VI
Anna was outside her lawyer's office, waiting to be shown in. She was thinking about the weekend and everything that had happened. If she didn't include Duke's part in the weekend, it had been wonderful. She and Robert had spent a lot of time together Friday and Saturday, Sunday she had spent with Robin, having a girls day. Even though Duke has said he will not sign the papers, it changes nothing. Their marriage is over even if he doesn't want to accept it. Yesterday she had a nice long conversation with Robin about the divorce. Robin understands that this is what she wants. Robin had told her that Duke hadn't even mentioned it to her while they were out so Anna had explained that he doesn't agree and is going to try fighting it. When Anna heard her name she stood up, please Duke, just sign the papers she thought as she walked into the office.
When she left again Anna felt like Duke would sign the papers if he takes the time to read them. She also knows he may just rip them up as soon as he gets them. She couldn't worry about that now, she had to get to work. When she arrived Felicia followed her into her office, closing the door behind them.
Anna turned and grinned at her, "Can I help you with something?"
"You know why I'm in here. You said there is someone else but," she touched Anna's arm, "Robert? How long has this been going on?"
"That's a trick question or maybe it's a trick answer. There's always been something going on there," Anna smiled, "since we first met."
"Well, I want to know about now," Felicia said as she smiled at Anna then turned, "Should I get us coffee for our discussion?"
"Yes, please." Anna went and sat down while Felicia got them both a cup of coffee. When Felicia sat down she leaned forward on her desk. "Robert and I are together, I filed for divorce this morning. When I was trying to tell Duke why I wanted a divorce he wouldn't let me finish what I was trying to tell him. What I needed to tell him so he would understand why I need to end our marriage. He understood that I must have slept with someone else then he said he had too but that it was just meaningless sex. I told him it was different for me, that it meant everything."
"You slept with Robert. Duke most likely slept with some stranger, of course, that's different." Then she grinned as she tilted her head, "When did that happen by the way?"
Anna blushed a little, "About two months ago, Robert and I were out of town on a case."
"What? It's been going on all this time," Felicia said, sounding shocked.
"No, that night wasn't something we planned and it was never to be brought up again. The sensitive nature of the case meant it was something that would not be talked about again once we returned, what happened that night included. We didn't regret what happened but, well you know."
"So what changed? You said it's serious."
"Yes, it is serious. We are going to get married as soon as I get divorced." Felicia's eyes got big as her mouth dropped open, did she just say married? "Last Monday I went to see Robert, I told him something and now we are together. We are a couple."
Felicia didn't think she could be more shocked but she was. What could Anna have said to Robert? "Something! What did you tell him?"
"I don't want this part coming out right away even if I think soon lots of people are going to know Robert and I are dating. He doesn't want to sneak around, neither do I." She paused, then grinned, "I told Robert I'm pregnant, that I'm having his baby."
Anna smiled seeing Felicia's eyes get big once again, "NO? What? Oh, Anna. Congratulations!" She got up and walked over to her, Anna got up as well, hugging her back. "This is amazing."
"I was already thinking about leaving Duke when Robert and I went out of town. What happened between us then didn't have anything to do with the separation or what's been happening between Duke and I. That night Robert was the only one on my mind. The fighting is because Duke is still involved with the mob and wants me to just accept it. His choices, his mob ties, that's why we separated." They both sat back down while Anna spoke.
"I know that. You've told me enough about what's been going on with Duke."
"Did I sleep with Robert because of our lingering feelings for each other or because of the problems with Duke." Anna tilted her head, "Were there problems with Duke just because of his mob ties or because I have lingering feelings for Robert?"
"You weren't kidding when you said it's complicated."
"It goes further back, it could have been Robert after he came back but he had just lost Holly and he wasn't ready. What if I had waited six months, Duke wanted us to get married and we did but look where we are. If I had waited, would what happened between Robert and I still have happened? Only we both might have been single. I don't know."
"Anna, do you think you made a mistake marrying Duke?"
"I just filed for divorce before we were even married for a year."
Felicia smiled and nodded, "Right."
"I've known about the baby for almost two weeks now and I know it can't be Duke's." Anna went on to tell her more about what was going on and the things she has been thinking and feeling.
When Anna was done they both got up, Felicia gave her another hug, "I know everything will work out for you and Robert."
"Thanks, I know it will. I guess I should actually get some work done today."
As she said that the phone rang and Felicia smiled, "I guess whoever that is, agrees," then she went to answer the phone at her desk. Anna picked up a file and sat down at her desk and was quickly lost in her work.
When Felicia came in to say she was heading home for the night Anna was surprised to see it was already after five. Anna started wrapping up what she was working on, it was time to head had home
She had only been home a short time when there was a knock at her door. Anna smiled when she opened it, seeing Robert standing there. "Hi, this is a nice surprise."
Robert smiled, "Hi," he said as he leaned in and gave her a quick kiss. "Robin invited me over for dinner, she thinks Mom might need a friend."
Anna pulled him into her arms, "I need you. Thanks for coming over."
"Robin told me you explained what was going on between you and Duke and she thinks that if there is something else that will make you happy then you should go after that," Robert said, still holding Anna.
"Starting a life with you, that's what I want to do."
Robert grinned, "That's what I want too." They stepped apart and walked into the living room, "After dinner would you like to go for a drive. We could get an idea of what neighbourhood you might want to raise our family in."
"That sounds nice. It also gives us a little time all to ourselves."
Robert grinned, "That's what I was thinking."
They sat down on the couch, Robert putting his arm around her, as soon as he did she snuggled in a little closer. "I talked to Felicia today, she knows everything."
"Sean does too, he had several questions that I got to answer yesterday."
"What did he say?" Anna asked.
"He's happy for us. He told me that we never should have broken up. That things should have played out differently and if they had he knows we would have made it through the things that broke us up."
"Is that true? Could we have stayed together?"
"You told me you wanted to tell me the truth about the DVX and why they were threatening to kill me but didn't know how to. If that had all gone differently if you had been the one to tell me. I think I would have been angry, it might have been hard to understand, to accept but yes, I think we could have worked through that."
Robin came into the living room just as Robert kissed Anna tenderly, "Hi Daddy."
It was only a short kiss but what all had Robin seen Anna wondered. She came and sat in the chair by them, "Did Mom tell you that we are going to be moving?"
"I know that yes. You aren't leaving Port Charles so why do you look so sad?" Robert asked.
"I like this neighbourhood. My friends are close by."
"We can still live in this area, we just won't be staying in this house," Anna told her.
"Oh," Robin was very pleased to hear that, "that's good, and we aren't leaving Port Charles?"
"Isn't that what your father just said? We are going to find a new house and live there and we will all be very happy."
"Okay, good," Robin said, now watching them closely.
"There's a lot going on and you're just trying to understand it all, aren't you?" Robert said and she nodded. "I'm going to be around a lot more now." He looked over at Anna and she gave him a little smile. They wanted Robin to know about them, she knows about Duke, now she needs to know about them. "When you move into your new home, I'm going to move in with you."
There was a confused look on her face now as she looked at both her parents. "Will there be a room for you or are you going to have to sleep on the couch again?"
That made Robert and Anna smile. "He will have a room. Robin, I told you why Duke and I broke up, why I needed to end our marriage. There was one thing I left out. I am in love with someone else and I know he's the right one. Then I found out that he felt the same way." She glanced over at Robert, "This is what I have wanted for so long. I knew I had to leave Duke so I could be with your father."
"What?" She looked at them, not sure she could believe what she had just heard. He had held her in his arms the other night when she was crying. He had just kissed her but neither of them had said anything before now.
Robert and Anna both sat forwards, he took her hand in his, "I am going to move in with you. I will also be marrying your Mom as soon as we can. I love her and we don't want to be apart any longer."
"Does Uncle Duke know?"
"He doesn't yet, no," Anna told her. "I tried to tell him when we talked this weekend but he didn't really want to hear what I had to say. He doesn't want the divorce and that was all he wanted to state. I am going to tell him but we wanted you to know as well because Dad is going to be around a lot more now. We are going to be doing things together and slowly people here are going to find out that Robert and I are together."
"Robin, we want you to know that we are in love. You might hear things, people might even ask you questions. You don't have to answer them and if you have questions come and talk to me or Mom, alright."
"Alright," Robin nodded slowly. "Is this why you've been spending so much time together lately?" she asked.
Robin was right, they had been spending a fair amount of time together as of late. Work was only a small part of that too. Anna would go talk to him when she got into fights with Duke. They had been having a lot of family meals as well. If either of them had a function to go to they would take the other person with them, then there were the times they just hung out together. Anna grinned at Robert, "Maybe it is, I think we both wanted to be around each other and it's turned into more," she said. Robert is the friend she turns to when she is having problems. He is the person she wants to spend her spare time with, she thought with a smile. Had they been headed for this even before they found out about the baby, Anna wondered happily.
"I'm glad we had this talk but didn't you invite me here for dinner?" Robert asked grinning at Robin.
She smiled happily at them, "Yes I did. I'll go see how it's coming." Then Robin got up and left them alone again.
Anna turned to him, "I think that went very well."
"Once she's had time to think about what we just told her I feel there will be more questions."
Anna leaned against him, "I think you're right." He put his arm around her and she sighed as she relaxed into him. This felt so wonderful. Knowing she can sit like this with Robert when Robin's around. That she knows what is going on between them, for now, this right here is all they needed.
…
It had been four days since Anna and Robert had talked to Robin about them. She had asked Anna a lot of questions the day after then said that she was happy about what was going to happen. She liked the idea of her parents being together. She did feel bad for Duke as well and Anna understood that too. They had bonded so much, she knows they love each other and will miss each other but she also knows Duke's choices could put them all in danger.
Anna was getting ready, she and Robert had a date tonight. Their first real date. She was so very excited about this. They are just starting out again. She is now involved with a man that puts her first, puts their daughter first. Duke tried but he could not separate himself from the mob and that seemed to come before her and Robin. That was not good enough, she wanted more for them. Robert was the man that would give them what she wants, what she needs.
When there was a knock at her door she took a deep breath then went to open it. She smiled seeing Robert standing there with flowers, this is really happening. The sheer joy she felt seeing him standing there, "Hi."
He stepped inside and she closed the door, "You look amazing. These are for you," Robert said as he leaned in and kissed her.
"Thank you. These are beautiful." Anna turned to take the flowers to the kitchen.
Robert followed her and saw Robin sitting watching TV. "Hey, kiddo. How's it going?"
She smiled at him when he sat down beside her. "I'm good. Make sure Mommy has fun on your date," Robin said with a little laugh. She really did like that they are going to all be a family. That before long she will be living with both her parents.
"I will do my best."
"Are you really going to marry Mommy?"
Robert wondered where that had come from. "Yes, I am. There is a lot going on that you are a little too young to fully understand but we will get married when we can. I love your mother, I always have and now we get another chance to be a family. I hope you want that."
"Of course I do Daddy. I just didn't think it would ever happen," she said shaking her head a little with a grin.
He saw it now, she is happy about this and he knows she will love being a big sister. He had never really let himself dream about this either. A life with Anna and Robin, now it's even better with another little one on the way. He pulled her in for a hug, "Neither did I, sweetheart."
Anna walked back into the room and smiled seeing them. Olin followed her out of the kitchen, she had noticed the change in Anna lately, was that because of Robert. She had been a little surprised when Anna had told her about what was going on. Olin liked Duke but she did want them all to be happy. The fighting she had seen wasn't good for any of them, she hoped this would work for Anna, for all of them. They all seemed so happy now.
"I will spend the night chum so you don't have to hurry back."
Anna grinned over her shoulder, "I'll be back," she paused, "late." Then she leaned down and gave Robin a hug and a kiss. "Night sweety." Robin said goodnight to them as well then they left.
As they got in the car Robert said, "I think Robin will be happy about all of this."
"I think she already is," Anna said smiling over at him. "She has asked me if you and I would ever get back together a few times since she met you. I think she loves the idea of having her Daddy around and us all being a family."
"I love that idea too." Robert smiled over at her, "I thought the Grill would be a good choice for this evening. We can do whatever you feel like after we eat."
"Can we go to your place for a while. I'd like to be alone with you."
"I can't guarantee that Sean won't be there."
"Our daughter won't be there."
"Good point." Robert grinned at her as he drove.
"Robin really wants to stay in the same neighbourhood. I would want to be a couple of blocks away but not that far from the friends she's made close to the house."
"Are there any houses for sale around there? I am buying you a house to make our home."
A single tear rolled down her cheek. "You are my home."
Robert looked over and saw the love in her eyes, he reached out and took her hand, bringing it to his lips, kissing her softly. "I love you, Anna."
Anna put her hand on his leg, he will look out for her. He will provide for her and their children. He will protect them. Anna smiled to herself, she does that and doesn't need that from him, she just needs him.
As they walked into the Grill Robert's hand was on her back. He didn't need more than that, he gets to touch her, he is here with her. They both know they will spend some time in the rumour mill but there is no need to start that before people hear about her leaving Duke. They can speculate all they want he thinks, as they take their seats, people already do anyway.
"I am really enjoying spending time with you," Anna said as he moved his chair a little closer to hers. He had been over two evenings this week and they had talked a lot. Depending on how the search for a house went, Robert may wait before moving in with them. They agreed they don't need to rush but they do both hope they can be married before the baby arrives.
"So am I." He looked into her eyes. "Getting to hold you, Anna. To really hold you, knowing I don't have to watch where my hands might be. To get to breathe in your beautiful fragrance, get lost in that smell that is so very you." He had leaned in so he wouldn't be overheard.
Anna smiled at him, "It is wonderful." She looked up as their waitress approached their table. Robert ordered a bottle of sparkling cider then they picked up the menus. Anna grinned at him from behind hers, he was looking at the menu and she thought he looked relaxed, he looked happy. "I want to be alone with you."
Robert glanced around "All alone?" She hid her smile as she nodded, that made him smile. "Well, I feel like I should make sure you eat something." He glanced around and leaned in again. "You are having a baby. Step one, share a meal then we can be alone, Luv."
That sounded wonderful. "I am hungry," Anna said with a smile. She felt relaxed as well, as she looked over the menu Anna smiled as she realized this is just the first of many nights like this for them and she was looking forward to all of it.
"I think we should order then," he said as their waitress returned. Over dinner, there was some flirting, but again they didn't want to get carried away yet. They talked about when they thought Duke would get the papers and what he would do. Neither of them believed he would just give Anna the divorce. When they were finished Robert pays their bill then they left. His hand close to being on her hip as they walk close to each other.
As they got on the elevator at the penthouse Robert pulled Anna into his arms. He held her close, as his cheek brushed along hers, then he kissed her neck. "I've wanted to be this close to you for a while."
Anna's hands moved up his back then up into his hair, "I love being in your arms."
"I don't know if Sean and Tiff are here so I needed to hold you even if it is just for the length of the elevator ride."
Anna leaned back in his arms, "We should tell Tiff, don't you agree?"
"It would be a good idea." He leaned in and kissed her tenderly. "I hope they aren't here tonight," Robert said with a smile.
"Yeah, I didn't mean we had to tell her today," Anna smiled back as the elevator door opened. They walked to the door, hand in hand hoping for some time to themselves. When Robert opened the door the living room was dark, it appeared no one was there. Anna let out a little sigh, as she leaned against him, putting her hand on his upper arm. "I think we're alone."
"I think we are as well," he said as he turned on the lights.
"Not too many," Anna said as she led him towards the couch. She turned and smiled at him, "Sit." He did then Anna cuddled in nice and close beside him. "Mmmm, this is nice."
With Anna's back against his chest, Robert held her close, "I look forward to evenings like this now. Getting to hold you, talk about our future."
Anna smiled, "We're doing more than that tonight." Robert nodded and kissed her cheek. "Are we really looking at houses in a couple of weeks?"
"Yes, we are. We are going to find a nice home. You and Robin will have somewhere to go that Duke can't try to take away. I will move in when it's right." He kissed her again. They talked a little more about what they wanted in a house. Anna would smile just thinking about getting to live with Robert. "I think we can plan our future just as easily up in my room," he said with a sexy little smile about an hour after they had gotten there.
"You have a point. I wouldn't mind getting a little more comfortable." Anna kisses him passionately then stands up holding her hand out to him. Robert happily takes it and they head up to his bedroom. Anna turned to him at the foot of the bed, putting her arms around his neck, "Do you ever think about our first night together?"
Robert grinned, "Finally getting to kiss you. I was never so happy to have had unwanted visitors in a room before."
"Oh really?" she asked with a smile of her own.
"It didn't take long for me to start thinking about kissing you. And yes I still think about our first night together."
Oh if only things could have been different, they both think. That didn't matter now, they are getting another chance. A chance to get it right. With his hands on her hips, they started to sway. "I would have danced with you all night just to be in your arms. What happened was so much better."
"Yes, it was." He leaned in and kissed her. Then unzipped her dress as she started undoing the buttons on his shirt. His jacket and tie, taken off earlier. The kissing continued as she removed his clothing when they were both in their underwear they got into bed. Robert pulled her close, "Oh Anna, I know this time we'll make it. We'll be happy with our beautiful little family."
"I know we will."
"I don't want to lose you again, Anna."
"You won't," then she kissed him with so much love, understanding he needed more than just words.
Slowly he slid the strap of her slip off her shoulder, kissing her shoulder. There was such tenderness in their touch. Soft moans escaped Anna's lips as he trailed kisses down her body now that her slip had been removed. There was such tenderness in their lovemaking this time. They had both needed the other one to feel that love they have for each other. This is the beginning of their second chance and neither of them wanted to lose this again.
Afterwards, they lay in each other's arms, whispering sweet nothings not ready to let the other one go yet. "I hate to say this but I guess I should get you home."
"Mmmm," Anna snuggled in a little closer, nuzzled into his neck and kissed it. "I guess you do."
"I'm spending the day with you and Robin tomorrow so I will be back in the morning," he reminded her. They were taking Robin to the zoo then they'll do whatever they all felt like after that as long as they were together. They are going out as a family tomorrow, as a couple.
"I am looking forward to this," Anna said as she sat up a little and smiled at him. "We are really doing this. People are going to realize we're together now."
"Yes, they are."
Again, this is something that should make them nervous and they both knew that. How would their friends react? What are people going to say? That wasn't what they were thinking about though, they were just looking forward to the future and getting to be together. Slowly they got out of bed and got dressed. Robert pulled Anna into his arms by his bedroom door, needing to hold her just a little longer. She looked up and kissed him tenderly then he opened the door. As they stepped out into the hallway they all but walked into Sean and Tiffany.
Robert gave a little nod and smiled at Tiff, "Goodnight."
Anna smiled as well, "Bye." Then they turned and disappeared down the stairs.
"What?" Tiffany said after a moment, still staring down the stairs.
Sean took Tiff's arm and gently pulled her towards his bedroom. "I'll tell you what I know, just come with me."
"They? Are they? What is going on here?" Sean just smiled and closed the door behind them. He laughed a little at the look of utter confusion on Tiffany's face then told her some of what Robert had told him.