So, a reviewer asked what the phrase, "Must have spit me out of your butt means" from the last chapter. Well, I'm from the South and we have a lot of funny and weird phrases. This one means that Bella is so much like her dad that he might as well have spit her out of his butt. It's kinda a weird way of saying he might as well have cloned her lol. Sorry, I confused ya, darling ;)

Anyway, onto Chapter 7...

The scent of coffee wafted into his senses as he shifted onto his side, attempting to blot out the light which was effectively interrupting his sleep. However, the ache in his back as he did so, prompted him to crack his eyes open. To his befuddlement, the sight before him was not the one of his bedroom, but that of his living room. The coffee table, littered with Barbie dolls and a few books, were mere inches from his face, causing him to squint through heavy eyes.

That is, until the sounds of giggles had him lifting his head to glance into the kitchen. There, he found Bella, perched on her special stool as she pointed at the toaster, which Katrina was pulling out what looked like eggo waffles.

With that sight, the previous day's events came flooding back to him, causing him to fall back against the sofa and bring his hands to his face. It could have all been a dream. Perhaps, he was still dreaming and this was all some nightmare from which he'd yet to awaken. However, another loud giggle from Bella had him pushing himself up to find them merrily whispering amongst themselves.

How many times had he imagined this? The two of them making breakfast as he prepared for work or whatever else he might have been doing that day. Far too many times to count.

Groaning as he pushed himself up, he arched his back in the hopes of ridding himself of the ache in it. Too many more nights of this would not do.

"Daddy, you're awake!"

He perked up just in time to catch Bella as she all but flew into his lap, her smile contagious.

Laughing at her exuberance this early in the morning, which was a rarity for sure, he said, "What's gotten into you, little miss? I'm usually the one dragging you out of bed."

She grinned and pointed toward the kitchen, the energy being exuded from her small form practically tangible. "Mommy and I made breakfast."

"Did you, now?" He stood, lifting her in his arms, and walked over to the snack bar where the eggo's sat in a neat pile on a plate. "Well, look at that."

About that time, the toaster gave life to another waffle, causing Bella to giggle as it popped up. "I taught mommy how to toast." Bella looked at him with a disapproving expression. "She didn't know how. How come you never taught her?"

Lifting an eyebrow at the amount of accusation leveled at him from a four year old, he set her on the bar stool and shrugged his shoulders. "I wasn't very adept at eggo making back then, either."

Unfortunately, what he needed in this moment was perched on the counter directly behind the person he wished to avoid. A groan on the tip of his tongue, he walked around the island to grab a coffee cup and take up a stance next to Katrina as he poured himself a helping.

As his shoulder brushed hers, he cut his eyes and took in the way his shirt and bottoms hung off her, yet making her no less attractive. Of course, his own clothing on her made him lust for her all the more. Why wouldn't it? The world had obviously decided to make his life a living hell from this point forward by putting the most beautiful woman he'd ever beheld directly within his reach. For the briefest of moments, he forgot he was doing his best not to touch her.

"Did you sleep well?"

So caught up in his lust, he hadn't noticed her staring directly at him with no lack of acute awareness as to his thoughts. Shifting uncomfortably, he cleared his throat and answered, "Yes."

Her green eyes lingered on him for a moment before she glanced over at the sofa. "I can't imagine that was too comfortable for you." She smiled, a slight glint in her gaze. "You should have stayed with me."

With all the smoothness of someone two hundred and... however many years old he was at this point and mightily lacking in gracefulness, he abruptly jerked and knocked over his cup of coffee.

"Shit," he whispered as the scalding hot liquid went in every direction, spreading over the counter as well as pouring over the edge and splattering against the floor.

Katrina jumped back, using his arm as balance while her bare feet evaded the hot mess.

"Did it get on you?" he asked in a panicked tone, his fingers wrapping around her wrist and pulling her away so he could examine her. "Did I burn you?"

"No, I'm fine," she answered, her gaze still on the liquid.

Tearing his eyes from her, he quickly grabbed a dishtowel and threw it on the floor so he could begin mopping up the mess before it spread any further.

"I'm so sorry," he mumbled as he placed his foot on the towel and began pushing it through the coffee.

Her hand rested against his back as she produced another towel to wipe the counter. "Ichabod, it's fine."

As he kicked his towel away, he laid his hand over hers and paused her cleaning. "Please, let me."

Gold-green eyes lifted to his with an accompanying smile. "Are you worrying? What did I tell you about your face?"

Said face dissolving into one of annoyance, he rolled his eyes. Would she never cease in her attempts to get under his skin?

"I'm getting hungry over here."

The impatience in Bella's voice had him turning to find her chin propped on her fists with a rather unimpressed expression on her face. "You're getting more and more cantankerous every day."

"I can't imagine where she acquired that from," Katrina said as she chuckled and sat the last of the waffles on the snack bar in front of Bella.

Completely offended, he said, "I am not impatient."

"Says the man who couldn't wait ten minutes for me to get ready whenever we went somewhere."

"Because it was never ten minutes," he protested in exasperation. "It's a wonder we ever made it anywhere at all with all the layers and hair and whatever else you had to do for the most simple of outings."

Bella raised her hand, drawing both their gazes. "Can we argue later, please? I'm starving."

If he survived the women in his life, he felt he would deserve all the crowns in heaven available. Shaking his head, he grabbed the syrup from the pantry and set it in front of Bella, who swiftly scooped it up and began soaking her waffles.

Katrina eased onto the stool next to her and raised an eyebrow at the oozing mess Bella had just made. "You're going to drown."

Bella giggled and pushed the syrup across the counter, leaving a sticky streak in her wake. "Now, you."

As the two of them chuckled over the sticky mess they were creating, he glanced at the clock. "I'm going to take a shower." He pointed at Bella with a warning finger. "You, behave."

"I'm always precious, daddy."

He rolled his eyes as he started for his bedroom. "Dear Lord."

After shutting the door, he noticed the bed perfectly made, hardly bearing the signs that anyone had slept in it at all. Well, at least she was doing that.

When he finally managed to get in the shower, he nearly buckled under how amazing the hot water felt against his back. If there was one thing he knew he'd miss if ever returned to his own century, it was hot showers. Yes, baths were wonderful and he wasn't going to pretend like he'd never taken enjoyment out of them when it came to soaking the aches from his joints. The few times he'd had the pleasure of his wife's company while in a bath were at the top of his list of unforgettable moments. Of course, that thought was accompanied by the wonder of how it would feel to be joined in the shower.

"God help me," he whispered as he leaned his head against his arm.

For five years, he'd been fine. Fantasies had come and gone. The beautiful women of this century had given him plenty of ideas. Even Betsy had brought him over the edge and into oblivion a number of times, now. However, none of it had ever had him in the state he now found himself. The particular itch he had was one he knew could only be sated from one individual; one with gold-green eyes that could still his heart quicker than a blink.

Running his fingers through his hair, he shut the shower off and stepped out. For the life of him, he wondered how he was going to survive Katrina. Twenty-four hours had yet to pass and he was already caught in her spell.

After brushing his teeth, he ran his comb through his hair and sighed. The man in the mirror seemed to be an altogether different person than the one he'd looked upon not a whole week before. How quickly life could change.

Knowing he had to get Bella moving, he reentered his bedroom and moved to his closet where he began shoving hangers over so he could pull out a suit for the day. Blue was Bella's favorite as she said it made his eyes look like they were popping out of his head. He wasn't sure if she'd come up with that one on her own or if Abbie had encouraged it, but it was what she stuck with and he tended to lean toward the color on most days.

Setting it all on his bed, he sat down to put his watch on only to get caught up in the smell wafting from it.

For God's sake, his bed already smelled like her. How was he ever going to return to sleeping in it without exploding on the spot? She was everywhere.

Groaning, he rose and dressed before dragging his feet to the door where he took a deep breath before opening it. However, to his surprise, he found the two of them now folding his blankets together in the middle of the living room floor.

"This way?"

Bella lifted the end of the blanket and held it up.

"Yes, you want to match the corners so it's all even." Katrina showed her by connecting her end with Bella's. "See?"

"You're smart like daddy," Bella said with a grin as she picked up his pillow and laid it on top of the blanket. "He knows everything."

"Does he?" Katrina chuckled. "Well, I taught him everything he knows."

"Bella, you need to go get ready for school." He set his briefcase on the counter. "I washed your jumper."

"Finally!" she exclaimed as she threw her hands up and spun toward Katrina. "I have to tell him two hundred times."

Lifting his eyebrow, he caught her around her waist as she tried to scurry past him. "You little storyteller."

"Nah uh," she protested while wiggling in his arms. "You forget."

Shaking his head, he dropped her onto the couch next to Katrina and looked her square in the eyes. "You. Clothes. Now."

She rolled her eyes before weaseling past him and darting for her room, giggles following her all the way.

"She's so full of energy," Katrina said as she stared after Bella. "How do you keep up with her?"

Taking a seat in the recliner, he pulled out his phone and responded, "I'm not sure I do. Some days, I'm not sure whether I'm coming or going."

Her soft laughter drew his gaze up to find her staring at her hands with the most contented smile he'd seen on her face in ages. She looked so happy; so comfortable. When was the last time he'd seen her smile like that in regards to something he'd said? Or even the last time he'd seen her look so at ease while in his presence? Granted, it was mostly Bella who had made her that way, but still...

"I, uhm," he reached into his pocket for his keys and slid off the house key. "This is to the front door." As he handed it to her, he explained, "If you go into town, there's a place on Main Street that can duplicate it." He, then, pulled out his wallet and produced a one hundred dollar bill. "It shouldn't be too much. So, just use the rest for whatever you think you might need until we can get your things."

When she only stared at the money, he asked, "Is something wrong?"

Her eyes darted from the money to him. "No, I just... what are you doing?"

Brow knitting, he said, "I don't understand. You need a key to the house."

"It's not just the key." She shrugged her shoulders as her eyes fell again. "You're being extremely kind to me."

"As opposed to being cruel to you in front of our child?"

"No, it's just... after last night, I thought you might be angry with me. I-" She lifted her eyes and tilted her head with a small grin. "I wasn't exactly agreeable."

Is that what they were going to call her disrobing before him and offering up her body? Alright, then.

"Katrina, last night... was new for us." He ran a hand through his hair as he searched for the right words. "I'm trying to make this work for Bella. She's so happy you're here and if we can live here together for her, for at least a time, I think the least we can do is be cordial and considerate of one another. I know it might be difficult sometimes with the way we feel in regards to one another, but... if it makes her happy, I'm willing to do whatever it takes."

The way she was worrying her bottom lip between her teeth gave him pause.

"Besides, last night wasn't so awful." He grinned. "The view was memorable."

Green eyes lifted to his with a radiating glint. "Hmm."

Chuckling, he set the money on the table and continued, "It might be difficult, but I think we can make this work. All I ask is that you put Bella first and discuss everything that might affect her with me at all times."

A smile creased her face as she looked down the hallway. "She's my world."

"Mine, too." He nodded to the money. "Please, take it. It's really no different than what I've been doing over the years. The only difference is you'll be picking it out instead of me which will be a great relief."

"Thank you." She tilted her head toward the bedroom. "I'll go change."

"Alright," he whispered as she stood and moved toward the bedroom.

Once the door was closed, he dropped his head to his hands. The way she shifted between grateful, angry, seductive, and gloating was leaving his mind spinning. This never ending uncertainty of how she felt about him was about to drive him mad.

"I'm ready!" Bella called as she came skipping down the hallway. "Who's taking me to school?"

"How about me?" Abbie asked with a bright smile as she closed the door behind her. "How does that sound?"

"Aunt Abbie!" Bella yelled as she bolted and threw her arms around Abbie's legs. "You've been gone forever, silly."

"No, I haven't," Abbie chuckled as she knelt to hug Bella. "I saw you last week."

Bella pulled back with wide eyes. "That's forever ago."

As the two of them traded a few words, he stood, heart pounding in his chest. What she was doing here was lost on him as it was rare for her to have time off to come this late in the morning. Had Jenny told her? Was she here to chastise him for his hasty decision? The thought nearly paralyzed him.

"What, uh, what are you doing here?" he asked as he moved around the couch and nervously glanced toward his bedroom. "I thought you'd be working."

Abbie took Bella's hand and twirled her. "I'm going in later. I had a late night."

"Oh?" He ran his hand along the back of his neck. "That's... nice."

Brown eyes danced over him as her brow drew tight. "What's wrong with you?"

"Me?" He ran his hands down his shirt. "Nothing."

This was going to be a painful bullet to bite. Too bad he couldn't avoid it.

With nothing left to do but deal with his first obstacle, he settled his gaze on Bella. "Sweetheart, why don't you get your backpack so we can get going and I can talk to your Aunt?"

"What about mommy?"

The innocent question set his pulse to racing.

"Mommy?" Abbie frowned as she looked from Bella to him then back to Bella. "What are you talking about, munchkin?"

"She's just-"

"My mommy came home," Bella beamed, not a trace of hesitation in her voice.

It was almost as if she was bragging over her newest birthday present; one she just knew would make everyone else jealous. If only she knew that jealousy was the last thing she'd just caused.

Abbie's frown deepened as her eyes found him. "What is she-"

The way her words died off and her eyes stilled on something behind him spoke to his doomed future. He briefly wondered if his death would come swiftly, or if it would be an agonizing and torturously paced event. From the look on Abbie's face, the only thing he was sure of was that his death was certainly going to happen either way.

Slowly looking over his shoulder, he found Katrina standing just outside his bedroom door with a surprised expression on her face, granted it wasn't nearly as surprised as his friend's.

"What the hell?" Abbie whispered as she moved around Bella, her hand now resting on her firearm.

"I can explain," he began, holding up his hands in the hopes that he could keep this conversation peaceful.

Abbie shot him a dangerous look. "Explain? Really? You can explain this?"

Oh God. Her voice had reached that certain pitch that spoke volumes as to the amount of shit he was in.

"Bella needs her," he said, almost pleadingly.

Abbie's face hardened as her finger lifted. "Don't you dare use Bella as an excuse. You've been wanting this since the moment we put her down there."

The ability to breathe was evading him. When had it become so hot in here? It was practically suffocating.

"Abbie-"

"Don't!" Abbie warned as her gaze remained fixed on Katrina. "I swear, Crane, if this isn't some joke, I'm going to shoot you, myself."

With a heavy sigh, he said, "This wasn't an easy decision to make, but it was one that had to be made."

"I'm sorry, it had to be made?" Abbie stared at him as though he'd lost his mind. "She'll take Bella from you and then what? Are you still going to believe this was the solution?"

"I won't take her," Katrina said, her voice even. "I gave him my word."

"Your word?" Abbie laughed before meeting his eyes. "Are you freaking kidding me!?"

"Aunt Abbie, what's wrong?"

Bella looked between them all, her eyes wide and worried as she held Abbie's hand.

"Bels, come here," Abbie said as she pulled Bella into her arms and turned back to him. "Crane, what were you thinking?"

Running a hand down the back of his neck, he hung his head. "I had to-"

"She has to go back."

He felt Katrina bristle beside him, prompting him to hold a hand out in front of her to stop her from moving forward any further. The last thing he needed was a physical confrontation in front of his daughter; especially from the two women she loved more than anyone else.

"Daddy?" Bella whispered. "Mommy's not leaving, is she?"

Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward and lifted Bella from Abbie before turning to set her down. "Why don't you let your mother fix your hair? I bet she'd love to do that for you."

He glanced up at Katrina, who was staring at Abbie with a far too calm expression. If he didn't diffuse this situation quickly, it was only going to escalate.

"Katrina?" he called, drawing her eyes to his. "You can do that, right?"

"Of course," she whispered, her features softening as she bent to pick up Bella. "I'd love to."

As the two of them moved down the hallway, he turned to Abbie who was positively fuming. He couldn't blame her. If anyone else had done this, he'd have reacted the same way, if not worse.

"Have you lost your mind?" She thrust her finger toward the hall. "She's a murderer."

Running a hand through his hair, he replied, "She's never murdered anyone and, besides that, Katrina is the only one who can properly help Bella."

Abbie crossed her arms and fixed him with a stern look. "Is that what she told you?"

"No, it's what I know."

"You're full of it, Crane," she said as she began pacing. "What happened to binding Bella's magic? We had a plan."

Unsure of how to summon the confidence he was sorely lacking, he began fidgeting with the ring on his finger. "I wanted to make sure nothing went wrong with it. That's why I sought her out, but Katrina said it's a painful process, one she refused to help us perform."

"Katrina said?" Abbie shook her head. "Ichabod, come on, Katrina was going to say whatever it took to get out of that cell."

It wasn't as if he hadn't considered that Katrina could be playing upon his fears and love, but he found it difficult to believe she'd lie about something in regards to Bella.

"You're saying you think she lied?"

"Of course, she did!" Abbie gestured to the hallway. "She's had five years to think about this. She knew Bella would acquire powers one day and she knew you would come to her."

Swallowing the build of saliva in his throat, he denied, "There's no way she could have known I wouldn't find another way."

"Crane, listen to me." Abbie stepped closer to him. "It was her only leverage, her only hope of gaining freedom, and you played right into it. That's exactly why I didn't want you alone with her. She twists everything and you've always wanted so badly to believe her."

His breathing began to deepen. No, Katrina wouldn't use Bella. "If there's one person in the world she wouldn't hurt, it's Bella."

"And?" Abbie asked as though the answer was obvious. "What's to stop her from telling Bella you died and then taking her away? She swore to kill us both. Do you really think that after she's spent all that time locked away, that she's just going to forget everything? Just let it go?"

After everything that had happened, he wasn't sure what he thought. This entire situation was unusual at best. There was little that would surprise him at this point.

"Abbie," he whispered, so tired of the weight of this entire situation. "Whether I was right or wrong about it, there's little that can be done now either way." He pointed to the room. "She's out and her magic is intact. Even if I wanted to put her back, you and I both know we can't. It was a mere stroke of luck we managed to get her down there in the first place."

Jaw clenched, Abbie brought a hand to press to her forehead as she whispered, "You may be content with this, but I'm not. I love that little girl, Crane, and having Katrina here is going to do nothing but hurt her in the end. Is she really the kind of mother you think Bella deserves?"

There seemed to be a perpetual knot lodged in his throat. "You haven't seen them together. They're so happy."

"And you, too, right?" she asked, her eyebrow lifting. "Don't pretend like this is all for Bella. Since the moment you woke up in that cave, the only thing you wanted was Katrina. Nearly everything we did during that first year was somehow connected to you trying to reunite with her. Every time you lost your temper, every time you lost your control, was all linked to her." Abbie stepped closer to him and looked him straight in the eye. "She's your weakness, Crane, and she's going to exploit that."

Eyes falling to the floor, he brought a hand up and rubbed them.

"Come on, Bella," Abbie yelled down the hallway. "You're gonna be late."

"What do you intend to do, Abbie?" he softly whispered.

"I'm gonna find a way to deal with her magic when the time comes."

He lifted his head, his last bit of resolve crumbling. "If the time comes."

"No," she said, meeting him eye to eye. "When."

Footsteps quickly running down the hallway had him turning to see Bella bouncing toward them, her hair now affixed in a bun atop her head.

"I'm ready." She stopped in front of him. "Do you like my hair, daddy?"

Releasing a sigh though his nose, he knelt in front of her. "I love it."

"Good," she said with a giggle. "I want mommy to do my hair all the time."

"All the time?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Are you saying you don't like the way I fix your hair, young lady?"

Bella laid a hand to his shoulder in mock sympathy. "Don't be sad, daddy. Mommy's just better at it than you."

Katrina chuckled and knelt to kiss Bella on the cheek as he made a disgruntled sound.

"Alright, munchkin," Abbie said, laying a hand to her arm and taking her backpack. "Let's go."

Bella rolled her eyes and began trudging toward the door. "I hate going to school."

When Bella was across the room, Abbie glanced between them and shook her head. "Get your house in order, Crane."

With that, she turned and followed Bella out the door. The moment it shut, he sighed and ran both his hands down his face.

"Was that us all living in harmony?"

Rolling his eyes, he turned to Katrina, who was standing with her arms tucked tightly under her breasts and a cross expression on her face. She literally looked like she was breathing fire.

"She was surprised. You can hardly blame her. After all, you did try to kill her the last time you were out."

"And what if she doesn't let it go?" She fixed him with a questioning gaze. "I can control myself and I will. Can the same be said for her?"

Shaking his head, he walked past her and picked up his briefcase. "She asked the same thing about you."

"Ichabod-"

"No one's going to bother you, Katrina." He paused and turned to her. "As you said before, we couldn't if we tried."

When her eyes fell to her shoes, he couldn't help but think that all the happiness he'd earlier seen was now gone.

"Katrina," he whispered as he reached out and lifted her chin. "Not even a day has passed and she loves you so much already."

Tears were collecting in her eyes. "All I want is to be with her."

"Then, be with her," he softly replied as he wiped his thumb across her cheek. "Just be with her, Katrina."

"Oh, hello, Mr. Crane," Gloria said as she stood from her desk, smoothing out her dress as she did so. "How's our Bella doing?"

He nodded to his secretary with a smile. "Much better now, thank you."

Gloria held her hand to her heart. "That's such a relief. I was so worried for the poor thing."

"Your concerns are greatly appreciated. Bella will be glad to hear of them."

Gloria shifted rather uncomfortably before asking, "Mr. Crane, I heard a rumor."

He raised an eyebrow and turned toward her more fully. "A rumor?"

"Well, less a rumor and more so a straightforward passing of knowledge from my daughter."

Feeling he knew where this was going, he sighed, "Of course, Lauren is good friend's with Betsy."

With barely a blink to obstruct her gaze, Gloria stared at him. "Is it true?"

A tired chuckle slipped between his lips as he nodded. "Yes, Bella's mother is, at present, residing with us."

To her credit, Gloria didn't pry any further.

"Well, that's wonderful." She handed him his morning coffee. "I'm sure Bella is pleased."

"Over the moon is more like it," he replied. "I only hope I'm doing the right thing by allowing her in so quickly."

"I'm sure you are." Gloria patted his arm. "I know how cautious you are with Bella and if you've let..."

"Katrina."

Gloria smiled. "Katrina. If you've let Katrina in so quickly then it's only because you're certain she can only improve upon Bella's life."

He shook his head. "It's not Bella for which life I'm concerned."

"Oh?" She raised an eyebrow. "I heard she was stunning."

He smiled and began walking toward his office. "Please hold my calls until I say otherwise."

As he rounded his desk and slumped down into his chair, he loosened his tie and all but allowed his head to fall into his hands. The notion that it was only eight-thirty completely floored him. How had so much already occurred this early in the morning? To add insult to injury, it seemed that whatever it was he was getting himself into with Katrina was going to be something that played out with onlookers.

All in all, he was going to have to speak with Betsy at more length soon, or he feared she might begin to get the wrong idea. The only problem was that he wasn't sure how to explain Katrina. Her sudden appearance after hardly any mention was bound to raise a few eyebrows. How was he supposed to talk her up as a good mother when she had an unexplainable absence? He was now stuck with having to come up with something reasonable while still conveying how much she loved Bella and wanted to be with her.

Then, there was the fact that she was technically living with him. He couldn't imagine that was something Betsy was going to understand. He wasn't even sure that was something he understood. What other choice did he really have, though? He couldn't afford to buy her a house and she couldn't really get a job as she technically didn't exist and, even more, was still unaccustomed to the modern world.

In all honesty, with how little she'd been able to venture out in public those few months after Purgatory, she likely would know next to nothing about this century they now called home.

Groaning, he lifted his head and opened his laptop in the hopes that he could get some work done.

However, he highly doubted his mind would be focused on anything other than the two sets of gold-green eyes that now controlled his thoughts.

Grocery shopping with a Kindergartener. More anxiety. A less than comfortable evening with the Crane's.