Season of Storms

Chapter Eighteen
"Howzat?" Gary asked as he scratched his head.

"I guess it's me I can't forgive. I'm the one who is at fault here. All of this," she said as she waved her hand back and forth, "is my fault. I've ruined everything."

"You lost me," Gary stated, confused.

"At the hospital. I didn't know you cried. I thought you didn't care," she said as she turned away from him.

"When we lost the baby?"

She nodded her head.

"You didn't think I cared? Because I never cried in front of you? My God, Bailey. I cried until I couldn't breathe when I was alone. I just thought if I..I thought I was being strong for you. I didn't know that you thought....I was so tore up inside," he paused as his voice cracked. "If I could go back and change things I would. I would go back in a heart beat and I swear I would be a better husband to you."

"Gary, you weren't a bad husband. It was me. It was all me. I couldn't deal with losing our child and I took it out on you. I wanted you to hurt as much as I did."

"I did hurt. Maybe not in the same way. But that was my child too. There's not a day that goes by, I don't think of our baby and what he or she would have grown up to be. I still grieve for that life that will never be."

"You do?"

Gary nodded his head as he placed his hands on his hips. "I tried to tell you."

"I'm sorry I didn't listen. I...I'm sorry. Everything is my fault. And I blamed you.....I thought you had.....on my birthday....I didn't know you left a note. I didn't find it, till yesterday. I...I can't blame you for sleeping with..." she couldn't finish.

"That's why you acted the way you did? You thought I just used you and walked away?" Gary stated, lowering his voice.

The tears that she'd been holding back, came forth with a vengeance.

He closed the distance between them and paused before he wrapped his arms around her.

"Bailey, there's something you need to know," he began.

She pulled away and wiped the tears from her face. "Don't Gary. I don't want to know," she hiccuped.

He took hold of her arms. "Look at me. Nothing happened. I swear to you."

"But you spent the night with her," she said as she wiped more tears from her eyes.

He let go of her arms and began to pace the floor.
"Yes, I did. But nothing happened."

Bailey crossed her arms over her stomach and sat down. Gary was immediately in front of her.

"Are you alright?"

She nodded. "I'm just a bit queasy. The thought of you with...with..."

He squatted down in front of her. "Bailey, listen to me. I know it looks bad and looking bad can cause as much pain as if I'd really done something. I know, cause when I saw you with Danny, yesterday... when you were hugging him. I swear the feeling that went through me..." Gary stood and turned his back to her.

"We happened to run into each other. He's married and his wife is expecting a baby any day now. I only hugged him to wish him well," she explained.

"If I was thinking clearly, I would have known it would be something as simple as that. But I wasn't thinking clearly. I was thinking I was losing you, and it hurt. Later that night, I had a save at a bar. This woman would be stabbed by her ex boyfriends new girlfriend in the ladies room. The only way I could think to stop her from going into the rest room was to ask her to dance."

Bailey placed her hand over her mouth as she leaned forward in her chair. She didn't want to hear this.

Gary sat down in his recliner. "She started telling me about he troubles and ...and the paper had nothing else for me to do, so I listened. Then I started to tell her about us and I began to drink. I don't remember much after that."

"If you don't remember, how do you know nothing
happened?"

"After you left today, she told me that I was pretty sloshed and she took me to her place where I passed out. Bailey, it doesn't excuse what I did. I put myself in a situation where something could have happened and if...if it had, I never would be able to forgive myself," he said as he buried his face in his hands.

He felt a hand on his arm and looked up to see Bailey standing there. She knelt down in front of him and placed her hands on his thighs.

Gary studied her eyes. "I remember the time when all I had to do was smile and you couldn't stay mad at me. Where did those days go?"

She sat back on her heels and shrugged. "Maybe it would still work," she whispered.

Suddenly the tension between them was broken and he smiled.

"Gary, I believe you. Deep down, I know that you'd never cheat on me. No matter how much you had to drink."

He let out a loud sigh and pulled her into his arms.
"Bailey, I don't want to lose you. When I saw that article and it said you would be raped and miscarry the baby, I...."

She pulled away. "I was...he was going to.."

"Oh, hon. I'm sorry. But it's okay now. You're safe and I'm here and I swear I'll never let anyone hurt you."

She trembled in his arms and he pulled her onto his lap and gently kissed her. Her lips, salty from the tears she had cried. He placed his hand on her cheek and whispered against her lips. "I'll spend the rest of my life, loving you and making sure you and our children are safe."

"Oh, Gary. I love you." Her lips lingered softly on his. She sagged against his body, enjoying the security of being wrapped in his arms.

"You're tired and it's been a long day. Why don't you take a hot bath to help you relax?" he suggested.

She was tired, and the thought of a hot bath was enticing.

"Are you going to stay?" she asked.

"I'll fix us something to eat while you're in the tub."

She took a ragged breath, almost afraid to leave him, for fear he would go away.

He smiled. "I promise. I'll be here when you come down." She smiled in return and nodded her head before she got up and went upstairs.

Chapter Nineteen
The stress of the day had taken its toll on Bailey's body. She reclined in the tub and let the hot water seep into her muscles and relax them. Looking down at the deep purple bruises on her arm, she grimaced.

She remembered what Gary had told her and she shivered, in spite of the hot water. As she slipped further down into the sudsy water, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

Tears threatened to fall as she thought of the scene that had unfolded not long before in the living room. She still wasn't sure where she and Gary went from here. She was so afraid to hope, so afraid to believe they could get back to the way they were before. What about the baby? Would that make any difference? She was so happy about the baby, yet so frightened at the same time.

Suddenly the water grew cold and all that mattered was getting downstairs to Gary.
She quickly dressed in a pair of flannel lined, black satin pajamas and made her way down the stairs. Her stomach rumbled as the aroma of frying bacon reached her. Quickly she made her way to the kitchen. When she entered, Gary looked up and smiled.
"So, do you still, uh, are you craving bacon and tomato sandwiches?" he asked.

"I don't know. I haven't started craving anything yet, but it smells good. I'm starved."

"Have a seat. It's almost ready."

Instead of sitting down, Bailey walked over to the counter and started slicing the tomatoes.

"It's nice to have you back in the house," she offered.

"It's nice to be back."

They looked at each other and smiled, but a tension--an uneasiness still hung in the air. They ate their sandwiches in relative silence.

When they were done, Bailey began cleaning the kitchen. Gary tried to help, but she shooed him out with a smile.

He walked into the living room and turned the stereo on. The house seemed so quiet without Gene in it.

He felt as if he and Bailey had made progress, but part of him remained cautious. Gary felt his heart flutter momentarily at the thought of another child, then fear gripped his heart. What if--"No!" he told himself. "Don't think that way."

He walked over to the fireplace and looked at the last picture taken of the three of them. He rested his elbow on the mantle and ran his thumb over his bottom lip. That was how Bailey, found him.

"Penny for your thoughts," she said softly.

He looked up at her and uncertainty flickered in his eyes.

"He's as scared as I am," she thought to herself.

She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist and sighed. It felt so good to be held in his arms once again. She swore to herself, that no matter what else happened in the future, she would never push him away again.

"When did you find out you were pregnant?" he asked.

"Yesterday. That is why I called you. That's what I came to tell you this morning. Gary the baby *is* your's."
He hugged her to him. "I know. I don't know what made me say something so terrible. How.. how do you feel about it..about being pregnant?" he wondered.

"I'm very happy, but I'm also scared to death. What if?"

"Shh. Don't even talk about that. We'll get through this. I promise." he rested his chin on the top of her head and smiled. "We're gonna have a baby."

She smiled against his chest and tightened her hold on him. They continued to stay that way. Just holding on to each other.

"So, what's this?" he asked as he nodded his head toward the stereo as some country crooner sang a song.

She smiled sheepishly. "I don't know. I've been listening to it lately. The music just seemed...well it seemed....."

"To fit your mood?" Gary finished for her.

"Yes. Exactly."

"Me too. I've been driving Marissa crazy with it." Bailey laughed.

~I'm not the hero
who will always save the day
Don't always wear the white hat
won't always know the way
I may not even be the dream
you wanted to come true
But I'll always be the man in love with you~

They both began to sway slowly to the music. Not really dancing--not really hugging.

~I'm not the key
that opens every door
I don't have the power
to give you all you want and more
But when you're needing something special you can hold on to I'll always be the man in love with you.~

Bailey rested her cheek against Gary's, revelling in the safety of his arms. God she'd missed him.
She felt so right in his arms. He truly had been half a man without her. God he'd missed her.

~I never could work miracles
there may be otherswho can do what I can't do
But no one else can be as good as me
at loving you.
So when the world won't turn
the way you wish it would
and the dreams you have
don't come alive
as often as they should~

In a slightly off key voice, Gary began to sing along with the song.

"Remember that there's someone there
whose heart is always true
I'll always be the man in love with you"

Bailey looked up at him and laughed softly.
"That truly was awful," she teased.

"Awful? I was trying to be romantic," he said as he feigned a hurt look.

"Oh, well, of course it was very romantic."

~Remember that there's someone there
whose heart is always true
Someone there to help you make it through I'll always be the man in love with you~

Bailey's smile faded as Gary's expression turned serious. She held her breath as he moved his head closer to her. She sighed when his lips touched hers. So soft, they were. The kiss was sweet torture, setting her body on fire. As it deepened, she pulled him closer to her body.

Abruptly he pulled away. "Uh, uh, it's getting late. You're probably ready to go to bed....alone."

"Alone?" she asked, surprised.

"Mmm hmm. We'll, uh..I ..uh, we should take this slow. Get to know each other again."

"Oh, you..you're right. We should take this slow," she replied.

"I...I wanna stay here tonight because I don't want you to be alone, but I'll stay in another room. It doesn't mean I don't want to be with you...in bed....cause I do," he said sincerely.

She placed a finger to his lips. "I know you do."

"Good, cause I do," he said, smiling his boyish smile.
"And I want you to."

He chuckled then kissed her quickly, changed his mind and pulled her into his arms, kissing her so thoroughly she was left breathless.

"I don't know good of an idea that was," he grimaced.

She smiled contentedly. "I think it was a very good idea."

He shook his head and smiled. "Come on, let's go upstairs and..."

"Thank you for staying," she said softly, interrupting him. "I really didn't want to be alone here tonight."

"Oh, well, sure..I.." he shrugged.

Bailey walked over to the stereo and turned it off and headed for the stairs. Gary followed her upstairs and stopped in the hall.

"Um, which room?" he asked.

Bailey dropped her head. "I'm still in here," she said as she pointed to the guest room door.

"Can I? Can I ask why you moved in there?"

"Because I couldn't stay in our room with out you in it."

He heaved a sigh of relief. "I thought you moved because you hated me."

"Oh, no, Gary! I never hated you."

"Seems like we've done a lot of assuming lately that hasn't got us anywhere," he said.

"But that is behind us now."

"Yes. It is," he smiled. "Well, um...good night. I'll see you in the morning."

"Good night, Gary."

He kissed her softly, then they both opened the bedroom doors.

"Uh, Bailey?"

"Yeah?"
"Would you like to go to breakfast with me in the morning?"

She smiled, "I'd love to."

"Good. I'll call Chuck and see if he can take care of the paper for a few hours."

"Okay."

"Bailey?'

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

Tears welled in her eyes. "I love you, too."

Chapter Twenty
Gary slept little that night. A combination of excitement, joy, frustration and nerves, kept him from dropping into a deep sleep. He rose early the next morning, woke Bailey to tell her he wa going to the loft to change and that he'd be back soon to pick her up.

He entered the bar, after showering and dressing, whistling a tune.

"Now there's a strange sound," Marissa commented.

"Howzat?"

"You're whistling. That's a much different tune than I heard from you yesterday. Has something happened?" she asked.

"As a matter of fact, something did happen."

"Sorry, I'm late buddy," Chuck said as he rushed into the room.

" 'sokay. There are a couple of small saves this morning. You shouldn't have any problems. I owe ya, buddy. Marissa, I'll fill you in later. Right now, I've gotta run," Gary said as he hurried out the door.

"I take it you know what is going on?" Marissa asked Chuck.

"Yeah, Gary is taking Bailey to breakfast," he relayed happily.

"Finally," Marissa sighed.
~*~*~

The waitress set Bailey's pecan waffle and Gary's blueberry pancakes on the table in front of them.

Bailey smothered the waffle in butter then doused it in maple syrup before taking a bite.

"Mmm good. How's yours?" she asked.

"Good, but the company's better," he smiled.
Bailey returned his smile. "This is nice. It reminds me of our first date."

"We went to Nick and Tony's and Navy Pier on our first date," he reminded her.

"I remember our first date. Every second of it. I just meant, you asking me on a date. It's been a while since we did something like this."
"We should do it more often. Would you like to go for a walk when we're done eating?" Gary asked.

"I'd love to. How much time do you have?"

"Till around noon. It was a light morning. Chuck can handle it. I wish I had the whole day."

"That's okay. I need to do some grocery shopping for Thanksgiving. It snuck up on me. Your parents are bringing Gene back on Wednesday, would you like to come to the house for
Thanksgiving--and maybe your parents and Chuck and Emily, too?"

Gary nodded his head. "I'd love to and I'm sure Mom and Dad would too. Wha...what are we going to tell them?"

"Do you mind if we keep the baby our little secret for now? Just in case," she said, her voice trailing off.

"That's fine with me. I kind of like it being just the two of us that know for now. I tell you what, I'll call Mom and Dad tonight and invite them to Thanksgiving dinner and tell them we are working things out, but for now I'll still be at the loft and to not ask too many questions."

"Thank you. That sounds perfect. Do you think, I mean, would you have time to come to dinner tonight?"

"I'll make time."
~*~*~

They held hands as they walked through Grant Park.

"You're not too cold are you?" he asked.

She leaned against him as he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to his side. "Uh huh."

They found a bench and sat down and began to talk--about everything. Both saying the things they should have said months ago.

Bailey flinched when a snowflake fell on her nose. She looked up and saw fat flakes, floating down from the sky.

She laughed. "It's snowing."

"I know."
She raised an eyebrow as she looked up at him.

"You knew, didn't you? That's why you wanted to go for a walk."

He shrugged his shoulders.

She tugged on his jacket and pulled him close to her before she kissed him.
~*~*~

She held his hand as he walked to the door.

"Thanks for dinner," he offered.

"You're welcome. Do you have to go so soon?"

"It's almost midnight."

"All the more reason to stay. It's late and it's cold and the roads may be bad," she said as she smiled up at him innocently.

"I have four wheel drive. I'll be okay."

She stuck out her bottom lip. "Okay."

He leaned down and kissed her quickly. "You're cute when you pout," he teased.

"I'm not pouting," she said defensively. "I was just worried about you driving this late at night."

"Thank you for being so concerned."

"I really am. So, maybe you should stay," she said softly as she placed her hands on his arms.

He laughed and shook his head. "You're incorrigable."

"Well, you can't blame a girl for trying."

"You're not making this easy on me," he sighed.

She raised up on her tip toes. "Good," she whispered before she kissed him.

He pulled away. "Will you be alright?" he asked.

She sighed. "Yeah. I think I will."

"Bailey, I can stay...."
"No, I want you to stay because you can't stand to be any where else. Not because you're worried about me."

"Bailey," he said as he placed his hands on her arms, "I want to be here. I just don't want to rush back into anything. We have so much to gain here and everything to lose. I just don't want to mess it up," he said sincerely.

"I don't either. Call me tomorrow?" she said as she looked up at him hopefully.

"You bet."
~*~*~

"What are you doing back here?" Chuck asked as he saw Gary walk into the bar.

"I came here to go to bed," Gary stated matter of factly.

"My point exactly. Why aren't you going to bed at your house, instead of here?"

"Chuck!" Marissa said crisply.

"What? Am I wrong to think that if he and Bailey are back together he should be with her, not here?"

Gary slid into the booth next to Marissa. "I wanted to stay..."

"She didn't want you to?" Chuck asked, surprised.

"No...she wanted me to..."

"Then why in the hell are you here?"

"Because we decided to take it slow. I... I want Bailey to fall in love with me all over again. I want her to be sure, when she takes me back, that this will work out," Gary explained. "I want to be sure."

"Gary, I think that is the sweetest thing," Marissa commented.

"I think it's the stupidest thing. For crying out loud! You're married, she loves you and you're still sleeping alone. Boy, I was right about you. You are the freaking Boy Scout Mascot."

Chapter Twenty-One
Bailey was sure before the day was over that Lois was going to squeal. She could barely contain her excitement over the fact that Bailey and Gary were on speaking terms once again.

Bailey was pretty happy about that herself. Each morning she awoke with the excitement of a new day and the hope of seeing Gary. Gone were the days when it was all she could do to get out of bed. She still thought of the child they lost and experienced bouts of sadness that sometimes overshadowed the joy of the new child she carried. But mostly, these were happy times.

They all gathered around the dinner table and took their seats.

"Gary would you like to say Grace?" Lois asked.

"Me can say that. Gwace!" Gene piped up.

They all laughed, then Lois turned her attention back to Gary.

"Uh, oh I don't think so, Mom. I'm not very good at that sort of stuff."

Lois looked around the table. "I'll say it then," she announced and everyone clasped hands and lowered their heads.

"Dear Father. We thank you for this day and the bounty of food before us. We are most especially grateful for the family and good friends who are with us today. Guide and direct us on our journey through life. Support us when we are weak, rejoice with us when we are happy, as we are today, and we will always give you the glory for our blessings. Bless those that prepared this food and those that will partake of it and take it as nourishment to our bodies. In Jesus name, Amen."

"Amen," the rest said in unison.

Gary squeezed Bailey's hand. "Everything looks wonderful," he whispered to her. "Especially you."

She returned the squeeze and smiled at him.

"Ahem!" Chuck cleared his throat. "Are you going to carve that turkey sometime today? Or are you going to make moony eyes at your wife," he teased.

"I..I'll carve the turkey."
~*~*~

"Are you sure you can't stay the night?" Bailey asked Lois and Bernie as she walked with them to the car.
"No, we should be getting home. We'll stay longer at Christmas, if that's okay," Lois replied.

"We'd love to have you," Bailey answered.

Lois placed her hand over her heart and tears welled in her eyes. "You don't know how good it is to hear you talk like a couple again, instead of an individual. I've prayed for this day."

"Mom," Gary said in a hushed tone.

"I've been good and not asked any questions. I just want you to know I'm happy you are working things out."

"Thank you, Lois. I think we're pretty happy about it too," Bailey said as she looked up at Gary.

"Yeah. We're doing okay," he said as he stroked her hair.

Gene reached for Bernie and he took him in his arms and gave him a hug. "It looks like things are going good for everyone. Lo, we better get going, it's getting late."

Lois hugged Gary and Bailey before taking Gene in her arms and hugging him, also.

They stood at the edge of the drive and waved as the car pulled out of sight.
~*~*~

"I still think you're nuts for trying to romance your wife. It's been almost three weeks and you're still sleeping alone," Chuck grumbled as he and Gary got out of the cab.

"It wouldn't be the first time someone thought I was nuts," Gary threw over his shoulder as he hurried into the department store.

"Daddy!" Gene cried out.

Bailey turned to see Gary and Chuck walking towards them.

"What's wrong?" she asked.

"Nothing's wrong. Hey, partner," Gary said as he picked up his son. "I need you to come somewhere with me," he told Bailey.

"But Gene hasn't seen Santa yet," she argued.

"That's what Uncle Chuck is here for. You don't mind if Chuck waits with you to see Santa, do ya?" Gary asked his son.
"Nope," he replied simply.

"See. Here ya go, Chuck. We'll meet you back at McGinty's later."

"See ya, buddy. You two kids have a good time," Chuck said as he took Gene from Gary's arms.

"Alright. You be good for Chuck, okay? Don't give him any trouble," Bailey warned.

"We'll be just fine. Now go. You don't have a lot of time," Chuck insisted.

"Where are you taking me?" Bailey asked as they walked out of the department store.

"It's a surprise. Just relax and don't ask so many questions," Gary answered.

They got into a cab and Gary handed the driver a slip of paper with directions on where he wanted to go.

Bailey looked out the window. There wasn't a cloud in sight and the temperature was unseasonable warm, just cool enough to require a light coat.

"How did you convince Chuck to stay with Gene?" she asked as she looked back at Gary.

"He likes Gene, besides, I think he's trying to get some practice in," Gary said.

"The only way he's gonna be a father, is if it's by accident. I don't think he'll ever ask Emily to marry him."

"You never know with Chuck," he said as he slipped his arm around her shoulders.

"Has he said something to you?" Bailey wondered.

"What's with all the questions today?"

"Nothing. I'm curious is all. I don't like being left in the dark."

"So you don't like surprises?"

"It depends on what they are," she smiled.

He pulled her close to him. "I think you'll like this surprise."

"What about the Paper?"
Gary sighed impatiently. "The Paper gave me a couple of hours off. That is why I got Chuck to take your place with Gene. I was short on time. Satisfied?"
She raised an eyebrow. "Okay, no more questions. But, just in case I'm tempted, maybe you should kiss me to keep me quiet."

"I can do that," he said as he fulfilled her request.

The cab stopped and Gary tossed money to the driver. "Keep the change."

"Navy Pier? Can I ask what we're doing here?"

Bailey asked as Gary shut the door to the cab and placed his arm around her.

"Patience. Patience."

Bailey placed an arm around his waist and stayed quiet until they arrived at the ferris wheel.

"Oh no! We're not going on that thing are we?"

"Oh, come on. You survived the last ride." Bailey thought back to their first date and how scared she'd been, until she concentrated on the feel of Gary's arms around her, the sound of his voice and the way his lips moved when he talked.

"Okay, I'll ride it."
~*~*~

"He's grown so much. He changes every day," Gary said as he and Bailey walked out of Gene's room.

"Yes, he does."

Bailey followed Gary downstairs. "You know, I think I'm losing my fear of ferris wheels. As long as you're with me," she said when they got to the bottom of the stairs.

"Well then, I'll just have to make sure I'm there any time you ride one."

"Good. I'd appreciate that."

Gary took his coat out of the closet and Bailey sighed. "You're going already?"

"Yeah, this has been a really good day and it's getting very hard to leave at night. So, I better leave while I still can."

"It's almost impossible for me to let you go," she said as she leaned closer to him.

He kissed her softly. "Good night, Bailey," he said as he turned and opened the door. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Good night," Bailey replied forlornly as she closed the door and locked it.

She sighed as she walked into the living room and turned out the lights. She loved it that Gary wanted to romance her and take this slowly, but she was getting a little frustrated at his insistence that he go to the loft every night.

As she walked back into the hallway, she heard a knock at the door. She walked over, unlocked and opened it to see Gary standing there.

"You really want I should stay?" he asked hesitantly.

"I want you to stay and I never want you to spend another night away from our bed," she answered.

Gary placed his hand gently on the side of her face and leaned his mouth close to hers. His eyes searched hers and she tilted her face and leaned her body into his. His lips touched hers, moving softly, causing her lips to part. His tongue gently teased hers, eliciting a soft moan from Bailey.

Gary kicked the door shut with his foot, and reached behind him to turn the lock. Never moving his lips from hers, he began to walk her backwards toward the stairs. When they reached them, he pulled away and smiled before taking her hand and leading her upstairs.

Chapter Twenty-Two
Gary led Bailey to their bedroom and closed the door behind him and leaned his body against it. The moonlight filtered through the blinds and shimmered off her hair.

Bailey ran her hands over her sweater to smooth it, suddenly nervous under Gary's scrutiny. Tucking her hair behind her ears, she raised an eyebrow. "Well?"

Gary dropped his head and laughed softly as he slipped of his jacket and tossed it across the chair.
"This is nuts. I'm as nervous as the first time I ever...." his voice trailed off as he cocked his head and looked up at her.

Bailey laughed too. "It's okay. It's not like our parents might catch us. We're married." She took a step forward. "And you don't have to worry about getting me pregnant," she smiled as she stopped in front of him.

He scratched his head. "I'm sorry."

"And you certainly don't need to worry about your performance. It's never been unsatisfactory," she whispered.

He sighed. "I feel like I have something to prove."

Bailey placed her hands on his shirt and ran her hands up his chest and around his neck. "Do you love me?"

"Of course I do."

Her hand slid up his chest and behind his head. She gently applied pressure and pulled it close to hers. "I love you, too. Let me show you how much."

Her lips softly touched his, then pulled away. Gary leaned his head closer and she brought her lips closer to his, then pulled away again.

He smiled at her teasing. She ducked her head and her lips found his neck. Gently, she nibbled on the skin there.

A soft whimper escaped his lips. As she continued to kiss his neck, she unbuttoned his flannel shirt and pushed it off his shoulders.

His breath was becoming ragged. He moved his head and tried to kiss her, but she pulled away and smiled.

She untucked his t-shirt and pulled it over his head and placed her lips on his chest as her fingers ran softly over his back.

He placed his hands on either side of her face and tilted her head to his. Just as his lips brushed hers, she pulled away and smiled coyly.

Gary's eyes darkened with desire and he placed his hands under her rear and lifted her up. She wrapped her legs around him as one of his hands moved to the small of her back and the other to the back of her head. He pulled her head towards him and captured her lips with his.

"Oh God!" he moaned.

Bailey's will power, to only give him pleasure, gave way to desires of her own.

He walked over to the bed and gently laid her down and climbed in next to her. His lips caressed hers as his fingers fumbled with the buttons on her sweater. "Damn," he grumbled and he pulled his lips from hers and looked down at the buttons that were giving him so much trouble.

"Here," Bailey said as she grabbed the hem and hauled the shirt over her head and tossed it across the room.
"Mmm, thank you," he said as he gathered her in his arms and kissed her neck, her shoulder, her arm, her hand, her fingers.

Bailey's world began to spin and she latched on to Gary for balance. Somewhere along the way, Gary had lost his nervousness and had deftly removed both of them of the rest of their clothing.
She sighed as she felt the warmth of his bare skin on hers.
~*~*~

*click*

~What's going on in your world
I hope that you're doing fine
I just called to say
There's not a day
That you don't cross my mind
I just wanted to see
If you feel like me
Sorry we said good bye
So, what's going on in your world
It sure is lonesome in mine.~

Bailey raised her head off Gary's chest. He looked at her and smiled.

She wrinkled her nose. "I don't think I wanna hear any more of that kind of music," she said as she reached across him and turned the dial.

"Mmm," Gary mumbled against her neck as he wrapped his arms around her and tangled his legs with hers.

Her eyes closed and the radio was forgotten as the DJ said something about 'one hit wonders'.
Bailey and Gary both reached for the radio as 'I'll tell you what I want, what I really, really want' came over the radio.

"Boy, that can kill a mood pretty quick, huh?" she teased as she shifted her weight while continuing to turn the dial.

"Oh," he moaned. "Wait, wait. Back up!" he blurted.

Startled, Bailey slid off of him, causing Gary to chuckle. "No, not you," he said as he returned her body to where it was. "The radio," he explained as he reached over and turned the dial back a notch.

~Good morning, beautiful
How was your night
Mine was wonderfulwith you by my side
Then I opened my eyes
and see your sweet face
It's a good morning, beautiful....day~

Bailey smiled as Gary wrapped his arms around her. "Good morning, beautiful."

"Morning," she sighed.

"Meow!" *thump*

"Now *that* can kill a mood," Gary said as his head dropped against the pillow.

Bailey giggled.

"Kitty! Ew came home!" They heard Gene cry out.

Quickly, Bailey got out of bed and grabbed the nearest article of clothing she could find, Gary's shirt, and put it on. She tossed him his boxers.

"Here."

He caught them and pulled them on, just as the door opened and Gene ran in, followed by Cat.

Gene launched himself onto the bed and sprawled across Gary as the cat amused himself by batting at Gary's feet.

He wrapped his arms around his son and pulled him close as he looked up and smiled at Bailey.

"Welcome home," she said as she crawled in next to him.

"It's good to be home."

Chapter Twenty-Three

~February 14th~

Gary pushed the remote to the garage door and nothing happened. He tried again and still nothing. Deciding the battery had gone dead, he turned off his jeep and got out to open the garage door manually. He grunted when the door didn't budge.
He scratched his head as he stood there and looked at it for a second before heading into the house.
"Daddy! Daddy! Ew home!" Gene cried as he rushed to his father.

"Hey, partner," Gary said as he scooped him up in his arms.

He looked up as Bailey walked into the hall. She was five months along now, and was just barely showing. "Hi, there," he smiled.

"Hi."

He pulled her close and kissed her.

"Thank you for the flowers. They're lovely," she said.

"You're welcome," he said as he released her and set Gene down.

"How was your day?" she asked.

"Oh, the usual. I think Chuck is going to propose to Emily tonight," he offered.

"Really?!" Bailey's eyes lit up. "Did he tell you so?"
"No, but he asked for the night off and he was as nervous as cornered cat all day."

"You're going back to McGinty's then?" she wondered.

"Nope. I gave everyone the night off to spend with the ones they love," he told her as he took his jacket off and hung it in the hall closet.

"That was very nice of you. I'm sure they appreciate that," Bailey offered. "Gene, don't throw that in the house. I've told you before," she admonished as she saw Gene pick up his ball and hold it over his head.

Gary ruffled his sons hair. "We'll throw that outside, tomorrow. Okay?" he suggested as he led him into the living room.

Satisfied, Gene replied. " 'Kay."

"Did you know the garage door was busted? It won't open," Gary stated as he sat down on the sofa, pulling Bailey down with him.

"It's not broken. I locked the door," she replied.

"Howzat?"

"I didn't want you to go in there."
"Why?"

"Because there's something in there I don't want you to see," she explained.

"You weren't messing with my tool shelf again were you? Bailey, I like to have my tools in a certain spot, so I can find them when I need them," he complained.

"I forget to put the hammer back in the right spot, once, and I'll never hear the end of it. No! I didn't bother your tool shelf."

He smiled sheepishly. "Can I have a hint?"

"No. First we eat dinner."

"Oh come on. Just one tiny little hint?" he asked as he began to tickle her.

"Oh, Gary, don't. Ahh!" she cried out.

"Tickle Mommy!" Gene laughed as he joined in.
Bailey laughed until it was hard for her to breathe.

"No fair, two against one," she gasped.

Just then, the baby gave a hard kick, landing it against Gary's hand. He went still.

"See, even she doesn't think it's fair," Bailey teased, her chest heaving with the exertion.

Gary looked up at her in wonder and smiled. He leaned down and put his mouth near Bailey's stomach. "Sorry, sweetie. I'll quit tickling your mother," he said as he ran his hand tenderly over her slightly protruding belly.
~*~*~

"I didn't think he'd ever go to sleep," Gary said as he quietly shut Gene's door. "You know it's just plain cruel to make me wait until his bed time to find out what's in the garage."

"Maybe you won't like it. Maybe we should just go to bed," she said as she turned and headed to their room.

"Oh, no you don't," he said as he grabbed her hand. "You're gonna show me what's in the garage, or you don't get your present," he teased.

"You got me something other than the roses?"

"Of course I did," he said as he led her down the stairs. He paused at the hall closet and dug out a small package, wrapped in red foil paper and tied with a silver ribbon.
Bailey held out her hand.

"Oh, no you don't. You don't get your's until I get mine," he said as he held the box out of her reach.
"Fine," she said as she headed through the kitchen to the garage door.

She stopped and turned to face him. "Close your eyes, " she instructed.

"Bailey!"

"Just close your eyes. Okay now. Hang on for a second."

Gary closed his eyes and heard the door creak open, before he felt Bailey take his hand.

She grabbed the baby monitor off the counter and took it with her.

"Be careful. There's a step down. Now another. Okay, just keep walking. Okay. Stop right there," she said as she set the monitor down on a shelf.
"No! Don't open your eyes, yet."

"Bailey," Gary said impatiently before he felt her lips against his.

He wrapped his arms around her and returned the kiss. He didn't think he would ever be able to kiss her enough to make up for all the months they were apart.

Abruptly she pulled away.

"What the ..." he said as he opened his eyes to see her smiling. "Wha..." His gaze moved to the car she was leaning against.

"Oh, Bailey," he whispered as he slowly moved past her to run his hand lovingly across the top of the car. "She looks just like my first car."

"She *is* your first car."

"Howzat?" he asked as he turned to face her.

"It's your first car. I've been looking for her since Christmas. I asked your mom if she had any information on it and she looked and found some papers with the vehicle ID number. I've been searching on the internet and finally located her. She needs a lot of work. The engine smokes and the tires are bald. The seats are worn and...."

"I can't believe you did this. I loved this car. I sold it when Marcia and I got married. It wasn't the kind of car a stock broker and lawyer should be seen in," he said sadly. "It's not really a family car."

"No, this is your car. We have my Cherokee for the family. I figure you and your dad can work on this together when you have time. Personally, I always went for the guys with hot cars," she said as she leaned against him.

"You did, huh?" he smiled as he moved a stray strand of hair from her face. He walked around to the passenger side and opened the door for her. When she was in, he closed the door and ran around to the drivers side and got in.

"Can I have my gift now?" she asked as he shut the door.

"Huh? Oh, yeah," he stammered as he handed her the box.

Bailey untied the ribbon and pulled the paper off and opened the top of the little white box. Inside was a red velvet box that she pulled out and flipped open the top. She gasped when she saw a 3 diamond drop necklace resting inside. "Oh, Gary. It's gorgeous," she said.

"It's supposed to signify, yesterday, today and tomorrow," he explained as he placed his arm on the back of the seat. She leaned over to kiss him.

"You know what?" he whispered against her lips.

"What?"

"I never made out in this car."

"Really? Never?"

He cocked his head and looked at her. "Never."

"Not even in high school, or with Marcia?"

Gary laughed. "Marcia? No, not hardly. And in high school, Genie had a bigger car."

She punched him playfully on the arm.

"I was just kidding. I lived in a small town, everything I did got back to my parents or her's. So, we kept on the straight and narrow. Most of the time," he laughed softly. "But no making out in this car."

"Well, there's a first time for everything," she said as she leaned towards him. Gary tried to pull her close but the console got in the way.

Bailey laughed. "Now I know why you never made out with anyone in here. It's not very comfortable."
He joined her laughter. "No, it's not." He looked over his shoulder to the backseat, then back at her and wiggled his eyebrows.

"Gary!"

Chapter Twenty-Four
Bailey made a noise that was akin to a growl. "I don't know why you're having me do this. You're the professional," she complained as she tried to get Emily's hair pinned just right.

"I can't do it. I'm shaking too much," she replied, meekly.

"You're nervous about marrying Chuck? I wonder why?" Bailey laughed.

"Don't make jokes, Bailey. Do you think I'm making a big mistake here?" Emily asked as worried eyes met Bailey's in the mirror.

"Emily, you've known Chuck longer than I have. You tell me, are you making a mistake?"

Emily's shoulders drooped and she placed her arms on her knees and bent over in a very unladylike pose. "I think I'm gonna faint," she moaned.

Bailey patted her back. "Take deep breaths," she instructed.

She looked up when she heard a knock on the door. She recognized Gary's form through the frosted glass and made her way across the loft.

"Howzit going in there?" he asked as she stepped outside.

"Whoo, you look gorgeous," he replied as he looked at her.

"I'm as big as a barn," she responded.

"But you're carrying my child and that makes you the most beautiful woman in the world," he said as he kissed her softly.

She smiled up at him.

"So, howzit going?" he asked again.

"Not so good. I think she's having second thoughts," Bailey relayed.
"I don't blame her," Gary teased.

"Gary. This could be serious," she said sternly.

"She's really having second thoughts? Oh boy!" Gary said as he scratched his head. "This will kill Chuck if she backs out on him now. Look how long it took him to pop the question. He really loves her."

Bailey took a deep breath. "You go take care of Chuck and I'll talk to Emily."

"Good luck," he said before he kissed her.

"Thanks."

Bailey shut the door behind her. "Are you feeling any better?" she asked as she made her way back to Emily.

"I don't know," she said simply.

"You love Chuck, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. And I've waited for this day, for what seems like forever. So why am I so nervous now?"

"Well, because your relationship is going to take a different path from now on. Remember how nervous you were when you first started dating Chuck? You wondered if you were doing the right thing? Well, it's pretty much the same thing. You're taking a chance on if the relationship will work out. You two have been together a while now and I think you're both going to be just fine. Chuck's really in love with you. Even Gary can see it," Bailey said encouragingly.

Emily took a deep breath. "You're right," she said as she sat up straighter. "Thank you," she said before she grabbed several pearl encrusted bobby pins and had her hair styled in just a few seconds, when Bailey had spent almost an hour and had accomplished nothing.

"Are you ready to get dressed?" Bailey asked.

Emily nodded as she stood and Bailey walked over to the wardrobe and took the dress down that was hanging on the door. She unzipped the bag and tossed it on the bed and she carefully took the dress off the hanger.

Emily stepped into the cream colored, polyester
chiffon gown. The halter front had a jewel neckline with straps that criss -crossed in the back to expose most of Emily's back. Long slits were on each side of the skirt and the entire dress was encrusted with seeded pearls and sequins sewn in a floral vine design.
Emily slipped her feet into cream colored strappy sandals and added a strand of pearls and a pair of pearl earrings to complete her wardrobe.

"You'll take his breath away," Bailey said. "Are you ready?"

"I'm ready."
~*~*~

They stopped in the kitchen and Bailey took Emily's bouquet out of the refrigerator and handed the cascade of ivory roses and greenery to her.
Emily waited inside the kitchen door as Bailey took her place in the bar.

Emily and Chuck both decided they wanted a small wedding with only family and friends and had both agreed that McGinty's was the perfect place to do so.

Emily squared her shoulders as she heard the music play, cuing her entrance.

As she walked in, she looked at Chuck and was surprised when he started to cry. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed his eyes as she stopped next to him.

"You're so beautiful," he whispered.

Tears filled her eyes as they began to recite their vows.

Chapter Twenty-Five
~July 21~

Gary opened his eyes, then blinked a couple of times before he remembered where he was. He looked over at Bailey, who was still asleep.

Yawning, he got up and made his way to the bathroom, where he splashed water on his face and dried it. Afterwards he put his shoes on and made his way down the hall to the vending machine for a cup of coffee.

He leaned against the machine as he drank the hot liquid. When he was finished he dropped more money into the machine for another cup.

Instead of heading back to Bailey's room he made a side trip to the nursery. He stopped outside the window and noticed the bassinet he was looking for was gone. He walked to Bailey's room and when he entered he saw that she was patting the baby's back.

She smiled when she saw him. "There's your daddy."

"Morning. I needed some coffee," he said as he held up the cup.

"You stayed the night?" she asked as she nodded towards the roll away bed next to her hospital bed.

"Mmm hmm. I swore once I got you back, I would never spend another night away from you if I could help it," he said as he set his cup down.

"Can I hold her?"

"Of course."

Gary took his new daughter in his arms and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Well, Miss Faith Ann Hobson, how did you sleep last night?"

The baby cooed as she wrapped her tiny fingers around her father's.

"She's so perfect," he said in awe as he looked down at the chubby little face.

Bailey gently stroked the baby's head. "I'd forgotten how tiny newborn's are. Was Gene ever this small?"

Gary looked down at her and smiled. "He was, but not for long."
He leaned down and placed a tender kiss on the baby's forehead, then he turned and looked at Bailey.

"How are you feeling this morning?"

"I feel good," she sighed.

His eyes searched hers. "You're thinking about our other baby."

"Mmm," she mumbled. "I can't help it."

"I've been thinking about her too," Gary replied as he gazed at his sleeping daughter.

"Gary, I won't ever forget about the life that didn't make it, but we have Gene and Faith and if we never have anymore children, they'll be enough."

"And if we have half a dozen more, we won't love them any less."

She smiled up at him. "The last year was pretty rough....."

"Boy, ain't that the truth," he sighed.

"But, we weathered the storm didn't we? And we're stronger now."

"Yes, we are. We've been through the worst of it and survived," he said as he handed Faith to Bailey. He then turned and scooted closer to Bailey and put his arm around her shoulder.

They both looked down at the tiny form that Bailey held in her embrace. A child created of love in a season of storms, that mended two broken hearts and brought a family back together.

~*The End*~

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