| Spring had arrived and new life abounded. Young foals scampered across the rolling blue grass and nature's splendor spread out across the city and countryside. And Colby blossomed as well. The baby continued to grow and she was beginning to show outward signs of her pregnancy. It was almost three months since that tragic night and ever so slowly her life returned to its normal routine. She was under the close watch of her doctor, with appointments schedule every three weeks. She begged him to let her continue working and he agreed only if she would stay off her feet as much as possible and get plenty of rest. Colby agreed and spent minimal hours at the shop, usually arriving around ten or eleven each morning and leaving by mid afternoon. She had two able assistants that she would trust with her life and they were as deeply concerned about her and the baby not to let her overdo it, but she needed to work. It helped to ease the pain she felt. Each day got a little easier but the nights were the worst and she still craved Rob's presence as she fell asleep each night. She longed for his arms around her and many mornings she woke with a wet pillowcase under her head. Dealing with Rob's family was another matter. As promised she called them frequently and met Catherine for lunch at a neutral location. Colby tried to steer clear of the house as much as possible. William and Garrett were up to something she was sure of it. Subtle inquiries had been made around town about her and the shop. Even her doctor mentioned that William had called him about her condition and how she was. Finally Colby confronted William and straight out asked him what he was doing. He feigned innocence and said that he was just concerned about her welfare and was only looking out for her. Colby didn't believe him but let it slide. She knew him well enough to know that William Spencer never did anything unless he was going to gain from the exercise. So Colby had her guard up and that was the reason for her appointment this morning. Rob had not felt the need for a prenuptial agreement, so when Colby learned of the amount of his estate she was astounded. She didn't need the money and instructed her lawyer to set it up in trust for the baby. The papers had been drawn up and signed weeks ago, but Colby wanted to be sure that the baby's future was secure, thus her trip to see her lawyer. He had assured her everything was in order and there was no way the Spencer's could challenge the document. It was legal and binding and would stand up in any court. She thanked him and said goodbye to Judy. She was about to push the front door open when it slipped out of her hand sending her envelope flying and Colby straight into the gaze of a pair of blue eyes. She nearly lost her balance when the young man grabbed her. Colby smiled and accepted the envelope he handed her. She murmured her thanks and walked to the elevator. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Brian watched as the petite woman stepped on the elevator. She smiled at him again as the doors closed. Her lips had curled up in the gesture but her eyes were sad. They had a far off look as if she longed to be somewhere else. Brian opened the frosted doors of the law office and went to the front desk. "Mr. Littrell, nice to see you," the receptionist greeted him. "Good to see you too, Judy. Please, call me Brian." He extended his hand giving her his trademark grin. "Wade will be right with you," she motioned for him to take a seat. "The woman who just left, who is she?" Brian was curious and was sure Judy would help. "Petite, looked like she could be in the early stages of pregnancy?" "Oh, you mean Colby Spencer," the receptionist confirmed. "There was a sadness about her, even when she smiled." Brian sat on the sofa and waved off the offer of coffee. "As there should be," Judy continued, "she lost her husband about three months ago. He never found out about the baby. Seems…" Judy caught herself as she heard the attorney's door open and Wade came into the large anteroom. When he saw Brian he headed straight for him. She smiled at Brian and turned back to her desk. "Good to see you again, Brian," he stretched his hand and grabbed Brian's in a hearty shake. "Come in. Judy would you please bring in some coffee." Judy nodded as the two men went into the office. Wade Harrington had been recommended to Brian. He wanted a local attorney to handle this real estate matter and Wade was highly regarded. He was honest and trustworthy and knew how to get the job done without any underhanded dealing. He was just what Brian was looking for to handle his personal affairs. Of course there were the lawyers that took care of all their Backstreet business dealings and they were good, but Brian wanted someone not connected to that part of his life. His office was typical of most attorneys. Large furniture with plush sofas filled the room along with expensive artwork and a smattering of impressive certificates on the walls. They sat on the sofas in the corner of the room with the windows behind them on two walls offering a beautiful view of the city and outlying countryside. They made small talk until Judy left the coffee. "I've got the preliminary document drawn up right here." Wade took the legal file and pulled out the blue-backed pages and handed them to Brian. "I need you to read them carefully and make sure everything is the way we discussed on the phone." Brian scanned the pages. "Is the closing still set for the fifth?" Brian placed the documents on the table. "Yes. Is there a problem?" Wade handed him a mug of coffee. "Well, I won't be here. I only got the call last night, a promotional thing. After that though I will be here for a while. I'm looking forward to the break." Brian raised his eyes to the attorney. "No problem. We can handle that here. No need for you to be present as long as you agree to the terms set forth here." He motioned to the papers on the table and made some notes on a legal pad. Brian sipped the coffee and placed the mug on the table. "Wade I know it's none of my business but the woman who was here right before I came in, what happened?" Brian looked intently at the attorney, wanting to know the details that could make someone so beautiful look so sad. "That's a tragic case, Brian. Colby's husband died suddenly a few months ago in a fatal car accident. Seems she had good news to tell him too." Wade closed the file he had been sorting. "He never found out about the baby she's going to have." He let out a sigh. Colby was like a daughter to him and he still felt a pain in his heart for her loss. "Why your curiosity Brian? Do you know her?" "No. I ran into her coming into the office. Her eyes, they were so sad." "She's a strong woman, Brian. I know she is still in pain but she has a strong faith. I know she will be okay as long as her in-laws keep their distance." Wade drank deep from his coffee mug and then placed it on the table. "I'm going to make sure that her affairs are stable and secure for her and the child." Wade caught himself. "I really can't say anymore, attorney/client privilege and all." He looked at Brian for understanding. Brian didn't expect this outpouring on Wade's part. Obviously he had personal feelings towards this young woman. "Wade, listen I didn't mean to pry. I don't want to jeopardize your professional relationship with your client." Brian took the papers and slipped them into the envelope on the table and went to stand up. "No. What I told you was basically common knowledge. Rob's death shook the family and it was in the papers even some of the legal stuff. She's like family to me and I only want the best for her. She has good friends and it seems that even Catherine Spencer has warmed up too and taken up Colby's cause as well." Wade realized he had started to ramble again. "Excuse me. Her plight has affected me more than I realized." He absently looked around and began to gather up the papers. "Are we done here?" "Yes. I apologize for asking. I won't say anything Wade. You have my word." Brian stood and shook his hand. "I'll call you on Monday to see how the closing went." Wade nodded and they walked to the door. "Thanks for everything." They shook hands again and Brian left. Wade stood daydreaming. Judy called to him twice before he answered her. "You okay, Wade?" "Yes. Just thinking about Colby. She's too young to have to deal with all this. Heck even Brian could see her sadness and he doesn't even know her." He shook his head. "Enough! She'll be fine I'm sure but I do worry about her." "She's got good people around her, with the exception of William and Garrett. I don't trust those two." Wade nodded in agreement. "Don't worry. I've got her back covered." He started back to his office. "Oh, mark your calendar. I've got a closing on Monday at eleven." Judy nodded and made the notation in her book. As they both returned to their respective tasks they each thought about Colby and how she needed someone in her life. Yes she was still mourning Rob's death, but she was young, beautiful and had so much love to give. It was just who? She may have had her one chance at lasting happiness. Well if someone was out there, they both hoped they found each other. Life was too short and she had much to give someone. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Colby walked in the front door of the shop and was greeted by her two friends. "Hey girl. What brings you here today? Thought you were meeting with your lawyer." Arlene came around the counter and hugged her. "I did and thought I would stop in and see how things are going." She picked up the mail and invoices thumbing through them. "Did the new shipment arrive?" Arlene nodded and pulled out the packing list and showed her. "Donna and I have to tag it, but we'll have it done by closing today." "That's fine. Looks like everything came in." She scanned the list to see that all the artists they selected had been delivered. When Rob had suggested opening the small art shop Colby wasn't sure at first. It had been her love and she had taken some art history courses in college, but sell it, Colby was hesitant. Rob convinced her she had the natural personality and eye for what people wanted. They knew they couldn't get original pieces by well known artists, but Rob told her that prints by the masters might work as well as giving local artists an opportunity to sell in the shop along with photographers. So they leased a small store near the university and after some minor renovations Colby opened her art shop. She offered a wide variety from Matisse, Renoir and Picasso along side the eclectic styles of some local dabblers. The first couple of years were slow and Colby was ready to throw in the towel, but Rob insisted on giving it more time. He had a head for business and sure enough by the end of their third year they showed a major profit. So here she was with a business to run and a baby on the way and Rob…well he was watching over her. She was bound and determined to show everyone that she was not giving up or into the Spencers. She would make Rob proud and their child too. Colby rubbed her back. Arlene noticed her stretch a bit and suggested she sit down. They went to the office and Colby sat down letting out a sigh. Donna brought a cup of tea and the three women discussed some business matters. They eventually called out for lunch and at three they sent Colby home. She told them she would see them tomorrow and they just smiled and in unison said not before eleven. Colby chuckled as she headed for her car. She loved those two, even if they were a bit over protective. Between Catherine and them, Colby knew they would never let her get too tired or run down. She ran her hand over her slightly swollen abdomen. She only wanted the best for this child and as much as she complained about their hovering and nagging, Colby was grateful to have such good friends that loved her and were here to see her through this pregnancy. She was a bit tired when she got home and rested on the sofa for a spell. It wasn't long before she fell asleep. But like most of her nights her rest was haunted with images of Rob. They were so real that tears fell on her cheeks as she slept. Just before she woke a pair of blue eyes emerged. They smiled at her and quickly faded leaving her with Rob's face shrouded in mist. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Brian drove out of town with the image of the woman at Wade's office still vivid in his mind. She was too young to be a widow and expecting a child to boot. He entered the drive and wound his way up to the old house. Next week this would all be his, the house, the land, the outer buildings, all of it. He had decided that this was where he wanted to plant roots. Lexington was home and Kentucky was in his blood. This old horse farm was much more than he needed but he was even considering raising horses. Louisville wasn't that far away and the thought of a Derby contender set his heart racing a bit. Of course the first thing was to get the contractors in to renovate the old homestead. The horses would come later. He poked around the outside of the house and wandered down to the overgrown paddocks. It was going to take a lot of work to get this place in condition, but there was plenty of time. With the Black and Blue tour behind them the group was ready for a well-deserved rest. They were all exhausted and Brian welcomed the idea of coming home. The renovations to the house would take about four months and then he would decide what to do with the rest of the property. Living at home with his parents would be a bit of a strain, but they had given so much to him over the years and his mom was just thrilled to have him home for an extended stay. The only thing missing in his life was someone to share all this with. Women had come and gone, some more serious than others but none of them really wanted a long-term commitment. Every time he thought he had met someone who could be 'the one,' the flame fizzled and he was alone again. He wanted to settle down and have a family but so far he had been unlucky in love. So for now, he was going to create a place for his enjoyment and escape, away from the hustle and bustle and frenzy of being a Backstreet Boy. As he continued his trek across the fields thoughts of his conversation with Wade came back. He said her name was Colby. Odd name for a girl, but she sure was pretty. It must have been devastating for her to lose her husband at such a young age. Brian hoped she would be okay. He sat down in a glade as the bluegrass waved in the soft spring breeze. That's what I want he thought lazily as he dropped back on the ground and gazed up at the deep blue sky. I want someone who'll love me and have my children, and then my life will be complete. He closed his eyes as the sweet smell of Kentucky bluegrass swirled around him. |