A/N: hope you enjoy!
"This way Sir, Ma'am…" The porter said as he took them to their cabin.
"Wow, it's like being on the Titanic!" She said laughing.
"I hope not!" Andrew rounded the corner with the porter and they came up to their room. The porter pushed the door open and a beautiful sunny cabin opened up to them. Frankie walked inside astonished, "it's like being in a house on a ship!"
Frankie ran to the balcony. "Andrew this balcony is bigger than our cabin back home!" She shouted as he sorted the porter and the bags. He walked out to her and looked around. "Nice." He smiled and leant on the balcony rail.
"Look at the bed!" She ran through the next door on the balcony and flopped down. "It's amazing! And so comfy! Andrew we really need one of these at home!"
He laughed and came into her. "There's a jacuzzi as well." He winked with a grin.
"Oh my god!" She jumped up and looked. "It's huge!" She ran out, "we have to do it in there!"
He burst out laughing and grabbed her as she walked past him. "Come here sexy lady."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately, "is my girl hungry?"
"Yes! Food!" She smiled. "Not what I was thinking." He laughed and brushed her hair from her face. She started to pull his shirt up and he stopped her. "Patience." He grabbed her hands and started to undress her slowly when there was a knock at the door.
Frankie sighed and pulled the buttons on her top back together again. He laughed a little and kissed her softly. "Later."
He walked over to the door and opened it, a porter said there was dining available in the restaurant downstairs and they had places free if they wanted to go.
Frankie shook her head and Andrew said no and shut the door. "Didn't you want dinner?" He asked walking back over. "I've not had lunch yet." She pulled open the buttons on her top, taking it off she took off all her clothes, he did the same already incredibly turned on by her. He turned her so her front was against the mirror… "you're mine." He whispered….
A few hours later they had set sail and were on their way. She got changed into a bikini and a sarong, putting her sun glasses on and straw hat. "Let's go party boy!" She called.
He stepped out in his shorts and t-shirt, his sunglasses on he looked the part. "Looking smart!" She smiled warmly.
"Look at you." He said walking over, "you should cover up.
"How am I supposed to tan through my clothes?" She laughed, "come on." They walked out the cabin and started walking. It wasn't overly busy, people were coming and going but it was just right, she hated crowds.
The weather was +30 and Frankie took the cocktail from the bartender and handed a beer to Andrew. They walked over to the end of the deck and looked over the sea, the music was buzzing and people were dancing to a DJ flipping some old school summer vibes. Frankie swayed humming along to the songs, sipping her cocktail. "This is the life." She stated.
"I'm glad you're enjoying it, you deserve it after everything you've been through."
"I guess having Stigmata really saved me in a way… I never would have met you otherwise." She looked at the scars on her wrists.
"Hey, that doesn't define you okay?" Andrew said kissing her.
"There's no way you would have given up being a priest if we'd met any other way." She said looking out to sea, she chuckled, "I can see you hitting the dance floor at Crystals in your priest getup."
He laughed and leant his arms on the railing. "Cross in hand." He added drinking his beer.
"Can you imagine me showing up to the Vatican in a skimpy skirt, those god awful wedge shoes I used to have."
"You'd have all the priests dropping their religion quicker than anything." He laughed at the thought.
"Yeah." She smirked, looking out at the sea in silence for a little bit.
"Andrew?" Frankie asked looking serious. He looked at her and nodded. She paused trying to word it right, it had been playing on her mind since she'd last asked it. "Why won't you talk about your first love?"
"Frankie…" He sighed looking away and shaking his head. "It's not important, I'm not with her I'm with you."
"But I wanna know why, I mean I could tell you anything right? So why can't you be open with me about it?"
"I just…" he struggled to find the words, that was in his past and he didn't want to bring all those emotions back up. He turned looking for a quieter spot. "Come on." He said taking her hand and leading her to the other end of the ship, finding a bench looking out to sea, she sat down, she crossed her leg over the other, resting her glass on her legs he stood in front of her and took a deep breath.
"Her name was Sophie Williams, we grew up together, went to school together, high school, the works. She was a typical Irish fox she drove me absolutely crazy, I mean wild, I had it bad for her." He sat down next to Frankie. "One day we went to a school disco of sorts and she asked me to be her date so of course I was over the moon, she knew I was crazy about her."
Frankie took his hand as he struggled to finish his story. "It was the end of high school disco and she was deciding where she was going to college and what not, well at the disco I had a dance with her and I told her I loved her and I did, I absolutely loved her. Her smile, the way she walked, her hair, her body." He paused for a moment.
"We went outside to my car and had probably the craziest sex I've ever had. I mean wild hot crazy sex, for the next two weeks." He got hung up on the thought. "Then she dumped me, went off with the Captain of the Football league and I never saw her again, last I heard she was married to him and had a couple of kids."
"Not yours I hope? After all that crazy sex!"
"No I always you know, outside, I wasn't that stupid."
"Do you ever think like what if, what if she chose you and you got married?"
"Always think about things like that, not just with her, with you too… like what if you'd died? If I hadn't got there before he killed you? If you'd gotten the fifth wound? If you'd said no to me when I asked you to marry me?"
"I did." She laughed, "of course." He said, shaking his head. She put her hand on his knee and turned fully to him.
"So back to the sex." She said he laughed out loud, " how did I know you'd get hung up on that?"
"Is our sex as good?"
"It's good." He smiled. She looked unimpressed, "wow you rate me as good and Sophie as out of this world crazy?"
"Frankie!" He laughed, taking her hand. "I love having sex with you, your my crazy hot girl you drive me wild."
"Just not as good as her?" Frankie smiled a little less.
"Please don't think I value you any less, our sex life is amazing…everyone you have sex with is a different experience you know that."
"Are there…things you wish or want to do with me that you can't, that you did with her?" Andrew was incredibly uncomfortable and shifted in his seat. "Frankie…" he whined a little.
"No I'm being serious, like I dunno do you want me to play with your balls more?"
"Okay that's enough!" He stood up and started to walk away, she got up and ran after him.
"What about whips and domination, I could walk you around on a lead?"
"No!" He stated laughing as they walked back down the deck.
A few hours later Frankie took a few selfies on the top deck of the cruise ship. They had VIP tickets so it was much more posh up there.
She laid back on the sun-bed as the bartender brought her another cocktail and she sipped the straw, she was going brown already, she looked at Andrew he was red but he was covered a little more, his shirt was open revealing his gorgeous chest.
"Are you okay?" She asked, tilting her sun glasses down.
"Yeah why?" He asked looking down at his red chest. "Burning up!" He said.
"Come on, let's get you back to the cabin and get some cream on you, before you turn into a lobster." She said standing up, helping him up.
He grabbed her as he felt the effects of the alcohol hitting his legs. " ok someone's drunk," she laughed as they almost bumped into a woman and man.
"Sorry!" Andrew said over his shoulder.
"Andrew Kiernan?" A woman with blonde hair, blue eyes and a figure to die for turned to them. Andrew laughed and instantly his face went serious, so did hers. Andrew shook his head, there was no way this was happening.
"Sophie Williams?" He asked, she nodded and after a moment of silence they dived on each other, hugging. "Soph, what are you doing here?!"
"Well I could ask yer the same question!" He stopped hugging her and smiled. "I was just talking about you to my…" He struggled, "….my err friend." He said introducing them. Frankie was shocked, offended and pissed at the same time.
"This is err…err…"
"Frankie Paige." She said half smiling and waving a little wave at the woman. "Well hello there. Sophie Hunter. My husband Craig, I believe you two remember each other?" Andrew nodded and shook his hand.
"Wow I can't believe it's really you." Sophie said.
"Me either," he said grabbing her hands. "How have you been?"
"Getting by with the kids you know." She laughed. "How are you doing? How's the priesthood? I didn't think priests took vacations with ladies, if you excuse me." She said to Frankie.
"I err.. I had some vacation time." He lied.
"Well here's an idea, why don't you join me and Craig for dinner, the two of you tonight, table C in the main hall."
"We'd love to." He said giving her another couple of hugs. "See you tonight." He waved as they walked off.
Frankie was furious but she managed to keep it together until they got back to the cabin. "Frankie?" Andrew asked sheepishly as they got in, she was too quiet.
"For the remainder of the holiday you can call me Miss Frankie Paige, your lady friend, father Kiernan." She said angrily getting her dresses out from her suitcase.
"Frankie…" he sighed. "I had to lie to her, if she knew I was married and left the priesthood for you she'd hold it over me forever, giving her a trophy to say she'd told me so."
"And we wouldn't want to upset Sophie now would we?" She chucked her dress down and went onto the balcony.
He followed her and gingerly leant against the railing next to her. "Frankie, I told you it was in the past and that's where it stays."
She didn't respond for a good moment then turned to him. "If she even gives me the dirty looks tonight I swear."
"I promise it'll be fine." He kissed her softly. "I'm sorry." He said, "just one night where I can prove her wrong."
"I'll do my best to hit on her husband." She smirked and walked away, he looked shocked and followed her. "Miss Paige is single and ready to mingle after all." She held up a skimpy dress to him.
"Frankie…" he said getting worried. She smirked and held her hands up. "Miss Paige, please Father."
"Frankie!" He grumbled as she walked away.
Later that evening Frankie stepped out in a revealing little two piece dress, a black halter top with chains that hung from mid chest down to her hips, with gems on and a skirt no higher than the bottom of her butt.
He came out in a smart suit but comfortable, Frankie bent down to put her silver heels on, she stood up and he stood shocked.
"Frankie you can't wear that!"
"Why not?" She asked.
"Because you look like a hooker!" He said outright.
"Good." She opened the door and walked out. "Frankie!" He shouted running after her.
A guy wolf whistled her and she winked. "Frankie!" He grabbed her arm and stopped her. "Go back to that room and get changed right now!" He snapped.
"Where's the fun in that? Your going to be too deep in conversation with Sophie to worry about me so keep that pretty little head of yours on."
"Frankie I'm not joking, I…"
"Well hello you two." Sophie said. "Are you coming ?"
"Well now we have to go." Frankie said.
"Do not bend over, at all, at any point and keep to the shadows."
"Oh come on Father, live a little."
The night droned on and on and on as Andrew and Sophie went through every moment of their lives in the greatest of details. Frankie pushed her food around on her plate, Craig had managed to bail earlier and was long gone so she didn't even have anyone to talk to, the very few times they spoke to her they didn't even wait for an answer. She sighed and put her fork down, swallowing another glass of vodka and coke.
"Oh that night…" Sophie giggled suddenly including Frankie in the conversation, "Frankie, I know you won't mind me telling you what an incredibly hot lover this man is, I mean for a priest, phew…" She mocked wiping her brow.
Andrew shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Have you ever had a lover like that Frankie?"
"No never." She smiled sweetly.
"Why aren't you out enjoying the nightlife? You're certainly dressed for it!"
"Well you know Father Kiernan insisted I come and spend the evening with you."
"Did he now? That reminds me…" Sophie went off on another tangent, another trip down memory lane. Frankie downed another drink and once she started talking about their incredible sex she lost it.
"I think I'm going to go and check out that nightlife."
"Oh! Okay dear, you don't want to hang out with us old fogies!" Sophie said, Andrew looked worried.
"I really think you've had too much to drink already Frankie." He said.
"Let her go Andrew she's probably bored stiff anyway! Give us a chance to be more detailed about our lives."
"Have fun." She said, getting up and stumbling a little. "Frankie." Andrew half got up as she walked off.
"Andrew honestly what is wrong with you." Sophie laughed, "let her go find some lad to shack up with for the night, dressing like that I'm sure she'll get it!"
"I…I'll be right back." He got up and ran after her. "Frankie!" He grabbed her arm as she walked up the stairs. "Frankie stop!"
"What?" She asked looking at him.
"Don't go to that bar please, just stay here."
"I'm not going to the bar!" She said. "I'm going back to the cabin. I'm tired."
He sighed with relief and let her arm go. "Please be careful."
"Yes Father." She said and he furrowed his brow, "Frankie stop calling…"
"Shall we go for a walk?" Sophie said taking his arm. Frankie watched them walk away, Andrew looked over his shoulder at her. Frankie smiled halfway and carried on up the stairs in the opposite direction.
Getting into the cabin Frankie cried and went to the bathroom and took her makeup off. She got out of her dress, put some frilly flimsy shorts and cami top on and sat on the deck chair balcony watching the stars go by.
Andrew spent some time walking and talking with Sophie. He walked her back to her room and slowly walked back to the cabin. Unlocking the door he walked into a dark lounge, the bedroom was dark too.
He slipped his clothes off down to his boxers in the bathroom and went into the bedroom. Frankie wasn't in bed, he went to the balcony and saw her asleep in the deck chair. His heart ached, he hated this situation.
He went over and knelt down to her, brushing her hair from her face. He kissed her softly and she woke up. "Hey." She shivered, the sea breeze was cold. He pulled her up and pulled her hand over to the bed, they got in and he smiled happy that he was back with her.
"Did you enjoy your walk?" She asked, yawning.
"Just more talk." He said kissing her neck, he started to feel her breasts when she pushed him away. "I don't feel like it." She said and he sighed, already feeling himself ready for it, all the talk of sex with Sophie had brought up old feelings and desires.
Over the next two weeks the cruise took them to some major destinations. Valencia was the first stop, Frankie and Andrew took loads of pictures and had a crazy good time. They barely saw Sophie, when they did though she had to invite herself to tour with them. Frankie hated it but she knew he was torn, she wanted to make him happy and he seemed happy when he was talking to Sophie. So she shut up and didn't say anything, played the part and that was that.
The next stop was Montpellier in France, Frankie loved France with its vibrant city and night life, and enjoyed spending time with Andrew and for once she was glad Sophie didn't appear much.
The next stops were Monaco and Pisa, Frankie loved it, so many good times with Andrew. But there was one tiny detail, Sophie, she was having marital issues with her husband so they spent less and less time together and more and more time with Frankie and Andrew. She was almost there constantly, Frankie was getting annoyed but she tried to persevere. Andrew kept reassuring her that it was all good, she was just lonely and how he couldn't really say no.
Then the day she'd been waiting for finally came. "Vatican Day!" She jumped up and said excitedly.
"It means that much to you ?" He laughed. "Of course. It's been a dream since I met you and we get to spend the whole day together just you and me, this is why I wanted to come so badly."
"About that…." He trailed.
Frankie thought if she didn't say anything he wouldn't say it but he did. "I can't really say no, she thinks I'm a priest, she wants me to help her marriage."
"What about our marriage Andrew?" Frankie said sharply.
"Frankie I can't be in two places at once."
"Wait….what?!"
"That's the thing…"
"Tell me your coming with me to the Vatican."
"I promised Sophie I'd…."
"Fuck you!" She said angrier than ever.
Frankie got her shoes on, getting ready with her backpack. "Frankie stop!"
"No you stop Andrew, I've put you first this whole damn trip, I didn't like it but I let her tag along and listened to her go on, you knew this was what I wanted the most and now you're putting her needs above mine! I've played your game but you need to be a man and grow up! Stop putting your wife behind someone else!"
He looked down ashamed but angry. "I put you first every day Frankie Paige this is the least you can do for me!"
"Where's your wedding ring?" She asked suddenly noticing he didn't have it on. She walked over to the bedside drawer and opened it. Finding it under a load of books. "Wow that's just brilliant."
"Frankie I'm supposed to be a priest, I can't walk around with a wedding ring on!" He got angry with her.
"So rather than give it to me or put it in the safe you tossed it in the drawer." She shook her head.
"For gods sake Frankie!" He said angrily. He walked over to her as the tears fell slowly. He started to kiss her neck, feeling her body. "Come to me." He said, wanting her, needing a release.
"No Andrew!" She shrugged him off. "So now you won't have sex with me? Frankie we haven't had sex for weeks…"
She looked at him sternly and yet sadly. "Is that really the most important thing to you right now?"
"Frankie!" He said as she went over to the door
"There's going to come a time Andrew when you're going to have to make a choice. I hope you make the right one." She walked out and shut the door behind her.
Andrew sighed and started getting ready, he stepped out onto the balcony and stared out to Rome. He hadn't been 'home' for a long time and the memories of why he was in this position in the first place flooded his mind.
He could break her heart or he could be a cold person to Sophie. He admitted to himself he was tempted by the idea of having Sophie again. But that's all it was, just a thought, he'd never act on it… the door knocked and he went over opening it. Sophie walked in and he shut the door.
"How about it?" She said undoing her trench coat and revealing herself in some incredibly sexy lingerie.
He stood there shocked and to be honest, quite disappointed. Her body wasn't what he remembered and it certainly didn't turn him on.
"Frankie's my wife, I'm not a priest anymore." He said just like that. She looked at him shocked.
"What?"
"I thought I needed to hide it from you but I don't know why." He laughed a little. "Because she's the most beautiful, funny, kind and genuine person I know. The best thing is she'd never dump me for the Captain of the football team then come crawling back years later for more." She did herself up and huffed.
"We're on our honeymoon. I never should have let you join us, but luckily I know someone who can wipe you from my memory completely, she's my sexy girl and she's waiting for me." He grabbed his things, put his hat and sunglasses on and walked to the door holding it open for her, she walked out and he called after her.
"For the record Sophie you shouldn't wear lingerie anymore, it doesn't suit you." He smiled as she huffed and ran off. He smiled and ran in the opposite direction.
Frankie pulled out a map of Vatican City, she stopped as she looked up and across the way a familiar face stood smiling at her.
She looked at him and for a long moment before they walked towards each other. He showed her his ring finger.
"No more pretending, no more Sophie." He had his ring on. "She's gone for good." Frankie stared into his eyes as he leaned down to her and there in the middle of Vatican City he kissed her more passionately than he ever could.
They stood there like that, locked in a desperate kiss for an eternity. When they finally came up for air she looked into his eyes. "You're here."
"Always my love." He took her hand and smiled. "How about I show you around?"
"I'd love that." She wrapped her arm around his waist as they drifted into the crowds of Vatican City…
Andrew showed everything, they visited the Sistine Chapel first Frankie was amazed at it, she couldn't believe the beauty. Next he took her to the Vatican museums followed by Castel Sant'Angelo. They had a late lunch in the gardens of Vatican City and she took some incredible photos of them both. They talked about everything, where he went and what he did. Andrew was a little emotional at it all, this had been his life, he adored this place.
He showed her where he lived and where he went to work the next stop was the most important though. "Fancy seeing an old friend?" He asked.
"Gianni?" She asked excited and started to head towards the Vatican. "This way." He pulled her in an opposite direction, "I've got something special planned."
"What is it?" She asked excitedly. "Shhh…this way." He replied.
A few moments later they were outside the Papal Palace and Father Delmonico was waiting outside. "Andrew, Frankie!" He smiled and greeted them, hugging Frankie and kissing each cheek, he shook Andrew's hand and gave him a small hug.
"How are you both?"
"Good Father, really good." Frankie replied, "how are you?"
"Oh I'm getting old and weary." He joked.
"Father is everything set?" Andrew asked him.
"Yes, yes." He turned and handed Andrew his garment. "What's going on?" Frankie asked worried.
"Do you think she'll pass?" Andrew asked Gianni.
"What's going on?!" Frankie asked more urgently. Gianni looked to Andrew, Frankie had jeans and a flimsy shirt on but it covered her shoulders and didn't reveal anything. "She's fine." He smiled at her.
Andrew put on his black robe and donned his dog collar, had looked at Frankie and took her hands. "My love you're going to meet the pope." She jumped excitedly.
"No way!"
He laughed, "yes way." He stopped her. "Unfortunately because of my work I can't let him know I'm no longer a priest, he can't know about us. He won't remember me but if I want to keep face he needs to be under no impression that we are acquainted."
"Oh I can't that's not right…" she shook her head. "Father Delmonico and I want you to have this experience so just shut up and be happy." He laughed.
She nodded and he handed her his wedding ring, she put it on the chain around her neck. They started walking into the palace and he started giving her a list of rules of the do's and don't's for what to do and say to the pope.
"When he comes in it's respectful to smile and get down on one knee, kiss his ring if he offers you it and wait until he says you can stand." They walked quickly up the stairs and stopped at the end of the hall. Gianni nodded to Andrew and they walked together in front of Frankie. Frankie was shaking she was so terrified, excited and her mind was a jumble of what to do.
The two priests spoke with the guards in Latin and there was some back and forth before the guard guided them into a small room beautifully decorated with two chairs. They told Frankie to wait by the door after the guards left and wait to be signalled over.
A few moments later and the doors opened a very kind old man in a white uniform walked in and Gianni and Andrew got down on one knee as he approached them. Frankie just stared in awe at the man. Having never been religious until she met Andrew she didn't think she would be as emotional as she was.
They were both spoken to in Latin by the pope as they kissed his hand. They stayed on bended knee as the Pope sat down and beckoned Frankie forward. She stood for a moment terrified but slowly she stepped forwards and eventually she stood in front of him.
He smiled at her and she fell to both knees. His hand came out and she took it with both of hers kissing his ring and laying her cheek on his hand. He touched the back of her head and spoke in Latin.
"I'm sorry your holiness I don't speak…"
"My child." He said and raised her chin. "Come sit with me."
"Yes sir, I mean you highness I mean your worship I mean…" he laughed and helped her to stand. She sat in the chair and he held her hand in his.
"How are you my child?"
"I'm very well, thank you, how are you?" She didn't have the faintest idea of what to say or how to say it even though Andrew and Gianni had told her.
The Pope laughed and nodded. "My child the Lord has blessed me with your presence today. He has sent me another child to guide in his name."
"I err… I thank you." She went to kneel thinking that was it, he stopped her and she sat back down. "Child why so nervous?"
"I'm sorry I'm not used to meeting royalty."
"Royal I am not." He replied. "Too many big wigs." He laughed and she did too, she started to soften as they spoke more, she realised he was just like a grandad to all his children. Like if you asked him nicely he'd give you an ice cream and watch you go play outside.
After a little while of both of them chatting he pointed to her ring on her ring finger.
"I see you're married?" She gave Andrew a quick look but then looked back at him. "Yes Holy Father, to a wonderful man. He's kind and generous and thoughtful and my best friend."
"That's wonderful…" he said. "And do you have children?" He asked.
Frankie looked at him then to Andrew. "Not yet…but maybe in about 8 months time." Andrew's mouth opened slightly and he stared into her eyes from his position on bended knee. "You see Holy Father I haven't told him this yet but he's going to be a father, I found out a few weeks ago but I didn't know how to tell him and I wanted to be sure… I'm 7 weeks pregnant and he's going to be one heck of a father." She realised she swore and covered her mouth looking at the Pope.
"Sorry." She whispered and he laughed shaking his head. "I'll forgive your sin if you do me one favour my child?"
"Of course!" She replied.
"When the child is born, make sure you baptise him or her and teach them the ways of Christ."
"Of course!" She again answered and he smiled as she lowered her head to him and he placed his hand on her head praying for her and her baby and the father of the child. Andrew was so lost he forgot to say amen. Gianni hit him and he finally said it. "Amen."
"Go in peace child and have a happy wonderful and loving life with your husband and child."
"Thank you Father." She said. "And you too." Then she realised what she said and as she backed out of the room she bowed repeatedly saying 'sorry' with every step.
She closed the door behind her and was guided by the guard out of the building. Andrew and Gianni would have to pray with the Pope before they could leave.
Frankie moved away from the building whilst she waited, she was nervous about what Andrew would say when he came out, it was early evening and there were a few shops around so she mingled with the crowd.
"Andrew calm down!" Gianni said as they practically ran out of the building. "Where is she?" He asked Gianni looking around.
"Guys!" Frankie called, a crucifix in one hand an ice cream in the other as she walked over.
Andrew ran over to her picking her up and swinging her around. Gianni dived out the way of flying ice cream. "Frankie!" He put her down and kissed her passionately taking off his uniform at the same time.
"Frankie…" He said as he pulled back.
"Andrew…"
"Frankie…" they stared into each others eyes. He touched her stomach through her top.
"Andrew…" she held his hand there.
"Gianni." Gianni said interrupting them. "Can we move on before we get caught?" He worried.
Andrew took her hand and they all walked away. After having dinner with Gianni, they bid him farewell and headed back to the ship.
Once back in their cabin, Andrew picked her up and twirled her around. "My beautiful wife."
"My handsome father to be."
"Momma to be." He replied.
"Frankie you certainly picked your moment." He laughed. "If I hadn't been in front of the Pope I would have gone absolutely crazy."
"That's how you make me feel." She smiled holding his arms as he held her close.
"You wild, sexy woman." He touched her all over. She breathed hard as he started to drive her wild. They couldn't keep their hands off each other, she wanted to ravish him as much as he did her. They tore each others clothes off, so desperately he had to catch her when she fell backwards.
She touched him as much as she could kissing him, his neck, his chest. He pushed her back into a wall and breathed heavy as he picked her up on his hips and took her to the bedroom, throwing her on the bed she panted heavily, he came over her and before long they were making deep love.
When it was over they both collapsed panting laying next to each other. He turned over to her and smiled, touching her stomach. "Hi little one." He whispered.
Frankie laughed to herself, covering her face. "I told the Pope to have a happy life with his husband and child." She stroked her face and looked at him laughing, "he must've thought I was crazy!"
"He was very impressed with you, he prayed for you after you left."
"Probably praying to apologise." She laughed.
"You did amazing, my wife." He stroked her face as they turned to each other.
"I love you." She said and he kissed the bridge of her nose. "I love you more."
Over the next few weeks the ship took them to various places. They stopped in Naples and Frankie and Andrew just had to get off. He showed her some more sights and they even took a picture with the city Naples sign as a comedic note to when they first met and she told him she was from Naples.
Next the ship took them to Croatia and then to Athens in Greece. The sights were absolutely stunning and she took so many pictures her phone was filling up, luckily Andrew had a film camera he had hundreds of pictures taken too.
From there they spent some time at sea where they went dancing, saw some comedy shows, had their pictures drawn by a painter. The whole time they never saw Sophie again.
The ship finally docked at Cyprus, where they again took in the nightlife as the ship had a layover. They saw some of the most famous museums and art work. They stopped at a medical centre whilst there and the doctor there confirmed Frankie was pregnant and about 8-9 weeks along.
They celebrated and Frankie spent the night throwing up, much to Frankie's dismay. The following day the ship docked at Egypt for a two day layover so people could travel to see the pyramids, which Frankie was incredibly excited about. They stayed the night in Cairo and came back to the ship the following day.
The ship departed and the last stop was Morocco. After a fun filled day Frankie and Andrew spent some time exploring more of the ship, buying gifts for friends and Beverly.
Andrew carried all the gifts and things from the onboard shops, she laughed. "Are you sure you don't want me to carry something?"
"No I'm good…" he mumbled underneath the bags and boxes. Getting to their cabin she opened the door and he went inside finding the sofa and dumping down all the boxes and bags. "Owww…" he moaned through laughter as he rubbed his arms.
She went over to him and kissed his forearms before kissing his lips. "Mmm…" he moaned into her lips and they started to make out. Just before they could the phone rang in the bedroom and he sighed. "I'll get it my hero." She said as she went over to the phone.
Picking it up she spoke;
"Hello?…Yes speaking….okay thanks…." She looked over her shoulder at Andrew who stood there watching. "Apparently someone trying to get in contact with us." She whispered as the phone call got transferred.
"Hello?….oh hi Beverly what a nice surprise…why?….whats wrong?…Beverly calm down and…." Frankie sat down on the bed and Andrew came over worried.
He sat next to her and Frankie started hyperventilating. She gave the phone to Andrew and ran to the bathroom to throw up.
"Hello?" He said.
"Hi it's Beverly, is Frankie?…"
"What's wrong?"
"I…I don't know how to tell you this but your cabin… it's gone."
"Gone?" He said furrowing his brow. "What do you mean gone?"
"Someone burnt it to the ground…there's nothing left."
Andrew heard Frankie being sick and he couldn't speak for a minute he just stared. "How? Who?" He said.
"The fire department said someone deliberately set it on fire maybe thinking you were in there?"
He couldn't speak, "ok, well, I have to go now." He put the phone down. He sat there for a few minutes before he heard a glass smash in the bathroom. He got up running in there, Frankie was passed out on the floor.
"Frankie!" He shouted and ran over to her, he checked to see if she was breathing and she was but her pulse was very slow. He ran back in the room and called the ships steward for a doctor.
Thankfully the doctor came and reassured them both Frankie was fine and she slowly woke up. Shutting the door behind the doctor Andrew leaned back against it. He heard Frankie start to sob and he went in there walking over to the bed and wrapping his arms around her gently. "Hey shhh… it's okay my love….its okay I'm here."
"It's all done Andrew! All our wedding things our clothes our photos and all your work!" He nodded and held her tight. "Frankie those things can be replaced, let's just be thankful we weren't in there when it happened."
"Who would do this to us? Why?" She sobbed.
"Either someone with a grudge or someone who knows about my work and is trying to silence us."
"Luckily I send a copy of everything I have to Father Delmonico, but still…."
"My wedding dress was in there." She sobbed more.
"Oh my love don't worry your pretty heart about that. It's a shame but it'll be ok." He said, "you heard what the doctor said, don't get yourself so worked up, that's why you passed out." She couldn't stop sobbing though.
"Shhh…" he said stroking her back. "It'll be ok my love I promise we'll sort it out."
He got on the bed with her leaning back against the headboard, she cuddled into him against his chest and he draped his arm around her, stroking her leg as she cried herself to sleep on him. When she was asleep he sat there for a long moment wondering who would do it and why.
He made a few phone calls to organise some help, but nobody could go ahead until they got back. As painful as it would be he wanted to get back and see what was left of their home.
The cruise finally came to an end back in London but the nightmare was just beginning for them. They boarded the plane back to the US with one hope, that they could rebuild what was left of their life.