Chapter Six

A/N: Thanks to everyone for all the reviews!!! The actions in this chapter may be out of character for all involved so a little creative license was used. Please read and review. Thanks!!

Two Weeks Later

Betty smiled as she knocked on the door to Henry and Aiden's apartment. She carried a bottle of wine for Henry and some drawing paper and crayons for Aiden. The last two weeks had been happy and promising for Betty. She and Henry had gone to the movies, walked through Central Park, and had taken Aiden to the zoo. They usually ended up at Henry's apartment sharing take-out. Betty stayed until Aiden had gotten his bath, then she read him a chapter of his newest book. Aiden would hug her when he got sleepy, and then fall asleep as Betty and Henry would sit in the living room talking.

They had fallen back into an easy pattern of friendship. Henry respected the boundaries that Betty set that day in the park, but it became increasingly difficult every minute he spent with her. They had kissed several times the past few nights, but despite the obvious attraction between the two of them, Henry could feel her resistance. He knew she was protecting herself from getting hurt again, but he was trying to prove to her that he was here to stay. Betty had decided to be more receptive to Henry tonight as he opened the door. Betty immediately noticed his demeanor was not one of happiness. She looked at him with concern as he motioned her inside.

"Henry…." Betty started. Henry leaned down and brushed his lips against hers, pulling away quickly. He gave her a small smile as they went into the kitchen where Aiden was already waiting for them. Aiden's smile widened as he saw her.

"Betty!" Aiden called as he scrambled out of his chair to hug her. She picked him up and hugged the small little body to her, breathing in his little boy scent. She caught Henry's eye as she hugged Aiden. Henry looked at them both wistfully with a strange expression that Betty couldn't figure out. As they ate the spaghetti and salad that Henry had made, Betty noticed Henry was unusually quiet during dinner. She chatted with Aiden about school and his friends, but Henry sat at the table across from her, picking at his food. As soon as he finished, Aiden jumped from his chair and headed into his room. Henry began to clear the table when Betty decided to find out what was going on.

"Henry, leave those. Let's go sit and talk." Betty said. Henry nodded as they went to the couch. Henry sat down heavily on the couch as Betty tried to sit next to him. As she moved to sit down, Henry scooted away from her. He looked at her as her face registered the hurt she was feeling. He took both her hands in his.

"Betty, these last two weeks have been terrific. I've never been happier in my life, and Aiden has been wonderful. I want you to know how happy you've made me." Henry said as he rubbed his thumbs over her hands.

"But."Betty said, "There's more." Henry nodded slowly. He wasn't sure what her reaction would be to his news.

"I was contacted today at work by a lawyer." Henry said quietly.

"A lawyer?" Betty said, "I don't understand. Why would a lawyer been contacting you?"

"It's about Aiden. Apparently she's married someone and they have a child together. She's been looking for us for about two years now and she wants to see Aiden." Henry said.

"Oh my god, Charlie!" Betty exclaimed.

"Yes, the lawyer contacted my mom I guess. He found out that we'd moved back to New York and so……."

"So you're going to let Charlie see Aiden?" Betty asked. Henry looked up at the panicked tone in her voice.

"Betty..." Henry said, "She sounds like she wants to try and make amends to Aiden. Besides, she IS married to someone else and I don't think she would…."

"You don't? Because I don't put anything past Charlie." Betty said angrily. She stood and paced the floor in front of the sofa. Henry watched her pacing, knowing she was hurt and angry. He stopped her and placed his hands on her shoulders.

"Betty, please….I know you're upset and I know how you feel….."

"No Henry. No you don't." Betty replied. "I love you and I could stand by you through almost anything, but I can't stand with you for this. Charlie can hurt me all she wants, but I won't let her use Aiden to get to me. Or you." Betty said.

"Betty, all she wants is to see Aiden…" Henry said.

"That's NEVER all that Charlie wants!" Betty said, her voice rising in despair, "Don't you remember what she did to us before? I remember how hurt I was, how my heart felt like it had been torn in two on that bridge!"

"I remember that too Betty!" Henry said, his temper rising. Betty stubbornly refusing to listen to him was working on his anger. He couldn't lose her again.

"It sure doesn't seem like it!" Betty snapped hurt and anguish evident in her voice, "You sure didn't mind breaking my heart once before where Charlie was concerned."

"BETTY!" Henry finally yelled. Betty stopped and looked up at him as they heard a voice from the doorway.

"Daddy." Aiden said "are you and Betty fighting?" Henry watched helplessly as Betty held out her arms to Aiden. Aiden ran to Betty as she picked him up and held him to her. She stroked his soft hair as she sobbed into the little boy's shoulder.

"Betty, why are you crying?" Aiden said, pulling back from her. Betty wrapped her arms around him as she studied him through her glasses.

"Aiden, I can't come and visit you anymore for a little while." Betty said.

"But why?" Aiden said, "Did I do something bad?"

"No sweetie, you haven't done anything wrong." Betty said, rubbing Aiden's back "it's just that, things are going to be busy for you for a while. For me too and I just might not get over here as much. OK Aiden?" Aiden hugged her tightly while Henry watched. She let go of Aiden set him down. He smiled up at her.

"Hurry back, I'm going to miss you." Aiden said as he went back to his room. Betty picked up her purse. Henry watched her walk towards the door, his heart tightening as her hand opened the door.

"Betty, I……" Betty turned to Henry.

"I love you Henry." Betty said as she paused in the open doorway, "Aiden too. I love you enough to let you both go. I didn't have my mother growing up, and I won't be the cause of Aiden not having his. Maybe I'll see you two around." Betty turned from the apartment and closed the door behind her. Henry stared at the closed door for a long time.

"I love you too Betty." He whispered to the empty room.

TBC…………………………………….