14. Talk

We outside on this October day. Rick being so close to me makes it feel like Christmas. Did he know how much I missed him?

"Lori knows about the kiss. I told her. She is not angry. We been having other issues," Rick says quietly.

"She is more understanding than Philip," I replied looking away from him.

"Andrea, I told you he is no good. I know you have a daughter together, but you need to leave Philip. Don't marry him," Rick says staring at me with those blue-green eyes.

"I don't have anywhere to go," I said thinking out loud.

"That's not true. Your parents said you could live with them and Shane's mom would love to have. You've got options. Don't marry someone who is so controlling and obsessive. I mean I understand him not wanting you to talk to me. But Lori? Come on Andrea. You know Philip is trying to isolate you from everyone," Rick said passionately.

"It's complicated Rick. I love him. Maybe not everything about him But once we get married Philip will feel more secure about the relationship. He'll calm down," I whisper.

"He won't calm down. He will only get more controlling. I have seen his type. He will try to change you. And you won't be the Andrea I love anymore," Rick said moving closer to me.

I stare into his blue-green eyes, smell the sweetness of his cologne, and feel the softness of his skin as I touch his hand. Suddenly I see Rick in a way I never had before.

"I will always be the Andrea you love," I whisper into his ear. What did I want Rick to leave Lori for me? Break up his family? Take Emily away from her father that she loved? No, I could not act on any feelings I might have for Rick. Feelings that many only be there because he reminds you of Shane. Shane is gone, but Philip is here. Philip loves you. You love him as much as it is possiable.

"I am scared Philip will kill you. Andrea it's not a healthy relationship. Let me ask you something, you love Shane? What would he think? He would never want Philip taking care of his babies."

I looked into Rick's eyes unable to find the words. Just the mentioning of Shane's name makes me want to break into tears. Does he want to tear my heart apart?

"What the hell?" Philip says walking over to us.

"Philip, we're not doing anything," I promised.

Philip places his on my shoulder looking into my blue eyes. The touch of his hands gives a reminder me of his authoritative presence, not that had forgotten.

"I know you aren't Andrea. It's Rick. I heard him talking about Shane. I know how upset that makes you. He is trying to take advantage again. Let's go inside," Philip says looking to my eyes.

"Andrea, please don't marry him," Rick says heartbroken.

"Rick you don't have to worry about me. Focus on you family," I said looking into his eyes.

"Yeah, I'll take care of Andrea," Philip grins.

Rick says nothing and we all go back inside. Lori walks over to Rick smiling. I set there still trying to understand what is going on with Rick. Does he want to leave Lori? He still holding on to feelings from the past? Or does he just want me away from Philip?

Don't think about that now. Focus on the party. Think about your babies Harper and Shane Jr. This is there day.

"Would you like some cake? The guests are here now," My sister says sweetly.

"Yeah. Let's go get some cake," I said walking with her.

"I was just talking to Philip, and he is very intriguing. Perhaps judge him wrong," Amy said pushing her blonde hair out of her eyes.

"I am glad you said that," I smiled slowly. I showed her my engagement ring, and got ready to tell the whole story of how we got back together.