Author's note at the bottom of the chapter...
The Secret Spaces
Chapter 27
Conclusion
Five Months Later- August- Bermuda
"I can't believe we're back here," Callie exclaimed happily to her husband as they enjoyed a leisurely stroll along the walkway by the beach. It was an absolutely perfect day- a gentle breeze danced in the air, the cerulean blue ocean a gorgeous backdrop against the pink sand. The hotel they were staying at was the same luxury one at which they had gotten married, and, as they walked, hands loosely intertwined, memories came rushing back at her.
"I know," Frank agreed, stopping at a little bench and motioning Callie to sit down. She did so, and he wrapped an arm around her shoulder, tilted her face to him, and kissed her tenderly. Looking into her eyes, he smiled. "It seems like a lifetime ago, right?"
"And it's only been - what- a little over two years?" She faced toward the ocean, feeling the breeze ruffle her long blonde hair, and rested her head against Frank's shoulder, contented.
"Can you believe that Joe and Van did this for us?" he asked her, gently rubbing her arm. "I almost didn't believe it when they told us that this is how they wanted to spend their first anniversary -with us- like we did with them."
"Mmmm," Callie agreed, snuggling against him. "And that was the night I also told you I was pregnant."
Frank kissed the top of her head. "Of course. I'll always remember that. May there be many more times to come."
Callie laughed gently. "I wouldn't say MANY more," she teased, closing her eyes and relaxing. "But one or two, yes. Obviously."
"Obviously," he repeated, happy, and rested his head on top of hers.
"I don't know what to do with myself today!" she admitted, opening her eyes slowly. "We haven't had any time away from the baby in forever. I guess we should get used to that," she added shyly. "I should have known that your brother and Vanessa would have stolen him for the day- they've been threatening it for awhile."
"Happy Anniversary to them!" Frank joked. "I know what you mean, though. This might be the first time we get to sleep- for a little- and just have some time alone. We haven't had that since March!"
Callie laughed softly. "I was just thinking about our wedding," she noted. "Remember how we thought no one would come and we ended up with- what was it?- 86 people, I think? I feel like every time we try to do something on a small scale, it never works out. Kind of like this little 4 person - well, I guess 5 person, with JJ- first family vacation."
Frank nodded, smiling. "True. It was the two of us plus Joe and Van. Now, add my mom and dad, your parents, Andrea, Collig and his wife, Biff and his girlfriend, Tony and his wife, Chet and his fiancee, and Pat Merkel and his girlfriend." He couldn't help but to be happy about it, though. After the hell of this year, it was as if everyone sorely needed a vacation, a reason to celebrate- and Joe and Vanessa's anniversary was the perfect occasion. Never ones to turn down a good party, they'd happily agreed to have everyone there. They'd all be meeting up tonight for dinner for the first time, but Joe had practically begged them for a day with the baby, and he and Callie had finally given in- overprotective though they admittedly were, they trusted Joe and Vanessa implicitly, and lord knew the baby was used to having his aunt and uncle around.
"Oh!" Callie exclaimed, sitting up straight again. "I forgot to tell you. I heard back from the lawyer and we're good to go! Next month will be the official launch date. I'm so excited!" She clapped her hands enthusiastically.
Frank laughed and hugged her. "That's great news, sweetheart. I'm happy it finally went through." Frank reflected upon how very much had happened in the past several months, from the nightmare of the abduction and Johnny's death to the new beginnings they all were experiencing. When they had opened the envelope from Johnny and received his fortune, they knew right away that they couldn't keep it all. Other than the money he had directly ceded them and their future children, he still had millions left. Together, they had decided to set up a private, not for profit charity in Johnny's name to help disadvantaged kids get involved in the arts. In that way, his name would live on for his generosity, not just his acting, and more people would know the heart of Johnathan Gellers-who he really was- which far too few people knew in real life.
"That was such a special time," he reminisced. "Johnny and Joe- they were nuts! And then Johnny was such a help with Joe and Van's parties, too. He is-was- so much fun. I think we can leave those little parties off his official bio, though!"
Callie felt the smile drop from her face, unexpectedly emotional. Frank, noting her silence, gently rubbed her shoulder. A clouded look came over her face for an instant, one which happened all too often and which he had not been able to help her navigate successfully. He knew that, despite every evidence to the contrary, and despite being a victim herself, she still felt guilty. And she felt his loss, the extra love and protection he offered her, deeply. He understood. And he hated that. Johnny would have hated it, too. "I miss him, Frank. Every day."
"I know, honey. I miss him, too."
"I don't know if I ever told you everything that he did for me," Callie went on, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. "I would have died if it wasn't for him." She stopped, voice shaking as the memories assaulted her mind. "He saved my life twice," she said softly, trembling still, after all this time.
Frank kissed her forehead. "Don't go back there, Cal," he replied, concerned. "Baby, I know with every fiber of my being that Johnny did everything he could to protect you. I owe him my life for that. He was that kind of person, and he loved you so much. That was our bond, you know. You CAN tell me, of course. But I think he would want you to remember the good times- how he lived, not how he died. Try to honor that. None of this was your fault, baby. None of it." He knew she needed to hear that.
Callie looked up at him, eyes still bright with tears. "I guess so," she managed. She didn't know if she would ever get over the loss of Johnny, if she was being honest with herself. They had shared so many precious times together- and that awful, horrific time so many years ago- and she knew a large piece of her heart was lost forever. Next to Frank, and now JJ, she loved him most. Of course she did.
Frank smiled sadly. "Johnny and I had football and chess in common; that was about it. Really, he was impulsive and funny like my brother, and was wild and up for anything. On the surface, Joe and Johnny had more in common than we did. But we became great friends, because we had the same values, and, above all, we had you in common." And he gave you back to me, whole, he thought. There'd been no greater gift.
Frank had to pause for a moment as his own memories of Johnny came flooding back to him. They'd shared a lot of laughs and good times, and he was one of the most down to earth people he had ever known. He shook his head briefly, thinking of how he had hated Johnny at first, how very jealous he had been. He saw the way Johnny spoke to Callie so familiarly, the way she leaned in when he spoke, or the way that he was always so openly demonstrative with her, all little things that he had always assumed only he would share with her. And Johnny had been with Callie when he hadn't been so many years ago; had a secure place in the heart of the woman whom he loved and cherished. While he had always been confident in the undeniably strong physical and emotional chemistry he had shared with Callie, Johnny's presence had been a reminder to him that he could lose her to someone else; that he had failed her once. He would spend the rest of his life making damned sure that he wouldn't hurt her again.
He knew logically that he should have been grateful that Johnny had always protected Callie; that he knew her and loved her and was always honest with her. But those were hard feelings to reconcile when he felt in competition for Callie at times- with a rich, funny, very handsome, popular guy. And he wasn't naive- own personal biases aside, Callie was absolutely gorgeous, and he really didn't know how Johnny couldn't have wanted to be with her. No guy was that innocent. Even Callie had shared with him little snippets of Johnny's pretty wild past, and his flings hadn't not been totally relegated to guys, at least for a little bit. He trusted Callie totally, but he didn't trust Johnny at all with her, and his defenses had always been up. But what could he say? Nothing. It was his own damned fault that Callie had even met Johnny. It had been his actions that had precipitated their breakup and had almost caused him to lose the love of his life. So he had shut up about Johnny, had no desire to know him at all, even though he knew that decision, on some level, again caused Callie pain. He couldn't win.
He fought the tears that came whenever he thought of it, even now. He really hadn't understood how the love of his life could love someone almost as much as him; it didn't make sense, as he'd never had any friendship that close, much less one with a female. But then, right after they'd reconciled so many years ago, that Christmas season, she'd shared with him right away, completely vulnerable, the whole story; shared with him what had happened, what role Johnny had played. Then he understood, and had a connection with Johnny too that no one really totally 'got.'. And that was fine-with both of them, because they didn't matter- Callie did- and that was just that.
Once he'd gotten to the core of their relationship, and he knew that Johnny was completely trustworthy, he'd put aside - that - and just got to know him as a person. It was only when Johnny had asked him to meet up in New York one afternoon to talk over a few beers- that had ended up in quite a few beers- that they had hashed out their issues- that bond forced upon them- and had, in due time, become very close friends as well, just by their personalities. When his parents had died and Johnny was very much alone and thrust into the spotlight, he became like family, seeking refuge and company with him and Callie. She had been so happy when she realized that he was finally accepting of her friendship with Johnny and even more excited, relieved, and touched when she saw that he and Johnny were fast becoming not only friends, but also very good friends. Frank had found himself genuinely liking the fun loving, off the wall guy who reminded him very much of his own brother, both in demeanor and fierce loyalty. And other than what had happened in the past, their unbreakable bond, maybe that's why Callie had been drawn to him, he realized now. Just as she had grown to love and understand Joe, she must have seen in Johnny, too, more than the facade he showed to the world.
As if she could read his thoughts, he heard her say, "Thanks for never being jealous, babe," she answered at last.
Frank let out a small snort in spite of himself, and Callie stared at him, puzzled. "Cal, of COURSE I was jealous of him! For a while, at least. He had you for a year and a half, when you met... a time I never want to think about again," he added, seriously, his heart still pained when he thought of that terrible time. She nodded, unconsciously moving closer. "And don't think for a second that I didn't think about the fact that, if he wasn't gay, you might very well have ended up with him. I still can't think about that...or that time... Anyway..." Frank's voice trailed off before he resumed his thoughts, "you didn't end up together, and what you did end up with was one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. And I am so sorry that this- everything-happened. I will forever feel guilty that I couldn't..."
"Shh," Callie cut him off, placing a finger on his lips. "There is nothing to feel guilty about. You did everything you could, honey. So did Joe. So did your dad. Please know that I know that. And while you know I loved Johnny so very much, gay or straight, we never would have ended up together. I always loved you. It's that simple."
Frank smiled and kissed her finger. "We've had a lifetime of memories. I'm excited for more- all good."
Callie agreed. "I loved our wedding!" she added wistfully. "From the crazy bachelor and bachelorette parties to the absolutely most perfect ceremony ever," she cleared her throat as she envisioned how handsome Frank had been, how excited she had been, "it was the probably the best day of my life. Well, next to JJ's birth," she added. "Though I would say his actual birth, not the whole day or its circumstances, comprised that special time."
Frank chuckled. "That night was pretty great, too," he teased her, and Callie covered her face with her hands, blushing. "STOP," she said, laughing herself. "Wasn't it so worth it, though, waiting the six months? Didn't it make that night amazing?"
Frank was still laughing as he wrapped his other arm around her and pulled her close. "Cal, I love you dearly, and yes- it was a really special night- but NO- six months was a really long time to wait. Heck, the months after the baby was born were bad enough! So," he added in a low voice, "we need to take advantage of every moment we can." He nuzzled her neck, planting a few well placed kisses there as well.
Callie, still blushing, squirmed out of his arms, stood, and reached down for his hand. "Come on. We only have a few more hours until the anniversary dinner."
Squinting, Frank looked up at her and took her hand as he stood next to her. "To do what?" he asked.
She suddenly put her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair. "Well," she said in a low voice, dark eyes twinkling as she raised her brows suggestively, "we could... watch tv," or… and she whispered in his ear words that brought a blush to his cheeks and caused a low moan to escape his lips.
"Option 2, please," he whispered huskily, pulling her into him as he kissed her deeply, mentally calculating just how long it would take to get back to their hotel room. It couldn't come soon enough.
Click. Click. Click.
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"Come here. Yes you can. Yes you can," Joe cooed at his nephew, who was kicking happily on the bed.
"Van! Look! There he goes!" he exclaimed proudly, watching JJ start to roll from his back to his tummy, getting red in the face as he struggled.
"Aw, Joe- stop!" Vanessa laughed. "Pick the little guy up. He's having a hard time."
"No way," Joe countered, eyes never leaving JJ's adorable face. "They say that babies don't really do it this way until they're five or six months. And yeah- he's five months- but he's that adjusted age thing that preemies go by. Look at him go- he's a freaking prodigy!"
Finally, JJ rolled over, and the startled look on his face made both Joe and Vanessa dissolve into laughter.
"You did it, buddy!" Joe said, picking him up and holding him in front of his face. "Good job!" He wiggled him in the air, still elated to be holding his nephew.
JJ started sticking his tongue out and moving his head to the side. "Uh oh," Joe proclaimed in horror. "I don't have those, little guy- but I DO have a bottle!"
Vanessa snorted as JJ started to cry, and she put some water in a tea cup, pressed the button on the microwave, and heated the water enough to dump the bottle inside to warm it up. Vanessa looked at Joe, love filling her heart. He wasn't even fazed by the crying. Instead, he was dancing JJ around the room and finally holding him up by the window, talking nonstop about the cute girls down there and how JJ could've been his wingman if not for Aunt Vanessa. She felt her eyes fill with tears.
"Here you go," she said, walking over to him and handing him the bottle, which Joe immediately gave to the baby, who started sucking with abandon. "Kid's got an appetite like his uncle!"Joe said proudly. Then he shuddered, looking at Vanessa. "I don't know how women can deal with that," he admitted.
"What? A bottle?" she asked, confused.
"No- you KNOW," he emphasized, and then Vanessa burst out laughing. "Breast feeding?!" she asked. "Because it's natural and beautiful and doesn't last forever, that's why."
"I guess," Joe said doubtfully.
"No- really," she continued. "And trust me; Callie feels bad that she's already supplementing with formula half the time, just because she's had to be on so many medications that'd affect the baby. She's finally better, thank goodness, but I'm sure she would have liked to be able to do it more consistently. Besides, there ARE benefits. Look at Callie," Vanessa went on. "Somehow, she slipped back into her size nothing right away, and now her body is even more bangin'- she's always been hot, but now she has even fuller-"
"STOP!" Joe exclaimed in horror. He physically trembled for a minute as Vanessa wiped her eyes from laughing so hard. "That is my SISTER you're talking about. I don't need to think about her body or whatever she and my brother do. UGH. And I would never go around and say, 'Van, Biff is so freaking hot. Look at his pecs.' Who DOES that?!"
Vanessa was still laughing. "Women do. And I think it's pretty obvious what your brother thinks of Callie- evidence #1 is in your arms! But I won't mention it again if it makes you uncomfortable."
"Thank you!" he replied, relieved.
She walked over to him and kissed his cheek, falling in love with him all over again, as she did all the time, especially in moments like this, when she was reminded again of what a great father he was one day going to be…
"Isn't he beautiful, Van?" Joe said in a low voice. JJ's eyes were starting to close, bottle still in his mouth. "I can't wait til he can actually do things!"
Joe was right. He was gorgeous, the picture of innocence and love. With his dark eyes and dark hair, even at this tender age, he was starting to look a lot like Frank- and he was the cutest little infant she had ever seen; a real life Gerber baby if ever there had been one. "He DOES do things," she said gently. "But I know what you're saying."
Joe removed the bottle and put it on the dresser as he stared at the baby and gently touched his little hands, one of which had closed around Joe's finger and had melted his heart. He walked to the porta crib and gently placed JJ in there, tucking a blanket around him. Then he turned to Vanessa, and pulled her into a lingering kiss. "Happy Anniversary, Babe," he said to her, gently tucking her hair behind her ear.
He touched her cheek as he looked into her eyes, his heart feeling a thousand emotions at once. "I love you, Van," he said huskily. "Thank you for agreeing to be my wife exactly one year ago. I'm a lucky man."
"I'm the lucky one," Vanessa replied. And she meant it.
"Come here," he said, voice low, pulling Vanessa into him. He started to unbutton her shirt, kissing her passionately, when, all of a sudden, JJ started crying loudly, causing Joe and Vanessa to jump apart.
"UGH," Joe groaned. "Really, buddy?" he asked, turning to him, and, breathing hard, he picked him up, where the baby immediately snuggled into Joe's chest. "You have to let your bros have a little girl time, J-," he went on. He kissed the top of his head. "I guess you're right. That isn't anything you need to know about- not yet. I don't want to corrupt you so soon."
He looked at Vanessa apologetically, and was stunned when he saw her wiping away tears.
"Oh, Babe, I'm sorry," he stammered. "Tonight- I swear!" I-"
"It's not that," she said softly. "It's just that you're going to be the most amazing father."
Joe smiled, cradling JJ close, and then almost froze. "What?" he asked.
"I'm pregnant," she said, simply. "I thought I'd wait until today to tell you. We're having a baby!"
Joe stared at her for a minute, and then turned and laid JJ down again, ignoring his newly invigorated crying. "Really?!" he asked, feeling his lips trembling and tears filling his eyes. He went to her and hugged her tightly.
"I'm only five weeks along," she went on, "and I know it's kinda soon to tell anyone. But I thought we could- you know-tell the people here with us. They're the people we love most in the world, right?"
Joe felt his heart swell with joy, tears spilling over as he pulled Vanessa to him, running his fingers through the back of her hair. He cupped her face in his hands and kissed her deeply. "I've wanted to be a dad for so long," he choked out. "I love you. I..." he paused, at a total loss for words, completely overjoyed.
"I know," she responded.
The baby's cries grew louder. Reluctantly, Joe released her and picked JJ up again. His face was red from crying, and his little tear-stained cheeks were so cute Joe couldn't even get upset. As soon as Joe held him, he quieted down, staring at him.
"Oh, boy," Joe chuckled, looking at him with love. "You have your daddy's curiosity, don't you? You know something's up." He walked JJ to the bed, where he gently laid him down, stretching out next to him before picking him back up and resting him on his chest. Vanessa laid next to him and gently touched the baby's head.
"Aunt V and I have a secret, but you can't tell anyone, okay, J?" he said."Promise?"
JJ kept his focus on Joe.
"You're going to have a cousin, buddy!" he whispered, gently, reaching for Vanessa's hand. "And you'll be best friends, like your daddy and me are. What do you think about that?"
And then, to Joe and Vanessa's utter astonishment, he smiled.
Click. Click. Click.
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That night, they had arranged for dinner on the beach. Joe looked around, heart filled with joy, as he listened to his friends and family laugh and talk, relaxing on hammocks and chairs as they waited for dinner to be served. He took a moment to take it all in. His parents, playing with JJ, love in their eyes, next to the Colligs, who were talking about their own grand kids. The Shaws talking and laughing with Andrea. Vanessa was speaking with Pat and his girlfriend, looking so excited. He smiled.
The various couples spread out, some of whom were playing volleyball on the beach as the light waned in the distance. Frank and Callie, arms around each other, were staring out at the ocean, completely content. Well, that wouldn't do. He jogged over to them just as Frank was pulling Callie in for a kiss, literally inserting himself between them. "Oh, Frank, you're sooooo romantic," he called out in a high voice as Frank smacked him and Callie laughed.
"Hey!" Joe protested. "I just wanted to remind you about PDA," he cautioned.
Frank shook his head disdainfully. Joe and Vanessa practically had to get a room whenever they were out in public most of the time. Callie just went with it, eyes sparkling. "You're right Joe. We were inappropriate and we apologize."
"Thank you," Joe said, holding back a smile as Frank just stared at him.
Joe slipped an arm around Callie's slim shoulders and gave her a quick hug. She looked relaxed, happy, and content- and absolutely beautiful, almost glowing. He was thrilled. She had fought a long, hard battle and had won it, and he could not have been happier.
She slipped an arm around his waist. "Look around, Joe," she said happily. "Everyone is here because they all love you and Vanessa so much. It's like the rated G version of our bachelor party!"
Joe laughed. "Maybe- MAYBE- if we can get our parents to watch JJ, we can re-enact that night…" he suggested.
"No way! I'm too old," Frank started as Callie said, "I'm down."
"Yeah, sis!" he said, surprised. "I love it! I knew you were the fun one in your relationship."
Frank shook his head. "Cal? Really?"
"Hey," she said to him, "I'm full of surprises. You know that."
The way she said it, combined with the wink she gave him, made Frank blush and Joe burst out laughing. Anything to give Frank a hard time was always good with him.
"I take it you made the most of this afternoon?" he asked, innocently.
"Mmmm," Callie agreed. "It was-"
"Callie!" Frank cried, aghast, as both Callie and Joe continued to laugh at him.
Callie, completely out of character, walked back to Frank and kissed him, right in front of Joe. "I love you, baby," she said. And then she went back to Joe as he continued to chuckle, wondering if Callie had enjoyed the wine too much, before he remembered that she couldn't really drink since she was nursing JJ. She stood on tiptoe and gave Joe a quick kiss on the cheek. "And I love you, too, in the absolutely most platonic way possible," she said, a sparkle in her eyes. "Thanks for being my #2 guy and the brother I never had... and, I'm sure, the world's coolest uncle." She squeezed his hand briefly. "I'm going to see Vanessa now. Happy Anniversary!" She turned quickly before leaving. "And before you talk about me, there's nothing weird going on! I'm just really happy to be back in Bermuda, with my amazing family whom I love so much. Life's too short not to say it, right?" She knew that better than anyone, her blessings so abundant.
"Yes, it is," Joe agreed softly and gave her a small wave.
He turned to Frank and slung an arm around his shoulders. "You have my permission. Keep her," he said.
Frank rolled his eyes but smiled. "Yeah, I will. Thanks. I was really anxious you wouldn't let me."
"Sure thing," Joe replied, with a smile. "Hey, listen- do you have some time? Dinner will be served in about 10 minutes, and I kind of wanted to have a little time alone with you."
Frank looked at him, puzzled. "Yeah, sure. Of course."
Joe sat on the sand and indicated for Frank to do the same. "How ARE you?" he asked Frank.
"Uh- I'm fine," Frank answered. When Joe didn't answer, Frank asked casually, "How was your day with my boy?"
Joe's face relaxed considerably. "I love that kid. He's the cutest thing. Oh! I didn't tell you-he rolled over."
"Oh yeah?" Frank asked. "I know he's been trying. I can't believe we missed that!"
Joe laughed at the crestfallen look on Frank's face. "Don't be too disappointed, bro. Obviously your kid likes impressing his uncle, but I'm sure he'll do it a thousand more times. Besides," he went on, mischievously, "I'd say that you and Callie weren't missing him too much this afternoon..."
Frank turned bright red, and Joe chuckled. Then, he decided to get more serious. He only had a few moments and he did have a lot to say. He sighed before continuing. "Frank, the Cotnig case- that was the hardest case I've ever had to deal with," he started, honestly. "The craziness of murder; the patterns; the ABC order; the secret spaces; it really shook me," he admitted.
'Of course it did," Frank replied, reaching over and gently rubbing his brother's back.
"It was so hard," Joe went on, voice shakier than he thought it would be after all of these months. "I almost lost all of the people I love most in the world, and I…"
"Go on," Frank encouraged.
"I realized how much I rely on you, you know? I didn't know what to do when I saw you hurting, when I saw you lose your temper or break down. I didn't know what to do when I saw what you did with Tobias- I mean, obviously, I fully support you in that, but… I guess what I'm trying to say is, you became me for a little bit. And I kind of didn't know how to handle not having YOU. Does this make any sense?" he asked, embarrassed.
Frank was quiet for a minute as he thought, still rubbing Joe's back in comfort. "I'm sorry, Joe," Frank replied quietly. "I did- I lost myself for a bit. I'm sorry if I let you down."
"You didn't let me down!" Joe emphasized. "You don't understand. I saw you with your guard totally down, and you still held it together far better than I would have. That's not my point."
Frank gave a small smile. "You would have been fine. You don't give yourself enough credit, Joe. You're a tough kid."
Joe had to smile. Only Frank could still call him a kid in a totally serious manner. "My point, Frank, is that I know I give you a hard time and I'm a pain in the ass, but you are still- after everything- my best friend and really the best older brother I could have asked for."
Frank blushed.
Joe went on. "You always help me out and give me advice and lead by example. And I'm telling you this now because I'm going to need a lot of advice soon."
"Why?" Frank asked, puzzled.
"Well, most everyone will find out in about a half hour, and Callie is probably finding out now from Vanessa, and- to be honest- JJ knows-"
"Joe, what on earth are you talking about?" Frank queried."JJ knows what?!"
"Vanessa's pregnant, Frank. I'm going to be a dad!" he exclaimed, unable to stop the smile from lighting up his face. He was so excited he thought he would burst, and he'd wanted to tell Frank before anyone.
"Really?"! Frank asked, his own face breaking out into a huge smile. "Are you serious?"
"Totally!" Joe responded. Frank reached over and hugged him tightly. When he pulled back, Joe was shocked to see his eyes bright with tears. "Well, that's just the second best news I've heard in a long time!" He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "I'm so thrilled for you, little brother," he added. "Your life will never be the same. It's the greatest gift on earth. Oh, boy," he added with a smile. "I guess I'm being recruited for that primary color explosion you wanted in the nursery!"
Joe smiled, wiping away his own tears. "I hadn't thought that far ahead, but obviously, bro. No neutral classy color scheme for me! Remind me to brighten up JJ's room. Anyway, what was the first best news? JJ being okay?" he asked.
"Well, YES," Frank said. "That- and, believe it or not, we just found out- Callie is actually pregnant again."
"What?!" Joe cried out. "I- I mean-"
"Shhhh," Frank replied, laughing. "You CANNOT tell ANYONE-other than Vanessa. And not tonight. This is your night."
"But-how?!"
Frank shot him an amused look.
"That's not what I mean!" Joe replied, overjoyed. "I mean, JJ is only 5 months old."
"And we are only 13 months apart," Frank pointed out. "My kids will be further apart than we are."
"Did you plan it that way?" Joe asked, incredulous.
"Absolutely not," Frank replied, more serious. "Callie's doctor is actually kind of upset about it. That's why we're not telling anyone yet. Callie went through hell with the last pregnancy, even before … everything. She's susceptible to a lot of issues, and it's actually kind of dangerous for her to have gotten pregnant so quickly...and we need to make sure that… you know, please God… that the baby will be okay and that she'll be able to carry it to term. But we have faith."
Joe wiped back his own tears. "The two of us have pretty insane anniversaries, huh?" he finally managed.
Frank smiled. "Remember, not a word to anyone other than Van. You deserve this night and this time to celebrate." He hugged Joe again, and then got to his feet and gave him their old silly handshake. "Let's go," he said, slinging an arm around Joe. "I can't wait to see the looks on mom and dad's and Andrea's faces."
"Me, too," Joe agreed. "I'm glad we're in this together," he admitted.
"Always," Frank replied with a smile.
Click. Click. Click.
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Alan Cotnig put his camera down at last. It had been a long, but very worthwhile day. They were all here. It was perfect.
He watched as the cheers of joy erupted, as the night went on, and everyone gathered in joy, laughing, holding each other close, dancing.
He glanced at his book of poetry that he kept with him at all times and opened it to the pre-selected page. There were patterns in poetry, order, that few could see- but they were there. Frost. Yes, he'd always admired him, a man who seemed so familiar, but was far more complex than met the eye. It was the seeming simplicity that got him: "We dance round in a ring and suppose, / But the Secret sits in the middle and knows."
Yes. It knows.
He closed the book. The secret would come out soon enough. And it would be glorious.
-The End (for now)-
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Note: First of all, I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed writing this story. It was a process for me to develop a solid mystery while focusing on characterization and trying to age the Hardys in an appropriate way true to how I believe they would be. To that end, I cannot emphasize how much your support has meant along the way. It's very easy as an author to get discouraged when people don't leave feedback, because writing really takes a piece of your heart and you put your ideas "out there," for good or bad, and hope there is a positive reception to them. That's why I always have my stories completed before I post a single chapter-so I can stay focused on the story and stand behind it, no matter what. THANK YOU A MILLION TIMES to everyone who has been kind enough to leave a review and/or to follow the story. It means so much to me and I will treasure each comment.
Second, the following people have been such amazing supporters, and have commented along the way- on some or all chapters-and I would like to thank you all again (yes, it's in alphabetical order, because that's just me!): Allie B, Barb, BeeBee18, Caranath, East Blue, Erin Jordan, EvergreenDreamweaver, Hero 76, hbndcbbliw4ever, hbndgirl, hlahabibty, Guests (various) Jilsen, Laurie Q, Max2013, ulstergirl, merryw, Paulina Ann, Red Hardy, SnowPrincess 88, and Tin Dog. So many of you are prolific writers in your own right, and I am humbled that you took the time to review my work. And for the non -writers, your support is really incredible and means so much, and I am so happy you've followed along and enjoyed my writing.
Finally, I couldn't let this story just end, and its sequel is completed. It is 32 chapters long and is by far my biggest endeavor and most mature work to date. Remember how I said that Johnny had to die? You'll understand that in the next story. I hope you'll stick around for it, and it will be posted by the first week in June. Please look out for it and follow if you so desire.. It's called "The Stages of Conviction", and I am very excited to post it.
And, in the meantime, because the follow up was so intense, I needed a little break. In a few days, I'll post my first and only one-shot called "Alternate Plans," which takes place immediately after "First Encounters" and before "The Secret Spaces." It's about Joe and Vanessa's bachelor/ bachelorette parties, since several of you PM'd me and asked for a little Joe story, so- here you have it. It's light and fun and has no mystery whatsoever. I hope you enjoy it.
Thanks so much! :)
-Cheryl