Chapter 31

After her conversation with Natalia, Olivia just wanted to get out of her office. While getting ready to head out for the day, she heard another knock at her office door. "What now?" She turned around to find Daisy standing before her.

"I thought maybe you could help me with something."

"Sure."

"You have a lot of experience with the Spaulding family.

"Yeah, I try not to think about it."

They talked for a few minutes about their mutual dislike for the Spaulding's. Daisy had formed a friendship with Phillip's son James and was informed he isn't allowed to hang out with her. Olivia told her to just try and stay away from them.

"They're not all alike."

"No, I'm sure your friend James is different."

"I was actually thinking of Rafe."

"Rafe?"

"Yeah, he's a Spaulding too."

"I never even think about that."

"Yeah, cause he's a normal person."

"Have you seen him since he's been back?"

"Not much no."

"Well, you should call him. He could use a friend."

"Yeah, me too. And we're actually in a good place right now. Which I didn't think was possible, considering all we went through together."

"Everybody needs somebody in their life, who knows them and loves them anyway. No seriously, his mother's worried about him, and I think you could be a good influence."

"That'd be a first. Well, bye."

"Bye." Daisy left and Olivia packed up to head for home.

Natalia was finishing at the store when she bumped into Father Ray, who immediately started in on her life choices and their effect on Rafe.

"My son is upset because he can't become a cop, because of his prison record. It has nothing to do with me or Olivia."

"Today. But when you do tell him, you must know it will affect him."

"Of course, I do. Which is why I haven't told him yet. He is just out of jail; he's got a lot of adjusting to and I don't need to burden him with anything else."

"Interesting choice of words."

"I didn't say it was wrong. I just, I meant…"

"What?"

"It's just, it'll be one more thing that he has to adjust to, just like everything else. And I will tell him when the time is right. Olivia and I have talked about it. We know what's best for our family."

"Did it ever occur to you that avoiding telling Rafe, just like you're avoiding me, is because deep down, you know this isn't what God wants."

"God wants me to be kind, and loving, and caring, just like always. I know what's in my heart. If you do see my son, I'm gonna assume that the only thing you will tell him, is that I'm looking for him."

"Of course. I would never betray your confidence."

"Thank you."

"You know if you're having such a hard time telling anyone about this, including your own son, maybe your feelings for Olivia, aren't as strong as you think they are."

"I know what I feel Father." Without another word she walked away to check out.

On her way to her suite, Olivia stepped off the elevator and walked right into Phillip Spaulding. Unable to escape, she was forced to approach him. He turned around and offered a small smile. "Hi."

"Hey." She replied as friendly as possible.

"How's life?"

"Life is just peachy. How's your life?"

He looked down at his feet, looking sheepish. "How's Emma?"

"She's great."

"I would love to see her sometime, soon."

"We can arrange something."

"How'd you manage to raise such a great kid?"

"I think she's the one thing that I did right in my life."

"It's tough being a parent. A lot tougher then I remember. You know, when it's going wrong, it's all you can think about."

"Thanks." That small sentenced made everything with Natalia and Rafe click. Olivia's jumbled thoughts instantly became clear.

"You're welcome." He said confused. "Did I say something right?"

"Oh, you just helped me clear my head about a few things. Call tomorrow and you can take her to lunch. Okay." Without waiting for a response, she all but sprinted away. Headed straight for home, to apologize to Natalia.

Reaching the farmhouse before Natalia. Olivia decided to wait on the porch for her partner. Natalia pulled up shortly after. She greeted her with a smile and a kiss. "I'm sorry I've been so impatient about Rafe. I'm just, I'm not very good at the waiting stuff."

"Oh, I know that about you. I know you want what you want when you want it."

"I wish that were true."

"But thank you. Thank you for saying that about Rafe. Cause, he really does need a little extra help right now."

"I think we all do. And I think we just need to keep that in mind. I'm gonna try and help Rafe, but I'm gonna give you your space with him. So, I'm gonna go to the Beacon..." As Natalia's face contorted, Olivia realized she had said the wrong thing, again. "I'm just trying to do the right thing here."

"This isn't some ultimatum? This isn't, you tell your kid now or I'm outta here?"

"No. You were great with Emma, and I need to show as much care for Rafe as you did with her. I just, I got a little off track. You know, he got out of jail, and needed all of your attention, and I just, I saw it as another obstacle."

"I understand that. And I really didn't think that it was gonna be this difficult."

"I got scared, but I'm not anymore. Because I know that if I wait, you will be there, and you are so worth waiting for."

Natalia just stared at her for a moment. A million thoughts running through her head. She knew it would be easier for Olivia to be together but not really be together, if she wasn't living in their home, having to stay in her old room instead of their bed, but a very selfish part of her, just wanted Olivia to stay.

Insecurities stirred in Olivia during that moment of silence, and 'run' was all she could think. "Right, I'm leaving." She started to walk down the steps but Natalia grabbed her hand and spun her around, stopping her from going.

"Wait, just come inside with me."

"No."

"Olivia, please, come inside and talk to me."

Unable to deny Natalia anything, Olivia relented and walked in the house with her love. Olivia sat on the couch and Natalia chose to seat herself on Olivia's lap, straddling her thighs. "I thought," She kissed Olivia's neck. "That we decided," she kissed the other side. "That you," she kissed up to her ear. "Were staying here." She kissed along her jawline. "Just in your old room." She kissed her lips. "Until he was ready."

Olivia was lost in the feel of Natalia but fought to remain coherent. "Uh, we…we did…but…"

Natalia started to unbutton Olivia's charcoal grey vest and white button-down shirt. "No buts," she kissed her chest, inching farther down as each button popped. "I need you here, close to me." Reaching the scar running down Olivia's chest, Natalia ran her tongue alone the length. "And Rafe, well, he needs to see us as partners, not as separate individuals." She sat back and looked at Olivia then, trying to read the emotions raging in her eyes, but all she could read at the moment, was desire.

"Um…I um…."

Sliding off Olivia's lap and onto her feet, Natalia reached for Olivia's hand and pulled her to her feet, urging her up the stairs and to their bedroom. "Emma is at a sleep over right?"

"Yeah, what about Rafe?"

"He's out with Daisy, apparently a little birdie told her he needed a friend." Closing and locking the door, Natalia gently pushed Olivia onto the bed and climbed on top of her.

Feigning innocence Olivia smirked out, "Hmm, wonder who that was?"

Natalia giggled as she nibbled on Olivia's neck. "You're still not funny."

"Yes I am." She smirked, as she rolled Natalia onto her back and sat on top of her. Her legs pressed to either side of Natalia's thighs. "So, we have a few hours?"

"Mmmhmm."

Olivia slowly slid her hand up the inside of Natalia's shirt. "Any idea what to do with our time? TV?" she asked, pretending to get up.

Natalia pulled Olivia back flush against her body. "Olivia Spencer!" Natalia growled.

"What?" Olivia chuckled while dropping kisses to Natalia's chest and working her shirt up her body.

Natalia moaned softly. Kissing Olivia until they were both breathless. Whispering against her lips. "Make love to me."

Olivia slipped her leg between Natalia's while lifting her shirt the rest of the way over her head and tossing it to the floor. Reaching her arms under Natalia, Olivia unclasped her bra and pulled the straps down her arms, throwing it over her shoulder to join Natalia's shirt on the floor. She kissed Natalia's lips then kissed her way to firm breast. Circling the areola with her tongue before taking an already stiffening nipple into her mouth.

"Oh God…." Natalia moaned.

Natalia arched her back and gripped Olivia's head. Digging her nails into her scalp. Releasing squeals of approval. Her hands relented their hold on Olivia's head to pull her shirt up and over her head. Forcing Olivia to let go of her breast. She brought her into a searing wet kiss, while she unhooked her bra and slipped the straps down. Olivia raised her body just enough for Natalia to fully remove the offending garment. Lowering herself again, so they were pressed breast to breast. They both gasped at the contact. Kissing with even more urgency.

Olivia held herself partially up on her right elbow and trailed her left hand down Natalia's body. Making quick work of the button and zip on her jeans. Kissing down Natalia's chest and belly, she kissed across her hips while she eased the pants down her legs, taking her panties with them. Removing the jeans and panties completely, Olivia placed open mouth kisses to the mound of softly curls, before kissing her way back up Natalia's body, stopping to suck on an erect nipple before finally finding sweet lips again.

Natalia ran her nails up Olivia's back, leaving little red marks in her wake. Threading her fingers into thick locks, holding Olivia in place while she devoured her mouth. Ripping their mouths apart to take a much-needed breath, Natalia slid her hands down Olivia's sides to the waistband of her form fitting jeans. "Off." She muttered against kiss swollen lips.

Olivia slipped from the bed and quickly removed her jeans and panties. Placing her hands flat against the sheet on either side of Natalia, she slid her body directly over top of her. Keeping herself suspended above her she dipped her head and took her lovers lips in a deep kiss. Pressing the entire length of her body against Natalia's as her tongue plunged into wet heat. Their centers crashed together and both women moaned.

Natalia gripped at the firm globes of Olivia's ass. Pulling her impossibly closer. The air in the room filled with only the sounds and smells of their arousal as they slid against each other. Connecting in the most basic of ways. Reaffirming their love.

Olivia slipped her hand between their sweat soaked bodies, spreading her own lips and then Natalia's to press their clits together. Natalia's arms wrapped firmly around Olivia's back, while Olivia's slid underneath Natalia to wrap around her shoulders, leaving no space between them.

They ground against one another, both climbing higher into ecstasy. Each of their moans being drowned out by the other. Olivia let out a primal scream as she crashed into a heart stopping orgasm, Natalia following seconds behind. Olivia collapsed onto the bed beside Natalia, struggling to catch her breath. Natalia was still panting as she nuzzled into Olivia's side. Tossing an arm over Olivia's waist and kissing her shoulder.

They lay in comfortable silence for untold moments, just absorbing their love. Savoring it during this brief time alone. They let the world outside fall away and just enjoyed the simplicity of time spent together, without the influence of outside forces.

Olivia stroked her fingers through Natalia's hair, kissing the top of her head and breathing her in. Natalia traced abstract patterns on Olivia's stomach, trying to hold onto this moment of ease for as long as possible.

Suddenly Olivia felt hot tears fall against her chest and Natalia's body shook in her arms. Placing a finger under Natalia's chin, she coaxed her head to meet her eyes. She softy kissed her forehead. "Hey, hey, what's with the tears baby?"

Natalia took a ragged breath, trying to stop her sobs. "I'm so scared Olivia."

Olivia wiped a falling tear with the pad of her thumb. "What? Why sweetheart? Talk to me."

"I can't lose this, you."

"I'm right here honey, I'm not going anywhere."

"But I can't expect you to wait forever. What if Rafe is never ready?"

Olivia looked deep into chocolate pools. "Listen to me Natalia. I am not going anywhere. I am completely yours. I am here as long as you want me here. I love you so much baby, so much. Please don't doubt that."

Sniffling Natalia tried to bring her scattered thought into focus. "I just want to do what's right for everyone. I love you so much Olivia. I know I'm asking a lot of you with Rafe, but please know that I have every intention of telling him. It's not just for his benefit that I'm waiting. You and I have both already seen his anger and attitude flare in the short time he's been home. If we tell him too soon, push him too fast, it could be harder on all of is."

Rubbing Natalia's back, Olivia kissed her forehead and attempted to soothe her fears. "Honey, I promise, we will get through this. Yes, it's going to be a challenge, but you and I, we can get through anything. Look at all we've been through to get here. This is nothing. OUR son needs us to be there for him. He needs me to be as little involved as possible, and he needs you to be as involved as he wants. We will get him through this tough transition, and then, we will give him the family he doesn't know he needs. I love you, and I love him. I'm sorry I haven't been as supportive as I should be."

"How it is that you always know just what I need to hear?" Natalia asked, looking up with a dimpled smile.

"Just part of my charm." Olivia smiled back. Placing a kiss to each dimple. "I love you Natalia, with all of my heart. As soon as we get through this hurdle, I'm going to make you my wife."

"In my heart, I am already your wife. But I can't wait to be Mrs. Olivia Spencer."

Olivia smiled wider then she could ever remember smiling besides Emma's birth. Glancing out the window, she noticed the sun sinking lower and sighed. Darkness was just starting to set in. "As much as I hate to say this…."

Natalia quitted her by placing a finger to her lips. "Don't. Just another minute. I just want to be safe in your arms a little while longer."

Olivia tightened her hold, dipping her head and claiming Natalia's lips. They kissed slow and deep. Each trying to convey the depth of their love for the other. This kiss was possibly their most important one yet. This kiss was their commitment to their relationship, to their family. This kiss was life binding, heart to heart, soul to soul.