N.B. Mwahs for the reviews and comments guys, they mean sooooo much to me right now! Sorry to have to do it so soon, but I'm pushing the story along now (running out of ideas peeps arghhh)…As always, for my Dynamos, love ya girls! X

**************

Chapter 13 Alone Time

**************

The early months of raising a baby, had proved a strain on the Carmichael's and their marriage. Petty arguments and small conflicts of ideas for their son's upbringing, had lead to the couple falling out more than ever. Sam had been worried about his wife, not only with her quick weight-loss after giving birth, but with how easily stressed she got over minor things. They seemed to be slowly drifting apart, with Sam working hard on a few big jobs for his New York office and Donna taking care of Max, whilst still managing to run the hotel. On top of everything else, the Carmichael's had been worried about their eldest son too. Finally calling, Ben had poured his heart out to Donna over the phone and explained how he was struggling to come to terms with not only losing his mother, but his relationship ending with his girlfriend. They had spent hours talking, with an emotional Donna finally making Ben promise that he'd go see a therapist, to help him work through his problems. Sam had been somewhat relieved that everything was out in the open and wasted no time, in organising for his son to see one of the top doctors in the city. Being so far away from his two boys, still played on Sam's mind and he hoped that when they both finished college, he'd be able to spend more time with them…

Placing a ten month old Max in his highchair at the table, Donna leant down to place a delicate kiss on top of his head. She smiled at his constant babbling and took a seat next to him, passing him his dinner. Glancing at the clock behind the bar, Donna realised she would have to start getting ready soon, for her date with her husband. For the past month, Sam had been extremely busy with work and they had hardly spent any time together, just the two of them. Nights were often spent falling straight to sleep, with Donna being the main one to be getting up and seeing to their son, if he cried for attention from the nursery. It was tiring and because of this, she couldn't even remember the last time she and Sam had really made love. Yes, they'd had rushed sex, but only a few times since Max's birth and it had all been over quickly, as soon as they'd heard their son's whimpering on the baby monitor. To say Sam was frustrated, was an understatement. He missed his wife and he missed the intimate side of their relationship, that had played a major part in their married life from the very beginning.

"Shouldn't you be getting ready?" Asked Tanya, walking across the courtyard from the beach steps. "You're supposed to be meeting Sam in a few hours aren't you?" She added, taking a seat on the other side of Max and poking her tongue out at him, as he blew a raspberry at her.

Rolling her eyes at her friend, Donna passed her baby son his juice. "Yes, I'll get ready once I've given Max a bath." She replied, watching her gorgeous little boy banging his cup on the highchair, whilst giving her a flash of his two new bottom teeth. "Now are you sure you and Rosie will be okay looking after him tonight? If it's going to be too much, I can cancel."

Slowly shaking her head, Tanya leant forward and ruffled Max's dark hair. "You will do no such thing Sheridan. Rosie and I are his godmothers, we're more than capable of watching him." She answered, relaxing back in her chair and peering at Donna's worried expression. "You already cancelled a meal with Sam a few days ago because you said Max was restless…Have you ever thought…" She trailed off, standing up and walking over to the bar.

"Thought what?" Donna asked, narrowing her green eyes at the Dynamo, as she watched her grab a chilled bottle of wine and two glasses.

Walking back over to the table, Tanya sat down and opened the bottle. She was thinking, obviously choosing her words, as to not upset her best friend. Pouring out two large glasses of the pale liquid, Tanya passed one to Donna and smiled. The blonde was still staring at her, as Max ate his food with his fingers and kept himself amused with the mess he was making.

"What Tanya? Have I ever thought what?" Donna asked again, picking up her glass and taking a quick sip, as her eyes remained firmly on the brunette.

Sighing, Tanya then took a long sip of her own drink. "Have you ever thought that you might be neglecting your husband?" She asked, placing her glass back down on the table in front of her and staring back across at her friend. "I mean…The past few months, we've hardly seen you together and when we do, you usually end up arguing with one another."

Donna closed her eyes for a few seconds and shook her head. "It's been hard. Sam's working hard on his projects and I've been rushed off my feet with this little one." She replied, gazing round at Max and smiling lovingly at his cheeky Carmichael grin. "As well as keeping this place ticking over."

"I know all that Don, but…Are you and Sam alright?" Tanya asked in a soft tone, tilting her head to one side as Donna looked back at her.

Reaching for her wine once more, Donna could feel herself getting upset. "I suppose so." She answered in almost a whisper, before chugging back the contents of the glass. "It's just…I don't know." She continued, staring down at the table, as though deep in though for a moment. "I love Sam with all my heart, but I feel like since Max came along, things have changed between us." She finished, finally looking back up at Tanya with tears in her eyes.

Tanya reached across the table to refill her friends glass. "Changed?" She asked simply, before placing the bottle back down and frowning at her friend.

"Yes…Ever since getting married, we could hardly keep our hands off each other. Now, it's not the same. Max comes first and by the time we get to bed, sex is the last thing on my mind." Responded Donna, picking up a napkin and wiping her baby boy's messy face. "I know we should be making time for one another, but it's difficult…I know Sam's suffering…" She added, not wanting to carry on, in fear of bursting out crying if she did.

"Oh honey." Whispered Tanya, reaching across the table and taking Donna's hand in hers. "Things will be back on track soon enough. I know it will." She finished, giving the blonde's hand a reassuring squeeze.

Looking up at her backup girl, Donna forced a smile. "I'm sure it will." She said, picking up her wine glass and taking another long swig of the cold contents.

************

After taking a bath with her baby boy, Donna wrapped a towel around him and laid him on her bed. Max was sleepy, as his mother gently dried his little body and put a clean diaper on him. She smiled sweetly at her baby, as she dressed him in his pale blue all-in-one, placing light kisses on his soft body, before closing each press-stud. He reached out for Donna, playfully tugging on her wet hair and chuckled, when she tickled his tummy in return. Scooping Max up in her arms, Donna then cuddled up on her bed with him and fed him his evening bottle. She gazed down at him, gently stroking his cheek as he sucked lazily on the teat, taking a while to finish his feed. It wasn't too long before Max had fallen asleep in his mother's arms and Donna spent a few quiet minutes holding him close…He had started out as quite a demanding baby, but now he was just as laid back as Sophie had been at his age. It was true, with his dark hair and adorable smile, Max was the double of his father. Already a hit with the ladies, Max's gorgeous features and his mother's ocean green eyes, always melted the hearts of women who fussed over him, whilst on trips to the mainland with his family. Like with his father and older brothers, there was no doubt Max was going to inherit the Carmichael charm and probably break a few hearts with it when he was older.

Wrapping her towel tighter around herself, Donna carried a sleeping Max down to his nursery. Kissing his forehead, she carefully placed him down in his crib and pulled the blankets up around him. Making sure he was definitely sleeping peacefully, Donna turned on the baby monitor, sitting on the shelf above the crib and made her way out of the cosy nursery.

"Sleep well little man." Whispered Donna, turning off the light and quietly closing the door behind her.

Returning to her bedroom upstairs, Donna made sure the baby monitor was on in her room and then rushed to get ready, so she wouldn't be late for meeting her husband on the mainland. Quickly going over her hair with the hair dryer, Donna loosely clipped it up and applied her makeup. She hadn't been out for dinner, since everyone had gone to Valentina's to celebrate Max's birth and as it was now a rare treat, she wanted to make an extra effort. Applying some dark eye-shadow and a few coats of black mascara, Donna smiled to herself, as the look reminded her of the night she and the Dynamos performed for Sophie's hen party, minus the long false eyelashes. Adding a light covering of shimmering pale lip-gloss, Donna was happy with the look and made her way over to the wardrobe, to find something to wear. Since her weight loss, she was skinnier than before she fell pregnant with her son and she was worried that she wouldn't find anything suitable. Donna searched through the rails and came across the simple black Prada dress, Sam had bought her on their honeymoon and pulled it off the padded hanger. Finding some black underwear, she was soon dressed and stood in front of the full-length mirror, as she stepped into her high black Louboutin heels. The dress looked perfect, clinging to her slender body in all the right places and accentuating her still more than ample, post pregnancy breasts.

"Not bad Sheridan." Donna said under her breath, before giving herself a quick spay of perfume and picking up her small clutch bag from the dressing table.

Finally grabbing a black shawl and the baby monitor, Donna left the room to make her way to the courtyard bar. Walking down the steps of the reception and out into the courtyard, it wasn't too long before the Dynamos and Sophie stopped chatting and turned round, at the sound of heels clicking on the stone floor. Sophie's mouth fell open, at the sight of her mother all dressed up and looking amazing. She hadn't seen her looking so well in ages and slowly shook her head as she approached.

Rosie wolf whistled and held a glass of champagne out for her friend as she reached them. "Looking hot Don." She said, smiling as Donna took the glass from her and took a quick sip.

"Oh my god Mom, you look amazing." Sophie said, looking her mother's outfit up and down. "Wow."

"You on a promise Sheridan?" Asked Tanya, looking her up and down too and smirking. "With a dress like that and 'fuck me' heels, Honey I'd say the chances of getting laid tonight, stands at one hundred percent." She added, causing Rosie and Sophie to burst out laughing at her.

Shaking her head at the laughing trio, Donna glanced at the clock behind the bar and downed the rest of her drink. "Well, I better get going." She said, handing Rosie her now empty glass. "There you go, double trouble." She continued, placing the baby monitor down on the bar, next to the one Sophie had for Emma. "Now please look after my baby… And…"

"Relax Donna." Said Rosie, cutting her friend short, before she could start worrying about if they were capable of watching the baby. "We have the monitor on full volume. Sam's cell phone number in case of emergencies and a direct line to Batman, if one of us needs rescuing."

"Very funny." Responded Donna, wrapping her arm around Sophie's shoulder. "Night baby girl…Watch them for me." She whispered, then kissing her daughter's forehead and smiling at her two best friends.

***********

Stepping off the ferry, onto the mainland, Donna breathed in the sweet night air and draped her black shawl around her arms. It was only a short walk, to the quiet local restaurant where she was meeting her husband for dinner and making her way along the dock, Donna smiled at the whistles she was getting from a few younger guys sat outside a bar. She ignored them, turning into a narrow cobbled street and walking to the door of Le Grillade, before pushing it open. The restaurant was fairly quiet and as Donna removed her shawl, she quickly spotted her waiting husband. Sam had immediately noticed his wife enter the restaurant and stood to greet her with a smile.

"You look unbelievable Donna." Said Sam, leaning forward to place a tender kiss on Donna's lips, before pulling a chair out for her next to him. "Did Max settle alright?" He then asked, pushing her seat in and sitting down next to her.

Nodding, Donna smiled as Sam poured her a glass of champagne. "He was out like a light after his last bottle." She answered, taking the glass from him and sipping the bubbly liquid.

"I missed you both today." Said Sam, placing his hand on his wife's leg, under the table. "I wish I didn't have to go back to New York for the weekend."

Donna smiled softly, picking up the menu and peering at it. "I don't know what I fancy." She said, completely ignoring what her husband had just said.

Sam could sense his wife's distance and it saddened him to think she wasn't her old self. He loved her unconditionally, but lately, he felt as though she was holding back and not sharing her problems with him. Helping out with Max when he could, Sam knew it wasn't always easy raising the small tot, but when he smiled up at him, it somehow erased all the stress. Not only was Donna looking after their son's every need, but she was still running the hotel as well and not taken on any additional help, when she should have. With Sam leaving for New York in the morning, he had wanted to spend some alone time with his wife and try to work through a few of their problems.

It wasn't long before a waiter approached the small table and took the Carmichael's order. Waiting for him to walk away, Sam turned his attention back to Donna and took her hand in his. She turned her head to face him, gazing deep into his gorgeous blue eyes and seeing a mix of love and worry within them. Since Sam had announced that he had to return to the USA for a few days, Donna had been doing some thinking and had an idea. She did love Sam, as she had told Tanya earlier, but she knew they couldn't keep going on the way they were and one of them would have to make the first move.

"Have you thought about what I suggested?" Sam asked, before Donna had chance to start speaking first. "I really think a nanny would be a good idea for Max." He added, still holding onto her hand and reaching for his champagne flute with the other.

Sighing, Donna shook her head at him. "I have thought about it, but I still don't want one. I didn't have our child so someone else could raise him." She answered, then taking a sip of her own drink.

"It's not about someone else raising him darling. It's about you having a break every now and again." Responded Sam, peering back in his wife's stunning green eyes. "You're running yourself into the ground Donna and I can't remember the last time we had any time on our own."

Feeling the tears forming in her eyes, Donna took a deep breath. "All I do is try my best Sam and I'm sorry if you feel that I've neglected you." She said in a quiet tone, breaking eye contact with him and staring down at the table. "I'm a terrible wife."

Shaking his head, Sam moved closer to Donna and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "No you're not sweetheart. Don't ever say that." He replied, waiting for her to turn to face him once more and plant a soft kiss on her lips.

Even though Sam had said she wasn't, Donna did feel like a bad wife. He was a kind, loving man and he deserved so much more than what she could offer him right now. Not allowing herself to cry, Donna sipped on her champagne and tried to clear her thoughts, at least until the meal had finished. She had something she wanted to suggest to her husband, but here was not the time or the place and so she decided to wait until they had returned to the villa, to the privacy of their room.

**********

The meal had been lovely and the Carmichael's had actually enjoyed spending some much needed alone time together. Arriving back at the entrance of the hotel, Sam helped his slightly tipsy wife out of her beloved blue jeep and held her hand tightly, as they slowly walked up the rocky steps. The things playing on Donna's mind, were now swirling round and she knew she had to tell Sam about them as soon as possible, before she went crazy. She knew he wasn't going to like what she had to say, but in the long run, she hoped it would sort out their problems.

Reaching the courtyard, the couple weren't surprised to find the Dynamos still sat at a table by the bar, but they were surprised to find their son asleep in Rosie's arms. Walking over, Donna let go of her husband's hand and instantly took Max from her friend, kissing him softly on the head. He was snuggled in a warm blanket and stirred slightly as his mother held him close, inhaling his sweet baby scent.

"Did you two have a nice meal?" Rosie Asked, looking up at her best friend and smiling.

"Very nice thank you." Replied Donna, gently rocking her baby son. "Did Max play up for you?" She asked, watching as Sam walked behind the bar, to get himself a nightcap.

Shaking her head slowly, Tanya smiled at the blonde. "Not really. He just woke up and wanted his Mommy I guess." She answered, pouring out a large cocktail from a jug Pepper had mixed for them.

Laughing, Rosie helped herself to some too. "Yeah and all he got was us…No seriously Donna, he was fine. He went straight back to sleep when I rocked him."

"Well thanks girls." Donna said, smiling at her best friends and then down at her baby boy. "I think I'll get him back to bed." She finished, blowing them both a kiss and turning to walk away.

Placing his glass down on the bar, Sam winked at the Dynamos and followed his wife, picking up the baby monitor as he passed the table. He hadn't seen Max since first thing that morning, when he'd woken his parents with his shrill crying from the nursery… Ever since their baby had been old enough to sleep in his own room, the Carmichael's had made a point, of making sure they both checked in on him. Sometimes they would stand for ages, just staring down at the little boy they had made together and daydream about what the future held for them and Max… Walking into the nursery, behind his wife and child, Sam watched Donna place Max into the crib and tuck him in. He moved up close behind her and rested his head on her shoulder, as the both stared down at the sleeping baby.

"Let's go to bed." Whispered Sam, gently trailing his hand down Donna's side and taking her hand.

Leaning down to place a delicate kiss on Max's head, Donna allowed Sam to lead her out of the nursery and up to their bedroom. She was tense, knowing what her husband had in mind and knowing the evening probably wasn't going to end as well as he'd planned. Entering the room, Sam closed the door behind him and immediately snaked his arms around Donna's waist, as she turned to face him. Smiling at her, he leaned in close to kiss her lips, but Donna pulled away. Sam could tell there was something on her mind and now he was worried, wondering whatever could be the matter with her.

"Sam, we need to talk." Said Donna, bending down to pull off her heels. "Or rather I want to talk and I need you to listen." She added, straightening up and instantly meeting her husband's gaze.

"Okay, I'm listening." Replied Sam, placing his hands in his pockets and resting back against the dressing table.

Sitting down on the edge of the bed, Donna peered down at the floor. "I know you are only supposed to be staying in New York for the weekend, but…I think you should stay there a bit longer." She said quietly, still not wanting to make eye contact with her husband.

Shaking his head, Sam was confused. "What do you mean?" He asked, staring down at Donna, as she toyed nervously with her wedding rings.

"I think you should spend some time with the boys, especially Ben." Donna answered, now looking at the diamond solitaire glistening on her finger. "He needs you right now and I think it will do us some good to spend some time apart." She continued, feeling the tears welling up in her eyes and not wanting to look up at Sam.

Sam couldn't believe what he was hearing coming from his wife's mouth. He was confused and didn't know what she was actually suggesting he should do. It did make sense that he should be there for his eldest son, in his hour of need, but it was the last part that he couldn't comprehend. Feeling his heart sinking in his chest, Sam straightened up and stared down at his wife.

"Donna, please look at me." Sam pleaded, as he noticed a few tears falling from her eyes. "Are you saying that you want us to separate?"

Slowly raising her head, Donna took a small breath of air to compose herself. "Don't look at it as a separation Sam…Look at it as time to take stock of what we had and where we went wrong." She said, quickly wiping her tears and staring into his eyes. "I feel like the past few months, we've grown apart and if we don't do something to change it now then…We won't be able to fix the damage."

Donna noticed her husband's expression turn from one of confusion, to one of hurt. She could see it in his eyes, as he took everything in. It wasn't a decision she'd come to and taken lightly, but it was something she hoped would bring them closer together in the end. Maybe Sam didn't think it was such a good idea now, but Donna reassured herself that he'd get used to the idea and see it through. This had been on her mind ever since he had told her he was going to have to go back to New York on business, but she had kept it to herself, not even telling her best friends.

"So how long am I expected to leave you and our children for?" Asked Sam, now pacing the room in front of his wife and fighting back his tears. "A few more days, weeks, what?" He finished, coming to a sudden stop a few inches from her.

Standing up, Donna reached out to wipe away her husband's hot tears, as they escaped his eyes. "I thought until Max's birthday." She responded in a soft tone, before wiping her own flowing tears.

Sam shook his head and stared at Donna in disbelief. "That's two months away Donna. I can't do that." He answered, his voice breaking with emotion. "I can't do it…I love you too much."

"My god, I love you too Sam. That's why we have to do this." Donna responded, reaching down to take hold of his hand. "Since Max was born, we have done nothing but argue with each other and I can't do it anymore, I really can't. We'll just end up resenting one another and that'll be the end."

Slowly nodding, Sam took in what his wife was saying. "And you really think this is the only way?" He asked, entwining his fingers through hers and staring deep into her watery eyes. "I'm serious Donna, I don't think I can leave you all for that long."

"If you can't do it for us, then do it for Sophie and Max." Said Donna, wiping Sam's tears once more. "They don't deserve to hear us at war all the time. Okay, so Soph's old enough to understand, but the baby…Do you really want him growing up thinking it's normal for his Mommy and Daddy to be acting like that?"

Wiping his tears, Sam couldn't answer her. He knew in his heart what she was saying made sense, but it still cut deep thinking about spending two months apart from her and two of his children. Their relationship had all gone wrong and Sam didn't know why. They had always been so in love, so happy and now, that happiness had appeared to have slipped away.

Tenderly cupping Sam's tear soaked face in her hands, Donna moved close against him. "They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder." She whispered, slowly placing her lips on his.

Sam didn't respond to his wife's kiss, he just stood there rigid to the spot. He was still trying to digest everything she had said and wonder how he was going to get through the next few months in New York without her. Donna pulled away from Sam and reached behind her back to unzip her black dress, letting it fall to a dark pool around their feet. Peering down at her near naked body, Sam took in every last detail of her small frame and remained silent as she moved close to him again. Placing her hands on her husband's broad chest, Donna leant closer to brush her lips against his. This time, Sam responded fully to her and trailed his hands delicately down her back. With their kisses slow and tender, Donna started to undo Sam's shirt buttons, one by one. Slipping the shirt off over his shoulders, she allowed her fingertips to run down his arms, causing him to flinch slightly at her touch.

"It's been too long." Whispered Sam in between kisses, when he felt his wife unbuckling his belt. "The last time we made real love, was just before Max was born."

Breaking from their kiss, Donna placed her finger to Sam's lips. "Shhh, don't say anything…Just make love to me." She whispered, with tears still slowly trickling down her cheeks.

Pulling his wife close, Sam wasted no time getting her out of her slinky black underwear, allowing his hands to explore her soft body as he did. Donna was the same, easing Sam's trousers down, along with his boxers and resuming their slow kisses. Walking her back to the bed, Sam laid his wife down before him and climbed on, positioning himself between her legs. He rested there on his elbows, gently stroking the loose strands of hair away from Donna's face and staring deep into her tear filled eyes.

"Where did we go wrong?" Whispered Sam, not taking his eyes off his wife's beautiful face and feeling her trailing her hands down his sides.

"I don't know." Donna whispered, as Sam leant his head closer and kissed her lips as soft as he could.

They took things slow, savouring every second of their last night together. With hands exploring one another, Sam took it to the next level when his wife parted her legs beneath him, giving him permission to guide himself inside her warmth. He broke from their kiss, to gaze into Donna's eyes as he did, watching her gasp at his tenderness. Setting the pace, rhythmic and controlled, their mouths found one another's once more. Continuing like this for what seemed like hours, neither of them were in a rush to reach their climax too soon. It was tender, romantic and the perfect way for them to show each other they still cared and wanted their marriage to work.

Donna could feel the stirrings of her orgasm mounting and normally at this point during lovemaking, the pair of them would be vocal, urging the other on. Not this time. As Donna reached her climaxed, Sam felt her tight womanhood tense and contract around his throbbing length and she grabbed hold of his rear to push him deeper into her. He was right there with her, giving a few more slow, yet powerful deep thrusts as he came. Coming to a stop, Sam gazed into his wife's eyes and realised she was silently crying, the tears falling from her eyes onto the pillow bellow.

"I love you." Whispered Sam, carefully withdrawing from her and rolling to lay at her side, as he pulled the sheets around their naked bodies.

Turning onto her other side, Donna felt her husband moving up close behind her. "I love you too." She whispered, closing her eyes and wishing her heart didn't feel so heavy.

*************

A.N. Thanks for reading guys…Did you see that coming? Lol… To find out what happens next in the world of Carmichael, you know what you have to do… Press it! Lol… Loads of love, Liv x