"Hey." he said with a faint smile. There were questions in his eyes but Mac knew those would disappear in moments. She walked toward him and stopped only inches away. "Why did you want to meet here?" he asked with confusion in his voice. "I thought....." His words were stopped by Mac's finger as she placed it on his lips.
"Shhh..." she whispered. He looked at her and then gasped as she leaned in and kissed him deeply.
"Mac," he sighed. "I don't...." Mac moved her hands acrossed his chest and felt him tremble at her touch. Billy wrapped his arms strongly around her waist and pulled her closer than he ever thought possible. His lips crushed against hers and he savored every kiss for he had yearned for this moment for as long as he could remember. Mac's hands moved to the button on his shirt and she began to undo them one by one. "Mac." he whispered again. "What are you doing?" Mac said nothing only continued to unbutton his shirt. She ran her hands acrossed his bare chest and slid the shirt off his shoulders and onto the floor. Billy slid his hand under her chin and raised her gaze to meet his. "Mac," he said for the third time. "Are you sure?" She nodded her head yes afraid to use her voice and then kissed him again. Billy moved his hands up and down her back as he kissed her neck and shoulder. Then he slowly untied the strings of her tank top and slid it to the floor too. Mac's mind raced as she felt every touch, every kiss. She still wasn't sure this was the right thng to do! But at this point she would do anything to be with Billy again. Even if it was only this one last time. She convinced herself that if she could have one more kiss, one more touch that she would be satisfied. Then she could move on with her life but.... She snapped back to reality when Billy unsnapped the button of her jean shorts. Her hands caressed his chest again and they moved down to his belt buckle. Suddenly before she knew it there was nothing between them but the warm summer afternoon and it all seemed right. Billy carefully laid her out on the floor then kissed his way up her body again savoring the tasted of her warm flesh. And as he reached her lips he looked down into her eyes and knew it was a moment he would never forget.
Mac's attention was snapped back to the present and she glanced down at the seat next to her into the warm, sky blue eyes of her daughter Emily. Emily looked up at her with questioning eyes and then she turned her gaze back out the window. Mac looked back to the road and quickly swerved onto the off ramp.
"Almost missed it," she said to Emily. As Mac drove to the estate her mind wandered again. 'Why was she coming back here?' All that was left here was memories, memories she'd rather forget. But somehow they always found there way back to her no matter how hard she tried to keep them away. Kay had begged her to come home and live at the estate again and finally Mac had agreed. She didn't really like living in New York anyway, besides Emily needed a family. Mac was determind to give Emily the life she herself had never had and she'd do anything to make it happen. The only thing that Emily was missing was a father because there was no way she would ever know her real father! Mac glanced at Emily again and her eyes filled with tears when she thought about how much Emily looked like her father. It hurt so much, but she knew she'd do it all over again if given the chance. Emily was her reason for living and at the same time the resemblance to her father made Mac want to die everytime she smiled like him or looked at her in the same way he used to. She had the same sandy blond hair, and the same sparkling blue eyes. There was no denying it, Emily Elizabeth Reynolds was her fathers daughter. Emily was the spitting imagine of her father, Billy Abbott, the love of Mac's life!
Billy sped down the same highway an hour later and he tried to concentrate on the road in front of him as he thought of that same steamy summer afternoon. He quickly changed lanes and then moved to the off ramp in his black convertible. As he drove down the familiar streets memories flooded back, but he pushed them away. Now was not the time to think of the past, it was done and over with, and there was nothing he could do to change it. He sped down the road that led to the Abbott estate and then he drove through the gates. He parked the car in front and then he climbed out and hurried into the house.
"Anyone home?" he called. "Jack, Ash, Dad?" He walked through the house and found no one. 'They must all still be at work,' he said to himself as he looked at his watch. Billy sat down on the couch and thought of what a surprise this was going to be. He hadn't even told them he was coming home from college for the summer. Harvard was opening his eyes to many new things and most of the time it kept him occupied, but there were those times his mind traveled back to last summer. The summer he thought Mac had returned to him, but he had been wrong. After that he'd left and hadn't looked back, but for some reason he felt the need to spend the summer at home. It almost felt as if returning would change his life forever. And now he was here and there was no going back.
Mac drove down the road that led to the estate and soon the gates towered ahead. She pulled up in front of the house and parked the car. As she climbed out, the front door opened and her father and grandmother rushed out. Brock embraced her firmily and then smiled down at her.
"Welcome home honey!" he said.
"Thanks dad." she replied. Kay stepped forward and hugged her too.
"I've missed you my darling." she smiled.
"I've missed you too grandma." Mac sighed. Emily began to wine from her seat so Mac hurried over to the passenger side. She lifted Emily out and held her close. "Grandma, Daddy..." she said with tears in her eyes. "This is Emily." Brock walked around the car and looked at the granddaughter that he has only seen in pictures.
"She's gorgeous!" he said as he took her from Mac's arms.
Kay peered down at Emily and started to say, "She looks exactly like...." Suddenly she stopped and looked Mac directly in the eyes. Unsaid and unended words passed between them and that moment they felt what the other one was feeling. "Well shall we head inside?" she asked instead. She took Emily into her arms and walked with Mac into the house as Brock got the bags from the trunk. "I am so glad your home!" she smiled. "It's been way too long!"
"I know." was all Mac was able to say.
Billy walked from the kichen and checked his watch for the fifth time.
"Are they ever coming home?" he asked aloud. Finally he grabbed his car keys and headed out the door. 'I'll see if mom is home yet,' he thought to himself. As he pulled up in front of the estate he noticed the other car and wondered who it belonged to. He pushed that thought from his mind and hurried up to the front door. He knocked quickly and then waited for someone to answer.
"Billy!" Esther gasped when she answered. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see if my mom was home," he replied. "Aren't you going to let me in?"
"Oh, of course." Esther laughed as she moved aside. Billy walked past her into the living room, but as he did he noticed bags by the stairs.
"Who's here?" he asked curiously.
"Ah..." Esther stammered. Suddenly Kay walked in and stopped in her tracks.
"Billy," she said. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to see my mother." he said again.
"Well I'm happy to tell you she's not home from work yet!" Kay replied smugly. "So you'll have to come back!"
"Are you trying to get rid of me?" he asked.
"Why no dear," Kay lied. "Why would you ask....."
"Grandma?" Mac asked as she entered the room holding Emily. "Have you seen the diaper bag?" She looked up from Emily and her eyes grew wide with surprise. She saw the questions in his eyes and she knew there was no way she'd get out of this one. 'I have to tell him!' she thought. 'But how?' Billy stared at her for a moment and then his attention was drawn to the baby in her arms. 'I couldn't be!' he thought. Mac stood there for a moment and then she spun on her heals and disappeared back down the hall. 'I can't do this!' she thought. 'I just can't!' She hurried up the back staircase and to her room, slamming the door behind her.
"What's Mac doing here?" Billy asked after he heard the door slam.
"She's home to visit." Kay replied. "Now if you'll excuse me I have some errands to run in town. Esther are you coming with me?"
"Yes, Mrs. C." Esther replied and then they walked out the front door. Billy stood there for a moment. 'Was that Mac's baby?' he wondered. 'And if it was, who is the father?' the thought of Mac with someone other than himself heated his whole body with rage. He had to find out who the father was and when he did he'd kill the guy for not being with Mac now! Billy walked to the door and out to his car. And as he was about to climb in he changed his mind, running to the front door. He rang the bell and waited for Mac to answer. Finally she walked down the stairs with the baby in her arms. When she opened the door she gasped, but moved aside and let Billy enter again.
"We have to talk Mac," he said. "And we have to talk now!" Mac stared at him for a moment and then walked nervously over to the couch and sat down.
"What are you doing here?" she asked. "I thought you was in college?"
"I am, but I'm here for the summer," he replied as he sat down next to her. "But I could ask you the same question." he said. "Why are you here, in fact where have you been?"
"I've been living in New York." she answered.
"Why?" he asked. "Why did you just leave? You never even said goodbye!"
"I had to leave." she said.
"But why?" he asked again. "I don't understand, you just left!"
"Things went wrong and it was best for everyone involved." she replied.
"What happened Mac?" he asked reaching out to touch her, but he drew his hand back.
"Emily happened." she replied.
"Emily?" he asked. Mac gazed down at Emily and the she looked back at Billy. "I don't..." he started. "Is she?...." Tears filled Mac's eyes and slowly she shook her head yes. Billy stared at her in shock and tears filled his own eyes. Finally he said, "I can't believe this!"
"I'm sorry Billy, but I thought...."
"How could you?" he interrupted. "You should have told me, she's my daughter too!"
"I know, but I was scared!" she cried.
"That's no excuse!" he yelled as he stood up suddenly. "I have the right to be a part of her life too!"
"I'm sorry Billy," she said again through sobs. "But I thought it was better, you had your whole life ahead of you!"
"My life was with my daughter!" he cried. "I don't even know how old she is or her whole name!"
"She's only 3 months Billy, you haven't missed that much." Mac explained as she stood too.
"I don't care!" he insisted. "I had a right to go through this with you!"
"I didn't think you wanted to." she said sadly.
"Why wouldn't I have?" he asked. "I loved you Mac, I still love you!"
"Billy don't say that." Mac gasped. Billy walked up to her and looked down at her.
"This beautiful little girl is the proof of the love I have for you Mac," he said. "The only thing I didn't understand was why you left, but now I do!"
"I'm so sorry Billy." she said again.
"I hope you plan on staying in town," Billy said. "Because you're not going anywhere with my daughter!"
Mac stared at him. 'Did he think he could control her? If he did he had a few things to learn! No one controlled her life, but her!'
"What's her name?" Billy asked.
"Emily Elizabeth Reynolds...." she started to say.
"Abbott." he finished for her. Mac stared up at him in surprise! As he held her something spread through him and he knew he'd never leave his little girl again. Not if he had anything to say about it! Suddenly the baby began to cry and Mac took her back. "I should be going," he said finally. "But I'll be back!" He walked to the door and then turned back to face her. "We will be a family Mac," he said. "In more ways than you know!" Then he left leaving Mac to wonder what that really meant.
Billy walked into the Abbott house with his head spinning! 'I'm a father!' he thought. 'I'm responsible for a whole other life!' He walked into the living room and as he did John walked in from the kitchen.
"Billy!" he smiled. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here for the summer!" he replied.
"Well this is certainly a surprise!" Billy smiled, but the look in his eyes said he was confused! "Is there something wrong?" John asked.
"Nothing," Billy lied. "I'm just tired!"
"Don't lie to me son!" John said seriously.
"Well dad," Billy began. "How would you feel about becoming a grandpa again?"
"What do you mean?" John asked. "Are Brad and Ashley having another child?"
"No dad." Billy replied.
"Then is it Traci?" John asked.
"Dad no, just..." Billy started.
"Then Jack?" John asked.
"No dad," Billy said. "If you'd just..."
"Well then that leaves only..." John started.
"Yeah dad." Billy replied.
"How?" John asked. "When? Who?"
"Well I'm sure you know how," Billy said. "But it happened last summer with...Mac."
"Mac?" John gasped. "I don't understand? How did you find out?"
"I went to see mom and I found her there." Billy replied.
"So she's back in town?" John asked.
"For now." Billy answered.
"Well what do you plan on doing?" John asked.
"I'm not sure exactly," Billy said. "But I do plan on being a father to my little girl!"
"What's with this family and girls?" John smiled. "First Colleen, then Abby, and now..."
"Emily." Billy finished for him. "Emily Elizabeth Reynolds Abbott!"
"A beautiful name!" John grinned. "And when do I get to see my granddaughter?"
"As soon as possible." Billy replied.
"Well how about you invite Mackenzie to dinner?" John suggested. "We'll have the whole family over!"
"Great, I'll call her tomorrow!" Billy replied. John walked over to the study door and then turned around.
"And son if I were you, I'd decide what to do!"
"I will dad." Billy replied as he watched his father disappeared. 'I know what I'm going to do!' he thought.
The next morning Mac walked into the living room just as the phone rang.
"Hello?" she answered.
"Hey Mac, it's me." Billy said.
"Hey." she said nervously.
"Look dad was wondering if you and Emily would like to come for dinner tonight?" he asked.
"Ah sure," she replied. "What time?"
"About seven," he replied. "Or is that too late for Emily?"
"No, no it's fine." she replied.
"Okay well I'll see you then." smiled Billy. "Bye!"
Mac listened to the dial tone and then hung up the phone. 'Is this a good idea?' she wondered. Suddenly Emily began to cry and Mac rushed up the stairs forgetting about dinner!
Mac held Emily close as she walked up to the Abbott's front door. She rang the bell and Billy quickly answered. He smiled at her and then helped her with her coat.
"How's my girl?" he asked, looking down at Emily. He led Mac into the living room and she was surprised to see the whole family waiting for her.
"Hello Mackenzie!" John smiled warmly.
"Hello Mr. Abbott." Mac replied.
"Please call me John." he said with another smile. He walked over to her and looking down at Emily and asked, "May I?"
"Of course." she replied, letting John lift Emily into his arms.
"She's beautiful, just like her mother." John remarked. Mac blushed and then suddenly she felt Billy's hand touch the small part of her back, pushing her further into the living room.
"Don't be nervous!" he whispered. She sat down on the couch and watched John give the baby to Jack.
"You look nothing like your father!" Jack laughed. "And I mean that as a compliment!" Everyone laughed and then turned their heads as Mamie entered the room.
"Dinner is served!" she announced. They all stood and walked into the dining room.
"She really is gorgeous Mac!" said Ashley as she took her seat next to Abby who was already in her highchair.
"It will be quite nice for Abby to have a cousin close to her age!" Brad smiled. "I'm sure they'll be great friends!"
"I'm sure they will be." said John. They all settled in to eat and it turned out to be much more comfortable than Mac had originally thought.
Once dinner was through Brad and Ashley left with Abby, saying it was bedtime.
"I think I'll head to bed too," said Jack. "I have an early business meeting tomorrow!"
"Goodnight Jack!" they all called.
"Mac, I hope to see more of my niece around this house, now that you're home!" Jack said before he walked up the stairs.
"I for one agree with that!" John remarked.
"Me too!" Billy smiled.
"I'll see what I can do about that." Mac replied nervously.
"Mackenzie, why are you so nervous?" John asked. "I've noticed it all night!"
"I'm sorry Mr...John," she said. "It's just that...."
"It's just what?" he asked.
"I thought you all would be mad and angry for me keeping Emily away!" she replied.
"Nonsense," he said. "We're just happy she's here now!" Mac looked over at Billy, and smiled at the sight of him making faces at Emily. "I know my son will make an excellent father!" John smiled.
"He's had a wonderful teacher!" Mac replied.
"Yes, well I think it's time for me to go to bed too!" he grinned. "But remember Mac, you're now a part of this family, so please feel that way!"
"I will." Mac smiled and then she watched John lean down and kiss Emily's forehead. He then disappeared upstairs without another word. Billy stood with Emily in his arms and then sat down next to Mac on the couch.
"That wasn't so bad, now was it?" he asked with a grin.
"No, I guess not." she replied. "I'm just so sorry I didn't tell you from the beginning."
"I know, we all know you are." he said, as he placed his hand over hers. "We have so much time to make up for!" Mac looked into Billy's eyes and saw something there she had seen so many times before! And what she saw scared her to her very soul! 'I'm not ready!' she told herself. 'I don't know if I'll ever be!'
"We should be going," she said suddenly. "Emily's almost asleep!"
"Okay!" Billy finally agreed. "But tomorrow I'd like to come over?"
"Sure," Mac replied as she walked to the door. "Whenever you like!" Billy smiled down at her and then placed Emily into her arms.
"Goodnight Mac." he whispered and then he watched her hurry down the steps to her car. He closed the door and didn't move from where he stood until her car lights faded. 'We will be a family!' he said to himself. 'I'll do everything in my power to make it happen!'
Early the next morning the doorbell rang and Mac hurried to answer it. When she answered it she stared into the eyes of Billy.
"Hey!" he said.
"Hey yourself!" she replied as she let him in. Billy looked into the living room and spotted Emily in her playpen.
"There's my sweet pea!" he grinned. He walked over to her and bent down over the rail. "How's my girl?" he asked. "Daddy brought you something!" Suddenly he lifted out of a bag, a soft, pink stuffed teddy bear. "This should keep away the bad dreams." he said as he set it in the playpen. Mac watched the scene in front of her and smiled to herself. There was no doubt in her mind, Billy would be an excellent father! Mac walked into the room and over to pour herself a glass of water. "And now here's mommy's gift!" he said suddenly.
"What?" Mac asked nervously.
"Both the women in my life get gifts today." he replied. From behind his back Billy held out a beautiful yellow long stemmed rose. "Here you go, beautiful!" he smiled. Mac gasped! 'How long has it been since I've heard him call me that?' she wondered. 'Way too long!' She reached out and touched the rose and as she did her fingers brushed Billy's hand. Electricity shot through them and Mac jumped in surprise. Then quickly she took a hold of the rose and pulled it to her chest.
"Thank you," she said with a smile. "It's gorgeous!"
Billy grinned at her and then asked, "So what shall we do today?"
"I hadn't planned on doing much." she replied.
"Well now you do," he replied. "Where is Emily's coat?"
"Why?" she asked.
"Because we're going out," he answered. "No arguing, just get ready!" Mac didn't argue, she just hurried to ready herself and Emily. And soon they were all in Billy's car headed into town.
"There we go." Billy smiled. "All settled!" Mac smiled at him too and then he asked, "Do you want coffee?"
"Yeah sure," she replied. "Thanks!" Billy stood and walked back inside.
Billy walked over to the counter and ordered two black coffees from Cody.
"They'll be ready in a minute." he said.
"Thanks." Billy replied. As he turned around to glance around the room he saw Rianna and Raul walk in.
"Billy is that you?" Rianna asked when she spotted him.
"Hey guys!" he smiled. "What's up?"
"Nothing much," Raul replied. "You?"
"Actually I'm here with Mac and Emily." Billy answered.
"Mac's here?" Raul asked.
"Who's Emily?" Rianna asked. "Your new girlfriend?"
"Mac has decided to move back home and Emily is...." he started. "Emily is our daughter!"
"What?" Raul gasped.
"It's a long sotry, but can we talk about it later?" Billy asked.
"Ah...as long as you explain later." Rianna replied.
"Yeah I will!" Billy grinned. Just then Cody called that their coffee was ready. "Come on we'll surprise her!" Billy grinned. They all walked towards Mac as quietly as they could!
Mac sat there waiting for Billy to return when all of a sudden hands covered her eyes and a familiar voice asked, "Guess who?"
"Rianna!" Mac squealed as she stood up and turned around. "Raul!" She threw her arms around them and hugged them close. "I missed you guys!" she said when she stepped back.
"We've missed you too!" Raul grinned.
They all stood there smiling at one another and then Rianna asked, "Who is this sweet angel?"
"This is Emily," Mac replied. "Our daughter!" Rianna began to speak baby talk and when she realized it everyone started laughing.
"Can I help it if I love babies?" she asked.
"Don't worry we'll have plenty of our own." Raul replied.
"Really?" Mac asked.
"Yeah," Rianna replied. "We're engaged!"
"Oh how wonderful!" Mac cried. "I'm so happy for you two!"
"Oh look at this happy reunion!" smirked Brittany suddenly from the back gate. "Isn't this just as sweet as can be!" she remarked. "It's enough to make me want to gag!"
"What do you want?" Billy asked.
"Nothing really," she replied. "I was going to say hi, but then I decided to save my breath!"
"Do you always have to be so nasty?" Mac asked.
"When it comes to you Mac, always." Brittany smiled. "But now I've had my fun, so ta ta!"
"Good riddance!" Raul sighed.
"Oh wait one more thing," Brittany said as she walked back over to Billy.
"And what would that be?" Billy asked.
"Well Billy if you ever get tired of playing the family man, give me a call!" she cooed as she touched his arm lightly with her finger. "I'm sure we could have tons of fun!" She handed him a card with her number on it and then walked into the coffee house.
"What a......" Rianna started to say.
"She's all talk," Billy replied. "Always has been!"
"Yeah, don't let her bother you!" Raul agreed.
"She's just so...so Brittany." Mac said.
"I know, but just ignore her." Billy replied.
"You've always let her get under your skin." Raul said.
"It's hard not to let her." Mac replied.
"Anyway," Billy smiled. "What plans do you two have for the day?"
"Not much," Raul replied. "Why?"
"Well I thought maybe we could have a barbeque." Billy answered.
"Sounds fun!" Rianna grinned. "Like old times!"
"Well almost." Mac replied.
"So how about we meet at my place in an hour?" Billy suggested.
"Fine, we'll see you then." Raul said.
"Bye guys!" Mac smiled. Billy carried a sleeping Emily through the coffee house with one arm and placed the other one on the small part of Mac's back, steering her towards the door. Mac didn't know why, but his touch somehow made all her troubles go away. But she wasn't sure if that feeling was good or bad and she wasn't sure if she wanted to find out!
Billy and Mac walked through the Abbott's front door and into the living room.
"Are you sure Ashley and Brad didn't mind watching Emily?" she asked.
"I'm sure," he replied. "In fact they were delighted too!"
"I just hate being away from her." Mac sighed.
"I know, but you have to start sometime," he responded. "You can't be with her all the time!"
"Wanna bet?" she asked. Billy laughed and then led her through the kitchen and then out to the pool.
"You know where to change right?" he asked.
"Yeah, I'll be out in a minute." she replied. Billy walked over to the barbeque and started up the gas. Then he poured Mac a soda and waited. And waited! Finally he sighed and walked over to the pool house door. He heard music playing softly and he cracked the door open.
"Mac?" he called. "Is everything okay?" When he didn't get an answer he quietly opened the door and walked inside.
Mac walked into the pool house and so many memories flashed before her eyes. So many happy memories, yet so many sad ones too! All the lies and deception! She quickly pushed them aside and walked over to the stereo. She flipped it on and the music blared....
You're love for me came like a waterfall
Flowing inside me like never before
You're love for me, I didn't see...
Mac walked into one of the back rooms and unpacked her suit from her backpack. She then stripped off her clothes and her thoughts wandered again.
Billy walked into the pool house and called Mac's name again, but the music was too loud. He walked down the back hall and as he peered into the first bedroom his breath caught in his throat. There in front of him was Mac with her back to him. She wasn't wearing any clothes and she stood there as if her mind was millions of miles away. His eyes slipped over her and then he quickly turned away and headed back out into the main room. He remembered the curves of her body every night in his dreams and he longed to feel her lying next to him, but he vowed not to push her until she was ready. She had to be the one to come to him!
As Billy walked out of the pool house Raul and Rianna showed up.
"Hey guys!" Billy greeted. "Ready to have some fun?"
"You bet!" they both replied.
"Hey where's Mac?" Rianna asked.
"Ah...in the pool house changing." Billy replied.
"Great! I have to talk to her!" Rianna smiled. "You boys play nice now!" They all grinned and then Rianna disappeard into the pool house.
"So man, what's up with you and Mac?" Raul asked.
"What do you mean?" Billy asked nervously. "Nothing's up!"
"Oh don't give me that bull!" Raul joked. "I know you Billy, now spill it!"
"What do you want to know?" Billy asked as he started the burgers.
"First of all, why is Mac back?" Raul asked.
"I guess Mrs. C and Mr. Reynolds wanted her to come home with the baby." Billy replied.
"Okay, so now explain the baby!" Raul frowned.
"Well Raul, I'm not sure." Billy answered. "We made love once before we both split town and I thought we were getting back together but...."
"But she left!" Raul interrupted.
"Well yeah, she said she didn't want to complicate my life, but she admits she was wrong in not telling me." Billy replied as he flipped a burger.
"So are you going to marry her?" Raul asked.
"I don't know, what is this the third degree?" Billy asked.
"Sorry, I just want to know." Raul replied. "So are you?"
"I said I don't know!" Billy snapped. "We're just getting to know one another right now and I plan on being a father to Emily!"
"Well that's great!" Raul smiled. "But what does your family have to say about Emily?"
"They're thrilled! Well my mom doesn't know yet! She's out of town for the next week or two in San Francisco." Billy said.
"Well that's good, who knows how she'll react!" Raul frowned as he walked over to a lawn chair.
"My thoughts exactly!" Billy said with a smile. "But you know what I'm wondering?"
"What?" Raul asked.
"I'm wondering what those girls are talking about in the pool house?"
"You know as well as I do they're talking about the same thing we are!" Raul laughed.
"That's what I was afraid of!" Billy laughed.
Rianna walked into the pool house and called, "Mac, Mac are you here?"
"I'm right here." Mac said with a smile as she walked out of one of the back rooms. They hugged again and then smiled.
"I've missed you so much." Rianna said.
"I've missed you too, but I'm back so we'll have plenty of time to catch up!"
"Yeah you're right, but I still don't understand why you left in the first place." Rianna replied as they sat down on the couch.
"Billy and I made love only one time before we both left town," Mac started. "And I left because I didn't want to complicate his life anymore than I already had!"
"So you left because you were pregnant with Emily?" Rianna asked.
"Yeah, he didn't even know about her until a couple of days ago and I know now that I was wrong to keep her from him!" Mac answered.
"Wow Mac, I'm so sorry!" Rianna sighed.
"Don't be!" Mac insisted. "I'm fine and I'm here to stay!"
"So are you and Billy going to get married?" Rianna asked.
"Ah...not that I know of," Mac replied. "He says he loves me, but I'm not ready for that, I don't know if I ever will be!"
"But Mac!" Rianna pushed. "Emily needs a father!"
"She has one." Mac replied. "Billy will be a great father and he loves her very much!"
"But it's not the same Mac!" Rianna insisted!
"It's how things are going to be for now." Mac replied. "But who knows what the future holds?"
"How did his family react?" Rianna asked.
"Oh they all love her to death!" Mac grinned. "In fact Ashley and Brad are watching her now!"
"That's great!" Rianna smiled. "I just hope things work out the way they're supposed to!"
"Just give it time, I'm not worried, so you shouldn't be either!" Mac said. "So where are the guys?"
"Outside fixing burgers!" Rianna replied.
"What do you think they're talking about?" Mac asked.
"Oh if I know Raul, they're talking about the same thing we are!" Rianna laughed.
"That's what I thought!" Mac sighed. "And what I was afraid of!"
Mac and Rianna laughed as they walked out of the pool house.
"Well well," Billy said. "The beauties have decided to grace us with their presence!"
"Count your blessings!" Mac laughed.
"Oh yes," Raul smiled. "Let us bow down to the queens!" They all laughed and then Mac looked at the grill.
"Shouldn't you two be watching those?" Mac asked.
"D****!" Billy cried as he rushed to the grill.
"We should have handled the cooking." Rianna remarked.
"Hey now!" Raul replied. "We were watching them, but then we got distracted by your beauty."
"Nice try." Mac smirked.
"Thanks." Raul frowned.
"So does anyone want their burgers well done?" Billy asked.
"Not really." Mac replied.
"Rianna?" Billy asked.
"In your dreams!" she laughed.
"Raul?" Billy questioned.
"No way man," Raul replied. "It's all yours."
"I am not eating this!" Billy said with disgust.
"Back away from the grill," Mac instructed. "Rianna and I will take over from here."
"Like H*** you will!" Billy cried.
"Yeah I know we will." Mac said seriously.
"You'll have to get through me first." Billy said.
"Okay." Mac smiled. She walked up to him and laid her hands on his bare chest and she traced her fingers down his stomach and then suddenly she began to tickle him.
"Hey, no!" he cried. "That's cheating!"
"All's fair in love and war!" Mac giggled as she continued to tickle him. As Billy began to back away he noticed that he was quickly approaching the edge of the pool.
"Billy!" Raul called just as he reached the edge, but it was too late and he lost his blance. He reached out and pulled Mac with him.
"No!" she screamed as she splashed into the pool. They both resurfaced and Mac glared at him. "This was all your fault," she said as she splashed him.
"Don't do that!" Billy said seriously. "You'll regret it."
"Oh yeah." she teased him as she splashed him again.
"Yeah." he said as he swam toward her. Raul and Rianna gave each other a knowing look as they watched their friends play in the pool like two people very much in love. Billy and Mac finally climbed out of the pool and settled down to prepare the burgers .
"So how many does everyone want?" Mac asked as Billy came up behind her and wrapped a towel around her shoulders. She smiled up at him and then turned her attention to what was being said with a grin.
"I'll just have one." Rianna replied as she stretched out on a lawn chair.
"Ah.....I'll have four!" Billy laughed. Everyone looked at him funny then he explained, "Well if you're making them then I know I'll love them." Mac smiled and then Billy said, "I'll have two please."
"Great," Mac replied. "They'll be done in a minute." Billy walked over to where Raul was sitting and sat down next to him.
"So, what are your plans for the evening?" Billy questioned.
"Ah Rianna and I are going over to her parents house," Raul replied. "Why?"
"I was going to invite you to stay and watch movies with us," Billy replied. "But maybe another night."
"Sure." Raul replied.
"Mac," Billy called. "Are you up for watching movies tonight just the two of us?"
"Sounds great," she beamed. "Hey guys, the burgers are about done why don't you grab a plate."
"Yeah I am straving," Billy said. "I really worked up an appetite." He looked over at Mac and caught her eye and gave her a sly smile. She blushed and then glanced down at the grill. Everyone quickly sat down to eat and when they bit in they all groaned.
"These are great!" Rianna praised.
"Really?" Mac asked.
"Yeah." Raul replied.
"They're awesome." Billy smiled.
"Thanks guys." Mac grinned.
They all finished their food and then Raul stood and said, "Honey we should be going."
"Yeah we have to be at my parents by six," Rianna replied. "But I'll call you tomorrow, okay Mac?"
"Okay." Mac replied. And then she and Billy watched Rianna and Raul disappear through the gate.
"Well," Billy said. "It looks like it's just you and me tonight!"
"Yeah!" Mac said with a nervous smile as she looked up into his eyes.
Later that evening Mac walked back out of the pool house in jeans shorts and a maroon tank top. In her hand she carried her leather sandals and her bag.
"So are we going to watch a movie?" she asked as she ran her slim fingers through her still damp hair.
"If you want to." he said as he stood up from the edge of the pool.
"Yeah that's fine, as long as Brad and Ash don't mind watching Emily." Mac answered.
"Oh that's fine," he smiled. "I called them a while ago and they said Emily could just sleep over."
"If they're sure." Mac said hesitantly.
"They're positive," he said with a grin. "Now how about that movie?" Mac smiled as she walked next to him toward the house she felt him brush up against her and she shivered. "It felt so nice to be together again!" They walked into the house and headed to the den. "What do you want to watch?" he asked.
"I don't care," she replied as she sat down on the over stuffed couch. "You just pick something."
"Are you sure you trust me?" he teased.
"I think I trust you for now!" she giggled. Billy picked one out and popped it into the VCR .
"Ready?" he asked. And then the room went dark after he flipped the switch. Billy settled in next to her, but as the movie started to play they paid more attention to each other than the movie. Suddenly Billy lifted his arm and slid it across her shoulders and Mac jumped in surprise. She smiled nervously and tried to concentrate on the movie.
'Am I ready for this?' she wondered as she stared at the screen. 'I still love him but....' Just then Mac realized that Billy had chosen a scary movie and as a scary masked man jumped out of the bushes Mac leeped into Billy's arms. Billy grinned to himself and tightened his arms around her waist. She hid her eyes on his shoulder and stayed that way through most of the movie, glancing up occassionally to watch the non scary parts. Billy could only chuckle to himself, but he wasn't complaining and neither was she! Finally the credits scrolled across the screen and Mac peeked up at him. There was silence between them and then Billy suddenly pressed his lips to hers. Mac's hands went up around his neck and she pressed her body against his.
"I've missed you so much." he whispered.
"I've missed you too!" she gasped between their kisses. Their hands roamed and just when Billy thought he couldn't take it anymore there was a sound from the doorway. Mac jerked away from Billy and they both looked up to see John standing in the doorway.
"Sorry I didn't mean to interrupt." he said.
"No that's okay," Mac said with embarassment. "I need to be getting home."
"Are you sure?" Billy asked with passion still in his eyes.
"Yeah it will be nice to have a full nights sleep." she said with a smile.
"Okay," Billy frowned. "I'll have the limo driver take you home." As they walked to the door Billy took Mac's hand. "I'll see you tomorrow." he said.
"Yeah," she said and then she leaned in and kissed him softly. "Until then." Mac walked out the door and down to the limo waiting to take her home. Billy closed the door after it pulled away and walked back into the den.
"So..." John said.
"What?" Billy asked.
"I see that things are moving along smoothly." John replied.
"Yeah I guess." Billy replied.
"Just remember to take things slow son," John remarked. "You don't want to push her and make her run again."
"I know Dad," Billy replied. "I just......"
"Yes I know what you want, but she may not be ready." John frowned. "If you push her, you may loose her and this time it could be forever." Billy sighed and then walked to the doorway.
"I'll see you in the morning." Billy said over his shoulder.
"Goodnight son," John replied. "And bring that granddaughter of mine over tomorrow!" Billy smiled to himself as he walked up the stairs. There was no way he was going to sleep tonight, there was too much going through his head!