A Little Faith

Hey There!

2007-09-12T09:20:00.003-04:00

Hello new friend. Yes you may be a stranger, but what is a friend anyway, just a stranger we haven't met yet. Thanks for stopping by.

I hope you enjoy my story of Richie and Faith. It is finished now and was truly a labor of love for me. I enjoyed writing it and I hope those of you that have read it enjoyed it, and those who just stumbled upon it, enjoy it now.

Thanks to all that followed along and encouraged me with your comments and love.

I have a couple of ideas I am working on for new stories, one of these days I will set here and share them with you.

Now, here is the beginning of Faith and Richie's journey. Chapter 1

Feel free to visit me at my home page at Queenie's Corner

justme7800@gmail.com

Epilogue

2007-09-07T23:47:00.000-04:00

By the end of the summer Faith and Hannah had moved in with Richie and Hannah was enrolled in school with Ava. The girls couldn't have been happier.

Faith's pregnancy was progressing, the dizziness having waned by the end of her first trimester. Her doctor told her it was normal and not to worry about it. Her blood pressure, however, was another story. It was elevated and that was a concern. She was getting it checked every other week and trying to take it easy.

When the band played the new Prudential Center in New Jersey at the end of October and into November, Faith brought the girls out for the last show. Hannah was thrilled. They were staying for a few days beyond Saturday to meet Richie's mom and that meant a few days off from school.

Faith liked Joan immediately. She was a sweet lady and she could see the bond betewen mother and son was a strong one. When they told her that they were getting married and that Faith was expecting she was just overjoyed and smiled a real smile for the first time since Adam had passed.

When they returned to Los Angeles Faith had an appointment for an ultrasound. She and Richie had decided they were going to find out what the baby was. The baby, however, had its own ideas and they had to be satisfied with knowing that, boy or girl, it was healthy so far.

They got through the holidays, Joan had come for Thanksgiving and was staying through new years. Faith and Richie had decided to get married on New Year's Eve at Richie's house. It was as low key a wedding as was possible. Richie flew Faith's sister and brother-in-law out and the band came. His mom was there as was Ms. Betty.

The backyard had been lit with a thousand tiny red and white lights along with the soft solar lights that were scattered around the yard. There were clear panels over the pool, acting as a floor and there were flowers in pots and baskets set about here and there. There were tables set up on the patio for the food that Faith had prepared. It was all finger food and appetizers, but there was plenty of it. Richie had wanted to hire someone but Faith wouldn't have it. He tried to argue with her but she stood her ground and he finally relented, with one condition. She let Jenna help and do the serving. He had even brought someone in to set up and tend the bar.

Faith busied herself in the kitchen all afternoon and finally her sister, Grace, came and almost physically dragged her out and upstairs to get ready. She showered and smoothed on her vanilla spice scented lotion and was taken back to the first night she spent with Richie and how she took her time to dress for him. She ran a hand lovingly over the swell that was their child that she was convinced was conceived that night. "I'm marrying your daddy tonight" she whispered and she felt the first fluttering of movement. With a smile and a tear she slipped on the new silk and lace bikinis that were the same shade of cream as her dress. Her strapless bra pushed her breasts higher and she smiled, Richie would be pleased.

She stepped into her dress with a sigh. The silk felt heavenly against her skin. She had found the dress in the first shop she went into. It wasn't anything special, but it was just what Faith had wanted. The cream colored silk had straps slightly wider than spaghetti straps, the bodice draped and then floated away, concealing the belly she now had. The hemline was slightly higher in the front than the back. She felt hands at her back and she turned to find her sister there. "Grace what are you doing in here?" Grace smiled at her sister, "I just thought you might need some help." Faith laid her hand over her sister's, "thank you." She turned back around and Grace zipped her up. They had been close growing up, but living across the country from each other had put a strain on their relationship. They were no longer as close as they once were but the love was still there.

"Faith," Grace started, "I brought something for you to wear tonight, if you want to." Faith looked at her sister's outstretched hand. It was a hair clip, more specifically it was their mother's rhinestone hair clip. Faith's hair was down in the waves and curls Richie had found so sexy and she silently took the clip from her sister and pushed one side back behind her ear and held it with the clip. She turned back to Grace, "thank you, it's just perfect." Her eyes were wet and Grace crossed to her. They held each other, sharing a precious sisterly moment. They dabbed their eyes and Grace took Faith's hand, "Faith I am so happy for you. Richie is wonderful and you two seem so happy together." Faith squeezed her sister's hand, "we are happy Grace, thank you." Hannah came in then. She looked so pretty in her emerald green dress that was similar in style to Faith's. "Ready mom?" Grace left and Faith turned to check her reflection. She touched up her eyes, the smoky make-up making them appear that much greener. The rubies Richie had given her adorned her neck and ears. She stooped to put her shoes on, and grabbed her wrap. The red was quite a contrast to the cream and was exactly what Faith had envisioned.

Richie and Jon were down in the living room, waiting. Richie, in his dark suit and shirt was pacing, much like he had been that first night Faith had come to his house. Jon watched his friend pace, "nervous bro?" Richie looked over at him and smiled, "nope, anxious." Jon chuckled, he had watched Richie go from his lowest low to a higher high than he had ever anticipated. He was glad that Richie had found happiness and love in this woman. She was perfect for him. Ava poked her head in right then, "Dad, Uncle Jon, ready?" They looked over at Ava, she had on the same dress as Hannah. Richie walked over to her, "baby girl you are pretty as a picture." Ava beamed, "thanks dad." She held out her hand to him, "come on, it's time."

Faith didn't carry any flowers, instead she took Hannah's hand and they walked down the stairs together. Richie, Faith and Hannah had had a few discussions in the weeks leading up to the wedding and he was going to adopt Hannah. It seemed only fitting that Hannah be included in the ceremony tonight.

They stepped out onto the patio to the strains of the piano music that David had recorded for them. Richie looked up and struggled to breathe; he had never seen her look more beautiful. Jon clapped a hand on Richie's shoulder, letting him know just how lucky he was.

When Faith and Hannah were in front of Richie he took each of their hands in his, bringing Faith's to his lips for a kiss. He looked at her, "you look beautiful Faith." She whispered a thank you and they all turned to the minister. The ceremony was short, but meaningful to Richie and Faith and before the minister could pronounce them husband and wife, Faith motioned to Ava. She needed to be included too. Ava stepped between Hannah and her dad and took their hands. Richie looked surprised, he hadn't known Faith was going to do this. He couldn't have been happier. The minister looked at the foursome, "I now pronounce you the Sambora family."

There were hugs and kisses all around and finally Richie was able to take Faith into his arms. Her eyes were shining as she kissed him. As they were enjoying each other the music started for their dance. He led her to the floor over the pool and held her close, singing softly in her ear.

Life is a Road
Forever winding, where it leads us I don't know
In it together for better or worse
Searching for our pot of gold

Time
Leaves a trail of broken hearts
So many arrows just keep missing their mark
Baby that ain't us
Nothing else matters when you're in it for love
Together we can only go higher
You can reach any rainbow you're dreaming of
Nothing else matters at all
When you're in it for love baby

Yeah

We'll share in the laughter
Share in the tears
And the promises we keep
Life can be crazy
Love can be cruel
But it's always been a two way street
You try
And give it all you have to give
So many people don't know how to forgive
Baby that ain't us.

Nothing else matters
When you're in it for love
Together we can only go higher
You can reach any rainbow
You're dreaming of
Nothing else matters at all
When you're in it for love, baby

They moved around the makeshift dance floor, oblivious to everyone but each other. When the music stopped Richie kissed her lightly and they finally realized they weren't alone. They ate and Richie drank along with their guests and rang in the new year with those that they loved. It was exactly what Faith and Richie had wanted.

Richie and Faith enjoyed a short honeymoon in Carmel, the tour was starting soon and Richie could only be gone for so long.

While he was gone Faith ended up having to stop work. The stress was causing her blood pressure to rise even higher than it had been. When she told Richie what was going on he tried to comfort her and then planted an idea in her head. She had always wanted to start her own business, what better time to at least start researching it than now. She spent her days on the computer and making phone calls, putting some wheels in motion. She kept her pace slow, resting when she felt the need, not taking any unnecessary risks and, in a few short weeks, Food by Faith was born.

Richie came home at the end of January and left again a week and a half later. He doted on Faith when he was home, barely letting her lift a finger to do anything. She was lucky she got to pee by herself when he was around. But Faith found it to be quite sweet at times, especially when he rubbed her back and her feet.

She was lonely when he left again, but she did her best not to show it. Hannah helped by being her silly 10 year old self. Together they got the baby's room ready. Richie and Faith and picked out colors and such, but Hannah was there to help put it all together.

Richie called Faith a few days before he was due to come home again. He wanted her to know that the guys were coming and were going to stay for a few days, right around Jon's birthday. Faith decided that a homecoming dinner would be in order.

Richie and the guys trooped in a couple days later. "Faith" Richie called out, "where are ya darlin'?" She was in the living room struggling to get up off the couch. "In here, I could use a little help." She had gotten much bigger since the guys had seen her last and they stood in the doorway chuckling as she struggled to get up. She glared at them all, "the longer you all stand there and laugh, the less likely I am to feed you all dinner." They sobered at her statement and all at once they offered their assistance. Richie brushed his hand over her stomach as he helped her and felt a kick. "Feisty little one in there." He kissed Faith and took a closer look at her. Her face was flushed and her cheek felt overly warm when he kissed her. "Are you feeling okay?" She pressed a hand to her lower back as she stood, "I'm all right. It's just my blood pressure." She waved it off, "I'm fine. Let's go into the kitchen." They all followed their noses, something smelled wonderful.

The girls were spending the night at a friends house so it was just the adults for dinner. Richie helped Faith get the lasagna out of the oven and he poured wine for everyone except Faith. She got a glass of club soda. They enjoyed the dinner Faith had prepared, and as she got a pot of coffee going they all retreated to the rec room.

Alone in the kitchen a searing pain ripped through Faith. She grasped the edge of the counter and rode out the pain. Something wasn't right. She had been through labor before and this didn't feel like any labor pain she had ever suffered. She caught her breath and, after getting the coffee cups out, intended to get into the other room and sit down. Another pain struck and this was how Jon found her. He had wandered back to see if the coffee was ready. "Faith, are you okay?" She looked up at him and her pain ravaged face and fear-filled eyes gave him his answer. "Jon," she panted "something's wrong, where's Richie?" Jon took Faith's hand and slid his arm around her and headed down the hall. "Rich!" he hollered as the got closer to the rec room.

Having heard his name, Richie poked his head out the door and found Faith and Jon coming towards him. "What's wrong?" Faith looked at him, tears in her eyes, "we need to go..." she trailed off as another pain ripped through and she leaned heavily on Jon. Richie took Faith from Jon and swung her up into his arms. He motioned to Jon, "get her bag by the door and let's go." With more calm than he felt he got Faith into the car and they headed to the hospital, the others following close behind.

Richie called the doctor, explained what was going on and she met them at the hospital. She had a pretty good idea, from the sounds of the pains, what was going on. With Faith's condition, preeclampsia, placental abruption was not uncommon. As they did an ultrasound, her suspicion was confirmed. She explained the situation to Richie and Faith and they scheduled Faith for a c-section.

Richie let the guys know what was going on. He was able to be with Faith and she was glad, it made her less nervous knowing he would be right there with her. They prepped Faith and once she was ready they let Richie into the room. She had to chuckle to see him in his scrubs, all green from head to foot. He sat next to her and held her hand, the whole time encouraging her and easing her nerves. He was worried for her but was trying his damnedest not to show it.

Faith looked up when she heard the doctor's voice, "you're going to feel some pressure and a tug." She gripped Richie's hand tighter as they watched their baby come into the world. "It's a boy!" They looked and there he was, all pink and pissed off. His cries were music to Faith's ears. She looked up at Richie, there were tears running down his cheeks, matching hers. He leaned down and kissed her, "thank you." They were marveling at the baby they had made when everything went wrong.

All the machines Faith was hooked up to started beeping uncontrollably. Richie looked at her, her eyes had rolled back and her head lolled off to one side. "Faith!" She didn't respond. The doctors and nurses were rushing around, Faith was hemorrhaging. Richie was hurried out of the room and told the doctor would come let him know what was going on. In a daze he found his way to the waiting room where the guys were and sank down into a chair, burying his face in his hands.

He sensed that his friends were waiting for him to tell them what was going on and when he looked up they were all standing around him. "It's a boy" he told them flatly. They knew their friend well enough to know something else was going on. "Faith?" Jon inquired. Richie shrugged his shoulders as he explained what had happened. "They made me leave. I have no idea what is going on."

The doctor came in a while later, "Mr. Sambora?" He stood and the doctor told him what had happened. "It was touch and go, she was bleeding badly but she's stable now, but not out of the woods yet." There was something else, Richie could tell. "What else?" The doctor laid her hand on his arm, "we had to do a partial hysterectomy, she won't be able to have any more children." He sighed, "does she know?" The doctor shook her head, "not yet. She is still out, the anesthesia hasn't worn off yet. Would you like to see her?" He nodded. As he followed the doctor out he glanced at his friends, they understood and waited.

Richie looked at Faith lying there in the bed, her dark hair in stark contrast to the paleness of her skin. He pulled up the chair next to the bed and sat down, taking her hand in his. He told her how much he loved her and how beautiful their baby boy was. The doctor came in and told Richie his friends were waiting and that he should go home and get some rest. "I'm not leaving." He was going to stay with Faith through the night. The doctor didn't feel it necessary but Richie was insistent. She relented.

He went and talked to Jon, Dave and Tico, telling them what had happened and then taking them to the nursery to see the baby. It was easy to pick him out, he was the only boy. Jon looked at Richie, "does he have a name yet?" Without taking his eyes off his son, he answered Jon. "We decided to name him after my dad and Faith's dad. His name is Eric Adam." He turned and gave Jon the keys to his house, "go on back and get some sleep. I'm staying here." David and Tico gave him a handshake/hug and started to walk off. Jon hung back, "are you all right man?" He gave a weary sigh and looked at Jon, "What if she doesn't come out of this? What if she doesn't make it. What am I going to do?" His emotions were at their limit and, for a man who hardly ever cried, was on the verge of it for the second time that night. Jon gripped his shoulder, "she's going to be fine Rich. You just need to stay strong and have a little faith that everything is going to be all right." Jon glanced down the hall, Dave and Tico were waiting for him. "I'm gonna go, you going to be all right?" Richie nodded, "yea man, thanks."

Richie went back into Faith's room and sat down next to the bed and took her hand again. He brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. He reclined the chair back, keeping her hand in his, laid his head back and closed his eyes.

Three months later Richie came home for a two week break. He found Faith in the rocker in the nursery, the baby nestled at her breast and she was singing softly to him. Richie could see that he had grown some since he was home last; his dark hair slightly thicker.

He glanced at Faith, in his eyes she was as beautiful as ever. She had regained most of her strength and energy by then and was doing more and more each day. It had been a long recovery for her both physically and emotionally. She had been depressed for a long while after they told her about the hysterectomy, but gradually with Richie's and a therapist's help she accepted her fate.

Richie crossed the room to her, "hi darlin', how's our little man doing?" She smiled as she shifted him off her breast and over her shoulder. "He's growing like a weed." Richie kissed the soft downy head and took him from Faith after she got a burp out of him. Faith righted her shirt and together they went downstairs. Hannah and Ava were watching a movie in the living room. Richie stood with Faith, holding their baby and looking at the girls. Jon had been right he thought, with a little faith, everything had turned out all right. He turned his gaze to Faith, she smiled at him, "I know Richie, I love you too."

***

Chapter 45

2007-09-05T22:10:00.002-04:00

Richie watched as she opened the box, wondering if he had made the right decision. The conversation they had had the other night had him thinking about marriage again. Something he hadn't been sure he wanted. Her reaction and response had told him that she was as unsure as he was. They loved each other but were both shaky about the next step. He had told her someday, but the more time he spent thinking about his future, the more he knew he wanted someday to be soon.

Faith's eyes widened as she opened the box and then she felt a pang of disappointment. It wasn't a ring. Richie watched her expression, noting the fleeting bit of disappointment in her eyes as she smiled at him. There was a pair of ruby and diamond earrings in the box. They were heart shaped drops set in gold and they matched the necklace he had given her the week before.

As Faith as about to say something their waiter appeared to take their order. They were going to share the grilled portobello mushroom appetizer and Faith ordered the lamb tenderloin while Richie decided on the filet. The waiter left and once again they were alone.

She still hadn't said anything to him. "Faith, what's wrong, don't you like them?" She reached for his hand across the table. "They're beautiful Richie. I'm just feeling a bit overwhelmed. The party yesterday, the spa, a new dress, new shoes - Manolos - I don't think all my shoes together are worth as much as these, dinner and now these gorgeous earrings. I feel like a broken record over here, but I don't know what else to say except thank you. Thank you for all of it." He squeezed her hand, "I am glad you like the earrings. As for the rest, I just wanted to make your birthday special for you. Is there anything wrong with that?"

Faith looked at him, his eyes intent on her, "no I guess not, but a girl could get used to being treated like this." He brought her hand to his lips, "I would treat you like this everyday if you would let me." Before they could continue their conversation their food arrived. They enjoyed their meal and shared a creme brulee for dessert.

When they got back to the car Richie turned to Faith, "feel like a walk?" She nodded her head, "sure." He drove for a bit and they ended up at the beach where they had first met and where they had walked after the charity benefit. Richie grabbed a blanket from the trunk and, after removing their shoes, strolled hand in hand down the sand. Richie stopped at a semi-secluded spot not too far from where they had left the car and spread the blanket out. "Have a seat" he told Faith as he settled himself on the blanket. She wondered what he was up to.

After a few quiet minutes Richie took her hand, "Faith" she turned and looked at him, in the moonlight she could see his brown eyes shining, "do you know how happy you have made me?" She reached out with her free hand and stroked his cheek, "probably not as happy as you have made me." He smiled and turned his head to kiss the palm of her hand before taking it in his. He opened his mouth to say something to her and then stopped. Usually so sure of himself, he was finding it difficult to come up with the right words to tell her how he felt.

"Riche?"

He looked at her, the moonlight giving her a ethereal-like quality. "I love you." She smiled at him, "I love you too." He gripped her hands a little tighter. "I have been thinking a lot about what we talked about the other night after we told the girls about the baby. Do you remember?" She nodded her head and he continued. "I thought I wanted to wait but now I know I don't. You have brought laughter and love back into my life, making me feel whole again. I hadn't thought I would feel like this again. Tonight I was going to ask you to just move into my house and live with me, but I want more. I have enjoyed having you and Hannah at my house. I want to know that when I am away that you will be there when I get back. I want to wake in the morning adn see you lying there next to me. I want to go to sleep at night holding you close. I want to do more than just share my home with you Faith, I want you to share everything." He let go of one of her hands and reached into his pocket. He turned to face her, she could see his love for her in his eyes, "will you marry me?" He held his hand out to her and she caught the glint of a stone in the moonlight.

Through her tears she could make out that it wasn't a diamond, but that didn't matter to her. The only thing that mattered was the man sitting with her, the man that had stolen her heart. She reached out and touched the ring, but didn't take it from him. "Richie, how did you know? He looked at her, confused, "how did I know what?" She sniffled before going on, "when I walked into the living room today and saw you and the girls I realized that I didn't want to wait either. You said I brought laughter and love back into your life, well you did the same for me and Hannah. You brought light into all the dark places in my life. She ran a hand over her stomach, "we made a life together." She paused to take a breath before continuing. "I love you and I want us to be a family Richie. Yes, I will marry you."

He took her left hand and slid the ring on. "I know it's not a diamond and if you want one we can get you one." Faith wiped her face with her hand and looked down at the ring. It was a pear-shaped ruby with channel set diamonds set in yellow gold. She looked up at him, "it's perfect. I love it." He gathered her in his arms then, his mouth seeking hers. His kisses stirred her and Faith's hands wandered up and down his back, slowly working their way around to his front and across his chest slipping inside his shirt to caress the smooth tanned skin.

Richie's hands were busy lightly stroking the bare skin of her shoulders and up and down her arms. She shivered under his expert touch, wanting more. She felt his hands go for the zipper on her dress and she stopped him, "Richie?" He looked around and then back at her, "it's all right, no one can see us here."

She looked around and, realizing he was right, opened the buttons on his shirt and pressed opened mouth kisses to his chest. He groaned at the feel of her mouth on him. His hands made quick work of the zipper of her dress and he slid the straps off her arms, letting it fall to her waist. He pressed her back from him and gently laid her back on the blanket, sliding the dress from her. His gaze roamed over her, pausing at the scrap of lace she called underwear and down the length of her legs. Her skin shimmered in the moonlight and he could see her tremble under his gaze. "Are you cold?" he whispered as he let his fingers sweep lightly over her. She locked her gaze on his, "no, I'm not cold." He lowered his mouth, meeting hers in a fiery kiss.

He pulled his mouth from hers, she cried out at the loss. He trailed kisses down her neck, dipping his tongue into the hollow between her neck and shoulder, earning a sigh and a moan from her. Faith reached and struggled to get his shirt off him. Richie sat up and helped her slide it off his arms. Her hands traveled over him, roaming to his belt. She stroked him lightly as she released the belt and opened his pants. She slid them down his legs and off, kissing her way back up. She ran her tongue up and down the hard length of him. "Faith!" She stopped and looked up at him, he pulled her up and laid her back on the blanket.

Richie watched her as his hands roamed over her, teasing the hardened tips of her breasts, sliding his hand lower, finding her wet and ready for him. As he slid two fingers into her, her eyes drifted closed. "Faith, look at me." She forced herself to open her eyes as he continued to torment her with his fingers. "Richie" she was close, "I.. ahh..". His thumb found her clit and she was lost. "Richie!" She bucked against his hand as she came, her eyes never leaving his. As she started to come down he settled himself between her legs and slid into her slowly. She brought her legs up, tilting her hips so he slid in a bit deeper. "Oh God Richie." He started to move, keeping his pace slow, driving them both to the edge. He dipped his head and kissed her, "Faith?" "Now Richie, now!" He moved faster, harder, when he felt her come around him, he gave himself over, gave her everything.

They lay, tangled together, slowly catching their breath. When Faith could talk she turned her head to look at Richie, "I love you." He kissed her lightly, "I love you too." They lay there cuddled together for a few minutes more. "We should probably go" she told him. "Yeah, let's go home."

Chapter 44

2007-08-31T23:11:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-24T18:18:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-20T13:46:00.000-04:00

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.

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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

2007-08-16T20:33:00.000-04:00

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.

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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

2007-08-11T17:00:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-09T11:59:00.001-04:00

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

2007-08-05T22:56:00.000-04:00

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

2007-08-03T10:29:00.001-04:00

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

2007-08-01T09:14:00.000-04:00

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."

Chapter 35

2007-07-28T21:22:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-26T12:02:00.001-04:00

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

2007-07-21T20:13:00.001-04:00

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

2007-07-16T18:18:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-12T21:22:00.000-04:00

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

2007-07-11T12:05:00.001-04:00

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

2007-07-05T23:29:00.001-04:00

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

2007-07-04T23:02:00.000-04:00

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.

Chapter 27

2007-06-27T12:14:00.000-04:00

As much as Faith missed him, she didn't have time to dwell on it. During the day. She was busy with Hannah and work and she had two upcoming catering jobs to prepare for. But the nights were a different matter entirely.

Faith bought the new CD the day it came out and decided she loved it after the first listen. She taped the TV appearances Richie had told her about. After a particularly stressful day, Faith got Hannah off to bed and settled herself on the couch to fold laundry and watch. She pressed play on the remote and there he was. The man who had turned her world upside down in a matter of days was right there in front of her. She watched, never taking her eyes from the TV. She wasn't even sure she blinked. They were truly masters of their craft. Faith wished she could have been there to cheer him on. Maybe one day she could be.

Faith flicked off the TV when the tape stopped and rested her head against the back of the couch. With a sigh she got up, made sure everything was in order for the night, picked up the untouched basket of clothes and headed to her room. As she sat on the bed folding the clothes with the new CD playing, her phone rang.

"Hello."

"Hi darlin'." It was Richie.

"Richie! How are you?" God it's good to hear her voice he thought. "I'm fine darlin'," he could hear the music in the background. How are you doing? How do you like the new cd?" She sighed, "I love the new CD. I am better now. It was a bitch of a day." He could hear the fatigue in her voice. "Do you want to tell me about it?" Faith was surprised. "You don't really want to hear about my day do you?" He could have listened to her recite the phone book. As long as she was talking, he would listen to whatever she had to say. "Aboslutely babe, tell Richie what's got you so stressed." He listened as she talked. This was just one more thing he had been missing since his divorce; having someone to share the trials of the day with. Having someone to bounce ideas off of, a shoulder to lean on.

"Richie?" He hadn't realized she stopped talking. "Richie, are you still there?" Faith was afraid she had rambled on too long. "I'm here darlin'." She felt bad now. "I shouldn't have gone on like that. I'm sorry." He wished she was right there instead of on the other side of the country. "Don't be sorry darlin'. Turnabout is fair play though. Now you have to listen to me." Faith laughed, "like that is some kind of hardship. I like listening to you. You have a great voice." "Glad you think so." He went on to tell her about his day, where he was now and what he had been doing before he called her. It felt right to share this with her. "We are headed to Spain tomorrow and then we have the show in London at the O2 and then it is on to Japan." Faith swallowed hard before saying anything. She didn't want him to think she couldn't handle this. "How long will be you be here before you leave again." "Two days and then we have the show in Milwaukee, the show at Giants after that and then its on to Albert and Calgary on the 11th and 12th." He would be gone for his birthday she thought.

Faith was quiet and Richie was starting to get nervous. "Faith?" She spoke up, "that's a lot of traveling. Does the jet lag ever get to you?" That was it? That was the only question? Richie was impressed. He hadn't really known how she would handle this part of his life but so far, so good. "You suprise me Faith. Not many women would put up with my schedule." She smiled into the phone, "you forget, my husband was a cop, a detective to be exact and stake-outs were part of his job. I got used to him being gone for days at a time. This isn't so different." One more reason to love her he thought. She gets it. How did he get so lucky?

Richie glanced at the clock, it was late. "I should let you get your sleep darlin'." Faith looked at her clock, they had been on the phone for more than an hour. "I didn't realize it had gotten so late. I am glad you called." Richie smiled, "I'll call again when I can." She knew he would. "See you soon Richie." "Sleep well Faith."

Faith hung up first. She lay down to sleep looking at the empty pillow next to her. She thought back to their conversation, thinking about where he would be for his birthday. As she mulled that over an idea started to take root. She would need some help trying to make it work, but she was going to give it her best shot. She ran a hand over the empty spot in the bed, remembering. Faith pulled the pillow close, imagined she could still smell him there and drifted off thinking of him.

Chapter 26

2007-06-25T16:24:00.001-04:00

Faith continued to taste and tease him, rolling her hips over him until he grabbed her hips and pulled her hard against him. "Do you know what you're doing to me?" Richie asked before capturing her lips with his. She pulled her mouth from his, "I have a pretty good idea." As she ravished his mouth with hers, Richie slid his hands up from her hips, to the hem of her shirt, slipping it up and off.

Faith slid from Richie's lap, kissing her way down to the button on his pants. He closed his eyes as she stroked him. He felt her tug on the button and then the rasp of the zipper. He felt her warm breath on him only seconds before her mouth was on him, taking all of him in one long slow glide. God she's good at this. He was lost in the ecstasy that was Faith's mouth and when she stopped his eyes flew open, "what... why...?" She stood in front of him and stripped off her shorts. She would have sworn he grew harder at the sight of her nakedness if that was possible.

His eyes feasted on her. "Faith, you are beautiful." She straddled him and with one slow downward movement, he was fully nestled inside her. "Richie" she sighed. Their eyes met and Faith started to move on him, keeping her pace slow. His hands moved on her, finding her breasts. Faith arched back as he rolled the tip of one between his fingers before dipping his head to suckle the other. He raised his head and caught Faith's mouth in a hungry kiss and she moved faster on him. She could feel her orgasm building, she looked at Richie and took his hand, "touch me." He lowered his hand and at the first touch of his fingers, the rush overtook her, causing Richie to empty into her.

Faith rested her head on Richie's shoulder, trying to catch her breath. He stroked her back lightly, his own heartbeat slowly returning to normal. She picked her head up and found his eyes with hers, "two weeks, huh?" He nodded and kissed her, "yeah." She took his face in her hands and kissed him before separating herself from him.

Both were quiet as Richie helped Faith clean up the dishes and she poured them each a fresh cup of coffee. They sat in the living room and with a satisfied sigh Richie pulled Faith close, kissing her head. He had missed the quiet intimacy of moments like this, just sharing a cup of coffee on the couch with someone. He wanted more of them, with this woman. Faith looked up at him, "are you okay?" He glanced down at her, "for the first time in a long time, I am not looking forward to going away." Faith rested her head against his chest, "why is that?" "Because this time I am not just leaving my daughter behind. I'm leaving you too." Faith lifted her head up and looked at Richie, she could see the sadness in his eyes. "I'll miss you too, but it's just two weeks and I will be here when you get back." He hugged her close, "you know I will only have a couple of days and then I am gone again." She nodded, "I know. It will be fine. Don't worry about it."

They lingered on the couch a while longer, enjoying the quiet time together. Richie was lightly running his fingers up and down Faith's arm when he glanced up at the clock. He needed to leave, but he didn't want to. He was content right where he was and was in no hurry to get back to the hectic life on the road that was looming in front of him. With a resigned sigh he told Faith "I really have to go." Faith sat up, "well, if you really have to." He stood and offered her his hand, "I do. I have a few things left to take care of and then I am picking up Ava for dinner." Faith walked him to the door and he took her in his arms. Richie scanned her face, as if taking a mental picture, one he would have with him to get him through the long nights he had ahead of him.

Richie lightly ran his fingers over Faith's cheek before kissing her. Leaving had never been so hard. "Good bye Faith." She took his hands and looked up into his face, "see you soon. Be safe." He nodded, kissed her again and got in his car. As Faith watched as he drove away, a tear slid down her cheek.

Chapter 25

2007-06-22T15:16:00.000-04:00

After a delicious breakfast of cinnamon chocolate chip pancakes and sausage, Richie and Faith found themselves alone in the kitchen, Hannah having taken off to her room. As they sipped their coffee Richie eyed Faith over the top of his cup. "I heard what you and Hannah were talking about earlier." Faith smiled at him, "oh, eavesdropping were you?" He smiled back, "not intentionally." A look of concern crossed Faith's face, "I didn't offend you did I?" He reassured her, "not at all, just the opposite actually, I was flattered." Faith raised a questioning brow, "flattered?" Richie scooted his chair closer to hers and took her hand. "When we first met, you knew who I was but didn't make a big deal of it. You have never mentioned anything about what I do or who I am. You treat me like you would anyone else, and you told Hannah that I was a nice guy who made you laugh. How could I not be flattered? A lot of people find it hard to get past the image, but it didn't even phase you. Thank you."

The sincerity that showed on his face and in his words touched Faith. "It's true that I knew who you were when we met and believe me, it took everything I had not to let an 'Oh my God you're Richie Sambora!' slip out, especially when you invited me to share your space. It never occured to me to ask about what you do. I know you play the guitar in the greatest rock band ever. What more do I need to know? If you want to share that with me, that's up to you. It's your job and that's enough for me." She let her eyes meet his, "I like the guy I met at the beach, the one who played in the sand with his daughter, the one who made me smile and laugh for the first time in a good long while." Richie reached for Faith just as Hannah called out, "mom". Faith spun around in her chair, "what?" "Is it okay if I go to Lucy's?" Faith sighed in relief, "go ahead, just be careful crossing the street."

As they heard the door slam Richie reached for Faith and pulled her onto his lap and hugged her close. As he held her, Faith raised her head, "I do have one question though." He kissed her, "oh really? What would you like to know?" "What is it you do exactly when you aren't touring or writing? I mean you you seem to always be around, not that I am complaining, but do you do anything with all your free time?" She felt the rumble of laughter before she heard it. He threw his head back as the laughter came. "Actually, I do charity events and spend quite a bit of time with Ava, but my schedule will be picking up in the next couple of days. We have some dates we are playing over the next few weeks for the album that is coming out." Faith sat up and straddled his lap. "I see. Are you playing anywhere around here?" "Unfortunately, we're not. We have a couple of TV appearances in New York and then we are going to Europe before coming back to play at Summerfest and then the Live Earth gig at Giants." He told her the rest of the schedule and she tried not to be disappointed that he was leaving, this was his job after all. "When do you leave?" He closed his eyes and swallowed, "tomorrow."

He kept his eyes closed and waited, fully expecting some kind of backlash. When he felt her hands on his face he opened his eyes to find her misty green ones looking at him. "Well, if you are leaving tomorrow for two weeks, you need a proper send off, don't you think?"

He turned his head, kissing first one of Faith's palms and then the other. "What did you have in mind?" Faith slid her hands from his face and into his shirt, playing across his chest, then moved lower to unbutton the few buttons he had done up. Pushing his shirt open she placed open-mouth kisses across his chest, running her tongue over and around his flat male nipples. She could feel his erection growing under her and rolled her hips over him, eliciting a low groan from him. Faith kissed up his chest to his neck. She hovered over his lips, pressing only a light kiss before running kisses across his jaw. Richie felt her warm breath at his ear, a slight tug on his earlobe, then her whispered voice. "How am I doing so far?"

Chapter 24

2007-06-21T12:25:00.000-04:00

Faith woke a bit later, having felt Richie moving to get out of bed. "Richie?" Shit. He hadn't wanted to wake her. "Shh, go back to sleep." She rolled over and watched as he searched for his pants. "Richie." He looked over at her, "what?" She reached out her hand toward him, "stay with me?" How could he say no, she looked so inviting, her hair sleep tousled, eyes heavy with sleep. He moved back to the bed, taking her in his arms. "Are you sure? What about Hannah?" He ran his hand down her side, wrapping it around her waist as he spooned up behind her. Faith turned her head, "I'll talk with her in the morning." Richie nuzzled against her neck, trailing kisses up and down. "As long as you're sure." Faith nodded her head and gave a slight moan as he continued to kiss across her shoulder. His hands busied themselves with her breasts, teasing the tips to their full hardness.

She moved restlessly against him, feeling his erection pressing against her back. Richie slid one hand down over the flat of her stomach, teasing her clit before sliding the hard length of him inside her. Their love making was slow and easy in the early morning hours. Faith turned her head and Richie captured her mouth, their cries of pleasure lost in each other. When they were finally sated, they slept, still as one.

When Faith woke again, the sun was streaming in the windows and she could hear Hannah moving around. She didn't want to move, but the call of nature was stronger than her will to stay wrapped up with Richie. She eased herself from him, pulled on a t-shirt and sleep shorts and left the room.

After using the bathroom and brushing her teeth, Faith found Hannah in the living room laying on the couch watching TV. "Morning baby." Hannah looked up at her mom, "morning mom." Faith walked over and sat down next to her. "Sleep good?" Hannah nodded her head. Faith could tell there was something on Hannah's mind. "What? I know you want to ask me something." Hannah looked at her mom again, "is Richie still here? His car is in the driveway" she explained. "Yes honey, he's still here." "Oh."

Faith studied Hannah again, "okay, I know there's more going on in that head of yours." Hannah felt like she might burst if she didn't say something. "Mom, meeting Jon Bon Jovi last night was awesome. Is Richie..." she trailed off, not sure how to continue. "Is Richie what?" Hannah's cheeks were pink, "well he was with Jon so he's not just 'Richie' is he, he's Richie Sambora, right?" Faith laughed, "yes Hannah he is. Is that a problem?" Hannah's eyes got as wide as saucers, "problem? No way. That is so cool." Faith pressed her forehead to Hannah's, "you know what, I think so too." Hannah pulled her head back and eyed her mother, "why is he still here? Something wrong with his car?" Faith had been hoping to avoid this particular question but no luck. "No honey, there is nothing wrong with his car. I asked him to stay." Hannah seemed okay with this answer for the time being.

Richie rolled over in the bed and woke when he found Faith gone. He could hear her and Hannah talking and he lay there and listened, smiling when he heard Hannah's question and Faith's answer.

Hannah looked at her mother, she looked happier than Hannah could remember. "You like him a lot don't you mom?" Faith was surprised by this question. "You can tell?" Hannah nodded her head, "you have been smiling a lot more lately and you are in a better mood." Faith hugged her close, "I do like him a lot Hannah. He is one of the nicest guys I have met honey and he makes me laugh." She looked at Hannah and smiled, "it also doesn't hurt that he is cute too." They collapsed back against the couch in a fit of giggles.

Richie stood just out of sight in the hallway and watched and listened to the interaction between mother and daughter. It warmed his heart to hear Faith talk about him like he was any other guy. He shifted in his spot then and the floor creaked. Faith looked up and saw him. "Good morning." She got off the couch as he came into the room. "Hannah and I were just talking about you." Richie's cheeks reddened, "I heard." He turned to Hannah, hoping she wouldn't look at him any different than she had when she met him. "Good morning Hannah." Hannah smiled at him, "hi Richie." She turned her attention to her mom, "what's for breakfast mom?"

Chapter 23

2007-06-18T22:05:00.001-04:00

They pulled in the driveway at Faith's and Richie waited in the car while she walked Ms. Betty across the street. When she came back he followed her into the house, closing the door behind him with a soft click. Faith turned to him, "would you like coffee or anything?" He studied her for a minute, "just you darlin', come here." She went to him, wrapped her arms around him and held him close. She pressed a kiss to his neck and kissed up across his jaw before laying her lips on his. As she tilted her head to deepen the kiss, his stomach growled loudly. Faith laughed against his mouth. "Hungry?" Richie shook his head and laughed at himself, "I guess I am." She took his hand, "come on, I'll whip us up a little something" and led him into the kitchen.

Richie watched as she rummaged thru her refrigerator. Faith poked her head above the door and looked at him, "something to drink?" "Sure, whatchya got?" She looked down and then back at him, "iced tea, lemonade, oj, water, milk." "Iced tea would be fine." She handed him the pitcher, "glasses are up there" she pointed to a cupboard above the counter. He poured two glasses and watched her put together their snack. She heated up chicken and rice in the microwave and warmed up tortilla shells in the toaster oven. She filled the tortillas with the chicken and rice, added cheese and salsa and rolled them up burrito style. She made two for him and one for herself.

Faith handed him his plate and sat down next to him with hers. He took a bite, chewed, swallowed and then looked at her, "how do you do that?" "Do what?" she asked before taking a bite. "Throw stuff together so quickly and have it taste so good?" She finished her bite, "trial and error. It's my creative outlet. You have your music, I have food." He smiled, "I like that. It's a good thing there are people like you around. Otherwise, people like me would starve. My cooking skills are let's say limited." Faith grinned at him, "how limited? Can you boil water?" She tried not to laugh at the look he gave her. "Yes I can boil water. Smartass." He laughed before continuing, "I can grill just about anything, pasta is fairly easy, and I can scramble an egg." He looked over at Faith and she was trying her best to hold back the laughter, but when she caught his eye she lost it. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh. I just find it amusing that you can't manage anything other than eggs and pasta. How old are you again?" Her laughter was infectious and Richie couldn't help but laugh too.

After they composed themselves, Faith took their dishes and was bending over to put them in the dishwasher when Richie came up behind her and rested his hands on her hips. "You really shouldn't do that." She looked over her shoulder at him, "do what?" He ran his hands down her hips and up over her ass, "bend over like that." Before she could say anything his hands slid down again and started to slide her dress up. She brought her hand up to stop him. "Richie, wait, not here." He moved his hips against her before letting her straighten, "where?" She closed the dishwasher and led him out of the kitchen, turning the lights off on the way. Taking his hand she led him down the hall to her room.

Faith paused, her hand on the door knob, and took a deep breath. Richie noticed her hesitation "are you okay?" She felt tears stinging her eyes, she could only nod her head in answer. Before she could open the door Richie put his hand on hers and turned her to him. "Faith." She didn't raise her head. He tried again. "Faith, look at me." She raised her head then and he could see the emotion swirling in her eyes. "Talk to me." Faith opened her mouth to say something and then closed it again. She took a breath and tried again. "There hasn't been anyone in here since..." she trailed off but Richie knew what she meant and he cursed himself for not thinking of it before now. "Faith, you don't have to do this." Looking into his eyes she knew he meant it, he wouldn't push her, but she knew she needed to. "If not now, when? I need to take this next step. She held his gaze, I want to take it with you." He felt her hand move under his and the door opened.

Where Richie's room was like an island oasis, hers was a reflection of an island sunset, sand and the red and gold of it. "I think I like your room better than mine" he told her. Faith smiled tremulously, "Thanks. I redid it about six months ago." Richie crossed the room to her and took her in his arms. "It's okay Faith, it's okay." She nodded her head against his chest then eased back from him so she could look up into his face. "Will you do something for me?" "Anything you want darlin'." "Kiss me."

He lowered his head and laid his lips on hers, keeping the kiss light and easy. She parted her lips and he followed her lead, deepening the kiss and tasting her fully. Faith could feel the heat building in her and she let herself let go and leave the past in the past. They undressed each other in between heated kisses. Richie laid her on the bed, tasting every inch of her. She was breathless, writhing on the bed under him as he brought her ever closer to the edge without taking her over. He moved up over her, "Faith" she opened her eyes to look at him, at that moment he sank into her. "Oh God Richie" she cried as the orgasm flashed through her. He waited and as she settled down he moved in her, slowly at first but as he felt her starting to tighten around him he moved faster, taking her over a second time as he filled her with all he had.

Richie eased from Faith pulling her close as he laid down next to her. Faith pulled the covers up and let sleep overtake them.

Chapter 22

2007-06-16T19:41:00.001-04:00

Richie had the driver take them to his house and then go back and wait for Jon. He led Faith through his house to the garage and into his car. They drove for a while, ending up at the beach. Richie parked and shut the car off. He turned to Faith, "take a walk with me?" "Sure" came her soft reply. They slipped off their shoes and walked hand in hand in the sand for a bit, "did you have a good time tonight Faith?" "I did." They walked on a little farther. "Want to know my favorite part?" They stopped walking and turned to face each other. In the moonlight she could see the passionate brown eyes and face of the man she had come to love in just a few short days. Her tongue snaked out to wet her lips and the next thing Faith knew Richie pulled her close and his mouth was on hers. full of barely held back passion. Faith's lips parted and she returned the kiss with as much passion as he was pouring into her.

They pulled backed from the kiss, both more than a little breathless. Richie looked into her eyes, eyes the color of the sea, the eyes that had been haunting his dreams since he first looked into them. "What was your favorite part?" Faith reached up and took his face in her hands, "this" she ran her thumb across his lower lip, "being here with you, this is my favorite part." She reached up and nipped at his lip before kissing him with everything she was feeling.

Richie hadn't felt like this in so long, he almost forgot what it was to love with his whole heart. The divorce had hurt him almost to the point that he didn't think he could love like that again. But he realized tonight that he had been mistaken. He eased back from the kiss, "Faith." She looked up at him. "Do you know what you do to me?" He caressed her cheek and tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Tell me" she quietly answered. She wanted to know if he was feeling the same as she was. He trailed his hand down her arm and laced their fingers together. Richie looked into her eyes as he spoke. "Since I met you I haven't been able to think of anything else. You are on my mind all the time. I keep wondering how I can feel so much having only known you for such a short time."

Faith nodded her head. She understood all too well what he was saying. "I feel it too Richie, and I think sometimes, the heart just knows, somehow it just knows." He smiled at her before bringing her hands to his lips. He kissed both of them before speaking again. "Faith, I don't deserve you." She smiled at him, "probably not, but you've got me." He decided right then to hold on with both hands and not let go. He kissed her again, their need for each other growing. Richie's hands played over her back and down to her hips, pulling her flush against him. "Richie" she breathed as his lips left hers and trailed down her neck. "Hmm?" She pulled his head up to look him in the eye, "come home with me."

Chapter 21

2007-06-11T20:55:00.001-04:00

Once they were in the car and on their way Faith's nerves returned. She was unusually quiet and Richie took her hand, "are you okay?" She nodded, "I'm fine, just a little nervous." He gave her hand a squeeze, "you'll be fine." She smiled at him and listened as he and Jon talked, catching only bits and pieces of what they were saying. She heard them say something about playing and interrupted. "Are you guys playing tonight?" Jon looked at Richie, "you didn't tell her?" Richie looked at Faith, "we're playing three songs tonight." She grinned at him, "lucky me, I haven't heard or seen you guys sing live since before Hannah was born." Faith relaxed a little after that and before she knew it they had pulled up outside the Malibu Performing Arts Center.

As they got out of the car Faith was relieved to see only a few cameras. Richie kept his hand at the small of her back and led her inside. It hadn't been as bad as Faith had imagined.

When they got up inside Jon went off to mingle and Richie got them each a glass of wine. They sipped their wine and walked and talked with people. There were food stations set up with different types of appetizers. It was fabulous and Faith had never felt more out of place. Richie could sense her uneasiness and tried to reassure her. "Relax baby, no one here bites." She squeezed his hand, "I know, it is just a little overwhelming for me. I'll be fine." He kept her hand in his and kept her by his side, introducing her to everyone he talked to. They circled the room and ended up talking with Jon. Faith excused herself, she needed to use the bathroom. They watched her walk away and Jon turned to Richie, "you are a lucky man my friend." Richie grinned at him, "don't I know it."

Faith stepped back into the room and scanned it for Richie. When her eyes found him she watched him, the way he gestured when he talked, the smile on his face, the way he threw his head back when he laughed. He turned then and saw her watching him. He winked at her. She felt her heart flutter in her chest and she smiled at him. He excused himself and worked his way across the room to her. He leaned in and kissed her cheek "how are ya doin darlin'?" He was glad to see her smile. "I am doing just fine." He took her hand, "let's check out the food." They wandered and sampled the different types of appetizers and had another drink together

Richie and Jon were scheduled to go on soon. Faith went into the performance hall and found as close a spot as she could. She was excited, not only was she getting to see them perform, it was going to be totally acoustic. They walked out, guitars in hand and sat down on the stools that were waiting for them. Richie went into the opening of Wanted and Faith was mesmerized. She watched them play, having forgotten the magic that happened when they played together. She couldn't stop watching Richie. He played effortlessly and she had the fleeting wish that it was her body his fingers were moving over.

They went into the Simon and Garfunkel classic, "Bridge Over Troubled Water," for their second song, Jon taking the first verse and Richie the second. Faith found herself singing along. Richie caught her eye and winked at her.

Before starting their third and final song, Jon reminded everyone to keep bidding on the silent auction items. Richie started the intro for "I'll be There for You" and Jon let Richie take the lead. His voice was rich and full and, as he sang, his eyes locked on Faith's and it was as if he was singing to her

I guess this time you're really leaving

I heard your suitcase say goodbye

And as my broken heart lies bleeding

You say true love is suicide

You say you've cried a thousand rivers

And now you're swimming for the shore

You left me drowning in my tears

And you won't save me anymore

Now I'm praying to God you'll give me one more chance, girl

I'll be there for you

These five words I swear to you

When you breathe I want to be the air for you

I'll be there for you I'd live and I'd die for you

Steal the sun from the sky for you

Words can't say what a love can do I'll be there for you

Richie never took his eyes off of Faith as he continued

And baby you know my hands are dirty

But I wanted to be your valentine
I'll be the water when you get thirsty, baby

When you get drunk, I'll be the wine

I'll be there for you

These five words I swear to you

When you breathe I want to be the air for you

I'll be there for you

I'd live and I'd die for you
Steal the sun from the sky for you

Words can't say what a love can do

I'll be there for you

And I wasn't there when you were happy

I wasn't there when you were down

I didn't mean to miss your birthday, baby

I wish I'd seen you blow those candles out

I'll be there for you

These five words I swear to you

When you breathe I want to be the air for you

I'll be there for you

I'd live and I'd die for you

Steal the sun from the sky for you

Words can't say what a love can do

I'll be there for you

When the song ended Richie reluctantly dragged his eyes from Faith. He and Jon thanked everyone and left the stage. He came out and found Faith. He wanted to touch her, kiss her, but not here, not in front of all these people. He took her hand, "ready to get out of here?" Faith looked up at him, surprised, "already?" They had almost made it to the door when Faith stopped him, "Richie, where's Jon?" Shit. He had been so intent on getting to her and getting out of there he had forgotten that Jon had come with them. He turned and scanned the room, spotting Jon near the bar. He turned to Faith, "wait here." He moved through the room, not stopping to talk to but maybe one person. He cornered Jon, "Faith and I are leaving, are you coming with us?" Jon looked at Richie, recognizing the look on his face. "No man, go ahead I'll call a cab or something." Richie clapped a hand on Jon's shoulder, "thanks man."

Chapter 20

2007-06-07T15:46:00.000-04:00

Faith walked back to the living room and sat down on the couch. She missed him already. She could still smell him there. She lay her head down on the pillow, his scent lingered there too. Faith fell asleep breathing him in.

Richie drove home, wishing he could have stayed. He was trying to be careful this time. Ava had seen women leave on a morning after never to return and he didn't want that to happen for Hannah. Faith didn't need to have to deal with that. Not that he wasn't going to return, but it was still a little too soon for "sleepovers" when the girls were around.

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

Faith kept busy the next couple of days, the cafe, Hannah, planning the menu for a catering job she had coming up. She thought it would be enough, but Richie kept invading her thoughts. Any free minute she had, he was right there, his smile, his eyes, his hands. Dammit. Faith crumpled the paper she had been writing on into a ball and tossed it toward the other seven that were near the trash can. They all had his name doodled all over them. You'd think I was 14 or something. She took out another sheet of paper and tried to concentrate.

Richie wasn't faring out much better. He and Jon were at the studio rehearsing for Saturday. They were going to play at the charity benefit and were trying to decide which songs to do. They had decided on Wanted, but that was it. They had agreed to do three but they couldn't agree on any others. "What about Prayer?" Jon looked over at Richie, waiting for a reply. Richie was staring out the door of the studio, wondering if Faith might be working that night and if she would happen to pass by. "Rich?" Jon walked over and nudged him. He nearly dropped his guitar. "What!?" Jon struggled to contain himself. "I asked you what about Prayer? What is the matter with you tonight?" Richie shrugged, "nothin."

Jon looked at his friend, "Is she supposed to be working tonight?" Richie looked at Jon, "who?" This time Jon did laugh, "Come on, this is me you're talking to. Faith, is she supposed to be working tonight?" Richie shook his head, "I don't know. She didn't tell me which nights she works here." "Well" Jon started, why don't we finish up and then you can stop and see her on the way home." Richie thought about that for a minute. "It may be too late. Let's just get this done." They worked for a while longer, finally deciding on the last two songs and running through them a few times.

They drove past Faith's house on the way back to Richie's. Jon looked over at Richie, "want to stop?" They slowed, but the house was dark. "She's probably asleep." They headed home.

Richie was too keyed to sleep. He picked up the phone to call her, but hung it up again. He didn't want to wake her, but he wanted to hear her voice. He picked up the phone again. This time he dialed. He heard a sleepy 'hello' on the other end. "Faith? It's Richie." Faith rolled over and sat up, "hi. Is everything all right?" She glanced at her clock and winced. "I'm sorry to have called so late. Things are fine. I just... hell Faith, I wanted to hear your voice." Faith smiled, "I miss you too." She read him so easily, even over the phone. "I'm not going to keep you. I just wanted to say goodnight." "Thanks for the call. See you soon." "Sweet dreams darlin'." He hung up the phone and tried to sleep.

Faith was a bundle of nerves when Saturday finally arrived. She had to work and was glad. It kept her hands busy and her mind off of the benefit that night. She knew she should just be herself, but she was still nervous. She got home with only two hours to spare before Richie would pick her up. Ms. Betty was coming to stay with Hannah and Faith holed up in her room to get ready. She had pulled one of her favorite dresses from the back of the closet and hoped it still fit.

The doorbell rang precisely at 7 and Ms. Betty opened the door to find Richie and Jon standing there. "Can I help you?" Ms. Betty had no idea who these two men were. Richie held out his hand, "I"m Richie and is my friend Jon. You must be Ms. Betty. Is Faith ready?" Ms. Betty took Richie's hand, "she didn't tell me she had two dates tonight." The men laughed and Jon spoke up, "I'm just the chaperone tonight ma'am. I'm very happily married." She let them in and Hannah poked her head around the corner at the sound of their voices. "Hi Richie!" He crouched down to her level, "hiya Hannah, how are you?" She started toward him but stopped when she saw Jon. "Oh you're... oh" she clamped a hand over her mouth and just stared.

Faith was slipping on her shoes when she heard the doorbell. She glanced at herself once more in mirror, spritzed on her perfume and headed down the hall. She got to the living room in time to hear her daughter's exclamation. "Hannah." Three heads looked up at the sound of her voice. "Mom, you didn't tell me you knew Jon Bon Jovi!" Faith smiled and walked over to her daughter. "Hannah, I know Jon Bon Jovi." They all laughed and she introduced Hannah. Jon crouched down once more and shook Hannah's hand. "It's very nice to meet you Hannah." She shook his hand and they chatted for a minute.

Richie took Faith's hand, "you look wonderful Faith." He kissed her hand. "Thank you." Her sleeveless dress was the color of a fine merlot with a v-neck and it fit like it had been made for her, hugging every curve. She had left her hair loose and it was like a fall of brown silk down her back. She had used some make-up trick to make her eyes even more sexy. He moved closer to her and her scent overtook him. Before he lost all control he cleared his throat, "Jon are you ready?"

They said their goodbyes, Faith hugged and kissed Hannah, admonishing her to be good for Ms. Betty. As she pulled the door shut behind her she could hear Hannah's excited voice talking about meeting Jon Bon Jovi. She shook her head as she walked over to where Richie was by the car. "Why didn't you tell me that Jon was going to be here? I could have warned Hannah." She turned to Jon, "I'm sorry about that." Jon shook it off, "actually, I don't mind when the little girls get like that, it's the older ones I worry about."

Chapter 19

2007-06-04T20:24:00.000-04:00

Before Faith could say anything, Richie's mouth was on hers and any smart remark she might have made was lost. The kiss was slow and long and thorough. Faith almost whined when his lips left hers and ran a trail down her neck. His tongue dipped into the hollow between her neck and shoulder, making her shudder like he knew it would. His hands worked their way under her shirt, skimming her back and around to the curve of her breasts. His thumbs caressed her through the soft cotton of her bra. His nimble fingers found and released the front clasp. "Richie" his name was a whisper off her tongue. His mouth found hers as his fingers continued to urge her nipples to their full hardness.

Richie manuevered them, slid Faith's shirt and bra off, and eased her down onto the couch. His fingers skimmed over her lightly, as if he she might shatter if he wasn't careful. She reached for him and he came to her, his shirt cast aside and their mouths meeting in a hungry kiss. His mouth left hers and traveled down her neck, to the valley of her breasts. He suckled one and then the other before trailing lower. He reached for the button of her shorts and she stopped him. "Richie." He looked up at her, "what?" came the quiet question. "Hannah, what if she...". "She's sleeping, right?" Faith nodded. "Well, we'll just have to be quiet." He kissed her again as he slid her shorts down her legs and she kicked them off. His eyes feasted on her. She was a natural beauty, nothing fake or phony about her. He kissed his way down her body, seeking the sweetness he knew was waiting for him.

Faith was slowly losing her battle to keep quiet. Once Richie's tongue slipped into her all bets were off. "Richie!" He continued, slipping two fingers into her as he teased her clit with his tongue. Only when he felt her start to convulse around his fingers did he let up. He sat up, letting his thumb continue where his tongue left off. He managed to get his pants off and was in her as the orgasm overtook her. "Oh God Richie" she moaned just as his mouth clamped over hers. Faith ran her hands down his back and over his ass, urging him deeper. He slid her hip higher and she took him deeper still, triggering another wave to crash over her. Richie couldn't hold back any longer, he nuzzled into her neck and groaned in her ear as he came deep inside her.

Richie collapsed on top of Faith and she welcomed the weight of him. She stroked his back lightly and could feel his heart beating against her chest, almost in time with hers. Slowly the haze was clearing she could feel him pressing light kisses against her neck. "Faith?" he whispered in her ear. "Hmm." "Just checking." He moved and she gasped as he slipped from her. They lay on the couch, her half on top of him, Richie was stroking her arm and down to the curve of her butt. "I should go" he told her. She nodded, not wanting him to leave but she knew it wasn't the right time for Hannah to find that he had spent the night.

She pulled on her clothes, watched Richie dress and walked him to the door. "I'll call you" he told her before he kissed her goodbye. "I'll be working the next few days." "Where?" "Both places." He kissed her again. "I'll find you." With one last kiss she watched him get in his car and drive off.

Chapter 18

2007-06-03T14:58:00.000-04:00

Richie reached over and laid his hand over Faith's. "We need to talk about us Faith." She looked up at him, "us? Is there an 'us'?" Richie squeezed her hand, "I would like there to be, but it occurs to me that we have done things a bit backward." Faith breathed a sigh of relief. "I think I have to agree. We hardly know anything about each other." Richie smiled at her, "well, I think you may have a distinct advantage there. I can only guess at what you know about me." Faith laughed, "actually I probably know more about Jon than you. Information about you is not quite as plentiful." Richie couldn't disagree, "you got me there darlin'. The ladies certainly do seem to like him best." Faith caught his gaze, her eyes full of admiration for him. "Not this lady." He brought her hand to his lips, "thank God for that."

Her eyes never left his face. "So, what do you want to know?" Richie smiled at her, "everything." "That's a tall order" Faith answered with a smile. "Well," he hesitated for a minute, "maybe you should tell me what you know and we could go from there." "Okay" Faith agreed, just let me go in and check on Hannah. I don't like to leave her alone in the house for too long." Richie watched as she went into the house, thanking God for the warm weather and admiring Faith's fine backside and long bare legs in her shorts.

"Hannah!" Faith called out as she walked into the house. "Yeah mom?" Faith stopped in the laundry room and tossed her panties into the pile of dirty clothes. She proceeded into the kitchen to find Hannah at the table drawing and coloring. "You doing all right in her all by yourself?" Hannah looked up from her drawing, "I'm fine." "Okay. I am going to be out back talking with Richie." "Okay mom." Faith poured two glasses of lemonade and went back outside.

"I hope you like lemonade" Faith said as she set the glass down in front of Richie. He jumped when she said his name. He had been so lost in thought he hadn't heard her come back. Faith laughed, "sorry, I didn't mean to wake you." He looked at her, eyes smiling, "I wasn't sleeping and yes, I like lemonade. Thank you very much."

They sat and talked, and Richie learned a whole new respect for this amazing woman he had met just a few short days before. He learned that Faith's birthday was just a week after his and that she would be 40. He learned that her favorite flowers are lilacs, that her favorite color is red and that she cried at kleenex commercials and that she liked not only chick flicks, but action films as well. He also learned that like him, she had lost not just one parent, but both and at an early age. She had a sister that lived on the other side of the country and they saw each other once a year if they were lucky. He also learned that she had had trouble conceiving Hannah and that is why there weren't any others after her. Richie wanted to know more about that. "So are more children totally out of the question?" Faith hesitated before she answered, "it would take some doing I am sure, but the doctors never totally ruled it out. You want more kids don't you?" Faith watched him, she could read it in his eyes, "yeah, I would like at least one more. Not that Ava isn't enough, but, just between you and me, I kinda envy Jon the four he has. I always wanted a son." Faith saw a hint of sadness in his eyes. "It bothered you a lot that you and Heather never tried for more didn't it?" Richie looked at her, she was very perceptive. "It did and, truth be told, it is part of the reason we aren't together anymore." Faith nodded her head in understanding.

Richie studied his empty glass before asking his next question. "How much do you know about my divorce?" Faith finished her lemonade before answering. "Only what I read in the papers." "Don't believe everything you read" he told her. Faith looked at him, "I usually don't. Whatever happened between you and Heather, it is nobody's business but your own. I can't imagine going through something like that and having it smeared all over every rag and paper in town. Private matters should be kept private." He liked her attitude. "I agree, but being a celebrity means giving up your privacy, to a certain extent." Faith shook her head, "that must suck." Richie nodded and went on, "I was lucky for a long time. The paparazzi pretty much left us alone unless we were at some sort of event or other. Then when we split it just got out of control. It has quieted down some but I still try to be careful." Faith had a thought, "when they find out you are dating someone new, what will happen?"

Richie considered his words carefully, he didn't want to scare her away. "They will probably try to find out whatever dirt they can about you." Faith was afraid of that. She knew she could handle herself but she worried about Hannah. Richie was watching her, her expression grew serious. "What's going on in that pretty head of yours? "Nothing." "Don't tell me nothing, I can practically see the wheels turning." Faith shrugged her shoulders, "I just need to sort this out." She looked around her yard, the afternoon had waned and it was nearing dinnertime. "Can you stay for dinner?" Richie sighed, "we need to finish talking about this?" She nodded, I know. "Let's go inside." She got up, pushed the mower into the garage and shut the door. She turned to find Richie standing by the door talking to Hannah through the screen, holding their empty glasses.

After dinner of BLT's and macaroni salad and a few rounds of UNO, Faith hustled Hannah off to bed and she and Richie sat in the living room, him on the couch and her in the adjacent chair. "Richie" he looked over at Faith, "I want to be with you, but I am worried about what going to happen when the paparazzi finds out. I can handle myself but what do I have to do to protect Hannah? She doesn't even really know who you are." Richie raised an eyebrow, "what do you mean?" "I mean she knows you just as Richie, Ava's dad. Not as Richie Sambora, guitarist for Bon Jovi. She hasn't put the two together yet." "Well, let's just leave it as Ava's dad for now."

Richie reached over and took Faith' s hand, tugging her out of the chair and over onto his lap. She wrapped her arm around his shoulder and looked at him. "This is all new territory for me Richie and honestly, it scares me a little." He rubbed her arm and kissed her forehead. "You got nothing to be scared of. As a matter of fact, I have an idea." Faith looked up at him, "what's that?" "I have a charity dinner Saturday night, why don't you come with me and we can see how it goes?" Faith considered the invitation, "I guess we have to start somewhere, right? So, yes, I would love to go with you." "Good, now can we stop talking and neck a little on the couch before I leave?"

Chapter 17

2007-05-30T12:09:00.001-04:00

Faith found her dress in a heap on the living room floor and Richie's shirt and pants out on the patio. She put his shirt on as her dress was wrinkled beyond repair. She busied herself in the kitchen, cleaning up the mess from the night before and making coffee. When she finished she sat down at the table with her coffee. She felt herself flush as she glanced at the chair opposite hers and what had happened only hours before. She couldn't get over how wanton she had acted last night. She and Billy had had a healthy sex life, but it was no where near what she had shared with Richie. Just the thought of his name made her heart beat a little quicker. Where can this possibly go though? She wasn't sure she would fit in his world or even if he really wanted her to. Sure, they had spent a couple of nice days together and then last night, but they really didn't know each other. She sighed and put her coffee cup down. "One day at a time" she told herself as she got up and put her cup in the dishwasher. She made Richie some breakfast and left in the warming oven, traded his shirt for her dress and headed home.

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

Richie picked his head up and, judging from his position on the bed, knew he was alone. He looked around the room and knew she was gone. Dammit. He sat up and rubbed his hands over his face and through his hair. What was he going to do about her? He got up, pulled on some shorts and went downstairs. Maybe she hadn't left yet. In the living room he found his shirt and pants laying across the arm of the couch and a pair of lacy black panties half under the couch. Guess I'll have to return those. He smiled to himself and walked into the kitchen, following the scent of coffee. There was a cup set out for him with a note propped up by it.

Richie-

I had to go pick up Hannah. Thanks for 'dinner' it was wonderful. I left breakfast warming for you. Have a good day.

Faith

Richie moved to the oven and found a plate of French toast waiting for him. He took it to the table with his coffee and sat down in the same chair that Faith had occupied earlier. He chuckled to himself as he glanced at the opposite chair. He shook his head, she was going to dominate his thoughts all day. Richie thought about her as he ate. He liked her, she was bright, funny, fearless it seemed, independent, beautiful, sexy. Hell, what's not to like he thought. He took his dish to the sink, refilled his coffee and went to take a shower. He was going to have to pay Faith a visit this afternoon.

Faith showered when she got home, not wanting to smell like Richie and sex when she picked up Hannah. Ms. Betty couldn't help but notice the smile on Faith's face and the glow about her. "Did you have a nice time dear?" "I had a wonderful time." Ms. Betty smiled, "I can tell." Faith's cheeks reddened, "is it that obvious?" "Only because of your smile. I haven't seen you smile like that in forever." "I like him Ms. Betty, I like him a lot." She looked conspiratorily at Ms. Betty, "you know what, I think he likes me too." Ms. Betty huffed, "well of course he likes you. You are a beautiful smart young woman. What's not to like?" Faith gave her a hug, "thank you. I love you you know." "Go on with you now." She watched as Faith and Hannah crossed the street and sent up a silent prayer, let this be the one.

When the doorbell rang later that afternoon Hannah ran to answer it. "Who is it?" she called out with out opening the door. Richie was impressed. Ava didn't do that no matter how many times they told her to ask first. "Its Richie" he answered. Hannah peeked through the sheer curtained window alongside the door. Richie waggled his fingers at her and she opened the door. "Hi! Did you bring Ava with you?" He smiled down at the pretty little girl, "not today honey, she is with her mom." Her face fell with disappoinment, "oh." Richie crouched down in front of her, "hey" she looked at him, "I'll bring her next time, okay?" Hannah gave him a big smile, "okay. Do you want to come in?" "Is your mom here?" "She's out back. I'll show you." She led him through the small but well-kept house out to the backyard where Faith was mowing the lawn. Does she ever stop he wondered as he watched.

Faith had her headphones on and was singing as she made the passes with the mower. Whoa oh, we're halfway there. Richie smiled as she got closer and he saw her mouth moving and realized she was singing. Faith looked up and saw him sitting in a chair on her patio. She let the handle of the mower go and it stopped and the final note of the song fell out of her mouth. "Just how long have you been sitting there?" Richie laughed, "since about we're halfway there" he sang out in perfect pitch. "Oh God, you caught me again. This is really embarrassing." They stood looking at each other. He wanted to kiss her, but he couldn't be sure that Hannah wasn't watching from somewhere. Faith broke the silence. "So, what brings you to my backyard?" She sat down at the umbrella table and finished her lemonade. He joined her. "You left something at my house and I thought I should return it." Faith had no idea what she could have left there. He pulled her underwear from his pocket. She figured she turned seven shades of red when she realized what it was that he handed her. She quickly stuffed them in her shorts pocket. "Sorry about that." Richie grinned, "no problem, it gave me a reason to see you again today. Besides, I think we need to talk." Faith looked up at him then, "talk about what?"

Chapter 16

2007-05-25T09:38:00.001-04:00

They walked into Richie's bedroom and Faith just stopped and stared, trying to take it all in. It was like an oasis, all cream and blue. It was beautiful. "It's like being on an island in the middle of nowhere." Richie smiled, "that was the idea." She moved further into the room, "I wouldn't ever want to leave if I had a room like this." He came up behind her, wrapped his arms around her and hooked his chin over her shoulder, "well for the next eight hours, you don't have to go anywhere." He turned his head and nuzzled her neck. Richie's hands moved from her waist to her chest, where she had the towel tucked around her. The towel fell away and Richie cupped her full breasts, thumbs teasing the hardened tips.

He ran his lips up and down her neck and across her shoulder as he urged her toward the bed. One hand slid down from her breast, down across the flat of her stomach, cupping her. His fingers played her, urging her higher. When he felt she was on that edge, he pulled his hand away. "Richie?" "Lean over" his voice was a strangled whisper in her ear. She leaned over the side of the bed and he positioned himself behind her. She could feel him there teasing, taunting. She looked over her shoulder, she needed him now, "please" she begged. He was in her, one long, deep thrust. Faith called out his name as her orgasm overtook her. Richie moved in her, hard and fast. The second wave overcame her before the first was done. Richie cried out as he gave her everything and together they collapsed down on the bed.

Richie dragged the covers down and they manged to get underneath. He pulled Faith close to him. With her head on his chest, Faith could hear his heartbeat slowly returning to normal. "Oh my God." Richie gave her a squeeze, "you can say that again." She smiled up at him, "so, you enjoyed dinner?" He laughed, "dinner was good, but dessert well, that was nothing short of amazing." Faith chuckled against him, "I think I have to agree, dessert was pretty good." Richie pouted, pretending to be hurt, "only pretty good?" She hesitated, as if thinking about it, "well, it has been some time since I had 'dessert', but from what I can remember, this was pretty awesome."

Richie grew serious for a moment. "Faith?" She was stroking his chest lightly, "hmm, what?" "How long has it been?" She propped herself up on her elbow so she could look at Richie. "Billy has been gone two years now, so about that long." He reached over and took her hand, "that long?" "Yeah. You are the first guy I have been with." Richie stroked the back of her hand, "not even a date?" Faith shook her head, "nope." Richie considered his next question, "so then I guess my next question is, why me?" Faith squeezed his hand, "because you took Hannah into consideration first. Because you are the first guy to make me feel like it was okay to take that step. Because you made me smile and laugh." Richie pulled her to him and hugged her tight, kissing her head. He knew then that she was there with him because of him, not the rock star him, but him, the man. It was a welcome change from the other women he had been with. He was going to hang on to this one for as long as she would let him. They slept then, with Faith wrapped in his arms.

Faith woke with the early morning light coming in the window. She almost had to laugh at her position, Richie had taken over the bed, she was all the way over to the edge, with his arm the only thing keeping her from falling off. She managed to free herself without falling and padded to the bathroom.

She came back into the bedroom, found her towel and wrapped herself up, all the while watching Richie sleep. She almost had to pinch herself to make sure last night hadn't been a dream. Smiling to herself she left the room and headed downstairs to find her clothes.

Chapter 15

2007-05-23T08:42:00.001-04:00

Richie led Faith outside to the pool. He watched as Faith walked to the edge and sat down, dunking her feet. He smiled to himself as he thought about what had just taken place in his kitchen. Damn if he wouldn't end up with a hard on everytime he so much as looked at the table. But, as good as that was, as good as the night had been so far, Faith had surprised him. You never know how the first time with someone will be but, unlike the last woman he had been with, she gave as good as she got. That, the incredibly strong giving woman she was, was making this night so much better than some others he had had. He looked over at Faith, wondered what she was thinking. He shucked off his pants and waded into the pool, ready for a bit more taking and a whole lot more giving.

Richie came up to where Faith was sitting. "Hey" Faith looked at him, "hey yourself." "Are you going to join me?" She looked around and then back at him, "you wanna know something?" "What's that?" She gave him a shy smile, "I've never been skinny dipping before." He let out a laugh, "really? Well you have no idea what you have been missing." "I guess I need to be a bit more adventurous." Richie stroked her legs. "You don't have to if you don't want to." She looked at him, "that's just it, you make me want to do things I've never done before." Before he could say anything she slipped of his shirt and slid into the pool in front of him.

Richie turned them so he was leaning up against the side. He pulled her closer and her knees bumped the side of the pool as her thighs gripped his hips. She took his face in her hands, "I used to fantasize about you." He turned his head and kissed the palm of her hand. "Really?" Faith smiled. "I was married, not dead and I must say, reality is so much better." She brought her lips to his, pulling him into a kiss that left them both breathless.

Faith could feel the heat growing in her again, feel the need rising. She could also feel Richie's growing need pressing against her. Richie shifted and Faith gasped as he slid inside her. He moved slowly, watching as Faith's eyes darkened and her breath caught. When he felt her tighten around him he flooded her with everything he had.

Richie held her against him, feeling her heart beat against his chest. He kissed her head and slowly lowered her until she was standing in front of him. "Let's go inside." They got out and he wrapped Faith in a towel, grabbed one for himself and led her inside. "Will you stay with me tonight?" She nodded her head. "I don't have to get Hannah until the morning, so yes, I'll stay." He took her by the hand and they went upstairs.

Chapter 14

2007-05-22T12:51:00.002-04:00

Richie fed Faith another spoonful of mousse. She licked her lips "mmm, that is so good." Richie was staring at her lips, "I can see that." Faith dipped her finger into the bowl and brought it to his lips. "Try some." He took the tip of her finger into his mouth and swirled his tongue around it. When he released her finger, Faith's breathing wasn't quite steady. "You're right" he said as he watched her, "it is good." Imitating her, he dipped his finger in the bowl and offered it, "want some more?"

Faith smiled slyly at him, taking his finger into her mouth. She could feel him growing hard under her as she licked and sucked the chocolate off his finger. "Faith" he groaned. She looked up at him, "do you want more?" He didn't know if he could handle any more. She slid off his lap and knelt between his legs. She fumbled with the zipper on his pants, slipping it down after a minute. Every rumor she had ever heard was true, he was all man and then some. She stroked him up and down before letting her tongue play across the tip. His cock jumped in anticipation of what was to come. Faith picked up her head and looked at Richie, his eyes were closed and pure pleasure spread across his face. She took him, all of him, in one long slow slide. She worked him slowly and deliberately, alternating between long, slow glides and short shallow thrusts.

Richie was slowly losing his mind. He couldn't think of anything but what her mouth was doing to him. There was magic in that mouth he thought. He ran his fingers into her hair and moved his hips in time with her mouth. She took him deep and he couldn't control it, "Faith... I'm... Shit!" He came with a shudder. She continued until he grew soft in her mouth. She eased back from him and looked up into his face. "Come up here" he said softly. She climbed back onto his lap.

He held her close, getting himself under control. "Faith, that was..." he trailed off. What could he possibly say? She looked at him and he pressed his lips to hers. His fingers worked the buttons of her shirt and, pulling back from the kiss, he laid her back on the table. He looked down at her, her lips slightly swollen and her skin was flush with arousal. He could see her nipples pressing against the front of his shirt. His mouth met hers again and then he moved on, his tongue sliding down her neck, searching, seeking. He slid the shirt open and took one hardened nipple into his mouth as his hand teased the other.

Faith couldn't hold back the sob of his name. She had never been this high before. He continued his assault on her breasts as his free hand slid lower, finding her warm and wet for him. He slid two fingers into her and the orgasm flashed through her. "Oh God Richie" she groaned. His mouth moved from her breasts, leaving a trail down her stomach. His tongue swirled around her belly button and moved lower. She could feel his warm breath on her as he paused before dipping his head. He looked up at her, she was lost to the moment. Her eyes were closed, her arms flung out to the side. He dipped his head and tasted her, teased her. She came twice more before he was done.

He sat down in his chair, stroking her legs as he did so. Faith curled up on her side, sure she wouldn't be able to move, ever. "Faith?" She held up her hand, "not yet." She took a deep breath and opened her eyes and tried to focus on him. Richie reached over and took her hands, pulling her to him. He cradled her in his lap as the last of the tremors ran through her. "Come on" he told her as he stood them up. "I know what we need now."

Chapter 13

2007-05-20T21:35:00.001-04:00

They lay there, chests heaving, a tangle of arms and legs. "Richie?" "Hmmm?" "Could you just...?" He shifted and pulled her against him, pressing a kiss to her head. "Faith?" "Yeah?" "Are you okay?" She kissed his chest "better than." She couldn't remember the last time she felt so loose and languid. She ran her hands up and down his back, letting them play over the curve of his ass. It felt good to be with a man again. She had forgotten how it was to touch and be touched. She wanted more.

Richie put his fingers under her chin and tipped her face up to his. He looked into those green eyes and felt a rush at the need he still saw there. He could feel himself growing hard again. He brought his mouth to hers in a hungry kiss. He pulled back from the kiss and sat them up, Faith straddling his lap. As she reached to take the pins out of her hair, Richie slid his hand down her stomach and slipped a finger inside her, letting his thumb play over her swollen clit. Faith grabbed Richie's shoulders and her head dropped back, feeling the orgasm building.

Faith reached down and pulled his hand away and shifted so that she lowered herself, taking him completely. Faith rode him, watching his brown eyes go almost black with desire. She arched back and he lowered his mouth, kissing and nibbling down her neck and finding one and then both breasts. He heard her breath catch and as Faith shuddered with her release, he pulled her to him, finding her mouth with his.

Richie slid his hands down her sides to her hips, urging her to move faster, taking him over when she went again.

Faith collapsed against him, her head resting on his shoulder. Richie wrapped his arms around her, each trying to settle the other. She lifted her head and placed a kiss on his cheek. As their breathing returned to normal, Faith eased herself from him and curled in next to him. Richie pulled the blanket off the back of the couch and covered them, both of them drifting off.

Faith work a short time later. She eased herself from Richie's arms, slipped on his shirt and padded off to find the bathroom. As she washed her hands she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. "Oh God!" Her hair was half up and half hanging down, she reached up to find the rest of the pins and did her best with her fingers to tame it. Her lips were swollen, her eyes were bright. She couldn't get over how good she felt.

Walking back she noticed a light on in the kitchen. Did I leave that on? She didn't remember turning it on. She found Richie standing at the sink, pants having been pulled on, drinking a glass of water. She came up behind him, "could I have some of that?" He turned to her with a smile and offered her the glass. She drank deep and handed the glass back. Before she could step away from him he pulled her to him. "You look good in my shirt" "Thanks, I was hoping you wouldn't mind." "Nope, not at all." She looked around, "what do you want to do now?" "How about dessert?" He couldn't possibly want to go again already. She cocked an eyebrow at him "dessert?" He laughed, "yeah Faith, dessert, you know the kind you eat." She nodded her head, "oh, dessert. Sure. Whatchya got?"

He got the small bowl out of the refrigerator and one spoon out of the drawer before sitting down and pulling Faith onto his lap. She looked at the bowl, "ooh, chocolate mousse, my favorite." She looked up at him, "how did you know?" Richie picked up the spoon and fed her a bite, "just lucky I guess."

Chapter 12

2007-05-18T16:04:00.001-04:00

They finished their meal and while Faith was cleaning up a little Richie refilled their wine glasses. He watched her move, and admired her bare back on display in the dress. He moved up behind her while she was at the sink, trailed his fingers up her arm and let them play across her shoulder, stopping to rub lightly at the base of her neck. Faith stopped what she was doing and let herself enjoy his touch. He reached around her with his other hand and shut the water off, caging her in. “Faith” she turned her head to look at him, “hmm?” He ran his thumb lightly over her lower lip. Her tongue snaked out to touch the tip of it. His stomach clenched at the touch of her tongue to his skin. He slid his hand up to cup her cheek and leaned in to kiss her. She tasted of pasta and wine, spicy and sweet. Easing back he reached for her hand, “come with me.”

They grabbed their wine glasses off the table and Richie led them into the other room. Faith stopped in front of the window, “it is so beautiful.” She was looking out at the back yard, the pool was lit with soft light, there were solar lights strategically placed around so that the yard was glowing softly. Faith turned to find Richie right behind her. He took her wine glass and set it on the end table. He took her in his arms and started swaying slowly to the music he had filtering through the house.

Richie could feel her trembling as he held her. His breath was warm at her ear “what’s the matter?” Faith looked at him, “it’s been a long time since…” she trailed off as his fingers played lightly over her back. She could feel her nipples straining the front of her dress from that light touch. She reached up, ran her fingers lightly across his cheek and into his hair. His mouth came down on hers, insistent, seeking. She parted her lips and accepted.

Richie let his hand slide up from her waist, caressing the curve of her breast, his thumbs rubbing across the hardened tips through her dress. Faith moaned low and Richie dragged his lips across her cheek and down her neck, nuzzling in the hollow between neck and shoulder. "Richie" his name was the only word she could get out. He found the clasp at her neck, before releasing it he found her eyes with his, wanting her to be sure, "Faith?" She nodded her assent. He unhooked the clasp and found the zipper at her lower back. The dress pooled at her feet.

Richie helped her step out of the dress and just had to look at her. She was clad now only in a scrap of black lace and her shoes. "You are so beautiful" he told her as he pulled her close. She could feel his arousal pressing against her, straining against his pants. Faith slid her hands down between them and worked the buttons of his shirt. She slid it from his shoulders, leaving a trail of kisses across his chest as she did. "Richie" she took his hand as she whispered his name. He watched as she kissed each finger, "touch me" she told him as she placed his hand on her breast. Faith couldn't think as he caressed her breast and teased the nipple. When he dipped his head and took the hardened tip into his mouth she was lost. He continued his assault on her other breast before moving back to her mouth. The kiss was hot and greedy. His hands slid down to the black lace and slipped them down. Richie tore his mouth from hers and trailed his tongue down her neck, the valley of her breasts as he lowered her panties and helped her step out of them.

Faith ran her fingers into Richie's hair as he placed feather-light kisses across her stomach. She didn't think she was going to be able to stand on her own much longer. He kissed his way back up to her mouth, moving her toward the couch. Richie toed off his shoes and reached for his belt. Faith stopped him. "Let me." She worked the belt and button on his pants. Richie let out a low grown as she ran her hand up and down the zipper before releasing it. Faith pushed his pants and underwear down and he shook them off. As Faith made her way back up she ran her tongue down the hard length of him. "Faith, don't" he ground out and pulled her up to him.

Richie eased her down onto the couch and knelt between her legs. He turned first to the right leg, removed her shoe and kissed his way up to her inner thigh. He lowered it and did the same with the left, not stopping at her thigh this time. He dragged his tongue up and down the crease of her thigh before dipping his head to taste her. "Richie" she sobbed out as the orgasm rushed through her at the first touch of his tongue. He rode through it with her and brought her to the edge again. He moved up over her on the couch, "Faith, look at me." When she opened her eyes her gaze was fixed neither here nor there, just as he had hoped. He slid into her slowly, amazed at his own restraint as her warm wetness enveloped him. He moved slowly at first but when he felt her tighten around him, as her orgasm overtook her, he thrust harder and faster, finding his own release with her.

Chapter 11

2007-05-17T16:12:00.001-04:00

Faith put a more than a little effort into getting ready for her date. Richie had only seen her in her bathing suit and work clothes and she wanted to do it up a bit for him. She took Hannah across the street and, once she was alone, got herself ready.

She showered, shaved her legs, taking care not to nick herself. Once dried off she smoothed on her favorite lotion. She put on her dress, a black and white summery halter-style dress. She wore no bra, the dress having one built in and her black lace bikinis were new. Stepping in front of the mirror she studied herself. For a woman on the heels of 40 she thought she looked pretty good. She didn’t work out regularly, but her jobs and her daughter didn’t give her much downtime. Her breasts were still firm if not as high as they once were, but that was all right. It came with the territory she supposed, but really, the Time Bitch had nothing on her. Her skin was blemish free and there were a few lines, but nothing she would worry about.

She had almost forgotten what it was like to dress for a man. So used to dressing in her work clothes or jeans, it felt almost decadent to put the dress on. She pinned her hair up loosely, letting a few stray pieces fall where they may. A pair of black sandals with a sharp heel and a couple of well-placed straps and a gold ankle bracelet finished the outfit. She gave her self a spray of perfume and a final once over and the butterflies started in her stomach. “Nope, not going there” she told herself. I’m going to have a nice dinner with a wonderful man. Whatever happens after that happens.

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

Richie was pacing in the living room waiting for Faith to arrive. He had opened the wine and had some music on. He had made sure to give Jenna the night off too. He was nervous. He caught his reflection in the window and shook his head. Why should he be nervous? This was Faith, the same woman who had shown no nervousness around him when they first met, who had been at ease with him from the get go, who was beautiful and funny and sexy. That was the combination that got him every time. He smiled to himself as he walked to the kitchen. As he poured himself a glass of wine the bell rang.

Richie opened the door and there she was. His eyes traveled over her from the sexy sandals on her feet to the dress to the hair she had pinned up on her head. While he was taking in the sight of her Faith was doing her own perusal of Richie. He wore black dress slacks and a wine-colored shirt, unbuttoned to mid-chest and dress shoes. They stood in the doorway neither talking, just taking in each other. “Faith” Richie finally spoke, “come in.” She stepped in and he took one of the bags she was carrying. She followed him through the house to the kitchen.

Setting the bags down on the counter Richie turned to Faith reaching for her hand and bringing it to his lips, “you are stunning.” Faith felt her face heat up, “thank you. You look pretty good yourself.” He smiled at her, “yeah, I clean up pretty good.” Faith laughed and the tension eased. “So, what am I cooking for dinner?”

Richie had decided on pasta and Faith was glad it was something that wouldn't take too much work. She had brought a few things from home and got started. Richie showed her where the pots and pans were and then left her to do her thing. He poured them some wine and watched her work.

Faith put the water on and got started on the sauce. She sauteed some mushrooms in a combination of olive oil and garlic, added a bit of salt and pepper, some italian spices, diced tomatoes, black olives and let it simmer. She reached for the italian bread she had brought and cut it in half lenghtwise. She spread a mix of butter, garlic, rosemary and grated cheese and placed it on a baking sheet.

Picking up her wine she came and sat down at the table with Richie. "That smells good already." "Thanks, it should be ready in about 20 minutes. I hope you're hungry." He looked at her, "starved." The way he said it and the look on his face told Faith he was hungry for more than just food. She hoped she would be able to give him what he wanted.

True to her word, 20 minutes later they were sitting down to plates of pasta, salad and garlic rosemary bread. Faith picked at her plate while Richie ate heartily. He noticed she wasn't eating and set his fork down. "What's the matter Faith?" She looked up at him, "nothing, just not very hungry I guess." Richie didn't believe her. He reached across the table and took her hand, "Faith, nothing is going to happen tonight that you don't want to happen."

Chapter 10

2007-05-16T18:04:00.001-04:00

Faith's head was spinning on the way home. If the man could kiss like that... she didn't want to finish the thought. She was getting worked up just thinking about his mouth. "Stop it" she told herself. If she kept this up she would make herself crazy before Monday.

Faith worked the next couple of days and that helped ease her anxiousness. Keeping busy always helped Faith keep it together. The cafe was just past the lunch rush and during the lull one of the waitresses, Susie, came into the kitchen. "Faith, there is a customer on the patio who would like to see you." Faith looked up, "is there a problem?" Susie shrugged, "don't know, he only said he wanted to see the chef." Faith wiped her hands and followed Susie out. When they got to the patio Faith dropped her face to her hands and shook her head.

"What are you doing here?" It was Richie . "Having lunch" he told her with a smile. In all actuality Richie had wanted to see Faith so he had decided to check out the cafe. Faith smiled at him. "What did ya have?" While she made the food, she had no idea which order went to who. "the cuban sandwich and soup of the day" Richie told her with a smile. "From the looks of your plate I would say you enjoyed it." "It was excellent. Now I am really looking forward to dinner tomorrow." Faith laughed and touched his arm, "well, I can promise it will be better than soup and a sandwich." They chatted for a few more minutes and then Faith excused herself, she had to get back to work.

Richie paid his bill and left a generous tip. As he walked through the cafe he caught a glimpse of Faith in the kitchen. She was washing up the pots and pans, getting everything ready for the dinner rush. She happened to glanced up and caught Richie's eye. He winked at her and headed out.

When Faith got home she decided she needed to talk to Hannah about her upcoming "date". She wanted to make sure that Hannah was okay with her seeing someone that wasn't her dad. After they had their dinner and Hannah was ready for bed, Faith brought a framed photo into her room and sat down on the edge of the bed. "Hannah, I need to talk you." "Am I in trouble? I don't remember doing anything bad." Faith smiled at her daughter, "no honey, you are not in trouble." She showed Hannah the picture. It was of her father. Hannah looked at her mom, "that's the picture from your room." "I know, I think you should have it in here now." "I miss him mom." "I know you do sweetie, so do I." Hannah took the picture and put it on the night stand. "I was starting to forget him. I like having the picture here. It helps."

Faith couldn't help the tears. So much had changed for Hannah in the last few years and now she was going to throw something else at her. "Hannah, you know that I have a date tomorrow night, do you know with who?' "With Ava's dad." "That's right. Does that bother you?" "Well, what about daddy, don't you still love him?" Faith gathered Hannah close, "I will always love your dad honey, but I like Richie too. She looked down at Hannah, "I think my heart may have room for someone else, at least I hope it does." Hannah smiled at her mom, "you should do what makes you happy mom." Faith gave Hannah a hug, "thanks baby."

Chapter 9

2007-05-15T12:35:00.001-04:00

They enjoyed a boisterous meal of burgers done on the grill, Richie's favorite way of cooking. His housekeeper, Jenna, had left a macaroni salad and fresh fruit in the fridge for them as well. Faith's cookies with some vanilla ice cream were the perfect dessert.

After they were finished the girls disappeared to Ava's room and left Richie and Faith with a mess to clean up. They stacked dishes and made a couple trips to and from the patio before they had the table cleared off. "You know" Richie started, "if those cookies are any indication, I am going to have to hire you for my next party." Faith set the dishes in the sink and turned to him. "Did you have something in mind?" "When are you off next?" Faith thought for a minute, "Monday, but I couldn't possibly put something together that quickly."

"Not even a small intimate dinner?"

"How small, how many people?" Her mind was trying to put ideas together. "Dinner for two?" Faith looked at him, he was smiling at her, "two?" He nodded, "two, you and me, no interruptions" he pointed toward the upstairs. "Oh" then she finally understood, "ohhh."

Richie watched as the realization of what he said hit her. "Is that going to be a problem, finding someone to stay with Hannah I mean?" Faith shook her head, "it shouldn't be. Ms. Betty loves having Hannah over." "Good, then I will get everything and all you have to do is show up and cook" he winked at her, "in my kitchen."

She turned the water on then and started rinsing the dishes. Richie came up next to her and shut the water off, taking her hands in his. "Leave them, come in the other room with me?" She pulled hands from his and dried them off. "Can I change first?" She was still in her bathing suit. He led her out to the cabana and waited for her. She came out dressed once again in her shorts and tank top and tugged her ponytail out, shaking her hair down around her shoulders. Richie's fingers itched to touch her.

He moved in on her, "Richie, what are you...?" "Shh" he ran his hands into her hair and brought his mouth to hers. It was a light, easy kiss at first. When his tongue sought entrance, her lips parted and he dove in. Faith dropped her bag and her arms wound around him and she poured herself into the kiss. When they parted, Faith's breathing was none too steady. "Damn, you're good at that." Richie chuckled and pulled his hands from her hair. She brought her arms up around his shoulders and he pulled her closer to him, "I think a little more practice might be in order" and he dipped his head to taste her again. Every nerve ending in Faith's body came alive with that kiss. She was pretty sure she had died and gone to heaven, so thorough was this man's mouth on hers.

When they parted a second time, Faith was glad Richie was still holding onto her, she was sure her legs wouldn't hold her up. "No more practice, you hit that one out of the park." Richie smiled, "darlin' I was just getting warmed up." "If you were any more warmed up, I'd be a puddle on the floor." She reached up and ran her fingers lightly across his bottom lip, "you should have a license for this mouth, it's dangerous." She replaced her fingers with her mouth and kissed him lightly. "I should round up my daughter and get out of your hair before we overstay our welcome

Richie didn't want to let her go but he knew she was right. They needed to be careful when the girls were around. He pulled her in for one more kiss before letting her go. "Let's go find the girls."

Chapter 8

2007-05-14T08:18:00.001-04:00

Faith wasn't quite sure where or even how to start. She took a breath and just jumped in, "my husband, Billy, was killed on the job. He was a cop, LAPD." She remembered as if it were yesterday. "His partner came to the door to tell me, but I knew before he even opened his mouth. His expression told me everything." She brought her gaze up to meet Richie's. "It was one of the worst days of my life." Richie didn't say anything, he just continued to hold her hand, stroking the back of it lightly. Faith dropped her gaze and went on to tell him the rest. How her sister had come to stay, how Ms. Betty had been and still was there every day for her and Hannah. How she still wasn't sure how she managed to survive it.

Richie sat and listened almost in disbelief. How could one go through so much and yet stay so strong?

Faith stopped talking. She was almost afraid to look at Richie. She dragged her eyes from the table top, glancing at their hands that were still clasped and up to his face. She didn't find pity in his eyes as she had feared. Instead she found sympathy and, of all things, awe.

"Richie?"

"How do you do it?" Faith wasn't sure what he meant. "How do I do what?"

"How do you keep it together and carry on? How do you not break down, totally lose it?" Faith smiled softly at him, no one had every asked her that. "I keep it together for Hannah. She is the center of my world now. Making sure she is happy and safe is more important to me than anything else. She comes first, she has to." Richie nodded his understanding. "What about you Faith, what about your happiness?"

Faith didn't answer him right away. She had focused so much on Hannah in the last two years that she hadn't thought of anything else. Until just a few short days ago. She looked at Richie, "well, until a few days ago, I thought I was doing okay, then this guy spread out his beach blanket next to mine and well, I have been doing some, shall we say, re-evaluating." Richie smiled at her. "And? Have you come to any conclusions?"

Faith squeezed his hand, "I have. You see, he made me feel things I haven't felt in a long time and he made me want to explore those feelings." Richie slid his chair closer to her, happy with her answer. He found her eyes with his, "I like exploring" he told her as he brought his hand up and tucked an errant lock of hair behind her ear. He lightly stroked her cheek with his fingers and leaned in to kiss her.

"Dad!"

Faith and Richie jumped apart. He turned to his daughter "what?" "We're hungry!" Richie frowned and turned back to Faith "sorry." Faith shook her head and laughed, "it's okay, let's get them fed."

Chapter 7

2007-05-11T19:11:00.001-04:00

Faith dressed in denim shorts and a white tank top. She picked up the new bathing suit she splurged on and put it in her bag along with her wrap, towel and a comb. She also grabbed a sweatshirt, just in case. She pulled her dark hair into a ponytail and stepped into her flip flops. Hannah came running in, "are you ready mom?" She smiled at her daughter, "just one more minute honey." Hannah ran from the room, "okay, I'll be waiting." Faith turned to her dresser. She slipped the ring from her left hand and put it in her jewelry box. She looked down at her hand, it seemed naked without the ring, but she knew it was the right thing to do.

Faith and Hannah arrived at Richie's 20 minutes and two wrong turns later. Hannah barely waited for Faith to turn the car off before jumping out. "Hannah! Wait for me please." Hannah stopped in her tracks, "come on mom, hurry up!" Faith shut the car off, grabbed her bag and the cookies she had made and caught up with Hannah. They walked up the front step and rang the bell. As they waited they heard running footsteps and a young girl's shout "they're here!"

A smiling Ava opened the door, "Hi guys, come on in." Richie came around the corner and Faith stopped. He was wearing navy swim trunks and nothing else. Wow. Ava took Hannah off to her room and Richie and Faith were left in the foyer. "Hi Faith. Whatchya got there?" "Hmmm?" "Faith, are you all right?" Her cheeks reddened, "oh, sorry, I brought chocolate chip cookies." She handed him the plate. "I make them for the cafe and I hate to show up empty handed." "Well thanks. Come on back."

They walked through the house and Faith had to make a conscious effort not to gawk. His house was amazing. Big, open rooms, high ceilings, and a kitchen that made Faith want to cry. There seemed to be an acre of granite counter top, a restaurant-worthy stove, a sub-zero refrigerator and cupboards that went on forever.

Richie had set the plate down and watched as Faith took in the kitchen. He was almost turned on by the way she reverently touched the counter tops and lightly ran her fingertips over the stove. "I gather you like my kitchen." "Like is much too tame a word. Covet, crave, desire, those might be better." He laughed, "well, maybe next time I will let you cook for me." "Don't tease me like that." Richie looked at her, "who's teasing?" The girls came in then, all ready for the pool.

Richie led them through the family room and out the sliding glass door to the patio. The backyard was fantastic. The pool was huge, there was a hot tub over to one side, a cabana and the yard was landscaped beautifully. It took Faith's breath. "Do you have your suit on?" Faith turned at the sound of Richie's voice, "hmm, what?" "Are you sure you are all right?" Faith nodded, "I'm fine, its just so beautiful out here." "Thanks. I had nothing to do with it." Faith laughed, "well at least you're honest about it. So, where can I change?"

In the cabana Faith slipped out of her clothes and put on her new bikini. It was dark red and a little more daring then her old one, but still respectable for in front of the girls. She tied the black and red wrap around her waist grabbed her sunglasses on and went back outside.

Richie had just put the stereo on and was turning back to sit down when he saw Faith come out of the cabana. He felt as though he had been sucker punched. He tried to catch his breath as his eyes traveled her up and down. He had seen her in her bathing suit before, but this seemed different to him somehow. It wasn't the same suit, that much he remembered. Maybe that was it.

Faith felt his eyes on her, "what?" she asked as she got closer to him. "You got a new suit?" Faith sat down, "I did. It was time to retire the other one." They watched the girls for a bit. Richie looked over at her, "do you wanna get wet?" Faith jerked her eyes up to his, "wh-what?" He chuckled and pointed at the pool, "I asked if you want to get wet, you know, go swimming?" She flushed and nodded, "sure."

As the afternoon wore on the girls got out of the pool and went inside to watch a movie. Faith and Richie had moved from the pool back to the chairs they had occupied earlier. Faith reached for her sunglasses and Richie noticed the ring was gone. There was just faint tan line where it used to be. Before Faith could pull her hand back Richie reached for it. He ran his finger along the tan line. "Where is it?" Faith raised her eyes to his. "I guess I should explain." When Richie didn't say anything, she continued. "I was married, for 17 years." He nodded, "are you divorced?" "No, no I'm not."

Richie was dumfounded. "You say you're not married, but yet you are not divorced either. What kind of game are you playing Faith?" She looked at him, "I'm not playing any game Richie. I'm not divorced. My husband died two years ago. I'm widowed." Now he felt like an ass for saying what he did. "I'm sorry Faith." There were a million questions he wanted to ask, but didn't want to pry. She could see the questions cross his face. "What do you want to know?"

He wanted to know everything. "What happened?"

Chapter 6

2007-05-07T11:00:00.001-04:00

Faith lay in bed that night not able to sleep. She kept thinking about Richie. She hadn't felt anything for anyone in so long and was a little afraid of what she had felt that night. She thought about her husband, Billy. It had been almost two years that he'd been gone. She had missed him every day, until today. She hadn't even thought about him today and that made her a little sad. She also realized that if she could think about him without tears and with only a hint of sadness, then maybe it was time to consider dating again. There was one thing she had to do first and she would need to do it soon if this thing with Richie was going to go anywhere. She finally drifted off, but it was visions of a tall man with dark hair and warm smiling brown eyes that took her into dreams.

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

Richie and Ava were enjoying a little time around the pool, swimming and sunning themselves. All the while Ava was talking about Hannah and their time at the beach. "Can I call her dad?" Richie looked over at his daughter, "go ahead, but when you are finished ask her if I can talk to her mom." Ava ran off to get the portable phone, leaving Richie alone. It had been a couple of days since he had seen Faith and he thought maybe inviting her and Hannah here would be easier for her than taking her out somewhere. For now.

Ava came back out talking and laughing with the phone at her ear. Richie watched, she is growing up so fast. He could hardly believe she was going to be 10 soon. Ava came over to him and handed him the phone. "Here dad, Hannah is getting her mom." "Thanks." Ava ran over and jumped in the pool, giving Richie a little privacy.

"Hello?" "Faith, are you there?"

"Hi Richie, how are you?"

"I'm fine darlin'. How's things by you?"

"Busy as always, but I kinda like it like that. What can I do for you?"

He chuckled, I could think of about 10 things. "Well, I know we talked about a date and I was wondering if you and Hannah would like to come over to my house tomorrow."

Faith hesitated.

"Faith?"

"Sorry, I..., we would like that. What time tomorrow?"

They chatted and made the arrangements and Richie gave Faith directions to get to his house. "Oh, don't forget your swim suits. See you tomorrow." They hung up and Faith went to find Hannah.

"Come on" she told Hannah "I have an errand to run so you need to go see Ms. Betty." They went across the street and Hannah was welcomed without a problem. "Thank you. Faith turned to leave then stopped and turned back. "Ms. Betty, can I talk to you?" Hannah went inside to watch TV and Faith and Ms. Betty sat on the porch. Ms. Betty had been there for Hannah since Hannah was a baby and she also helped Faith when she lost Billy. Faith was lucky to have her. "Ms. Betty, I met someone, and I am not sure what to do." Ms. Betty smiled at Faith, "well it's about time. You need to get out some." Faith nodded her head, "I suppose you're right, but it just hasn't felt right." "You work to hard. You need to have some fun Faith. I know losing someone is hard. When I lost my Henry I felt like you, but I got through it and now I have Hannah to watch out for. You are beautiful and much too young to be alone." Faith smiled at Ms. Betty, the little grandmotherly woman who had brought so much to both her and Hannah.

"I need to go somewhere, can Hannah stay for a little while?" "You know you don't have to ask. Go, Hannah will be fine." Faith stood, kissed Ms. Betty on the cheek and was off.

Faith arrived at the cemetery a short while later and with a sigh got out of the car. As she came upon the site, tears filled her eyes. The stone read "Beloved Husband and Father". She stood quietly for a few minutes. "Hi. Sorry I haven't been in a while." She wiped away the tears that refused to stop rolling down her cheeks. "I miss you. Hannah is starting to forget you." This was harder than she thought. "I met someone. He is super nice and has a daughter Hannah's age." She toyed with the ring on her finger. "I like him. I think there might be something between us, but..." she trailed off, "I loved you for so long, you gave me Hannah and for that I will always love you, but I think I need to see where this other thing might go." She raised her head and the sun warmed her face, almost as if he was smiling at her. She felt the breeze skim her face, like fingers swiping at her tears. It was going to be okay. "Thank you" she whispered as she walked away.

Chapter 5

2007-05-05T19:39:00.001-04:00

Jon crossed the room to where Richie and Faith were standing. Faith held out her hand, "Hi, I'm Faith." Jon smiled and took her hand, "Hi Faith, it's a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for the show." Faith's cheeks reddened, "I'm just glad I wasn't murdering one of your songs." Jon laughed. Faith looked at both men, "I should probably have told Richie this earlier, but I have been a fan for a long time. I think the two of you write the most amazing songs." Richie spoke up, "thanks, but why didn't you mention that this afternoon?" Faith looked up at him and when she met his eyes, she felt something flutter low in her belly. "We were having a nice time, I didn't want to ruin it." Richie nodded his understanding. "You didn't even act like some fans we have met. No screaming or anything." Faith gave a short laugh. "You didn't see me when I got home!" More laughter ensued.

Jon watched the exchange between Richie and Faith. He saw the easiness of their interaction and the chemistry between the two was undeniable. It seemed to him that she might be good for his friend. She certainly was as pretty as Richie had said. Jon wondered what the hesitation on Richie's part could be. Then he saw it. The ring on the all important finger on her left hand. So that's it. As Richie and Faith talked Jon slipped from the room unnoticed.

Faith looked around, "apparently I scared off your friend." "Nah, he probably just got bored waiting for me. Don't take it personal." Faith smiled, "well I am sure you two need to get back to what you were doing. I should finish up and get out of your way." Richie took her hand before she turn away from him. "Faith, can I see you again?" Faith looked up at him, "I ..." she paused, "I don't know what to say." Suddenly she was feeling nervous. "Well you could say 'sure Richie, I'd like that'". Faith glanced away briefly before meeting his gaze, "sure Richie, I'd like that." He smiled at her. "Well then, I guess it's a date. I'll call you." They said their goodbyes and he left her to finish up.

Richie walked into the room where Jon was once again strumming his guitar. Jon looked up as Richie came into the room. "So that was Faith? She seems like a nice woman. Just one thing, why didn't you mention that she was married?" Richie eyed his friend, "I asked her about that earlier. She says she's not married, not anymore." Jon was glad to hear that. "If she is divorced why is she still wearing the ring?" Richie didn't know the answer to that. "I tried to ask her a couple times, but we kept getting interrupted, but I am going to find out." Jon nodded, "you do that. But in the meantime, let's get to work."

Faith sat in her car in the parking lot, hands on the steering wheel, staring at her ring. I can't believe I made a date. I haven't been on a date since, well since forever. What was I thinking? There was a knock on her window and she jumped and screamed before rolling the window down. It was Richie. "Are you okay?" "Considering the heart attack you just gave me, I'm fine." He smiled at her, leaned in and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Be careful going home." "I will." He turned and walked to his car as she started hers and drove off.

Chapter 4

2007-05-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

Before they could continue their conversation, the waitress came back with the check. Faith reached for it, but Richie was quicker. "I got it." Faith shook her head, "that's not necessary." Richie reached for his wallet, "I know, but you let us tag along, it's the least I can do." She was about to thank him when Hannah tapped her arm. "Mom, can I have a pen?" Faith dug in her purse and handed her a pen. "What's it for?" "Ava and I are trading phone numbers so we can call each other." Faith looked over at Richie to make sure it was okay just as Ava spoke up, "is it all right dad?" Richie winked at Faith and told Ava to go ahead.

As Faith drove away from the restaurant she couldn't help but wonder about the day she had just had. She smiled to herself. Who would ever believe that she spent the day with Richie Sambora? Oh well, even if I never see him again, it was a great day.

Faith hustled Hannah off to the shower when they got home and called her neighbor to confirm that she was coming over. She then got in the shower herself to get ready to go to work. S he dressed in a faded pair of jeans with a rip at the knee and a well worn t-shirt. She braided her hair so it was out of her way and slipped into her sneakers. She got Hannah situated with a movie and when her neighbor, dubbed "Miss Betty" arrived Faith was off.

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

Richie dropped Ava back to Heather and since it was still somewhat early, he decided to head down to the studio and see what Jon was up to. Jon was in town as they were working on some of the tracks for a new album. While driving to the studio he thought about his day and about the pretty woman he had spent it with. As he drove downtown he couldn't get Faith out of his head. I wonder which building she is working in he thought as he took note of all the skyscrapers.

He got to the studio and found Jon strumming on his guitar. "Sounds good man." Jon looked up and smiled, "hey man, didn't think I would see you until tomorrow." Richie shrugged his shoulders, "I dropped Ava off and wasn't quite ready to go home yet, so I thought I would stop down and see what you were up to." Jon looked at his friend, something was up with him. "What is it man?" Richie frowned, "what are you talking about?" "Just spill it, I know when something is eating at you, let's have it." "Shit man, how do you do that?" Jon smiled, "just one of my lesser known talents. So, what's up?"

Richie sighed, "I met someone today when I was at the beach with Ava." Jon didn't hesitate, "what does she look like and is she legal?" Richie laughed, "yes she's legal. She has a daughter Ava's age. As for her looks, she is about this tall" he put his hand under his chin, "she's curvy where she should be with dark hair and green eyes." Jon considered this, "so, what's wrong with her, is she a fan? Did she scare you?" "You know, I think she is a fan but she didn't come right out and say so. No, she didn't scare me you shit, she acted normal. We had a nice afternoon and the girls got on well."

"So, did you get her number?" Richie shook his head, "no, but Ava did." Jon laughed, "man you are losing it. Did you get her name at least?" "Yeah I got her name. It's Faith." Jon was about to say something else when a noise stopped him. "What was that?" Richie and Jon both listened for a minute. There was singing coming from somewhere. They walked down the hall, following the voice they heard, stopping in a doorway when they found the source.

Faith was emptying garbage and sweeping the floor. She had her headphones on and was singing and dancing while going about her business, not realizing she wasn't alone.

I'm always runnin'

Son of a gunnin'
I've had a good time it's true
But the way I've been goin'
It's time that I toned it
Down just a notch or two

Oh yeah ...

Well I'm living in fast forward
A hillbilly rock star out of control
I'm living in fast forward
Now I need to rewind real slow

Well I'm living in fast forward
A hillbilly rock star out of control
I'm living in fast forward
Now I need to rewind real slow

Yeah I need to rewind real slow
Yeah I still got some miles to go

When she stopped singing the guys applauded her efforts. Startled, Faith turned to find Jon and Richie standing in the doorway grinning at her. Oh my God!! Faith pulled the headphones off, "gotta love a little Kenney Chesney" she said sheepishly. Richie walked over to her, "Faith what are you doing here?" "Working and embarassing myself to no end apparently." He tried to put her at ease, "no need to be embarassed darlin'." She smiled at Richie, "well my day's not complete unless I embarass myself at least once. This should be good for about a whole week!" She looked past Richie to where Jon was standing and chuckling at the whole scene. She looked back at Richie "is your friend just going to stand over there laughing at me or is he going to come over here so I can say hello?"

Chapter 3

2007-04-30T07:44:00.001-04:00

Faith had to laugh at her daughter's timing, "well I guess we are all going to dinner." The foursome gathered their things and made their way to their cars. Faith let Richie lead the way to the restaurant, all the while admiring the slick silver sports car he drove. They made it to Paradise Cove without incident. As it was early enough, they were seated almost immediately. After they ordered Faith excused herself to the ladies' room. She used the facilities, washed her hands and looked at herself in the mirror. What am I doing? She sighed and shook her head.

Richie watched as Faith came back to the table. He liked what he saw, even better, he liked that she had acted normal around him. That usually didn't happen, but he was glad it did in this case. He stood as she approached the table and pulled her chair out for her. Faith was surprised by the gesture, it had been a long time since anyone had done that for her. "Thank you." He smiled, "my pleasure."

They enjoyed their meal and the girls were talking and not paying the adults any mind. Faith and Richie chatted between the two of them. "So, Faith, what do you do when you aren't lounging on the beach?" She smiled at the image, "wouldn't that be a wonderful way to while away the hours? Actually, I am one of two chefs at a little cafe downtown, but my dream is to own my own catering business one day. Good food made easy is a passion for me. I love to cook." "I love a woman who can cook, because I like to eat." Again Faith had to laugh. "Well, I am always looking for a guinea pig to test out new recipes on." Richie smiled, "I have been called a lot of things, but guinea pig is a new one." Faith laughed again. Her face was going to hurt after all the laughter this afternoon. "So, are you working at the cafe tonight?" Faith shook her head. "No, I clean a building downtown a couple nights a week too. The extra money never hurts."

Richie was impressed with this woman. She works two jobs to support her daughter and apparently there was no husband involved. "How do you manage it?" Faith shook her head, "I just do what needs to be done. I need to be able to provide for Hannah so I just do." Richie took her hand and again noticed her ring. "Where is he?" He really wanted to know how someone could let her get away. Faith opened her mouth to answer when the waitress came. "Anyone need anything else?" Faith glanced at her watch, "just the check please."

Chapter 2

2007-04-25T07:47:00.001-04:00

An awkward minute passed with Faith just standing there, Richie still holding her hand. "Well," she started, "I think I will just go and leave you alone now." She started to pull her hand away and Richie stopped her. "Why don't you bring your stuff over here?" Faith didn't know what to do. "I don't want to bother you." "If you were bothering me I wouldn't have asked you to join me." He still hadn't let go of her hand. "Well, just let me go get my stuff. Thanks." She turned and the sun glinted off the ring on her left hand. It figures he thought.

As Faith gathered up their things she happened to glance down at her hands. She still wore her wedding ring, even though her husband had been gone for more than a year. She just couldn't bring herself to take it off yet. What am I doing? She hadn't so much as been on a date since her husband and now she was going to spend the afternoon with not just any guy, but with Richie Sambora! How does that happen? Faith decided to just go with it.

Faith brought her things over by Richie and got herself settled. Richie moved over so he was closer to her. They sat there, side by side, watching the girls and saying little. His curiosity finally got the better of him and he picked up her left hand. "So, Faith, how long have you been married?" She looked at him, down at their joined hands and then back up at him again. "I'm not married." The look on his face told her that he didn't believe her. "Then what's this for?" he asked touching her ring. Sighing, she took off her sunglasses and looked at him. He could see the pain in her stormy green eyes. "Richie, I'm not married, not anymore."

As much as this statement made him feel better, Richie wanted to know more. "How long have you..." before he could finish the question the girls came running back. "Mom" "Dad" they yelled at the same time. "We're hungry!" Faith and Richie turned their attention to the girls and the question went unasked.

Faith had brought some snacks and got the girls situated with something to drink. She reminded Hannah that they would have to leave soon. "Aw Mom, do we have to?" Hannah was having a good time with her new friend and didn't want to leave yet. "Yes honey, we have to. I have to work tonight and we were going to stop at that cafe to eat." "Oh yeah, I forgot about that." Faith gave one of Hannah's braids a tug. "Go play for now. We still have about an hour." "Thanks mom." She ran off to join Ava again.

Richie and Faith were alone again. "Looks like we are going to have a hard time separating the girls." Richie looked to where Faith was watching the girls. They were huddled together as if sharing a secret then they burst into girlish giggling. Typical nine year-olds. "I think you may be right about that" he said as he turned to look at Faith. She had started to gather their things. "Do you really have to go already?" He wasn't ready for their afternoon to end.

Faith looked up at Richie, "we really do. I have to work tonight and I told Hannah we would stop at Paradise Cove to eat on the way home." "Would you mind if Ava and I joined you for your early dinner?" The words fell out of his mouth before he could stop them. Faith didn't know what to make of him. "Um, well, I ..." she was interrupted by Hannah, "mom, can Ava and her dad come eat with us?"

Chapter 1

2007-04-21T23:54:00.001-04:00

Faith locked up for the night. She was so tired. She unlocked the car and sat down behind the wheel, groaning in relief. She couldn't remember when she had been off her feet last that day. Thank goodness I have tomorrow off she thought. She made her way down the dark streets and turned the corner for home.

"Mom". There was an incessent tapping at her elbow. "Mom." "Hmmm?" came Faith's mumbled reply. "Mom, we are going to the beach today, remember?" Shit. Faith opened her eyes to find her daughter's very excited face only inches from hers. "Okay baby, just give me a minute." These were the times when she wished she weren't the only parent. Faith rolled over and sat up, looking over at her daughter. "The beach, huh?" Hannah shook her head, "yup, you promised." Faith got out of bed, "well, then I guess we should get a move on, right?" Hannah smiled at her mother and ran from the room.

Faith sat down on the bed. She could hear Hannah in the other room rummaging through drawers looking for her bathing suit and then watched a pajama-clad body run across the hall to the bathroom. Faith smiled. She couldn't deny her daughter this today. Couldn't deny her much of anything come to think of it. Ever since Billy had died, it had been her and Hannah and Hannah's happiness was all that mattered to Faith now.

Slipping on her sunglasses and grabbing her bag Faith called out "come on Hannah, let's go!" I was a beautiful day. The sky was so blue it hurt to look at it. Hannah came running out and slammed the door behind her. She winced "sorry mom." "It's all right, come on, let's get going."

They drove out the Pacific Coast Highway toward Malibu and ended up at Zuma Beach. For a Monday it wasn't too busy which made Faith happy. They found a spot and Faith spread out their blanket and slathered sunscreen on both of them. Hannah ran down to test the water and Faith dug out a magazine, trying to relax. She had to work later that night.

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

"Come on Ava, over here." "Okay dad." Ava had wanted to come to the beach, why Richie didn't know since there was a perfectly nice pool at his house, but here they were. They trudged through the sand and found a spot. He spread out their blanket and got Ava covered with sunscreen. He looked around, not too many people today. He then noticed a woman with dark hair and a very pretty little girl that he thought to be her daughter not too far away. Sunglasses firmly in place he took stock of the woman. She was laying on her stomach, but he did take in the modest black bikini, long well-toned legs, and nice ass. She turned her head then, he liked the small nose and full lips, but she was wearing sunglasses and couldn't tell about the eyes. I may just enjoy the day after all he thought as he turned back to look at the water.

Ava came running up, "dad, can I build a sandcastle with Hannah?" "Who's Hannah?" Ava pointed to the little girl standing next to her, "dad, this is Hannah." Richie turned his gaze from his daughter to the little girl, "hi Hannah. Where's your mom and dad?" Hannah turned and pointed to the woman in the black bikini, "my mom is over there."

Faith had sat up and was frantically scanning the area for her daughter. She turned and breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing her just a few feet away. "Hannah!" Faith walked over and took Hannah's hand. "Mom, I'm fine. Ava and I are going to build a sandcastle." Ava. She knew that name, but it couldn't be. She glanced down at the little girl and then over at the man sitting on the blanket. Holy shit. Her eyes widened behind her sunglasses but she did her best to keep her expression in check. She turned her attention back to the girls. "Okay honey, as long as it is okay with Ava's dad."

Richie's mind went blank when the woman stood up and walked over to the girls. She was more impressive up close. "Dad." He dragged his eyes from the woman to his daughter. "Is it okay?" "Yeah, sure, it's fine. Just don't wander too far." The girls ran off. Faith turned to Richie, "I'm sorry about that. Hannah shouldn't have bothered you. "It's no bother. Actually, I am glad Ava found someone to play with. Gives me a bit of a break." Faith smiled, "I know the feeling." She held out her hand, "I'm Faith. It's nice to meet you." He took her hand, "I'm Ri.." Faith cut him off, "I know who you are." She glanced around, "I won't tell anyone though." He smiled, liking her sense of humor. "Well Faith, it's nice to meet you too."