Chapter 35: Telling Her No

It was the week after Christmas, just before New Year's and everything had returned to normal. Kayla had only suffered nightmares for a handful of nights before she seemed to have let them go and slipped them into the past out of sight where they belonged. The older kid hadn't tried to return to the school which helped matters. Then there was Christmas. How could any kid, correction big kid, be upset on such a happy holiday with so many people who loved her?

Christmas she had woken them up bright and early to open presents Santa had left for her through the night. Then after they had finished with their gifts they headed over to Josef's and met with everyone else. Jean had been excited to host Christmas this year, the girls making a deal that they would take turns so as no one got too stressed. All the children had received more gifts, even Seth and Allie got a couple simple baby gifts in a gender natural color.

Kayla's favorite gift by far had to have been the guitar from Mick. He'd thought it would be nice to get her one of her own so he could teach her to play, just like his father taught him. It was bigger than her but that didn't stop her from trying to take it everywhere.

Grace had moved out of the guest house finding her first place. She'd found a small place near the beach so she could relax and enjoy the peace. Kyle had helped her move her things and set up her security system although no one would be hurting her anymore. Nolan had given all he had to give and tried to trade information for a reduced sentence but Carl wasn't having none of that and Ben was back handling it he wouldn't be bought. Once Nolan was in general lock up and no longer useful alive he had an accident. He ran into the sharp end of a blade and bled out slowly.

Now Grace spent most of her time at the clinic volunteering with Jean. She had Nolan's money so she could focus on helping others. Josef had even been so kind as to take her account and help her invest some of the money.

Seth and Allie had been to all the appointments for the baby and he was enjoying the progress. He was glad Allie had convinced him to hold off on the turning. There was plenty of time for that later, he was still young and as Allie would tease he would always be her younger man. They were finishing up last details on the wedding plans. The wedding would be here soon enough with it almost being the New Year.

Coop was set to be the best man and Danielle the maid of honor. They sat at the kitchen table each going over their own parties to be thrown for the bride and groom. Josef had volunteered to pick up the tab for his long ago fledgling. The boys were playing with their toys that seemed to have exploded and taken over their living room; but at least they lost interest in playing with the tree.

He knew he needed to tell her about his talk with Mick. He didn't want to do it before new years but not telling her felt wrong and it was wearing on him. He scooted his chair closer to Danielle so he could talk softly so the boys wouldn't accidently overhear something.

Danielle pulled her notebook to the side, "Nope you can't see what's going down in our party mister."

Coop chuckled, "Oh and what's the big secret?"

"Telling you would defeat the secret part," she winked at him.

"Okay, okay I won't try and peak at your master plans." Danielle grinned at him. "I wanted to talk to you though…about…you know."

Danielle looked out to make sure the boys were still content in their mayhem. "Okay…"

"I talked to Mick," he said it quickly before he could change his mind. "I didn't tell you right away because…well I didn't want to ruin the holidays."

"Oh?" She felt a pang of disappointment at his words.

"I've thought about it over and over so much Dani I thought my head might explode. I know this was important to you and I know you wanted it but…I like our life Dani. I don't see a need to take such a risk or to change things. I want to grow old and gray with you and our boys." He put one hand on her cheek and stroked it softly, "I understand if you want it though. I'll stand by your side and love you no matter what."

"Thank you for giving it so much thought Coop."

"Of course I know it's important to you."

Danielle gave a weak smile, "I'm happy with our life too. It's perfect just the way it is. But I think you'll be the only one going gray…I plan on keeping this color forever." Danielle grinned and flipped her chocolate mane in front of him.

"Are you sure Dani? I don't want you to grow to resent me for it."

Danielle shrugged, "I did want this Coop but not without you. Look at everyone we know, Beth, Jean, Candice, Seth, they all made the choice to become vampires so they could be with the ones they love forever. I don't want to live forever only to lose you. I won't resent you, you gave it real consideration and I understand why you don't want it."

"We're still young and healthy with two boys who keep us on our toes. I have everything I need."

Danielle was sad about the news but she loved her family and Coop was right. "I do too." Anything more would have been a bonus.

To Be Continued…

Evilous