Chapter 15

Going directly to Spaulding mansion, Natalia walked into Phillip's office and straight to his desk.

Phillip looked up at her. "Hello."

"Hi. Uh you don't know me."

"Let me take a guess. Natalia Rivera?"

"How did you know that?"

"Well, your pictures all around the house with Gus and your son."

"So you know who I am, I'm sure you can guess why I'm here."

"Olivia sent you."

"No, Olivia doesn't know. I came to talk to you about Emma."

"How is she?"

"She's a wonderful little girl. She's happy. Smart. She knows you're home and she really wants to see you."

"I would love that. How do we make that happen?"

"We can't. I urged Olivia when you first got back in town to let Emma develop a relationship with you but Olivia is terrified, because of everything that happen."

"Understandable."

"And Emma went missing earlier today, she's okay, but for awhile there we both thought that you had taken her, and I have never been that scared, and I got it, I finally understood why Olivia doesn't want you to have anything to do with your own daughter. I'm not saying that it can't happen, but I'm telling you, if you don't give this some time, and prove yourself, it will never happen."

"I appreciate your candor"

"I don't wanna make anything more difficult, I would like for Emma to have as uncomplicated a childhood as she possibly can."

"So would I. I love her very much."

"I love them both."

Olivia decided to seek out the Mayor and found her at the bar in Towers right where she expected her to be. "You need to get your ass in gear and put my ex behind bars where he belongs."

"Which ex?"

"Phillip. Spaulding. You know the kidnapper. Am I the only one in this town that thinks he belongs in jail?"

"Look, he's awaiting a trial date, and you know, the wheels of justice are turning."

"Well make them turn faster."

"I'm only the mayor Olivia, I'm not governor, yet. There's only so much I can do."

Doris slipped the bartender a $20 and held her hand gently. Olivia noticed and formed a plan. Smirking she looked at Doris. "I'll see ya in awhile."

"Alright then, bye, bye."

Olivia called Natalia as she was leaving Towers and Natalia was leaving the Mansion.

Natalia answered her phone. "What's up?"

"I think I found a way to get Phillip."

The two met at Company to discuss the plan.

As Natalia walked in Olivia looked up at her. "Hey, so where you been?"

"We said we were gonna come up with ways to keep Phillip and Emma apart and that's what I've been doing."

"Well while you were working on it I figured it out. We have to get Phillip back in jail as soon as possible." She took a deep breath.

"But you said he might not even get a trial date for months."

"Well we're gonna get his trial date moved up."

"Oh yeah?"

"Mmmhmm."

"Cause we're not lawyers, and we have no control over the legal system. I learned that with Rafe."

"No, no. I know, I know and it would be hard for us to have a direct effect, but there are people out there who have that kind of influence, we just need to influence them."

"Whose them?"

"Oh, you know, Doris Wolfe."

"The mayor?"

"Uh-huh, yeah, she could get the trial moved up if she wanted to."

"Why would she do that for us? I thought she hated us, the whole.."

"I know, and that's what makes this so interesting, see Doris has a secret, and we're gonna use that secret to get her to do what we want."

"That sounds kind of mean, but what's the secret?"

"Well lets just say that Doris is a little more open minded then she might have let on. See I was out the other night and I ran into her. In a gay bar."

"What were you doing in a gay bar?"

"Not the point honey."

"Olivia…is that where you went the other day when you left after I fell asleep?"

"Umm, yes. But it's not what you think."

"Oh, and what do I think?"

"Baby, can I explain that later? Let me finish this. So, I was leaving and I turn around and there she was wearin' a hat."

"What's wrong with that?"

"Well nothing's wrong with it, it's a disguise."

"Okay you still didn't tell me what you were doing in a gay bar."

"I wasn't looking for a gay bar okay. The sign said ladies night so I wondered in thinking I might get a free martini, except it was a night where ladies go out to meet other ladies."

"I'm not sure you going to a bar for a free martini is any better…"

"It wasn't like that Natalia."

"We will discuss that later, so Doris."

"That's why she was there."

"Well, I mean, that's fine she can do whatever she wants it's her business."

"No, yeah, I don't care what she does, you don't care what she does, but obviously she does because she's trying to keep it a secret. So we'll ya know, we'll take that little secret and we'll use it to have her do what we want."

"That's blackmail."

"No, no, no, no, no. It's using what's available. It's kind of like you know, uh, picking out ingredients you need or want to make a pie. You might want a berry pie but you might just have apples so you know what, you're gonna make apple pie. That's what we're doing."

Walking into Doris Wolfe's office the two stood in front of her desk. Doris turned from what she was doing and let out a breath. "Oh, can't I have a moment of peace?"

Natalia stared at her. "We need your help Ms. Wolfe."

"Yeah well stand in line, I have to get to a meeting."

Olivia was quick to cut her off. "You know I think they can wait. You're a very important public figure. I'm, I'm, it's one of the perks of being a big fish in a small pond wouldn't you say?"

Letting out an exasperated breath Doris gave them her attention. "What do you want?"

"I told you, I want Phillip Spaulding locked up as soon as possible." Olivia stated.

"And I told you I can't do that."

"I think you constituents at ladies night would disagree."

"So you're calling in your chips."

"You asked what I wanted to keep quit, this is it."

Hating the meanness of this Natalia felt she should say something. "You know Ms. Wolfe we really don't care about your personal life or who you see, or what you do…"

Olivia cut her off, "no, not all but obviously you do, so if you want this to stay a secret, then…."

The mayor looked at her with sadness in her eyes, "I'm just not ready."

"I'm not ready for Phillip to see my daughter."

"I will move Phillips trial up to the next available date."

"He belongs at the front of the line."

"He's already there. Are we finished here?"

"Yeah I think that's it."

With a satisfied smile Natalia thanked her for her time and they headed out.

That night cuddled on the couch, Natalia thought that messing with Olivia a little might be just what they need after all the drama. "So you gonna tell me about your little trip to ladies night."

"Really? You wanna talk about that now?"

"Yes as a matter of fact I do. I mean really Olivia, you left me asleep in our bed, went to get drunk, and ended up with Doris Wolfe at a gay bar. What were you even thinking?"

"I, I just needed a drink. It had been a long day, and after everything with Frank I just, I….."

At Olivia's pleading expression, Natalia decided to put her out of her misery, She cut her off with a kiss. As the kiss deepened Olivia let out a whimpering moan. Natalia slowed and then stopped the kiss. "It's okay baby, I was just giving you a hard time, but I would prefer if you talked to me instead of turning to the bottle when you're upset. We are partners querida, you should be talking to me."

"I know. I'm sorry. I'm not used to having someone to talk to, to having someone on my side. It has been just Em and me for so long. It's going to take some getting used to."

"I understand. It was that same way for me with Rafe, but we have each other now, and we both need to work on leaning on us instead of outside sources. Okay?"

"Okay. Anything for you my love." Pulling Natalia into a blissful kiss they settled in for some cuddles and a movie.

The following day Natalia and Olivia prepared for baby Henry's christening. Neither of them was really sure they wanted to go but, Buzz was a good friend to both and Olivia felt it was a good time to talk with Buzz about the Frank situation.

At the church Natalia was working on her casserole for the lunch afterwards and Olivia went to seek out Buzz. "Hi."

"Hi."

"Where do I dump the cheese cake?"

"Ah in the kitchen, just a second, ah, Frank proposed to Natalia and I just wanted to know, do you think she's gonna say yes, or is she gonna break his heart."

"I didn't know that Frank had told anyone."

"Well not everyone is me you know. I think she'll be good for him."

"She's a good woman Buzz, and it's funny you mention the proposal because I actually wanted to talk to you about that."

"Okay, shoot."

"I know this may not be the best time but, here we are so…Buzz, Natalia and I are together. She's…."

"Wait, What? You and Natalia?"

"Yes, and she's tried to tell Frank and he is refusing to listen. I was hoping you might talk to him for me. Maybe make him see reason."

"Wait, slow down a little here, if you and Natalia are together then why is Frank proposing?"

"That's what I'm trying to tell you. He isn't getting it. She told him after Coop's memorial and he just wont listen. Buzz he kissed her after she told him she was seeing someone. He trapped her in Coop's room and wouldn't let her leave. He keeps trying to tell her that it's not true. Going so far as to propose. Buzz I think he's lost it and I'm telling you, if he doesn't back off I'm gonna….."

"Wait, wait, wait, just calm down. I have to be missing something here. You can't be telling me that Frank is acting like, well…." He trailed off, not really knowing what to say.

"Yes Buzz. He's starting to scare her. We have enough going on with Rafe, and Emma, and Phillip. It would be really helpful if you could just talk to him. Make him understand. I know he thinks I'm gonna hurt her, and I can't blame him, but Buzz, I love her."

"You really love her don't you?"

"I've never loved like this Buzz. She's it for me."

"Okay, I'll talk to Frank, but really, he proposed after she told him she was with you?"

"Yeah I know. Sounds more like one of my other exes." She laughed.

Chuckling Buzz gave her a kiss on the cheek. "You look good Olivia, happy. It's nice to see. I'll talk to him."

"Thanks Buzz."

Just then Mallet came walking in. "Hey." He kissed Olivia on the cheek. "Thanks for coming. Ah everybody ready. Everyone's sitting down."

"Okay, good, lets go." And they walked into the church. Olivia took her place next to Natalia. Through the entire ceremony Olivia couldn't take her eyes off Natalia. Trying to listen, she turned her attention to the front of the church.

The minister began. "Today we welcome Henry Cooper Camaletti. Do you desire he be baptized?"

Mallet and Marina both said, "We do."

"Who will mentor this child in the ways of Christianity?"

Dinah, Bills sister, walked to the front. Marina looked to Mallet, "Where's my dad?"

"I don't know, he was just here."

"Okay we had a missing godmother, now a missing godfather."

Frank came in walking briskly to the front. "Hey, hey I'm here. Sorry, sorry I'm late."

Mallet continued with the ceremony. "We have chosen these godparents. Frank Cooper and Dinah Marler, to endure this child."

Frank turned to Dinah then back to Marina and Mallet. "You can't let Dinah be the godmother of your baby."

"I know it's a little weird dad, but it's okay." Marina confirmed.

"No actually it's not okay."

Mallet talked over him. "Frank, Frank, this is not the time to protect your little girl we can't have a discussion of my past love life right now."

Dinah looked at him, "No, that's not what he's talking about. Is it Frank?"

"Do you wanna tell them, or should I?"

"Your godmother is responsible for Lizzie Spaulding's kidnapping." Dinah confessed.

Marina and Mallet just looked at each other. Everyone dispersed while they tried to figure out what next. Natalia chose to light some candles. Feeling her presences more then seeing her, Natalia half turned to Olivia. "Why is it that every religious ceremony in this town seems to fall apart?"

"Maybe God has it in for Springfield. I know he certainly has it in for me."

"That's a ridiculous thing to say. God is no respecter of persons. He doesn't punish us for who we are."

"Okay, well I, I don't even know what that means so."

"Yes you do. God loves all of us. You reminded me of that the other day. He doesn't hate anybody. Our sins can make us feel bad, but he is not up there just picking and choosing who he likes and dislikes."

"Okie dokie. What do you think he feels about Dinah right about now?"

"I think he wants to help her."

The two joined Lillian in a pew when Natalia was done lighting her candles. Olivia always looking to lighten the mood said, "You know this is the most interesting christening I've ever been to and we haven't even gotten to the food yet." Marina and Mallet came through the back doors. "Well there's mommy and daddy. Where's the kidnapper?"

Natalia gave her a disapproving look. "None of this is funny."

Mallet told everyone they were going to postpone the christening. Lillian suggested that they all still eat and celebrate Henry. Daisy went with Natalia to help heat the food back up and Natalia convinced her to be the godmother. As she came back into the church Frank walked over to thank Natalia. Marina joined them, thanking her and pulling her into a group hug with she and Frank. Olivia watched from the side shooting daggers at Frank with her eyes.

Natalia walked away with Ashley to cover the food and Frank, not noticing the evil eyes being cast at him, walked to Olivia. "Man oh man, Natalia saved the day. I mean who else could have gotten Daisy to stand up like that."

Trying to keep calm and not ruin Henry's day Olivia grit her teeth and replied. "Yeah well, sometimes you need a stranger in a situation like this."

"Yes well, she's not a stranger by any means."

"No of course not."

"You know Olivia, she's made such a huge difference in our family. She's filled this huge void. She's like the missing Cooper. You really wanna take that away from us, take this family away from her?"

"You know Frank I am trying very hard not to strangle you right now because today is about Henry, but so help me Frank…"

"What? I'm just trying to point out what all you are taking from not just my family, but from her. She has always wanted a family, and I can give her that, you can't. Think about it Olivia. I'm gonna go talk to Daisy." Leaving before she could respond, he walked to the front of the church.

Olivia stood there, her body shaking with anger. Taking several deep breaths she was able to some what calm herself. At least enough to not kill him right there in the middle of the church.

As the ceremony started again, Natalia took a seat next to her. Olivia gripped her hand so tight it was almost painful. Looking into her face to try and center herself.

Natalia leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Are you okay honey?"

"No, but not now. Okay?"

Seeing the finality in Olivia's face Natalia just squeezed her hand and returned her gaze to the front.

Once the christening was complete Natalia pulled Oliva into a side room while everyone headed downstairs for lunch. "Oliva, what's wrong?"

"Lets talk about it at home okay."

"No, you are way too upset. What happened?"

"Frank happened."

"What now?" Natalia asked, letting out an exasperated breath.

"It's nothing he just said somethings and he has a point. I just need some time to think. Can we please drop this for now?"

"No! absolutely not. I can see it in your eyes Olivia, something is very wrong. Please tell me what happened. We just said the other day we would lean on each other, didn't we?"

"Yes, yes we did. He just said that you were like the missing Cooper, and he could give you a family, and I couldn't and he's right…."

"No…"

"Hey, let me finish. Just hear me out okay."

"Fine."

"You fit here. You blend into his family seamlessly. You come in and fix problems, and help them all. Cook them meals and cookies and they love you. This is the family you have always wanted for you and Rafe. I can't give you anything like this."

Natalia placed a hand under Olivia's chin and gently lifted until their eyes met. "Now you listen to me cause I'm only gonna say this once do you hear me?" Olivia nodded. "I. Don't. Want. This. I don't want to be a Cooper. I want you, I want us. If I ever take another name it will be Spencer. Olivia don't you see? You have given me so very much. You have given me the best family, no, it's not as big as the Coopers, but that's not what matter. Our family has so much love Olivia, that's what counts. You, me, Emma, Rafe, and Ava, we are all that matter. The amount of love we have is what matters. Secondly, you have given me so much more then just a family. Honey you have given me myself. You believed in me and made me be better and more then I ever thought I could be. It's because of you that we have our home. It's because of you that I am a whole person. I am more then a mother and a Catholic. Because of you I am just me, just Natalia. The things that used to define me are now just parts of who I am. You did that for me. Don't ever doubt that you are enough for me baby. You are everything I didn't know I needed and more then I ever dared to hope for. You, my love, are everything to me."

Tears flowed freely down her face and Olivia gasp. "I love you so much Natalia, and I swear. I will do my very best, every single day, to be what you need. Whatever you need."

"You already are querida. Don't ever think any different. And don't you ever listen to Frank Cooper about me. Do you understand me Olivia Rebecca Spencer?"

"Yes ma'am." Olivia said, giving a mock salute.

"Good" Natalia brought Olivia's lips to her own she kissed her deeply. Both of her hands sliding into Olivia's hair, holding her close. Olivia's tongue slipped out and ran across Natalia's lips waiting for entrance which was immediately granted. Tongues tangle together, dueling for dominance. The kiss deepened further causing both women to moan. This kiss was one to affirm their rrelationship. This kiss, was everything they are and everything they will be.