Chapter 14
A little over three weeks later, Rebecca sat on the couch in the family room as she watched David trying to wrap the paintball equipment he’d bought for the boys for Christmas. He’d just finished wrapping Catalina’s new riding boots, show saddle, and show bridle, and they only had a few more gifts to go before they could go to bed. Rebecca felt a little bad about leaving all the wrapping to David, but with her huge belly it wasn’t really an option with the bigger gifts. She’d been in charge of all the gift bags. It was Christmas Eve and the past three weeks had definitely been a transition period for everyone.
As expected, the boys hadn’t taken it well when they learned that they wouldn’t be seeing their mother very often. David had told them that the court had taken her rights away because she’d done something very, very bad. When they’d asked what David had told them that until they were both eighteen he wasn’t going to get into with them. Suffice to say the boys hadn’t been happy with that knowledge. For the entire week that Rebecca and Cat had stayed at her Gran’s, David had done his best to help his boys transition into their new routines. It hadn’t been easy, but by the time Rebecca and Cat had returned David had felt sure that he’d addressed the most important topics with his boys, and reassured them that he would always love and take care of them.
The weeks following Rebecca and Cat’s return had been filled with some pretty high points, and some pretty low ones. The first week had been the worst. Alex had absolutely refused to speak to Rebecca or Cat at all, and Mattie had followed his brother’s lead. Rebecca had done her best to give the boys space, before finally seeking Alex out one day after school and asking to speak to him. She’d told him she understood why he was angry, but that it wasn’t her fault things had changed. They’d spoken for a good few hours, with Rebecca maintaining it wasn’t her place to tell Alex what his mother had done, and if he wanted answers he’d need to speak to his father, but eventually Alex had agreed to try and get along.
After that, things had gotten remarkably better. There was still some distance and tension between Rebecca and David’s sons, but everyone was doing their best to move forward with their lives. Natasha had tried to make things worse with the boys for David and Rebecca during her first visit, telling her sons it was Rebecca’s fault that she couldn’t see them very much anymore, but David had nipped that in the bud. He’d asked her in front of the boys if she wanted to tell them the reason that the court had ordered her contact with them to be limited, and all Natasha could do was fall silent, refusing to even look at her sons as she glared at their father. David had then proceeded to explain to the boys that Natasha was just mad that she’d gotten caught doing something very bad, and was trying to place blame on Rebecca. At the end of her first monitored visit, David had taken his ex-wife aside and told her if she ever tried to pull a stunt like that again he’d have her visitation revoked as well and she’d never see the boys again. Since then she’d behaved appropriately during her scheduled appointments.
While Natasha had tried to get the judge’s decision amended, or revoked, she literally had no legal avenue to pursue and Bill had dropped her as a client. Since the custody hearing Sven and Laura had also pressed criminal charges against Natasha for blackmail, and she had no choice but to stop trying to take David to court for the boys so she could focus her attention on keeping herself out of jail. For the most part Natasha was so busy trying to hold onto some semblance of her life she didn’t have much time to try and make David and Rebecca’s lives miserable.
David was still not speaking to his parents, and the only contact he had with them was through Rebecca when one of them would call to update her on their progress with prosecuting Natasha. The conversations were always short and clipped, and Rebecca never offered any personal information on David or their lives in general. Rebecca knew that David was still too conflicted about what had happened to speak to his parents yet, but she knew one day he would face the problem head on. She wasn’t going to push him. His parents had done horrible things to him, and they were just going to have to wait for him to be ready to either be willing to work things out, or tell them of his decision to write them off completely.
For the most part David and Rebecca had simply been enjoying their secret relationship. They had decided to continue sneaking around and not telling anyone about their getting together until after the triplets were born. They wanted some time to themselves for a while before they had to deal with outside pressure. As Rebecca had neared the end of her pregnancy her hormones had settled down and she was no longer interested in sex as much, but that didn’t slow the progress of their relationship at all. Every night they cuddled together and talked about their plans for the future. Rebecca wanted to take the entire family on a Disney cruise to Alaska the next summer to see the polar ice caps and whale watch, and David was very excited about it. They also discussed the future of their kids, and how they hoped that once the triplets were born the three oldest would get used to their presence.
Now tonight, with David wrapping the final gifts for the kids before Christmas morning, Rebecca couldn’t help but announce, “I’m happy.”
Looking up from the paint ball gun he was having difficulty wrapping, David replied, “Well, that’s good.”
“I mean like really happy. Things aren’t perfect right now, especially with us still needing to settle everything with Natasha and your parents, but I’m really, really happy. I feel like this is where I’m supposed to be, and this is how life is supposed to go. I feel at peace.”
David smiled at her and moved to kneel in front of her on the couch so he could kiss her belly. “I’m happy too. For the first time in a long time I feel like my life is perfect. We do have some problems, but you’re back with me, and together we’re going to spend the rest of our lives making happy memories and weathering the bad times as a team. No matter what’s wrong outside our front door, in here, with us and our kids, I feel like everything is perfect.”
“I’m glad.”
He leaned forward to kiss her but jumped back when he felt the tiny kicks against his hand. “Active huh?”
Grinning, she laughed, “Probably looking for their nighttime snack. It’s been over an hour since I ate last.”
“Wow, a whole hour? You must be starving.”
“I am.”
“What do you want?”
“Um… can you bring me some of the cookies with some milk?”
“There’s my health nut,” he laughed as he headed into the kitchen to get her some of the chocolate chip cookies they’d baked with the kids earlier to leave out for Santa.
“Hey! I’m pregnant! I’m entitled to cheat!”
“If you say so!”
A few moments later, David returned with the cookies and milk and handed them over before returning to the floor in front of the tree so he could finish wrapping the final few gifts for the kids. As he worked, he asked, “How’s your next novel coming?”
“Pretty good. You know I finished my research over a month ago, and I did the detailed outline a few weeks ago. I just finished the third chapter, but I have a ways to go. This one is going to be the first in a five part series, so I really need to get the details down.”
“And this one is a science fiction?”
“Science fiction and fantasy. I created a whole world for this one. There are going to be twelve main characters, and I had to create kingdoms and everything. It’s going to be one of my most detailed works. I’m pretty excited about it.”
Loving how animated her voice was with her enthusiasm, David replied, “Well I’m excited for you. I love your stories. You have such a creative mind, and when I finish one of your novels it amazes me that you can create such works of art.”
“Thanks. I love fiction. Getting to imagine other worlds, other people, and impossible things is amazing. Especially if you’re getting paid to do it.”
“You turned in the storyline for your next graphic novel last week too, didn’t y
ou?”
“Yeah. I sent it to Chin Ho for illustration. I just heard back from him the other day telling me he loved the plot and can’t wait to get started on it. My publisher is pretty keyed up about it as well. The sales from the first graphic novel were good enough that she isn’t bugging me about it taking time away from my books.”
“Well, that’s good. I know she was giving you a hard time about it.”
Taking a bite of her cookie and washing it down with some milk, Rebecca asked, “How are the next round of houses going?”
“Pretty great. I bought another small apartment complex this go around too. It has three buildings with six units in each building. It’s the biggest project we’ve undertaken yet. It’s the only one we’re keeping for rent this time. All seven of the houses we bought are going to be flipped for re-sale. We’ve doubled our profit margin this quarter.”
“David! That’s great news!”
“I thought it was pretty great too. Hillary is working out just great. I don’t know how we’d be able to move this fast if it weren’t for her.”
Rebecca knew just how helpful Hillary had been, allowing David to spend more time at home with her. She was glad the woman was so efficient, because she definitely liked her and David both being home so much. Getting to be with him so often only made her love him more. “I’m glad she is working out so well. I certainly enjoy having you around instead of at the office.”
“I enjoy it too.” Since they were on the topic, David asked, “Have you decided what you’re going to do about teaching at the university once the triplets are born?”
“Yes. Doing the classes I did this semester was pretty hard work, and I don’t think I’ll be able to take care of the kids, work on my writing, and teach at the same time. I’ve notified the university that I’m taking a year for maternity leave, and when the babies are a year old I’ll consider picking up a creative writing class.”
David was so glad he wasn’t going to have to convince her to lighten her load. He knew his Rebecca was a warrior, and that she always tried to take on the world, but he didn’t think it was necessary for her to burden herself with so many responsibilities like that. The teaching job would be there when she was ready to resume it later on down the road.
“That’s good to hear. I was worried you were going to stretch yourself too thin.”
“I thought about trying to teach one class, maybe two, just to prove I could, but I decided that was just me being prideful. I don’t have anything to prove. Handling three newborns and three older kids is going to be a feat in itself. I know when to step back, and that’s why I gave notice to the school.”
“Good thinking.”
He finally finished wrapping the awkward paint ball guns and held out the lumpy packages proudly. “Done!”
She chose not to point out that he’d used practically an entire roll of scotch tape, or the fact the gifts looked like they’d been in the spin cycle of the dryer, and instead offered, “The boys are going to love them!”
“I hope so. I bought us some passes for the next year. I figured I could take them maybe once a week to have some guy time. Maybe when you are off doing those dance classes you signed yourself and Cat up for.”
“I think that is a great idea. Once the triplets are born, Cat and I are going to do mother/daughter dance classes. It will be something for us to do together, and a good way for me to lose the pregnancy weight.”
Rolling his eyes, David reminded, “Becca, you need to stop worrying so much about your weight. You look great, and even if you don’t lose a pound after the triplets are born you’ll still be the most beautiful woman in the world to me.”
“It’s nice of you to say.”
Looking across the room to gaze at Rebecca’s form situated on the couch, her plate of cookies resting on her pregnant belly, David couldn’t help but smile softly. “Rebecca, you’re absolutely beautiful to me right now. I’ve never been more attracted to you than I am right now.”
“And what happens after the babies are born and I’m all soggy and saggy everywhere? What happens when I can’t wear a bikini anymore or fit into a size 8? What happens when my boobs are down to my waist from nursing three babies for a year? Will you still think I’m sexy then?”
“Of course. I love you for who you are, Becca, not what you look like. You could be four hundred pounds and hiding Cheetos in between your rolls of fat and I’d still want you.”
“Yeah, right.”
Once again getting up from the floor he moved to sit beside her on the couch. Taking her chin in his hand he turned her face to his and explained, “Rebecca, you thinking what you looks like is a factor in my feelings for you belittles my love for you. That hurts me.”
“David, I—”
“Let me finish.” Stroking his thumb over her lips, David continued, “Becca, I thought you were smoking hot the first time I saw you when you came back. You did have a toned body, but it’s not why I’m in love with you. I see plenty of thin beautiful women every day, and I don’t love any of them. Felicia is attractive, and I never once made a move for her. What you and I have is beyond physical. We’re soul mates. You know me better than anyone else in the world, and I like to think the same goes for me when it comes to you. We fit.”
As tears filled Rebecca’s eyes, David finished, “I loved you when you were thin. I love you now, and after the babies are born I’ll love you no matter what. Skinny, fat, pregnant, all of it. It’s just details. I love you because you make me laugh, you make me feel stronger, you make feel part of something wonderful. I love you because you’re selfless, and caring, and creative, and adventurous. I love you because you’re the only woman in the world for me. Don’t demean me, and what I feel for you by thinking I’ll only be with you if you’re a certain size. That hurts.”
“Oh David.” Pulling his face down to hers Rebecca kissed him deeply, savoring his masculine taste in her mouth as her tongue slid against his. Pulling back to rest her forehead against his, she whispered, “You say such wonderful things to me. You make me feel like I’m living in a fairytale.”
“You make me feel the same way. You’re my goddess and queen, Becca, and that’s never going to change. I promise.”
“I’ll hold you to it.”
“Good.”
When he moved back to the floor to finish wrapping the final gift to Catalina, a new ballerina outfit, she asked, “So you really won’t mind having sex with me if I put on a couple hundred pounds?”
“Not in the least. You just wouldn’t get to be on top very often.”
“David!” Rebecca giggled.
He just wagged his eyebrows at her, loving the sound of her laughter. They continued to make small talk as he finished up the last of gifts. When he was done he took Rebecca’s plate and glass to the kitchen to wash while she let Tank and Henry out. Then David helped Rebecca into her bedroom downstairs where he slept every night with her. After helping her out of her dress, he took her into the bathroom and held her arms to ease her down on the toilet so she could go. Once she was finished, he helped her settle on the side of the bed and retrieved her belly lotion she used to prevent stretch marks.
Squeezing some into his hands and then rubbing them together to warm it up he began massaging her stomach gently. “Does this feel good?”
“Oh yes. This is one of my favorite parts of the day.”
For a few moments Rebecca and David were silent. She luxuriated in the feel of David rubbing the lotion into her belly, and he enjoyed the feeling of getting to touch the love of his life. It was moments like these that really brought them closer together and solidified them as a couple. They were perfectly at peace with one another during their quiet moments.
When he was done he helped her slide under her covers before stripping down to his boxers and joining her in bed. He slipped in behind her and wrapped an arm around her pregnant belly to hold her close. Nuzzling her neck he whispered, “We’d better get some sleep. No doubt the kids a
re going to be up first thing in the morning to open presents. Not to mention Nadira is bringing your Gran over at 10am. I think they said something about picking up Tommy along the way.”
“You’re right. Alex told me he set his alarm for 6am. So he’s probably going to have the other two up pretty quick.” Rebecca hesitated a second before asking, “What did you get me for Christmas?”
“Not telling. We decided to exchange our gifts tomorrow night after the kids go to sleep, and you’ll find out then.”
“Please! I really want to know!”
“Fine, what did you get me?”
“I can’t tell you! You’re going to be so surprised, and I don’t want to ruin it.”
“Same here. So I guess that means we’re both waiting until tomorrow night.”
Having one last tactic, Rebecca offered, “I’ll blow you if you tell me what my gift is.”
Pinching her hip, David reprimanded, “Stop trying to tempt me with sex, you siren! I want to surprise you, and you aren’t going to cheat me of the opportunity just because I can’t resist you.”
“Damn. I was hoping that would work.”
“Well it didn’t. So it’s time for sleep.”
“Alright, alright.”
Rebecca snuggled back into David before whispering, “I love you.”
“I love you more,” David replied as he kissed her shoulder. They fell asleep wrapped around each other, both eager for Christmas morning.
* * * *
The following day proved to be very exciting, fun filled, and hectic. Just as promised, Alex got up at 6am on the dot, waking his little brother and Cat as well so the three of them could rouse David and Rebecca. While Rebecca went to the bathroom, David made cups of hot cocoa for everyone, before everyone made their way into the family room. David and Rebecca sat snuggled together on the couch while the kids tore into their presents. The boys loved the paintball guns and gear their father got them, along with the new video games, movies, and clothes. They also thanked Rebecca for the new laptops and Spanish programs. Cat loved the new riding boots, saddle, and bridle she got for her new horse, as well as her new dance equipment from David. All three kids also adored all the other little things they were given by their parents.
Reclaimed Love Page 3
