Chapter 13

Brooke stared out the plane’s window as the engines started. She was preoccupied and Deacon couldn’t seem to garner her attention. He took her hand in his and squeezed it but still she didn’t turn to him.

“Did I do something wrong?” He finally asked.

“What?” She asked turning to face him. “Oh no, no I was just thinking about Bridget.”

“Brooke not now, please don’t do this now.”

“She’s my daughter Deacon. Don’t ask me to just forget about her like she was some distant rival. She’s my daughter, my flesh and blood and I’ve betrayed her. Deacon I married her husband. She’s never going to forgive me. What have I done? How could I have been so selfish?”

“Bridget and I were a mistake.” He pleaded.

“To you, not to Bridget, never to Bridget.” Brooke sighed and wiped a tear from her eye. “How can I ever go home and face her? I never should have agreed to this.”

“You love me, I love you.”

“That’s not enough.” She said.

“So what are you suggesting?” Deacon asked.

“I don’t know.” She admitted. “I’m not so sure I can give you up.”

“That isn’t even an option. Damn it Brooke, I love you, I came all the way here to find you and I am not going to let you slip away. We will make her understand. She may not be happy at first but.”

“At first?” Brooke said loudly. “At first? Bridget is never going to accept us. You’ve put me in a position where I have to choose between the man I love and my daughter. Deacon I made the wrong choice.”

Her words felt like a knife in his heart. Deacon let go of her hand and turned away.

“Don’t hate me.” She said softly.

“Hate you?” He asked. “That would make it easy wouldn’t it?”

“I didn’t mean it like it sounded.” She said. “I said my vows and I meant them. I’m not denying my love, I’m just regretting my impulsiveness. We should have come home and talked to Bridget, given her time to get used to us. Now it’s too late. Now she’s going to find out everything at once and it will kill her.”

“You’re not going to end the marriage?” He asked.

“I love you.” She told him.

“That wasn’t an answer.” He said taking her hand again.

“It’s the only one I have right now.” She sighed.

Stephanie was in a good mood. Everyone noticed it but no one had a clue what had brought it on. She had come in to the office all smiles. Had even complemented Megan on her new dress. Eric had been thrilled with her attitude, this was the Stephanie he had known and loved and he hoped she stayed like this a long time. Only she knew why she was so happy. As she sat in her office sipping her strong, dark coffee her mind replayed the meeting the night before. The detective had found Brooke and as Stephanie had suspected she wasn’t alone. There was a man, but as of yet his identity couldn’t be confirmed, but that was unnecessary, she knew who it was. Brooke Logan was shacking up in the Caribbean with her daughter’s husband. Don Henderson, her detective had then left for Puerto Rico. He would email her pictures and from there Stephanie would decide whether or not to join him or to wait for Brooke’s return to savor her downfall, but downfall it would be. Brooke Logan would her hers, whatever Stephanie asked Brooke would have no choice but to comply with, either that or Bridget would learn all the torrid details. “Come on Don, call me, tell me you have what I want.” Stephanie said as she stared at her phone.

Bridget was running late for her first class of the day. She had tossed and turned all night. It had seemed strange sleeping alone. She had been married to Deacon and it hadn’t been long after that when Vincent had been her constant companion. She hoped he wasn’t angry. She didn’t want to end what they had, she just had needed some space. And now she doubted if that was what she had even craved. She was walking at a very fast pace when she heard someone call out her name. When she turned Vincent was running to catch up to her.

“Bridget wait!” He called.

She stopped in her tracks and smiled at him. “Vincent, oh Vincent I’m so glad to see you.” She dropped her books and opened her arms to him. He pulled her into a bear hug and kissed her.

“You’re not mad are you? I skipped an exam to see you.” He told her.

“You shouldn’t have done that.” She laughed. “But I’m glad you did. I missed you last night.”

“Enough for me to come home?” He asked hopefully.

“Vincent, do you think we’re moving too fast?” She asked instead of giving him an answer.

“Probably for you, but not for me. I was never in love before Bridget, but if you need to slow things down I’ll do it, I’ll do just about anything to keep you in my life.”

“I never intended to shut you out. I just needed a night alone.” She told him.

“So I can see you tonight?” He asked.

“Yeah.” She smiled.

“Bridget we can slow it down. I’ll stay at my own place, as long as we can see each other.” He said.

“You really don’t mind?” She asked. “Cause Vincent I really am going through some weird stuff.”

“We’ll do it all on your terms.” He said. “What do you say I take you out to dinner tonight? I think somehow we ended up not really dating and moving past it all. I do know how to wine and dine a girl.”

“Dinner and a movie?” She asked.

“Anything your heart desires.” He told her.

“Come over after school.” She said. “But I really need to get to class.”

“Okay Bridget. I’ll see you later.” He gave her a quick kiss and let her go.

“Bye Vincent.” She said with a broad smile.

“That sounds perfect.” Thorne said to Carlos. “I can see why Dad and Brooke are so high on you, you really know this business.”

“Why thank you Thorne, I just wish your brother and your mother would give me half the chance that you have. Honestly all that I want is for this company to be better than ever, and I am following all the things that Brooke and Eric have done before me.”

“Brooke left the company in capable hands. And I have to admit it was smart. At first I questioned her too, but now I see how it frees Dad and Ridge to do the things that they need to do. They would have been totally bogged down and nothing would be going ahead like it is now.” Thorne said to him. “Now I think we’re all set for the show on Friday.”

“We are. And how I wish Brooke could be here. This was her baby. I know the people from Victoria’s feel the same, but as long as Ridge is still vitally involved they are happy.” Carlos opened his notepad. “One thing though Thorne, have you convinced Sally to do us the favor?”

“Actually I didn’t but Sofia did.” Thorne laughed. “Sally still is no fan of mine. But she respects Sofia and since she has nothing going on herself she couldn’t really deny her request.”

“Sofia will be stunning in the showstopper.” Carlos said with a smile. “But I am worried about your father and brother again. They might not be as supportive.”

“Sofia is more than a model Carlos, she’s part of my life now and they’re going to have to get used to that too.”

“She is a beautiful woman and very intriguing too.” Carlos told him.

“That she is.” Thorne said. “She’s the first woman that I’ve been able to even, well you know Brooke was a hard woman to get over.”

“Brooke is exceptional.” Carlos agreed.

“I just wish I knew that she was alright. I do worry about her.” Thorne said in a wistful tone.

“I think she is just fine Thorne, just fine.”

Deacon tipped the bellman and turned to look for Brooke. He saw that she had stepped outside and was looking out at the ocean. The rest of the flight had been quiet, way too quiet. He was scared that he was losing her and he knew he couldn’t. He never expected to fall in love with her but he had, head over heels, and he was not going to let his marriage go without a fight. He watched as Brooke pushed a strand of hair away from her face. “You’re so beautiful.” He said. “You have to still love me Brooke, you have to stay with me.” He sighed and walked outside to join her. He came behind her and put his arms around her waist, pulling her against his body. He kissed the top of her head and took a deep breath. “It’s even prettier here than it was there.” He told her.

“Yes.” She said as she leaned back against his body. “It can almost make you forget your troubles, almost.” She sighed.

“We don’t have to have troubles, at least not now. Brooke I know it’s going to be difficult but we both knew that going in. We vowed to love each other, we vowed to honor each other. Damn it Brooke, don’t break those vows. Don’t throw us away without a fight.”

“It seems the fight has gone out of me Deacon.” She turned around and touched his face. “I do love you, please don’t doubt that. But we were so impulsive. We didn’t give a thought to Bridget and now she is all I can think about.”

“I never forgot about her.” He said. “But sometimes we have to look at the big picture. I’m not saying that she’s going to be fine about us. Hell, she’ll probably want to kill me. But she loves you and she isn’t going to turn her back on you.”

“But I’ve turned mine on her. Deacon she may never accept us. And what if we let ourselves love each other more and more. I already don’t know how I can let you go.”

“You’re not letting me go Brooke, that is not an option.” He pulled her to him and captured her mouth in a kiss. Brooke made no attempt to pull away but she didn’t respond either. Dejected he moved his mouth from hers. “Is this how it’s going to be from now on?” He asked.

“I don’t know.” She said as her eyes filled with tears.

“Okay Brooke, let’s go home and talk to Bridget. Let’s get it all out in the open. At least give us all a chance. Don’t write it off as a lost cause without even trying.” He begged her. Deacon let her go and walked a few feet ahead. “Look Brooke.” He said, pointing out to the water.

“What?” She asked. She walked up to him and he pointed again.

“See the turtle.” He asked her.

“No, where?” She squinted and tried to see what he was showing her.

“Wait, he went under.” He watched and then shouted. “There!”

“Yes, yes I see him.” Brooke smiled. “My God Deacon, it’s so big. Do you think there are a lot of them out there?”

“It’s called Turtle Beach so I imagine so.” He laughed. “I’d love to grab onto him and ride him.”

“No way.” She giggled. “That would be dangerous. What if he bit you?”

“I don’t think he would. I bet they’re friendly. Want to put our suits on and go find one?” He asked.

“I don’t want to swim where they are.” She said.

“Oh come on, be brave, besides, I’ll protect you.”

“You would wouldn’t you?” She took his hand in hers and held it tightly. “I’m sorry for how I’ve been acting. I’m just so scared. It all seemed to come to a head for me and all I can see is me losing my little girl.”

“You won’t lose her Brooke.” He promised. “I won’t let you. I won’t.”

“What can you do?” She wondered.

“I don’t know.” He answered honestly. “But you are far too important to me. I won’t let you suffer and I won’t let you leave me. Somehow I will make this all work.”

Brooke was silent for almost ten minutes and then she turned to Deacon. “I want to call Bridget.”

“Okay baby, why don’t you go in and do that.” He said in a sympathetic voice.

“I can’t.” She said as she welled up with tears. “This stupid place has no phones.”

“You have your cell baby, use that.” He told her.

“Yes, yes I have my cell.” She smiled and hugged him. “Thank you Deacon, thank you.”

“Brooke she’s okay, you know she is.”

“Maybe, maybe if I hear her voice I can relax. Maybe then I can be happy again.”

“I’d do anything in the world to make you happy.” He said sadly.

“I know you would.” She kissed him softly on the lips. “Just give me some privacy okay?”

“I’ll wait out here.” He told her. He walked to the chair and sat down while Brooke went back inside.

Deacon was upset, everything had been going so well. He and Brooke were happy, they were connecting and he felt like his life finally had meaning. Now he realized that his earlier mistakes could very well cost him the woman that he had grown to love more than anything. He knew that Brooke loved Bridget, he didn’t resent that or want to change it but he also knew that his former wife held his life in her hands. Could Bridget be forgiving enough to see that her mother was truly happy or would her resentment win over and ruin everyone’s lives? He felt a pain in the pit of his stomach. He wondered if Brooke intended on telling her daughter over the phone. Would his marriage be over today? Had he spent his last night in Brooke’s arms? He couldn’t think that way, he just couldn’t. He had never understood love, not until he had met Brooke. She had taught him more in the few encounters that they had then all the schooling in places of learning and out of them. He realized that he had not been a complete man before Brooke and without her he would always be missing something. “Please Brooke, please fight for us.” He said as he watched her through the window.

Brooke sat down on the couch and pulled her cell phone from her purse. She turned to look out the window at Deacon. She loved him, she loved him more than she thought it was ever possible but could she ever really have a life with him at her daughter’s expense. “Oh Bridget, you have to forgive me.” She said sadly. She punched in the number for the beach house and listened to the phone ring. Finally her daughter’s voice came on announcing that she wasn’t at home and to please leave her a message. Brooke hung up without saying anything. She needed to speak to her, to relate to her. She wasn’t sure how long she could go on this way. “Her cell.” Brooke said. She pulled out her address book and then dialed her daughter’s cell phone.

Inside her anatomy class Bridget was intently taking notes when the phone in her purse went off. “Shit.” She muttered, she had forgotten to turn it off. She pulled it out and whispered. “Hello?”

“Bridget, honey I can barely hear you.”

“Mom, I’m in class, can I call you back? Are you home?” She asked Brooke.

“Oh baby I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking.” Brooke said in a voice that was about to break. Bridget noticed her tone.

“It’s okay Mom. I’ll go out and we can talk.” She gathered her things and made her way as quietly as possible out of the classroom and outside the door. “Hi.” She said. “Mom is something wrong?”

“No baby, I just missed you terrible.” Brooke said as a smile crossed her face. Her beautiful daughter, just hearing her voice made things better.

“You sound really odd.” Bridget persisted. “Are you sure nothing’s wrong?”

“I’m just tired.” Brooke said, and she realized it was true. She was tired of running and hiding. She yearned for the simple life that she had had before. Maybe love and passion wasn’t all that it was made out to be, could she, should she have remained with Thorne? Bridget might be happy now if she had.

“Mom? Mom are you listening?” Bridget’s voice came thought and Brooke shook herself alert.

“I’m sorry, I guess I was daydreaming.”

“Well Mom, you got me out of class.” Bridget laughed.

“I’m sorry, you should go back, we can talk some other time. I think I just needed to hear your voice.”

“Mom you are really scaring me. You’re not yourself. Please tell me what’s wrong.” Bridget pleaded.

“I don’t mean to be so mysterious baby. I just got a little bit lonely.” Brooke looked out the window at Deacon. She wasn’t lonely, but she did miss her children.

“Why don’t you just come home Mom?” Bridget suggested. “I know things were hard on you with Ridge but I thought you guys got past that.”

“We did Bridget. But things are so complicated. I just wasn’t happy. I needed some time all alone.” Brooke explained.

“You don’t sound like you’re too happy being alone now.” Bridget protested.

“I just miss you.” Brooke told her. “And I didn’t mean to interrupt your school day.”

“I miss you too Mom. I wish you’d come home.”

“Is everything alright with you honey?” Brooke asked.

“Yeah, sort of.” Bridget said. “You know I told you about Vincent right?”

“What did he do to you?” Brooke gasped in fear.

“Mom stop! He’s wonderful. He’s great.” Bridget laughed, trying to calm Brooke. “It’s just that I was starting to have some doubts. Not about him, but I guess about me.”

“Why Bridget?” Brooke asked. Had Deacon made Bridget question herself? Her beauty? Her worth? Brooke suddenly looked out at the man she married in anger. Did she even know him?

“Well you know how bad I was when Deacon left me.” Bridget started.

“Oh God.” Brooke moaned.

“Mom calm down, nothing is wrong.” She insisted. “What I mean to say is that I think maybe Vincent and I got a little too serious too fast. I love him, at least I think I do, but well I met this guy Andy and I really like him.”

Brooke let out a sigh of relief. Her daughter was just being a normal, healthy teenager, what she had wanted for her all along. This wasn’t about Deacon, not directly. “Yes baby, who is this Andy?” Brooke asked.

“Just a guy from school. But he took me for coffee and we talked and laughed and I let him kiss me, well I didn’t exactly let him kiss me, I mean I kissed him too. I wanted to. Mom does this make me a slut?”

“Hmmm, advise from the expert?” Brooke asked her.

“Mom!” Bridget gasped in horror. “I would never say that or think that.”

“I’m sorry honey. I guess sometimes I believe my own press.” Brooke laughed. “Of course you are not a slut. You’re a beautiful young woman who should be dating lots of nice young men. What does your Vincent think about this?”

“I haven’t really talked to him about it. We had a fight, well not really a fight. I just told him I needed space. But then I missed him. Mom am I crazy? He’s so wonderful but still I just don’t know.” Bridget asked earnestly.

“You are NOT crazy. You just came out of a very bad but very intense relationship. It’s no wonder that you want to be sure, that you want to see other men. If Vincent is as special as you say then he will understand. And honey, when I come home I want to meet him, and this Andy too.” Brooke told her.

“Well I don’t know about Andy.” Bridget laughed. “But yes, I really want you to meet Vincent. Oh Mom, I wish you could meet someone as wonderful as he is. Or maybe you already have.” Bridget suggested.

“Wh,what do you mean?” Brooke asked with a nervous stutter.

“Thorne Mom. I know that I wasn’t supportive for you but maybe I was wrong. Maybe he really loved you and you loved him. Maybe when you come home the two of you can sit down and try to work it out. You loved him so much once.”

“Thorne.” Brooke sighed. “No honey, Thorne and I are all over. It won’t happen anymore for us. Please don’t get any of these ideas. I’ll be okay. We have a lot to talk about when I get home, but baby I am happy that you’re having fun. You are having fun aren’t you?”

“Yeah Mom. I really am.” Bridget smiled, realizing for the first time that she truly was. “Please come home soon Mom, I miss you.”

“I love you Bridget.” Brooke said as a tear ran down her cheek. “Honey can I ask you something?”

“Sure.” Bridget said.

“Deacon? Honey, do you still love him?”

“You know something Mom. For the longest time I thought I really did. I thought my life was over without him. But now, now I think I never did really love him. I loved being loved, I loved being his special woman, but I never was that. It was always Amber wasn’t it?” She asked.

“Amber? Maybe, I don’t know.” Brooke said.

“Anyway Mom, no, no I don’t love him anymore. So you really don’t have to worry about me. Just come home soon okay?”

“Okay baby, soon.” Brooke promised.

“Love you Mom.” Bridget told her.

“Love you too sweetheart.”

“Are you planning on going to the office at all today?” Taylor said as she walked into the bedroom. Ridge was still in bed, under the covers making no attempts to move at all.

“What the hell difference would it make Doc? With Logan turning the company over to Caicedo I have no reason to be there.” He fluffed the pillow and got into a semi-sitting position. “Why don’t you take your clothes off and get into bed with me?”

“As much as I’d love to I have a meeting with Thomas’s teacher. I told you how he’s been misbehaving lately.” She told him as she grabbed her hairbrush.

“He’s a little boy Taylor, that’s what they’re supposed to do.” Ridge said in an uninterested tone.

“No, that is not an acceptable answer. We’ve brought him up to respect his teachers and his elders and he’s doing neither. Not only that but he’s starting fights with the other little boys. I’m afraid that he might be trying to imitate you.” She told him.

“Me? You’ve got to be kidding.” Ridge said angrily.

“You’ve been pouting and complaining since Brooke left town and the children are easily influenced. I really wish you would try to hold your temper around them, bad habits are contagious.”

“Really Taylor, I think you are being a bit ridiculous here.” Ridge told her.

“Perhaps, but Thomas is at that age where he imitates your every move. Could you at least try and pay attention to it?”

“Fine, I certainly don’t want to fight with you. I get enough of that at Forrester.” He sighed.

“You’re really not going in?” She asked him.

“I can see no point. Carlos wants to do it all, let’s see if he can shall we?” He said with a laugh.

“That doesn’t exactly sound fair for your father.” She told him. She looked into the mirror and ran the brush through her hair.

“I have to think of myself Doc.” He said.

“Selfish if you ask me.” She said as she continued to brush her hair. “If you were my patient I’d be making a mint off you.” She added with a laugh.

“You think you’re funny huh?” He said. “Taylor I’m sorry, but with that idiot in charge I just can’t seem to get up any desire to work.”

“What about the showing?” She wondered.

“Brooke doesn’t care.”

“I didn’t ask Brooke, I asked you.” She reprimanded him. “You are proving my point from the other day. I really do think I have four children.”

“So you think I should swallow my pride and go in?” He asked.

“Yes I do. That’s your name on the building and on the fashions that go out. If you’re having a problem with Carlos then confront him. Maybe he’ll surprise you.” She told him.

“Hmmm, sounds like you have faith in him. But I don’t Doc.”

“I have faith in you.” She said with a kiss.

Deacon was watching a gull dive for a fish when Brooke came up and put her arm around his waist. “Thanks for being so patient with me.” She said softly.

“Baby I understand where you’re at, I do.” He told her. “Did you talk to her? Brooke, did you tell her about us?”

“I wanted to but I just couldn’t. I suppose it’s something better done face to face.”

“I have to agree with you on that. I think you and I need to sit her down and tell her, then we have to tell Rick and then the rest of your family. But Bridget does have to come first.” He rubbed her back and smiled. “So are you still my girl?”

“I’d be nuts to let go of a guy who knows me so well, who knows right and wrong and.”

“And loves you Brooke.” He added. “I swear I love you more than any of those fools ever did.”

“I think I believe you.” She sighed.

“So are we going to continue our honeymoon or do you want to go home?” He asked.

“I need a little more time with you Deacon.” She said.

“You have the rest of your life.” He was very worried by her last comment.

“I meant before it all comes out. After that we aren’t going to have much happy time.” She said with a smile.

“Every time I look at you it’s happy time for me.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly on the lips. “Dance with me.”

“Dance?” She giggled. “There’s no music.”

“I can make music.” He said. He then held her and started to slowly move with her. He put his mouth up to her ear and started to hum.

“What’s that?” She asked.

“Awwh, you can’t tell?” He asked in mock horror. “I guess I have to sing then huh?” He pulled her closer and started to sing to her. “Every time I see you and I look into your eyes There's a feeling that I get And it's way down deep inside, girl I've been trying to hold on, but you say this you're not sure I just hope you realize what my heart is going through.”

“Our song.” She smiled.

“Uh huh.” He said. “How long must this feeling go on How long must I stand the pain and How long, must this feeling go on Waiting for the night Waiting for the right time to come.”

“No more waiting.” She sighed. “I love you Deacon, I’m yours forever now.”

“Good.” He said with a kiss. Then he continued to sing to her. “I know all about the hurt and the problems in the past I know why you're scared of love, 'Cause you think that it won't last long Well, I'm here to tell you what I'm saying is all true There ain't nobody else in life That can take the place of you .” He kissed her again. “No one Brooke.”

“No one Deacon.” She sighed.

“How long must this feeling go on How long must I stand the pain and How long, must this feeling go on
Waiting for the night Waiting for the right time to run Why can't we just run away, and oh run A place where we can be alone and nobody finds us, run Can be both just run away, and oh run Girl, I can't wait to have you How long must this feeling go on How long must I stand the pain and How long must this feeling go on Waiting for the night Waiting for the right time to come, to come.” He sang to her.

“Is that what we’ve done? Run away?” She asked.

“Maybe, but we ran to each other too baby, and in the end it is all going to work out, cause I love you and you love me and they will all see it. Brooke they’ll see it and they won’t fight us anymore. And anyone who does, well the hell with them.”

“What if it’s Bridget?” She asked.

“It won’t be Bridget. She loves you so much Brooke and she’s always wanted you to be happy.” He insisted.

“With her husband?” She challenged.

“I’m not her husband Brooke, I’m yours.” He reminded her.

“Yes. Yes you are Deacon.” She said. She looked up into his eyes and found that his, as hers were filled with tears. “You really think she’ll accept us?”

“Not right away baby, but eventually she will. She’s going to be so happy in the life she has. I could have never made her happy. She’ll realize that and then she’ll see how I do make you happy.”

“And she’ll hate me for that.” Brooke said sadly.

“No, she won’t hate you. She might not understand it all at first but she’s so smart Brooke, she’s so smart she’ll see that we couldn’t fight it anymore.” He lowered his mouth to hers and kissed her. Brooke willingly opened hers to his, savoring his taste, his kisses and his love.

“I can’t live without you Deacon.” She told him.

“You don’t have to.” He promised. “We will work it all out baby, we will.”

When Don hadn’t answered Stephanie had initially been furious, but then she had calmed down. She knew he was working for her, he was following Brooke and he was going to catch her in her lies. She had left him two voice messages to call her. Now she was trying her best to be patient. Eric had come in and tried to carry on a conversation but she was so distracted that he had gotten annoyed and walked out. She wasn’t happy about that. She loved her husband and wanted to insure that he never felt that he came second. She decided then and there that after she spoke to Don she would plan a special evening for Eric. After all it would be a celebration, maybe one she was the only one who knew about but a celebration the same. Soon it would all be out in the open and Brooke would be out of their lives forever. Stephanie would be fair. She would pay a fair price for Brooke’s shares but she would get them. Brooke would have no choice, sell out or her secret would be first told to Bridget and then to the media. A smile crossed her face. It would be so delicious to see that end of the legacy of Brooke Logan. Eric and the boys might have some initial misgivings but once they had the company back, once they had the power back they would thank her. And she vowed to include Eric’s second family in her own. Rick and Bridget would need her love and support. Yes, life was about to be beautiful.

She got up and walked to her pitcher and poured herself a tall glass of ice water. She took a refreshing sip and looked out the window. This was once her kingdom and it would be again. The first thing she would do would be to reclaim her office. Then have it fumigated. She thought with a smile. The bed would be tossed into the trash where it belonged, along with it’s owner. Her thoughts were interrupted by the ringing of her private line. She walked over and picked it up. “Hello.” She said roughly.

“Mrs. F, it’s Don.”

“Don, good, you have news for me I assume.” She commanded.

“Yeah, but you’re not going to like it.” He said with resignation.

“No, no don’t tell me that you were wrong.” She said angrily.

“I was dead on, she was here, was being the operative word. But she checked out.”

“Well then you just have to find her don’t you?” She said.

“I’m already at work on that.” He told her.

“Her companion? Did you get his name?”

“She was registered alone.” He said. “Not only that but the help seems to have been well trained to be discrete.”

“I don’t think that will hold up when you offer them proper incentive.” She instructed.

“I’ve shelled out more than you initially approved but no go. She might have paid them off as well.”

“Did anyone at least confirm that she wasn’t alone?” She asked him. She was mad, very mad. Today was going to be the beginning of the end.

“One maid, a young kid, she told me she thought she saw her at the pool with a man, but that she didn’t think they she had ever met him before. Do you think she picked up a new lover Mrs. F?” He asked.

“No, I think she is traveling with Deacon Sharpe. You have to find them Don. And you have to find them quickly.”

“I don’t know if she’s on the island or not.” He told her. “There were no reservations in her name or his leaving Puerto Rico.”

“Is she smart enough to use an assumed name?” Stephanie wondered aloud.

“It’s possible your Mr. Sharpe is the one who did that. Do you think he knows we’re onto him?”

“No, no Deacon Sharpe does not live up to his name. He’s a common thug. Find them Don, find them today.” She told him.

“I’m doing my best.” He assured her. “I called my partner and asked him to get on the case too. She can’t hide long. We’ll find her for you, that’s a given.”

“Good Don, you keep me informed.” She said.

“Will do.” He told her.

She hung up the phone and looked at it in disgust. “You might have won this round Brooke but I am going to win the game, just you wait and see.”

Amber walked out of the bar. It was the fifth one she had been in and so far no one had even heard of Deacon Sharpe. She was feeling very guilty and she had to find him. Or was it more? She wondered. She envisioned his smile, his blue eyes and how he had laughed with her. Instinctively her hand went to her thigh, where her tattoo had been. “I cut out our bond.” She said. “But we could rebuild it couldn’t we?” She sighed and then frowned. “What am I thinking? I’m having Rick’s baby, I can’t be with Deacon, not anymore. But I can keep him away from the Spiderwoman.” She said. “And from Stephanie too. She looked down the boardwalk and saw another seedy looking bar. “Maybe this is the one.” She said as she headed towards it.

“Can I come in?” Eric asked Carlos as he stood outside Brooke’s office.

“Of course Eric, please do.” He said as he stood in respect. “Can I offer you anything?”

“Thank you no.” He said.

“You seem disturbed. Have I done something to cause you displeasure?” Carlos asked him.

“No, you haven’t. Actually it’s my son who has and I am here hoping to calm the waters.” Eric said as he sat in the chair in front of the desk.

“I understand Ridge’s anger Eric, but it is misplaced. I want nothing but good for Forrester, I always have.”

“I know that Carlos, I knew it the day I hired you and I was all for Brooke’s promotions throughout the years.”

“Ah but you do have misgivings about my coming here to the main company?” Carlos asked.

“Only that there is animosity.” Eric assured him. “You and I work well together and I think everything is running very smoothly.”

“Thorne is very helpful too Eric.” Carlos said. “I would like to have a better working relationship with Ridge though.”

“Maybe it’s useless.” Eric sighed. “Brooke was upset when I spoke to her. She doesn’t like seeing Ridge creating tension either. But I suppose it’s temporary.”

“Maybe not as temporary as you think.” Carlos told him.

“No?”

“I am going to ask Brooke to permanently assign me to the US. My son is here and we see so little of each other.”

“But you do understand that this position.” Eric started.

“It is Brooke’s and you are the president, si Eric. I do understand that. I would like to have a job similar to the one I have at International, if that is possible.”

“I thought your son was in New York?” Eric asked him.

“Si, he was but he has a chance to relocate here and he is considering it. I would like to remain close.”

“I’m sure something can be arranged. You’ve done a wonderful job in Brooke’s absence.” Eric told him.

“But I would like to fix things with Ridge. Eric, is there another reason he resents me so?”

“None that I know. I think his nose is just out of joint.”

“His nose?” Carlos asked.

“It’s an expression.” Eric laughed. “He was a little insulted that Brooke didn’t put him in charge, but she was right, he was needed in other capacities.”

“Eric I may have made a mistake. He gave me a design that was far inferior from his regular ones. I made some suggestions and he was very mad. Since then he has not had a word to say to me. I should have asked you to speak to him. I never wanted to insult him. I admire him greatly.”

“I’ll see what I can do Carlos. This is a family business and all our employees are family too.”

“I thank you my friend.” Carlos told him.

Brooke looked up at the ceiling fan as it turned round and round. The room was beautiful. Everything was done in subtle colors and the most expensive woods. The bed that she lay on was soft and comforting. She pulled the pillow higher and turned towards the bathroom waiting for Deacon. He had unpacked for them, called for a bottle of wine and then ran Brooke a bubble bath. He had lit candles and served her the delicious Chardonnay while she let the warm water wash away some of her tension. He had rubbed her back and then when she was done he had dried her and carried her to the bed. She had expected him to join her immediately but he had let her nap while he went for a swim. When he had returned he had greeted her with a kiss, another glass of wine and a promise of what was to come after he showered. Her body tingled in anticipation. She wanted him so badly. Never had a man had such an effect on her. She had loved Ridge so much and in their own ways Eric and Thorne too, but with Deacon it was so intense. Just looking at him made her dizzy with passion. She felt herself flushing when she realized that the intimate place between her legs was already moist and wanting. She touched herself to confirm it. “Oh Deacon.” She moaned. “Please hurry.”

“Thanks for meeting me.” Bridget said as Betsy joined her at the table. Bridget had been waiting at Mannequins for about a half hour for her friend.

“It sounded important.” Betsy said.
“It is.” Bridget sighed. “I think my Mom is losing it, I know I am, I love Vincent but I’m not sure where I want the relationship to go, I saw Andy again today and I said yes when he asked me out and now.” She said as she turned her attention towards the bar.

“Now what?” Betsy asked.

“See that guy?” She said as she nodded towards an attractive man. He had dark hair and eyes, he was tall and sexy, he seemed to have that brooding look and he was extremely handsome.

“Wow, yeah.” Betsy laughed.

“He keeps looking over at me.”

“Well you are pretty Bridget. But I think you have enough trouble with Vincent and Andy.”

“Yeah but look at him. My God doesn’t he look like a young Antonio Banderos?” Bridget asked her friend.

“Is that why you asked me to cut class and come here?” Betsy was stunned. She didn’t have a clue what was happening to her best friend.

“No, I really need to talk Bets, I really do.” She laughed. “Oh no, he’s coming over.” Bridget giggled.

Both girls were wide eyed as the handsome young man walked to the table.

“Hi.” Bridget said with a giggle.

“Hi.” He said. “I’m sorry if I’ve been staring at you but you look like the only friendly face in the place. I was supposed to meet my Dad here and as usual he’s late. So I just wondered if you could rescue me from Elvira over there and let me join you.” He asked as he motioned to a goth looking girl who was watching him.

“Sure.” Bridget giggled. “I’m Bridget Forrester and this is my friend Betsy Garner.”

“I’m Eddie, Eddie Caicedo.” He said as he gave her his hand.

“Caicedo? Where do I know that name?” Bridget asked.

“Not from me.” He said. “I’m from New York.” He told her.

“Vacation?” Betsy asked him.

“Sort of trying it out. My company is relocation my division. I have to decide if I’m ready to give up the Big Apple for Tinseltown.”

“California is great.” Bridget said. “Do you like it?”

“So far I do.” He said. “I like the weather, I like the beaches, I don’t like the smog, I don’t like the traffic but it does have it’s good points too.”

“What kind of name is Caicedo?” Betsy asked.

“My name.” Eddie answered. “No, actually we’re originally from Cuba but I spent most of my life in Europe and in New York.”

“You don’t have an accent.” Bridget said.

“I know, I worked hard not to. My Mom had a thick one and my Dad still does. But I think he uses it to charm the women.” He laughed.

“Are your parents divorced?” Betsy asked.

“My Mom died. My Dad never remarried. Me, I never took the plunge.”
“Lucky you.” Bridget said with a touch of sarcasm.

“You come from divorce?” He asked her.

“Come from it and did it myself.” She sighed.

“You? You can’t be old enough to be married and divorced.” He exclaimed.

“Thanks, so now I’m a kid?”

“No, that’s not what I meant. I just meant that you look too young to have gone through all that.” He said apologetically.

“Welcome to California.” She smiled.

“Excuse me, excuse me!” Amber shouted above the loud music and frantic talking to the bartender. He looked down at her pregnant belly and frowned.

“Ain’t supposed to serve chicks that are knocked up, don’t you know better?” He told her.

“I’m not looking for a drink, I’m looking for a man.”
“Looks like you already found one honey.” A bleached blonde with far too much makeup told her. She then blew smoke into her face and laughed.

Amber was not about to be discouraged. “Does Deacon Sharpe work here?” She shouted.

“Never heard of him.” The bartender told her. “Chickie we got a two drink minimum, so either order or get up.”

“A minimum in a dive like this?” She snorted. “Nah, Deacon would never work here.” She started to push her way out of the bar when someone grabbed her arm. “Hey!” She screamed. “Let me go!”
“You looking for Deacon?” A man with a scruffy beard and dark sunglasses asked her.

“Yes, do you know him?” She asked.

“I might, what ya got to give to me?”

“Please, just tell me will you?”

“He leave you this way?” The man laughed. “I bet he did. Tired of his Beverly Hills life and back to the biker chicks.”

“I’m not a biker chick and this is not Deacon’s baby, I’m his friend and I really need to see him. So can you help me?” She asked again.

“Nah, I know him from the Lair. He left there a while ago.” He told her.

“Then why did you stop me?” She asked angrily.

“Hey, just thought I might get a taste of old Deac’s action.”

“Pig.” She said as she pulled away from him. She pushed her way through the crowd and out into the sunlight. “Damn!” She shouted. “Where are you Deacon?”

Following his wife’s advice Ridge had gone to the office. He had walked past Megan and Thorne without a word, slamming his door shut. From there he had spent the next two hours staring at his blank sketchpad. “This is nuts.” He told himself. “Why the hell am I here if I’m just going to sit here?” He got up and walked to the window and looked out. “Logan, why did you do this to me? Why?”

“Don’t blame Brooke Ridge.” Eric said as he walked in.

“Hello Dad.” Ridge said. “And who else should I blame?”

“Try yourself. You need to improve your attitude. Nothing has really changed Ridge. Why don’t you do what you do best and design?”

“Because we have a stranger running our company! A stranger!” Ridge pounded his fist on the wall. “Why doesn’t this bother you?”

“Carlos is not a stranger. He’s a valuable member of the team, and he is a businessman. Ridge you are an artist, you do your best with your pad and pencils. Why is it so difficult for you to understand that Brooke didn’t want to compromise that?” Eric asked him.

“Because it wouldn’t have been a compromise. We could have done it both together Dad.”

“Yes we could have but Brooke felt that with her absence and the show coming up that your best place would be in the creative end.” Eric told him.

“Then why did she let that idiot tear my creative ideas apart? Answer that one Dad if you can.” Ridge sat down and stared angrily at his father.

“Could he have been right?” Eric asked.

“No way!” Ridge quickly shot back at him. He then got up and started to pace back and forth.

“Not a chance Ridge?” Eric asked again.

“It might not have been the best design ever but it was mine and it was my decision whether or not to produce it, that has always been my job, even Brooke never stuck her nose into my designs.”

Ridge walked to Eric’s desk, picked up a large glass paperweight and slammed it down on the desk. Eric jumped back with the sudden display of violence but the object remained intact, much to Ridge’s dismay.

“You are going to have to control that temper.” Eric said as he stood up and got right into his son’s face. “You’re acting like a spoiled child and I don’t like it one bit.”

Ridge looked down at the paperweight and then looked up at his father. “You’re right Dad and I’m sorry.”

“Then please, please son, work with me on this, help me make this showing a success. Don’t let Forrester down. I’ll be your liaison with Carlos if need be and you know Brooke will be back soon.” Eric implored him.

“I’ll try Dad, but Brooke better get home soon. I don’t know how much more of Caicedo I can take.”

They both turned at the knock on the door. “Open it will you Ridge?” Eric asked him.

Ridge walked to the door and opened it to see his youngest brother, Rick.

“Rick.” Ridge said with a pat on his back. “What brings you down here?”

“I work here Ridge.” Rick told him.

“Part time Ricky boy, shouldn’t you be in school now?” Ridge teased.

“No, my last class was over an hour ago.” He said. “Dad, have you seen Amber?” He asked Eric.

“Now what would she be doing here?” Ridge asked him.

“She knows I work here Ridge.” Rick said with a frown, then he turned back to his father. “Have you seen her Dad?”

“No, but maybe Stephanie has. I know they had lunch yesterday.” Eric said, scratching his head. “Is something wrong son?”

“Well she had a doctor’s appointment and I went home to take her and I can’t find her. I can’t believe she forgot about it. You know how important this baby is to her.” Rick told him.

“Yes, it’s the cement to keep her a Forrester.” Ridge said sarcastically.

“Knock it off Ridge.” Eric told his son. “Rick, I’ll have Megan make some calls and I’ll help you too.”

“Why do you hate Amber so much Ridge?” Rick asked with anger.

“It would be easier to list what I don’t hate about her. All I could say was she has nice hair.” Ridge goaded him.

“Hey! That’s my wife!”

“That’s your misfortune Rick, but if you want a good lawyer I have some names for you.” He turned to Eric. “I’ll see you later Dad. Bye Rick.” He smiled and walked out.

“That smug son of a bitch!” Rick shouted.

“Nevermind Ridge, let’s say we concentrate of finding Amber son.” Eric told him.

“I thought you’d never come out.” Brooke purred at her husband. He walked in from the bathroom wrapped in a towel around his waist. “You might want to lose the towel.” She grinned.

“Now that’s my Brooke.” He smiled.

“You put me in such a wonderful mood with all your pampering.” She told him. “I know things will be hard and scary but I almost believe we will work them out somehow.”

“We will, no matter what it takes Brooke. I’ll do anything to make it work out. I don’t want to hurt Bridget either. I promise you that I won’t.”

“Let’s not talk about Bridget right now.” Brooke told him. “I have honeymoon on my mind.”

“Baby that is music to my ears,” He said with a broad smile. “Can I get you some more wine?”

“Just you Deacon, all I need is you.” She said. She pulled back the sheet and showed him her inviting and ready body.

“Hallelujah!” He laughed. He pulled the towel off and dropped it to the floor. In three quick steps he was on the bed with her. He leaned over and kissed her deeply while his hands caressed and explored her pert breasts. Her nipples hardened on contact and she moaned her desire. “It’s more than just sex isn’t it Brooke?” He finally asked.

“I love you Deacon, don’t ever doubt that.”

“I won’t, never again.” He told her. “Now you just relax and let Deacon show you how much he loves you.”

“Mmmm, that sounds wonderful.”

She lay back and he pulled her arms up and placed them around his neck. He straddled her body with his knees on the mattress. Brooke moaned as his erection strained towards her womanhood. She wanted him so badly.

“Oh Deacon, please, please.” She begged.

“You’re so ready for me baby.” He smiled. He reached between her legs and stroked her softly. “So wet, so wild, so wonderful. Brooke I was so scared.”

“Shhh, no talk of that, I’m here, I’m with you, only love Deacon, only love.”

“Yeah.” He said. “Are you in the mood for a little adventure?” He asked.

“What kind of adventure?” She asked with her characteristic squint.

“God I love when you do that.” He laughed.
“Do what?” She asked with another squint.

“You don’t even know, that’s what makes it so sexy. So Mrs. Sharpe, are you ready to rumble?”

“I can handle all you got to give out.” She said.

“Are you sure?” He teased.

“Try me.” She said in a sexy voice.

“Okay, then I think I will. Now just go with it Brooke, but if you don’t like it tell me and I’ll stop.”

“What wouldn’t I like?” She asked. She was curious, a little scared and a lot turned on. To her dismay Deacon got off of her and off the bed. “I am already not liking it.” She moaned.

“Patience.” He said as he went to the dresser and started to rummage through the drawers.

“What are you looking for?” She asked.

“You’ll see.” He said. “Just give me a second.”

“I’m really ready Deacon, I really want you.”

“You’ll get me.” He said. He came back with a handful of colorful material.

“What’s that?” she asked.

“Are you really ready to experiment?” He asked.

“Hmmmm, what do you have in mind?” She asked.

He took her right arm and kissed it starting at the shoulder and working his way to her hand. Then he picked up one of the pieces of cloth and wound it around her wrist. It was a soft, silky scarf and it felt sensuous as he worked it on her.

“Are you doing what I think you are?” She gasped.

“Are you game?” He asked. He was scared. Maybe he had gone too far. Brooke was so sophisticated, so beautiful and so sexy. If he had offended her or scared her off he’d never forgive himself. He looked into her eyes. “I’m sorry baby, I’ll stop if you want me to. I just thought we could have a little fun with it.”

“Do I get to do you next?” She giggled.

“Shit.” He moaned. “I am going to really love this.”

“Not too tight.” She said.

“No, never, I don’t want to hurt you at all. I’ll make it loose enough not to hurt but tight enough so you can’t stop me.” He smiled.
“Why would I want to stop you?” She said in a sexy voice.

“Cause I am going to take you so far you might not be able to take it.” He winked.

“Oh God.” She moaned. She lifted her arm and let him tie it to the bedpost.

“Now the other.” He said.

“Kiss it like you did the first one.” She commanded.

“Now I’m in charge now Brooke, when we trade places you give the orders.”

“Please.” She said in a soft voice.

“Ummm, since you asked so nicely, how can I refuse.” He lifted her arm and kissed his way down. Once he was done he tied it to the other bedpost.

“Do my legs too.” She said.

“You are kinky aren’t you?” He laughed.

“Hell Deacon, why not go the whole nine yards?” She giggled.

“Brooke you are amazing.” He told her.

“You’re not bad yourself.” She said with a grin. She lifted her right leg up to him. “Same routine please.”

“Ummm, and I know where you want me to start.” He took her leg in his hands and caressed it. He started to lick and kiss her inner thigh. Brooke moaned and tried to arch herself towards his mouth. “Oh no baby, this is going to be long, sweet torture.” He promised with a laugh. She wanted him so badly but she was already enjoying everything he was doing to her. When he got to her foot he sucked each toe. She had never felt anything so oddly erotic. When he tied the leg to the bed she lifted her left one to him, dying for more of his administrations. “This is just the preview Brooke.” He told her.

“Hmmm, preview of coming attractions.” She said, putting a deep emphasis on the “coming.” Deacon chuckled and started on her left leg. This time he teased her by letting his tongue graze her throbbing nub.

“Oh God.” She moaned. But already he had moved on. She moaned and thrashed as he made a sensuous trail down her thigh and leg. He spent what felt like an hour on the inside of her knee, Brooke had never known it was such a pleasure point but she felt herself growing wetter and more ready as he went on. When he finally got to her toes she was already so out of control and so in need she wasn’t sure that she should have agreed with him. She wanted to be loose, to have her legs wound tightly around his waist. “Deacon.” She moaned. “I don’t know if I can do this.”

“Am I hurting you?” He asked. He gently let her leg down.

“No, but I really need you, I really do.”
“Oh Brooke, we’ve barely started.” He smiled. He picked up her leg and made the final tie.

“Deacon Sharpe, I am going to torture the hell out of you when it’s my turn.” She told him.

“I sure hope so.” He said as he made his way between her legs.

Stephanie Forrester looked around the Café Russe. It wasn’t very crowded yet, that was how she liked it. A smile crossed her face as her daughter-in-law came in and joined her.

“Taylor I am so glad that you had time to meet me.” She said after she greeted her with a kiss.

“Time is all I have lately. Oh Stephanie, the kids are getting so independent. They don’t need me around all the time. Frankly I’ve been so bored.”

“Ahhh, maybe it’s time for another little addition to your family.” Stephanie said with a gleam in her eyes.

“Bite your tongue.” Taylor laughed. “I really think my baby days are over. We have the perfect family right now. Actually I’ve been thinking about reopening my practice.”

“What does Ridge think about that?” Stephanie asked her. She knew that Ridge had not been happy the last time his wife had gone to work, and with Brooke and Thorne over if Taylor was out of the picture she could well imagine that slut setting her sights on Ridge again. She had to stop Taylor from doing something stupid.

“I haven’t spoken to him yet but I’m sure he’ll be supportive.” Taylor told her. “Have you ordered yet?”

“Just some iced tea, I ordered some for you too.” Stephanie said.

“Thank you.” Taylor picked up her water glass and took a sip. “I’m really anxious to do something again. As rewarding as motherhood is sometimes I don’t think I’m living up to all my potential.”

“Oh pooh.” Stephanie laughed. “You are a wonderful mother, I don’t know why you think you need to work. What are you trying to prove?”

“I’m not trying to prove anything. I just like to feel useful. Anyway, it’s just a thought. I don’t even know if I’d be able to reestablish a patient base at this point. I’ve been out of the loop a long time. I also have considered taking a couple of classes. Things have changed and it never hurts to keep yourself up to date.”

“School might be fun.” Stephanie said. She thought that if she could get her to take one or two classes that Taylor would still be there for Ridge.

“You’re thinking about Brooke aren’t you?” Taylor asked.

“I never could get one over on you honey.” She smiled. “Yes, I am. Brooke hasn’t got a man right now, at least not a suitable one or a Forrester. If you are unavailable to Ridge you know Brooke will jump right in. She thinks nothing of the institution of marriage, not ever her own.”

“No she doesn’t.” Taylor agreed. “But to he honest I feel a little sorry for her. It seems no matter what she does she’s just never happy. I did try to talk to her.”

“A waste of time.” Stephanie clucked.

“No, not really. She listened to me, she opened up. For the first time ever I even thought we might be friends.”

“Don’t be foolish Taylor.” Stephanie warned.

“Well maybe not friends, but friendly. She didn’t have a hidden agenda, she was very sad and lonely. I wish I could have helped her. I’m not sure if her little self exile is a good idea.”

“Humph.” Stephanie laughed.

“What?” Taylor asked.

“Nevermind, I’ll tell you when I know more. I just am not buying the little exile story, not this time. She’s played that card far too many times for me.”

“Maybe.” Taylor agreed. “But I do feel badly for her. I just wish for once she could meet a man that she could love and he could love her and there weren’t always so many complications.”

“Brooke Logan thrives on complications, those and Forrester women’s men.” Stephanie said. “But enough about her, I came for a pleasant lunch.”

“And so did I.” Taylor smiled. “So tell me, how are you getting along with Carlos Caicedo?”

Amber was hot and tired. She had gone into more bars today than she had in her entire life, but so far no one knew a thing about Deacon. She wondered why she was so concerned about him. Perhaps it was her guilt in opening the whole can of worms to Stephanie. She really hoped that whatever had gone on with him and Brooke was over. She hated Brooke and she didn’t even like to think about Deacon with her enemy. “She’s your mother-in-law.” She reminded herself. “Rick loves her. You have to try to get along with her.” But how? She wondered. Brooke had never given her a chance and she probably never would. They had gotten off on the wrong foot and it had never improved. Any chance that Brooke had ever seen to bring another girl into Rick’s life, she had. “But he’s mine now, and I’m having his baby.” She said touching her belly. “Oh no! My appointment!” She gasped.

“I’m sorry if I chased your friend away Bridget, if you want to go after her I won’t be offended.” Eddie apologized.

“No, she had a class. She was only meeting me cause I begged her.” Bridget smiled. “I’m enjoying the company right now.”

“As am I.” He agreed. “It’s hard when you come new to a town and only know a couple of coworkers.”

“And your father.” She reminded him.

“Yes, and my father too.”

“So did you get through to him?” She asked. Earlier Eddie had excused himself to try and call him.

“I got his secretary. He was called into a meeting. But that happens all the time, I’m used to it. I just told her to tell him that I’d call him tomorrow.” He explained.

“Why not meet him for dinner? He has to eat doesn’t he?” Bridget asked.

“Actually I was hoping to have dinner with a cute little strawberry blonde.” He said with a smile.

“I’d love to.” She instantly agreed. Her date with Vincent completely forgotten.

“God, I wish I hadn’t quit smoking.” Deacon said as Brooke untied the final scarf from his wrist. “You are one hell of a woman. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I could experience something so wonderful.”

“It was great wasn’t it?” She giggled. “When you first came out with those scarves I was a little leery, but wow, I mean wow.”

“It was fun having total control of each other wasn’t it?” He asked.

“You know something Deacon. I didn’t feel like I controlled you or you controlled me, I just felt like we were both giving each other the ultimate pleasure.”

“We were.” He said. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. “Brooke I have never been so happy, never.”

“I just wish.” She sighed.

“I know baby, I know, but I promise we’ll make it all work out.”

“I can forget for awhile, I mean when we’re making love all other thoughts are gone.”

“And then reality sets in.” He said, completing her thoughts.

“And I have to think about what I’ve done and the pain I’ve caused.”

“You haven’t caused any pain Brooke.”

“No, not yet. But that’s only because she doesn’t know. Once she does Deacon.”

“She doesn’t love me Brooke.”

“I’m not so sure. She says that but I know what it is to love you.” She looked longingly into his eyes.

“She never loved me like you do Brooke.”

“She was a child, a virgin. Deacon of course you didn’t have the sexual experiences with her that you do with me.”

“You really don’t think this is all about sex do you?” He asked her.

“Sex is what brought us together.” She sighed.

“But it became love, real, strong, true love. Brooke I love you, I love you with all my heart and all my soul. I need you to believe that.”

“I do, I’m just saying that maybe if the sex wasn’t so good.”

“Sex is an important part of love and marriage, but I’d love you without the sex, now that I know you Brooke I would love you if all I could ever do was stare at your picture.” He said honestly.

“We can’t hide forever.” She said.

“I’m not hiding, I’m honeymooning.” He said.

“But the honeymoon can’t last forever.” She said sadly. “And we really do need to face reality.”

“Together Brooke, we’ll face it together. And then our honeymoon WILL last forever.” He promised with a passionate kiss.

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