Chapter 44

Faith sat in the backseat of the car, reliving the day in her head. Richie and the girls had woken her with breakfast in bed and then she had been whisked away to the spa where she had been waxed, plucked, buffed and polished to within an inch of her life. She had loved every minute of it. She had never been more relaxed.

She walked into the house and heard laughter coming from somewhere. Following the sound she found Richie and the girls on the living room floor playing Clue. They hadn't heard her come in so Faith watched from the doorway. She rested her hand on her still flat stomach, watching the present in front of her and thinking about what may come in the future. This could be what she would come home to everyday. Her and Hannah, Richie and Ava, a family. Faith smiled at the thought. Family. She had done her best with Hannah, but she needed a father figure. Her gaze settled on Richie and then shifted to Ava. He was a great dad. He would be a great dad to the little one she was carrying. She looked back over at Hannah, he had been wonderful with her the last few days. Faith thought back to the conversation she and Richie had had when they told the girls about the baby. Someday. She sighed and looked over at them again, maybe she wanted someday to be soon.

Pulling her thoughts back to the present, Faith moved into the room, "so, who's winning?" Three heads looked up at the sound of her voice. "Mom!" Hannah jumped up and hugged her mother. Faith laughed, "having fun baby?" Hannah pulled back, "yeah. You smell good." Faith laughed again, "thanks." Hannah sat back down. "Its my turn." Faith eyes moved to Ava. "Hi Ava, you're not letting your dad win are ya?" Ava smiled at her and then looked at Richie, "nope, we're kicking his butt." Faith had to laugh as she turned to Richie; he was doing his best to pout and not laugh. "They're cheating." She looked at the girls and then back at Richie and laughed, "yea, I don't think so. This is Hannah's favorite game. She hardly ever loses." Just as the words came out of Faith's mouth, Hannah voiced her guess, "Miss Scarlet in the Ballroom with the Revolver." She pulled the three cards out of the envelope and was right. "I win!" Faith nudged Richie, "told ya." Richie looked over at Hannah, feigning exasperation, "that's twice for you and Ava won once," he threw his hands up, "that's it, I'm done." They laughed as they picked up the game and the girls ran off to Ava's room.

Richie led Faith into the kitchen and she poured them each some iced tea. She turned from the refrigerator and found herself caught up in Richie's embrace. "Hi darlin' did you enjoy yourself today." This is how he had meant to greet her, not sitting on the floor with the girls. She hugged him and planted kisses up his neck and across his cheek. "It was fabulous. I felt like, I don't know, a princess or something. I haven't ever been treated like that before. Thank you." He pulled back slightly so he could look at her, "you're welcome darlin'. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself. He studied her face, her skin looked dewey fresh and her hair was different. "Did they cut your hair?" She nodded her head, "yea, a little and they added some highlights." He took a step back and held her hands at arms length and looked at her. He let go of her hands and motioned for her to turn around. When she was facing him once again he took her hands again, "I like it. It's very sexy." She looked up at him, "well enjoy it now, tomorrow it will be up or back off my face for work." He stroked her hands with his thumbs, noting their softness. "Well, how about you let me take you out and show you off?"

"You want to go out tonight?" She knew he only had one more night before he left again. She had figured he would want to stay home and spend time with Ava. "It's your birthday, I want to take you out." She was unsure, "what about the girls?" He let go of one of her hands and stroked her cheek, "okay my little worrier, Jenna is here tonight. She is going to make dinner for the girls and keep an eye on them for us. I made us reservations at 8, so what do you say?" He seemed to want to do this, "well since you have everything under control here, I guess I can't say no. I just have one question." He smiled at her, "what's that?" "Where are we going?"

Richie shook his head at her, "nope, not telling. It's a surprise." Faith balked at that, "well if I don't know where we are going, how am I supposed to know what to wear?" Richie led her out of the kitchen and up the stairs, "I took care of that too. Don't worry." She stopped on the stairs, "so I am just supposed to go along with this little escapade and not ask any questions?" Richie took her hand and tugged her up the last of the steps with a smile, "yup, got a problem with that?" She started to answer him but stopped when they stepped into his room.

Laying across the bed was a new dress and there was a shoe box next to it. Wordlessly Faith moved to the bed to take a closer look. The dress was pale peach in color and had skinny spaghetti straps. The bodice looked like it would fit close to the body and then the skirt floated away from the waist. She opened the shoe box and found a pair of metallic sandals that had a single strap across the top of the foot and one that came up around the back of the ankle. She hadn't even noticed, they were Manolos. She looked over at Richie, tears clouded her eyes, "its all beautiful Richie, you really didn't need to do this, but thank you."

He crossed the room to her, "You're welcome. I know I didn't need to do this, I wanted to. Besides, when I mentioned to the girls that I wanted to take you out they both said you needed a dress, so we went shopping. I have to tell you, your daughter has a flair for fashion." Faith laughed through her tears, "I know she does. She can put an outfit together better than I can some days."

Richie grabbed a tissue and wiped Faith's tears from her cheeks, "what do you say you put on the new dress and we go to dinner?" She stopped his hand and looked up at him, "you're spoiling me you know that right?" She leaned up and kissed him. He smiled at her, "I know. I told you I was going to. Didn't you believe me?" She shook her head, "I guess I should have." She took the tissue from him and wiped her nose. "Let's go to dinner."

While Richie was in the shower she got herself ready. She had just slipped on the dress when Richie came out of the bathroom. The dress that had looked just ordinary on the hanger, looked spectacular on Faith. The pale color against her tan and with her dark hair was amazing. Faith looked up and found him staring at her. "What?" He didn't say anything right away, he just looked at her. "Richie?" He brought his eyes up to hers, "you're stunning darlin'." She blushed as she smiled, "thank you." She sat and put on her shoes as Richie got dressed.

They said their goodnights to the girls and were on their way a short time later. They drove out the Pacific Coast Highway and again Faith asked were they were going. Richie took her hand "we're almost there, you'll see." When they pulled up to the valet at the BeauRivage Faith didn't know what to say. Richie got out of the car handed over his keys and went to help Faith out of the car. The expression on her face spoke volumes to him. "Surprise" he whispered to her as tucked her hand in his arm and they headed inside. Once inside they were led to a table on the Patio.

Richie ordered a glass of champagne for himself and poured just a splash into Faith's glass. She looked at him with a question, "champagne?" He picked up his glass, "we're celebrating, happy birthday darlin'." She clinked her glass with his, "thank you." She took a sip and then caught his gaze over the flickering candle light, "I love you Richie. Thank you for a birthday I won't soon forget." He reached across the table and took her hand. "I love you too darlin'." He watched as she looked around taking in the view of the ocean and all the plants and flowers on the Patio. While she was distracted he pulled a small box from his pocket and set it in front of her.

Faith turned her attention back to Richie, "it's so beautiful here. I always wanted to come here but never had the chance. Thank you so much." He squeezed her hand, "you're welcome darlin'." She reached for her water glass and noticed the box. Her eyes flew to Richie's "what's this?" He smiled at her, "open it." It was small enough to be a ring box but she didn't think it could be that. Could it? She didn't want to think about it. She swallowed and opened the box.

Chapter 43

Faith eased away from Richie and got off the couch. Picking up his shirt she slipped it on, looked over at him and smiled to herself. She covered him with the blanket from the back of the couch and went into the kitchen. After pouring herself a glass of iced tea she went outside and sat on one of the lounge chairs on the patio. She was gazing at the stars and had to chuckle. Thinking back to just an hour earlier, after getting the girls settled, when Richie figured out what she had meant by one of them being wet and it having nothing to do with swimming. When he had slid into her after driving her to near delirium, he almost laughed when he finally figured it out.

She was deep in thought and didn't hear Richie approach. "Hey." She jumped and turned to look at him. "Hey yourself. I thought you were sleeping." He shrugged his shoulders, "I woke up alone, what are you doing out here? She had looked to be about a million miles away when he stepped outside. She smiled softly at him, "just thinking." He crossed the patio to her. "Anything you care to share?" She patted the spot at the end of her chair. "Have a seat." He sat down and pulled her legs across his lap.

"I was thinking about everything that has gone on in my life lately. I'm going to be 40 next week and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be widowed, dating a rock star and pregnant with his child. It's a lot to wrap my head around." Richie pulled her up onto his lap and she rested her head on his shoulder, "well, the changes haven't been all in your life. Mine hasn't exactly been smooth sailing either. Ava was the only constant for a while, then I met you." She looked at him, "I'm glad we found each other Richie." She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him close, "you're good for me." He hugged her back and looked down into her face, "you're good for me too." He kissed the end of her nose and then stood, taking her with him. "Its late, we should get some sleep. No telling what time the girls will be up."

The next few days passed with relative normalcy. Faith worked and Richie kept the girls entertained. He took them to the movies, shopping, the zoo. Wherever they wanted to go and whatever they wanted to do he was more than happy to oblige. He spoiled Hannah just as much as he spoiled his own daughter and was loving every minute of it. On one of their outings he reminded the girls of Faith's impending birthday. Hannah looked up at him, her little face so much like that of her mother's, "could we have a party for her?" Richie crouched down in front of her, "a party?" Hannah nodded her head, "she hasn't had a real birthday party since before..." she trailed off, not sure if she should have said anything. Richie, realizing what she meant took her little face in his hand, "well then let's have a party." Hannah's eyes grew wide, "really?!" He smiled at her, "really." He turned to Ava, "what do you think?" She hugged her dad "I think its a great idea. What kind of cake should we get?" He laughed at his daughter, "always thinking of food, wonder where you get that from?" Ava poked him in the stomach, "mom says I get it from you." He laughed, "does she always have to be right?" They laughed and headed for the bakery.

The night before her birthday Faith got to Richie's after work and headed straight for the shower. She had had a very busy day and all she wanted to was shower and collapse on the couch with a container of ice cream and a brainless movie. She hoped Richie and girls were up for it. She came back downstairs barefoot, dressed in yoga pants and a t-shirt and headed to the kitchen to see if she could find any signs of life. The house had been so quiet she just figured they were out by the pool. She stepped out onto the patio and stopped. There were streamers and balloons everywhere. "What the...?" "SURPRISE!!!" Faith jumped about a mile and turned around to find Richie, Ava, Hannah, Ms. Betty and her friend Susie from work were standing behind her with silly grins on their faces and pointy party hats on their heads.

Faith laughed and cried at the same time. "You guys are too much." As she hugged everyone she kept her eyes on Richie, "thank you" she mouthed to him over Hannah's shoulder. When she got to him, she could see his eyes dancing with delight at having pulled this off. "Happy Birthday darlin'." She hugged him tight, "thank you so much. You didn't have to do this you know." He pulled back a little and looked down into her face, "well it was your daughter's idea so I can't take all the credit." She smiled and turned to find Hannah, "this was all your idea?" Hannah nodded her head, "yup." Faith pulled her close "thank you sweetie. I love you." Hannah took her mom's hand and led her over to the table. "I love you too mom and this is for you." She held up the most garish looking hot pink plastic sparkly tiara Faith had ever seen. She looked at Hannah, "you expect me to wear that?" Hannah nodded her head, "you have to, it's the rule. Richie said everyone had to wear a hat." Faith looked over at Richie, he had on a bright pink party hat himself. She laughed and picked up the tiara and settled it on her head. "How do I look?" Hannah smiled up at her, "you look beautiful."

They ate pizza and drank soda until they thought their sides would split and then Richie had the nerve to bring out the birthday cake. After much consideration he and the girls had decided on a chocolate/vanilla layer cake with fluffy white icing and big pink roses. Richie had even remembered candles. He took pity though and only bought the 4 and 0 instead of 40 individual candles. They sang to her almost as badly as the guys had sung to Richie the week before. Faith couldn't remember having a better time. Just before she blew out the candles Richie called out to her, "don't forget to make a wish." She stopped and looked around at everyone. Her eyes settled on Richie and a warmth flooded her. She closed her eyes and blew out the candles. When she opened her eyes Richie was right next to her. He leaned down, his mouth at her ear, "what did you wish for darlin'?" She turned her head slightly "now if I tell you it won't come true" and she gave him a quick kiss.

Once everyone had cake Richie disappeared into the house and came back with with a small stack of gifts. The girls helped him clear off a spot at the table and set them down next to Faith. She looked up at him, "what's all this?" She looked around the table, "you guys really didn't have to do this. Just being here was enough." Ms. Betty spoke up, "it's your birthday just enjoy." From Ms. Betty she got a lovely sweater, from Susie a scarf and from Hannah and Ava, a bunch of t-shirts and a new pair of jeans. Richie handed her an envelope, "this is from me" he leaned down closer to whisper in her ear, "the rest of your gift is upstairs though." He stood and said a bit louder, "Happy birthday darlin'." She looked up at him, "but you already gave me this" she pointed to the ruby hanging from her neck. It had been there since he put it there the week before. He shrugged his shoulders, "so, I got you something else too."

Inside the envelope was a brochure for an upscale spa/salon in Richie's neighborhood and several of the treatments were marked. "A car will be here at 10 to pick you up tomorrow for a full day of pampering." She didn't know what to say. She had never spent an hour pampering herself let alone a whole day. She went around the table thanking everyone and giving everyone hugs. She hugged Richie and whispered in his ear, "I'll thank you properly later." He pulled her close and she could feel his excitement press against her, "later better get here soon" he growled in her ear.

Later got there sooner than he expected. Just a short while later the girls were starting to fade and Ms. Betty was ready to go home. Richie had his driver take Ms. Betty and Susie home and then he helped Faith with the girls.

Richie came into the kitchen after saying good night to Ava to find Faith cleaning up. Everything they had used had been paper or plastic so everything just went in the garbage, but the cake needed to be wrapped and put away as did the pizza. He came up behind her and stilled her hands. "What are you doing?" She turned her head slightly, "just cleaning up a bit." He let her put the cake and pizza in the refrigerator and then stopped her again. "That's it, no more. Just leave the rest." He took her hand and led her out of the kitchen. "Can I at least bring my gifts in from the patio?" He let go of her hand and went and got them himself. Taking her hand again he led her upstairs.

There was a small flat box with a bow in the center of his bed. She turned and looked at him, "is that for me or you?" He winked at her, "yes." "Okay, should I open it or should I just go in the bathroom and put it on?" He motioned toward the bathroom, "put it on for me." As she disappeared into the bathroom he pulled off his shirt and toed off his shoes. He was turning down the bed when he heard her open the door.

The black silk and lace negligee fit her like a dream. The spaghetti straps criss-crossed her back and rested low. The front was lace from the strap on her left shoulder diagonal across to her right hip, where the slit up the front stopped. She had fluffed her hair a bit and it had a bit of a disheveled messy look that just enhanced her sexiness.

Every step she took toward him made him want her that much more. He had liked the look of the lingere on the hanger, but had no idea it would affect him like this when he saw it on her. She got right in front of him and pirouetted, "what do you think?" He swallowed hard, "I think I outdid myself. Come here." He dragged her against him, crushing his mouth to hers.

His mouth didn't leave hers as he backed up to the bed. He sat, taking her with him. She pushed him gently and as he lay back she straddled his thighs. She leaned down, her mouth a whisper from his, "it's my birthday and I get what I want, right?" He nodded his head. Her tongue snaked out and she ran the tip around his lips before taking his mouth with hers. His hands slid down her body and dragged the negligee up, letting it bunch at her waist has his hands roamed over her thighs and ass. God she has a great ass. She sat up and he brought his hands around to her front, trying to touch her and she stopped him. "Not yet." She brought his hands up and kissed each of his fingers before settling them on her breasts.

As he kneaded and teased the tips through the silk and lace she undulated against him, making him harder, his jeans more uncomfortable. "Faith" he groaned, "if you don't stop I'm gonna embarass myself." She moved off of him and he felt her hands at his waist. The button popped and she slid her hand down the length of him as she released the zipper. She slid the jeans from him and ran her hands up his legs. He moved restlessly on the bed, wanting her to touch him, "Faith, you're killing me here." She looked up at him and, keeping her eyes on his, lowered her head and took him, sliding her mouth down his smooth hard shaft, until her nose touched hair. "God... damn..." Richie's eyes slammed shut and as she moved her mouth on him he struggled to maintain his control. She kept one hand on his hip and the other followed the path her mouth took, up and down, killing him a little bit each time. "Faith!" She looked up at him, knew he was near the point of no return. With one last glide she took her mouth from him and stood, stripping off the negligee.

She climbed up on the bed and straddled him again, taking him in one long slow downward thrust. "Oh God Richie." She moved on him slowly, but he met her thrust for thrust and she needed more. His hands moved on her, plucking at the hardend nipples, roaming lower. When his fingers found her swollen clit, she started moving faster, he moved his hand away and gripped her hips, tilting them slightly, the friction causing her orgasm to rush through her. He rode through it with her and then rolled them so she was on the bottom. He thrust into her harder and faster, causing her to come again, causing himself to empty into her.

Richie shifted slightly so as not crush her and pulled her against him, their breathing heavy and hearts not quite steady. "Happy Birthday baby."

Chapter 42

When the car pulled up in Faith's driveway, neither she nor Richie moved. Neither wanted to be the first to open a door and get out. Getting out meant getting back to real life. Faith sighed and looked over at Richie, "can't delay the inevitable, right?" He smiled at her but she could see a hint of sadness in his eyes. He didn't want to go home to his empty house anymore than she wanted to get out of the backseat of the car. He reached over and took her hand before she could open the door. "I'll see you tomorrow." It was a statement more than a question. Faith nodded, "okay." She opened the door and he followed her out. The driver had gotten her bags out of the trunk and Richie helped her to her door.

Faith had no sooner gotten the door open and she and Richie had stepped inside when Hannah came tearing across the street. "Mom!" She flung herself at her mother. Faith hugged her and laughed. "Hannah, did you miss me?" Hannah nodded her head against her mother, "I couldn't wait for you to get back." Faith pressed Hannah away from her, "glad to know I was missed. Were you good for Ms. Betty?" "Yes" Hannah huffed. She turned to go back out the door and that was when she noticed Richie. "Hi Richie" she smiled at him, unsure if she should hug him or not. He crouched down to her level and she took a tentative step toward him. He opened his arms and she rushed him. "Thanks for bringing my mom back." He smiled at her, "you didn't think I'd leave her behind now did ya?" Hannah shook her head and hugged him again.

Faith watched the interaction between her daughter and Richie and felt tears prickling her eyes. Hannah missed her dad and hadn't had any male influence since. It warmed Faith's heart to see her daughter reach out to him and to see Richie so accepting of her. It was never easy taking on someone else's kids and to see how easily Richie accepted Hannah made her love him that much more.

She was wiping a tear from under her eye when Hannah ran off and Richie stood and looked at her. "What's wrong?" Faith shook her head, "nothing." He pulled her close, "you don't cry for nothing Faith, what's the matter?" She looked up at him, "the way you were with Hannah, that was just so sweet. Thank you." Richie hugged her and rested his chin on her head. "You don't have to thank me darlin'. Hannah is a sweetheart, like her mother. I like her and, I think she likes me too." Faith laughed against his chest. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure she does." She pulled away from him, "your car is waiting." He scanned her face and locked on her eyes, "he can wait a bit longer." His mouth found hers. The kiss they shared was full of love and longing.

As they pulled apart, Richie kept his arms around her and looked down into her face, "don't over do tonight Faith. Take it easy." He knew she wouldn't, but he felt he had to say it anyway. "I won't over do Richie, I promise." He chuckled, "why don't I believe you?" She smiled at him, "all I'm going to do is unpack and make dinner." He eyed her carefully, "promise?" Faith made an X over her heart with her fingers, "cross my heart." He grabbed her hand and kissed it, "okay, I guess I can go now. I'll call you later." She watched him go before heading across the street to relieve Ms. Betty of Hannah duty.

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

The next morning Faith cleaned her house from top to bottom and had sat down on the couch to rest a bit before tackling the laundry. She closed her eyes and was dozing lightly when her phone rang. "Hello?" her voice was a bit groggy. "Faith, did I wake you?" It was Richie. He glanced at the clock, it was late for her to be sleeping. Faith rubbed her eyes and gave a slight laugh, "actually you did." This worried him, "are you all right?" She sat up, "I'm fine. I cleaned the house and when I sat down I must have dozed off. Stop worrying about me." She heard him sigh, "I thought you were going to take it easy." She smiled, "I said I would last night. I didn't say anything about today." He laughed, "well, you got me there. Anyway, do you and Hannah want to come over today? Ava's here and I thought maybe we could tell the girls about the baby today."

Faith thought about it for a minute, "I guess that would be okay. What time should we come over?" Yesterday he thought. "Whenever you are ready. We will be here all day. Oh, Ava has been bugging me about Hannah staying the night, you know kind of a sleepover thing. What do you think?" Faith pretended to give it great consideration. "Well, what about me, do I get to spend the night too?" He gave her a husky laugh, "now that's a sleepover of a whole nother kind." She laughed, "I can just imagine." He cleared his throat before continuing, "you know, why don't you guys just plan to stay here until your birthday?" He had something in mind and having her at his house would make it all that much easier to pull off.

Faith sounded hesitant when she answered, that was four days of her and Hannah imposing on him. "Are you sure you want us there for that long?" He smiled into the phone, "Absolutely." "Well," she hedged, "as long as you're sure. I guess we will see you in a little while." They said their goodbyes and Faith went to get ready.

When Richie closed his phone he sat and thought about the conversation. Maybe I should just ask her to move in here. True, they had only known each other for two months, but, just in the short time she had spent here prior to his birthday, he had gotten used to her being there. It was too quiet now. He liked having her in his bed, waking up with her, going to sleep with her, sharing the quiet moments together. He liked having time to himself, but he didn't like being alone. Sighing, he got up and went to find Ava and to give this idea a bit more thought.

When Faith and Hannah arrived, Ava managed a hello for Faith and then dragged Hannah off to her room. Richie watched the girls disappear up the stairs and dragged Faith into his arms. "I missed you darlin'" his lips met hers in a hungry kiss. Faith pulled back, "I missed you too, but if you keep kissing me like that the girls are likely to see way more than they need to." He pulled her close to him and she could feel how much he missed her. "You're right. Okay let's get your stuff upstairs and then we can go cool off in the pool, how's that?" She agreed and followed him up the stairs to his room. She changed and when they got outside the girls were already in the pool.

As the afternoon waned Faith and Richie took a breather and stretched out in the lounge chairs while the girls splashed around in the pool. Faith was watching the girls and Richie was watching her. Her hair was wet and slicked back off her face. Drops of water clung to her tanned skin. She looked relaxed and happy. His hand snaked out and grasped hers, lacing their fingers together.

She looked over at him and smiled. Damn he looks good enough to eat. His broad chest was all tan and he had drops of water clinging to him. His hair was wet and messy and his eyes were aglow. She shook her head and willed herself to stay in her chair and not jump over onto his with him. He caught her eye, "what are you thinkin' about darlin'?" She smiled wickedly at him, "things that the girls aren't old enough to know about yet." His eyebrow winged up, "Really? We can have an adult only swim later and test them out." She lowered her voice, "what I have in mind does call for at least one of us being wet, but has nothing to do with swimming." He groaned, "you better just cool it right now missy." She looked him up and down, staring at his very obvious erection, "I think you are the one who needs to cool it." He looked down at himself and tried to rearrange but was having no luck. "See what you did, now what am I supposed to do?" She laughed at him, "go jump in the pool?" He shook his head at her and rolled his eyes before getting up and doing just that.

While they were all playing in the pool, Faith put her wrap on and went in the house to start dinner. Richie wandered in a short while later and she put him to work. She made him turn right around and go back out and start the grill. When he came back she sent him right back out again with the chicken. When he came back a third time she opened her mouth and he held up his hand and stopped her. "Faith, I just want something to drink." She laughed, "I was just going to ask you that." He grabbed a soda and headed back outside to get the girls.

After they were finished with their dinner and before the girls could go running off, Richie and Faith told the girls about the baby. The girls looked at each other and then at their respective parent, "are you going to get married?" Richie looked at Faith and then back at the girls. "We haven't talked about it, why?" Ava piped up, "well, if Faith's having a baby, shouldn't you be married?" She looked at her father, "you love her don't you?" Hannah looked at her mother, "you love him too, right?" Faith answered this time, "yes girls, we love each other, but that doesn't mean we have to get married." She looked over at Richie, "right?"

Richie looked at the girls, "Faith is right, just because we are having a baby together doesn't mean we need to get married, right now." He glanced and Faith and saw her eyebrows raise at that last statement. They talked with the girls for a few minutes more and then, satisified with the answers to their questions, the girls went to watch a movie.

Faith was rinsing the dishes and putting them in the dishwasher when Richie came up to her, "what's wrong?" She had been quiet after they talked with the girls and he knew something was bothering her. She repeated his statement, "we don't have to get married right now. What was that supposed to mean?" He looked at her, "just what I said. We don't have to get married right now. Maybe one day down the line, but not now."

She turned from him and started wiping the counter. "Look Richie, I love you but I don't know that I am ready to even talk about getting married. Hell, we haven't known each other all that long." Richie took the sponge from her and turned her to face him. "Look Faith, I am not ready to talk marriage either, but I do know that one day I will be and hopefully, if I am really lucky, I will be talking about it with you. For now can we just leave it at that?" Looking into his eyes she could see that he meant what he said. "Okay." Richie smiled at her, "good, now while the girls are watching a movie, how about we go shower the chlorine off and you can tell me why one of us will be wet later and why it has nothing to do with swimming."

Chapter 41

Reaching for Faith as he woke, Richie found her side of the bed empty. He opened his eyes and stretched, hearing the water running. With a smile he padded to the bathroom to join her in the shower. When he pulled back the curtain to step in, he found Faith lying on the floor of the tub. He didn't know if she had slipped and hurt herself or what. "Faith!" He called out to her, trying to get her to come back to him. Trying not to panic he scooped her up, grabbed a towel and took her back to the bed. He tapped her cheeks and kept calling her name, trying to get her to wake up.

Faith had woken before Richie and, not knowing what time they had to be ready, decided to at least be showered when Richie woke. She had been thinking about how she had been feeling the last couple of days and was pleased to realize that she hadn't had any dizzy spells. As she was getting ready to shut the water off her vision narrowed and everything went black.

As she started to stir, she could feel Richie's hands on her, rubbing her arms, stroking her cheeks. She opened her eyes and found that she was on the bed. "Richie?" He looked up at her, "Faith, are you all right?" She closed her eyes and took stock of herself, "I think so." She opened her eyes and looked at him, "what am I doing on the bed all wet?" He raised and eyebrow as he looked at her, "you don't remember what happened?" She shook her head, "the last thing I remember..." she trailed off. Richie looked at her expectantly, "what's the last thing you remember?" She brought her hands up and rubbed her temples, "I remember thinking I was going to shut the water off because I was finished, and then everything gets fuzzy."

Richie crawled up on the bed and lay down next to her, curling her into him. "You were laying on the floor of the tub when I came in." She looked up into is face, she could see the worry in his eyes. "I must have fainted. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you." He tightened his hold on her, "it's all right. Who's gonna worry about you if I don't?" She smiled and ran hand over her stomach, "I think this little one is gonna be a handful. I never fainted when I was pregnant with Hannah. It was all smooth sailing with her." Richie put his hand over hers, "well he or she better settle down in there and give mom a break." They lay together, their hands on Faith's stomach, neither talking, just enjoying the moment.

Faith felt Richie's hand move, his thumb making small circles on her stomach. "I really didn't think there would be any more kids" he said quietly. Faith looked up into his face and saw the softening around his eyes and the small smile that played on his lips. Her rough tough rock star was really a big softy. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, "yeah well, I never thought I would be 40 and pregnant." He looked at her, worried that she might be sorry about it. She could read the expression on his face and reassured him, "I'm not sorry though. I could never be sorry about this." He leaned down and lightly kissed her mouth. "I love you." "I love you too" she told him as she met his mouth with hers.

Richie's hand traveled up and down Faith's side lightly as they shared slow kisses. With every lingering kiss and each pass of his hand, Faith could feel the slow burn of desire rising in her. He brought it out so easily in her. He knew just where to touch her, how to touch her to make her ache for him. "Richie." His name was a whisper off her tongue. She felt his hands roam over her, and she let herself explore him. She caressed his chest, ran her nails lightly over the hardened nipples and let her hand follow the trail of hair down across his stomach and lower. She wrapped her hand around him and stroked him slowly, earning a groan of approval from him.

She wanted him inside her, wanted to feel him, all of him. She was growing restless under his capable hands. He moved over her, she was ready for him, moving slowly he gave her everything. They moved together, bringing each other closer to the edge. Richie found her hands and laced their fingers together before calling her name. She found his eyes with hers and held his gaze as he came and she followed only seconds later.

They lay curled together, wanting nothing more than to stay that way for the rest of the day. But Richie had a show and as he glanced at the clock he winced. "We have to get up baby. We have to meet the others in an hour." Faith sighed her okay and they got up and took a shower.

******************************
Rexall Place was packed that night, not an empty seat in the place. As Faith watched she could understand why they loved doing what they do. She had tears in her eyes during Hallelujah and you could almost reach out and touch the bond Richie and Jon shared during Wanted. It was a show she wouldn't soon forget.

After the guys showered they headed back to the hotel for the after party. The guys went into the bar ahead of Faith, she had needed to use the restroom. She walked into the bar and stopped and watched. They were signing autographs and talking with a few fans. They had smiles for each one and they signed anything they were handed. Richie caught her eye as she entered the bar and he winked at her. She went and got herself a club soda with lime and sat at the bar until they were through.

When the last fan had been talked to, when the last autograph had been signed Richie joined her at the bar along with the others. She looked at the five of them and had to ask the question. "How do you guys do it?" They all looked at her, "do what?" Richie asked. "How do you turn it on and off like that? I watched you signing autographs and having your picture taken and now you sit here like it was nothing. How do you do it?" They all shrugged their shoulders. They had been doing it for so long it was second nature to them and they didn't even really think about it anymore. They just did.

The hung out until the bar closed and then they all took the elevator together. Standing in the hall out side their rooms they said their goodbyes. Richie and Faith would be heading back to LA in the morning, Jon and David back to New Jersey and Tico to Florida. They would all, minus Faith, meet up again the following weekend for the shows in Wyoming and Wisconsin. David and Tico left Jon Richie and Faith talking in the hallway. Faith went to Jon, kissed his cheek and gave him a hug. She stepped back and took his hands, "thank you for everything Jon." Jon squeezed her hands, "it was my pleasure Faith. You are welcome with us anytime." He kissed her cheek and turned to Richie, "take care of her and have a safe flight tomorrow." Richie nodded and shook Jon's hand. "Thanks man, for everything." Jon gave him a brotherly hug "don't mention it man."

Chapter 40

At some point in the night Faith and Richie had managed to get under the blankets. When Faith woke in the morning Richie was wrapped around her from the back and his arms held her close. She shifted so she was laying on her back and ran her fingers lightly up and down his arm.

She loved him, she hadn't thought she would find love again after Billy. She had been so focused on Hannah she hadn't really been interested. It just snuck up on her when she wasn't looking, like Ms. Betty had told her it would. "When you least expect it, it will find you." Boy was she ever right.

Faith turned her head and looked at Richie. Even in slumber he was beautiful. For a man of 48, who lived his life like he had, he was simply amazing. Last night had proved that. She smiled at the memory. She ran her fingers lightly down his face and kissed his cheek. She moved to get up and he tightened his hold on her. "Where are you going?" he asked in a sleep gravelly voice. She kissed him again, "I just have to go to the bathroom. Go back to sleep." He nodded and let her go.

Faith grabbed her nightie off the floor and stepped into the bathroom, gasping when she caught her reflection in the mirror. Holy Hell. She had a hickey on her left breast and finger marks on both hips. She shook her head at herself. When she was finished she washed her hands, brushed her teeth and hair and, as she was about to slip her nightie back on there was pounding at their door. Faith pulled the nightie back on and slipped the matching robe over her shoulders as she went to the door.

"Hey birthday boy, wake up!" Faith opened the door as far as the chain would allow and found Jon, Dave and Tico standing there. "Morning Faith" Jon said with a smile, "is he awake?" Faith shook her head, "not yet." Dave laughed, "he will be once you let us in!" Faith closed the door, slid the chain off and let the guys in. Faith just stood back and watched the scene as it played out before her. Jon went and opened the curtains and let the sunlight stream in across Richie's face. Richie groaned his disgust and buried his head in the pillows. Dave called room service and ordered breakfast and the three of them sang the most horribly off key rendition of happy birthday Faith had ever heard. All she could do was laugh.

When they were finished Richie opened one eye and looked at all of them, "are you done?" They all nodded their heads "we're finished." "Good, now get out" he told them with a growl and a grin. Dave pouted, "aw come on man, get your ass outta bed. Breakfast is on the way." He rolled over and looked at his friends, "a guy can't get no sleep with the likes of you around." Jon looked over at Faith, perused her up and down, and then looked back at Richie, "yea, I don't think its our fault you didn't get enough sleep." Faith blushed and opened her mouth to say something but was interrupted by a knock on the door. She looked at Jon, "you're lucky breakfast is here." He laughed as he went past her to let room service in.

After a hearty birthday breakfast the guys left and Richie and Faith were alone once again. They took their coffee and crawled back into bed. She laid her head on his shoulder, "so, how's your birthday so far?" Richie took their coffee cups and set them on the night table and gathered Faith in his arms, "on a scale of 1-10, I would have to give this one an 11." She kissed him on the cheek and looked into the warm brown of his eyes, "why's that?" He smiled at her, "that's easy, you're here." She smiled back at him, "well, I wouldn't have missed it. No one should be alone on their special day." Richie nodded his agreement, "I'm glad you feel that way. Your's is next week so don't expect to be alone." Faith hadn't given her birthday any thought. She had spent the last two with Hannah and Ms. Betty, so she wasn't alone, but it hadn't been the same as being with one that you loved. "Any hint as to what I might have to look forward to? A little something like last night maybe?"

Richie chuckled, "darlin' I don't know if I could survive a repeat performance of last night, but I am sure I can come up with something." He glanced at the clock, "but right now, if we don't get moving, we are going to be late." He gave her a kiss and dragged her toward the bathroom.

"Come on Faith, we are going to be late and Jon will never let me hear the end of it." Faith opened the bathroom door just as Richie was about to pound on it again. He stopped just short of hitting her. "I'm ready." He looked at her and his hand dropped to his side. She was wearing dark wash low rise jeans and a body hugging black tank top, but it was her hair that had him staring. Normally it fell straight down her back but today it was all waves and curls. Faith dropped her tote next to her suitcase, "what are you staring at?" Richie's hand reached out and his mouth opened at the same time, "your hair, what did you do to it?" His fingers touched the soft curls. "This is what happens when I don't blow it out. A little spray gel and a hit with the blow dryer and this what you get." He continued to touch it, "you should leave it like this all the time." She smiled at him, "I'll keep that in mind." She took his hand and, after stepping into her black ballet flats, led him to the door. "I believe it was you yelling at me that we had to go, so let's go." They met the others downstairs and headed to the Saddledome for sound check.

Faith sat back and just watched the guys. They were professional when they had to be, but for the most part they were just big kids playing at being grown up. When they were finished Richie brought her up on stage, "this is what I get to see when I play" he told her as they looked out at all the empty seats. She turned to him, a smile on her face, "you get to see all the empty seats?" He laughed, "hopefully they will all be filled by the time I get back up here." He took her hand and led her back to where they would change and get ready later. Jon looked up as they walked in the room, "we were just going to go get something to eat, any ideas?" They ended up at a nearby restaurant and enjoyed a light meal and some fun conversation.

The show was, for Faith, simply amazing. How could they still have the same energy they had when she last saw them live, 10 years ago? She watched Jon, it seemed as though he never stood still. He was constantly moving. It made her tired just watching.

At the end, before they took their bow, Jon addressed the audience "we have one last song and I will need your help with it. It seems we have a birthday to celebrate tonight." He looked over at Richie, "the old man over here is 48 today. What do you say, can you help me sing happy birthday?" The crowd roared and sang along with the band. Richie caught Faith's eye and she was singing right along with everyone else. Having that much loved showered on you made a person a bit misty. Richie thanked them and they took their final bow and left the stage.

The guys took long enough to shower and change before being hustled off to the waiting vans to be taken to the airport. They were headed to Alberta within the hour.

At the airport they were herded onto the private plane and Richie dragged Faith as far away from everyone as possible. Once they were in the air Faith grabbed her tote and tried to move past Richie to get to the bathroom. He pulled her down onto his lap "where do you think you're going?" He nuzzled her neck and wrapped his arms around her. She motioned behind him, "to the little girl's room." He waggled his eyebrows at her, "need any help?" She looked around the cabin, everyone was awake and moving about. She looked back at Richie, kissed him full on the mouth before sliding her mouth to his ear, "not with an audience, you will just have to wait." She got up and he called after her, "but its my birthday, don't I get what I want?" He sounded like a cranky whiny three year old. Everyone turned and looked at them, Faith's face flamed red but she turned back to him, "your birthday was over an hour ago and you got what you wanted last night." Before Richie could respond she walked to the bathroom and shut the door.

When Faith stepped back into the main cabin everyone had taken their seats and it was relatively quiet. She had changed into yoga pants and a t-shirt and had pulled her hair up into a ponytail. She stowed her bag and slid back into her seat next to Richie. He had his eyes closed and his head was resting against the back of the seat. She yawned, laid her head back and rested her hand on his. He looked over at her, "tired darlin'?" She nodded, "I am at that. It's been a long day." He tugged on her hand, "come on over here" he pulled her onto his lap. She rested her head on his shoulder and was soon sound asleep.

Richie woke her when she had to strap in for the landing and she managed to stay awake long enough to get into the car with him. At the hotel he carried her to their room, laid her on the bed, took her shoes and pants off before doing the same for himself and he curled up with her in the bed and drifted off with her.

Chapter 39

Faith took Richie by the hand and he rose from the chair. She was a little unnerved by the fact that he hadn't said anything to her but she didn't let that stop her. Her nimble fingers made fast work of the buttons of his shirt and, sliding her palms over his chest, she pushed it off his shoulders. Her hands slid down his arms and the shirt fell to the floor. She skimmed her hands back up his arms ever so lightly, leaving a trail of goose bumps. He closed his eyes and swallowed back a groan. He let his head drop back as he felt Faith's breath coast over his skin. She placed a kiss in the center of his chest, ran her tongue up his neck and, when her lips were a breath from his, she looked up at him, "Richie?" He opened his eyes and looked at her. His eyes had gone from brown to near black with desire and made Faith gasp. When she spoke again her voice was a low murmur, "what do you want baby?"

He stared at her. He opened his mouth but nothing came out. No woman had ever asked him that before. For the second time in the span of a half hour he was rendered speechless. What is the matter with me? Normally he made the woman speechless, not the other way around. He ran his hands up Faith's sides slowly; trailing his finger tips along the curve of her breasts, up across her shoulders, skimmed up the graceful length of her neck and finally cupped her face. "I want to..." was all he said before his lips came down on hers. Faith pulled back from his kiss, "you want to what?" He kissed down her neck, pressing her back so he could kiss down to her breasts. "I want to touch you, taste you all over. I want hear you scream my name over and over." Faith's breath hitched as he continued to talk in that low whiskey-honey voice of his. "Mostly though, I want to lose myself in your warm" he kissed her, "sweet" he kissed her again, "wet pussy all night long." Faith was panting now. "Well, if that's what you want, how can I deny the birthday boy?"

Richie moved her over by the bed. He ran his hands down to the bottom of her nightie, "as sexy as this is" he told her as he raised it up, "it's coming off now." He slid it up and off, dropping it on the floor. He stood back and looked at her, whistling low at the sight of the g-string panties she was wearing. "God Faith you are amazing." He pushed her back slightly and she lay back on the bed, propping herself up on her elbows. He bent down and lifted one leg, removing her shoe and kissing from her ankle to knee. He did the same with the other leg. He was slowing driving her insane. Faith watched as he stood and toed off his own shoes and moved over her on the bed.

Together they moved to the top of the bed. Faith reached for Richie's belt and he stopped her. He took her arms and put them at her sides, "don't move them." She nodded her assent and let him have his way with her. He started at her forehead, feather light kisses rained down her face, he captured her lips and their tongues met, stoking the fire that burned in both of them. He moved down to her neck, dipping his tongue in the hollow between neck and shoulder, causing her to shudder, it always did. His tongue slid up to her ear, teeth nibbled on her lobe before leaving a trail to her shoulder. He tasted her skin down to her elbow, licking lightly at the sensitive skin on the inside before continuing down to her wrist. He slid the tip of his tongue across her wrist and worked his way to her fingers, kissing each one. He smiled as he heard his name as she sighed with the pleasure he was giving her.

He gave the other arm the same treatment, working back up to her mouth. Their mouths were hot and their tongues danced over each other, hungry for more. Richie pulled his mouth from hers and she cried out at the loss. He moved down her neck and across her chest. He kneaded one breast with his hand and ran his tongue around the hardened tip. When he took the tip in his mouth Faith's back arched up off the bed "Richie!". He continued this sweet torture on her other breast. His name was an oath and prayer off her tongue as he pressed kisses over her stomach, dipped his tongue in her navel and whispered words of love to the child she carried.

He ran his tongue around the lacy string of a waistband of her panties. He hooked his fingers in the band and slid them down her legs and off. He looked up at Faith, the flush of arousal covered her, her eyes were closed and he could see that she was panting lightly. He smiled to himself "Faith, open your eyes baby." The sea green eyes he loved had gone dark with desire and were slightly glazed. He held her gaze as he lightly ran his fingers up and down the insides of her thighs. She kept her eyes on his as he ran his tongue along the same path his fingers had just traveled.

Faith thought she was going to fly apart if he didn't fuck her soon. She didn't think she could take much more of this. She was so ready for him. She could feel her own wetness on her thighs. "Richie please" she begged him, "I need you inside me now!" He shook his head, "I'm not done yet." When he finally ran his tongue up and down her slit and dipped inside of her he got the scream he had wanted to hear. He continued his assault, fucking her with his tongue and when he felt she was close, he backed off. He knelt up and watched her as he released the button and zipper on his jeans. Her chest was heaving and her arms, still at her sides, hands fisting and flexing. He removed his jeans, his cock achingly hard. He moved back between her legs and plunged into her. RICHIEEE!!! she screamed as she came. He rode through it with her, moving slowly at first. He pulled her thigh up higher on his and pulled her up to him. Their mouths fused as they moved together.

Laying her back down on the bed he pulled out and urged her to all fours. He thrust into her from behind, she cried out again and he gripped her hips as moved in and out. She looked over her shoulder at him, he leaned in and kissed her as his fingers found her clit. He was going to explode and he wanted her to come with him. "Faith, baby, come with me." She pushed back on him, meeting his thrusts. RIIICHIEEE she screamed one last time and his own shout mixed with hers as he emptied himself into her.

They collapsed on the bed together, a sheen of sweat covered their bodies, chests heaving, neither able to move to cover themselves. They fell into a sated exhausted sleep still tangled together.

Chapter 38

Dinner was full of conversation and laughter. Richie and Faith shared their news with the rest of the guys. They toasted Richie and Faith and wished them all the best. After dinner they headed back to the bar. It was still relatively early and none of them were ready to turn in quite yet. As they found a table in an inconspicuous corner Jon looked over at Faith. "Hey Faith, I think they're playing your song." Faith flushed to the roots of her hair, Livin' in Fast Forward was playing through the bar. David and Tico looked at Jon, they had no idea what was going on. Jon filled them in, "when I first met Faith she was singing and dancing to this song while she was cleaning the studio." David looked over at her, "care to show the rest of us?" Faith had to laugh, "not on your life." "Aw come on, please" Dave begged. Faith laughed at him, "sorry, I only sing and dance while I work. I'm on vacation so you're out of luck." Dave pouted and shook his head "damn. I always miss the good stuff." Faith took pity on him, "well, if you show me yours, I'll show you mine!" Dave stood up and grabbed her hand, "you're on lady!"

They managed to catch the last two minutes of the song and that was enough to have the table doubled over in laughter.

Dave and Faith returned to the table, he bowed and she curtsied and they joined in the laughter.

Dave looked over at Richie, "you got a good one there my friend" he said pointing at Faith, "I liker her." Richie put his arm around Faith, "thanks, but just remember, she's mine." Dave nodded his head, "I know, you have all the luck man." He turned his attention to Faith, "any chance you have a sister?" Faith smiled at him, "actually, I do." Dave perked up at that, "really?" The guys were all watching and trying not to laugh at him. Faith nodded her head, "really." Faith didn't elaborate and David continued questioning her. "What, does she live in LA too?" "Nope, she lives in New Jersey." Richie was trying to contain himself, he knew what was coming. David was really interested now, "if she's anything like you I gotta meet her. What's her name?" Faith shook her head, "her name is Grace. But Dave," she stopped and he looked at her, "what?" Faith grinned at him, "she's married and has two kids." Richie couldn't hold the laughter back any longer and once he started he had the whole table going.

"Man you should have seen yourself" Richie told David once he regained his composure. He turned to Faith, "that was good. Usually no one can get him going like that." Faith grinned at Richie and then turned to Dave, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that to you." He shook his head, "that's okay, no harm done. Just remember," he smiled "paybacks are a bitch." She shook her head and laughed, "what have I gotten myself into?"

They finally settled down and Dave went to get another round of drinks. Jon and Richie were talking and Tico finally had a chance to ask Faith a question. "So darlin' how did you and Rich meet?" Faith smiled at him, he was more soft spoken than she had thought he'd be. "Actually, our daughters met first. We were at the beach and the girls hit it off. The next thing I knew I was sharing a beach blanket with Richie." Richie heard his name and he turned and smiled at her. She leaned in close to Tico "it was one of the best days of my life." He rubbed her hand with his and then glanced at Richie, "you're good for him darlin'. We haven't seen him smile so much in too long." She looked over at Richie and then back at Tico, "I'm glad you think so. I love him and I just want him to be happy."

They sat and talked a while longer and when a slow song started Richie asked Faith to dance with him. She wrapped her left arm around his shoulders and ran her fingers into his hair while he took her right hand and held her close. He left hand roamed up and down her back before settling at the small of her back. "Are you having a good time darlin'?" His breath was warm at her ear and sent a shiver right through her. "I am." They continued to move almost as one to the music, losing themselves to Faith Hill,

In a way I know my heart is waking up

As all the walls come tumbling down

I’m closer than I've ever felt before

And I know

And you know

There's no need for words right now

‘Cause I can feel you breathe

It's washing over me

Suddenly I'm melting into you

There's nothing left to prove

Baby all we need is just to be

Caught up in the touch

The slow and steady rush

Baby, isn't that the way that love's supposed to be

I can feel you breathe

Just breathe

Caught up in the touch

The slow and steady rush

Baby, isn't that the way that love's supposed to be

I can feel you breathe

Just breathe

I can feel the magic floating in the air
Being with you gets me that way

When the song ended they stayed where they were, neither realizing the music had stopped. Richie gazed down at the woman in his arms and felt a rush like nothing he had felt before. "Want to get out of here?" Faith held his gaze and nodded her head. They made their way back to the table and said their goodnights. They made it to the elevator and as the doors closed Richie pulled her to him and his mouth was on hers as he searched for the button for their floor.

They no sooner got in their room when Richie had Faith up against the door. Faith pushed at him, "Richie, wait" she panted. He pulled back and looked at her, "what?" She stepped around him and sucked in a breath. "I have something for you." She took his hand and led him to one of the chairs, "sit here, I'll be right back." He called after her, "can I have a hint?" She looked over her shoulder at him and gave him a sexy smile, "no, just be patient."

When Faith stepped back into the room Richie had his eyes closed and his head leaned back against the back of the chair. Faith walked over near him, "Richie?" He opened his eyes and took in the vision standing before him. He started at her feet, they were still clad in the sexy strappy sandals from earlier. His eyes traveled up the length of her legs, something purple, dark inky purple started at mid thigh. His eyes moved up further, the slip for lack of a better word, clung to every curve and the top was like a bra and it pushed her already fine breasts up just a bit higher. He got to her face and her eyes were lit with a fire from within. All for him. For the first time he could remember, he couldn't think of a damn thing to say.

She glanced at the clock and then back at him, "Happy Birthday Baby."

Chapter 37

The words hung in the air between them like a dark cloud. Faith waited for him to say something. Richie sat and looked at her, pregnant, she's pregnant. As the words finally sank in a smile started to spread across his face. "You're pregnant?" She looked at him, uneasiness showing on her face, "so it seems." The smile on his face broadened, "thank God." Faith was puzzled, "thank God?" He got up and went to her, taking her hands in his. "I didn't know what you were going to tell me, but I had thoughts of it being some horrible malady. You're pregnant, I think that's fantastic." She looked up into his face, "you're really okay about this? I didn't do it on purpose or anything. I didn't think I could get pregnant again."

Richie led her to the bed and they sat down together. "I remember you telling me that. Apparently there was some miscommunication there." She smiled at him for the first time in an hour, "yeah, I guess there was. My doctor said that the problem may have been my husband's and not mine though, so I am not really sure anymore." Still holding her hand he brought it to his lips and kissed it, "I think I would have to agree with the doctor. Now, when are you due?" "End of March, beginning of April, I'm not sure yet. I have to go back in two weeks and I will know better then." He nodded his head, "okay, just one more thing, you need to slow down some Faith. Three jobs is just way too much, especially now." She looked up at him, he was so concerned for her. "Well, it's only two jobs now. I cleaned the studio for the last time over the weekend." He let go of her and and pulled her close, kissing her head "that's a good start. You're going to let me help you, right?" Faith pulled back, eyeing him warily "help me do what?" "Help you with whatever you need. I want to be involved Faith." Faith stood up and faced him, "I'm quite capable of taking care of myself Richie. I have been doing it for a while now and I think I have been doing just fine."

Richie just looked at her. He knew she was independent, but now she was just being stubborn. "I know you can take care of yourself, but" he laid a hand over her stomach,"there is part of me in there and I want to make things easier for you if you'll let me." Faith laid her hand over his, "I don't need a hand out Richie, I can do this myself." He looked up and caught her eyes with his, "but you don't have to Faith. I love you and I want to help you." She softened at the look on his face, "you really want this, how can I argue with that?" He kissed her stomach, "you can't. You just have to deal with it." She smiled and pulled his head up, "is that so?" He winked at her, "yeah, get used to it. I am going to spoil you something terrible, starting now." He kissed her, teasing her lips open and slipping his tongue in and tasting her fully.

As his mouth explored hers, his hands went to the tie on her wrap. Loosening the knot it fell to the floor leaving Faith clad in only her bikini. Richie pulled back to look at her, "you are beautiful" he told her before dragging her closer. He nuzzled between her breasts, drawing a pleasured sigh from her. He lay back on the bed, pulling her with him. She straddled him and sat up, gazing down on him "I could get used to this kind of spoiling." He pulled her to him and kissed her hungrily. He untied her top and tossed it to the floorbefore rolling them so she was under him. He kissed down her neck to the valley between her breasts. He looked up at her, "I can't wait to see our baby suckle you here" he told her as he laved first one breast and then the other. "Oh God Richie" was all she could say.

He continued, kissing down across her stomach, "I can't wait to see you swollen with our child." He swirled his tongue in her navel, hooking his fingers into the bottom of her suit and sliding it down her legs.

He had brought every nerve ending in her body to life and Faith felt as though she were going to explode if he didn't touch her soon. He kissed his way back up her body, running his tongue over her, teasing her clit but not giving her the relief she craved. She reached for him, grabbing a handful of shirt as he moved over her. She pulled it up as best she could and he flipped it off as her mouth roamed over his chest. Her hands found the drawstring of his trunks and tugged. As he helped her slip them off she wrapped her hand around him and slowly slid her hand up and down his hard length. He closed his eyes, reveling in the feeling of her hands on him.

When he couldn't take it anymore he stopped her, pulling her hand from him, "Faith, I need you now" he told her as he moved over her. He slipped into her, filling her in one long slow thrust. "You feel so good darlin'." He started to move slowly at first, wanting to take his time. She wrapped herself around him and met each thrust, taking all he had to give her. "Richie, please" she pleaded for more. He moved faster, giving her the release she needed and as she shuddered around him, he let himself go, giving her everything.

They lay tangled together, slowly coming back to themselves. Faith decided she never wanted to move. She wanted to stay right where she was for the rest of her life. She had wrapped her arms around Richie and his weight on her was pure heaven. She felt his lips moving on her neck and against her hair. He shifted and tried to move from her, but she hugged him close, "not yet." He picked his head up and looked at her, she had tears in her eyes, "what's wrong." One fell down her cheek as she shook her head "nothing it's... she sighed, I love you." He kissed her, stroking her cheek with his fingers, "I love you too darlin'." He moved then and pulled the blankets down on the bed. They crawled under and he pulled her close.

Faith lay with her head on Richie's chest, listening to his steadying heartbeat. "Richie?" "Hmm, what?" She looked up at him, "I take it you were happy to see me today?" He laughed, "nah, not at all." She pouted playfully at him and made to move away from him, "maybe I should just go find a room of my own then." He pulled her back to him, "oh no, you get back over here, you're stuck with me now." She laughed and let herself be pulled back against him. "Well, if you insist." He nuzzled her neck, "I insist."

Richie's hand slid down and caressed her stomach. Faith watched his hand, "are you sure you're okay with this?" He brought his hand up to her face and lifted it, his eyes meeting hers. What she saw there was more than she had hoped for. "I love you Faith and I couldn't be happier." She smiled and wrapped her arms around him. "I love you too Richie." She relaxed into him and, as she listened to the steady beat of his heart she dozed.

When Richie felt her drop off into sleep he shifted her off of him and eased out of the bed. He couldn't sleep now. He was too full of excited energy to sleep. He pulled on his shorts and went and knocked on the door across the hall.

Jon had just stepped out of the shower when he heard the knock. He wrapped a towel around him and opened the door. "Hey man, what's up?" He let Richie in and went back to the bathroom and pulled his trunks back on. He walked back in the room to find Richie standing looking out the window. "What's going on?" Richie turned to Jon with a big smile on his face. "Did you have anything to do with her being here?" Jon couldn't lie to his best friend, "we, her and I, wanted to surprise you for your birthday." "Thanks. That was the best gift you could have given me." Jon looked around, "so, where is she?" Richie motioned toward the door, "she's sleeping." Jon studied his friend, "there's something else, what is it?" Richie's eyes widened, "really man, how the hell do you do that?" Jon laughed, "now if I told you that, I would have to kill ya. Just spill it." He hesitated and then decided to just put it out there, "Faith is pregnant. I am going to be a dad again."

Jon was surprised. He hadn't expected that, but looking at Richie he could tell that he was happy about it. "Congratulations. And you were all worried that there was something seriously wrong with her." Richie shook his head, "I know, but it never crossed my mind that she could be pregnant." He filled Jon in on the conversation he and Faith had had several weeks ago and what she had told him about her difficulty in that particular area. "We weren't being careful, but she didn't think it was possible. I'm not sorry though." Jon nodded, "well if you aren't careful you are going to end up with a litter like I got." Richie laughed, "a litter huh, don't let Dorothea hear you say that. She'll kick your ass." Jon laughed, "I know, but you know there's nothing wrong with a little spanking now and then." Richie grimaced, "that's a bit too much information for me my friend." He moved toward the door, "dinner at 8?" Jon nodded, "yeah we'll meet in the bar at 7:30."

Walking back into his room Richie heard the water running. He stripped off his trunks and joined Faith in the shower. "Hey, where did you disappear to?" He wrapped his arms around her, "I went to talk to Jon. He's happy for us." She looked up at him, "couldn't wait huh?" He let her go and stepped into the spray of water, "nope" he smiled, "was I supposed to?" Secretly she was glad he was so excited. "I guess not. I haven't told anyone yet, not even Hannah." He smiled at her, "why don't we tell the girls together when we get back?" Faith agreed.

Richie came up behind Faith at the mirror as she was finishing putting her lipstick on. "You are stunning." She looked up and caught his gaze in the mirror, "thank you, I think I am overdressed though." He had on dark jeans and a dark blue shirt with half the buttons left open. "Not at all, you look great. Isn't that the dress from our 'dinner'?" He ran his hands lightly over her bare shoulders, "you have a good memory." He kissed her shoulder, "I think it needs something though." She looked down at herself and then back up at him, "what could it possibly need?" "This."

She looked and dangling from his fingers in front of her was a delicate gold chain with a ruby heart hanging from it. He had picked it up when he was in New Jersey and was going to save it for her birthday but he decided not to wait. He clasped it around her neck and she looked at it in the mirror. "Richie, it's beautiful but you really shouldn't have." He turned her to face him, "I wanted to. It was supposed to be for your birthday but I decided I didn't want to wait." She kissed him, "thank you. It's perfect." She picked up her purse and took Richie's hand, "shall we?" He led her out and down the hall to meet the guys for dinner.

Chapter 36

After filling in her boss at the cafe about her situation, Faith found herself with several extra days off. She had to clean the studio one more time, but told her friend that that would have to be it for her. She had made the decision to quit that job, realizing that now, more than ever, she needed to take better care of herself. There was a new life that needed her now just as much, if not more, than Hannah did. She might have to pinch a few pennies, but she could worry about that later.

By the time she was packing her suitcase Monday night, Faith had gotten over the shock of finding out and while not ecstatic about her situation, she wasn't filled with dread either. She was even feeling better about telling Richie. They had talked on the phone a couple of times, but she hadn't mentioned her 'condition'. She wanted to tell him in person, not over the phone.

Faith glanced down at what little she had put in the suitcase so far and frowned. She took everything out and started again. When she was done she set the suitcase by the door and went to look in on Hannah. She was supposed to be taking care of her own things for the days she would be spending with Ms. Betty. Peeking in Hannah's door she saw her daughter's suitcase near the dresser and Hannah was asleep across her bed. Faith glanced at the clock and winced, she hadn't realized it had gotten so late. She crossed the room to Hannah and pulled the quilt up from the end of the bed to cover her. She ran a hand over Hannah's hair and sighed. She was so grown up, but yet still such a little girl. Faith shut the light off and left the room, pausing at the door to look at her sleeping daughter again, "I love you baby" she whispered as she shut the door.

Faith went through her things one more time, just to make sure she had everything. Her passport, plane ticket and wallet were all in her purse which was in her carry-on. She was all set. As she was setting her alarm the phone rang. "Hello?" "Hi darlin'." It was Richie. "I just called to say goodnight." Faith smiled at the phone, "How did you know I would be in bed already?" "Just lucky I guess." He didn't sound right to her. "Are you all right?" Richie sighed, "are you sure you can't come see me?" He was missing her and with his birthday looming, it made it all that much worse. Faith kept her voice even, "I'm sorry I really can't. If I had had a little more notice I might have been able to." She heard him sigh again, "I know. Maybe next time. So, what are you wearing?" Faith laughed, "you really want to know?" "Tell me." He was longing for her and just the sound of her voice was making his jeans uncomfortable. She sobered at his tone. She had played this game before and got right into it. "A red tank top and matching panties" she told him. He groaned into the phone, "you are such a tease." She chuckled, "but you love it."

He didn't deny it. "You're killing me here." She gave a husky laugh, "well you started it." "I know darlin' I know. Look you get your sleep and I will call you again when I can." He needed to end the call now before he got carried away. "Okay Richie. I love you." "Love you too darlin'. Goodnight."

Richie closed the phone and got off the bed. He looked down at the distorted front of his jeans, "you are nothing but trouble." He stripped off his clothes and went to take a shower.

Faith was nervous the next morning as she got herself ready. She had never done anything like this before. She hustled Hannah along and they went across the street to Ms. Betty's. She was taking Faith to the airport and taking care of Hannah while she was away. When they pulled up to drop Faith off she turned to Ms. Betty and gave her a hug "thank you so much Ms. Betty, what would I do without you?" You just have a good time. You deserve a break." Faith peered over into the back seat. "You be good for Ms. Betty" she told Hannah. Hannah leaned forward and kissed Faith. "I will mom. Have fun, say hi to Richie and don't forget to call like you promised." "I will baby."

Faith got her bag checked and got through security without too much hassle. Once settled on the plane she closed her eyes and tried to imagine what Richie's reaction would be when he saw her. She smiled to herself, remembering the call from last night.

After take off Faith rummaged and found her Ipod. She slipped her headphones on and it seemed as if in no time the "fasten seatbelt" sign was on and they were ready to land. Once off the plane and suitcase in hand Faith looked around for the person that was supposed to meet her. There was a tall man with a sign with her name looking as lost as she felt. "I'm Faith" she told him as she approached. "Thank God. I'm Roger. Are you ready to go?" He noticed she had her suitcase and carry on already. "Yep, let's go." She followed him to a dark sedan and he ushered her into the backseat before putting her bags in the trunk.

At the hotel he parked in the underground garage and took her right up to Jon's room. This was a precaution, just in case Richie should return to his, he wouldn't see her. Roger waited outside while Faith freshened up. She paused long enough to look around, so this is what a rock star's hotel room looks like. It looked no different than any other hotel room she supposed. In the bathroom she slipped out of her travel clothes, gave herself the once over with a warm washcloth and put her bathing suit on. She tied her sarong low on her waist, fluffed her hair, grabbed her sunglasses and met Roger in the hallway before she could lose her nerve.

The guys were sitting at a table near the pool, having a drink and enjoying the sunshine. Jon had made sure that Richie had his back to the door and that there was an extra chair next to him. They were all talking and Richie went to move the chair out of the way but Jon stopped him. "Leave it. Someone is going to be joining us." Richie raised an eyebrow at him, "who?" "A friend." Richie shrugged and let it go.

Once they got to the patio area Roger stopped her, "just a sec" he looked around and spotted the guys. Richie was sitting with his back to them so he couldn't see her just yet. Roger caught Jon's eye, he nodded almost imperceptively and Roger led the way for Faith. Jon was struggling to keep a straight face the closer the pair got to the table. When they were almost behind Richie Roger stepped out of the way. Faith got right behind him and slid her hands over his shoulders, and leaned in by his ear "hey baby, did you save me the seat next to you?"

Richie knew it was her, could smell her when she stepped up behind him. He turned his head and kissed her cheek. "Faith." She smiled at him, "surprise." He grinned at her, "I thought you said you couldn't come out." She pulled her hands from his shoulders as he moved to stand. Shse shrugged her shoulders, "I lied." He laughed and pulled her into his arms, "I'm glad." His mouth found hers then and he kissed her hungrily. Jon cleared his throat, "guys!" They pulled apart, "sorry." Richie pulled out the chair next to his, "have a seat." She looked around the table first, "hi guys, it's nice to see you all again."

They sat and talked and laughed for a while, enjoying the sunshine. Richie noticed that Faith had grown quiet and looked over at her. She was smiling and listening to everyone, but something was amiss. He caught her eye and could see something going on there. He took her hand and stood, "I think I've had enough sun" he looked down at Faith, "what about you?" She nodded her head, "definitely." Together they walked hand in hand into the hotel. Once ensconced in the elevator Richie pulled Faith to him. "Are you all right?" She looked up at him, he could see something swirling in the green eyes he loved. "I'm fine." He didn't believe her, but he didn't press the matter either.

They got off on his floor and he led her down the hall to his room. Once inside she moved to the window and was staring out, not really seeing the city below. Richie came up behind her and put his arms around her. "I am glad you are here." He kissed her bare shoulder, "what's wrong Faith?" She had to tell him, but everything she had planned to say just didn't sound right to her now. She rested her hands on his, "do you remember, after our first night together, the conversation in my backyard the next day?" "I do." She swallowed, "did you mean what you said about having more children?" He wished she would just spit out whatever it was, this was killing him. "I did. What are you getting at?"

She took a deep breath, turned and looked at him, "when I went to the doctor I found out why I have been dizzy and why I fainted." "And?" She stepped away from him, "Richie, I'm pregnant."