A Fresh Start
Chapter One Hundred Nine
When Cassie gets back to the farm, Richard is coming downstairs. "Hi." He says, walking over to her as she puts her purse on the table. They hug and then he leans back and gives her a quick kiss. "I thought you were going in this morning."
"I decided to take a break. I went to talk to Reva."
"About James?" Richard asks, going to get a coup of coffee.
"Yes."
"What did she say?"
"The same thing you said, to have the DNA test and to take it one day at a time." She says, walking over to him as he pours himself a cup, offering her one which she declines.
"But that wasn't the only reason you went to see her." He says, taking a sip of coffee as he turns to her.
"No, I wanted to see if she remembered him."
"And did she?"
"No, not really."
"She was a little girl at the time."
"I know. That's what she said. I also wanted to talk to her about her, Rusty and Hawk and how this will affect them. I don't want to hurt them, especially Hawk. I know I'm not his daughter, but he's treated me like his own."
Richard puts his coffee cup on the counter. Taking her hand, he pulls her over to him. "Everything is going to work out. I don't want you to feel guilty if it turns out that he's your father. I know you don't want to hurt Reva, Rusty and Hawk, but you deserve to know him if he's your father."
"There's something else I was thinking about."
"What's that?"
"The wedding."
"The wedding, what about it?"
"I was thinking about James and about asking him… about him giving me away." Cassie says, looking up.
"What do you want to do?"
"I don't know." Cassie says, walking over to the refrigerator and getting a bottle of water.
"Do you want him to give you away?"
"This will be my last wedding and I've never had anyone give me away."
"If you want him to then you ask him. I don't have a problem with it."
"I'll think about it. Are you going in?"
"I've got a meeting with the company from Chicago. I should only be gone for a couple hours."
"Okay. Reva told me something else while I was there." Cassie says, after taking a drink.
"What was that?" Richard asks, walking over to the refrigerator. Opening the door, he looks inside and then closes the door.
"What do you want?" Cassie asks, putting her water down.
"I was looking for something to hold me over till lunch."
"I'll fix you something." Cassie says, taking out the eggs and bacon.
"You said Reva told you something when you were over there." Richard says, moving out of her way.
"Oh, yes. She and Billy found out some interesting information about Jeffrey." Cassie says, as she starts cooking the bacon.
"What was that?"
"Apparently HB had another son and it appears that Jeffrey is that son."
Cassie says, starting to feel nauseous from the smell of the bacon.
"Jeffrey is HB's son." He says, staring at her.
"It would appear so, hold on a minute." She says, putting the fork down on the stove. "I'll be right back. " Cassie says, walking out of the kitchen
He walks over to the living room and watches her walk into the bathroom. He goes back to the stove and finished cooking the bacon. When she returns a few minutes later, he asks. "Are you okay?"
"I am now." Cassie says, walking over to the stove.
He's taking the bacon out of the frying pan. When she smells it, she feels her stomach turn over. Walking over to the window, she opens it to allow in fresh air. Richard noticed her reaction to the bacon and when she comes back to the stove, he says. "Go sit down?"
"I can finish…."
"I know, but I'll finish. Go sit down." He says, nodding towards the table.
"Alright." She says, walking over to the table.
"So, how did Reva and Billy figure out that Jeffrey is HB's son?"
"Apparently they found a file with HB's will in it only there were some changes to the will and in the file was a report from a private detective that stated that they were able to track down HB's son and that his name was Jeffrey O'Neill."
"How did they find the file?"
"I'm not sure, but Reva says that Josh is insisting that we not tell Jeffrey about it."
"Not tell Jeffrey, why?"
"Josh used the reason of Jeffrey and Marah, but Reva…."
"Jeffrey and Marah?"
"About a year after Jeffrey came to town he and Marah were together. It didn't last very long, but they were together."
"They were couple, like…."
"Yes, but neither of them knew and they've been over for a couple years now. Reva said that Marah doesn't even ask about him anymore."
"Well I can see why Josh wouldn't want to tell him because of that, sort of."
"I can too, but it's over with now and Jeffrey's married so they won't be involved again. I'm sure they'll be shocked but it's not like either one of them can be blamed. Besides Reva believes there's another reason why Josh doesn't want to tell him."
"Another reason, what would that be?" Richards asks, as he finishes eating.
"She doesn't know. They haven't been talking since she was over here the other day."
"I thought she was going home and talking to him."
"I did too and she was. She went home and fixed him dinner. She called to ask him to come home but she got his voicemail so she left a message, but he didn't come home until after midnight and by that time Reva as anger and she locked him out of the bedroom. They haven't talked since and now she and Billy found the file about HB and Jeffrey being his son and they both confronted him."
"And knowing your sister, I can imagine how that confrontation went." He says, getting up and taking his plate to the sink."
"She's not that bad, Richard."
"I've been on the receiving end of one of her interrogations. She won't quit until he tells her why he doesn't want to tell Jeffrey and if she doesn't agree with him I wouldn't be surprised of she doesn't tell him her self."
"She only wants what's right. And Josh should know her by now."
"I think he does know her, that maybe why he doesn't want to tell Jeffrey the truth."
"What reason could he have for not telling him the truth that included Reva?"
"I don't know, but whatever it is, he feels he's justified in that he feels and if I know your sister, depending on whether she agrees with him, she may decided to tell Jeffrey on her own. And if she does that, we maybe in for a rough winter." Richard says, glancing at the clock.
"You've got to go." She says, looking at the clock.
"Yes, the meeting is for nine thirty."
"Okay, I'll be here when you get back."
"Okay." He says, walking over to her. He leans down and gives her a kiss before he grabs his briefcase and keys as she stands up.
She follows him out to the car and then kisses him again before he gets in his car and leaves. When she goes back into the house, she reaches for the phone and calls Rick's office. After a couple rings, the nurse answers. "Rick Bauer's office.
"Yes, I need to speak with Rick."
"May I ask who is calling?" The nurse asks, as Rick walks up.
"Cassie Winslow."
"Could you hold please?" The nurse asks.
"Of course."
She puts Cassie on hold and then turns to Rick. "There's a Cassie Winslow on the line for you. She wants to speak to you. Do you want to take it?"
"Cassie, of course." Rick says, reaching for the phone. He pushes the button for line one and says. "Cassie."
"Rick." She says, sitting down at the table.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, not exactly. I need to schedule a DNA test."
"A DNA test, I don't understand?"
"To make a long story short, I've just recently met a man that claims to be my father and he's agreed to a DNA test. I need to schedule one."
"Alright, when do you want to have it done?"
"As soon as possible, if you can." Cassie says, as Rick looks down at his schedule.
"Would the day after tomorrow be too late?"
"No, that will be fine." Cassie says.
"Alright, I'll write you in." He says, taking a pencil
"What time?"
"Would one o'clock be okay?"
"That's fine, we'll be there." Cassie says.
"Alright, I've got you down."
"Thanks Rick." Cassie says, fiddling with the table clothe.
"You're welcome and I'll see you the day after tomorrow."
"We'll be there." Cassie hangs up and then looks around the kitchen.
When Richard walks into his office, he has about twenty minutes before the client from Chicago will arrive. Sitting down at his desk, he turns his computer on as he picks up the phone. Cassie's symptoms were beginning to worry him. Dialing the number for Rick's office, he waits for the nurse to pick up. After a couple rings, she answers. "Dr. Rick Bauer's office.
"Yes, this is Richard Winslow. I need to speak to Dr. Bauer."
"May I ask what this is about?"
"I need to speak to him about my wife."
"Could you hold please?" The nurse asks, as Rick walks up to the front desk.
"Of course." Richard replies, before she places him on hold.
"Dr. Bauer, there's a Mr. Winslow on the line for you. He wants to speak to you about his wife."
"I'll take it." Rick says, picking up the line and connecting the calls. "Richard."
"Yes, Rick. Thank you for take the call."
"It's not a problem. I just spoke with Cassie a few moments ago."
"Yes, she told me she was going to call you. I assume she setup the appointment for a DNA test."
"Yes."
"I need to speak to you about that." Richard says, sitting back in his chair.
"Okay."
"Cassie's been having some symptoms that has me concerned and I was wondering if there would be any test you could run while you're running the DNA test."
"What kind of symptoms is she having?"
"Nausea, dizziness, She's tired most of the time, which isn't like her. I'm worried about her. She says it's because we've been so busy the last few months. With me coming home and bringing Will home, getting ready for Jeffrey and Sam's wedding as well as planning our own. She's working at the Beacon again. We have had a lot going on, but I want to make sure that there's not something more serious going on."
"All of those symptoms can be caused by stress or low blood sugar. Is she eating properly?"
"She eats every meal when I'm with her. But I don't know what she does when I'm not there, so as far as I know she's eating properly."
"Alright, there are some tests we can run but before them we will have to inform Cassie of what's happening and get her permission."
"That's fine. I just want to make sure she's not really sick."
"Alright, I'll order a completely battery of tests to be run when she comes in for the DNA test, and I'll inform…."
"I'll do that." Richard says, sitting up.
"Alright."
"Thank you, Rick."
"You're welcome. I'm sure that it's nothing more than just stress."
"Thank you."
Richard hangs up as Marciano walks into the outer office and his assistant buzzes him.
When Richard got home after his meeting, Cassie is upstairs putting away some of Will's clothes, putting his briefcase down on the table as he walks through the kitchen. "Cassie." He calls, climbing the stairs.
"I'm in Will's room." She calls.
Walking down the hall, he stops in the doorway and watches her putting Will's clothes away. When she turns around, he smiles as she walks over to him.
"How did your meeting go?" She asks, leaning into kiss him
"Fine, we've almost worked out the details."
"Good."
"I see you've been busy. Did you take anytime to relax? He asks, reaching up to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"I took a little break after you left, but the laundry needed to be done. I talked to Rick after you left. The test is scheduled for the day after tomorrow and I left a message for James to call me. I didn't want to tell him that in a message."
"Okay. Speaking of Rick, I called him while I was at the office."
"You did, are you feeling okay?" She asks, looking him over.
"I'm fine, but I'm worried about you." He says, leaning against the doorframe.
"Me, I'm fine."
"Cassie, you're not fine. You've been exhausted for days now. You nearly passed out when we were in your office and then you got sick. You did the same thing with James yesterday and then this morning. I just want to make sure that whatever is going, it isn't something serious."
"It's not, it's only stress."
"Please, humor me. We just got back together. I want to make sure you're alright." He says, reaching for her.
She lets him pull her to him. "Alright, do you want me to make an appointment with…?"
"I've already taken care of it."
"You've taken care of it, how?"
"I talked to Rick and I asked him to run a few tests along with the DNA test and he said he would but that he would have to tell you first." She looks at him "Don't be mad, I only want to make sure you're alright and nothing else is going on." He says, his eyes pleading with her.
"Alright." She sighs, smiling as she looks at him.
"Good, do you feel like a nap?"
"Is that all you want Mr. Winslow?"
"Well." Richard says, with a smile as he leads her out of Will's room and down to their bedroom.
"You know, I really should be upset with you." She says, as he leads her into their bedroom.
"I'm only trying to protect you and love you." Richard says, turning to her.
"I know." She says, leaning into kiss him. She leans back a few seconds later. "And I love it that you're here to love and protect me again."
"I'm going to be here for a long time." He says, reaching up to caress her cheek.
She turns her head and softly kisses his palm.
Warm sparks of electricity flows through him. "There's no one here but us, my Princess, we are completely alone." He says, reaching up to caress her cheek again.
"Umm I wonder what we will do."
"I have no idea but I'm sure we'll think of some way to pass the time." He replies with a smile.
"I know I can think of something."
They are standing beside their bed. "You must already have something in mind."
"Of course" Cassie says as she takes his hand.
Pulling him to her, she wraps her arms around his neck as she presses her lips to his. The kiss starts out sweet and innocent, but as the flames of desire wash through their bodies it becomes hot and passionate. A moan escapes deep from her as he slowly slides his hands down to her waist were he begins to tug her t-shirt from her jeans.
Once this is accomplished he tosses the shirt on the floor while she kisses his chest as she unbuttons his shirt. After she it unbuttoned, she pulls it from his pants as she kneels in front of him softly tonguing his navel. Burying his hands in her hair he presses her mouth to his stomach. His head is thrown back with his eyes closed. A groan escapes from deep inside him as she lightly nibbles on his abdomen.
After a few minutes, he groans. "Cassie… Stop"
He reaches down pulling her back to her feet, wrapping his arms tightly around her, his mouth searching for a kiss fierce with passion as he fights for control. Once he's in some semblance of control and she breaks the kiss needing to catch her breath. She slides across his jaw, nibbling as she goes till she reaches his ear were she whispers. "Are you ready? My Prince
He responds by tightening his arms around her as he reaches for the snap on her jeans as she reaches for the clasps of his dress pants. Sliding his hand inside her jeans brushing downward he sweeps them off her. Turning, her knees touch the side of the bed and she sits down raising her eyes up to his. Their gazes lock as she slips her hand inside his pants slowly sweeping them down. After he steps out of his pants she slides her hand up the inside of his thigh, her hand brushing against him.
He responds by kneeling on one knee beside her as he gently pushes her back to lie across the bed. Once she is comfortable he lays down beside her his arms on either side of her. He leans in for another kiss. Wrapping her arms around his back, as he slides his hand underneath her where he finds the clasp to her bra.
Within a few seconds he has it unclasped and she is shrugging out of it. He leans back drinking in her beauty as she gazes quietly up, watching his reaction. Emotions start to build inside her that she can no longer control. She tries pulling him down to her but he resists
"What's wrong, darling?" He asks, sensing her desperation
"I love you so much."
"I know, and I love you too."
He leans down and their lips meet once again. She slides her hands down his back till she reaches his waist. Her hand slipping inside his boxers softly tugging as they roll over. When he's on his back she kneels beside him while she continues to tug on his boxers. Once she has them passed his knees he kicks them off while she moves to straddle him.
She softly scratches his chest as he slowly glides his hands up her body to her breasts. He softly teases her as she throws her head back. With her eyes closed, her lower lip tucked in her mouth. She can feel him beneath her hard and insistent.
He continues to caress her until she beings to rock back and forth against him forcing loud moans from both of them. He pulls her down to him his lips searching for hers as he flips her over. He slides hands lightly down her body till he reaches her underwear. Slipping inside as he breaks the kiss sliding along her jaw line till he reaches her ear were he whispers "Are you ready? My Princess"
"Touch me and find out." She replies, looking up as he sucks in a deep breath.
He sweeps her underwear down her body as they continue to kiss. While he is riding her of the last article of clothing her hands brush across his shoulders and down his back across his waist where they finally rest at his waist.
Catching his gaze once again she slips her hands downward enclosing him as a sigh of ecstasy slips from him. She slowly moves her hand up and down mimicking the rhythm they always share. As she caresses him he caresses her inner thigh working his way up to her.
At the first touch of his hand she cries out then closes her eyes in ecstasy with her lower lip once again tucked inside her mouth. Even though she is no longer stroking him he is completely aware of her hand wrapped around him. Just her touch is enough to drive him to distraction.
But she is so wrapped up in him as he plays her she has forgotten her own stimulation. A soft cry of disappointment escapes her as he leaves her only to be replaced by a cry of ecstasy a few seconds later when his mouth replaces his hand. He plays her almost to the point of explosion and then backs away.
Arching her back, she silently begs him to finish what he started but he holds off. He slides up her feverish body till he reaches her heated lips. After a few seconds he breaks the kiss, leaning back emerald green locks with clear cobalt blue silently asking a timeless question. She answers by once again arching her back towards him as she runs her hand down his body slowly guiding him home.
Cries of pure unadulterated pleasure escape them both as he sinks into her. Immediately he begins to move inside her slowly at first then with greater speed. She wraps her legs around him deepening his penetration with each thrust. For several minutes he carries her to the edge almost to the brink of release only to slow down again.
Slowly he builds back up again almost to the point of explosion but this time instead of slowing down he completely stops his head buried in the side of her neck as she moves restlessly beneath him. "Richard, please I need you… now!"
She tries to desperately arch her body to his, but his weight holds her motionless. She silently begs him to finish it by tightening her arms around his. This time he changes rhythm, starting with heated movements building in intensity like a storm, with each thrust drawing them closer to the peaceful center. When they once again reach their highest peak for the final time he groans "Cassie."
"Richard." She replies, clinging to him
She is swept away by the tide of love, desire and passion. Once he knows she is satisfied. He releases all control gives one final thrust and is whisked away. His arms can no longer support him and he collapses into her arms with his faces buried in the side of her neck. She wraps her arms tightly around him. "I love you." He whispers
"I love you too." She answers, as they both slip off into soft sweet slumber
After Cassie left Reva spent the day straightening up Cross Creek. She was sitting in the living room when Josh came home about five. She looks in surprise as she says. "Josh."
"Hello." He says, walking into the living room and sitting down.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were avoiding this place."
"We finished the job in Oakdale, so I thought I would come home so we could talk the other day."
"Okay." Reva says, sitting up.
"We need to discuss Jeffrey."
"What is there to discuss? He deserves to know the truth."
"No, he doesn't. He doesn't have to be told this. He's not even thinking about or asking about this?"
"How do you know that?"
"What I mean is that he's not concerned with finding out who his father is?"
"So, according to you because he's not asking about it, we shouldn't tell him."
"Yes."
"Think about that Josh. How you would you feel if you were in Jeffrey's place?"
"I'm not."
"That's not the point." Reva says, leaning forward and looking him in the eye.
"He doesn't need to know. And not telling him will spare Marah…."
"Don't use Mara as an excuse. They've been over for years now and they will never be and option again."
"Of course they're not and option."
"Because he's in love with Sam and he's not free anymore. So there has to be another reason why you don't want to tell him."
"He doesn't need to know." Josh insists, ignoring her implied question.
"You would want to know. He's your brother and he has the right to know."
"Why are you being so stubborn about this? Why do you care if he's told?" Josh asks, standing up.
"He deserves to know. And I'm being stubborn as you put it because you're not telling me everything." Reva says, watching him.
"We are the only one's that know about this, you, me and Billy. We don't have to tell him." Josh says, staring at her.
"We're not the only ones that know about this." Reva says.
"What! Why in the hell would you tell anyone else about this?" Josh yells
"I told…."
"Who did you tell?" He demands.
"I told Cassie, this morning." Reva says, yelling back at him.
"You told Cassie, why would you tell her?" He demands.
"Why should I not tell her? She came over to talk…."
"What did you tell her?"
"The truth, that Jeffrey's HB's son."
"We don't know that for a fact, and we can't tell anyone else this."
"We do know, and people are going to find out, especially after we tell him." Reva says, finally loosing patience and getting up.
"But we're not telling him." He orders.
"We have to tell him. He will find out."
"He hasn't found out after all these years."
"And you're betting that someone will not looking into his past, his history. He's mayor. Someone will and when they do, they will say something, either publicly or to Jeffrey. Either way, if he finds out that we knew about this and we didn't tell him, he's going to be upset."
"I don't care if he is upset. We can't tell him." Josh orders.
"We're telling him. We have to tell him."
"Given your history, no, we don't."
"What the hell does that mean, given my history?" Reva asks, as Josh turns for the door."
"Nothing, I thought I could talk to you about this, but obviously I can't." Josh says, walking towards the door.
"Josh, what did you mean, given my history?" Reva asks, following him.
He walks out without answering her. She's following him. "Josh." She says when he gets in his truck. "Josh, what the hell do you mean, given my history?"
Starting the truck, he pulls away without answering her and her standing in the driveway, watching him. He couldn't believe he had said that to her. When he decide to come home, he had every intention of talking her out of saying anything to Jeffrey, but he had no intention of telling her his true reason for not wanting to tell Jeffrey that he was a Lewis.