Dropping a package of turkey in his buggy, he moved a few feet further up the aisle to inspect the cheese.

The overabundance of choice when it came to the time he now called home was something to which he'd finally become accustomed. No matter the item he was wanting, there was always more than one choice; something that had befuddled him quite a bit at first as such a luxury had never been known in the past. This fact did little to help his unsureness when it came to which kind of cheese Katrina would prefer. Truthfully, why did he care? It wasn't as though she'd cared enough to remain in his life throughout the years for him to be able to learn such things. With a tinge of resentment in mind, he sighed and reached for the kind he was sure Bella would like. Katrina could eat what they ate, or she could go hungry. At least, that's what he told himself.

"Daddy!"

Spinning on his heel, he found Bella running down the bread aisle, her bun, having descended into a ponytail for the day, bouncing behind her.

"Slow down," he warned as she nearly bumped into an elderly man coming around the corner.

Bella shot a bashful look at the man, who only chuckled, before darting the remaining distance to him.

"I got the bread!" she said, proudly presenting him with the loaf.

"Fantastic." He pointed at the seat in the buggy. "Just set it there and-"

"String cheese!" she squealed as she slipped around him, her focus now on the display of cheeses.

"Bella-"

There was always something she just had to have and, being a father of rather weak willpower when it came to refusal, she tended to get it. He wasn't proud of the fact, but it was a fact nonetheless.

"Daddy, please," she pled as she cast him those innocent eyes. "I behaved almost all day."

Of course. Their deal. Whenever she went without incident for a day, she got a little something in return; positive reinforcement or whatever that book had told him. Though, he was sure it had also said something about not giving a reward every time due to her possibly forming the idea that she would think she deserved such a thing every time she did something good for the rest of her life.

"Almost isn't what we're striving for, Bella."

She fisted her shirt between her fingers as she twisted in her shoes, her eyes now avoidant. "But that wasn't my fault. Madison was talking to me. I couldn't be rude and not listen to her. She's my best friend!"

"Your teacher was speaking," he countered. "You were being rude to her."

When her eyes made to roll, he raised an eyebrow, ceasing the action in its tracks. Instead, she gave him a sulky look.

"I learned better," she groaned. "I got a frowny face for the day. It think that was a good lesson."

What a little worm, he thought as he stared at her. More than ever, he was seeing Katrina in her every movement. Those van Tassel eyes were the best manipulators that had ever been created. Not to mention, she never let anything go and would surely argue him into his grave. It appeared God did have a sense of humor. He was now raising his stubborn wife.

"And you think you deserve a reward for a frowny face?"

"It's food, daddy." She pointed in the direction of the children's department, exasperation lacing her features. "Not a toy."

When her eyes came back to him, a satisfied look in her green orbs, his own eyes gave way to a roll.

"Pick your cheese." He held up a finger with an attempt to add some sternness to his voice. "But... none tonight."

"Ok!" she exclaimed, even as she darted closer to the display.

Shopping with her was never dull.

After she'd claimed her prized string cheese, she began happily skipping beside him. "Now, what?"

The most dreaded aisle in the store as one could barely breathe on it due to the overwhelming scents of all the cleaning products.

"Toilet paper."

"Ooh," she said as she jumped up and tapped a package on the second shelf. "Get the bears."

"Not that one," he said, already moving to the next set.

"But they're so happy on the tv," she protested as she frowned at him. "I want to be happy, too."

Turning away from her, he rolled his eyes again. He was going to have to start restricting her television time.

"Aww, daddy," she groaned as she laced her fingers through the buggy while pressing her face into its side. "Not the naked baby one."

With a chuckle, he began pushing the buggy again. "Let's go, mischief maker."

"I bet mommy would like the bear one better."

So, that's how it was going to be.

"Katrina will be happy with whatever we bring home," he replied, picking up some paper towels as they walked. "And so will you unless you have some money I'm unaware of and wish to buy the happy bears for yourself."

"I have a bunch in my piggy bank." She wiggled her finger at him. "And it's heavy, so that means I'm rich."

"Are you, now?" He nodded to a mother who was laughing behind her hand as they walked past. "Well, I guess you can buy the groceries next time."

Her eyes widened, pure horror swimming in the green. "No way. That's for my puppy."

Well, that made him pause. "What puppy?"

"The one at the shelter." She pouted her lips. "It needs a home, daddy. It's so sad."

That wasn't likely to happen. He could barely keep up with Bella on most days. Adding a puppy into the mix would surely drive him mad.

Shaking his head, he started toward the beauty department. "I'm sure it's content right where it is."

The huff at his side brought a grin to his face. What a little manipulator. In a few years, he was surely going to have his hands full.

"Do you think your mother will like this shampoo?"

Bella eyed the purple bottle as she stroked her chin. "I think so."

Thinking so wasn't exactly a confidence builder, but he supposed he had little other option than to take her word for it.

"Alright." He turned the buggy around. "Let's go before we buy the store."

"But then we could live here and eat whatever we want."

"Funny, Bells."

"Get the door," he said as he ascended the porch steps, his arms laden down by bags. "Hurry."

Bella bolted past him, the ice cream he'd promised her days ago dripping down her hands. After she'd shoved it open, he stepped through and paused as the scent of vanilla flooded his senses.

"It's so clean!" Bella exclaimed as she eased around him. "Look, daddy!"

Clean was an understatement. It sparkled. The house had never been given so much care.

"Oh, hello."

Eyes darting to the hallway, he found Katrina coming from his bedroom with a smile, her hair up in a bun with small strands hanging about her face, obviously after having fallen. If asked, he'd deny the small twinge in his trousers as his eyes journeyed down her form, taking in the tight jeans and dark blue blouse she wore. During any other time in their lives together, he would've already been walking toward her, intent to make her his. Alas, that wasn't to be... Somehow, he knew there should be a 'yet' in there somewhere.

"Did you use magic?"

Katrina's gaze fell to Bella, confusion swirling in her eyes. "Magic?"

Bella pointed at the floor. "It's so clean. Did you do it like Mickey with the brooms?" Her eyes widened. "Will I be able to do that!?"

"Bella," he scolded as said floor became the home of some of her chocolate ice cream. "You're dripping."

As he moved to set the groceries on the counter, he grabbed a rag and ran some warm water over it before squatting and motioning her over.

"Come here, you little mess maker."

She skipped over to him with a grin as she licked at the cone. "Sorry, daddy."

While wiping her sticky hands, he glanced up at Katrina who was leaning against the counter and watching them with a smile.

"You didn't have to clean."

A few more strands of her red hair slipped from her bun as she shook her head. "I didn't have much else to do all day."

That's true, he thought with a nod as he stood and reached for the first bag. It wasn't like she knew anyone or had anywhere she could go. He'd even taken to feeling slightly guilty over the fact that she'd had to walk into town. Granted it wasn't that far, but still...

"You cooked, too?" His attention caught on the pots sitting atop the stove. "Katrina-"

A slight look of embarrassment tinged her features. "I tried to cook. There's a significant difference."

Her nervous chuckle brought a smile to his face. It was so rare to see her fall prey to embarrassment. It was rather refreshing. "I see."

While Katrina was very skilled at many things, cooking had never been her strongest talent. The two of them had suffered through many less than tasteful meals together. He would pretend to love it and she would groan over her lack of ability. Such cases had seen him consoling her with great reward for his efforts. Many nights had seen them tangled around each other with Katrina showing him where her better talents rested. In truth, back then, he would have rather starved, than give up such pleasures.

"What is it?" Bella asked as she stood on tiptoes, her fingers gripping the counter. "Is it taco's?"

"Uhm, no," Katrina answered as she moved to lift Bella up to see inside the pot.

"Eww!" Bella turned to look at Katrina, her nose scrunched. "That's not natural."

Head falling back in laughter, he placed the milk in the fridge before pointing at the groceries. "Get busy, little miss."

Bella groaned as she slipped down Katrina's body. "I have to do everything."

"You're being dramatic," he said as he reached for a few cans of corn. "When you're done with the groceries, start your homework."

"Daddy," she whined, a little stomp of her foot accompanying it. "I just got home. I want to be with mommy."

He met Katrina's observant eyes for a moment before turning away. "You heard me, Bella."

Another groan came from Bella's direction, but he ignored her and moved to lift the lid on the pot.

"What happened here?"

Katrina smiled as she eased up beside him. "Someone biting off more than they could chew."

With a chuckle, he placed the pot beside the sink. "I believe it's the thought that counts."

As he set about cleaning out the pot, he noticed her biting her lip as she watched him. He knew what that meant. Her mind was set on something and she was attempting to sort out a way to go about either telling or asking for it.

"Is something the matter?"

Genuine concern filled him. She looked more nervous than usual and he'd never been sure how to handle a nervous Katrina.

"I'm sorry."

Ceasing his task, he turned to her. "For what?"

A shrug of her shoulders was all he received as she glanced at Bella who was busy trying to make her lunchables fit in the fridge.

"I didn't set the best example for Abbie of the life I want to have here." She gave a half smile. "It's hard to want to prove yourself to someone at the same time that you want to strangle them."

"Katrina-"

"I know," she cut in, her eyes falling to her hands. "I know I have to accept her being a part of Bella's life, but I'm not going to pretend like I don't still have dreams about the night she killed our son."

Heat spread along his neck. The touchiness of this subject never failed to leave him uncomfortable.

"I'm sure she has dreams about you trying to kill both her and I." He shook his head at the ridiculousness of his next words. "And half of Sleepy Hollow."

"I'm trying to be kind," she whispered, her voice low and hurt tinged.

"There was time you didn't have to try. You used to be kind without effort."

"Daddy, it won't fit," Bella groaned from behind him.

Tearing his gaze from Katrina's defeated expression, he found his daughter, sitting cross legged on the floor with her arms folded over her chest. The pout on her face only added to her already aggravated posture. With a sigh, he wiped his hands on a dishtowel and knelt beside her.

"Here." He pulled out a leftover pizza and set it on the counter. "How about now?"

"Ok," Bella said as she jumped up and began gathering her lunchables from the floor.

Satisfied she was content, he reclaimed his feet and turned back to Katrina, who was still watching him with that same look.

"I have a few things to take care of in my office." He stepped up to the sink and ran some water into the pot. "This needs to soak for a while."

"Ichabod."

Her fingers wrapped around his arm as he began to move away, forcing him to release a heavy breath through his nose. Why could they never have a simple, happy moment?

"It's in the past, Katrina." He pulled her hand from him and let it go. "The future is all I care about. Who you choose to be now... that's what matters. Make a decision, stick to it, and the rest will fall into place."

There was less acceptance appearing over her face than he would have liked to see. If anything, he would have thought she would love the idea of him putting their past in the past... or, at least, trying to.

"You look beautiful," he whispered, pushing a soft smile to his face as he brushed some hair over her ear. "I'm glad you found something to wear."

A little more light came to the green of her eyes as they lifted to him, that sparkle returning.

Clearing his throat, he gave another small smile and turned to make his way into his office.

Mr. Billings was going to murder him.

Once again, he'd been pulled into a meeting with his employer due to their need of something extravagant to pull people through their doors. However, his mind had been on everything but what the man had been saying. Then, there was the fact that he'd already spent so many days home with Bella while she was suffering from her magic's appearance.

Leaning forward in his office chair, he groaned at the ache in his neck. The sofa would not do for too many more nights. He was going to have to go gather Katrina's things before he permanently damaged something upon his person. That and even one night without his bed already had him missing it. He was a man now accustomed to the luxury of a soft resting place. No longer was he a soldier sleeping on the cold, hard ground for months on end. No, now he was a pampered modern man who cherished his bed. Should he ever encounter his past self, he was sure there would be some ridicule thrown into the conversation.

Thoughts of Katrina had him leaning his head into his hands. How one woman could cause so much strife in a man's life was madness. She was like a hurricane of mood swings, manipulation, and incomparable sexiness. It wouldn't be so worrisome if there wasn't always a catch with her. He feared the moment he would find her up to no good. Hour after hour spent alone in their house would only lead to too many dubious thoughts. She could only clean so much in a day before she became bored and began to find other things to occupy her time. Someone like Katrina wasn't made for domesticated housework. She was too intelligent, too eager to be accomplished. If left alone to her own devices, he feared the repercussions. Perhaps, he could find her a small job somewhere to keep her distracted, or, at least, a time consuming hobby.

As he continued thinking of her, his mind wandered to how wonderful she'd looked in those jeans, the way they clung to her every curve. While he was thankful she'd taken him up on his offer to purchase some things for herself, he wondered how long such kindness would take to make him combust. Perhaps, it hadn't been best to tell her how beautiful he considered her to be. He had, just the night before, told her to cease her advances toward him. How could he expect her to listen to him when he was going against his own wishes. Added to his words and the blatant way he continued to stare at her body were the touches he kept giving her. A brush of hair over her ear. Lifting her chin to catch her eyes. It was too much.

Eyes clenching shut, he winced as a shot of need swept over his groin.

"No, no, no," he whispered to himself as he shook his head.

He'd be lying to say he hadn't indulged in self pleasure with thoughts of her in mind. Late at night, when all was silent, he'd find his hand around his cock before he thought better of himself, his mind focused on images burned into his memory from long ago days. They'd been so passionate once, unable to keep their hands from one another. It was a wonder Bella didn't have a whole slew of brothers and sisters.

"For God's sake," he whispered as he dropped his hands, his groin throbbing. "Please, stop. She's a manipulative liar."

It didn't help that it had been so very long since he'd had the sort of release Katrina could give him. She was torturous in her methods, but the end result never failed to leave him breathless and satisfied beyond comprehension. It was as though she had a sixth sense of how to completely tear him to shreds before putting him right back together again. The things she'd done to him in the past... And not conventional things such as her mouth on his cock, but, other, less dignified methods. His hands had been bound to bed posts more times than he could remember without actually sitting and writing down each memory.

Guilt formed in the back of his throat as he considered that his last release had come from Betsy's hands. Not a whole week ago, he'd been parked in front of her house, his pants unbuckled, and her tongue in his mouth. However, he wasn't sure if the guilt was from his newer thoughts of Katrina, or the fact that Betsy had ever had the chance to put her hands on him. Either way, he felt as though he was being unfaithful to someone. He just wasn't sure which woman it was. It also didn't help his guilt at all that his cock was throbbing with need and all he could see was red hair and green eyes swirling in the forefront of his mind.

"For God's sake," he whispered as he dropped his hands to his lap in an attempt to place pressure against his aching groin. "She's a manipulative liar who could burn you alive should she have such an inclination."

But, God, how he wanted her. It didn't help that he had a fresh picture of how beautiful her body now was. Everything was filled out, her curves practically begging to have his hands explore them. No longer were they in their youth. If anything, age had only made her more enticing and he more willing to have sole custody of giving and taking her pleasure. He could swear her taste was still on his tongue.

Abruptly shutting his laptop, he stood and made his way toward the door before he did something over which he wouldn't be able to meet her eyes next he saw her.

"See?"

As he eased from his room, he found Bella and Katrina sprawled out on the living room floor, crayons and papers spread out all around them.

"You have to be careful to not get out of the lines," Bella explained as she moved her orange crayon. "It's really hard."

Katrina smiled as her eyes danced from Bella to the picture.

"Well, you're very skilled." She pointed at the picture. "I imagine you'll be a grand artist one day."

Bella scrunched her nose. "Nah uh, I don't think so."

"Oh? Why not?"

Feet kicking at the air behind her, Bella replied, "I want to be an explorer like Aunt Jenny. She gets to go everywhere."

Katrina laughed. "That sounds adventurous. Your father used to love to travel and explore."

"He did?" Bella rolled over with wide eyes. "Did you go, too?"

"Sometimes." Katrina tucked some of Bella's hair back. "He'd take me anywhere I wished to go."

Leaning against the door frame, he smiled as he watched two of them.

"Daddy never goes anywhere."

A smile touched Katrina's lips. "Well, maybe he'll take you somewhere soon. I'm sure if you asked, he would. All you need do is bat your eyes at him."

Bella giggled and asked, "Is that what you do?"

"Oh, yes," Katrina laughed. "When we first married, I desperately wished to see where he grew up."

"Did he take you?" Bella asked, her focus plastered to Katrina.

"No, but he did the next best thing." Katrina tapped Bella's nose. "When I was a little girl, I always wanted to visit the place my grandmother was born. So, he took me to Amsterdam and that was actually the place we picked your name."

"Really?" Bella sat up. "Daddy never told me that story."

"Well, it's not a very long story." Katrina tilted her head to look at Bella. "While we were there, he told me of his own grandparents and how dearly he'd cherished them."

He remembered every detail of that trip down to the smell of the air. It had been a long journey by ship, but well worth the time spent watching Katrina beam at the sights she'd wished to see for so long.

"So, we decided to name our first son and daughter after them; Jeremy and Bella Crane." Katrina smiled. "And we couldn't wait to meet you both."

Instead of returning Katrina's smile, Bella began chewing her lip. "Why did you leave us, mommy?"

The startled look which crossed Katrina's face had his voice lodged in his throat. As much as he'd liked to have imagined Bella would just accept her mother being here all of a sudden, he'd dreaded the questions he'd yet to even think up answers for.

"Bella, I didn't-" Katrina's eyes fell to the carpet. "I would never leave you."

"But you did," Bella whispered as she rolled back to her belly and picked up her crayon. "And you made daddy cry."

Clearly lost for words, Katrina's mouth opened and closed a few times before actual words came forth. "I love you, Bella." She dropped her head in an attempt to catch Bella's eyes. "And I love your father."

Breath catching, he warred with himself over if he should return to his office or make himself known. This was clearly a very private moment.

"It's just that..." Katrina twisted some strands of carpet between her fingers. "I lost my way and the two of us changed and... I couldn't be with him any longer."

Bella lifted her eyes to Katrina, the hope in them too bright to deny. "Do you and daddy love each other, now?"

"Oh, Bella," Katrina whispered. "I... I think a part of us will always love one another because of you."

"No, mommy," Bella groaned as she dropped her face onto her book. "That's what Crystal's mommy told her and her mommy and daddy hate each other." Bella lifted her head and the tears had him stepping forward. "Do you hate my daddy? He's nice and all the other mommy's like him. Tara's mommy even said she'd marry him if he'd let her."

Katrina pushed herself up and pulled Bella into her lap, her arms wrapping around Bella's small form. "I don't hate your daddy, Bella." She pressed a kiss to Bella's cheek. "He's the only person I've ever given my heart to and... I'll never love anyone as much as I love him."

Bella choked on her words. "My teacher said you'd leave us again."

Katrina pulled Bella back. "What? Your teacher told you that?"

With a shake of her head, Bella said, "She told another teacher and I heard her. Is it true?"

"Of course not," Katrina answered with an encouraging smile. "Nothing in the world could take me from you."

"Daddy, too?"

Deciding to step forward before this conversation became too involved, he cleared his throat and began walking toward them, causing Bella's eyes to flicker up to his.

"You took forever, daddy."

Feeling about two inches tall, his eyes darted to Katrina for about two seconds before his collar heated and he glanced at the kitchen. From the knowing look on her face, if she didn't murder him in his sleep, he'd consider himself blessed.

"Did you eat?"

Katrina set Bella back down and stood. "Bella said you like turkey. So, we made sandwiches." She brushed past him and pulled a plate from the microwave. "Is this alright?"

Eyeing the plate, he fiddled with the edge of it. "Yes, it's..." He sighed and slouched against the counter. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

The neutral tone of her voice kept his eyes firmly on the plate. God, she scared him to death.

"I shouldn't have listened," he whispered before calling on his courage and meeting her eyes. "It wasn't for me to hear."

"No, it wasn't," she replied in clipped tone.

With a nod, he glanced at Bella, who was engrossed in her homework, before meeting Katrina's eyes again. "You make me so nervous."

Green eyes softening ever so slightly, she leveled him with a small smile. "What did I say regarding your worrying about things you can't control?"

Chuckling, he shrugged. "Something along the lines of me being too handsome to do so."

Her fingers found the hem of his shirt, pulling his eyes down to find her closer. "Everything I said to her was the truth."

Eyes falling closed, he shook his head and laid his hand over hers. "I thought we agreed to not play games any longer."

"I'm not playing a game," she whispered, threading their fingers together. "Our love isn't as it was, but it's still there. Even if I never love you to that all consuming extent I did before, you will always be the only man to ever possess my heart."

He couldn't breathe, or, at least, he couldn't breathe well. Unable to help himself, he slid his other arm around her and pulled her against himself to rest his forehead to hers. "How do you do that?"

"Do what?" she whispered, her breath warming his face.

"Make me yours after everything you've done." He tightened his fingers around hers. "It's barely been a day and already you have me wrapped around your fingers. I have a life apart from you now, Katrina. I can't just fall back into you as though nothing's changed."

"It's just the way we are, Ichabod." She smiled, the fingers of her free hand teasing his back. "It's the way we've always been."

"Even when we weren't supposed to be," he chuckled. "We've spent more time wanting each other than actually being with each other."

"I'm not trying to confuse you. I'm just trying to find myself again." She shook her head. "And even though I hate to admit it, you have always been the person who made me better; who made me realize life was about more than duty and reputation."

He shouldn't, but he couldn't help himself. Her words had haunted him since the moment she'd uttered them. She'd torn his heart to pieces without batting an eye. "You told me you didn't belong with me; that it was foolish to think you could ever share a life with a mortal man."

A flurry of blinks followed his words as she dropped her gaze from his, but not before he saw the surprise and regret in it. "I wasn't myself."

How he wished he could just accept that. "I believe you were. I believe you spoke of exactly how you felt."

"Ichabod-"

"Only I can't understand how you could feel that way when, without me, our children would never have been created in the first place."

There was a flinch in her form; one that spoke volumes to her discomfort. It did nothing but make him feel, once again, that this arrangement was never going to work. They went from hot to cold with little to no provocation in either direction.

"Bells, are you almost done?" he asked, while looking over Katrina's shoulder.

She bobbed her head as she continued coloring. "Almost."

Knowing that meant she was nowhere close to being finished, he settled his eyes back on Katrina only to find her staring at the floor. What he wouldn't give to be able to hear her thoughts. "I'm grateful to you for our family."

A choked chuckle slipped through her lips. "You mean the one that's in pieces?"

"Pieces?" he asked with a frown. He, then, tilted her chin and turned her to look at Bella. "She looks rather happy to me. That's because she has both her parents with her."

As Katrina's eyes lingered on Bella, he sighed and picked up his plate before moving to sit on the sofa.

"Daddy?"

Would she poison him? he thought as he stared at the sandwich. Surely not. She may go from hating him to pretending to love him, but she wouldn't do that.

"Yes?"

"Can we go to the park tomorrow? Madison's going with her mommy."

"We'll have to see," he answered as he lifted the bread to see what was underneath. "I don't see why not, though."

Katrina eased onto the cushion beside him, the warmth from her body seeping through his shirt.

"Ok." Bella exclaimed. "You'll like Madison, mommy."

"I'm sure, I will."

Lifting his gaze, he found Katrina watching him with a measure of amusement on her face.

"Is something wrong with the sandwich, Ichabod?"

Out of sorts, he adjusted the bread and shook his head. "No, not a thing."

Katrina's expression never changed. "Are you going to eat it?"

"Yeah, daddy," Bella chimed in scoldingly. "You always tell me not to play with my food."

At a loss for what to do other than proceed, he lifted the sandwich with only one moment more of hesitation before taking a bite. Well, nothing tasted different than normal. He supposed that was a good sign. Then again, Katrina was no novice when it came to spells and potions. He imagined he could be slowly dying at this very moment and not know a thing about it.

"How is it?" Katrina asked with a smirk. "I added a little something extra to give it some magic."

Forcing himself to swallow, he rather tentatively asked, "And that is?"

"Kindness."

While Bella giggled, obviously unaware of the tense context, he stiffened and held Katrina's eyes. How he both hated and desired her. Or perhaps, it was that he hated that he desired her. It didn't matter. He was finished with this conversation. Turning his full attention to his sandwich, he reached for the remote and switched on the television.

However, his luck was horrible this night.

"See, daddy," Bella exclaimed, wildly gesturing at the rather chirpy Charmin commercial. "The bears love their toilet paper."

Next up: Phones. A day at the park. Nosey moms. Tense Ichatrina.