Chapter 72-Out in the Open

***Dunham's POV

“Watch your mouth dude!”

“Or what?  I’m just saying out loud what you can’t!”

“Boys, you both need to calm down before you both say things you don’t mean.”

Jonas and Carter were taking turns keep an eye on us since mom just ran off.  When we got home from school we thought it was odd she wasn’t there.  She hadn’t left the house since dad went missing except for when Carter would take her to the doctor.

“What you mean like I can’t believe I shared the womb with such a self centered egotistical prick!” 

“Self centered?  Whatever man.  Just because I don’t want to spend my days all sad and depressed doesn’t make me self centered it makes me realistic.”

I wanted to punch him.  As the days went on he became more and more angry making snide remarks at me, and mom.  At school he was all about his friends, acting as if our world hadn’t been turned upside down.  I stepped closer and we were in a stare down.  I was finally tired of his attitude.

“Guys, back up and calm down.”  Jonas was desperately trying to keep the situation from getting out of control but it wasn’t working.

“Hey what’s going on here?”  We all turned at the sound of her voice.

 “Oh look who decided to come back and take responsibility for her children.” Dax was the first to speak.

“Don’t take that tone with me.”

“Oh sorry mom.  You’re right.  You run off for three freakin days and then just show back up.  Let me grovel at your feet in appreciation.”

“Hey man, stop it.” I said shoving him in the chest.

“Three days?”  She mumbled half to herself.  “I only went to…I went…” We watched as she walked over to the couch in a daze as if she were trying to remember.  Jonas and I were instantly by her side while Dax stood there saying nothing.  Jonas was stroking mom’s back looking very concerned.

“Amari?”

“I don’t understand.  I couldn’t have been gone three days.”

“Great…our one remaining parent has gone looney.”

“Zip it you jackass.” I said getting back in his face.

“Stop it both of you!” We both turned to face her.

***

Amari’s POV

I had a splitting headache and the last thing I expected was to walk into my house to find my sons at each other’s throats.  The tension between them was thick.  I didn’t even know when they went from being best friends to what appeared to be worst enemies. 

“I don’t know what is going on, but you both need to calm down.”

Neither of them said anything.  Dax looked so angry and Dunham looked relieved.  Jonas had to pull Dunham away to keep him from attempting to punch his brother.

“Now what is this three day nonsense?  I have only been gone a few hours.”

All three men stared at me as if I had lost my mind. 

“Amari, the boys came home from school on Wednesday and you weren’t home.  Today is Saturday.”  They were lying, they had to be.  I couldn’t; I wouldn't  have just left like that. 

“No, that’s not…possible” God I was losing it.  Why couldn’t I remember?

“Amari, I think we should get you to the hospital.” Jonas said putting his arm around me.

“No!  I don’t need a hospital I need to know what the hell is going on.”

“I’ll tell you.  You have finally cracked under the pressure.” Dax said, his voice full of disdain.

“Not now dude!” Dunham said through clenched teeth.

“Yes now.  Instead of our remaining parent doing what she should and take care of us she runs off and leaves for three days.”

“This is the last time I’m warning you.  Shut your trap!”

“I’m tired of tip toeing around her.  Dad’s gone, probably dead.  Why is it that I am the…”  Silence over took the room as the rest of his sentence was cut off when my hand made contact with his face.  I saw the sadness and anger in his face when he turned back to face me.

“Don’t you ever say that again.  Your father…” I paused taking a breath to steady my nerves.  “Your father would be so ashamed of you right now.”  For a brief moment regret flashed across his face but it was quickly replaced with a calm indifference.

“Whatever, I’m outta here.”  He pushed past me then walked out the door slamming it behind him.  I stood there unable to move.  I knew Marcus’s disappearance had an effect on the boys.  I expected sadness and confusion.  I didn’t expect my son to be so angry and hateful.

“I’m tired.” I whispered before I felt my body sway. 

“Don’t worry.  I got you.” 

 “Dunham call 911.”

***

It felt like a dream.  I heard the sounds of people whispering around me but I couldn’t make out what they were saying.  Some of the voices sounded familiar but others didn’t.  In the background was the constant sound of what seemed to be an underwater drum.  My eyes fluttered open finally bringing me out of the dream.

“Welcome back.”  I turned to see Carter standing beside me.

“Hey.” I replied giving him a weak smile.  The drumming noise caught my attention.  I was in the hospital and that was the sound of the babies’ heartbeats.

“What happened?”

“You passed out.  You were dehydrated and your iron count was dangerously low.”

“Fantastic.  How long do I have to stay here?  The boys need me at home.” I started to get out of bed.
 “Whoa not so fast.  You will be under observation for another 24 hours because your iron count is still too low.”  I leaned back against the pillows frantically trying to piece the last few days together.

“Dax.” I said trying to get out of bed again.

“It’s ok he’s fine.”

“No you don’t understand.  He was angry and I was gone. Then I hit.  Oh God Carter I slapped my son.”  I covered my face in shame as I remembered the fight I had with him.  How could I have done that?  Carter sat next to me on the bed trying to console me.

“Sshh…he’s fine.  He’s at home.  Everything can be worked out.”

“Hey look Sleeping Beauty is awake.”  Jonas said with a smile as he entered the room.

“Perfect timing.  I gotta go do rounds.”  Carter got up and headed for the door after giving me a kiss on top of my head.

“Thanks Carter.” 

“Thanks aren’t required.” He smiled and walked out.

“Thank you as well Jonas.  I don’t know what I would have done without you both.”  He took the seat beside my bed before flipping on the TV.

“Like he said.  Thanks aren’t required.  We are happy to help.”

“I know, but still.  I have been such a mess and I thank you for not thinking I’m a total nutcase.”  He and Carter were great and I was beyond lucky to have them as friends. 

***

I was released the next day with strict bed rest orders.  I was expecting either Carter or Jonas to drive me home instead it was my father that walked through the door.

“What are you doing here?”

“Taking you home.”  He reached around me to take my suitcase.

I opened my mouth to let him know how I felt about him being anywhere near me when mom walked in.

“Oh honey we have been so worried about you.” She said pulling me into a hug.  “I have been in contact with Lillian.  I feel so bad for them and you, my grandchildren.”

“Hi mom.”

“Honey what happened, why did you run off like that?  Where did you go?”  She was firing questions a mile a minute.

“Kathy dear.  Let’s get her home then we’ll talk.”

The car ride was tense.  Mom tried to make idle chatter while dad kept glancing at me in the rear view mirror.  Dad took my bag upstairs when we got home.

“I really love the new house dear.  It has plenty of room for you and the growing family.”

“Thanks mom.”  I glanced around my living room.  This house was supposed to be our new start.

A place we made happy memories.  I sighed as I let my hand run along the mantle. 

“Amari.  Why didn’t you ask us to come out?”  I caught the sadness in her voice.  It hurt me to know I limited contact with my mom in order to avoid my father.

“I don’t know mom.  The Smith’s were here.  There was a lot going on and I was, am barely holding it together.”

“We’re your parents.  We are here for you.  You could have called us.”  She started crying. 

“I’m sorry.”

“No worries.” She said quickly drying her eyes.  “We’re here now so we will help you get through this.”

“Where are the boys?”

“They are staying with Aric and Nina.”

“I need to go over there.  I need to talk to them.”

“You can’t drive.  You’re on bed rest.”

“Mom I need to talk to them.  It’s important.”

“Tomorrow dear.  Right now you need to get up to bed.  Doctor’s orders.”

My room, the one place I was the loneliest.  The last thing I wanted to do was spend the remaining eight weeks of my pregnancy trapped in this room.  I really needed to talk to the boys, especially Dax.  I needed to apologize; I needed him to forgive me.  I had never hit any of my children and I was sick over the fact I had slapped him.

“Marcus I need you now more than ever.” I whispered to myself.  “They need you.”  My hands were shaking when I took out my phone to call Dax.  It rang and rang then went to voicemail.  I called Dunham’s phone next.

“Hey mom.  Are you home now?”

“Yes got release about an hour ago.  How are you?”

“Good.  Aric thought we should spend some time over here you know because of everything.”

“Yeah.  How’s your brother?”

“Still being a prick but Aric is great at keeping him in line.  Even without the use of Jedi mind tricks.”  I couldn’t help but laugh.  He was trying to keep things light hearted for me.

“Where is he?”

“Aric is teaching him some martial arts.  Says it will teach him anger management and give him a place to direct it.”  I was happy to know he wasn’t ignoring my calls.

“Ok.  Well will you guys be home tomorrow?”

“Yes, I have debate club but will be home after.”

“Ok sweetie.  I love you and will talk to you both tomorrow.”

“Love you too mom.”

I felt a little better after that call.  Aric called me later and informed me that the girls were home.  I also got check up calls from both my girls.

The next morning I found dad making coffee when I wandered into the kitchen.
"Why are you out of bed?"

“I’m hungry and what does it matter to you?”  I saw him clenching his jaw.  He obviously wanted to say something but was trying to hold back.

“Why did you come?  Mom could have come by herself.”  He put his cup on the counter and glared at me.

“Do you know what that little stunt of yours did to her?  She was in full panic mode the moment we got the call you had run off like some irresponsible teenager.”
Stay calm, stay calm, stay calm. 

“You have no right to make comment or pass any sort of judgment on my behavior.”  I tried to keep my voice steady.  I really didn’t want to fight with him.  I only wanted him out of my house.

“I have every right.  I am your father.  You left those boys when they needed you the most.  They already have one parent missing and you thought it was a good idea to take off for days without any word.  Did you even stop to think what that would do them?”

I was stunned at the words he just said to me.  He was standing in my house passing judgment on my parental skills.  Calm and controlled went out the window and I only saw red.

“You sorry bastard!  How dare you stand there and lecture me on parenting and consideration?”

“We aren’t going to talk about that again are we?”

“Yes because you aren’t sorry for the hell you cause me.  You are just as cold hearted and selfish today as you were then.  Being human hasn’t changed that for you.  You gave me away traded the life of me and my sister to keep what you wanted.  You didn’t give a rat’s ass what that would do to me.  This is all your fault!  You pissed off Marisol yet I’m the one paying for it and now my children are paying for it.  The fact that I have to share DNA with you makes me nauseous.”

“I told you I had no idea what she had planned!” he yelled

“It didn’t matter what she had planned.  You knew it couldn’t be anything good yet you made the deal anyway.”

“Damn it Amari what do you want from me?  I can’t change things now.  Can’t we find a way…”

“If you are going to say get passed it then you’re dreaming.  I can't get passed the fact that the one man that should protect me at all costs is the very one that put me in harms way to begin with.  I can't get passed the fact that you are the cause of my sister’s death.  And I can't get passed the fact that your entire marriage to my mother has been a web of lies and deceit.  I have lost more than you can ever imagine because of you.  No dad…there’s no way for us to get passed this.”

I was so angry I was shaking.  The tears were streaming down my face as I gave way to all the pent up rage I still had towards him.

“George…what is she talking about?”

Neither of us heard my mom enter the kitchen.  My dad looked sick when he saw her standing there, the tears in her eyes and her face full of confusion.

“Kathy honey, it’s nothing.  She’s just angry and lashing out.”  He shot me an angry glare as he tried to go comfort her.

“No!” She said backing up from him.

“I…I heard her.  She said you caused Amella’s death.  What is she talking about?  Amari what did you mean?”  I could only let out a heavy sigh. 

“Mom.”

“You two have been at odds since you came back to Riverview the first time.  No more lies.  Tell me what the hell is going on now!” 

“Kathy I love you.  Everything I have done has been because I love you.”

“Just tell me what’s going on here?  Amari should not be getting upset.  We just picked her up from the hospital yet here you are fighting with her.  What is wrong with you?”

“I have made many mistakes.  Some I wish I could go back and change but don’t doubt that it was all done out of love.  You have to know that.”
For the first time my father looked scared.  Gone was the heartless man that barely wanted to apologize for what pain he has caused, replaced by a man that saw everything he has worked so hard for crumbling down around him.  I couldn’t help but to be a little satisfied at his pain but it was tainted knowing the heartache my mom was getting ready to experience.  We all walked into the dining room.

We sat and then in a very matter of fact tone, he began explaining it all.  I could only sit there and witness the horror that spread across her face.  I would have done anything for her not to have known the truth.  She was just as innocent in this as I was. 

“I’m sorry Kathy.  Please forgive me.”  Mom slid her hand out of his and stood up.  She walked over to me and held out her hand.

“You should be in bed.”

“Mom?  Are you ok?”

“Of course dear.  Let’s get you upstairs and into bed.”  She put her arms around my shoulder.

“George you should pack your stuff and go.” 

Continue Reading: "Chapter 72-Out in the Open"

Chapter 71-Without a Trace

I have been on auto pilot for the last month.  Marcus was still missing and I felt empty and incomplete without him.  His car had been found abandoned on the bridge.  The cops wanted to rule it a possible suicide, insinuating that he jumped.  I refused to believe that.  There was no way he would take his own life, not when he had so much to live for.  Reluctantly they left it as an open missing person case.  His entire family came out when he first went missing but I spent most of the time locked away in our room.  I didn’t want to face them, I couldn’t face them knowing that his disappearance was most likely my fault.  After they left I tried to do all the things I should do as a mother willing myself to be strong for Dax and Dunham.  I was all they had.  They needed their father just as much as I needed my husband and until he returned to us they needed me.  At night however, alone in the darkness the grief would swallow me.  I would cry muffling my heart wrenching sobs so the boys wouldn’t hear me falling apart.  I would cry out for him begging him to come back to me.  Some nights it felt like my prayers were answered and he would be there holding me, willing me to be ok.

Those would be the nights I could sleep peacefully.  Carter and my OB were concerned for my health and that of the babies.  They couldn’t even bother telling me not to stress, both knew it was pointless.  All they could do was monitor me and hope for the best.  Each day that went by made it harder to hold on to the hope of him being found alive and well.  The fact Aric and Bynni had been unsuccessful in picking up any sense of him only added to the hopelessness that was consuming me.  As the time went on, it dawned on me that Mulo’s intrusion into my thoughts had stopped.

 Either it was a major coincidence or whatever bond he had with me was weakening.  I knew he was jealous, but he wouldn’t seriously do something to Marcus would he?  I felt as if I needed to confront him but part of me didn’t really want to know.  I wanted to, needed to hold on to the hope that Marcus was just missing and would still be found alive.  I knew he was getting sicker so I was unsure of how much time he had.  The tears burned in my eyes as thoughts of him alone and in pain somewhere flooded my mind.  The babies started kicking bringing me out of that dark place.  They needed to know their father, and if he took that from them I would never forgive him.  Grabbing my keys I decided I wasn’t going to hide from him.  It was time to start taking command of my life.  He and Marisol were not going to keep dictating things to me.  I knew that one or both of them had something to do with this.

I stood outside his door.  I knew he knew I was coming.  He always did.

“Come in, it’s open.”

I walked in to be met with the sight of him feeding on a half dressed woman.  He gave me a smug look while he continued to take his time.  I wanted to look away, I tried but he held my gaze.  The woman let out a soft moan as he released her while giving me a satisfied smirk. 

“Go upstairs and rest.  You’ll need your energy.”  He spoke to her but continued to look at me.  She turned and nipped at his lip before looking over her shoulder at me.  Without a word she sauntered past me heading upstairs as she was told.

“Amari, what a pleasant surprise.  I thought you would be off enjoying your second honeymoon or something.”  He tried to sound nonchalant but I picked up on the undertone of humor in his voice.  I clenched my hands into fists at my side.  He knew I was coming and was also fully aware Marcus was missing.  He was deliberately trying to get a reaction out of me.  I took a couple of deep breaths to steady myself before following him out to his balcony.

“You know why I’m here.  Quit pretending that you don’t!”  I wasn’t going to play this game.  All I needed was to find out what he did with Marcus and leave.

“Why would you think I know where your human is?”

I watched as he sipped on his drink.  His eyes glowing as he stared back at me.  I was tired.  I didn’t want this as my life any longer.  I left home after my sister’s death looking for a new life, something better.  I have had to deal with nothing but heartache and despair.  The man that stood before me wasn’t the same one I loved as a teen.  No the man that stood before me couldn’t even be called a man yet somewhere deep in my soul a part of me betrayed me.  A part of me wanted to remain connected to him and I couldn’t explain why.  I shook my head to clear it of those thoughts.

“I know you.  I know you think you have some claim to me.  So just tell me, what did you do to him?” 

He drained his drink in one gulp.  “Why is it we are always talking about your human?  Can’t you visit me just to see how I am doing?”

“He’s not my human…he’s my husband.” I said through clenched teeth.  “And why should I be concerned with how you are doing, when you don’t extend me the same courtesy?”

Mulo started walking towards me and although I tried to stand my ground I took an involuntary step backwards.  I flinched as he reached out for me but I had no where to go.  The babies were going crazy as he rubbed his hand on my stomach.

“They sense your distress.  It’s not good for them.”

“Well give them back their father.”

His hand continued to swirl around, as it did they began to calm.

“I cannot.”

I looked at him unable to keep the tears from falling.

“You can’t or you won’t?”

“You have it made up in your mind that I had something to do with your hum…husband’s disappearance.  I understand blaming me is better than believing he just ran off.”

“No!” I yelled trying to shove him away from me.  “He loves me, he loves us and he wouldn’t leave.  Not willingly.” I narrowed my eyes and glared at him.

“So you think I would force him?”

“Don’t act like that’s just a novel idea.  Do we need to revisit Jesse?  You got rid of him twice.”

The anger that flashed in his eyes shook me.  His fangs descended and the true nature of the beast within him rose to the surface.  I swallowed the urge to scream, I was scared but I wouldn’t let him intimidate me.

“Tread lightly dear.  You keep making these false statements about me and I might start to get offended.  Is your ego so fragile that you can’t admit a man would leave you?  Twice.” 

I got angry then.  He was trying to make me be the problem, but I knew he had something to do with Jesse leaving.  I couldn’t prove it, but I knew. 

“Let’s not talk about egos!” I hissed “You were jealous then when you thought I might be falling in love with Jesse.  The fact that I AM in love with Marcus is eating-you-alive!”

A growl escaped from his throat that was low and deadly.  I pushed aside the fear that was threatening to overcome me.  I pulled strength from the love Marcus and I shared.  I thought about what we had to overcome, how he believed in me, stood by me. 

“There is only one man I will allow you to love and it isn’t your weak human!”

“You have no control over that!  You think just because you take him away I will stop loving him.  You think that will bring me back into your arms…your bed?  It’s not going to happen.  Now tell me where he is!”

“I have more control than you think.”  There was something in his words that caused me alarm.  He pinned me in an intense stare, his eyes glowing brightly.  A smile spread across his lips revealing his still lengthened fangs.  My head started to ache, I was frozen.  I wanted to get away but I was lodged between him and the glass.  His hands held my wrists tightly.

“You’re not a man.” I said fighting through the pain.  My heart was racing the babies were in a frenzy yet I kept going.  “You are a cold heartless bastard.  It makes my skin crawl to think I loved you.  That I let you touch me, that I wanted you to touch me.  What I share with Marcus you can’t take away.  Whether he’s with me or not, you could never measure up to him.  You will never have my heart or my body again.”

With each word I spoke I saw the anger rising up in him.  His hands tightened on my wrists and I bit my lip to keep from crying out from the pain.  The most menacing grin spread across his face.

“You’re wrong on both counts.”  He leaned down as if he were going to kiss me instead he leaned close to my ear.  “I don’t want to hurt them but you leave me no choice.”

Before I could respond, I felt his fangs pierce my skin.

Continue Reading: "Chapter 71-Without a Trace"

Chapter 70-Mr. and Mrs. Smith-The Redo

The thoughts kept coming and I was working hard to try and ignore them, but it would make my head hurt.  He hadn’t attacked me again like he did that day, but he also wasn’t content to just let me live my life.  We had finalized on the house and the decorator I had hired to redo this one, just switched over to that one.  It was great because we stayed here, while the work was being done.  Keeping busy helped me control my thoughts. 

The boys wanted to continue sharing a room and picked out the décor themselves.  Marcus did give his opinions occasionally but left most decisions up to me. 

The only one he really gave input on was the nursery.  He missed out on decorating the one for the boys and didn’t want to miss out this time.  Carter and Jonas helped on moving day even though there wasn’t a lot.  The furniture all stayed since it came with the house, plus we didn’t want anything except the stuff we bought.  Moving day was bittersweet.  We had created some happy memories at that house.  It’s the home we brought the boys to when they were born.  It’s where he proposed to me twice.  It was our first home as husband and wife. 

The hormones didn’t help my emotional state so I was a crying mess of a woman when the last box was loaded onto the truck.
 “This place looks great Amari.”  Carter commented as I gave him and Jonas the tour.

“Yeah Carter, your place could really use a woman’s touch.” Jonas joked winking at me. 

“Well I’m happy to give you the name and number of the person I used.”

We finished the tour outside at the pool.  “When I’m not as big as a house, we plan on having a pool party.”

“You look great.”

“Thanks Jonas.  You don’t have to lie I’m going to feed you guys anyway.”  I laughed.  Marcus was already getting the burgers and hot dogs ready on the grill while the boys played on their new swing set.  Carter and Jonas grabbed beers from the cooler before sitting down to chat with Marcus.

“You miss me.  Moving isn’t going to change that.”  The words wrapped around me like a soft embrace.  I closed my eyes and tried to ignore the tingling sensations that were working their way up my spine.

“Are you ok?”  It was Jonas that was by my side when I opened my eyes.

“Yes, I’m just tired.  It’s hard work carrying around this much weight.”  I tried to make light of the situation, but I was anything but alright.  I thought about going to see him.  To go demand he stops interfering but that’s what he wanted.  He wanted me to come to him because he knows I have a hard time staying strong around him.  With the way he’s been invading my thoughts, I fear it would be damn near impossible not to end up in his bed should I go to his house.  I instead grit my teeth and wait for it to pass. 

“If you keep having these episodes, I’m going to put you on bed rest myself.” Marcus said coming to my side.

“I’m fine honey, I promise.”  I gave him a soft peck on the lips along with a weak smile.  We all enjoyed the rest of the afternoon and much to our surprise Wilma had her puppies.

We welcomed two new members into the Smith household, Bam-Bam and Pebbles.  They were the cutest little things.  Carter and Jonas fell in love and once they got a few weeks older, they wanted to take Pebbles.  Aric and Nina were interested in getting a dog so when I called them, they agreed to take Bam-Bam.  That night while we were getting ready for bed Marcus brought up my headaches again.

“Amari, it was him again today wasn’t it?”

“I’m fine really.  Besides it’s me that should be worrying.  You’re getting sick again.  I can tell.  You won’t be able to put it off much longer.”

“I’m just not sleeping well because my beautifully pregnant wife tosses and turns most of the night and it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep.”  I saw the twinkle in his eye as he pulled me into a hug.

“Well if you can tell your babies to stop throwing parties in the middle of the night, then maybe I wouldn’t toss and turn.”

“Oh you hear that guys?”  He said talking to my stomach.  “Mommy says you are keeping her up at night.  You wouldn’t do such a thing now would you?”  I just laughed as he put his hear to my belly as if really getting a response.

“They said they have no idea what you are talking about.  They are sweet little angels.  They take after me.”  I couldn’t help but to laugh. 

“Oh well in that case, I know I’m in trouble.”

“Hey, what’s that supposed to mean?” he said acting as if I had hurt his feelings.  Before I could respond he gave me a loving kiss.

“Seriously Amari.  The headaches, the tension that shows on your face.  He can’t continue to do this to you!”  He was concerned and angry.  Angry that Mulo would do this but more importantly that he was helpless at stopping it.

“It’s getting better.  They aren’t as intense.”

“I should be able to help you. To do something.” He sounded tormented and the look on his face showed the pain he felt.

“You can’t.  The only way he could truly hurt me would be to harm you.  If you go to him, then…” I couldn’t finish that thought.  Mulo could hurt him and very likely would if given the chance.  “They are getting better.” I laid my head on his chest listening to the soothing rhythm of his heartbeat.
 “You are right to talk him out of coming to me.  It wouldn’t end well.”

“I want to start making fresh memories here.”  I blurted out trying to ignore the shiver that ran down my spine.

“Really?”  He said kissing my neck while walking me back towards the bed.

“Yes.  I want us to re new our vows.”  He stopped kissing me and when he looked at me, there was such happiness in his eyes.  “I was thinking about it today.  This house, the way we are getting close again, I think it’s only fitting.  I want to do this.  I want to renew my commitment to you, to us.  After all, we will have an eternity together.”

“Quit fooling yourself!”

 I waited for him to speak let me know how he felt about that idea.  My answer came in the form of a kiss so full of love and passion it took my breath away.

“I didn’t think it was possible for me to love you anymore, but you continue to amaze me.”  I felt a dull throbbing starting in my head, but I was intent on not letting him ruin this for me.

“I also think we need to properly break in our new bed.” I said with a wink.  Marcus scooped me up in his arms and that was exactly what we did.  We planned for the ceremony to be a small gathering in our backyard in two weeks.  Bynni and Ceula were still in France but sent their love and well wishes.  Ceula sounded so happy when I spoke to her.  It brought tears to my eyes knowing she was a mother, but had no idea.  I was a grandmother to a beautiful little girl.  Bynni took one picture when she was born before her new parents took her away.  I should have been there for her, but Bynni along with Trey and TK were by her side.  Aric and Nina were going to be with me along with Carter and Jonas.  As I stood looking at myself in the mirror, I was more nervous today than I was the day I married him.  I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I was excited to be making this commitment to him. 

“You look beautiful mom.”  Nina said as she finished fixing my hair.

“Thank you Nina.”

When I walked outside I expected to see Marcus waiting for me, but he wasn’t.

“He just went in for a moment, said he forgot something.”  Aric spoke after noticing my look of confusion on my face.   After about 10 minutes I started to get worried, it’s not that I really believed he would leave me standing at the alter, but I sensed something was wrong.

“I’ll go find him.”  Aric always knew what I needed.  As a mother I don’t know how I got so lucky.  All of my kids were amazing and my life would be nothing without them regardless of the reasons under which they came into existence.  A small smile touched my lips as I watched Aric walk away toward the house.

“Marcus?” I called out for him as I entered the house.  There was no reply but I felt his thoughts coming from the hall bathroom.

He stepped out of the bathroom, tiny beads of sweat shone on his forehead.

“Tomorrow then?”

“Yes.”

“When will you tell her?”

“Tonight.”

“Ok, well let’s get you married, or re married.  She’s starting to think you left her at the alter.”

“Not a chance.”  Nothing more needed to be said as we headed downstairs to begin the ceremony.

When they walked outside I could tell there was something going on with them, but I was just happy he hadn’t left me.  Marcus walked over and took my hand.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” He said kissing me on the cheek.

“You can make it up to me later.” I said winking at him.  He gave me a warm smile and then the ceremony started.  I wanted to go first because between my hormones and my nervousness, I wasn’t sure if I would even be able to speak if he went first.

“Marcus, today I offer myself to you. 

I offer you a commitment to be truthful, and faithful.

From this day forward I will be your wife, your lover,

and your friend.  I will be the person you laugh with,

cry with, and I promise to love you fully and as

unconditionally as you have always loved me.

I haven’t made it easy to love me, but you do and

for that I will always be grateful.

I love you Marcus and I thank you for taking me as your

wife and for showing me what true love really is.”

We were both crying by the time I finished.  Looking into his gorgeous emerald green eyes, I never felt happier.  He wiped the tears from his eyes then gave me a warm smile before he spoke his vows.

“Amari, the day I took you as my wife was one of the

happiest days of my life.  Today I am just has happy and honored

to renew that commitment of love to you.  I to promise to be

truthful, and faithful to you.  I will always be by your side, and whatever

life may throw at us I know we can face

it as long as we are together.  There is no other woman

more perfect for me than you and I will cherish each

and every day I get to spend as your husband.”

We shared the first kiss of the rest of our lives while those in attendance clapped for us.

It was an absolutely perfect day not only did I renew my commitment to the man I loved, but our boys reached the next stage of their life.  I was thankful that he didn’t try and ruin it by invading my thoughts or causing me pain.  I let out a contented sigh as I lay snuggled in Marcus’ arms that night.

“It’s time.” He whispered into my hair.

“Time for what?”

“Tomorrow I will go see Aric.”  I didn’t need him to explain any further.  I knew exactly what he meant.  He was getting tired again and I had wanted to believe it was because I was keeping him up.  I closed my eyes and tried in vain to keep the tears from spilling.

“Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Are you having second thoughts about spending forever with me?”

“Never!”

“Then yes, this is what I want.”  I knew it must be getting bad for him if he was doing this now instead of after the birth.  He wanted to be there when I went into labor.  There was a chance he would be able to still make it depending on how smooth his transition went.  We spent the rest of the night holding each other until we drifted off to sleep.  In the morning, we told the boys what was going on and being the great kids that they were, they promised their dad they would take care of me until he returned.

That of course was after they quit talking about how much cooler Aric was now knowing he was a vampire.  I feared he and Bynni were going to be bombarded with questions when this was all over. The house felt empty after he left.  The boys tried to keep me occupied showing me how to play their gaming system or begging to learn to drive.  I was in no condition to get into the car with new drivers but I told them I would make some calls and get them into driver’s ed.  Marcus had been gone for only a few hours but it seemed much longer.  I missed him and was happy to see Aric’s number on my caller id.

“Hey sweetie.  How is it going?  Is Marcus ok?”

“He’s not here, that’s why I was calling.”

“What do you mean not there?”  Panic set in.  Where would he have gone?  It only was a 30 minute drive to Aric’s house even traffic couldn’t have delayed him that much.  “He left around 10 this morning.  He should be there!”

“Mom, it’s ok.  I’ll find him.”  Aric tried to calm me down but I was already in full panic mode.  What if he was in a car accident, no surely the cops would have notified me.  My thoughts were racing at where he could be.  Why hadn’t he called me to let me know he wasn’t going straight to Aric’s. 

He wouldn’t have changed his mind at the last moment would he?  Even if he did why wouldn’t he just come home and tell me?  I would be sad but I would accept it, I promised him I would accept any decision he made. Yesterday was possibly the most wonderful day of my life and today was the worst.  

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House picture spam

 Family Room

Library/Lounge

Dining room

Kitchen

Backyard

Nursery

Girls room

Boys room

Hall bathroom

Master bedroom and bathroom

Basement

Workout room (in basement)

Laundry room

Amari's art corner

Marcus's office

Continue Reading: "Chapter 70-Mr. and Mrs. Smith-The Redo"