CHAPTER 101

Five days later…

(EVA)

"So, I know I keep asking this but have you heard anything from Kate yet, has she responded at all since El and Lucy's interview?" I ask as I peer into the laptop screen at my sister. We had both been surprised by the lack of any response from Kate and we have both been waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I hear her sigh and she puts her head down and my heart immediately sinks and I realise the other shoe has now dropped.

"Ana?" I ask.

There is a silence and I wait, but I realise that this doesn't bode well. I watch as she fidgets, then she eventually looks up and her expression is bleak.

"She called me" she eventually confesses.

"And?" I coax gently.

She shakes her head sadly, "It was quite awful. We were with El and Meg at the time. Meg had invited us for dinner, Carrick and Grace and Mia were also there. I said it was Kate and I was going to ignore it but Christian encouraged me to answer it and put it on speaker and we recorded it as well. She really doesn't see how it is what she has done that has caused all this. Even now she believes that she is the victim and that we have poisoned her family against her".

"She's deluded" I say.

Ana nods in agreement with that, "I know, I think what caused it was the fact she'd called Ethan. From what she said he told her straight that she'd brought everything on herself and she didn't expect him to say that and obviously she didn't like it as it wasn't what she wanted to hear. She has been served as well which didn't help matters because as far as she is concerned, she was speaking the truth – her version of it anyway. Plus, she's pissed about the harassment complaints we have lodged from when she kept approaching us and the way she threatened Lucy when she called her. On top of that, she was fired from that internet news site she was working for. They were really pissed when they got sued, but they came to an agreement with El's lawyer. The charges against them would be dropped if they published a full retraction and apology on the site for what Kate wrote. Obviously, they went for that and they totally threw her under the bus and made it clear she was no longer associated with the site".

"What about Jen, has Lucy and Sadie had any more issues from her?" I ask.

Ana shakes her head at that, "No, she has melted away. Nobody has heard anything from her since her husband threw her out. I think she was charged with causing a public disturbance when she went to Neil's parents house to try and snatch her son, but nobody has seen or heard anything from her since that day. David has also vanished, according to one of Gideon's security team who was sent to keep an eye on him – but I'm guessing you already know that. He reported that his practice has closed down and his house is up for sale and he has gone, but nobody knows where he has gone to. I think Angus and Welch are working on that one as obviously for Sadie's peace of mind we need to know whereabouts he is in the country".

"It's all a bit of a mess" I say with a sigh.

"Indeed it is, what about Elizabeth? Any more news there?" Ana asks.

I let out a snort, "She has also gone to ground, she settled with nearly all the victims who came forward and who sued her. A couple of them refused and wanted their day in court but she pleaded guilty – not willingly I think but in order to keep her lawyer on side she pleaded guilty so it was pretty much over before it began. Gideon, Ireland and Christopher are just getting on with things. Elizabeth is now pretty much old news and as such nobody is really interested anymore. Her victims have got what they wanted. I do wonder where she is though as she must be financially ruined after all that. I asked Gideon but he said he doesn't care where she is or what she is doing and to be fair I can't argue with that".

"What about Chris?" Ana asks.

"Don't know and don't care, he has gone as well. Christopher and Ireland haven't heard from him since he left New York, he has pretty much done a bunk. As you know Christopher now runs Vidal Records and Gideon is supporting him with that, and to be fair since Chris signed it over it has flourished. They have signed a number of new bands and the future looks rosy there".

"And what about Ryan?" Ana asks.

I smile as I think about the blossoming relationship between the two former sworn enemies. "He's fine, he's just biding his time. He is a model prisoner and doing everything he should so that he will be considered for parole as soon as possible. Gideon goes to visit him at least once a week and they have a joint therapy session during those visits with Caroline via video link. From what Gideon has said, it's going really well and they are slowly working through all their issues and the lies which surrounded them for years. I can see them becoming quite close eventually, as they are really quite alike. Christopher and Ireland also go and visit him and it was his birthday the other day so they all went altogether and spent some time with him".

"Speaking of birthdays and celebrations…" Ana begins.

I smile as I think of the forthcoming family events, "Yeah, we have quite the list coming up, don't we? Your wedding anniversary is first, what are you planning for that?" I ask.

Ana grins and her eyes are now shining with excitement, "Well, Christian wants to go away somewhere just the two of us which I'm not averse to, so he is planning something there so our actual anniversary will be spent secluded somewhere just us".

I laugh, "That is pretty much Gideon's plan for our wedding anniversary… and it's not actually that long after yours".

"No, ours is 31st July and yours is 11th August isn't it?" Ana asks.

"It is" I confirm simply. "But I suggest we get together at some point – the four of us?" I ask.

Ana nods, "Absolutely, I've already told Christian that and he agreed and said he would talk to Gideon and see what could be arranged. But after that in September is mine and Gideon's birthdays, mine is at the beginning of September on the 10th and Gideon's is towards the end isn't it?" Ana asks and once again I confirm that.

"Yes, Gideon's birthday is on the 22nd" I say.

"We will have to get together and organise something in the middle, as El's birthday is also in September - on the 19th" Ana says.

"Oh yes definitely" I reply immediately.

"Christian is also planning a visit to Colorado, we have been invited to stay with Hal and Derek so that is going to happen at some point soon, then we have your birthday in November and finally Christmas and this year that is going to be a massive event with everyone. There is all Christian's birth family and you guys and I think Christian really wants to push the boat out as he wants to also invite your dad and Christopher and Ireland as well… Christian was talking about spending Christmas in Aspen and flying everyone there – would you and Gideon be up for that?"

I nod enthusiastically at her suggestion, "Yes, definitely. Gideon is already aware that I want to spend Christmas with you guys and he agreed with that. I know Christopher and Ireland will be stoked if they get invited as well. That's how it should be, all the family together".

Ana shakes her head incredulously and I wonder what she is thinking then I see her look up at me and she smiles kindly at me, "I still find it amazing to think that just from that one event - your dad getting shot… and you subsequently finding out what you did because your dad has a really rare blood type that all this has happened. Everything from Frank and how it expanded, and then how it helped Christian discover the truth about his origins. Then how that led on to El finding Sadie and how it helped her escape an abusive unhappy life and start again" she says carefully.

I nod, I have had much the same thoughts a few times as things have evolved this year. "I know, this year has been a complete whirlwind of discovery" I agree. "How is Grace doing now? Is she dealing with everything a bit better now?" I ask.

"She is," Ana confirms, "She is making a real effort with Meg now and with everyone else… she has realised that she did put her work first to the detriment of her family and she is really trying to put that right. She has cut her hours at the hospital and she is around much more now. She is also slowly realising that she isn't going to lose her kids now they have their birth family in their lives. Caroline is working with her and helping her come to terms with the guilt she still feels about Christian as well. It's all improving in every respect. She has even reached out to Sadie more and they are sharing El more now. Grace is giving Sadie an insight into his life as he grew up and Sadie is sharing her memories of the short time she had with him when he was born. She is slowly realising that Sadie is no threat to her and they are becoming friends – it's a joy to watch, actually".

"It all comes down to communication and honesty" I say.

"It really does, I am so glad we went to confront Carrick and Grace that day, because that was the start of the healing right there. Carrick and Christian are so close now it's unbelievable, since they cleared the air and laid the past to rest".

I see movement and look past Ana to see Christian moving towards the laptop, he grins at me before bending and pressing a kiss to Ana's head. She shuffles slightly making room for him and he sits down beside her, wrapping his arm around her.

"Hello Eva" he says simply as he acknowledges my presence.

I give him a little wave of greeting in response, "Hi Christian, we were just talking about all the family celebrations we have coming up between now and Christmas" I say.

Christian nods, "I've been discussing the very same thing with Gideon" he says. He turns to Ana, "I've just been talking to Hal – organising our visit to Colorado" he adds.

"And?" Ana enquires.

"Next weekend?" he asks carefully.

Ana nods, "That's fine" she says simply.

"We also still have to decide where we are going for our anniversary as well, I want to whisk you away and spoil you completely" he says which makes Ana smile. He glances at me quickly as he says that and I realise he doesn't want to seem like he is keeping us apart so I quickly jump in to reassure him.

"That sounds amazing sis, as I said Gideon is whisking me away somewhere just the two of us for our anniversary so you make sure you enjoy every moment of it".

I watch as Christian visibly relaxes at my words and he smiles gratefully at me. It never ceases to amaze me how unsure he really is. Much like Gideon is with me, Christian has this underlying notion that he really doesn't deserve Ana and doesn't want to upset her for fear of losing her, also like Gideon these fears have increased significantly since Ana and I discovered we were sisters and became close. It's really not healthy and I know much like I do with Gideon; Ana spends a lot of time reassuring him that she isn't going anywhere.

"That sounds brilliant" Ana agrees, "and I can't wait" she adds.

oooOOOooo

The next weekend…

(CHRISTIAN)

I am so looking forward to this visit. I am eager to get to know Hal and Derek, as I am keen to find out if Hal has let go of his senseless guilt over what happened when I was a child. I will never forget his reaction at the reburial of Ella and Liam where I had to forgive him for his actions back then, even though I had nothing to forgive him for.

I watch Ana who is reading a book as the plane makes its descent. It wasn't that long a flight from Seattle to Boulder Municipal airport – just over 2 hours and I am hoping she is looking forward to this visit as much as I am. I am also excited about our anniversary. I haven't decided yet where I want to take Ana. I would like to go to Japan, I have been there a few times for business related matters but I've never been there as a tourist and so it would be a first for me, and I am always eager to find new firsts to share with my wife. It is something we need to discuss though, as our anniversary is fast approaching.

I am pulled from my thoughts by being informed to fasten my seatbelt as we are coming in to land. I do so and silently reach for Ana's hand which is searching for mine. She still hates take offs and landings.

"There we go baby" I say gently and I press a reassuring kiss to her temple as the plane taxis to a halt. I feel her relax and she lets out a long breath as she loosens her grip on my hand.

"Is Hal meeting us?" she asks and I nod.

"I believe so. I think he said that Arnie was hoping to join us all at some point as well" I say.

Ana's face lights up at that, "Uncle Arnie is coming?" she asks enthusiastically.

"He hopes to come" I reiterate and I watch as her smile fades slightly and she nods her head in understanding.

We gather our belongings and make our way to the doors which are slowly opening. I thank the flight staff and as we step out I stop dead and am shocked to see the welcoming committee waiting at the foot of the steps.

I see Hal and Derek, and Arnie is standing there with a huge smug grin on his face and beside him are Alexander and Edwin and also Brad, Liam's brother with his wife and daughters. I am shocked to see them all but I quickly compose myself and make my way down the steps, still gripping Ana's hand tightly.

"I had no idea" I begin as they all move towards us, Alexander reaches me first and engulfs me in a massive bear hug which takes me completely by surprise and initially makes me freeze but I quickly try and rein in my reaction. I hope he didn't notice it as I return his hug. Edwin approaches me next and I realise immediately he did notice my reaction as he moves slowly and deliberately, giving me time to prepare. He also wraps his arms around me and holds me.

"Hello son" he whispers repeating what Alexander had also said to me and I swallow hard at the greeting.

"Well, I wasn't expecting this" I say as I greet everyone else around us.

"I thought I'd make sure we were all here for this visit" Arnie says, "You are not the only one who can fly people across the country at whim" he adds with a grin.

"As soon as you confirmed you were coming I called Arnie and told him to arrange it and get everyone here" Hal says his eyes shining with excitement.

"I'm incredibly touched you did this" I say.

I take in everyone, they are all here for Ana and me and I can't quite get my head around that fact. I watch Ana greet Arnie affectionately and I inwardly smile as I see him adopt the protective uncle persona with her. I introduce Taylor and Sawyer and they smile at everyone and then move towards the hire cars I'd organised for the visit.

"Shall we make our way back then?" Hal asks gesturing towards their own cars which were parked up near the hire cars. I frown as I look at them, they don't look safe.

Ana sees me staring at them and she squeezes my hand, I look at her and she gives me an almost imperceptible shake of the head. It is almost as if she can see what I am thinking and warning me not to say anything.

I watch to see who goes in which car, and I am shocked to note that one of the cars has a Minneapolis licence plate. I stare at the car and then at Brad. "You drove all the way from Minneapolis?" I ask incredulously.

Brad shrugs nonchalantly, "Not like I haven't done it before" he says, "It's only just over 13 hours drive depending on which route you take and I've got it down to a fine art now when we come here to Boulder to visit Hal and Del".

"I'm just incredibly touched that you have made the effort for the journey for me" I say quietly.

Brad smiles kindly, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world. It's about time I got to know my nephew a bit better and we wanted to surprise you so I couldn't really call you and ask you to fly us in, could I?"

I have no idea what to say to that so I just tip my head in acknowledgement of the comment, "I guess not" I say simply.

"It's ok Christian" Alexander says kindly, we all really want to be here, that is why we made the effort".

I look at him, "Please tell me you didn't drive all the way here from Ohio?" I say and he laughs.

"No son, Arnie arranged a flight for Ed and I to be here" he says nodding toward Arnie.

We get in the waiting cars and I am still gripping Ana's hand tightly as we make our way to Hal and Derek's home.

"They love you Christian and they want to show you that, this is their way of doing that" Ana whispers to me as she squeezes my hand.

I nod, "I just didn't expect…" I begin and then stop.

Ana smiles again and rests her head against my shoulder, "I know, you didn't expect people to want to make the effort for you" she says.

"I don't like the look of Hal's car or Brad's for that matter, they are not as dilapidated as Wanda was but neither look far off" I say and Ana shakes her head at me.

"Don't say anything else and don't start throwing your money about and buying them new cars" she says warningly. I open my mouth to protest but I realise what she is saying and close my mouth and swallow what I was going to say and simply nod.

We eventually arrive at a reasonably modest house. I look around and this main road we are on is almost deserted with the houses few and far between. I immediately like it here and I feel myself start to relax.

"This is home" Hal says as he gestures for us to enter the house.

Both he and Derek are watching me carefully. I realise they feel a little intimidated by me and so I quickly move to put them at ease.

"This is an amazing place, I love it" I say and I see them both relax.

After we are shown to our room we go back downstairs where everyone is waiting.

"I didn't realise this place was as big as it is" I say and Hal laughs.

"No, it looks quite deceiving from the road but it goes back a fair way" he explains.

We take a seat in the comfortable room and Derek appears with coffee and some snacks.

"Thank you" I say as I help myself to a mug of steaming black coffee.

"Help yourself to milk and sugar" Derek says gesturing to the tray.

I watch Ana carefully sip her coffee; she isn't a huge fan of coffee but will drink it.

"I've brought some photographs of the orchard" Edwin says and he reaches towards an envelope on the table beside him.

"Oh, has the work begun then?" I ask. After going there, I had arranged for a professional team to come in and restore the orchard to its former glory and keep it maintained for Edwin.

He smiles at me, "It looks wonderful, give it a few years and it will be back to how it was when you used to play in there as a boy".

He hands me the photographs and everyone gathers to look, there are exclamations of delight as everyone takes in the work, and I can see how much better the orchard now looks.

We spend a wonderful day just chilling out and chatting. It is something that I have only recently become accustomed to doing, really only since Ana came into my life and even more so since she has been spending so much time with Eva and also since El discovered his links to them. It is something I realise with a jolt that I enjoy doing and it makes me remember the solitary closed off life I lived before Ana and I realise that I never want to return to the way I used to live. I look around at all the people in the room, these people are related to me… by blood. That is a slightly overwhelming thought for me, especially considering how I had previously assumed I had come into the world and I take a deep breath. Ana is watching me carefully and reaches for my hand which I eagerly grasp and I pull her close, so I can bury my nose in her hair to centre myself once more.

I realise everyone is watching me and I smile reassuringly at them.

"I… I…" I begin but the words won't come out.

I look helplessly at Ana who smiles up at me. "I think we are a bit overwhelmed by everything that has happened today not to mention a bit tired now" she says diplomatically.

A significant look passes between Edwin and Alexander before they simply smile and nod accepting her words.

"It has been a wonderful day" Alex agrees and I watch as he heaves himself to his feet. I stand as he hobbles towards me, leaning heavily on his walking stick.

"I'm going to turn in I think, if you will all excuse me" he says and I along with everyone else bids him a goodnight and I silently think a word of thanks that his action took the attention away from me.