Robert woke, feeling at ease. He had his arms around the woman he loves. The questions they hadn't asked were now on his mind again but he knew they would figure it all out. The one thing that was clear, was they want to be together. They know what it will mean them being together so soon after she leaves Duke but know if they wait it will just hurt the people involved more. People will know this is his child, they will know there was an affair but he didn't care.
He rolled onto his back, letting go of Anna. What will Robin think about all of this? She knows Anna and Duke have been having problems, she had even mentioned that to him over dinner a few times but they are still married. Now they are going to tell her that she is going to be a big sister as well as her parents are now a couple.
Anna had rolled to her stomach after Robert moved. She turned her head so she could watch him. What a beautiful man she thought, then she noticed the look on his face. "What's the serious face about?"
"Robin," he said simply then looked at her.
"This is going to be a lot for her to try and understand."
"That's what I was just thinking. Can she know we're dating?"
"Are we dating?" Anna asked with a little smile. Still not fully awake.
"I hope we are." He leaned in and kissed her nose. "If I'm going to marry you before our baby gets here I think we should go out a couple of times," he said with a grin, "at least."
"Yeah, I guess we should date," Anna said with a little laugh then moved closer to him. "Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"No, I know we didn't sleep all night though."
"That's good." Anna sat up wrapping the sheet around herself. "We need to talk a little before we head back to the city."
"I know." Robert sat up as well. "Anna you know how I still feel about you. I know neither one of us held back about our feelings the night we were together. I am serious about wanting to marry you. I would love that to happen before our baby gets here but I do understand that might not be the case. Anna, I want a life with you. I want us to be together to raise our children as a family."
Anna was smiling at him as a tear rolled down her cheek. Everything he was saying sounded so wonderful. "You mean that, don't you?"
"Yes. You already said it. This happened for a reason." He reached up and wiped away the tears. "We are having a second child together, Anna. I want all of us together. I want the life we should have had."
"I want that too." She looked over at the clock, it was just after nine. "We should eat whatever you brought. We can warm it up right?"
"Yes, we can." He knew they should get out of bed but wasn't ready to. Robert leaned in and kissed her tenderly. "We will find a little house of our own to raise our family in. I will marry you in a little ceremony. Anna, I love you and can't wait to be your husband."
Again Anna started to tear up. "I was a little worried about telling you." Anna smiled and stroked his cheek. "I had nothing to worry about, did I?" Robert shook his head. "I should have known how you would react. That you would want this as much as I do."
"You mean that? This is what you want? You aren't thinking that you should stay with Duke?"
"No, Duke and I," she tilted her head back and sighed, "there are so many problems. I wanted to believe he could separate himself from the mob. When we got married he told me he would. That hasn't happened and now he's even more involved with the Jeromes than before. You know that's what we've been fighting about, that that's why we're separated."
If they are going to do this Robert wants them both to fully understand each other from the start. "If you weren't having my baby do you think you'd be thinking about leaving him?"
"I was thinking about leaving him before our night together. I don't know, maybe that's part of the reason it happened." Anna sighed, it felt good to say that out loud finally. "Ever since then I have been thinking about you and whether there could be more for us. Then I found out that I'm pregnant and that it's your baby. I know I want to raise them with their father. This is your chance to be there from the start. Mine too really. I missed time with Robin when I had to work. This time, we are both going to be there."
"You have no idea how wonderful that sounds." Robert kissed her tenderly, the passion started to grow. Robert sat back, "I think we should get out of bed."
"Alright." Anna kissed him again but knew they shouldn't get carried away again so kept it quick. "Let's eat."
Robert got out of bed and pulled his pants back on before walking out of the room. Anna was already half-dressed when he walked back in and started warming up the food he had brought. Once she was dressed Anna excused herself. Robert was putting plates on the table when she came back. Anna smiled at him as she sat down. "Are we crazy?"
A big smile formed on Robert's face, "No, lucky. We're being given another chance. I know it isn't as simple as finding a wedding ceremony and getting married this time." That made Anna laugh, he smiled again seeing Anna so happy. "I know you are the one that has to deal with Duke and I can't really help you with that."
"He wasn't happy when I told him we needed to try a separation. I don't know how he's going to react to me telling him I want a divorce."
"I'll be there for you, however, I can be." They smiled at each other then started eating.
Anna ate a little then looked up at Robert. "This is going to be in the papers. We are going to top the scandal sheets."
"Whenever the truth came out it would end up being in the papers."
"Are you worried about your career?"
He looked up and gave her a little half grin. "No, not at all. Do you regret what happened?"
"No, not even a little," she said as she took his hand.
"Neither do I. We let our hearts lead the way. Affairs aren't uncommon in public office, just because ours will get a little attention doesn't mean they will expect me to resign."
Anna looked over at the bed and smiled, thinking about what had happened there not that long ago. It was an affair now but not for long. She will have to talk to Duke, tell him she's leaving him. "That's good." She started eating again. There's a lot they need to figure out before the baby gets here she thought with a smile. "I want a house, not an apartment."
Robert looked up at her beaming with happiness. "With a backyard for the kids to play in."
"Yes, that's what I was thinking too," she said smiling back at him.
"I think we should wait to tell Robin. At least until she knows you're leaving Duke."
Anna nodded in agreement. "What is she going to think about this? What is she going to think of me?"
"We will tell her our feelings for each other lead to us getting back together. She sees what the fighting with Duke does to you. She knows you are unhappy with how your marriage is. Anna, she tells me what's on her mind when she comes over. She's young but she understands so much."
"I know she does. She'll understand what having a baby brother in about seven months means about her parents too."
"I don't think she knows that much about pregnancy yet, she'll figure the math out later." Robert grinned at her then asked, "You think it's a boy?"
Anna blushed as she smiled, "I don't know, a boy would be nice."
"Yes, it would." Robert took her hand. "I know we still have a lot to work out but I know we will be happy." Then he kissed her hand. They talked a little more as they finished eating. Both of them, excited about their future. When they were done eating they tidied up and with one last kiss, they said goodnight and left.
…
Anna's morning had started off terribly. Morning sickness, she had not missed that at all. She was feeling a little better at the moment and went to spend some time with Robin before she left for school. Anna had some tea as Robin ate, "Were you and Daddy working on a case last night?"
"Why do you ask?" Anna looked over her cup at Robin.
"I tried calling him last night but Uncle Sean said he was out. I just figured you guys were working on something."
Anna realized there was no reason for Robin to think anything other than that. "Yeah, I was helping him with a case. It took a lot longer than we thought it would." Anna took another sip of tea. "Robin, I need to tell you something."
"What?" Robin glanced up from her breakfast.
"You know that Uncle Duke and I are taking a break from each other. That he isn't living here because of all the fighting." Robin nodded so Anna continued. "Things have changed for me and I want different things now. I need different things."
"What are you saying, Mommy?"
"I know this is going to be upsetting for you but I have decided to leave Uncle Duke. I am going to ask him for a divorce."
Robin's eyes got big, a look of concern on her face. "Don't you love him any more?"
"It's not the same now. I don't want you to be sad about this. It is going to be good for us. We are going to be fine." As Anna finished saying this a smile spread across her face.
"You look happy, Mom."
"I am. I know you won't understand but I feel like I finally know what I need to do to make me truly happy," Anna said touching her chest.
"Won't Uncle Duke be sad?"
"There will be a lot of emotions because of this. I don't want you worrying about that. We are adults and we will deal with what happens now. He's made choices that have led to this just like I have."
Anna could tell Robin was thinking about what she had just told her. "Alright," was all she said though. Robin finished eating and didn't ask any more questions.
Anna watched her wondering if she would have more once she's thought about this for a while. Will she understand when her parents start spending their time together. Will she be happy for them? Another wave of nausea hit her as Olin walked into the kitchen, "You don't look so good, chum."
Anna stood up, "A bit of an upset stomach this morning, that's all." Then she left the room as if she had to get ready for the day. Anna quickly made her way to her room in case she was sick again. No one here needed to know what was going on quite yet,
…
Robert woke up a bit late after not sleeping much the night before. He had a quick shower, got dressed and was out the door in a flash. He was halfway to his office when it hit him and he smiled happily. Anna is having his baby. That was what had kept him awake after he had gotten home, why he overslept. He is going to be a father again. Then the questions that had started last night started again. How are they going to do this? She is married to another man. Their daughter is involved and will be confused by all of this. How will Robin react? When will Anna talk to Duke? What will happen when he finds out the truth? By the time he got to his office, Robert's head was spinning with questions but knew they didn't have any of the answers yet.
He got a cup of coffee then sat at his desk. So far Guy hadn't brought in anything that needed his attention so he picked up his phone and dialled. "Good morning Luv," he said when Anna answered.
"I was just thinking about you."
"Were you?" Robert sat back, relaxing into his chair. "I just wanted to hear your voice."
"I'm glad you called. I like talking to you in the morning."
"What are you doing?"
"I'm just getting ready to go to work. Do you have plans for lunch?"
"No, are you asking me out?"
Anna grinned, this felt so wonderful. "I will swing by around one, then you can take me out for lunch."
Robert smiled, "It's a date. Love you."
Anna smiled, "Love you too. Bye." Anna hung up and walked back into her room with a smile on her face. As she started brushing her hair Anna started thinking, she had talked to Robin. She knew there would still be more to that conversation. Robert had called just to say hi. As exciting as this all is Anna was also a little worried. They are going to have quite the adjustments to make. A new relationship, a new baby, a ten year old daughter, living together as a family for the first time. It will be quite the challenge but she has to get divorced before any of that can happen.
Anna looked at the clock, should she try calling Duke before she goes to work? Would he even be up? She wanted to get this started, Anna walked over and picked up the phone. There was no point waiting, she knew what she wanted and a life with Duke was no longer it. She dialled his apartment in the city. Letting it ring and ring, she wondered where he would be this early. No, it doesn't matter she thought as she hung up. She'll just call him later today.
…
Anna was looking forward to seeing Robert. It felt so wonderful to know she will get to have a life with him. That's how this already feels to her, she and Robert are together now. This is what being in a relationship should feel like. She is excited about seeing him. They need to talk, to make plans about their future. Anna knocked when she got to his door, there's a smile on her face as she walked in. "Hi."
Robert looked up at her as she closed the door, "Hello." Robert stood up and walked over to her. He put his hand against his door then leaned in and kissed her. He leaned back and smiled at her, "I needed that."
Anna bit her bottom lip as she grinned, "Me too. Where are you taking me for lunch?"
"The Grill. I want to be public. I know we can't be affectionate when we go out yet but I won't hide. I want to take you to nice places. I want to spoil you." He leaned in and kissed her tenderly.
"That sounds wonderful." They are together, he isn't going to pretend they aren't. She might still be technically married but she is now with Robert. "We should go," Anna said as she ran her fingers down his tie.
"Yeah." Robert lowered the hand that had been holding the door closed. "After you," he said as he opened it.
They were shown to their table when they arrived. "Do you have to rush back to the office? Do we have time to talk?" Anna asked as they were seated.
"We have time to talk," he told her with a grin.
"Good." They ordered drinks then their server walked away. "I tried calling Duke earlier. He didn't answer but I am going to call again when I get back to the office."
"Alright. I'm sure this would be easier if he was in the same city."
"It would make it easier to talk to him at least. I told Robin this morning," Anna told him with a smile.
"How did that go? What all did you tell her?"
"Just that I am going to tell Duke I want a divorce."
"How did she take that?"
"I don't think she knew what to say. She didn't get upset but she didn't ask many questions either. I think she needs time to think about what that means."
Robert nodded then said, "I was awake for a long time thinking about this last night."
"I hardly got any sleep the first couple nights after finding out," Anna told him, tilting her head understandingly.
"I know we don't have all the answers right now but they will come." He wanted to take her hand, instead, he just leaned forward. "We will get to be a happy couple. It will just take a little while to get to that point."
"Just a little while." Anna smiled, " Robert, I am happy."
She leaned closer to him and Robert couldn't help but notice how low her blouse was open. "I shouldn't admit this but now I understand why your cleavage was looking bigger lately," he whispered with a little grin. "I quite enjoy it."
Anna giggled then glanced around, "I could pretend to be shocked to hear that but you never really stopped looking," she whispered back.
"I wasn't that obvious."
"You were always discreet but I always liked it when I knew you were checking me out." Anna smiled, she loved flirting with him. She sat back and looked around again, still smiling. No point making it too obvious this early, she still needs to tell Duke their marriage is over.
"Of course I look. You're beautiful." Their server brought their drinks and they ordered their lunch. "When should we start looking for a house?" Anna looked a little surprised when he asked so he added. "I know it might take a while to find the right place in our price range. We will also need time to prepare for a big arrival."
He wasn't talking loudly but he wasn't trying to be secretive about what he was talking about either. Robert was not ashamed of what had led them to the position they are now in. This is now their reality and he was not afraid of what was ahead for them. Listening to him talk about the baby's room all she wanted to do was lean in and kiss him. This is what they had missed out on when she was pregnant with Robin, the excitement, the joy, planning for their baby's arrival. This time they get to be excited together, they get to experience all of it together. She reached out and touched his cheek, putting her thumb to his lips. He stopped talking and looked into her eyes. "I love you," she whispered.
Robert saw the emotion on her face, she was trying not to cry. He didn't care what anyone thought. People in this town know they are close. They also like to talk so what does it matter anyway. He pulled her into his arms hugging her as best he could sitting beside her at the table. "A little emotional today?" he asked playfully. She nodded as he rubbed her back.
When she felt a little more composed she sat up straighter and cleared her throat. "Thank you."
"Why don't you tell me about your latest case? I think we need to talk about something else for a little while."
"That's a good idea." Anna did tell him about work. He talked a little about his caseload. There was a little more flirting while they ate and they even talked a little more about where they wanted to live. By the time they left Anna felt like they could really do this. They will face the backlash about their affair together. They are going to be a couple no matter what anyone thinks.
...
Anna knew Sean was at his shipping office this afternoon. Felicia is here but that was fine, she may need a friend to talk to by the time this phone call is over. Anna called the club, Duke should be there at this time of day. He had been in New York for over three weeks and Anna hadn't tried to call him often so she wasn't sure what his schedule was. "Hello Duke," she said when he answered.
"Anna, Hello. This isn't really a good time," he responded hearing her voice on the line.
"That's alright, but we do need to talk. I would like it to be today."
"Yeah, that's fine. When will you be home this evening?"
"I'll be home around six. I'll be at the office until then."
"Alright, I'll call you this evening. I am in the middle of something here." Then the line went dead.
Wow, that was a little rude, Anna thought as she looked at the receiver in her hand. What does she expect, Duke has made it clear that he expects her to ignore a portion of his life. That is what all the fighting had been about. She couldn't turn a blind eye to what Duke was involved in but he wanted her to, plain and simple. Anna hung up the phone, there was no point stressing about that now, she will just have to talk to him later tonight. There was work to do and she was the only one there to do it.