Here is the next chapter. There is a time jump in it and there is some mature content. Nothing extreme but just a warning. please read and review. Amber

Chapter 19

Callie didn't have to spend the night in the hospital this time. She was given detailed instructions on her care and it was given by the doctor personally. The house had quickly been patched up by Biff Hooper and his Dad who was a general contractor . It took four weeks. Fenton had leaked to the press that Mr. Shaw had kidnapped his adult daughter and tortured her. He even leaked images of the room she had been held in. The governor of New York called Fenton personally to apologize for pardoning Robert Shaw. He made an emotional statement apologizing for the pardon. Callie didn't vote for him. Hopefully he would not win re-election. She was lying awake in bed unable to close her eyes. The terror hadn't left her. It was still there. She sobbed once and tried to muffle it with her hand. But it sounded like a cannon blast and her husband instantly awakened.

"Callie? What's wrong?"

"N...nothing go back to sleep."

Frank did nothing of the sort. "Then why are you crying?"

"I'm not crying!" 'Not yet anyway!' Callie thought.

Frank could feel her trembling. "Sweetheart, talk to me. What's bothering you?"

"I'm still scared and I shouldn't be!" Callie yelled.

Frank turned on the light. "Sweetheart, it's okay that you still feel scared. You've been through a hell I can't imagine. But I'm here for you."

Callie turned into him and buried her face in his chest. "I know that. You and your whole family have been amazing. I just want to feel safe and my heart says I am with you. But he's still in my head and I want him out!"

Frank murmured. "He'll never be out completely Callie. In time you'll start feeling more normal. It won't be quick. It's going to take time. Maybe you should talk to someone."

Callie flinched.

Frank soothed. "He can't hurt you anymore Callie. Remember that."

"Sorry, it's just innate not to say anything to anyone. Act like everything is normal."

"I know. Now you know that you don't have to be silent, that he was controlling you and your mom."

Callie didn't want to talk about it anymore. She said. "I'll think about it." She rubbed his chest. "I know it's late but I need you."

Frank reared up onto his elbows and kissed her. "I'm glad. Because I need you too." He lifted her nightgown off her body and it floated to the floor. His hands grasped her breasts then down to her tummy to her hips.

Callie shuddered in response. She unbuttoned his pajama top exposing his chest. Callie licked her lips and batted her eyelids in their secret code. 'Mine!'

Then her hands freed him and her mouth explored. Frank's breath caught as she pleasured him. But he wanted her. She worked her way back up to his mouth and their tongues danced. They were completely lost in each other. Frank kissed down her neck and feasted on her luscious breasts. It was her turn to gasp. Frank kissed downward to Callie's bulging stomach. "I love you. Both of you."

Love filled Callie's heart. Oh she knew that. He was everywhere in her mind, body, and soul. Callie climbed on top of him and began to move.

Frank matched her pace. This was bliss. With their hands linked they both crested.

Frank stroked her hair. "Can you sleep now?"

Callie kissed him. "I'll try. I love you."

Frank kissed her one more time. "I love you too." He turned off the bedside lamp.

Callie did manage to sleep. She dreamt about a brown haired little girl with pigtails in a little pink dress.

Callie insisted on going to the bond hearing for her father and Linda. "Robert Shaw and Linda Reed are charged with federal kidnapping in the first degree. Robert Shaw you are charged additionally for murder in the first degree and torturous acts in the second degree. How do you plead?"

The attorney spoke for them both. "Not guilty, your honor on all counts. My clients ask to be released of their own reconnaissance. Mr. Shaw has to attend a Congress hearing tomorrow."

The DA spoke. "Your honor both of these individuals are accused of federal kidnapping and have the financial means to flee. We are requesting remand."

"Both subjects are remanded. The trial is set for July 30, 2021."

Callie let out the breath she was holding. Thank god! Frank pulled her into his arms as she wept tears of relief. Frank and Callie left the courtroom with Fenton and Laura.

The reporters swarmed.

"Mrs. Hardy! How long has he abused you?"

"Do you think the President will pardon them?"

"When is your baby due?"

Fenton Hardy said. "No comment. Our family will issue a statement later today. Thank you!"

Sam was driving the limo. Fenton opened the door to the back. The girls got in first followed by the men. Callie in the corner. She took her shoes off. "My feet are killing me."

Frank bent over and lifted her feet into his lap. He then started rubbing them. "You're lucky mom didn't spot them until now."

Laura pulled out a pair of black sneakers in a plastic bag from her humongous purse. "Luckily, your wife has small feet."

Callie laughed. So she did notice! "That's funny!"

It was June 24th and Laura, Vanessa, and her mother Andrea were surprising Frank and Callie with a baby shower. Joe was showing the diagram to the guys setting up the round tables in the Hardy's yard. They had borrowed the tables from church. Vanessa and her mother were decorating the tables as they were being placed. The happy couple was attending a birthing class. Then they had to go to the pharmacy. Laura had called and asked the instructor to delay Frank and Callie a little. They had rearranged the upstairs two weeks ago. Joe had moved into Gertrude's old room. Frank and Callie stayed in the Jack and Jill. Joe's old room was now painted white with a cute ladybug border that matched the crib bedding.

The guests would be arriving soon each bringing a dish. It wasn't a traditional way to do it, but it was helpful. Laura was decorating the cake table with the help of her husband. The cake read Welcome Baby Brooke Ellen Hardy. Laura really liked the name. Callie had picked Brooke to honor her. Her middle maiden name had been Brooke and of course Ellen after Callie's mom. Tony Prito and his mom and dad arrived first. Laura pointed. "There is the food table. Michael could you and Mary set up the food as it arrives? Tony help Joe please."

They all nodded their agreement. Ginny Anderson and Patrick Reed arrived next both carrying dishes. Ginny said. "Mom and Dad will come after they finish seeing patients."

Laura nodded. "That's fine sweetie. Can you fix the punch for me? The pineapple sherbert is in the freezer. The red Hawaiian Punch and ginger ale are in the fridge. The recipe for the pink punch is in the rose recipe book on the shelf."

"Happy to!"

Joe set up a small table with a table. It had a picture of Ellen Shaw with a lit candle in front.

Laura saw the display and was touched. "Oh honey that is so perfect!"

Joe smiled. "Thanks mom. Did you hear? That Ginny and Rick are going to Boston College? They're going to major in medicine too. Patrick Pediatrics and Ginny OB/GYN."

"Not the Boston College part."

Joe beamed. Grandpa! Grams!" Laura turned to greet her parents. "Mom! Dad! You made it."

"Of course we made it!" Her father smiled. "Our first great grandchild! Your momma made her antipasto."

Laura smiled. "Oh good! The foods over there." Laura could see Fenton greet his parents. She hurried over. "Frank! Eve, nice to see you."

"You too sugar!" Eve said. She handed Laura a cheese ball. It was a favorite of Frank's. "Thank you."

Frank said to his son. "So what's the latest with the asshole and his wicked woman?"

Eve smacked his arm. "Frank!"

"We maybe retired from the bureau but that doesn't mean we don't have brains. Security looks more than decent. Where was the grenade deployed?"

Fenton said. "I'll give you a report after the shower sir."

"Good boy!"

Laura looked around. "Everyone is here."

Ginny hollared. "Mrs. Hardy! They just left dad's office building. They have to pick up Callie's medicine."

She looked around nervously. Fenton came up behind her. "They are going to love it Babe."

"It's so hot Frank and I have another whole month of this."

Frank turned up the AC. "Yes love five more weeks."

Callie grumbled. "At least she's healthy."

They pulled up to the front. Frank saw a space in the driveway for them but the street was full of cars. Then he saw the pink balloons on the mailbox. "Um Callie I think my mom did a thing. With some help from Vanessa and Andrea."

They followed the path of storks to the back yard. Frank opened the gate. Everyone that was gathered yelled. "SURPRISE!"

Frank and Callie saw everything and everyone they cared about and beamed.