Ch. IV: The hour of truth

I know this took long, and I´m sorry! I hope you enjoy it!

Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. It means a lot and keeps me going!

Love and only love!

There was a song Donna tenderly remembered from her early childhood days. A song her mother sang to her and they used to sing together. Sleeping through my fingers all the time, do I really see what´s in her mind? And each time I think I´m close to knowing, she keeps on growing… And it kept playing on her mind once and again as she helped Sophie getting ready for her big day. I don´t want to lose you Sophie.

The day she felt deep inside her heart she will lose her baby girl forever... to a man. A man like she never had herself.

I miss you mama. She sighed walking into her room. You would have loved to see what a beautiful and smart woman my baby has growth into. You would have loved to see me running my own business and how… I won´t be alone anymore. Wouldn´t it be wonderful if you could see me marry the love of my life?

I won´t be alone anymore.

Determined to take her time to get herself ready, Donna run herself a hot bubble bath and slowly stripped herself from the damp sticky clothes. She put his shirt into soap too, so she will had it dried and ironed by the time the party was over. She had so many things to think about. It was urgent to find a way to tell him. He had to know, but she was afraid he would run away. All she could do was hope their love would be strong enough.

She wriggled her golden curls free from the hairband and brushed it softly, humming to herself as she did so in front of the mirror. Her eyes glistened. Her smile was glowing.

Donna burst out laughing when she realized what she was doing.

"Oh, God, woman, you´re going crazy" she shook her head, finally relaxing into the water. She closed her eyes, in an attempt to clean every thought from her mind. She wanted to feel happy –for herself and for Sophie-, and for the first time in a very long time she wanted to look beautiful, she wanted to take his breath way, to feel his eyes stuck on her, to feel wanted and desired. She wanted to be his everything, forever.

"I want to know how being Mrs. Carmichael would feel. I want his hands over me, I want his lips on my skin, I want him inside of me" she whispered to herself, slowly washing her body and feeling her body arouse at those simple thoughts, as her mind was living for a second time the night before in that spare room "Oh, yes, S…" she moaned, suddenly realizing her hand had slid from her waist to the moist depths between her legs. She gasped startled and retreated her hand, blushing bright red, even when no one was there to watch.

What the heck am I doing?

She jumped out of the bathtub and wrapped a towel around herself, resting her hands on the washbasin as she took a deep breath. What is going on with me? Noticing her flushed cheeks, she spread some cold water over her face, to wash the burning sensation away and bring her senses back to earth.

Okay, okay, okay. Don´t think of him anymore. At least until you´re together again.

She brushed her teeth and left the bathroom, lost in her thoughts. She couldn´t forget what she had just done, and the urge of him was still itching her in those deep corners of herself she had thought to be lost. Distractedly, Donna took her blue and green dress from the wardrobe, to discard it over the bed, every step slow and firm, her mind still stuck on the effect the simple thought of him had on her. And it wasn´t until her eyes followed the sunlight reflecting on the shiny silk of the fabric that she noticed it.

A bucket of red roses shining all it´s splendor in front of her.

She didn´t need to see the card with the familiar neat handwriting to know who send them. And Donna´s heart started racing on her chest even before she read the lines.

The beauty of this flowers can´t compare to your beauty my fair lady.

I love you, my love.

Sam

PS: Wear something hot my sexy! ;)

Giggling Donna folded the note and saved it on a drawer on her dresser. Isn´t this guy possessive? God, couldn´t he send me a teddy I could hug?

Powerless to fight it, Donna was drown into a dreamy state. A wide smile she couldn´t hide pimped her beautiful face. Singing Celine Dion, Donna dried her hair, pinned her blond curls up in a bun. Taking one by one the flowers from the bucket, she adjusted them around her bun like a crown. Wow, I like it. She winked to herself, happy with the result.

"Oooh, not gonna be" she mumbled with a grin, shaking her head, as she replaced the blue and green dress on her closet. Pursing her lips she watched over her dresses, discarding them one by one, none was good enough for him. Until she tripped with the red strapless one, knee long and so perfect. The low V neckline and the bow at the side of her waist looked magical. Finishing with a red lipstick, she blew a kiss to herself in the mirror approving her image. She gingerly jumped onto her golden louboutins and grabbed a golden shawl, wrapping it around herself to cover up her cleavage during the mass.

Quickly enough to be up there with Sophie in time, Donna run all the way to the church.

"Mum!" Sophie exclaimed running to her, as Donna wrapped her arms around her daughter.

"I´m here baby" she smiled kissing her head "Are you okay?"

She smiled, nodding "Yes, I´m perfect"

Donna placed her hands on Sophie´s shoulders and smiled looking into her eyes "My baby girl has grown up so fast"

"I did"

"But you´ll always be my baby girl"

"I will mummy. And wow you look stunning. Is that for…?"

"For your wedding day honey" she instinctively blushed "Come on, let´s take you there"

"God, I never thought I would live to see this"

"See what?"

Sophie raised an eyebrow and looked at Donna.

"Mum, just please promise I´m not gonna hear you moaning"

Donna´s mouth fell open as she blushed even more "S-Sophie!"

She giggles "I know you will have sex with him, I just don´t need to know how and when"

The mother opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came. She didn´t want to admit that they already did it and that they would certainly be doing it again in a not very distant future. Instead, she just linked arms with her and they walked into the church to let them know it was all ready. The aisle ahead was waiting. The music started for them to walk in to Sky, who was smiling for them at the end. Looking over the crowd nervously, Donna was absolutely unaware of the three men staring at her.

"Welcome to Sophie and Sky. And welcome especially to Donna, who represents your family" the priest started.

"And welcome to…" Donna stood up and begun, but when her gaze met Sam eyes so lovingly fixed on her and looking at her up and down, so pleased with what he found, she couldn´t keep going, she couldn't risk losing him. Gulping the guilt that was stuck on her throat, she helped a sob and all of a sudden changed her intended words "…to all of our friends in here. Thanks for coming all the way through here for this special night in my darling daughter´s life"

Donna smiled to her child and sat back down. She didn´t know how she managed to keep herself from bursting out crying, or how did she plan to gather the strength to tell Sam about it all… later. And she hoped later wouldn´t become too late…

But Sophie knew what he mother was really about to say was a complete different story. She could read the sorrow in her eyes. What have I done? I don´t want to give away my mother´s secret. I don´t care anymore. Finally, I know what I want. Looking back at Sam, Bill and Harry, the young woman sighed and ran out of the church. Immediately, Donna shot out behind her.

"Sophie! Sophie!" she yelled breathlessly, until the lack of air forced the woman to stop and Sophie turned to face her "What´s wrong baby?"

"I´m sorry mum"

"What? Why?" Donna asked worriedly, hugging her.

"I… I read your diary and… and I invited them all" she replied with a sigh, knowing she would be disappointed and hurt.

"Oh my God" Donna gasped "That´s why they´re all here"

"Can you forgive me?" she nodded "Please"

"I don't… know. Can you forgive me?"

Sophie hugged her back.

"I don´t care if you slept with a hundred of men. You´re my mum. And I love you so much"

"I love you too darling. And I didn´t sleep with hundreds of men" Sophie giggled at her answer, but Donna sighed "I…"

"Didn´t you see the way he was looking at you? He loves you mama, he will understand"

"I hope so. Thank you baby girl. I love it when you call me mama" Sophie held her tightly and Donna kissed her head lovingly "But why are you here?"

"I just changed my mind"

"About what?" she questioned, seeing Sky approach them.

Sophie kissed her cheek lovingly and walked back to her fiancée, wrapping her arms around him.

"Baby, let´s just not get married yet. You never wanted this anyway. Let´s get out and see the world"

"I love you" he smiled kissing her.

"I love you too"

Donna sighed, wiping her tears, as she watched Sophie´s boat sail away. Every breath was a needle pinching her aching heart. None of her three former lovers had been invited to descend to the beach with them, and Donna was glad her daughter had been cool with it. She had enough drama to deal with for the day. It hurt her to let her baby girl go away. For so long Sophie had been her everything, the reason she lived for, that Donna had forgotten how the life was without and before her. It was time for Donna Sheridan to become someone else than just Sophie´s mum. She was eagerly looking forward to talk to her the next morning, when she promised to call to check on how things have turned out between her and Sam. Oh, with all the details she already read on that diary I don´t understand why am I still embarrassed about it. Donna blushed lightly, not knowing how a seventeen years old girl had the guts to write that down with such detail, even when she thought no one would ever read it.

I think I´m just getting old…

Tightening the glistening piece of sun around her freezing body, she quivered walking back to the beach bar, where she was meant to meet Sam that night. She longed to see him so much, and yet, she had never been so afraid. She sighed.

There´s no worst feeling that doubt.

It was time for the truth.

Sitting down next to the counter, her gaze wandered over the waving reflection of the moon on the silver lightened water. Unable to restraint the tension anymore, she broke down crying. She was physically and emotionally exhausted after all the recent events and in that particular moment, she wasn´t very keen on being alone –even when her privacy had been a matter of life or death for most of her life-.

Slowly, Donna took a handkerchief from her handbag to wipe her face and nose, walking behind the bar to pour herself a drink, since the party had kept her too busy for the dynamo to get one before. God, I could kill for some alcohol right now.

She sipped her scotch distractedly, resting her head on her hand. I don´t really know if I actually needed this or I´m just used to it. How stupid is that?

"What is this beautiful lady thinking of?" Sam whispered, wrapping his arms around her waist and placing a gentle kiss to her neck, making her jump slightly.

"Hey babe. You startled me" she forced a smile, turning around to face him "Do you… want a drink?"

"Not yet" he smirked, kissing her softly.

"Yet?" she questioned, wrapping her arms around his neck and holding the kiss, as a warm, delightful sensation finally lifted her heart.

She knew the right think was to tell him , and she was planning to so as soon as she could.

"Come with me" he smiled, taking her hand.

She nodded, speechless, unable to handle the whirlpool of emotions inside her chest. He wrapped an arm across her waist and lead her to Bill´s boat, where he had settled a table for them two, with a bucket of flowers in the middle, candles, and two plates with it´s content still covered.

"W-wow" she muttered, as he pulled out a chair for her and she sat down "Thank you"

"Welcome" he smiled, sitting down too and holding her hand over the table "Anything for my girl"

Donna blushed and looked down "Don´t ask me what I´m feeling because I don´t really know"

"Okay then. What do you think we´re having for dinner?"

"Croque-monsieur"

"How do you know?" he questioned, surprised.

"Because it is my favorite" she giggled.

"You´re incorrigible" he giggled too, cupping her cheek in his hand and kissing her.

Donna closed her eyes and responded passionately, letting herself sink into the world of never-ending bliss the intimate moment with him was giving her, and knowing a simple word could make her joy everlasting.

"Thank you… so much" she smiled, breaking apart very slowly.

"You´re very welcome my darling girl"

Donna blushed once more and smiled sweetly, tilting her head to the side.

He stared at her up and down before placing a kiss on her cheek, smiling at her mesmerizing beauty and that particular glow she always got when they were together.

Sam uncovered the food

"Bon appétit"

"Thank you" she sighed "I´m sorry. I planned to dress up and everything. But you got me by surprise too early"

"It´s okay baby" he nodded, stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.

"I brought you your shirt back tough. I´m sorry about that too"

"You can put it back on sweetheart, it looks hot on you" he smirked.

"Oh, stop it" she blushed looking down "You´re making me blush once and again"

"I love it when you blush. You look lovely"

"AAwww, that´s sweet. But still stop"

"Nope. Now I won´t until you put it on"

She pouts "I won´t"

"Oh, yes, you so will"

"How would you know that?"

He grinned and run a toe up her leg, amused with the way she instantly flinched and bit her lower lip.

"Because if you don´t, I´m not gonna kiss you again"

Her mouth fell open, as she immediately run into the only room in the boat, ready to change herself into the shirt.

Donna gasped looking around, and the pink shirt slowly slipped from her trembling fingers.

The room was dimly lit with candles, the bed ad floor was covered with rose petals and there was a bottle of champagne chilling in a delicate ice bucket over the night table.

"W-wow" she stuttered when his hands slid around her waist from behind "I can´t believe you planned all this for me"

"Yes, I did" he smiled, pulling down the zip of her dress.

"What are you trying Mr.?" Donna grinned looking down as the fabric pooled at her feet.

"The shirt honey"

"Oh… right" she smirked taking two steps aside, as he handed her the shirt. He wanted to tease her, well, two could play that game…

Slowly, she unclasped her bra and slid it down her arms, throwing it aside in a careless way he immediately found irresistible. Open mouthed, he ran his eyes up and down her body, taking every delicate curve of her feature.

"Close your mouth honey, is not attractive" she giggled, placing her finger under his chin and pushing it close.

"Wow"

Donna smiled, sliding the shirt along her arms and wrapping it around her body. He stood speechless, still unable to believe after all the years he missed her, she was finally standing there with him. And most important, wearing nothing but his shirt!

Blushing, she started buttoning the shirt up. She was extremely excited, and she could tell nervous too by the butterflies tickling inside of her, but being naked in front of his hungry eyes was making her feel exposed. With a chuckle, he wrapped his arms around Donna, and pulled her in for a passionate kiss. Surprised, she responded wrapping her arms around his neck.

Donna moaned softly when his hand reached the small of her back, pulling her closer and his tongue gained access to her mouth. Holding her in his arms tightly and shooting a smile every time he felt her flinch, Sam walked them to the king-sized bed with the Egyptian new sheets and laid her down softly.

"My beautiful girl, let me take you" he smiled stroking her face.

A glowing sweet smile crept to her face and she took his hand kissing it softly "No"

"What? Why not baby? I love you" he replied, surprised.

"Because you wanted me to explain some things, and I have to" she asserted, sitting up and crossing her legs to make a point.

"I am not questioning you now" he whispered, trailing slight kisses down her neck "Nothing can change the way I love you, as long as you love me too"

"I… will love you… forever" she moaned softly, as her body eagerly flinched with every touch of his delicate lips. It was yearning and pleading him to keep going. But deep inside her heart, she knew she had to put the cards over the table and open her heart, so their future will be left in his hands once he knew everything about her past. Yet, she was still going to tell him about the bathtub incident she had earlier too.

"Please" she muttered, as slowly as possible so he couldn´t tell her voice was faltering. She needed him so much it hurt.

With a sigh, he ran his hand through his hair and sat up "Okay. Only because I love you"

Sitting next to him, a smiling Donna wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Okay, shoot"

"What?" he exclaimed confused, making her giggle.

"What do you want to know first?"

"Sophie" he started and she immediately gulped "Why did you never tell me about her?"

"Are you sure that´s the first thing you want to know?" she tear up, looking down as he nodded

"Oh, well… I don´t know how to start. You know, I love you. Probably since the first day we ever met"

He nodded and smiled, placing his fingers under her chin delicately "My sentiment is exactly"

Donna couldn´t help a sweet smile to curl up her lips. And Sam couldn´t resist the urge to kiss her when she did so, meeting her lips delicately until she kissed him back. He immediately deepened the kiss, slowly starting to slide the shirt down her arms.

"Can… I… finish?" she asked between kisses.

"That´s all I need to know" he smiled when she broke apart slowly "I love you too"

Sighing, she shook her head "No. It´s not"

He just nodded, wrapping his arms around her.

"Why can´t you believe me Donna? I´m not leaving you, and that´s a fact"

Stroking his cheek lovingly, she looked into his eyes.

"I do believe you. I just don't want any secrecy bringing us apart"

"That´s fine then" he kisses her nose "I'll wait as much as you want"

"I promise it won´t be long my handsome devil" she whispered to his ear, placing an alluring kiss to his neck which resulted in him groaning.

"You are making this so difficult"

She giggled, straddling his lap and kissing him again. He immediately responded, snaking his strong arms around her waist to pull her closer and moving them down to rest on her behind, as the shirt slide down exposing her breast.

"If you don´t finish soon, I swear I´m going to make love to you without permission"

"I´m sorry" she giggled "I´m getting distracted. You´re such a sweet temptation"

"So are you" he smirked, leaning to kiss her again and try his luck once more to finally lay her down, but Donna turned her face and his lips pressed against her cheek

"Oh, you think you´re funny, don´t you?"

"Oh, I am" she grinned.

"Well, continue so we can get to the fun part"

"The fun part" she sighed softly, not knowing if it was ever going to happen.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing, nothing. After that you left, and I was… completely heartbroken. And I met Bill and I met Harry"

"Bill and Harry?"

She nods and starts crying bitterly "And I slept with them. I did"

He holds her tightly and kissed her head lovingly "Baby, you think I´ll hate you because you slept with someone else after I left? It doesn´t matter now"

"It does matter" she sighed, wiping her face and trying to help the tears and breathe enough air to keep talking "I don´t know who of you is Sophie´s father"

A/N: Wow! And what will he say now? Will he… change his mind? Review and find out ;)