A/N: Thank you to the readers/reviewers. I'm also as pleased as you all about Tiana having a back bone this time around. Let's hope that Jacques doesn't cause her to do something that she will regret later...

The Thrill Of It All II:

Like Old Times

The following morning was an early one for Tiana as she was awaken by Jacques who was drunk and in an argumentative mood. Blaming her for the reason why he's always gone and why their son is the way he is. Of course the fight was one sided and short-lived when he passed out on the bed. She thought then that she would get some sleep until developing a sudden headache. Thankfully Florence was awake and assisted her with aspirin and tea to soothe away her pain. Eventually she got a decent night rest and was thankful that Jacques woke up before she did.

Tiana was brushing her hair when she felt nausea in her stomach but blew it off once it stopped. Being a very healthy person it was rare that she got sick unless there was a reason. It returned again and this time she tried ignoring it for as long as she could until a gag left her throat. And before she could be surprised at how sick she was feeling she rose up from her seat to rush into the bathroom toilet to release whatever was making her sick. Once she was done, she flushed the toilet and rinsed out her mouth.

As she exhaled the fresh minty flavor of mouthwash, she spotted her husband stepping in the bathroom through the mirror.

"Darling, Florence told me that you were sick in the bathroom. Are you all right?" he asked.

"I'm fine," Tiana said, wiping her face with a towel. The last thing she wanted from Jacques of all people was his concern.

"You don't look too fine," he was definitely skeptical and Tiana saw it just before another wave of nausea hit her.

"Excuse me!" she pushed passed him and went right back to the toilet for round two.

Jacques sighed while shaking his head. "You really need to lay down"

Tiana flushed the toilet and began rinsing her mouth again.

"And you don't have to hide it. Florence already told me about your headache from lastnight as well," he waited until she was finished before extending his arm. "Come along. You're lying down."

Tiana hesitated before taking his arm and walking out of the bathroom.

"I'll have the doctor come check on you," he said, helping her to the bed.

"No really Jacques." Tiana sat down. "I'm fine."

"It could be something serious," He pulled the cover over her lap. "I'll personally make the call now."

Tiana closed her eyes, suppressing her tears. A headache could mean anything, but when getting sick like she did...

"Please lord don't let it be what I think it is...," She prayed but knew her prayers wouldn't be answered.

She was well aware of the three missed cycles but tried to ignore it as if it were irregularity. Her dresses did feel a little tighter around the hips and breast area and only assumed it was weight gain or that her frame wasn't accustom to the current flapper dress trend. But this morning confirmed her worse nightmare and that was carrying another Montreuil heir. It was the last thing she wanted. Even if it was an inevitable outcome.

Her eyes watered up when she couldn't find it in her heart to look pass her symptoms.

"Or I could just have a stomach bug?" she hoped more than anything.

()()()()

"Vitamins once a day and by the end of the year a new baby could be here for your family, after the results confirm my diagnostic, but it's pretty obvious that you are indeed pregnant," announced the doctor.

Tiana couldn't even look at the doctor. "Thank you, doctor."

And when he did leave a minute later she didn't notice. Her mind was running a hundred miles per hour at her new dilemma.

Jacques rushed into the room to kiss his wife on the cheek, "I knew it! We're finally having another baby!"

She faked a smile as she looked up at her husband, "Yes, it's what you wanted."

"What we wanted," he corrected her. "Wait until I tell the boys the great news!"

"I rather us keep it between us for a while. I'm only three months along according to the doctor," said Tiana.

Jacques laughed. "Nonsense! If it took this long for us to make another one it should be fine. And I'm in the mood to celebrate anyway!"

"But what about Daniel?" she asked.

"He'll understand. This is the positive news our family needed," Jacques said.

She sighed and didn't bother to question his excuse. "Fine."

"And of course you will be more careful which means less visits to the restaurants," he added.

Tiana annoyingly looked over at her husband. "Really Jacques? I don't see how my visiting-

"You think we'll have a daughter this time?" Jacques ignored her, placing his hand on Tiana's tummy.

"I...guess? But it could also be a boy," she pointed out. "I know how important men are in your family."

"That's old-fashioned talk darling," Jacques smiled at his wife. "I am not my grandfather. I would love to have a daughter who will look exactly like you."

She looked at her husband's hazel/blue eyes and saw how sincere he was being. It reminded her of how he was when she was pregnant with Daniel. A side she preferred him to be but look how that turned out.

Jacques continued. "I was hoping for five or six children but two should be enough. A son and...a little girl."

Tiana imagined his vision and shook her head. "No, I-I don't think I would want a daughter if she'll end up suffering, I mean living through the same fate as myself and Juliette. Marrying too young to a man she don't lo..." she stopped.

Jacques nodded. "And I agree."

Tiana frowned. "You do?"

"I will admit it that you were very young when we married. Very child-like and naïve. Yes I could've waited longer while we got to know each other but there were no other women good enough for me. I wanted you and only you."

She rolled her eyes.

"Yes I've been with other women in the past, but that was the old me." he took her hand and kissed it. "You realized how much I've changed right?"

Tiana raised a skeptical brow as Jacques read what her look meant.

"Damnit Tiana!" he stood up. "I was drunk the night I shoved you. You've got to move on pass that."

"Why me?" she asked out of nowhere.

He was puzzled by the question. "What do you mean?"

"Why did you really want me as your wife? There were other girls out there just as beautiful who wanted to marry you."

"I've told you this already darling. No other woman is as perfect as you. My grandfather knew it when you were a little girl, I knew it from the moment I saw you as a woman." he looked her up and down. "Then there was your mother and father..."

"They only wanted me to have a life they didn't..." she sighed, not wanting to think of her wedding day. Their anniversary was approaching soon.

"It was the happiest day of my life after the birth of Daniel and now with this pregnancy..." Jacques got up. "...my dream of having a beautiful wife, a couple of kids to come home to is finally coming true," he slipped on a light jacket. "Well I've got to leave for some business. I'll be back by dinner." he kissed her on the forehead. "Rest up. Your body needs it and I know you are anxious to tell your mother," he left the room, closing the door.

"Not really," Tiana said, desperately in need of some air.

Florence slowly opened the door. "Tiana I just wanted to let you know that Daniel is going over his studying with his tutor."

"Thank you, Florence," she got out of the bed.

"Where are you going?" The maid raised a brow.

"To see how my restaurant is. You know that I visit every other day," Tiana went to the closet.

"But Jacques specifically told me that you're suppose to remain in bed today," said the older woman.

"I'm not sick. I'm pregnant." She walked into the bathroom to bathe.

Florence shook her head, "Jacques ain't gonna like this one bit."

()()()()

Tiana walked into her restaurant and was disappointed to not see Naveen, but kind of expected him not to be there.

"Oh, you're here Tiana!" said one of the newer waitresses.

"You know the days I come to see how things are running," She reminded the waitress.

"I know, ma'am," said the woman.

"Ms. Tiana!" a male waiter approached her. "You have a visitor here for business."

Tiana frowned. "I don't remember arranging a meeting here today..." She ran up the stairs and couldn't believe who was sitting in her office. "Naveen?"

He turned to see her, "I was wondering when you'll show up."

"You're here for business?" she asked, surprised to see him while closing the door.

Naveen shrugged his shoulders. "Y ou were expecting some international assistance for your YNN foundation?"

Tiana nodded, "The Youth Negros of New Orleans," she was surprised that he even knew what it was.

Naveen noticed her expression. "It looks as if you're surprised."

"I-I wasn't expecting you. I mean, my assistant only told me about an important political official," she smiled.

"Well, I had no idea who I was meeting when I came here until I saw that it was at your restaurant," he smiled. "How have you been doing?"

"I'm well enough…" Tiana didn't want to think of her possible but definitely obvious pregnancy. "We just saw each other yesterday."

He saw a photo of a very young boy smiled, "Daniel..."

She nodded. "Yes, that's him."

"He looks a lot like you.," Naveen said.

"Really?" That was a first for Tiana. "I don't know about that. He's lighter skin like his father and have—

"Your smile," Naveen finished for her, gazing into her eyes.

Tiana's caught herself before she swooned and kept a straight face. "What are you really here for, Naveen?"

"For business and...to see how you're doing," he admitted. "I've seen you in town several times with your son, maid…and with your husband." He could care less about the man but tried to remain civil.

"Oh…," Tiana crossed her arms, feeling a little embarrassed. "…he's a business man. You understand how you business men are"

"Most business men aren't kings," Naveen did want to sound too arrogant, but would never want to be compared to the likes of Jacques Montreuil.

"I've seen you around…with a woman who I'm assuming is your wife, king?" Tiana tried to not sound jealous.

"Not my wife," Naveen answered. "And she's now in New York"

"Hm...okay...," Tiana tried to not seem obvious on feeling relieved.

"And yes, I am a king," Naveen finished before she could ask anymore questions.

"She's very beautiful," she added.

"Who?" Naveen playfully smirked.

"The beautiful woman who was with you before leaving for New York," she knew he was playing with her.

"I've seen greater beauty," he stared at her, "True beauty."Very obvious and sincere with his statement.

Tiana heard the way Naveen made his statement and acouldn't find a response to that so she stayed quiet.

The two stayed that way for a minute and Naveen could sense that she was uncomfortable so he moved on to the business discussion. "You usually have your meetings here?"

"We go back and fourth. We were originally at my home until..." she stopped, not wanting to tell Naveen that it was Jacques who didn't like kids in his house. "...we now hold them in Reverend Nelson's church or just down stairs where we would also be having lunch. You'll know from this," she handed him a schedule sheet. "It's a weekly meeting and the next one will be tomorrow at the church."

"Thank you," Naveen said, not trying to hide his feelings at all. He also noticed how Tiana tried to hold herself as professional as possible, but he could see pass it. It was time to test his luck. "Tiana..."

"Yes?" she looked up into his honey coloured eyes.

He stepped up closer to her and could immediately smell her vanilla scent causing him to almost lose control of himself. Then there was her lips and how much thirst to kiss them.

Tiana stared at his eyes and could feel how much he wanted her. Then there was his soft lips and vividly remembering how amazing they felt against hers. She closed her eyes as his hands reached up to caress her cheek while his other arm slid around her waist, slowly pulling her onto him.

Their eyes met once again; deeply staring into one another as old feelings ignited once again.

And when their lips were centimeters apart, the phone rang, snapping Tiana back into reality. "What? No..." she stepped back with her hand covering her mouth.

Naveen was just as surprised as Tiana was though not at all disappointed. "Tiana..."

She hurried over to answer the phone. "He-hello?"

"We're sorry but your call was disconnected..." Tiana slammed the phone down in frustration. But was it because she missed the cal or because her kiss with Naveen was interrupted? Her brown eyes looked back over at Naveen's honey coloured eyes not knowing what to say.

Naveen saw how confused she was and began the conversation. "Tiana, there's something that I must confess..."

"I have to get going…" she interrupted, walking over to the door.

"Tiana," he stopped her.

She turned to face him, shielding her tears with her professional face. "Is there anything else you need?"

Before he opened his mouth to answer.

"Professionally?" she added.

Disappointed, Naveen answered, "No."

"Then we better leave," she told him while opening the door for them both before walking out. As in love as she was with Naveen, she was still surprised for getting that close to him again after three years of not each other. Naveen on the other hand was pleased at how far they almost went. It answered his question that she was just as in love with him as he is with her.And as for the lust still being there he wouldn't be himself if he didn't steal a glance at her derriere. Her curvaceous hips swayed effortlessly and her slender brown legs strutted like a goddess and knew that if he didn't look away then he would get caught as if he were a child trying to steal cookies from the cookie jar.

Tiana could feel his eyes on her and despite trying to remain professional, a smile cracked on her lips.

When they made it down the stairs Naveen watched as Tiana was approached by a waitress and knew that he wouldn't speak with her until the meeting.

"I will see her tomorrow..." he looked down at the paper she gave him. "...at eleven."

"Excuse me sir but do you need anything?" asked a waitress.

Naveen shook his head. "I'm fine thank you," he said as Tiana looked over at him.

He nodded before leaving the restaurant.

Tiana watched Naveen leave and felt relief and heartbreak. Even though she was disappointed at his sudden leave, she knew what he did was the right decision. The last thing she needed was rumours and scandal.

"Tiana! Tiana! We need your approval in the kitchen!" a waitress exclaimed but quickly corrected her anxious behavior. "That is if you'd like to help."

"What is it?" she asked.

"Helen keeps on burnin' the ruex and is having a difficult tine with the recipe! Then thee's Paulina and her burning the bread pudding..."

"But they're very simple recipes," Tiana started towards the kitchen with the waitress following closely behind.

()()()()

Tiana rushed home as soon as she was done instructing a few of the cooks on how to properly prepare some of the dishes and desserts. She lost track of time and mentally cursed when she spotted Jacques in the livingroom as if he was an angered father waiting for his disobedient child to come in after curfew.

"I've tried calling you at the restaurant. You were ordered to stay in bed," Jacques stood with his arms crossed.

"I had no idea that you were here. I thought you would be home by dinner," Tiana said, walking over to him.

But Jacques didn't want to hear any of it. "Darling why must you defy me?"

Tiana frowned. "How am I defying you by making sure the restaurants are in order?"

"You are pregnant," he reminded her.

"And it isn't the end of the world," she added.

Daniel came running downstairs with Max. He hated seeing his parents fighting.

"We made a deal and that was you staying home while I hire another assistant to look after the restaurants for you."

"I don't remember us agreeing to hiring anyone else to do..." Tiana then she spotted Daniel watching and quickly went over to him. "Hey baby! You need anything?"

Daniel only shook his head, remaining quiet as he waited for his father's attention.

Instead Jacques left the dining room.

"Is daddy mad at me?" asked the boy.

"No baby," Tiana said and hugged him. "Give mama a hug."

The boy did as he was told and enjoyed a nice gentle embrace from his mother.

"Would you like some cake?" she asked, pulling from the hug. "You look like you're in need of some."

The young boy's blue eyes brightened. "What kind did you and Florence make?"

"Chocolate," she smiled at her excited son. "I convinced her to use your grandfather's recipe."

"Yummy! Yes! Yes!" He jumped up and down.

Tiana laughed. "Well why don't you-

"Tiana! I'd like a word with you" Jacques could be heard from upstairs.

She rolled her eyes before looking down at her son. "Come on. You're more important."

Daniel gladly took his mother's hand as they walked into the kitchen where they found Florence humming a gospel tune.

"Florence!" Daniel said. "Mama said y'all maked a cake?"

"That's baked baby," Tiana corrected with a smile.

"Y'all want some cake?" asked Florence.

"Just Daniel. I'll be upstairs in Jacques' office," Tiana hurried out of the kitchen with Max following right behind her.

She went up the stairs with the dog to her husband's office and found him facing the window, looking outside with his arms behind his back.

"You said that you wanted to speak with me?" Tiana asked.

"Yes," he turned and wrinkled his nose when he saw Max. "Why is that dog in here?"

"Oh don't mind Max." Tiana pet his head. "Daniel is eating cake downstairs anyway."

He shook his head. "What am I going to do with you?"

She raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

"You're carrying my child and yet you don't seem to care? In fact it seems as if you've been very careless since learning of your pregnancy," Jacques pointed out.

"I don't know what you're worried about Jacques," Tiana said with an eyeroll.

"You know damn well what I mean Tiana. Going out there alone is not only improper for a woman of your status but dangerous."

"If I want to live in danger I might as well stay in the house with you," she said, looking him dead in the eyes.

"Danger?" he asked with a raised brow. "Care to explain your meaning?"

She knew the comment touched a nerve "You know what exactly what I mean. I will not stress over the smallest things." she watched him pacing as she spoke. "And I do not need any help with the restaurants. I'm pregnant, not dying and-

"Enough," he interrupted, stopping right in front of her. "I refuse for you to leave this house without Florence or Daniel and if I need to move your mother in here them dammit I will!"

"I don't need a babysitter. I'm 22 years old and I can handle my own businesses!" Tiana raised her voice.

Jacques laughed. "Are you serious? Handling your own businesses? I do most of the work. You only visit the places and look beautiful. And so what that you're 22! I'm 25 and you don't see me bragging about it because had to I fight and sweat my ass off to get to where I'm at just to prove to your dirt poor ass father that I'm good enough for you!"

"I'm going downstairs," Tiana turned away and headed for the door until Jacques took her by the arm. "Let go of me!"

Max saw this and began growling.

"You will not be going anywhere until I'm done," Jacques was at his final string of remaining civil. "Do you understand me?"

"No!" she yanked her arm from him. "I'm leaving because I'm done with this topic!"

"No you're not!" He grabbed her again and roughly pulled her over to him. "You will not walk away from another discussion with me!"

Tiana tried pulling herself away but Jacques was stronger and his hold against her was too much for her to escape from.

"Look what you're making me do to you," Jacques stared into her eyes. "Don't you realize how much I love you?" He grew frustrated when Tiana refused to look at him. "Look at me dammit!"

She kept her eyes closed and turn her head away from him.

"Look. At. Me." he ordered, squeezing her arm harder.

"No!" She cried and almost screamed when he forced his lips onto hers.

Max barked repeatedly at the sight.

Jacques pulled from the kiss and shoved her back onto the couch and glared down at her.

Tiana glared back while slowly getting back up. She saw the dirty smirk on his lips and couldn't tell what he had planned in that evil mind of his. She slowly rose up and hurried out of the office. Her heart raced as she headed down the stairs with her anger turning into fear, hoping that he wouldn't come charging after her.

She was relieved when he didn't.

"Mama, this cake is good!" Daniel said when Max suddenly stepped into the diningroom. "Max!"

"Don't touch him until after you're done!" Tiana told her son.

Daniel gulped down the cup of milk before leaving his seat. "See! I'm done!" he then pet his dog. "May we go outside mama?"

"Why can't I do it?" Jacques who now seemed to be in good spirits raced down the stairs. "It's about time I start spending more time with our son." he looked over at his wife.

Tiana refused to look his way because she knew what that meant. "Really Jacques you're busy and-

"I said that I got it," he said sternly. "Why don't you go find something to wear. We're going out for dinner tonight."

Daniel saw how upset his mother looked, even if she was trying to hide it. She always` looked that way whenever his father would do something nice for them. The young Montreuil didn't understand why she was mad whenever his father was nice. "Come on daddy!" he took his father's hand. "Can Max come?"

"Why not?" he smiled at his son before leaning over to kiss Tiana's ear and whispered. "Pay up in red."

Tiana closed her eyes and shuddered at his meaning, hearing him laughed darkly.

"What's so funny daddy?" asked a confused Daniel.

"Nothing son. Come on now," he took his son's hand and started towards the door.

Tiana sighed once she heard the front door close now feeling disgusted.

"Isn't that nice? Jacques and Daniel going for a walk together?" Florence asked.

Tiana stayed silent for of own her sanity

Florence smiled. "Oh honey you need to lighten up. You young folks fight hard and make love just as hard."

Tiana rolled her eyes. "Oh please! I don't want to hear or talk about him."

"He beats you at everything you know! Even at getting the last laugh," the maid pointed out.

"And I hate him for it," Tiana crossed her arms.

"Daniel loves him," the maid added. "Even if he doesn't spend much time to him."

"I know and he should. He is his daddy..." Tiana said disappointingly.

"Mmhm," the maid agreed. "Now you be a good girl and find what ya gonna be wearing for ya dinner date with your husband..."

Tiana didn't feel like talking anymore with the woman so she went on upstairs to find the red dress Jacques requested and laid it on the bed. While looking at the beautiful yet seductive dress she wondered if Naveen would like her in it as much as her husband did. She did enjoy the way his eyes wondered her body. He did it without making her feel cheap and the kiss they almost shared...

"No, Tiana," she shook her head. But as much as she wanted that simple gesture to work it didn't and now the thought of how good he smell came over her. He also looked so strong and sexy in his white shirt, and beige trousers...

His skin was also so beautiful and golden brown. Being king suited him so well.

And he isn't married.

She took a seat at her vanity table going through with whatever make-up and accessory would go well with her dress. Fighting her hardest to not think of Naveen and his beautiful honey coloured eyes.

"Ugh!" she groaned in frustration. "I still love him," she admitted, placing her hand on her stomach. "And this time there's nothing I can do about it."

()()()()