyone, of anything."

Shaking her head again, Natalia's tone was filled with empathy. "I know this is really hard to accept, but you know, this just… it just happened, and it's real, and now you have to let go."

"So that's it, huh?" Frank said. "It's now you… and Olivia, and the baby that's supposed to be ours." He watched her expression as she glanced at Olivia. "What is it that you are, exactly?"

Completely taken aback by the question, Natalia fumbled for words. "I… I don't know… I don't know…" Her response came out on a nervous exhalation of air. She truly didn't know what kind of label she should wear. Or even if she needed to wear one at all! All she knew was that she loved Olivia with everything in her, and she would never be ashamed of what they shared. "I don't know if… I'll ever know, but I know what it's not. And it's not… harmful, or sinful, or a hundred other words that had me taking advantage of the attentions of a good man like you, pursuing a relationship that would only end in regret for both of us."

"All along… I thought it was me. I thought I was pushing you way too hard." Frank's voice was filled with pain. "I blamed myself."

The depth of Natalia's regret was bared naked on her face. "Frank, I'm so sorry…"

"And you let me!" He seethed through gritted teeth.

"I never… I never meant to hurt you, Frank," Natalia said, almost pleadingly.

"It's a little late for that, Natalia. Don't you think?" Frank sounded disgusted.

He turned to leave, and stumbled again.

Olivia gently caught his arm. "Let me have one of my drivers take you home, Frankie." She couldn't allow him to get behind the wheel in his condition.

"I don't need any more… favors from you," he said, accusingly. "Now where the fuck are my keys?" He searched the floor in vain.

"I'm not thinking of you," Olivia snapped in response. "I'm thinking of Natalia, and the guilt she would carry if anything happened to you. And I'm thinking of your daughter, and how she deserves to know her father. So you just sit your ass down over there…" She flicked her wrist, pointing toward the lounge area just inside the front entrance. "And wait until I can arrange a car to take you home."

Wild eyes darted from Olivia to Natalia to Tracy, finding the same expression on each of their faces: Determination mixed with concern. Even through the hazy fog of alcohol he realized he had no choice. He didn't have a clue where his keys were, and they certainly weren't going to tell him. Defeated, he nodded, and allowed Tracy to take him to the nearby cluster of overstuffed chairs.

Olivia thanked her quietly, and then made her way toward the front desk to arrange a car to take Frank home. As she hung up the receiver after talking with Lawrence, she felt Natalia's familiar touch on her arm. Turning toward her, she smiled. "Lawrence will get him home safely," she assured.

"Thank you." Natalia's voice was quiet, yet filled with gratitude, her gaze never leaving Olivia's. "I know I brought all of this on us, and I'm sor—"

Reaching out, Olivia pressed two fingers against Natalia's lips, silencing her. "Huh-uh," she murmured, shaking her head. "None of this is your fault, Sweetheart, so don't you dare apologize."

"How can it not be?" Natalia asked rhetorically.

"Frank is a grown man, and he's responsible for his own actions," Olivia answered.

"Olivia's right," Tracy said kindly, as she joined the two of them again. "No one can fault you for the actions of a man who can't even control himself."

"Exactly," Olivia agreed. The expression in her eyes told Tracy how much she appreciated the support. "You're no more responsible for Frank's behavior than you were for Rafe's, Natalia."

Natalia nodded, indicating that she accepted what they were saying. Or at least, she wouldn't argue.

Olivia pulled Natalia close, as she glanced back at Tracy. "Frank?"

"Lawrence is with him," Tracy reported. "And he called Gareth for backup in case there was trouble."

"Oh. Good," Olivia declared. She was pleased to know that their head of security would be accompanying Lawrence on the drive.

"I gave him Frank's keys, and suggested they drop him off at Company," Tracy said.
"He shouldn't be alone right now."

"You're right," Olivia agreed. "Buzz will be at Company until after the dinner rush."

"My thoughts exactly," Tracy said. She reached out, touching Natalia's arm. "He'll be okay," she said, reassuringly.

A wobbly smile etched across Natalia's lips. "Thank you, Tracy. I appreciate your help."

"Anytime, Boss," Tracy said with affection. She was rewarded with a genuine smile that time. "All right, I'm gonna go grab Jen now, and head home. Don't hesitate to call if you need anything, okay?

Natalia nodded, and Olivia thanked her again.

As Tracy went in search of her fiancée, Olivia pulled Natalia close. Pressing her lips against Natalia's temple, her hand gently rubbed Natalia's back. "Let's go get Em, and go home, huh?"

Arms wrapped around Olivia's waist, Natalia leaned into Olivia's body, squeezing her tightly.

Olivia's eyes slid closed as she smiled against Natalia's cheek, and returned the hug. Moments like this made everything worthwhile. "I love you," she murmured against Natalia's ear.

Meeting Olivia's gaze, Natalia returned the sentiment. And then their lips met, and Natalia smiled into their kiss. "I am so making you your favorite dinner tonight," she murmured.

"Oh, yeah?" Olivia grinned.

"Yeah," Natalia confirmed with a smile. Her eyes twinkled, as she casually hooked her fingers into Olivia's tugging her toward the elevators. "And then we're gonna watch whatever movie Emma wants so she'll stay occupied while I make out with you on the sofa."

Olivia laughed. "You're so devious sometimes," she teased.

"Yup, that's me," Natalia agreed. The elevator dinged and the door slid open. Natalia tugged on Olivia's hand again. "Now come on," she urged. "Let's go get our daughter. The sofa is waiting."

"Best plan I've heard all day," Olivia declared, as she willingly followed Natalia inside.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009… The Farmhouse of Love—5:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time

The morning of Rafe's hearing dawned just like any other warm spring day, splaying beams of brilliant sunlight across the clear blue expanse of a Midwestern sky. It pierced the curtains in their bedroom, and making a beeline straight for Olivia, it stirred eyes still shrouded by sleep.

Unconsciously, Olivia grumped at the intrusion, and rolled onto her side, burying her face against Natalia's right breast. Not even the mystical power of burgeoning love could trump the weariness in her bones that particular morning. She was exhausted beyond measure. They had lain awake long into the night, Olivia holding Natalia close, listening intently as Natalia shared her hopes and dreams for Rafe's future, and then admitting her fear that he would never realize them.

Olivia had laid awake, holding Natalia until she finally slept. She kissed Natalia's temple then, whispering promises that all would work out all right, and finally, she had given in to her exhaustion, and slept. But sleep had been fitful for both of them, at best.

Natalia awoke when she felt Olivia nestling against her. It stirred her heart in a way nothing else ever had, or ever would. Pulling Olivia closer against her body, she brushed her lips against Olivia's forehead, and whispered a prayer of gratitude for the gift of her. And then she simply held her, gathering strength from their connection even in the silent moments, to sustain her throughout the coming day.

And then their alarm sounded, piercing through the quietness of morning. Olivia groaned, and covered her head with a pillow. Amused, Natalia chuckled softly at her, and gently prodded her into awareness.

"Hey, Sleepyhead," she murmured, brushing a kiss against Olivia's lips. "Rise and shine. We have to get moving or we'll be late."

"Five more minutes," Olivia mumbled from beneath the pillow.

"Just five?" Natalia grinned. She knew better than that.

"Okay, ten," Olivia countered.

"I'll give you fifteen, if you kiss me properly," Natalia bartered.

"Deal," Olivia said, grinning against Natalia's cheek. She rolled atop Natalia's body then, and made good on her agreement.

Thirty minutes later, fresh out of a quick shower, Natalia was running around their bedroom in her bra and panties, frantic to find just the right thing to wear. "I have nothing, Olivia," she huffed, as she tossed another skirt on the pile of rejects. "Absolutely nothing!" She had already tried on and cast aside at least ten outfits, and was rapidly running out of options.

Sensing the underlying torrent of emotions, Olivia slipped from their bed, padding across the room to her. Arms wrapping around Natalia's waist from behind, Olivia's mere presence immediately halted her frenzied pace. "I know you're nervous, Sweetheart," she quietly comforted. "But worrying about what to wear isn't going to help anything. Whatever you choose, it will be perfect."

Natalia's breathing calmed, as Olivia whispered reassurances. And then her voice turned teary. "Nothing fits anymore, Liv," she whimpered.

"What?" Olivia sounded genuinely surprised.

"My suits. They don't fit," Natalia repeated. "I should've thought to buy something new. I… I don't know why I didn't."

Gently, Olivia coaxed Natalia to turn around. Taking Natalia's face in her hands, Olivia locked gazes with her. "That's okay," she said, calmly. "We'll find you one of mine." She smiled reassuringly. "You look better in them than I do anyway. Always have."

That comment brought a soft chuckle to Natalia's lips. "Liar," she accused, her smile reaching tearstained eyes.

Olivia raised her hands, as she shook her head. "True story," she insisted. "First time I ever felt physically attracted to you, you were wearing one of my suit jackets."

Natalia arched an eyebrow. "You were just admiring your own taste in clothing."

A roguish grin tickled the corners of Olivia's mouth. "No, actually I was admiring your ass."

"You do have a thing for my ass, don't you?" Natalia sounded amused.

Olivia's nod was as enthusiastic as her grin. "It's a ridiculously sexy ass."

Natalia stepped into Olivia's body, wrapping her arms around Olivia's waist, as she gazed into those sparkling jade eyes. "You make me feel ridiculously sexy when you say things like that to me."

"Well, that's because you are," Olivia declared. She grinned, and kissed Natalia's nose. "Now, come, sit down," she coaxed, as she grasped Natalia's hand in her own. "Let me pamper you for a while."

"Liv, we don't have time…"

"Sure we do," Olivia contended. "We have time if we choose make it." She pulled Natalia toward their bed, and encouraged her to sit down. And then she tugged on the waistband of Natalia's panties. "Lift your hips, help me take these off."

Natalia arched an eyebrow. "Now, we really don't have time for that." She emphasized the final word of her statement.

Olivia's eyes sparkled as she laughed. "I don't want to have sex, Natalia."

She paused, thinking about that statement for a moment. They hadn't really made love since the previous Sunday, which was extremely unusual for them. But life circumstances were taking their toll. Work had been busier than usual the previous two days. Summer break was already wearing on Emma, who had been giving them an even harder time about not being allowed to see Phillip. And Natalia had been worrying herself sick about Rafe's hearing and his future, and stressing out about Frank and his infantile behavior. The conglomeration of stressors had Natalia feeling uncharacteristically tense and cranky. Olivia understood completely. She was becoming tense and cranky herself. It was surprising to her how quickly sex had become a necessity after having gone so long without it. Those inevitable six weeks after the baby's birth were looking rather grim. "Well, I do wanna have sex," she backpedaled, "but that's not what this is about."

Wrapping her arms around Olivia's waist, Natalia leaned forward, lightly kissing Olivia's belly. "I miss you too," she whispered. "I'm sorry I've been so out of sorts."

Taking Natalia's face in her hands, Olivia drew her gaze. "There's no need for you to be sorry about anything, Sweetheart. We're both stressed, and honestly, I can't imagine us not being, given everything on our plates right now."

A soft smile formed on Natalia's lips, causing Olivia's thumbs to dip into her dimples. "You are unbelievably good to me," Natalia acknowledged.

Leaning down, Olivia lightly pecked Natalia's lips. "And I'm about to get better," she promised. "Now help me get you naked," she grinned.

Grinning, Natalia complied, and moments later, Olivia was instructing her to stay put on their bed.

Peering up at her, Natalia smiled. "Yes, Ma'am."

Olivia grinned. "That's better." She brushed her fingertips across Natalia's cheek with affection. "I'll be right back."

Natalia relaxed into a pile of pillows and watched Olivia saunter toward the master bathroom. The sway of her hips was mesmerizing, and Natalia quickly fell into a daze. Olivia's body was so enticing, Natalia was powerless to resist it. Simply looking at her made Natalia relive all of the luscious things they had done together—and contemplate all of the fabulous delights they had yet to discover. She was still staring toward the doorway where Olivia had disappeared, lost in sweet reverie, when Olivia returned a few minutes later.

Chuckling softly, Olivia called to her. "Penny for your thoughts?"

The sound of Olivia's voice drew Natalia back into the present. Dimples blooming, she turned toward the source. "I was just thinking how much I wish we did have time."

"Oh—" A mixture of anticipation and surprise colored Olivia's expression. She smiled as she approached their bed, a fluffy white towel draped over her arm. "Well, I can't say that I disagree."

Natalia's lower lip adopted a pout, and Olivia released a soft laugh.

"Scoot over to the edge of the bed," Olivia instructed. Setting a bottle of lotion on the nightstand, she spread the towel out on the bed, patting it in invitation, as she spoke. And then she climbed on their bed, kneeling behind Natalia.

Reaching across the bed, Olivia grasped the lotion, flipped the top open, and poured a liberal amount into the palm of her hand. Snapping it closed again, she tossed the bottle on their bed, and slowly began working the lotion into Natalia's shoulders and back.

Warmed by Olivia's hands, it emitted a fresh, soft scent that infused Natalia's senses. The fragrance was uniquely Olivia's, and it drew Natalia in, suffusing her entire body with warmth.

With meticulous strokes, Olivia worked the substance into thirsty skin, taking care not to miss a single patch.

Natalia rewarded Olivia's efforts with quiet sighs of appreciation as she relaxed beneath Olivia's tender hands. "This feels so nice."

Brushing her lips against Natalia's ear, Olivia whispered, "Good. That's the point. Just relax, and enjoy it."

"Believe me, I am," Natalia assured.

Olivia smiled, and trailed her mouth along the column of muscles in Natalia's neck, as her thumbs and fingertips continued their work. Kneading into the tight muscles of Natalia's shoulders, they worked the kinks free one by one.

"Mm… as much as I'm enjoying your mouth, we don't have time for that right now," Natalia murmured.

"Don't worry, Honey, I'm not trying to seduce you."

Natalia grinned. "Could've fooled me."

"Not right now, anyway."

Delivered on a smirk, Natalia actually felt it forming against her skin. "Figured."

Olivia laughed, and then the bed creaked and dipped, as she stood up. A moment later she was kneeling down on the floor in front of Natalia.

"Now what are you up to?" Natalia asked coyly.

Glancing up at Natalia, Olivia ignored the question. She smiled as squirted another dollop of lotion into her left hand. "Have I told you lately how unbelievably sexy you are with your hair like that?"

"What, this messy ponytail?" Natalia sounded dubious. She had haphazardly pulled her hair back, in a rush to get into the shower, and hadn't thought twice about it until now.

"The messier, the better," Olivia said, as she pulled Natalia's right foot toward her. Resting it on her own upper thigh, she began to work the lotion into Natalia's skin.

Instantly, Natalia fell under the spell of Olivia's touch again, and she sent quiet cues to her lover, letting her know how much she was enjoying it. And then a soft moan fell from her lips, as Olivia reached the upper calf of her leg and began to tease at her thigh. "Oh, this is marvelous," she praised.

Olivia smiled, her hands never slackening.

Elbows resting on their bed just slightly behind her, Natalia leaned back, closing her eyes, as slowly, Olivia worked her hands along the contours of Natalia's other foot and calf, in a firm, yet gentle massage.

"Fairly certain I'm falling more and more in love those exquisite hands of yours, every second," Natalia purred.

"That can only end well for me," Olivia said in a low, husky tone.

Natalia could hear the smile in Olivia's voice. "Oh, I can assure you, it will."

"But later," Olivia asserted. She finished with the tops of Natalia's thighs, and then gently nudged her. "Lift your legs, rest your feet against my shoulders."

A glint of curiosity flickered in Natalia's eyes. "Dare I ask why?" she asked teasingly.

"How else am I gonna get to the backs of your thighs?" Olivia reasoned. "You're not comfortable on your belly anymore."

Dark eyes misted with tears. Who else but this woman would think of something so obscure, and realize how important it was to acknowledge it. No one had ever understood her so completely, or cared this much about her physical needs, and Natalia felt overwhelmed with emotion.

Pushing herself into a seated position, she leaned forward, her fingers effortlessly weaving into Olivia's hair. Instinctively, her mouth connected with Olivia's in a kiss that spoke far more than any words could say.

When mouths finally parted, Olivia looked both contented and slightly dazed. A slight smile flicked on kiss-swollen lips. "What was that for?" she murmured, breathily.

"For being everything I never knew I needed," Natalia whispered, tears still glistening in her eyes.

"Hearing you say things like that makes me want to make love to you," Olivia husked.

Natalia smiled, and gently caressed Olivia's cheek with her thumb. "You already are," she quietly contended.

"Yes," Olivia said, her eyes never leaving Natalia's. "I already am." She knew it was true. Lovemaking wasn't always about achieving orgasm. Not for them, anyway. They had made love so many times, in so many ways, with nothing more than tender touches, lingering kisses, the lightest of caresses.

With this in mind, Olivia coaxed Natalia into position, and resumed her handiwork, slowly working the lotion into the backs of Natalia's firm thighs. She took her time, again ensuring that she didn't miss a single patch of skin, and then she was working her way toward Natalia's inner thighs, where she reveled in the twitching of muscles beneath her fingertips. And she found it achingly difficult not to touch that tantalizing mound of thick, dark curls, as willing hands moved closer. It beckoned to her, like a moth to a flame, and she longed to caress her lover there.

Later, she silently censured her mischievous libido, reasoning that she could always return there after finishing what she had already started.

Purposefully switching her focus, she whispered to Natalia, asking her how she was feeling, as her hands slid along the slight curve of Natalia's belly. Gently, she kneaded the sweet-smelling lotion into porous flesh, reveling in the mellifluous sounds Natalia was making in response.

"Wonderful," Natalia sighed contentedly. "Just wonderful."

Olivia smiled at the response, and continued her tender caress. Moving slowly upward toward Natalia's breasts, she dropped a trail of kisses on her belly along the way. And then, stretching out beside her, Olivia was careful as she worked the lotion into breasts that were growing increasingly sensitive as they prepared to nourish the child Natalia carried. Natalia's darkening areolas were a bit wider now, her nipples a bit more plump, and Olivia found them absolutely irresistible; but she knew to treat them with the utmost tenderness as her fingers slipped around them.

There was nothing deliberately sexual in Olivia's touch, but Natalia's body instinctively responded. It was a conditioned response—Olivia touched her, and Natalia's body responded with arousal of one sort or another. There was nothing she could do to stop it, even if she had wanted to.

Soon Natalia's hips were stirring, as a soft whimper fell from her lips. "If you don't stop this soon, you're gonna have to massage something else," she murmured.

Olivia grinned. "Oh, yeah?" She sounded both aroused and amused.

"Uh-huh." Natalia glanced downward.

Following Natalia's eyes along the contours of her body, Olivia's gaze fell upon that beautiful mound of dark curls again. She couldn't help but notice the slightest misting of desire's dew tickling those thick curls, or the delicate tip of her sweet pearl, peeking out from between swollen outer lips. "Oh! Well, hello there!" she said amusingly. "I guess you did come out to play."

Natalia giggled. "You planned this all along," she accused, not sounding disappointed in the least.

"No—," Olivia truthfully denied. "But I'm neither surprised, nor sorry, that it happened."

"You planning to do something about it?" Natalia husked.

Lightly, Olivia grazed the tip of Natalia's straining peak with the pad of her finger. "Is that what you need?"

"Yes—," Natalia hissed, lifting her hips to gain more prolonged contact.

Olivia nuzzled Natalia's ear. "Promise me something first?" Her tone asked the question.

"Anything…" Natalia's response was delivered on a needy draught.

"Promise me you won't get too worked up?" Olivia requested. Her voice was smooth, like silk. "That you'll relax, and just let me…"

Natalia's breath caught at the insinuation in Olivia's tone, and she bit her lower lip as she nodded her agreement. "Kiss me, Liv," she whispered, almost desperate. "Kiss me while you touch me."

Their kisses were slow and sensual, tongues gliding with ease, as Olivia leisurely caressed Natalia's achingly swollen clitoris. Gently, she swirled her finger around it; stroking the shaft, squeezing lightly, then releasing. When Natalia moaned into their kiss, lifting her hips in search of more pressure, Olivia slipped her fingertips deeper, and slowly stroked the entire length of the quivering shaft. Natalia cried out her pleasure, and Olivia deepened their kiss, as she repeated the caress with increased pressure. Over and over, Olivia stroked her, from base to tip; lightly swirling, squeezing gently, teasing the underside, before retreating once again to the base.

Natalia felt the first quivers of orgasm fluttering deep within her belly each time Olivia's fingertip made contact with that one perfect spot on the left underside of her throbbing clitoris. And that subtle squeeze just before Olivia retreated caused her breath to hitch, and her body to jerk in response. The journey to climax was slow and torturous, yet so completely enrapturing that Natalia never wanted it to end. And when finally those auspicious quivers in her belly turned to waves of pleasure that engulfed her entire body, Olivia tore her mouth away from their kisses. Natalia groaned in protest, only to sigh in pleasure moments later, when the warmth of Olivia's mouth latched around her pulsating clit, gently suckling her until the last vestiges of release flowed from her body.

And then she was floating on a sea of tranquility, as Olivia nuzzled against her center, luxuriating in the unforgettable aroma of their passion. Natalia released a slow, contented sigh, her body relaxing, as Olivia pressed tender kisses all around, savoring the taste of her lover's desire. And then Olivia returned to her, kissing Natalia's mouth, as she gently caressed her center again.

When their kisses finally ebbed, Olivia touched Natalia's face, a thumb caressing her cheek. "I love you," she whispered softly, as she gazed into Natalia's eyes.

Natalia smiled into those sparkling eyes. "You took the words right out of my mouth," she quietly returned. She kissed Olivia again. "This was wonderful, Liv. All of it," she praised. "Exactly what I needed this morning. Thank you."

A fingertip beneath Natalia's chin drew her closer, and Olivia brushed their lips together again. "It was entirely my pleasure." She drew Natalia into her arms then, and pulled the covers over her protectively. "You should rest now," she insisted. "We have a long day ahead."

"Olivia, I don't…"

Anticipating Natalia's argument, Olivia halted it with a finger to Natalia's lips. "You have plenty of time. I'll see to Emma this morning," she assured. "And once she's on the bus, I'll bring you breakfast in bed, and then we'll find one of my suits for you to wear, okay?"

Leaning close, Natalia nuzzled against Olivia's cheek. "You sure do know how to entice a girl."

Pressing her forehead against Natalia's temple, Olivia closed her eyes. "Only when that girl is you," she whispered. She brushed her lips against Natalia's ear. "You rest now. I'll be back soon."

Groggily, Natalia murmured to her, telling Olivia how much she loved her, as she snuggled beneath the covers. And then she drifted off to sleep without another moment's protest.

Olivia smiled, and brushed a kiss against Natalia's cheek. "I love you, Natalia," she whispered against her skin. "And no matter what happens today, we'll make it through, together. I won't let you down."

A soft sigh trickled from Natalia's lips, as she turned into Olivia's body.

Unable to tear herself away from the woman in her arms, Olivia simply held her close until finally, their morning routine called to her. And then she carefully slid out of their bed, donned her satin robe and slippers, and quietly crept out of their room, closing the door behind her.

TBC in Chapter 14.2: Trials and Tribulations…