| Colby’s instincts were right. The next morning there was a news brief in the Herald Leader about them and over the next few weeks they were seen on Entertainment Tonight, Hollywood Insider and in the pages of People and even Teen People magazines. Colby saw herself coming and going. Brian seemed to take it all in stride but this was all so new to Colby. And to make matters worse Arlene and Donna had even posted the pictures in the office at the shop. She tried her best to go about her normal routine but she became wary of every strange car that drove down her street or unfamiliar people she would see at the market. It was almost worse than William’s investigator because she wasn’t sure how many people were following her. Brian did his best to allay her fears and just like he said as Thanksgiving approached someone else had taken over the media’s attention and they became old news, for the time being anyway! And amidst all this Colby settled some personal issues as well. With the loss of the baby and her breakdown and recuperation she had let her personal affairs slide. Her first order of business upon their return was to meet with Wade and go over Rob’s estate again. The trust for their child was dissolved and Wade told her that financially she was set for the rest of her life. Colby still felt she had no need for Rob’s money and she asked him for advice on how she could disburse the estate. Wade agreed to look into various options, but he also told her this money was hers and she shouldn’t feel the need to divest herself of it all. She appreciated his concern for her welfare and she knew that Rob would want her to use the money for her own needs, but her own trust from her parents was more than adequate. Wade understood and complied with her request. He would let her know as soon as he had some alternatives prepared. She also spent time with Catherine who was delighted about her and Brian. She asked about their time together at the beach and Colby hedged but eventually shared with Catherine some, but not all, of the intimate details of their week together. Catherine could see how she had returned to the young woman she remembered. Gone were the dark circles under her eyes to be replaced with a sparkle and light that radiated from her face. She was just glowing and Catherine knew that Brian was the reason. Yet she felt that somehow William will still trying to sabotage Colby’s life. Since Colby’s accident Catherine had been torn between her loyalty to the girl and her husband and son. William had still not accepted responsibility for his actions and as for Garrett, he went about his days as if nothing had ever happened. As much as Catherine was angry with William, she still loved him. She missed his presence in bed every night, even though it had been a very long time since they had shared the more intimate pleasures of the marriage bed. He had done the usual begging but there was no hint of remorse, regret or repentance for his actions. And as a result it only made Catherine all the more suspicious of his actions. He was still out to ruin Colby. But Catherine was tired. She had come down with a cold as soon as Colby had left for the beach and even though she was now feeling better it had taken its toll on her. She was just not up to shadowing William’s every move to find out what he was planning. She warned Colby to watch her back and be prepared. William was still on the prowl, but for what reason? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ No decision had to be made as to where Colby would spend the Thanksgiving holiday. She knew that Brian wanted to be with her, but she felt that Catherine shouldn’t be alone. However, it was taken out of her hands, when Catherine announced she was spending the weekend with her niece in Louisville. So with Catherine away, it was understood that Colby would spend the holiday with Brian and his family. He wouldn’t take no for an answer. Colby woke that morning, butterflies in her stomach and a headache. She hadn’t slept well worrying about this family gathering later in the day. She took her time bathing and dressing wanting to make a good impression on the most important people in Brian’s life. He arrived right on time looking so handsome that Colby’s stomach lurched again. She expressed her concerns but he assured her that everything would be fine and they were all going to just love her. He promised to stay by her side and if she felt the least twinge of anxiety to just look at him. And as usual Brian was right again. All her worrying was for naught. It was a simple family gathering. Kevin and his mom and brothers stopped by in the evening and she was so glad to be a part of it all. And as they left, Jackie told her not to be such a stranger and come and visit more often even suggesting that they come for dinner on Sunday. Brian leaned over and whispered, “See I told you.” He kissed her cheek and told his mom they would be there. Colby truly felt it was one of the best Thanksgivings she had ever celebrated. It had been a nice day and as they drove home she began to relax realizing how silly she had been to fret over how she would be received. She closed her eyes as the gentle movement of the car began to lull her that she was almost on the verge of nodding when the car came to a stop and Brian turned off the engine. Colby opened her eyes to find them at Brian’s house. He got out of the car and came and opened her door. “Brian, what are you doing? I’m so tired. You were taking me home.” She didn’t move but he leaned down and took her hand gently tugging, forcing her to get out of the car. “We are home.” He pulled her close. “I want to sleep with you next to me tonight.” She went to protest and he put his fingers to her lips. “No arguments. I haven’t made love to you in almost a week and I know I could take you home and maybe even make love to you there, but I don’t want to leave you. I want to hold you in my arms as you fall asleep and have you next to me in the morning so we can make love again.” He grinned slyly. “I shouldn’t. You know that. I thought you understood no staying the night. We agreed.” He started towards the house and Colby followed him slowly. “No Colby, you agreed. I didn’t. I have just honored your request reluctantly.” They reached the door and he turned and looked her square in the face. “This is my house. I want you to stay with me tonight.” He put the key in the lock and pushed the door back. Colby hesitated, looking from him to the house. She had missed him terribly. Their opportunities for making love had been limited since their return from New York. She had grown accustomed to having him sleep next to her too and just the thought of being with him set her heart racing. She wanted nothing more than to spend the night and sleep in the warmth of his arms. “Bri…” “Please Colby.” It was barely a whisper. The light on the back of the house cast shadows across his face but Colby could see his eyes afire with passion and her body tingled at the thought of his hands on her. She slowly stepped inside. Brian followed turning off the lights and locking the door. They silently moved through the house to his bedroom. It was bathed in the moonlight. He came slowly towards her, her heart pounding in rhythm with each step as he got closer. Brian wasted no time. He engulfed her in his arms devouring her mouth as he slowly discarded her clothing, piece by piece. He took his time that night, lingering over every soft curve and contour of her body. And when they finally climaxed their bodies shuddered with their release, with Brian collapsing on her, and both of them covered in a thin coat of sweat. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Some days she felt like a giddy schoolgirl and others she was just wary of what everyone was saying about her, but Colby was never happier. She hadn’t felt this way in a long time. She was becoming insatiable where Brian was concerned. He had reawakened her need for the more intimate side of love and she would feel herself daydreaming about him. Arlene found her a couple of times lost in her thoughts and when asked Colby just blushed at the scenarios that had been running through her head. But as much as she wanted to live in her fantasy world, where it was just she and Brian, the real world beckoned and Colby couldn’t turn away from the pressing needs of work and family. The events of late summer, at times seemed like a dream and Colby worked hard each day to try and forget. William’s plan seemed like some plot out of a gothic novel and since the baby’s funeral she had not seen or spoken to him. But with Christmas approaching she found herself thinking what this holiday would have been like for her and Rob and baby if circumstances had been different. When this happened, she wound up crying totally immersed in the past. On one such occasion Brian arrived at the house and found her all curled up on the sofa in the back room, sobbing uncontrollably. She fended off his help and even screamed at him to leave her alone. He backed away, frightened by her outburst and left her alone. Hours later she arrived at his house, her eyes bloodshot and her face blotchy. She could barely look at him as she apologized for her behavior. Brian had been worried but he knew he would only make matters worse if he had stayed. He had to love her enough to let her work through her lingering grief. He took her in his arms whispering soft words of love and understanding. He hated to see her in such pain and wished there was some way he could make it go away. Later, as they lay entwined, after making love Colby told him she had left a message on Laura’s voice mail. She would start her sessions again. She needed to. He had thought about suggesting it himself, but was glad she had made the decision on her own. “That’s a good idea.” His lips brushed hers. “I will help any way I can. You know that.” She nodded nestling closer to him needing the security of his body close to hers. “I thought I was doing so well. I mean I haven’t forgotten and I never will, but the pain was lessening.” She traced her finger along the tattoo on his arm, weaving through the intricate pattern. He lifted her chin. “It’s bound to hurt more with Christmas coming. Even if the words aren’t spoken, Christmas means family coming together. It’s only natural for you to want that too. You won’t be alone. I promise. We’ll spend Christmas together. I’ll be right by your side.” Tears began to well in her eyes. “I love you Brian.” She kissed him softly. “I don’t know what I would do if you weren’t in my life.” She wiped her cheeks, sniffing back the rest of the tears. “Well, you will never have to find out.” He pulled her close and Colby could feel his desire rise as their bodies touched. She stayed with him that night clutching him tightly as sleep finally overtook her. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Laura was able to work Colby in the next day and she went back to visits twice a week. Talking with the counselor gave Colby the objective help she needed. Her friends and Brian were wonderful, but Laura didn’t gloss over anything and made Colby go deep insider and pull up all the pain and anger that was still there. By the week before Christmas Laura had cut back Colby’s visits to once a week. Colby looked forward to the sessions and could feel how much better she was as Christmas drew closer. It was still going to be tough, not being able to buy toys and gifts for the baby and it tore at her to see others as they shopped for the children in their lives. It was something Colby felt she would never experience. She had her chance and it was gone. But the week before Christmas Colby decided there was something that could help her deal with this holiday. She convinced Brian to take her tree shopping. It was late on a Saturday and a cold, blustery day at that. Flurries were predicted and the sky was steel gray. Brian wasn’t sure this was a good idea but Colby had her mind made up. She wanted a Christmas tree! She knew how he felt about them being together for Christmas. They had gone round and round about her being with him, but she would not budge. “Come on,” she coaxed as she got out of the car, “it will be fun.” Brian followed as Colby entered the tree lot. He wanted nothing more than to buy a Christmas tree with her, but she said she wanted one for her house too. He wanted her with him on Christmas. The idea of her having a tree made him realize she was sticking with her decision. “Brian,” she called as he lagged behind. Colby came and grabbed his hand pulling him along through the maze of evergreens. “You know you’ll need a tall tree for that room What about this one?” She pointed to a Balsam Fir that must have stood nine feet tall. “And how do you propose we get it back to the house?” She could be so determined, and he loved her for all her stubbornness. “They’ll deliver it.” She pinched his cheek as she nodded to the clerk and pointed to the tree. “Now let’s find one for me.” Colby moved off and took him by the arm. “Let’s not. Stay with me for Christmas.” He held her close and Colby could see his breath as his mouth hovered near hers. He brushed his lips across hers. “We’ve been through this already. I can’t. It wouldn’t be right and I want a tree. I know the old biddies in town wouldn’t approve saying I shouldn’t want all the trappings of Christmas this year but I don’t care. I want a tree. I need this. I can’t wake up Christmas morning without a tree. It would be too hard to bear.” She could see the disappointment on his face. “We’ll decorate it and I’ll help you with yours too.” She took a breath and let out a sigh seeing the sadness on his face. “I love you but I can’t stay in your house. It just wouldn’t be right.” She ran her hand along his cheek. He took hold of it and looked deeply into her eyes. “Colby, please.” His eyes bore into hers. “I don’t want to spend Christmas apart. I want you with me on Christmas morning. I want to wake up with you in my arms and make love to you and have breakfast with you. I want to spend the whole day together.” “We’ll be together Brian, I promise.” She kissed him lightly. “When?” He sounded like a whiny child. This was a side she had never seen and it surprised her. “Brian, what’s gotten into you? This isn’t like you at all.” She pulled away from him and continued to walk down the row of trees checking them all out trying to find one that suited her. He caught up and pulled her around, her body slamming into his and her breath escaping her in a white cloud. “I want you with me that’s all.” He brushed his fingers along her cheek. His touch was tender compared to the force he had just used in pulling her into his arms. “I love you and I want to spend every waking and sleeping hour with you.” His words, so serious, cut through the cold evening air like a knife. He held her tight and she looked into his eyes, bright and piercing. “And we will. Please, I don’t want to argue with you about this. Don’t ruin everything, please.” She went to slip from his embrace, but Brian held her tight. She squirmed. “Brian, let me go.” She pushed at his chest. “Please!” He released her. Colby walked away tears stinging her eyes. What was wrong with him? He knew she couldn’t just move into his house, even for a few days. She was out on a limb as it was declaring her love for him. She couldn’t give him any more, not yet anyway. She walked among the rows of trees, the smell filling her head. Suddenly she broke down, letting the tears fall and her body shook. So much for working through all the pain, she thought. There were supposed to be three stockings over the fireplace this year and now. Arms engulfed her, as she cried. Soft words fell on her ears as Brian’s hands rubbed slowly up and down her back. “Colby, I’m sorry. Shh, baby, don’t cry.” He lifted her face and wiped her cheeks. “I just love you so much that I want to be with you all the time. My love for you is clouding my judgment.” That look, like a lost puppy, it broke Colby’s heart. “I won’t push any more. I promise.” She nodded but knew him too well. For now he would leave it alone, but Colby knew she hadn’t heard the last of his wish. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ It was the day before Christmas Eve. Colby finished wrapping the last of the few gifts she had purchased and placed it under the tree. The six-foot Fraser Fir stood in the corner. Brian had come over the day after they purchased it and had helped her decorate it. He had expected to see elaborate ornaments and ribbons, but was surprised when a bowl of popcorn sat on the coffee table and a spool of string along with boxes containing a collection of homemade ornaments. Colby had made a pot of chili and they played all the Christmas albums and sang along as they trimmed her tree. The next night they did the same thing at Brian’s. Jackie gave them a box of ornaments Brian had made in school and they filled in the rest of the tree with popcorn, tinsel and plenty of lights. She was feeling a bit down and knew it was normal. The next couple of days would be the worst but she would manage. She had to. It was nearly five and Brian was coming for dinner. She packed up all the wrapping paper and ribbon and put the box back in the closet. She was about ready to start their dinner when the phone rang. He’s probably running late or something she thought as she took the phone off the hook. “Hello.” “Mrs. Spencer?” “Yes.” “I’m calling from St. Joseph’s Hospital.” Colby sucked in her breath. Oh God, there’s been an accident. Brian’s hurt. Her heart began to pound in her chest. I can’t do this again. Please God, no, not again! “Yeesss,” Colby answered fear gripping her. There was a momentary silence and then she heard the back door and Brian’s voice filled the room. “Colby?” He saw her in the kitchen. She looked liked she had seen a ghost. Tears welled in her eyes. “What’s wrong, baby?” The voice on the other end of the phone came back. If Brian was okay, who could be…and then, as if a cold hand gripped around her heart, she knew. She listened as the nurse spoke. Tears ran down her cheeks. Oh God, no. She hung the phone up. Colby didn’t move. She wiped her cheeks and looked at Brian. “It’s Catherine.” He took her in his arms as she broke down and cried. |