Pounding on the door has me jumping from my slumber like a mad woman. "What? What?"

"Rise and shine! Get up you guys! It's eleven!"

Stellan turns over onto his side, obviously reluctant to get up but very much awake. I place my hand over my face, glad Vivienne is still on the other side of the door.

"We're already packed! Come on!"

Thankfully, she leaves and I hear her bound down the steps. Groaning, I fall back against the pillows, turning onto my side. Reaching out, I wrap my arm around his hot waist, pressing my lips to his back, curving into him.

"I'm regretting not leaving for a honeymoon," I mutter, resting my cheek against him comfortably. I feel him chuckle. "Is there some excuse we can spew to make them leave without us?"

"I highly doubt it," he answers, his voice thick with sleepiness. I groan as he turns over, breaking the extremely comfortable position I had settled into. I laugh, reaching up immediately to touch his lips.

"Oh my gosh, you're lips are still swollen."

He smirks heatedly. "Only because you're rough with me."

"I seem to remember it differently... you know, when you were slamming the bed into the wall?"

He breaks out laughing at that and falls back against the pillows, covering his face. "Jesus, I hope they didn't hear anything."

"Well, I guess we're gonna have to find out." I push back the covers and stand, grabbing my discarded pajamas off the ground, settling them onto the chair. My body cracks with resistance.

"You destroyed me," I utter, half in shock, half playfully. My body feels like it's been hit by something hard- really hard. "I can barely walk."

"That means I did it right."

Jesus. Blushing profusely, biting my lip at his watchful gaze, I walk around the bed towards the bathroom, shaking my head. I hear his laugh from the bedroom as I turn on the shower, feeling light and happy. Really happy.

I step into the hot water, closing my eyes as the steam massages life back into my muscles, making it easier to move. Turning towards the wall, I close my eyes, letting the water cascade over my face lightly.

The curtain sounds as it's pulled back and as his lips meet my neck and his hands run over my hips, my eyes open, once more filled with passionate heat.

...

"Jesus, you guys sure do take forever to get up!" Dari chuckles, sipping her coffee amusedly. Still dragging my arms into the sleeves of my coat, I blush furiously, looking anywhere but the group lounging in the kitchen.

"Yeah, sorry. It's my fault," I lie, because it's completely and entirely Stellan's fault. "I was trying to find something to wear in this weather."

"What? Isn't it freezing in New York?"

"Not really. We've had a warm spring, surprisingly. Barely any rain too."

"Yeah, it was in the seventies when I was there," Vivienne adds and David purses his lips approvingly.

"I can't remember the last time it was in the seventies here. August?"

"September," Dari states, reaching down to for the two canteens on the counter. "We made coffee... I don't know if you like-"

"Oh, I like." I take both gratefully, handing one over to Stellan who looks like he's about to fall asleep standing.

"So, what's in the plans today?"

"Well, we had planned to go to the lakes to see if we could get the boat out but unfortunately, Dad just called into work and found out there's still parts frozen from the winter."

"Oh, really? Where do you work, David?" Stellan asks.

"I own a shipping company on Lake Erie."

"Shipping what?" I ask, sipping my coffee.

"Mostly dry bulk."

Dari cuts in, obviously not a fan of work talk. "So, we were thinking we'll go sightseeing and maybe to a wine vineyard? Is that cool with you guys?"

"Uh," I whisper, glancing over at Stellan. Vineyard... "Sure. Okay, that sounds good."

I see Stellan go ridged beside me. David claps his hands together and nods.

"Alright then! Let's get going. The vineyard closes at six."

As they begin to file out through the back entrance, Stellan grabs my arm. "You're not drinking."

Rolling my eyes exasperatedly, I nod. "Of course not. I'll just say I got a headache or something."

"Alright," he murmurs, holding the door open wide. We step out into the chilly air and I suck in a breath. "Is it too late to fake sick?"

He chuckles, wrapping a arm around my shoulders. I take his hand, feeling the solid ring on his finger. "Yeah, I think that opportunity has passed."

Pat is already waiting by the car. I can't help but laugh as David tries to argue with him, wanting to drive.

"I know the roads better, sir."

Looking over to me in question, Patrick raises his brows to which I nod. Backing down, Pat smiles and gestures David toward the drivers door. Vivienne gets in first then Dari, who to my surprise, double takes in Patrick's direction. My eyes widen and grabbing onto the side of the car for support, I glance back at Stellan.

He's noticed too. Smiling, he shakes his head and helps me into their Denali.

"Everyone in? Seatbelts?" David calls out from the front, next to an uncomfortable Patrick. He's being shoved into this family gathering. Usually, my securities eat, sleep and watch at a distance. This is definitely different for him.

I'm desperate to get him alone- see if he spoke to Eric.

It's easier to join into the conversation on the drive, mostly because David is a history buff and knows everything about Detroit. By the time we reach the vineyard, I'm desperate to get out of the car, feeling sick.

"You're pale," Stellan observes, pushing my hair back from my face. I nod, realizing I'm seconds away from throwing up.

"Stop the car."

"David, can you stop the car?" Stellan calls out, already unhooking my belt. As he pulls over on the dirt road, I push open the door, removing Stellan's grip from my arm. I barely make it onto the grass before I'm keeling over, puking.

I feel hands suddenly in my hair and I pray it's anyone but Stellan. My eyes burn as I heave- although I'm lucky it doesn't last long. I have barely anything in my stomach. Closing my eyes in regret, I mentally chastise myself for having not eaten this morning.

I need to get better at this.

"Here," I hear Dari's soft voice and open my eyes, seeing a napkin by my face. I grab it gratefully and wipe beneath my eyes then my mouth and straighten, feeling Stellan's hands leave my hair.

"Thank you."

"Did you get car sick?" she murmurs worriedly as I glance back to the car. Everyone's watching. I nod immediately.

"Yeah, I think so."

"Do you want to go home?"

"No, no. I'll be okay. Let's just get there."

She nods and turns, headed for the car. Stellan rubs my back comfortingly and whispers, "Do you need to go back?"

"No. I feel better... It's just morning sickness."

Pressing his lips to my forehead softly, he helps me back into the car full of worried people.

...

"You're sure you're okay?" Vivienne asks as we sit at an oak table, located on the restaurant on site. Stellan practically made them go to it. I lay down my purse and nod.

"I really am. I'm just going to the bathroom."

Touching Stellan's shoulder, I head towards the back where the bathroom is located. I immediately move to the sink and raise water to my lips, swishing it around my mouth in an attempt to make the disgusting taste of vomit lessen.

Well... I've had my first case of morning sickness... And for some strange, unknown reason, a smile spreads across my face as reality sets in once more.

I'm having a baby. Morning sickness is normal. That must mean everything is going okay. Grabbing a paper towel, I wipe my face, removing the last of my nude lipstick. Heading back to the table, I smile, sighing.

Taking a seat, I set my purse onto the side of my chair. "I'm sorry you guys."

"Oh no, don't be! The bumpy roads can be so brutal," David states, gesturing the waiter over. Thankfully now, I have an excuse not to drink. The rest of the conversation is light and pleasant- I'm glad to see no one's suspicious. Pleased that they seem to really like Stellan, I feel calmer, amazed by how easily we all get along. It seems it's only when Vivienne and I are alone that we're at each other's throats. 

She limits herself to one drink and leads most of the conversation, clutching her adoring husband almost the entire meal.

By the time we arrive back at the house after dropping Dari off at her apartment, It's dark and I'm exhausted. We shuffle into the house- into the heat and I find myself wanting to say home sweet home. Stellan receives a phone call from the lawyer and excuses himself into the living room.

"I can't believe you're leaving tomorrow already," Vivienne says, frowning as she sets her purse down on the chair.

"I know... It went by fast."

"There's no way you can stay longer?"

I smile, looking at David regretfully. "I can't. I've taken too much time off this month already."

"Well, you'll have to come back soon? Yeah?" David smiles, rubbing my back warmly. I nod, watching as he heads up the stairs to the room. Why he's leaving me alone with Vivienne I have no idea. In awkward silence, I set down my purse and begin to shrug out of my coat.

"Want some tea?"

"No, I'm fine. I'm pretty tired," I answer detachedly, not wanting to get into anything personal right now.

"It doesn't have to be for long... I just would like to talk to you alone for a while."

"About what?"

"Anything. I've made a mess of this trip- and I'm sorry. I never would have wanted to show you... what I did."

I can't help but look to her wrist. "I wish I didn't know."

"I know."

"No... you don't understand... I wish I didn't know because- it makes it harder to believe that you didn't want to keep me."

"I did... want to."

Not ready to get into that, I nod, looking away, blinking rapidly. "Uh, I really like Dari- and David. You're very lucky to have them."

"I know... sometimes I don't realize that."

"Well, try to- as much as possible. That man really loves you."

She nods and stares at her hands for a moment. "Uh, so no to tea?"

I stare at her, hand on the chair and feel myself give up. "Tea is good."

...

Over an hour later, I open the bedroom door, finding Stellan already asleep on his side. He looks as though he's pulled the covers halfway off the bed kicking. Chuckling, I walk over to his side and grab the sheets, settling them just under his chin.

His face is boyish and young, completely calm in sleep. As I stare at his beautiful features, I realize he doesn't look calm often. The thought quickly saddens me, making me turn away, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear as I walk to grab a nightgown.

I feel a certain kind of sadness tonight- it's not unbearable, just lingering. I don't know if it's the fact that I've spent the weekend with my biological mother or that I don't want to go leave... maybe it's both. After changing and braiding my hair loosely, I find myself in front of my computer again.

Already signed in, I head to my employee's list- searching for Charles name. His page is empty as he hasn't had activity with the company in days. With a few clicks, I dig deeper, finding myself in his past call logs and company computer history.

And I come up with nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary. Nothing that could help me find him. Frustrated, I shut the computer and consider waking Patrick to see if Eric has begun searching. As I sit with my head in my hands, my eyes open.

This is exactly what Stellan is talking about.

We're obsessing about things that aren't in our control right now. Shutting the computer with finality, I stand up and shut off the bedside light. As I mold myself to Stellan's back, sighing as I rest my face to his warm skin, I feel him stir.

"Okay?"

"Yeah, okay."

...

Having slept in late again- I don't know what's wrong with me... It's got to be the pregnancy- I hurry down the steps, knowing they wanted to have breakfast before we leave. I'm settling off the last step when I hear David's voice, surprisingly low.

"Vivienne's just been worried... A lot of attention has been brought to you both by this. Iris is family to Vivienne which means she is now my family... I don't want her to be hurt. I want to know that you know what you're doing- that your intentions are good?"

"I've been nothing but cordial to both you, your wife and your daughter. What I would like is for you to stop beating around the bush and just come straight out and say what you want to say," Stellan answers, angrily. What the hell is going on?

"Did you beat that woman?"

I suck in a breath and settle my back against the wall. No, not them.

"No. I did not beat her."

"But you were her escort? You slept with her for sex?"

"... I think that's public knowledge by now."

When I hear Vivienne's soft voice speak up, I grip the wall, surprised it doesn't break underneath my fingers. "I know you've made Iris very happy and I'm grateful for that but I'm just worried about how this is going to end if you're sentenced... which is why we felt obligated to ask and try to see if you'd tell us the truth."

"I only have her best intentions in mind. I would never- do anything to harm her." I hear the shame in his voice and it makes me feel sick. Sick that David is doing this. Sick that I know Vivienne probably put him up to it.

"I can see- everyone can see that you love her... but if it's best, when the time comes... if you were to feel like you were losing this case..."

"You want me to leave my wife?"

"... If the time comes when it's necessary."

Swallowing with difficulty, I hold back tears, wishing I could run out and stop this but needing to hear his reply.

"I'm sorry but what the hell is wrong with you, people!? Jesus, the girl has just opened up to you completely! Vivienne, do you not understand how hard it was for her to come here?"

"Of course I do! I'm just trying to be her mother!"

"She is my wife! You're not even thinking of what she wants!"

"That's exactly what we're doing!"

I hear a slam against the counter top. "You asked and I am saying no! I won't leave her- not unless she tells me to go and you're just going to have to deal with that!"

"Stellan-"

Slamming my hand down on the railing, I storm out, eyes wide, blood boiling. David looks immediately down to the ground, Vivienne drops her head into her hands, shaking her head and Stellan- he just simply looks at me. It's not a look of expectance or of anger- he's simply waiting for my reply.

Grabbing my purse off the counter with fury, I walk straight up to where she is sitting at the table and point into her face, seeing only red and spit out, "You will never be my mother."

Her face falls in shock and she stutters but I don't wait to hear her reply. Stellan's waiting by the door, bags in hand- the other is outstretched for mine. I take it firmly and turn back to them.

"You've proven what kind of people you are, today. It's what I came here to find out so thank you. Now, I realize how-how stupid I was to even attempt to reconnect with you. Stellan is my family- and that is enough for me." 

"No, Iris, wait!" Vivienne shouts, standing in a rush. Stellan pushes open the door and holds it open for me to walk out first.

"Let her go," I hear David say quietly. The sound of regret in his voice makes my chest twist viciously. As I climb into the vehicle, I feel the loss of the people I had begun to think I could trust. Stellan climbs in beside me, the expression on his face blank. I can't read it.

I don't think I want to.

As we pull away from the house I felt was a home, I stare down at my hands, unable to watch it disappear.