A Fresh Start
Chapter One Hundred Fifty Seven
Everyone continued to walk around the party, eating and talking. Jeffrey and Sam were sitting at a table when Olivia walks up to them. "Hello." She says. Jeffrey looks at her as Sam tenses. "Can I sit down?"
"Umm…." Jeffrey looks at Sam.
"I'm not going to start anything Jeffrey. I wanted to apologize."
"Alright." He says, nodding to one of the chairs.
Olivia sits down and for several seconds there's and uncomfortable silence until Jeffrey says. "You said you wanted to apologize."
"Yes, I'm not sure where to begin." Olivia says, looking at him and then Sam. There's another few moments of silence before she says. "I want to apologize for the way I've been behaving. You were right to leave." She says, looking at Jeffrey. "I wanted to believe that I could see you for something other than the man that supposedly raped me, but I couldn't. I wanted to blame you for what happened. And I wouldn't admit that I was as much to blame for what happened that night as you were."
"What about Ava?"
"Ava is the best thing that came out of all of this. I want her to be happy." Olivia says, looking at her and William. "And before long we maybe attending another wedding. "I don't know why I treated her the way I've treated her. She does remind me of that night, but I know it's not her fault."
"You owe more than just me and apology, Olivia. What you've done to…?"
"What I've done to Sam is unforgivable, you're right. I should have been happy for you. I know you're happy. I see it when you're together. You love her." Olivia says, turning to Sam. "You were right I never did have him. I wouldn't admit that to myself."
"Why are you admitting it now?" Sam asks.
"I've got help." Olivia says, looking at James. Sam follows her gaze and nods.
"I hope you both are happy. And maybe some day we can be more than adversaries that's formed a truce." Olivia says. And then she looks at Jeffrey. "No matter what happened between us all those years ago, Ava was the best thing that came from that and you have been a wonderful father to her. And you will be a wonderful father this baby." Olivia says, before she gets up. "Thank you for letting me apologize. I really am sorry for all the stuff I put both of you through."
"Thank you." Jeffrey replies, looking up at her.
"Yes, thank you. And I hope you're happy." Sam says.
"Thank you." Olivia says, nodding as she turns to leave while they watch her.
"I certainly never expected that." Jeffrey says, watching her walk away.
"Neither one of us did." Sam says, taking his hand.
"What do you think brought that on?" Jeffrey asks.
"James." Sam says, looking at Cassie's father.
"You think they are involved?" Jeffrey asks, as Sarah stands up and taps her glass, getting everyone's attention.
JR is standing beside her. "What are you doing?" He hisses.
"I'm congratulating my sister." Sarah replies, smiling. "I want to propose a toast to my sister." Sarah says, moving away from JR as he reaches for her. "She deserves to be congratulated. She accomplished a lot. She went from being almost homeless to living in a Palace. She was Princess of a country she probably never heard of until she met the Prince of San Cristobel." Sarah says, walking towards Richard and Cassie. "Did you know what she was before you married her, Your Highness?" Sarah asks, looking at Richard. "No wait, you did. It was broadcasts for your whole country to see." Sarah says softly for only them to hear. You see, my sister had made quite and interesting career choice." Sarah says, looking at James. "Do you know what that was?"
"Do not say another word Sarah?"
"She was a stripper. That's right she was paid to take her clothes off in front of men. I wonder was she paid for more." Sarah says, as everyone gasps, staring at her. "And you want her to be part of this family. She's a stripper. She doesn't deserve to be apart of this family." Sarah says, as James walks over to her, grabbing her arm.
"What are you doing? Why are you doing this? Humiliating your sister."
"Why would she be humiliated? Unless you didn't know what she was? She's a stripper and you want that to be apart of this family."
"I am sorry everyone for my daughter's behavior." James says, drawing her to the table she had been sitting at with JR. "Take her to the Beacon, I'll be there shortly. I want to make sure Cassie's alright."
"She's fine. She's survived…."
"Do not say another word." James says, looking at Sarah. "I'll be there shortly."
"Yes sir." JR replies, taking Sarah's arm, dragging her from the party as James turns to Cassie.
He walks slowly over to them. Cassie is frozen in place, staring ahead before she turns to Richard. "It's okay." Richard says, putting his arm around her.
"Cassie." James says, as Reva, Josh, Billy, Hawk and Rusty appear at her side.
"I'm okay." She says softly, looking at James.
"I'm sorry she did this."
"No, it's me that's sorry. I'm sorry I didn't tell you about dancing. I should have, but I didn't want to face your reaction.
"I already knew about it." James says. "Remember, I looked into your past. I found the videotape that was played in San Cristobel. I also found the announcement you taped after the announcement, explaining what you did and why." James says, looking Cassie in the eye. "Sarah is a bit spoiled and she's very proprietial towards me. I knew she was struggling to accept this but I never thought she would attack you and definitely in such a public manner." James says, as Cassie reaches for Richard's hand, squeezing it tightly.
"Cassie, are you okay?" Richard asks, as she shakes her head, gasping softly. "What's wrong." He asks as she doubles over. "They baby!" Richard says, looking around. "Sam." He calls, when he spots her standing next to Jeffrey
"Baby?" James says, as Sam comes up.
"Cassie, where does it hurt?" Sam asks, as Josh brings her a chair.
"My stomach, it's too soon Sam. I can't…."
"Can you walk?"
"I don't…." She doesn't finish as Richard sweeps her up into his arms.
"Take her into the house and I'll examine her there." Sam says, as Richard walks through the crowd, carrying Cassie towards the house.
When they enter the house, James asks. "Can anyone tell me what he meant by baby?" James asks, looking at everyone.
"She's pregnant!" Rusty says, turning towards James.
"Pregnant! How? Why didn't she…?"
"Why should she tell you? It was none of your business and if you had any sense you would…."
"Rusty, that's enough. You're mad at Sarah." Hawk says, walking over to James.
"I'm not sure why Cassie didn't tell you she was pregnant." Hawk says.
"But she told the rest of you." James says, looking at them
"Yes." Reva says, stepping forward. "She told us."
Richard carries Cassie upstairs with Sam following behind him. When they reach their bedroom. Richard walks in, going towards the bed. "It's going to be okay." He whispers.
"Can you lie her down on the bed?" Sam asks.
"First put me down so we can take the dress off."
"Cassie."
"It will make it easier for Sam."
Richard sits her down and tries to unbutton the dress. Sam soon realizes that he's getting frustrated. "I'll do it Richard." Sam says, taking over.
Richard steps back, pacing back and forth while Sam helps Cassie out of the dress. "Go ahead and sit down on the bed." Sam says, helping Cassie sit down. "What are you feeling now?" Sam asks.
"It's not hurting."
"When did the pain stop?"
"It eased up when Richard picked me up. What's going on? Is the baby…?"
"The baby's fine. What you felt was what we call Braxton Hicks contractions. It happens usually in the third trimester but it can start as early as the second. It's your body's way of getting ready for the real thing. Usually they stop when you move. These pains do not get closer together, increase with walking or increase in how long they last, and they do not feel stronger over time as they do when you are in true labor."
"I've never had these before." Cassie says.
"Could this be because of the accident?" Richard asks, sitting down beside Cassie.
"It's possible. If they continue, try going for a walk or lying down and resting. Drinking plenty of fluids help as well and eating a small snack or meal. If you want you can get a massage."
"So, the baby's okay?"
"Yes, it's fine. You might take a few moments to relax before you come back down." Sam says, getting up.
"Thank you, Sam." Richard says, standing up.
"You're welcome." Sam says. "I'll let everyone else know that everything is okay."
"Thank you." Cassie says, taking a deep breath. Sam leaves as Richard sits back down on the bed. "I was so scared." Cassie says, taking a deep breath.
"I know." Richard say, putting his arms around her. "And so was I." He says, as she lays her head on his shoulder. They sit there for several moments before he says. "You know, I sort of let the cat out of the bag."
"James."
"Yes, I'm sorry."
"No, it's okay. It's time he was told. I almost told him myself yesterday." Cassie says, with a smile.
"Do you feel like going back downstairs?"
"Yes, but I think I need to get dressed first." Cassie says, looking down at her slip.
"Maybe so, what do you want to wear?" Richard says, getting up.
"I can get…."
"No, stay there and I'll get you something to wear." He says, as Cassie starts to get up.
"Okay." She says, as he goes into the closet.
Jeffrey is waiting at the door when Sam comes downstairs. "Is she…?"
"She's fine." Sam says, as everyone turns to her. "She's fine. it's only false labor pains."
"Did Sarah cause…?" James asks.
"No, Sarah didn't cause them. It's likely because she been doing more than she has been doing. Braxton Hicks contractions are sharp pains within the uterine wall. They simulate labor pain. That's why they're called false labor, but the pains never grow in strength or frequency."
"So, she did too much today?" James asks.
"No, these pains could have come on at anytime, whether Cassie was lying in bed resting or out with the boys running errands. This is normal symptoms of pregnancy. She and the baby are fine. I promise." Sam says.
"So maybe we should leave." Reva says.
"I don't think Richard and Cassie want you to do that. In fact I think that in a few moments they will be back down here with us. I don't think they want their reception to end on this note." Sam says, walking over to Jeffrey.
Some of the guests when back to dancing as Ava and William walk over to the table that Sam and Jeffrey are sitting at it. "I can't believe she attacked Cassie like that." Ava says, sitting down.
"Sam, will Cassie be okay, really?" William asks, sitting down next to Ava.
"Yes, she's fine." Sam says.
"I'm sorry we didn't come by the loft last night." Ava says, looking at Jeffrey. "We has some stuff we needed to talk about." Ava says.
"It's okay.
"Ava said that you wanted to talk to us." William asks.
"Yes, I wanted to offer you something." Jeffrey says. "Sam and I will be moving into our house once we get it finished. We hope to be in it as soon as possible." Jeffrey says, looking at William. "So, I've been thinking about something. I want you and William to move into the loft. It will be the easiest thing for you to do once William gets here." Jeffrey says, looking at Ava.
"I don't know what to say." Ava says surprised. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. I have a few projects that I need to do before you move in. I want you guys to move in there."
"We did discuss this last night among other things." William says.
"And we decide to wait to look for a place once William comes here. He doesn't want me taking on too much with my job and the baby."
"If you move into the loft that will be one less thing you have to do once William gets here. I'm going to put in a second bedroom where my guitars and band equipment is and a master bathroom upstairs."
Ava looks at William. "It would be the best place for us and it will make it easier when you get here."
"It's up to you, if you want to stay in the loft that's fine."
"So, you'll move in there once we've moved into the house and finished the project in the loft." Jeffrey says, looking at Ava.
"That's fine." Ava says, as Richard and Cassie come back outside.
"It looks like you were right." Jeffrey says, noticing Richard and Cassie. Sam looks up and then smiles.
"Do you feel like a dance?" She asks, looking at Jeffrey.
"I think I can handle that, Mrs. O'Neill." He says, standing up. Taking Sam's hand and leading her out to the dance floor. They were dancing for a few minutes before Jeffrey asks. "Have you ever had those pains?" He asks, leaning back to look at Sam. Sam looks away. "You have, haven't you?" He says, watching her.
"I've had a few twinges." She says, looking up.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I knew what they were and I knew that it wasn't serious and I didn't want you to freak, like you're doing right now."
"Sam…."
"Jeffrey, like I said, those pains are normal, a lot of pregnant woman get them. I've never had a child so that is probably why I'm getting them. And if I ever felt that it was more serious than false labor pains, I would have said something to you immediately."
"When did you have them?"
"I had a few when we were in Niagara. I had a few twinges the night we were in the hospital after the accident. And I probably had them then because I couldn't relax completely while we were there."
"Because you were worried about me."
"Yes."
"Okay, you promise you'll tell…."
"Of course I will tell you if there's more to the false labor pains."
"Okay." He says, leaning in to kiss her.
Everyone continues to dance until it's almost too dark to see. Richard and Cassie are standing in the middle of the dance floor as the last slow dance finishes. "Are you ready to go?" He asks.
"Yes." She says, looking up and smiling at him.
"I'll go find William…."
"And I'll find Reva." Cassie says, as he releases her.
William and Ava are at the buffet table when Richard walks up. "William." He says.
"Richard." William says, turning to him.
"Cassie's ready to leave."
"Okay." William says, putting his plate down. "I'll have someone get your luggage and we'll get everyone ready." He says, turning around. Spotting Cassie and Reva come across the yard from the house. "I think the luggage is taken care of." He says, as Richard turns around.
He smiles as Cassie and Reva walk up to them. "Rusty and Billy are handling the luggage." Cassie says, as William turns to the guests.
"Everyone it's time for the bride and groom to leave so if you'll gather out front we'll see them off." He says.
Everyone starts towards the front yard and Cassie turns to Reva. "Do you mind taking the boys tonight? Ms. Chitwood should be back tomorrow night and she can take them until we get back."
"That's fine." Reva says, as RJ and Will walk up to them.
"Can we go with you? Will asks.
"No silly, we can go with them." RJ says.
"Richard kneels down. "You can't go with us. This is time for me and Mommy to be alone."
"What will you do?" Will asks.
"Well, we'll sleep and eat. And we'll talk and we'll take walks together and we'll sort of hang out." Richard says, looking at Cassie.
"Okay."
"We'll get them some clothes after you leave and we'll take them with us and then when Ms. Chitwood gets back we'll bring them back here." Reva says.
"Thank you." Cassie says, hugging her before she kneels down to RJ and Will. "I want you to behave for your Aunt Reva and Ms. Chitwood, promise."
"Promise." They both reply.
"And when we get back. We'll take a trip together." Richard says.
"Really."
"Yes."
"We'll be good." RJ says, smiling.
"We'll see you both when we get back." Richard says, hugging both of them. When he releases them, they hug Cassie and then Cassie and Richard stand up. They walk towards the front yard.
Everyone is gather along the walk, leading from the backyard to the front yard and drive way. Richard's car is in the driveway. The windows are covered with shoe polish stating "Just Married". On the bumper, there are coke cans tied to the bumper. And under a shower of birdseed and flower petals, Richard and Cassie walk to the car as everyone claps and hollers. Holding the door for Cassie, he closes the door when she's inside and then walks around to his side. Getting in, he starts the car and then slowly pulls away while everyone gathers in the driveway, waving and hollering.
After they leave, the guests begin to leave, first the guests from City hall and then James calls a cab and leaves with Olivia. Leaving Jeffrey, Sam, William, and Ava with the Lewis's. "Maybe we should straighten up a little bit before we leave." Sam says.
"Yes, at least put the food away. I'm sure the Beacon will be over to get the other stuff." Reva says.
"Okay." Sam says, as they walk back to the back yard.
After about twenty minutes, they have everything in the house and put away. As they walk out of the house, Reva locks the door. "We'll talk to you soon." She says, turning to Jeffrey and Sam.
"Yes." Sam replies. They leave followed by the Lewis's, Ava and William.
When they pull out onto the road from the farm, Cassie asks. "Where are we going?"
"I booked us a room at Towers for the night." Richard says, taking Cassie's hand and holding it.
"Okay." She says, settling back.
About ten minutes later, he pulls up to Towers. Opening the car door, the valet steps back to let Richard out of the car as another valet opens Cassie's door as Richard walks around the car. The valet helps Cassie from the car and then Richard takes Cassie's hand. They walk into the hotel as the bellmen unloads their luggage before following them into the lobby. He stops next to Cassie as Richard checks in and a few minutes later, they walk across the lobby.
Pushing the button for the elevator, Richard puts his arm across Cassie's shoulder and pulls her to him. Leaning down, he whispers. "I love you, Mrs. Winslow."
"I love you too, Mr. Winslow." She replies, looking up and smiling at him.
The elevator arrives and they get on with the bellmen. They ride up to the thirtieth floor. They walk down to the end of the hall and then taking the key he unlocks it before he turns to Cassie. "Welcome to the honeymoon suite." He says, sweeping her up into his arms, carrying her across the threshold as the bellmen follows them, smiling.
"Welcome to Towers and enjoy your evening." He says, after unloading their luggage.
"Thank you." Richard says, taking out his wallet. He pulls out some cash and hands it to him.
"Thank you sir." The bellmen says, walking out of the room as Richard turns to Cassie.
"Why do I feel nervous?" She asks, as he walks over to her.
"I don't know."
"We've stayed at Tower's before, many times actually." Cassie says, as he slips his arms around her.
"We've got all night." He says, leaning in to kiss her.
"Would you mind if we sit down and…."
"We can do whatever you want to do." He says, releasing her and taking her hand and leading her over to the couch. Sitting down, he helps her and then wraps his arms around her as she moves on to his lap. "I like holding you just as much as I like loving you."
Cassie lays her head on his shoulders. After a few minutes she says. "I'm glad we had the wedding in the barn."
"I thought you were okay with having it there."
"I was. But it feels like our place again." She says. "I don't see or feel Edmund in there anymore."
"It bothered you being there. I didn't know that."
"It wasn't so strong, but I did feel a little unease being in there. Jeffrey almost died in that barn because of Edmund. I…."
"Jeffrey almost died in the barn because of Edmund, I don't understand."
"The barn caught on fire during a storm. Jeffrey was out there trying to put it out and Edmund went out there with him. While they were out there, he hit Jeffrey on the back of the head, knocking him out, leaving him for dead. He went back and pulled him out, but when I found out, it was the beginning of the end of me and Edmund. I don't want to talk about Edmund. But I feel like his spirit is no longer there and that it's ours again."
They sit there a little longer holding each other. "There's something else that surprised me." Richard says, playing with her hair.
"What's that?"
"Olivia. She was actually civil to Jeffrey and Sam. It surprised me."
"Maybe that has something to do with my Dad." Cassie says.
"I think that's the first time you've referred to James as your dad." Richard points out.
"Yes, I suppose it is." Cassie says, looking at him.
"I think it's good." He says, kissing the side of her head before silence falls again. "There's something else that surprised me too." He says, after a while.
"What."
"Josh and Jeffrey, they were civil too."
"I don't know what that was about. Reva probably made Josh promise to behave. I think that's going to get worse before it ever gets better."
"You don't think Josh will accept Jeffrey."
"He will eventually, but he's going to fight bring him into the family."
"Because he's afraid that Reva will leave him for Jeffrey."
"Yes and I think he's going to mad at Reva too for a while."
"Why?"
"Umm, because she's already told Jeffrey the truth."
"She did, when?"
"I guess it's been about a week ago."
"He doesn't know."
"No, because if he did, I doubt things would have gone so smoothly. You're not surprised that Reva told him."
"No, it's something Reva would do."
"You're right, it is something Reva would do but I think that since this is our honeymoon." She says, turning to him. "We need to leave everything that's happening here, here when we leave tomorrow. And tonight, we need to think only about you and me."
"Anything you have in mind for that?" He asks.
"Let's see." She says. After a few seconds, she says. "I've got an idea." She pulls away from him.
"I'm not sure I like this idea." He says, trying to hang onto her.
"I promise you will." She says, standing up.
When she turns away, he reaches for her. "Where are you going?"
"Follow me in about five minutes." She says, walking into the other room. He sits there watching her as she walks into the other room.