Chapter 35

After a fitful night sleep and the day from hell at work, Faith sighed as she pulled in her driveway. As she shut the car off her purse started ringing. She fished through and found her phone. She didn't recognize the number but answered anyway. "Hello?" "Hey Faith, it's Jon." He had found five minutes and decided to call her. She had almost forgotten that he was going to call her. "Hi Jon, how are you?" "I'm fine thanks." He got right to the point of his call. "I wanted to let you know that I took the liberty of making your arrangements for you. You should look for a FedEx package tomorrow. " Faith was dumbfounded. "Why did you do that? I told you I could pay my own way." Jon chuckled, "after seeing Rich today I decided that this would be my treat. You are good for him Faith, you have made him happier than any of us have seen him for too long." Faith flushed at the compliment. "I love him and all I want for him is to be happy. Now, what's the plan?"

Jon filled her in; her plane would get to Calgary on the 10th in the afternoon. He hadn't rented her a room, but someone would meet her at the airport to escort her to the hotel and take her to his room. They were going to be relaxing by the pool that afternoon and she could freshen up in his room before joining them. "I'll make sure he doesn't see you." Faith could hear the smile in Jon's voice. "You seem to be enjoying this a little too much." He laughed, "you have no idea. It has been way too long since any one of us could surprise him. This is going to be great." Faith smiled, "thank you so much for your help Jon. I really appreciate it." "My pleasure. Okay, I gotta go. Look for FedEx tomorrow and we will see you next week." "Bye Jon and hanks again." "See ya Faith."

Faith rested her head against the steering wheel of the car. The doubts were creeping in again. Would he really be happy to see me? She shook her head, he asked just the other day for her to come with him. She sighed, disgusted with herself for thinking like that. Gathering her things she got out of the car and went in the house.

Hannah and Faith spent a quiet evening together watching a movie and munching on popcorn. She had told Hannah earlier that she was going away and Hannah hadn't said anything. "Hannah, are you all right with me going away for a few days next week?" Hannah put down the popcorn bowl and turned to her mother "I guess. I'm going to miss you though." Faith hadn't left Hannah alone for more than a night before. "I'll miss you too but it is only for four days." Hannah looked at her mom "what if something happens to you? Daddy was only supposed to be gone for a couple of days and he never came back." The movie forgotten Faith pulled Hannah close, "oh honey, that was a whole different thing entirely. Daddy's had a dangerous job. I am not doing anything more dangerous than flying to Canada. I will be totally fine." Hannah hugged Faith tight, "promise you'll come back mom." Faith could feel the tears pricking the back of her eyes. "I promise Hannah. I'll come back and I will call you every day that I'm gone, okay?" Hannah shifted wet eyes up to her mother's face. "Okay."

Faith lay in bed that night and thought about what Hannah had told her. She hadn't realized Hannah was still so upset about Billy. She would have to talk to her pediatrician about that. Faith's thoughts turned to her own appointment in the morning. She'd had a spell that morning and then again at work. She hoped whatever the problem was it was easily fixed.

After another near sleepless night Faith was almost late for her appointment. She got Hannah settled with book and went to let the receptionist know that she was there. As she sat down her phone rang. "Hello." "Hi darlin'." It was Richie. "Now's not really a good time babe." Richie frowned at the phone "where are you?" The nurse called her in "at the doctor's." "Call me when you're done" he told her. She said she would and then they hung up. She looked at Hannah, "can you just stay here and read?" Hannah nodded her head, "I'll be fine mom." Faith got up and followed the nurse.

She got weighed, peed in a cup and had her blood pressure checked. Once she was in the exam room and wearing that worthless paper gown she started to get nervous. "Hi Faith" the doctor came in. "Hi Dr. Grey." "So what brings you in today?" Faith told her about the dizziness, the fainting, headaches and tiredness. Dr. Grey looked at her chart, "let's see, you've lost some weight and your blood pressure is a bit elevated. Under any stress?" Faith laughed, "I work three jobs, have a 9 year old, and I started seeing someone, you tell me if I'm stressed. Dr. Grey wrinkled her brow in concern, "three jobs?" Faith nodded. "I can tell you right now you need to slow down, but let's see what we've got." She put Faith through a short physical. "Have your periods been regular? She noticed a note in Faith's chart about her trouble conceiving.

Faith thought back to when her last one was. Right before she met Richie. Oh my God. I can't be. "Um, my last one was about 2 months ago." Dr. Grey just hmmed. "Okay, I am going to send you for some blood work and see what's what. We should know something possibly this afternoon, but definitely by Monday." Faith nodded and the doctor continued. "Here is a prescription for some vitamins, she laid a hand on Faith's arm, and a friendly bit of advice. Faith looked up at the doctor, "take some time off, relax for a few days. At this rate you are going to collapse from sheer exhaustion if you aren't careful." Before leaving the room the doctor handed Faith another piece of paper, "this for the lab, it's right downstairs. You can go have this done before you go home." Faith assured her she would. "Thanks Dr. Grey." She left the room and Faith got dressed.

After she had her blood work done Faith took Hannah to lunch and then headed home to wait. Hannah went to play with her friends and Faith just sat on the couch. "How could I be so stupid?" She berated herself over and over again. She hadn't thought another baby was possible because there hadn't been any after Hannah. Maybe it's not that. Her phone rang, glancing at it she saw that it was Richie. What could she tell him? "Hi." "Hi darlin', how'd it go?" She decided just to tell him what he absolutely needed to know at this point. "Well, I've lost weight, my blood pressure is slightly elevated, I had some bloodwork done and I have a prescription for vitamins. Oh, and some friendly doctor advice to take some time off." She didn't tell him what she suspected. "When will you know anything more?" He was still concerned about her. "Possibly this afternoon, but by Monday definitely." Shit, more waiting. "Well darlin' just keep me posted." They chatted for a bit more and then he had to go, rehearsals for the Live Earth performance were starting. "I love you Faith, I'll talk to you soon." "I love you too, bye."

Richie closed his phone and went in search of Jon. "Hey, can I talk to you?" Jon looked up, "sure, what's up?" Richie closed the door and proceeded to fill Jon in on the situation with Faith. Jon wrinkled his brow in concern, "is she all right?" "That's just it" he paced as he spoke, "she is still waiting to find out. All they told her was to take it easy and that is just not something she does." Jon could see the concern on his friend's face and tried to come up with some words of comfort for him. "Look Rich, I am sure she is going to be fine. You just need to trust that she will do what the doctor told her and that she will call you when she knows something." Richie sighed, "I guess you're right. It's just the waiting that sucks." Jon smiled at his friend, "well let's go play and take your mind off of this for a bit." They headed out to the stage to rehearse their songs for the next night.

When Faith's cell phone rang later that afternoon, she still hadn't moved from the couch. She glanced at the window and saw it was the doctor. Taking a deep breath she answered, bracing herself for the news. "Hello." "Faith, this is Dr. Grey. I have the results from your bloodwork." Faith steeled herself, "and?" The doctor went on to tell her the results and Faith just shook her head in disbelief. "Are you sure?" "Well, nothing is foolproof Faith, but we are 99% positive." Tears were prickling her eyes,"I don't understand. I didn't think I could... After Hannah there wasn't..." She was rambling, but this just wasn't making sense to her. The doctor softened her tone, sensing Faith's trepidation, "Faith, anything is possible. Your body has changed in 10 years time and maybe it wasn't you, maybe it was your husband." Faith hadn't thought of that. "I guess. Now what?" The doctor went on to tell her to schedule a follow-up in another two weeks and they would take things from there. "Thanks Dr. Grey." As she hung up the tears that had been threatening finally spilled down her cheeks. What is Richie going to say?

Faith didn't know how long she sat there with the Doctor's voice echoing in her head. Pregnant, how could I let that happen? She kept repeating that over and over, trying to make herself believe it. As she ran her hand over the stomach that was still flat her doorbell rang. Faith wiped her face and went to the door. It was FedEx. She had forgotten that an envelope was coming. She thanked the guy and went back to the couch and opened the envelope. She thumbed through everything, her flight information and tickets were there, along with an all access pass on a lanyard to wear around her neck and at the bottom of the pile was note from Jon,

Hi Faith, here is all the information you need for next week. Have a safe flight and we will see you soon. Take care. - J

She put all the information back in the envelope and took it to her room. Catching a glimpse of herself in the mirror as she turned to leave she just stared at herself and made a decision. I have to tell him, and whatever happens, I'll handle it. I have been doing all right for Hannah and I will continue to no matter what happens. Feeling better she went back downstairs, called Hannah home and got dinner started for the two of them.

Chapter 34

Richie woke before Faith the next morning and he decided to let her sleep. Downstairs, he got a pot of coffee started and he wandered into his "music room". He was sitting on the sofa noodling around on one of his guitars when Faith wandered in. She sat down on the couch next to him and nudged him with her shoulder. "Hey." He smiled down at her, "hey yourself." "How long you been up?" He ran a hand over the whiskers on his chin, "long enough to make coffee." Looking at her Richie could still see the shadows under eyes. "You could have slept longer though." Faith shook her head, "no I couldn't." "You don't have to work today do you?" Richie was sure she had the day off. "No, I have the day off for the holiday." He put the guitar down, "well then why are you up?" "Because you are." He put his arm around her and hugged her. They sat quietly together, both knowing that in a few short hours they would be heading their separate ways again. Laying her head against his chest Faith listened to his steady heartbeat. She looked over at the guitar and then up at him, "Richie?" He ran his fingers up and down her arm as he looked down at her, "what baby?" "Play something for me?"

He thought about it for a minute before shifting her off of him and picking up his guitar. "What would you like to hear?" Faith shrugged her shoulders, "surprise me." Richie strummed as he thought. Finally, when he started playing, Faith watched, not believing what she was hearing.

It's hard to remember a time
When I didn't have you when I didn't have nothing
But a cold bed to come to at night

That was all I knew until there was you
And then you took my world and turned it all around
I couldn't live without you now

Baby, if I can't have your love
If I can't feel your touch I got nothing
Baby, if I can't taste your kiss then I don't exist
I got nothing
No I can't imagine living life without you
I can't imagine living life without your love

I wake up with you by my side
Can't let go,
I can't even bear the thought of you in another man's eyes
I would lose control,
I would die
'Cause now you're in my heart and I can't let you out
I gotta keep you here somehow

Baby, if I can't have your love
If I can't feel your touch I got nothing
Baby, if I can't taste your kiss then I don't exist
I got nothingIf I can't be your man,
I wouldn't know who I am
I got nothingI got nothing

No, I can't imagine living life without you
I can't imagine living life without your love
'Cause I can't imagine living life without you
Can't imagine living life without your love

Believe me baby I don't mean to doubt you
But if you ever leave, that would be the end of me, baby

Baby, if I can't feel your touch I got nothing
Baby, if I can't taste your kiss then I don't exist
I got nothing I got nothing

If I can't be your man,
I wouldn't know who I am
I'd be nothing

Baby, if I can't have your love
If I can't feel your touch I got nothing
No, I can't imagine living life without you

Richie set the guitar aside when he was finished. That was the first time he had played that song in a long time. He had written it for Heather and when they split it just cost him too much emotionally to play, until today. When he turned to Faith she threw her arms around him and hugged him hard. "Thank you. That was amazing." He hugged her back and kissed her head, "anything for you darlin'". Richie pulled back so he could see her face, "Faith, do you have any vacation time you could take?" He wanted her to come with him or come see him. He didn't want to leave her behind this time.

"I do get vacation. Why?" Richie took her hand, "If you could arrange it, I'd like you to come with me." Faith tried to keep her face blank as she answered, she didn't want to lie to him, but she didn't want to spoil the surprise she was working on for his birthday either. "I would love to come, but I can't just take time off like that. Besides, I have that doctor appointment this week and what would I do with Hannah?" Richie sighed his disappointment. He knew she was right, but dammit, he didn't want to be alone on his birthday. "What about next week, could you come then?" Again, Faith had to put her game face on, "I don't know. I would have to make arrangements for Hannah and check things at work." Richie seemed pacified by that answer. "You do what you can and let me know. I will make what ever arrangements you need to get you to me." Faith nodded her head, "I will."

Faith dragged Richie from the music room and into the kitchen, bribing him with french toast. After gorging themselves, they sat sipping their coffee and talking what lay ahead of them for that day. Richie needed to pack then he was picking up Ava later for dinner. Faith had to get her things together and be home by dinnertime to get Hannah.

As they took their dishes to the sink Richie turned to Faith, "why don't you and Hannah come to dinner with me and Ava?" Faith set her things in the sink, "I don't want to infringe on your father/daughter time with Ava." He took her hand, "you're not infringing, I invited you to join us. If I didn't want you there I wouldn't have asked you." She smiled at him, "well since you put it that way, what time should we be ready?" "We will pick you up at 7."

They spent the rest of the day getting Richie packed and ready to go. His stage clothes he didn't have to work about, it was just the everyday things he needed to take care of.

Faith had left Richie to pack and was enjoying a little quiet time by the pool. She hadn't had any dizziness that day and wondered if Richie was right, maybe she just needed to slow down some. Either way, she was still going to her appointment. She couldn't mess around, who would look after Hannah if anything happened to her? Sure, Ms. Betty would do what she could, but Hannah needed her mother. Faith sighed, I'm making more out of this than I need to. She glanced at her watch, it was getting late and she still needed to shower.

Climbing the stairs she wondered what Richie was doing. She hadn't seen him in a while. As she got closer to the bedroom she heard the shower running. Faith smiled to herself, stripped off her bikini and padded toward the bathroom. She stopped and just watched him for a minute. He was truly a beautiful man. He was shampooing all that wonderful dark hair and had his eyes closed. When he tipped his head back to rinse Faith stepped in the shower and dropped to her knees in front of him. She dragged her hands up the length of his legs, followed by her tongue.

Richie smiled when he felt her hands on him. "Hey baby." Faith didn't answer, she continued to tease him, pressing open mouthed kisses on his stomach, running her tongue down the crease of his thighs, her mouth was everywhere but where he wanted it to be. When she laved her tongue over first one of his balls and then the other, he put a hand to the wall to steady himself. When Faith finally ran her tongue up and down the length of him she was rewarded with his sharp intake of breath. "Faith, please" he begged. She looked up at him, meeting his gaze she flicked her tongue across the tip and slid the length of him into her mouth. His eyes slammed shut at the intense pleasure of her mouth on him. She moved her head, letting him slide almost all the way out of her mouth, letting her tongue swirl around the tip before taking him deep again. "Fuck" he groaned.

As she continued her sweet torture Richie's free hand threaded into her hair and his hips moved with every glide of her mouth. He started to tense and she could tell he was just about there, with her hands on his hips she sucked hard as she took him deep. "Faith... I'm gonna... Fuck!" he cried out as he emptied himself into her mouth. Faith took all he gave her and, when he had gone soft she rested her head against his thigh.

When he had pulled himself together, Richie pulled Faith up from her knees and hugged her close. "Tell me what I did to deserve that. I need to remember it so I can do it again." Faith smiled at him, "let's just call it a going away gift. I love you." He kissed her softly, "I love you too darlin'."

He turned her so her back was to the shower and the water was cascading over her, "close your eyes." Faith raised an eyebrow at him, "what are you up to?" "Trust me, just close your eyes." She complied and Richie grabbed the shampoo and worked the lather throught her dark tresses, massaging her scalp in the process. "God Richie, that feels good." He tipped her head back and rinsed the suds out and then put the conditioner on. He then reached for her scented shower wash. Glancing at the bottle he noted the fragrance, vanilla spice. I'll have to remember that he thought. He worked the lather in his hands and then, starting at her shoulders, lightly massaged first one arm then the other. He turned her to work the lather down her back and over her butt. Turning her to face him again he ran his hands lightly over her breasts, working in circles until he got to the tips. He teased them with his fingers and then slid his hands down across the flat of her stomach. Faith thougth she might explode if he didn't touch her soon. "Richie, please." He just chuckled and continued on.

He crouched in front of her, taking one leg and running his hands lightly up to her hip. He slid his hand to the inside of her thigh, pausing before letting it slip back down to her foot. He did the same on the other leg. He looked up at her, he could see that she was panting now. "Okay baby?" She nodded her head and waited. He didn't touch her yet. Instead he stood and made sure all the soap was rinsed off and then turned her to lean against the wall. Once again he dropped down and spread her legs. With his hands on her the thighs he opened her and tasted her. She was so ready that the orgasm flashed through her like wild fire. "Richie!" she screamed. He continued teasing her clit and then fucking her with his tongue. When the second rush came over her Faith had all she could do to stay standing. Richie stood and cradled her against him as the tremors slowly subsided. He turned his face to the spray to wash her from his face and Faith reached up and kissed him. "Will you wash me like that every day?" He smiled and kissed her, "anything you want baby."

After they were finally dressed Faith met Richie downstairs. "I have to go, Hannah will be back soon." He grabbed her bag and walked her to her car. "Don't forget, we'll be by at 7." She kissed him, "we'll be ready."

Faith got home just a few minutes before Hannah. "Mom" she came tearing in the house looking for Faith. Faith came around the corner from the kitchen and caught Hannah in a hug. "Hi baby did you have a good time?" Hannah didn't stop talking for a good 10 minutes. Faith finally had to put her hand over Hannah's mouth "okay, okay I get it, you had the best time. But now you need to take your stuff to your room and get cleaned up. We are going out to dinner." Hannah grabbed her bag, "where are we going?" Faith shrugged her shoulders "I don't know honey, we are going with Richie and Ava and he didn't tell me where." Hannah took off for her room, "I'll be ready quick as a wink." Faith just sat down on the couch and laughed.

Richie took them to dinner at a not so quiet family type restaurant. He knew the owner and generally had no trouble with fans when he took Ava there. The girls chatted nonstop through dinner, having to be told more than once to stop talking and eat. Faith and Richie talked around the girls and it was all too soon that they were heading back to Faith's house. He walked up the step with Faith and she let Hannah into the house. He turned her to him, "I'll call you when I can." She nodded her head "I know you will. Be safe and have fun." He leaned down and placed his lips on hers, then placed light kisses across her cheek until she felt his warm breath at her ear. "I'll miss you darlin." She swallowed the lump that was forming, "I'll miss you too." He captured her mouth with his and kissed her breathless. He dragged his mouth from hers "I love you Faith. I'll see you soon." She kissed him once more "I love you too Richie. See you when you get back."

Chapter 33

Faith woke in the morning, again at the very edge of Richie's bed. This is ridiculous. She gave him a shove. He moved, the wrong way, and she ended up on the floor. "Richie!" He started at her voice and opened his eyes, "what are you doing on the floor?" She glared up at him, "look where you are in the bed and then you tell me why I'm on the floor." He looked around and then looked over at her, "sorry darlin' it's been a while since I had to share my bed with anyone." He sat up and held out his hand to her, "let me help you up." Faith took his hand and stood, gripping it tighter when the dizziness overtook her. He watched her sway and grabbed her before she could fall.

Richie let Faith get her bearings. "Are you going to tell me what is going on?" Faith took a deep breath, opened her eyes and looked at him, he really was worried about her. "I told you yesterday I didn't know. Honestly, this, whatever it is, is all new to me." He studied her for a moment, "maybe you oughta go to the doctor." She wasn't going to tell him, but now she really had no choice. "I called yesterday on my way to work and made an appointment." "When?" "Friday. It was the soonest I could get." She curled in next to him. "Richie?" "Hmm, what darlin'? "I - I have to get ready for work." He was sure that wasn't what she was going to say. "Are you going to be okay?" He felt her nod her head against him, "yeah, I'll be fine. I have to be." She got up slowly, taking tentative steps to the bathroom.

Richie let out a sigh and fell back against the pillows as she closed the door. What could be wrong with her? Hopefully it wasn't anything more serious than needing to slow down some. She worked too hard if you asked him. He knew she did it to provide for Hannah, but still, she did more than anyone should reasonably have to. She had just come into his life, surely she wouldn't be taken away from him, not now. He had crashed hard after Heather, he really didn't think he could live through that kind of pain again.

Faith came out of the bathroom dressed, except for her shirt. "Hey, where do you think you're going dressed like that?" Richie whistled at her from where he still lay lounging in the bed. She flipped the braided end of her hair over her shoulder and looked over at him, "why work of course." She watched as he climbed out of the bed in all his naked glory and crossed the room to her. She started to feel lightheaded for a whole different reason all together. "You might want to rethink that decision." She laughed at the look on his face, "what, you don't like it?" He pulled her to him, "now you know I love it, but I have a problem with that sharing thing. Where's your shirt?" She laughed "its in your dryer." She ran her hands lightly down his sides and across his stomach before placing a kiss in the center of his chest. "Care to join me for a cup of coffee before I head out?" He kissed the top of her head before moving back by the bed to pick up his pants. "Sure, I'll even make you some breakfast." She raised an eyebrow at him, "really?" He slid his pants on, "sure. I told you I can scramble an egg didn't I." She laughed at him, "that you did babe, that you did."

While Faith started the coffee and retrieved her shirt, Richie made them both scrambled eggs and toast. "What are you going to do today?" Faith asked between bites of egg. "I am picking up Ava later for some father/daughter time." Faith thought of Hannah, wondering how she was doing with her friend. "Going to do something special?" Richie shook his head, "she just wants to come here and swim. I think she is part fish or something, can't keep her out of the water." Faith watched him as he spoke about Ava, he loved her so much and missed her something terrible. "Do you want me to go back to my house after work today? I don't want to intrude on your time with Ava.

"No darlin' you don't have to do that. I will only have her with me for the afternoon. Heather is taking her somewhere tonight. And speaking of tonight, will you let me take you out tonight?" Faith sighed, could the timing suck any more. "I can't tonight. This is one of the nights I have to clean the studio." She took their plates to the sink while he sipped his coffee. "Faith, you really need to slow down. Can't someone else take care of the studio?"

"I wish there was someone else. I drew the short straw for the holiday week. There isn't anyone else. I'm sorry." Richie finished his coffee and joined her at the sink. "Well, we can go eat first and then I will help you tonight." Faith's eyes widened in surprise "you can't be serious. You are going to help me tonight?" He smiled at her, "just because I live like this" he spread his hands out in front of him "doesn't mean I don't know how to empty the garbage, sweep the floor or dust a shelf. I took care of myself for a long time before I had someone to do it for me." Faith smiled at him and took his hands in hers, "I'm sorry, I just wasn't prepared for the offer. I would love to have you help me tonight. But now, I have to go." She reached up and planted her lips on his, "have a good day."

*************************


Richie and Ava enjoyed their afternoon swimming and just hanging out together. Ava watched her dad closely, he seemed different somehow. "Dad?" He was laying on the lounge chair that Faith had occupied the night before. He opened his eyes to find her blue ones peering at him intently. "What's the matter baby?" "Are you okay?" He smiled at her, "I'm fine, why?" She joined him on the chair, he moved to make room for her. "Well, since we met Hannah and her mom you have been acting different." Richie hadn't seen this coming, "different how?" She reached up and took his sunglasses off, "do you love her?"

He became a little flustered, "who?" "Dad! Hannah's mom, do you love her?" This gave Richie a moment's pause, he had never lied to Ava before and he had no intention of starting now. "Would that be a problem?" Ava thought for a moment, "what about mom?" she asked quietly. Richie knew he needed to tread carefully through these waters. "Your mom will always have place in my heart, because without her I wouldn't have you." Ava seemed satisfied with that answer. "But what about Hannah's mom?" "What about her?" "Are you going to marry her?" Richie rubbed his hand over his chin, "we haven't even talked about that." Ava wrapped her arms around him, "well if you do, that means I get a sister!" He hugged her and laughed, "I guess it would at that." She hopped off the chair and went back in the pool. He shook his head as he watched her, for not even 10 she was just too damn smart.

Richie thought a lot about what he and Ava talked about when her took her back to Heather and on the return trip. Marriage hadn't even crossed his mind. Did he even want to get married again? He hadn't given that any thought; it hadn't been that long since the ink on the divorce papers had dried.

These thoughts were running through his head as he walked into the house. It was quiet and he wondered where he would find Faith today. He checked out by the pool, but didn't find her there. She wasn't in the living room or the kitchen either. He headed up the stairs and as he got closer to his room the could hear the shower running. With a smile he stripped off his clothes and went to join Faith in the shower.

As he stepped in behind her she turned, "well hi there." He tugged her close "hi yourself" he told her before his mouth was on hers. Faith could feel the need building, but she knew they really didn't have time right now. "Richie" she put a hand on his chest and pulled back from him. He looked down, "I know darlin', but I missed you today." She smiled softly at him and wrapped her arms around him, "I missed you too." With teasing hands and mouths they finished their shower and managed to get dressed.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Faith asked when they were on their way to dinner. "Do what, eat?" Richie answered with a smirk, "of course I want to eat." Faith laughed at him, "I know you want to eat, I meant helping me clean." He reached over and took her hand, "as long as I am with you, I don't care what we are doing. If I have to empty garbage cans to be with you, so be it." She looked over at him, "I love you."

They had dinner at a quiet little place near Richie's house. He took her there because he knew they wouldn't be bothered and he knew the food was good.

When they got to the studio it was dark, apparently everyone had left for the night. Faith had a key and they went in through a side door, one that even Richie hadn't been in before. They worked in tandem, moving from one room to the next, finding the place in fairly good shape. Richie watched as Faith bent, reached and stretched. He jeans grew more uncomfortable with each move that she made. They moved to the next room, the one that he and Jon used, and she bent over in front of him to grab something off the floor. Before she could straighten Richie was pressing up against her. She looked over her shoulder, "what are you doing?" He ground his hips against her so that she could feel how much he wanted her.

He let her straighten but didn't let her turn around. He moved her braid over her shoulder and ran his tongue across the back of her neck. She tasted a little salty, a little sweet. He moved them over to the sound board and placed Faith's hands on the edge. As he slid his hands under her shirt she turned to look at him. "Richie?" "Shh, don't talk." He kissed her hungrily and his hands kneaded her breasts before slipping to release the button and zipper on her jeans. He slid her jeans and underwear down her legs, slipping one hand between to stroke her intimately. Finding her wet for him he chuckled in her ear, "you want me don't you?" She nodded her head as he continued to torment her. "I didn't quite catch that." She looked over her shoulder at him, "now please!"

He teased her a bit more before releasing his own button and zipper. He didn't give her any warning, he drove into her in one thrust. "Richie!" she gasped. Before she could catch her breath he did it again. "Don't stop" she told him. He continued moving, stopping only when the first shudders of her orgasm overtook her. He moved in her again before the tremors stopped, driving her over the edge again and he emptied himself inside her.

Richie braced himself, one hand on each side Faith while they attempted to catch their breaths. He slowly back out of her and straightened his clothes. Faith hadn't moved. "Faith?" She picked her head up and turned to look at him, "it just gets better and better." Richie helped her put herself back together and gathered her in his arms. "I love you Faith."

Chapter 32

The house was empty when Faith got back from work late that afternoon. She put on her swim suit, threw a load of laundry in, her work shirt took a beating that day, put the stereo on and plopped herself down in one of the lounge chairs on the patio. She was exhausted and her head was pounding. Faith closed her eyes and laid her head back against the cushion. The late afternoon sun lulled her into that semi-awake, not quite asleep state. This was how Richie found her twenty minutes later.

He had taken the guys to the airport and was happy to see Faith's car in the driveway when he got back. He followed the music out to the pool and just stood in the doorway and looked at her. He thought back to last night when she whispered the words and this morning when she said them to his face. His heart did a slow roll as he stood there watching her. She was wearing the red bikini and had taken her hair down from the knot she wore in to work that morning, it spilled over her shoulder in long dark waves.

She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her

She's got a way of pleasin'
I don't know what it is
But there doesn't have to be a reason
Anyway


She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me

She's got a way of talkin'
I don't know what it is
But it lifts me up when we are walkin'
Anywhere


She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me I get turned around


She's got a way of showin'
How I make her feel
And I find the strength to keep on goin'

She's got a light around her
And everywhere she goes
A million dreams of love surround her
Everywhere

She comes to me when I'm feelin' down
Inspires me without a sound
She touches me and I get turned around

She's got a smile that heals me
I don't know why it is
But I have to laugh when she reveals me

She's got a way about her
I don't know what it is
But I know that I can't live without her
Anyway


He crossed the patio to her and, gently picking up her legs, he sat down at the end of the chair she was laying on. "Faith?" She smiled as he stroked her legs. His hands moved from her legs to her feet and he started to massage them. "God, that feels so good." Richie smiled and continued, "how was your day?" "Busy. I think everyone in LA came in today. Where are the guys?" "I took them to the airport, they are on their way home." Richie slid up the chair, pulling Faith onto his lap. "How are you feeling?" He was still concerned about what had happened that morning and he wanted to make sure she was all right.


Faith put her arm around his shoulder and kissed his cheek, "I'm fine. Just normal end of the work day tired." He watched her as she rubbed her forehead. "You have a headache too don't you?" Faith sighed "not a bad one though." "Did you take anything?" Faith hung her head, "no, not yet. I thought maybe if I just laid out here with my eyes closed for a while it would go away." With two fingers, he lifted her chin so he could see her face. "Let's get you some aspirin and then you need to get dressed." "Why do I need to get dressed?" He kissed the end of her nose, "because," he let his eyes travel down her body and back up to meet her eyes, "as much as I like you in that bikini, you need to have actual clothes on to go to dinner."

Faith followed Richie into the house "do we have to go out?" He turned to look at her, "you don't want me to take you to dinner?" She shook her head, "I would rather stay in." She surprised him. "Staying in is fine, I just thought you might like a break, have someone else do the cooking." She smiled at him, "well, you could do the cooking." He had to laugh, "me?" Faith grinned now, "sure. You said you can grill, right?" "Yeah, I did." "Well, I picked up a couple steaks, how about grilling them up?" He scratched his head, "I guess I can do that, but what about the rest?" "The rest?" Faith wasn't sure what he meant. "Yeah, salad, maybe a potato, you know, the rest?" Faith laughed, "I think I can handle 'the rest' while you deal with the grill. Right now though, I am going to go change." Richie's eyed her hungrily, "since we aren't going anywhere you could just leave that bikini on." She looked down at herself and then at him, "I guess I could, but then I don't know how much eating we would get done." Richie smirked at her, "well I know I would..." she cut him off, "okay, okay, now I am definitely going to change." His laughter followed her up the stairs.


They enjoyed a dinner of slightly overdone steaks and 'the rest' (garlic smashed potatoes and salad) along with a nice wine. As they were cleaning up Richie seemed distracted. Faith shut the water off and turned to him, "what's wrong?" He voiced the question that had been bothering him through dinner, "why didn't you want me to take you out?" Faith took his hand, "its not that I didn't want to go out, it's just..." she hesitated, not sure what he would think if she told him what was on her mind. "It's just what?" Faith looked up at him, her eyes a little sad, "it's just that you are leaving again and I didn't want to have to share you with anyone. I wanted the little bit of time we do have to be just ours."


Richie's heart swelled, "you don't have to worry darlin' I'm all yours." He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to hers.


They moved into the living room and settled on the couch to watch a movie. Halfway through Richie laid down behind Faith, hugging her close from behind. His hand nestled low on her stomach, his fingers playing across the soft skin under her cami. He moved Faith's hair to one side and nuzzled the back of her neck. Faith let out a soft sigh as he continued to place little kisses on her neck. His hand moved up inside her top and he brushed his thumbs against the underside of her breast. "Richie" she breathed out his name. "Shh, just enjoy."


Faith closed her eyes and let his touch take her. His hand kneaded her breast, fingertips teased the tip to its full hardness. She whimpered when his fingertips trailed down across the flat of her stomach and toyed with the waist of her pants. He slipped his hand inside and groaned when he discovered she wasn't wearing any underwear. She lifted her hip and he slid her pants down, his feather light touch along her hip and thigh leaving her with goosebumps. Richie snugged her closer to him, she could feel the hard length of him against her back, straining his pants. Faith reached behind her and stroked him through his pants, he groaned in her ear and his tongue traced a path along her neck.

As she continued to stroke him, his hand slid from her hip, tracing the crease of her thigh and into the heart of her. She was more than ready for him. He pulled her hand from him and with a satisfied groan, was buried to the hilt. Holding her close, he rocked them slowly to the edge and the both fell off together.

Chapter 31

Faith woke with the daylight teasing her eyes and a smile on her face. They had spent the night on the couch and Richie was still dead to the world. She carefully extricated herself so as not to wake him, slipped her underwear and his shirt on and headed off to the bathroom. When she was done, she washed her hands and finger-combed her hair as best she could. She had to work that morning and coffee was next on her list.

In the kitchen she found the coffee and the pot and as quietly as she could she got the java started. As she reached to get cups out a wave a dizziness came over her. Jon wandered in and found her gripping the counter so hard her knuckles were white and she was taking slow deep breaths. "Faith are you okay?" He wasn't totally awake but could tell something wasn't quite right. She opened her eyes, the spots had stopped dancing in front of her. She got the cups out and turned to Jon. "I'm okay. Coffee?" She didn't want to make a big deal out of it.

They sat at the table with their coffee and Faith, after checking to make sure Richie was still asleep, decided to broach the subject of Richie's birthday. "Jon?" He eyed her over his coffee cup as he took a sip. "What?" "I've been thinking about Richie's birthday." "Oh?" She nodded her head. "I would like to come see him but I think I am going to need some help." "What kind of help?" He was curious to know what she had in mind. Faith bristled at the tone of his question. "I'm not looking for a hand out if that is what you are thinking. I can pay my own way. I just need to know what hotel you are staying at so I can get a room."

Jon looked at her, this woman that had made his friend happier than he had seen him in a long time. How could he not help her out? "We are staying at the Hyatt. Do you have tickets?" She shook her head, "not yet, but I am going to try to take care of that today." "Don't. I'll..." before he could finish Richie started to stir. Jon looked at Faith, "do you have your cell handy?" She looked around, her purse was on the counter still. She grabbed it, fished out her phone and handed it to him. He called his own phone so he had her number. "I'll call you." She gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you, I appreciate your help."

Jon smiled back at her, "it's the old man's birthday, what better gift than to have you there?" She had a thought then, "you weren't planning anything for him were you? I don't want to mess up anything." He drained his cup, "nah, we are getting into Calgary on the 10th so probably just dinner that night and then maybe drinks the next night after the show. When were you thinking about coming out?" Faith thought for a minute, "well I have to make arrangements for Hannah, but probably the day of the show, the 11th." Jon nodded, "well if you come on the 10th you could have dinner with us and really surprise him." As he sat there an idea was forming. He would have to think on it and call her if he thought it would work.

Faith glanced at the clock. She needed to shower and get to work. She stood to take her cup to the sink and the dizziness struck again. Jon watched her go white and grip the edge of the table. He got up to go to her and she fell to the floor. Shit! Jon hurried to her, "Faith?" "Faith?" He tapped her cheeks lightly, trying to get her back.

Richie had woken up by that time and heard Jon calling Faith's name. He stumbled into the kitchen to find Jon leaning over Faith. Crouching down next to Jon, with worry in his voice he looked at his friend, "What the hell happened?" Jon looked up seeing the concern on Richie's face, "We were talking, she stood up and then she fainted." Richie scooped her up and carried her to the couch. As he laid her down she started to come back. "Faith." She opened her eyes and tried to focus on the two men who were looking down on her.

"What am I doing on the couch? What time is it?" Richie and Jon looked at each other and then back at Faith. Jon spoke first, "you fainted and Rich carried you over here to the couch." Faith closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. "I fainted? That's something new for me." Jon went to get her a glass of water. She looked at Richie, "what?" Seeing her laying the floor like that had unnerved him. "First yesterday in your backyard and now this. What's going on with you?" Jon had come back and heard what Richie had said. "Uh, when I came in looking for coffee she wasn't looking so good either." Richie turned his attention back to Faith. "Is there something going on with you that you're not telling me?"

Faith looked at Richie, he was truly worried about her. "I don't know, this hasn't ever happened before." She sat up, "what time is it?" Richie glanced up the clock on the wall, "after 9." "Shit. I'm going to be late." Faith stood slowly, not wanting to faint again, but she seemed to be okay. "I have to get to work." Richie and Jon stared after her as she headed upstairs to take a shower.

Richie turned to Jon after Faith was out of earshot. "What happened this morning?" Jon shrugged his shoulders, "she was getting the coffee cups out and when I walked in she had a white-knuckle grip on the counter and was pale as glass." They walked back into the kitchen togther and Jon filled Richie in on the rest. They were sipping coffee when Faith came back 15 minutes later. She had her work "uniform" on, black pants and a white shirt and she had knotted her damp hair up on top of her head. Richie's eyes followed her every move. She poured coffee in her travel mug, grabbed her purse and turned to look at Richie. He grabbed her hand, "are you sure you should be going to work?" She set her things down on the table and ran her hand through his messy hair, "I'm fine, really. Besides, if I don't work, I don't get paid. I don't get paid, Hannah and I don't eat." She said goodbye to Jon, grabbed her things and an apple from the fruit bowl, "walk me out?" she said as she looked at Richie. He followed her out to her car.

Faith set her things on the seat of the car and turned to Richie. "Have a good day." He pulled her to him, "you just be careful today. Take it easy." She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, "I'm fine. I haven't been eating so well lately so I am sure that is what the problem is." Richie seemed to accept this explanation. "If you're sure that's what it is, eat something." She made a show of taking a bite of her apple. "Happy?" She chewed and swallowed, "I really have to go." He kissed her "I love you darlin'. See you tonight." Faith couldn't stop the smile, "I love you too." She kissed him once more, got into her car and was off.

As soon as Faith was out away from the house she grabbed her phone and called her doctor. Richie may have bought the bit about her not eating, but Faith knew something was up with her. She had never had a dizzy spell in her life, let alone fainted. She managed to get an appointment at the end of the week, after Richie was gone again. She was relieved that she wouldn't have to explain the appointment until after she knew what was going on. Maybe she was coming down with something, maybe she was just working too hard and was run down. When was the last time she took her vitamins? She couldn't remember. So, she would go, get a lecture from the doctor about her routine, promise to take whatever vitamin or supplement she suggested and be done with it.

Richie went back in the house and joined Jon in the kitchen. Jon looked up as Richie walked back in, "is she all right?" Richie nodded his head "she seemed to be. I think she is working too hard." He looked at Jon, "she works harder than you I think." Jon chuckled, "what exactly does she do?" Richie told Jon about her working at the cafe, he already knew about her cleaning the studio, and he was surprised to hear about the catering. Richie stroked his chin with his hand, "I think she did three parties in the last two weeks too." Jon was impressed; she had three jobs and she was raising her daughter, all by herself. "Rich?" "Yeah?" "I think you got yourself a good one." Richie smiled at his friend, "I don't think it, I know I do."

Chapter 30

Faith watched the back end of Richie's car, he was driving the silver sports car again. As she followed him she had some time to think. She realized it then that with the guys there she might be able to pull Jon aside and ask him about Richie's birthday. She wanted to surprise Richie and would need Jon's help to do so. She hoped Jon didn't balk at the idea. She just didn't want Richie to be alone on his birthday. Not that he would be alone, he would be with the guys and they had a show to do, but she wanted to be with him on his special day.

Faith had a horrible thought, what if he didn't want to be with her?

Faith shook her head, not after what happened in her backyard. He would want to be with her, wouldn't he? She tried to shake that thought from her head. Things were too good between them to start having thoughts like that now. I'll just talk to Jon and see what happens. The worst he can do is say no.

They pulled into Richie's driveway and she watched as he parked his car in the garage next to the huge Hummer he also owned. She shook her head, who really needed a vehicle that big? She was out of her car and at her trunk when Richie came up beside her. He took her bag from her and led her into the house.

Richie stopped her at the foot of the stairs, "wait here" he kissed her and took her bag upstairs. He was back not more than a minute later. Taking her hand he led her through to the kitchen. "I have something for you." Faith watched as he crossed to the corner counter where his mail was waiting for him. He took something from the drawer and came back to her. "Here." He placed the item in her hand. She looked down, it was a key and a slip of paper with a four digit number on it. She looked up at him, "you're giving me a key? To your house?" She was too surprised to care how dumb the question sounded.

He grinned at her. Richie had given this a lot of thought during the car ride. Looking at her now, to see the true surprise and unexpectedness of his action, he knew he had been right to follow his heart, to trust her with this. "Yes Faith, I am giving you the key to my house and the code to the alarm." She looked at him, her green eyes wide, "but why?" Richie took her free hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it lightly. "Because I ..." the doorbell rang. Dammit! Richie kissed her hand again before letting it go "I'll be right back" and he went to answer the door.

Faith heard the commotion down the hall and realized the troops had descended upon them. With a sigh she slid the key and slip of paper into her pocket. Hopefully they could finish their conversation later.

The din got louder as the group approached the kitchen. Faith noted that they all looked a little more than travel weary. Jon approached her, giving her a peck on the cheek, "hiya Faith". She smiled at him and gave him a hug, "hi Jon, its nice to see you again."

Richie came over to her and slung his arm around her shoulders, leading her toward David and Tico. "Guys, this is Faith." He looked at Faith, his eyes smiling, "Faith, this is David and Tico." It felt right to have her there at his side, introducing her to his friends. Dave and Tico shook hands with Faith, "its nice to meet you both" she told them. Dave turned to Richie, "Now I get why you were such a grouch for the last two weeks and why you were in such a hurry to get home." Tico had his own jab for his friend, "so she's the one keeping you fat and happy, huh?" Faith ran her hand down over Richie's stomach and then smiled at Tico, "happy yes, but fat? definitely not!"

The group moved to the table and as they sat, Faith snuck a look at Richie, he was sitting in "their" chair. He winked at her, knowing just what she was thinking and she felt the heat rush through her at the memory.

They talked of the last two weeks and the flight home, of their upcoming schedule. Faith watched them all, seeing the weariness creep into all their faces. "So" Jon turned to Richie, "got anything to eat around here?" Richie gave his friend a smirk, "didn't you guys eat on the plane?" They all shook their heads no. Richie looked at Faith, "what do you think, should we feed these heathens or let them starve?" Faith smiled at him, "might as well feed them," she looked around the table, "can't have you all withering away to nothing. What would your fans think?" Faith and Richie worked together and in short order had a pot of decaf, a pile of toast and a steaming hot platter of spicy scrambled eggs on the table.

After the food was gone and the pot of coffee just about emptied, the guys, all looking like they were about to fall over, excused themselves and left Richie and Faith alone. They put the kitchen back in order and Richie led Faith to the living room and he pulled her to him as he sat down on the couch. She rested her head on his shoulder and he wrapped his arms around her. Richie kissed her head, "thanks for helping me feed the masses." She kissed his cheek, "my pleasure. So, are you going to finish telling me why I get a key to your house?"

Richie cupped her cheek and raised her face so he could look at her, "you really don't know?" She shook her head "no, I don't." He suddenly felt slightly nervous. He hadn't said the words to anyone other than Ava and before that it was Heather, but no one since. He kept his eyes on hers, "Faith, since my divorce, I haven't cared enough to let anyone this close. Until I met you. I want to share my home and my life with you. I love you."

Faith didn't say anything, couldn't find any words to express what she felt in her heart for him. So she showed him. She kissed him, pouring everything she had into it. His arms came around her and held her close, returning the kiss with more passion then he had felt in a good long time. They undressed each other, hands and mouths playing over each other, there was no urgency, only the slow burn of pleasure and passion. When they had pushed each other to their limit, Richie lay Faith back on the couch, he told her again "I love you Faith" as he slipped inside her. He watched her as she came, waiting for the tremors to settle. He moved in her slowly, driving her to the edge again, this time holding nothing back, falling over with her.

He was laying on top of her, their hearts settling and breathing easing. She stroked his back, enjoying the after almost as much as the before. He shifted slightly, dragging her closer. She pulled the blanket from the back of the couch and covered them. As he started to drop off to sleep he heard her whisper "I love you too Richie."

Chapter 29

Faith had never been so glad to see anyone. Richie pulled her closer, held her tighter; then his mouth found hers. Two weeks had never seemed so long to him before. After several hungry kisses he pulled his mouth from hers, "you are a sight for sore eyes darlin'."

Faith laughed, knowing what she must look like after working in the yard, "well I am a sight that I'm sure of." He kissed her again, his hands roaming over her, sliding under her tank top. He needed to touch her, to feel her, to taste her.

Faith let her own hands roam over him, touching him as if for the first time. "Richie" his mouth kept moving over her. "Richie" she tried again. "Hmm, what?" He managed between kisses. Faith pulled her head back to look at him, "what are you doing here today? You told me you weren't coming back until tomorrow." His hands continued to roam as she talked. He groaned as he discovered she wasn't wearing a bra. "I didn't want to wait so I came back early." His hand covered her breast as he finished speaking. "Thank God" Faith breathed out before Richie claimed her lips again.

Richie's hands and lips played over Faith as he lowered her to the ground. He pulled his mouth from her long enough to ask "where's Hannah?" Faith tried to focus on him through the need that was thrumming through her. "She's at her friend's house, for the next few days." Richie's only answer was to ravage her mouth again. He continued his assault on her, driving her ever closer to that precarious edge. His hands moved down her body, sliding her shorts down. Her hands cupped him through his jeans, then the button popped and the zipper released. "Now, Richie" she all but begged, "now." He was over her and in her before the words were fully out of her mouth. He drove into her with all the frustration of the past two weeks. He pushed them to the edge and over, calling her name before he collapsed on top of her.

As the haze cleared, Richie moved off Faith and she dragged her shorts back on, fully realizing that they were still in her backyard. She looked over at Richie, "welcome home." He smiled at her as he readjusted himself. "I didn't mean for that to happen out here. I just couldn't help myself." Faith leaned over and kissed his cheek, "I didn't mind, but I probably have grass stains on my ass now." He laughed and pulled her close. "God it's good to see you." He kissed her once again and then stood, holding his hand out for her. "Maybe we should go inside?" She reached up and took his hand, letting him help her up. As she stood a wave of dizziness washed over her and she stumbled. Richie steadied her, "are you all right?"

Faith closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, the stars had stopped dancing in front of them and she felt a bit steadier on her feet. She looked at Richie, "I'm fine. Just a bit over-excited I think." That had never happened to her before, but she didn't want to dwell on that right now. "Come on, let's go in and get some lemonade and you can tell me all about your trip."

They sat at her table, both glancing at the chair that they had christened just days earlier and drank the lemonade and talked about the last two weeks. "Faith" Richie started, "did you say Hannah was away for a few days?" Faith drained her glass, "yes, she is with a friend until the Fourth." Richie was glad to hear that. "Will you come home with me tonight and stay until then?" She didn't need to think about that. "I'd like that, but I do have to work you know." "That's okay, you can just come and go from my house." Faith nodded at him. "Okay, let me just get a few things together."

Richie followed her to her room, "I should probably warn you, the guys will be there at some point tonight." Faith stopped in her tracks, "what do you mean, 'the guys'? "Come on Faith, the guys, Jon, Dave, Tico, you know, the guys." She had thought they would be alone. Richie sensed her hesitation. "Listen, they will only be there overnight, leaving sometime tomorrow. That's how we always travel, instead of doing the whole long flight from Japan to New Jersey in one shot, we break it up over two days. It is just easier on us that way." Faith could understand that. "I have just one question though." "What's that?" "Do I have to cook for all of you?" Richie laughed and crossed the room to her, taking her in his arms, "only if you want to darlin', only if you want to."

Chapter 28

After he hung up, Richie found himself too restless to sleep. He looked around, his bags were by the door, all ready to go the next day; there wasn't anything on TV he cared to watch and he couldn't focus on the book he had brought. He stretched out on his bed and put the radio on. Maybe he could relax enough to get a little sleep.

He closed his eyes and Faith's face swam in front of him. He could see her as she was when they were last together. Hair slightly mussed, lips slightly swollen from their kisses and totally sexy. His jeans were becoming increasingly uncomfortable the more he thought about her. He was so wrapped up in this thoughts of her that he barely recognized Eric Clapton, one of his idols, coming out of the radio.

How can I explain
This feeling that's true?
Honey, I can't hardly stand it,

I wanna make love to you.

I ain't gonna try to tell you

How it's made me so blue,

Sitting alone here and wondering.

I wanna make love to you.

Richie groaned, you gotta be kidding here he was missing his woman and this song of all songs had to come on. The combination of the song and thinking of Faith and the last time they were together was too much for him. His hand crept down and massaged his hard on. Releasing the button and zipper provided momentary relief. He took matters into his own hand and, with Faith's name on his tongue, he found the release he had been seeking. It wasn't anywhere near as satisfying as if Faith had been there, but it would have to do for now and he was able to get a bit of sleep.

**********************************

As the days passed, Faith grew more and more irritable. She wasn't sleeping well, she was busy enough for three people and Hannah was taking the brunt of it. "Hannah!" Faith yelled, "how many times do I have to tell you..." it was the same old thing and Faith was at the end of her rope. She sat down on the couch and Hannah ran off to her room crying. Leaning her head back and closing her eyes she sighed and cursed herself. She felt bad about making Hannah cry. She walked down the hall and knocked on Hannah's door. "Can I come in?" She heard Hannah snuffle "yeah" and let herself in the room. Faith walked over to Hannah's bed and sat down next to her. "I'm sorry baby. I didn't mean to make you cry." Hannah wiped her eyes, "what's wrong with you mom?" Faith looked down at her "wrong with me? Nothing why?" "You keep yelling at me, you aren't smiling much anymore and you are crabby a lot."

Faith pulled Hannah close, "I'm sorry baby. It's just that, well, Richie went away and I miss him." Hannah hugged her mother "well, I hope he gets back soon so you will be happy again. I don't like it when you yell at me." Faith smiled at her, "I'll try to keep the yelling to a minimum." Hannah smiled at her mother. "Can I ask you something?" Faith looked down "sure." "Do you love him?" Faith didn't answer right away. She was surprised by the question. If she hadn't admitted it to herself, how could she tell her daughter? She looked at Hannah, "You know honey I think I do." After she said it she knew it it was true. Without a doubt she loved him. She smiled at the thought. Hannah smiled "I thought so." Again she surprised Faith. "You did?" Hannah nodded her head, "yeah, you look like you did when daddy was still alive and you loved him, right?" Faith hugged her tight, "I did love him honey, a part of me always will." She helped Hannah get ready for bed and, as they said their goodnights, Hannah hugged Faith. "I love you mom and I am glad you are happy." Faith just about cried. "I love you too baby."

The next few days passed peacefully for Faith and Hannah and she thought a lot about what they had talked about. She loved him, knew it without a doubt, but telling him was another matter all together. She was weeding her garden one afternoon and contemplating different ways to tell Richie when a long shadow fell over her.

Richie had gone to Faith's almost as soon as he stepped off the plane. He stopped at his place long enough to drop his luggage off and get his car. He stood watching her, loving the way her shorts rode up a bit when she stretched and the way a stray lock of hair caressed her cheek in the breeze, the way she instinctively knew what was a weed and what was flower. His heart clenched and he could hardly stand to not touch her. He moved closer and his shadow fell across her.

Faith looked up and had to squint against the sun, but she knew who it was. "Richie" she whispered. "Hi darlin'." She started to stand just as he reached for her and she was in his arms before she could fully get her legs under her.