Chapter 82

Inside Brianna's apartment, Jon helped her get her coat off, hung it up in the closet and hung up his own as well. While she went onto the living room, he went into the kitchen. He'd noticed she'd hardly touched her dinner and figured when her emotions calmed down she'd be hungry, so he searched her fridge and cupboards, gathering the fixings for sandwiches.

He carried the sandwiches, a bottle of wine and glasses into the living room and set them on the coffee table. Brianna was standing by the balcony door staring out into the night sky. Her arms were hugging herself, her hands rubbing her upper arms. He turned on the gas fireplace and the stereo before moving to stand behind her and wrapping her in his arms.

Brianna sighed and leaned back against him. "Now you see why I wasn't in any hurry for you to meet him?"

"He wasn't that bad." He was worse!

"Liar."

"Doesn't matter, I can handle it. I've dealt with that condescending attitude before."

"But you shouldn't have to! You've worked very hard to get where you are. You've accomplished so much, made your dreams come true and now you're helping others do the same. You should be applauded, not belittled."

He'd never realized how much her approval and support meant to him until he heard her say the words. Hugging her tighter, he kissed her temple. Dot was always supportive, but in a much quieter way. He kind of liked having his own personal cheerleader. A vision of Brianna in a cheerleader outfit, complete with pom poms popped into his head and he blinked to clear it. Now wasn't the time for play. Unfortunately, his cock hadn't gotten the memo and was gearing up.

As her emotional stress subsided, she shivered and burrowed into his warmth even more. When he eased away, she growled in protest.

Jon chuckled but didn't give in, urging her towards the couch instead. "Come on. We'll be more comfortable on the couch.

When she sat, he pulled the blanket off the back and spread it over her before settling beside her.

Accepting the glass of wine he handed her, Brianna raised a brow at the plate of sandwiches. "We just had dinner, you can't be hungry already."

"I'm not, but you hardly touched your food. You need to eat."

She smiled and snuggled against him. "Yes Daddy."

 "Brat."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the flames dancing in the fireplace.

He stroked her hair soothingly. "Has he always been like that with you?"

"What do you mean? Like what?"

"So....dismissive....of your abilities."

Brianna shrugged. "The only abilities of mine he was interested in was my ability to stay in the background and be an efficient assistant. To know my place."

Even to his unskilled ear, the pain beneath her sarcasm was obvious. "And you just accepted that? This isn't the nineteen fifties anymore."

"Glad you recognize that." She sighed and closed her eyes. "I got tired of the constant battles - my family got tired of them too. As much as my mother and brothers tried, they couldn't change his mind. It didn't help that his cronies all felt the same. It just became.....easier....to let him think he'd converted me to his way of thinking."

"But you're so smart and talented, capable of so much more. He should be proud of that - of you! Not....ashamed! That must have hurt you - to be considered less than your brothers in your father's eyes."

Memories flooded her mind from her childhood, teens and early adulthood. Do well in school, but take home ec, not calculus. Make the lemonade, but leave the running of the roadside stand to the boys. Focus on getting a secretarial diploma or one in business administration would be acceptable, but not an MBA. Be aware of world issues, but don't have opinions on them. Dress  conservatively, speak softly, let the men run the show. Know. Your. Place. It had been pounded into her all her life. Tears of pain and frustration stung her eyes. It was several seconds before she could answer. "It did...does." Her voice was barely a whisper.

"I'm sorry." He hugged her closer. 

"Promise me you won't ever do that to Stephanie. Don't ever make her feel less worthy than her brothers. Don't restrict her options. Don't belittle her dreams. Support her no matter what career path she wants to follow. Promise me."

"I promise." He never seen her so vulnerable. Obviously her strong self confidence was a facade that hid a scarred heart and soul. His protective instincts kicked into high gear. He wanted to tell her father off, buy a company for her to run....whatever it took for her to be happy and fulfilled. He kissed her head. "You deserve so much better than that."

Realizing how much weakness she was showing and despising in, Brianna sat up, shook her head and reached for a sandwich. "I survived."

Nice try Sweetheart, but I've seen behind the curtain to the real you. Beneath the brains, heart and courage is still a lost young girl trying to find her way home. Jersey isn't Kansas, but if you'll let me, I'll be your shelter from the storm.

Startled at his own thoughts - and the direction they were headed - Jon leaned forward to refill his glass and took a healthy swallow as he settled back. Whoa man, too soon to go there.

She mistook his silence for disagreement. "Seriously Blue Eyes, I'm fine. I won't say it was the most pleasant childhood, but it's not like I was starved or beaten. Most people would consider it a privileged childhood."

"Some things are more important than money."

She stared at him and snorted. "Remember that the next time I want to reschedule something because of a family function."

"I'm sure you'll remind me if I forget." And now he understood why she always put the kids activities on his schedule.

Brianna just smiled and cuddled against him again.

The warmth of the fire and the soothing music soon relaxed them both. Brianna tugged up the blanket around her shoulders and yawned. "Are you staying tonight or going home?"

"Staying." Even if he hadn't already planned to, after that dinner with her parents he wasn't about to leave her alone.

"Good."

Staring at the dancing flames, Jon's mind kept going back to his reaction to her pain and frustration. Anyone would feel sympathy and understanding for the mindset she had to deal with growing up, but he recognized his visceral reaction as something more. Something....deeper, more personal. The need to protect her and cherish her was strong. The word love kept popping into his head.

But it was too soon for that wasn't it? Did he really love her or did he just not want to be alone? Dating was one thing, but falling in love? He wasn't sure he was ready for that. Wouldn't that mean casting aside his feelings for his wife? Sure, Dorothea said she wanted him to move on, but to give his love to someone else so quickly? Wouldn't that cheapen his love for Dorothea?

He sighed and reminded himself he didn't have to make any declarations today. He could wait until he was sure and had sorted it all out in his own mind.

"Mmmm." Brianna sighed and shifted her position.

Realizing she was more asleep than awake, Jon smiled and kissed her head. "Come on Golden Eyes, time for bed."

She frowned, but let him prod her into the bedroom where she stripped off her clothes and slid into bed without bothering with a nightgown. With him sharing her bed she was in no danger of getting cold.  Jon grinned, turned off the lights and fireplace, undressed and climbed in beside her.

He woke to find her facing him, her hands tucked under her chin, her legs entwined with his. A lock of hair had fallen over one eye and he reached out to move it, enjoying the feel of the silky tresses sliding along the sensitive skin of sides of his fingers. 

She wasn't the only one who enjoyed textures. The smoothness of her skin, the velvet of her lips, the hot satin of her core all constantly lured his fingers to touch. So he let them.

Brianna was pulled from sleep by the light scrape of his callouses over her skin, stirring the embers of her desire. She kept her eyes closed and just enjoyed the sensations. Her body responded to his touch like it had to no other man she'd ever been close to. Goosebumps rose on her skin, her breathing quickly became laboured, her heart rate increased, her nipples hardened and the flesh between her thighs swelled and dampened to welcome his possession.

Jon noticed all of this almost absently. His attention was focused on her face. He knew she was awake even without the evidence displayed by her body. He could sense it. When he brushed his finger over her lips and they opened in invitation, he accepted, shifting to touch his mouth to hers in a gentle, chaste kiss. Leaning back, he sent his hands roaming again.

Brianna opened her eyes and searched his face. The expression in his eyes made the breath catch in her chest. It was a look she'd only seen a handful of times before in her life and not for a very long time. It was more than lust. It was something...deeper...more intimate. Like he was wanted more than just her body. He wanted her. That matched the message his hands sent with the way they stroked and caressed her: like he cherished her.

Her mind skittered away from the L word....it was too soon to even think that way, especially for him. She had no doubt that he cared about her, but she also had no doubt that it would be quite some time before he would allow himself to love again. The guilt he would feel right now would be almost overwhelming. In time he would get there, but she had no illusions about it happening soon.

She lifted her hands to frame his face and stroke her thumbs over his cheek bones. With a gentle smile she lifted her head to kiss him lightly. His hand on her hip pulled her closer and lifted her knee until her leg draped over his hip. She could feel his hardness pulsing against her slit.

Eyes locked on her face, Jon rocked his hips against hers, feeling the liquid heat of her desire scald the sensitive skin of his erection. His breath hissed through his teeth.

Moaning softly, Brianna tilted her hips towards him, encouraging him to enter her. Her hands slid down to stroke his chest.

Jon got her message, and for once didn't torture her - partly because inside her was where he wanted to be, but mostly because this encounter was all about pleasing her and showing her how much he cared. He could have his turn next time. Shifting slightly, he found her entrance and watched her eyes grow brighter as he slid slowly home.

Her fingers curled, nails biting into his pecs in helpless response to the rush of pleasure flooding her senses at his invasion. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip in an effort to hold back her cries.

Bending his head slightly, he licked the indentations her teeth left in the soft flesh. Their position didn't give him much leverage to thrust, so he rocked against her. His hands cupped and caressed her breasts, strong fingers tweaking her stiffened nipples. He swallowed her gasp.

Brianna's hips matched his rhythm, and their desire quickly grew. Their lips and tongues touched briefly, softly, almost absently, their attention focused on the joining of their lower bodies.

Her world shrank until it was only this bed, the two of them, mouths and hands touching, their bodies moving together easily, rhythmically, riding the waves of their rising passion. She stared into his eyes, and in those cobalt depths she sensed a connection beyond the physical. Beyond the emotional. To call it spiritual was a little corny, but it was the only way she knew to describe it. This wasn't sex. This was making love. In the fullest meaning of the word. At this time, for this moment, they were completely in sync. She'd never experienced that before - ever. She couldn't look away. She didn't want to lose that connection.

Despite the gentleness of his movements, she sensed the tidal wave building inside her could drown her and wash her away. Her hands gripped him tighter.

Jon touched his lips to hers again and pulled her closer. "It's okay. Let go. I've got you." The glowing of her golden eyes told him she was close. "Let go Golden Eyes. Ride the wave. I.....I've got you."

He was was going to say something else, she was almost sure of it....and her heart lurched. No! Don't say it. Not yet. She wasn't ready to deal with that yet.

But she had no time to contemplate their emotional situation. The physical took over and the wave she was riding crested and crashed over her, taking her wits and he breath with it. She clung to him, her anchor, her safety line.

Jon wrapped his arms around her shaking body, his own trembling with the force of his release as the wave took him too.

Brianna buried her face in his neck. When her spasms faded and she could breathe again, she kissed his sweat dampened skin. "Thank you."

"For what?" He was pretty sure she wasn't talking about their lovemaking.

For not saying the L word. "For not running away after meeting my father."

He squeezed her and stroked her back. "You know me well enough to know I wouldn't let a few snobby comments stop me from going after something I want." He leaned back to let her see the truth of his words in his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere."

She smiled, snuggled closer and let his assurance and nearness soothe her to sleep.

Chapter 81

He did think about what she'd said. He thought about it a lot. He also started potty training Romeo, with the help of the females in his life. His first thought was to move Brianna into his house so she would be there to do the bulk of the training, but his mother pointed out that using her like that wasn't exactly fair to Brianna - if she would even agree to it, which wasn't a sure thing. She tried to keep their relationship progressing in the normal sequence and timeframe. Moving in that quickly wouldn't fit that timeframe, even if she slept in her own room. And her sleeping across the hall instead of beside him wouldn't do much for his mood. So he shelved that plan and tried to find another way. 

They didn't get off to a great start. His mother explained the process, and helped out when she could as did Desiree And even Stephanie. When he was on duty he kept losing track of the time and then had to deal with a mess. There'd been a lot of accidents, but he thought they were finally making some progress - at least during the day. At night he gave up and put a diaper - well, Pull Ups - on him.

He was able to use his lack of skill to convince Brianna to spend more time than usual at his house, which was both pleasure and torture for him.

He thought about her other point as well - about when he was ready to tour again. The solution was a no brainer to his mind, but he'd wait to see where their relationship was at before mentioning it to her.

The holidays were approaching quickly, and Brianna was having a hard time juggling her schedule to fit everything in. She was being pulled in two directions and was trying to divide up her time between her family and Jon's - with as few arguments as possible. Plus, her prediction about the reaction to Jon starting to accept invitations came true and they were inundated. And now that the kids were on board with their relationship, he wanted her to go with him to every event. It was a challenge to even her organizational skills!

She was trying to find some time in the schedule to go Christmas shopping when her phone rang. She answered without looking at the display. "Brianna Prentiss."

"Hello dear, how are you?"

"Hi Mom. I'm fine, how are you?"

"Fine. I'm calling about Thanksgiving. Are you still coming home?" Edward had decided he wanted his family all together for the holiday.

Like I have a choice? When Father says come home, you go home. "Yes." This was an area of argument.

"Alone?"

"Yes." This was the reason for the argument.

"Oh. I thought you might be bringing Jon with you."

"No. He needs to be with his kids and they're having a big family dinner." This was another reason for the argument. Jon wanted to have both families together, but Brianna didn't feel that was a good idea for their first meeting. That needed to be a much smaller gathering.

"Are we ever going to get to meet them? Or are you going to hide us forever?" Sara's voice was sharp.

I wish that was an option! "You'll meet them, I just haven't found the right opportunity yet. Holidays are hard for them still and I don't want to overwhelm the kids."

"I understand, but..." Sara sighed. "Your father's not going to get any easier to deal with. If you and Jon are serious, he's going to have to deal with your father at some point. He can't avoid him forever."

"Jon's not trying to avoid him. Quite the opposite actually." Brianna admitted.

"So why are you insisting on preventing them from meeting?"

"Not preventing, just......delaying."

"Brianna..." Sara began.

"Mom.....I really like Jon. I don't want Father looking down his nose at him or disparaging his career choice." Brianna explained. "And I don't want to be told that he's not good enough or 'the preferred type of man' for me. I married a man that met all of Father's qualifications and look where that got me."

"He just wants you to be looked after and happy."

"As long as it's with a man he can brag to his business cronies about. Heaven forbid he have to tell them his daughter's dating a musician - and not even a classical one which might be accepted by the supporters of the arts, but a rock one. Everyone knows rock musicians are only concerned about booze, drugs and making spectacles of themselves. Hardly pillars of the community." Brianna retorted scornfully.

"Brianna Nicole!" Sara scolded.

"I'm sorry Mom, but you know I'm right." Brianna insisted. "I wish he could just accept people for who they are, not what they are." She sighed. "Jon's a good man Mom."

"Believe it or not, your father will see that.....eventually."

A couple days later, Jon and Brianna were sitting in his office in the city going over correspondence, when there was a frantic call from Evelyn.

"I tried to stop them, but he just ignored me."

"Who did?" Jon asked, his brows snapping together in a frown.

"BRIANNA!"

Brianna closed her eyes and groaned at the sound of her name being bellowed from her office.

"I'm sorry Jon." Evelyn apologized.

"It's okay Evelyn." He crooked a brow at Brianna.

"My father can't be stopped if he doesn't want to." Brianna assured the receptionist. Sighing, she stood and walked to the door way connecting their offices. "Father, what are you doing? You can't just barge into someone else's business offices!" She turned to the woman with him. "Hi Mom."

 "I wanted to meet this.....musician you're dating, and since you wouldn't come to me, I came to you."

"That doesn't give you the right to just barge in here!" Brianna argued. Great first impression Father! She felt Jon's presence behind her - and the irritation radiating from him - before he spoke.

"This musician is also the CEO of a multimillion dollar organization that does business all over the world and these are my private offices. I expect them to be treated as such." He set one hand on Brianna's hip and squeezed.

"Hmpf!"  Edward snorted derisively.

The two men stared each other down.

Sara elbowed her husband and stepped up to Jon. "Jon, I'm Sara. It's so nice to finally meet you. Brianna's told us so much about you."

"Nice to meet you too Sara." Jon assured her, taking her offered hand in his. "I can see where Bri gets her beauty from."

Sara couldn't prevent her blush. "Well, aren't you the smooth one! Brianna, I can see why you were keeping him to yourself."

Edward cleared his throat. "Get your coats on or we'll be late for our dinner reservation."

"Father! Jon has four kids waiting for him at home. He can't just drop everything. He needs notice. We can arrange to have dinner with you later in the week if you want."

Edward didn't look away from the younger man. "I assume there's a caregiver with the children now. Surely they can continue for another hour or two."

As accustomed as she was to her father's attitude, his dictatorial tendencies still set her teeth on edge. "At the last minute? You can't expect....wait a minute, look who I'm talking to."

Jon squeezed her hip again to stop her. "Honey, it's okay." He turned back to her father. "As it turns out, my parents are keeping an eye on my children at the moment, and mentioned that they didn't have any plans tonight, so I'm fine to stay in the city for dinner." They didn't need to know that had been his plan all along.

Edward nodded and started for the door. "My driver is waiting downstairs."

Sara smiled apologetically at Jon and followed her husband.

Jon shifted to stand in front of Brianna and wrapped his arms around her.

Brianna gripped handfuls of his sweater and screamed into his chest.

He chuckled and rubbed her back. "Come on Golden Eyes, he's not that bad."

She lifted her head. "Tell me that after dinner. He hasn't started yet."

"BRIANNA!"

With a growl, she shoved her hands into the arms of the coat Jon held for her and swiped up her purse. There was no point in taking any work home with her, she knew she'd be too aggravated to concentrate.

They walked silently out of the office and joined her parents in the lobby before climbing into Edward's waiting car.

Dinner was a familiar torture for Brianna and an eye opener for Jon. It had been a long time since he'd been given the third degree by a girlfriend's father. This time he wasn't a nervous kid. This time he wouldn't be intimidated. And he'd worked too hard and was too proud of his accomplishments to let this arrogant man belittle them. But he was still Brianna's father, and Jon didn't want alienate him completely.

But he didn't make it easy.

"You called yourself a CEO. Do you really think you can compare your little band to running a major corporation?"

Even though that was the nicest of the comments, Jon had had enough. Feeling Brianna tense in the chair beside him, he squeezed her thigh. "My payroll when I'm on tour is between one and two million a week. I'd say that makes it a fair sized business."

That gave Edward pause - he had no idea the organization was that big - and gave Sara a chance to change the subject.

"Brianna tells us you have four children."

Jon smiled. "Yes. Stephanie's fourteen, Jesse's twelve, Jake's five and Romeo's two and a half."

Sara's eyes filled and she had to dab them with her napkin. "So young to lose their mother. I'm so sorry for your loss."

Nodding in agreement, Jon's smile turned sad and it was Brianna's turn to squeeze in support. "Thank you. They're coping pretty well."

"I hope Brianna is providing the help you need." Edward remarked.

"She's been wonderful." Jon assured him. "I don't know what we would have done without her."

Sara beamed while Edward merely grunted in satisfaction. "I'm glad to hear she's living up to her responsibilities."

Brianna fisted the hand on her lap and reached for her wine glass.

Jon covered her fist with his hand and squeezed. "You've raised a very bright, caring and compassionate daughter. She's the best assistant I've ever had or could hope for. But she's wasting her talents. I'm surprised she's not running her own company. She's certainly capable."

She almost choked on her wine. While she appreciated his support and confidence, she was well aware of her father's opinion of her abilities - and that no matter how capable she was, a female had no place in management of large corporations. She'd long since stopped beating her head against that particular wall. All it got her was a headache. "Ah, but don't you know Jon? Women don't hold positions of power, they merely assist the men that do."

"Don't be snide Brianna." Edward frowned. "It's not attractive."

"I think she's beautiful." Jon disagreed, reaching out to tuck a tendril of hair that had escaped her twist behind her ear.

Sara grinned at her daughter in delight.

Edward grunted. "Tell me about the charity work your involved with. Michael tells me you're doing some work with Covenant House."

With the shift in conversation the tension eased and Brianna was able to take a deep breath, but food still stuck in her throat. At least the Foundation and its work was one area of Jon's life her father couldn't criticize. By the end of the conversation he actually had a grudging respect for what Jon was trying or accomplish.

Still, it seemed like an eternity before they finally were able to leave the restaurant. Sara and Edward were staying at a hotel since they were staying in the city for a few days. Declining the offer of a lift since they were going in different directions, Jon flagged down a town car to take he and Brianna to her apartment.

It was a quiet ride as they were both lost in their own thoughts.

Chapter 80

Brianna sighed, stretched and opened her eyes. Blinking, she glanced around her surroundings. She was lying on the couch in the living room, a blanket covering her. The fire was blazing, adding warmth to the room to combat the cold and snow outside the windows.

She wasn't sure how long she'd been asleep, but Jesse and Stephanie were in the same places they were before, so it couldn't have been that long. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes. "How long have I been asleep?"

Jesse shrugged without looking up from his game. "Awhile."

"Did the little ones wake up?"

"Yeah." Stephanie answered. "Jake had something to eat, then Dad gave him some more Tylenol. He said his head was still warm. Romeo woke up crying and rubbing his head, so Dad gave him more Tylenol too. Both of them are sleeping again. I just checked on them a few minutes ago."

"But no one puked." Jesse added with a thumbs up.

Brianna chuckled. "Well, that's good news. Where's your Dad?"

"In the office." Jesse pointed down the hallway.

"Thanks." She rose, folded the blanket and laid it on the back of the couch before heading for the office.

Entering, she blinked in surprise. The normally neat and tidy desk was covered in piles of paper. Jon sat behind it - fully clothed, for which she was both thankful and disappointed - a frown creasing his forehead, his hair mussed as if he'd been pulling at it. "Did your filing cabinet explode?"

He glanced up and smiled. "Hey there. Feel better?" He waved her closer.

"Yeah." She yawned as she approached his chair.

"Are you sure?" He pulled her down onto his lap. "You can go back to sleep. I can handle the kids."

She leaned back against him. "I know you can, but if I sleep anymore, I won't sleep tonight."

He nuzzled her neck. "I know a few ways to make you sleepy."

Her laugh was low and husky. "I'll keep that in mind." She sat up. "I should let you get back to......whatever you're doing here."

Jon grimaced. "Household accounts. I'm fine paying the bills, but my accountant says I should be doing what he calls bank reconciliations."

She nodded. "Yeah. You need to make sure what's going in and out of your account is correct. You don't want to get ripped off."

He sighed. "I know. I guess Dot used to do it. It's just.....so mind numbingly boring! If only I had an assistant to deal with all the tedious mind numbing paperwork and details of my life." His face lit up. "Oh. Wait. I do!" He waved at the piles. "Have at it."

Frowning, Brianna hesitated. "Are you sure you want me to? This is your personal financial information."

After considering for a moment, he shrugged. "You do all this for the band, right?"

She nodded. "Yes, and I've been helping with the Foundation fundraising and projects as well."

"So, you already know how much I make. Besides, I trust you. I have no secrets from you."

Warmed by his faith in her, she kissed him briefly, then turned to the desk. "When was the last time you did this?"

He shrugged. "It was all up to date when my accountant did my taxes."

"So....you haven't done anything since January?"

He shrugged again.

She sighed. "Do you at least have them in any kind of order?"

He pointed to the left corner of the desk. "Starts there. And don't look at me like that. Each month is in it's own folder, I'm not a complete mess."

"Thank God for small mercies."

With a baleful look, Jon poked her in her side. "Brat!"

"Hey!" She grabbed his jabbing finger and stood up. "If you want me to do this, then you need to look after the kids." She glanced at her watch. "And lunch."

"But I made breakfast." At her look, he raised his hands in surrender. "And I'll be happy to make lunch." He stood up and kissed her temple. "Coffee?"

She eyed the stacks of folders. "Please.

A couple hours later, when he came to get her for lunch, he was amazed - the desk was almost empty. "Wow! You got all that done already?"

"That's why you hired me, remember? Because I'm good."

Jon chuckled. "That you are Golden Eyes." He pulled her out of the chair and into his arms to kiss her. "At all kinds of things."

"Bianna! Stephie says wunch is ready." Jake announced as he entered the room. He eyed them but didn't comment.

"Hey buddy! How're you feeling?" Brianna stepped towards him and laid her hand on his forehead. "I think your fever's gone."

"I'n hungy."

"Brianna? Are you still working?" Jesse asked from the doorway."

"They paying girlfriend." Jake informed his brother.

Brianna blinked and raised a brow at Jon, who just smiled. The message in her eyes promised there would be a discussion later. "What's up Jess?"

"Romeo's awake and I think he needs his diaper changed."

"Did you check on him?"

"No."

"Then how do you know he needs a diaper change?"

"Because he's yelling 'Bina' and the only other word I could make out of his gibberish is 'tink."

Brianna laughed. "Sounds right. Okay, I'll go get him."

"Bina!"

"I'm coming little man." Brianna started to climb the stairs.

"Bina!" Romeo called again. This time a rattling noise followed his call.

"Hang on!" Frowning, Brianna rushed down the hallway to the toddler's room. She found him standing in his crib, his hands on the side rail.....and shaking it.

When he saw her, he grinned and pulled at his diaper. "Ucky!" He threw one foot up over the top of the rail and pulled himself up.

"Whoa! Hang on Romeo, let me lift you out before you fall." Picking him up, she set him down on the change table. "I think you're just about ready for a big boy bed aren't you?" 

As she got him cleaned up and changed, it occurred to her that he might be ready for toilet training as well. But she wasn't sure Jon was up to that, and it was a full time job, not something that could be done for a few days at a time.

This was one of the areas where she wasn't sure of her role or boundaries. Should she mention these things to Jon or let his mother? But Carol wasn't here all the time and might not have realized the situation. Should she talk to Carol about it? It really wasn't her place. On the other hand, she did promise Dorothea she'd look after the children.

Brianna sighed. "Are you hungry little man? Do you want to go downstairs and get some lunch?"

Romeo nodded.

"Okay, lets's go."

Throughout the rest of the afternoon and evening, Brianna kept being distracted by thoughts of the needs of the growing children and how best to meet them.

Coming downstairs after putting the little ones to bed, she sat on the couch and stared at the TV, not really seeing the action on the screen.

Jon, sitting beside her, nudged her and raised his brows. "What's wrong?"

"Hmm? Nothing." She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "Romeo climbed out of his crib today. I managed to grab him before he fell."

"He's been doing that for awhile." Stephanie spoke up from her chair across the room. "He woke me up the other morning to change his diaper."

"He climbed into bed with me one day last week." Jesse added.

"Really?" Jon was surprised. "He's never come into my room."

"Your door's closed." Stephanie pointed out.

"So?"

Brianna nudged him. "He can't open doors.....yet."

"Ah." He glanced at Brianna. "So what do we do?"

"Maybe it's time for a big boy bed?"

Jon nodded. "Sounds like it."

After Stephanie and Jesse went to bed, Jon opened a bottle of wine and handed Brianna a glass. Settling back on the couch beside her, he turned off the TV, turned on the stereo and faced her. "Now tell me what's on your mind."

"What do you mean?" She hedged.

"You've been distracted ever since lunch. Something's obviously going on in that beautiful head of yours. Come on Golden eyes, talk to me. What's the problem?" When she still hesitated, he frowned.  "Why don't you want to tell me?"

She grimaced. "I'm not sure it's my place to talk to you about this."

"Why not?"

"Because it has to do with your kids and I'm just your...." She waved her hand. "It's not my business."

"You're the woman I've chosen to share my life with and who my children's mother chose to look out for them. Tell me."

Brianna sighed. "Have you ever considered hiring a nanny?"

Jon frowned. "I don't want some stranger raising my kids."

"I'm not talking about raising them, I'm talking about helping out with the day to day caretaking."

"Where's this coming from?"

"A couple reasons. I think Romeo's reading for toilet training."

"So, do it."

She shook her head. "That takes months of daily, consistent effort. It can't be done a few days at a time. Are you ready for that? Watching him, learning the signs, running him to the toilet every few hours?"

He scowled.

"And what about when you're ready to tour again and we're on the road for weeks at a time? Who's going to look after them? Your mom and dad? Don't you think that's too much to ask of them at this point in their lives?"

Scowl turned to grimace.

"I'm not trying to tell you what to do or make a decision right now. I'm just pointing out a couple things you may want to think about."

Jon sighed. This single parent gig was turning out to be even harder than he'd anticipated.

Chapter 79

"BIANNA! COME QUICK! I'N SICK!"

The sound of vomiting punctuated his point.

Quick as a flash, Brianna was up and off the bed. She pulled on the demure nightgown she'd brought out to the guest house with her and her robe and shoes and was out the door before Jon had managed to do more than pull up and fasten his jeans.  Gathering up the wine, glasses and monitor, he followed.

Stephanie was standing at the top of the stairs when he entered the house. Noting the bottle and glasses in his hands, her brows rose. "Where were you guys?"

Jon's mind raced for a plausible answer. "Out in the Inn."

"With Bri in her nightgown?" She didn't buy it.

He was about to tell her it was none of her business, when Brianna appeared and spoke before he could. "I'd gone to bed but couldn't sleep." She explained. She'd been on her way to the bathroom for cleaning supplies and had overheard their conversation. "Your dad was still up and we decided to have a game of pool."

"Uh huh. Pool. Sure." Stephanie's skepticism was obvious.

Jon frowned, but again Brianna beat him to the punch. "Do you really want to know? You can't have it both ways."

Stephanie considered for a moment, realized what her father and his girlfriend had probably been up to and grimaced. "No. Spare me the details, please!"

"Wasn't going to tell you anyway." Jon assured her. He turned to Brianna. "What's up with Jake?"

"He's got a slight fever to go with the upset stomach."

"He puked all over his bed and the floor." Stephanie added helpfully.

"You'd better brace yourself." Brianna warned him.

"Why?"

"Because if it's the flu everyone in this house will likely get it."

"Great. Locked in a house with a bunch of miserable sickies. Maybe I'll stay in the guest house." Jon grumbled.

"That might be best for all of us." Stephanie agreed. Ignoring his scowl, she responded to Brianna's shocked look. "If he gets sick, miserable won't begin to describe it. Mom and Grandma always said they had a hard time deciding whether to help him or finish him off."

Jon scowled. "Shouldn't you be in bed? What are you doing up anyway?"

"I heard Jake yell for Bri and I got up to help."

Struggling to hide her smile, Brianna winked at the teenager. "And I appreciate it."

"I can help her now, so you can go back to bed." He watched his daughter head back to her room and sighed. "She's going to be the death of me."

Brianna wisely remained silent. Smirking, she continued on to the bathroom.

Jon headed to the kitchen to drop off the wine bottle and glasses. Muttering to himself about females being a pain in his ass, he returned to climb the stairs and see how bad the damage was.

He arrived at Jake's room in time to see Brianna, kneeling on the hardwood floor by the bed, toss a rag in the bucket beside her and stand up. Jake was sitting in the rocking chair in the corner, his sheets were in a pile near the door.

"How you feeling buddy?" He put his hand on his son's forehead.

"My head hurts an my tummy hurts."

"The Tylenol should kick in soon to help."  Brianna assured him as she shook out clean sheets. "Jon help me make his bed please."

"Sure." He moved to the other side of the bed and reached for the corner of the sheet.

They quickly finished the task and settled Jake back into bed.

"Feel any better?" Brianna tucked the blankets in around him.

"Uh huh." Jake nodded sleepily.

"Get some sleep." She kissed his forehead and stepped back.

Jon stroked his son's head. "Feel better buddy."

On their way out of the room, Brianna picked up the pile of sheets and the bucket. Jon turned off the light. They'd just passed Romeo's room when they heard him cry.

"BINA!"

"Uh oh." She set down the sheets and bucket and retraced her steps.  Entering Romeo's room, she picked him up out of his crib, sat in a chair near his bed and stroked his hair. "What's wrong little man?"

He whimpered, leaned towards her.......and threw up in her lap.

"Ew. Gross." Jon grimaced.

Romeo looked up at Brianna and burst into tears. 

She hugged him. "Shhh sweetie. It's okay." She glanced at Jon. "Can you grab me something to wear please?"

"Sure."

While she waited, she worked to calm Romeo down, rubbing his back and cuddling him close - carefully. "Ssshhhh little man. Does your head hurt?"

He nodded against her shoulder.

"Does your tummy still hurt?"

He nodded again. 

"As soon as Daddy comes back I'll get you some medicine to make you feel better."

When Jon returned and handed her a handful of clothing, she sorted through it and smiled. He'd brought a pair of her yoga pants.....and one of his sweatshirts.

He shrugged at her look. "I couldn't find another nightgown in your bag and all you had were sweaters that are too nice to get puked on."

"Ah. Thanks." She handed Romeo over to his father and began the tricky task of removing her soiled robe and nightgown without getting vomit everywhere. Successful, she pulled on the clothes he'd brought and added the dirty ones to the pile of sheets outside the door. "I'll get the Tylenol."

Romeo whimpered, and Jon sat down beside him and felt his forehead. "Don't feel good huh?"

Romeo shook his head. "Where Bina?"

"She'll be right back, she gone to get you some medicine." Maybe he should have felt irritated that his sons wanted someone other than him, but he didn't. He was no healer, and while he tried to comfort, he knew he wasn't that good at it. He didn't know if it was specifically Brianna that they wanted, or if it was simply because she was the only adult female in the house, and he wasn't sure he cared. As long as his children had what they needed. He was proud of the fact that he'd found someone that cared so much about his family.....and they cared about her.

Dorothea would be pleased. He could almost hear her I told you so echoing in his head.

"Here you go little man, this will help you feel better." Brianna reappeared with the pain reliever, looking so cuddly in his sweatshirt, Jon wanted to pull her into his lap and hug her.

They got Romeo settled and tucked in again, but when Brianna started to leave, he held out his hands. "No! Bina! No go!"

"Shh. It's okay." She reassured him, walking back over to rub his back. "I'll be just down the hall. I'll hear you if you need me."

"BIANNA!"

"Coming Jake." Brianna stifled a sigh as she hurried from the room. It was going to be a long night.

Standing under the stream of hot water in the shower, Brianna tried to wash away her tiredness. The boys had woken up several times to be sick, resulting in her only getting a few hours sleep. After the second go round she'd convinced Jon to go to bed. There was no point in both of them being sleep deprived and since the boys wanted her, she told him she'd take the night shift and he could take over in the morning. She sent up a silent prayer of gratitude that no one else had gotten sick.

Clean and dry, she studied the contents of her suitcase. She shivered as she pulled on a pair of jeans, still cold even after the hot shower - more from being over tired than from the temperature in the room. After a moment's consideration, she slipped across the hall and pilfered another sweatshirt from Jon's drawer.

She checked on the still sleeping boys, before heading downstairs. Entering the kitchen, she found a bare chested Jon manning the stove, which helped warm her considerably, even though she didn't have the energy to do anything about it. Even the desire that always lay just below the surface when he was near was more coals than flame at the moment. 

The sizzle and scent of bacon filled the air. Her stomach growled. Walking up behind him, she slid her arms around his waist and leaned her forehead against his back. "Please tell me there's coffee."

He laid down the fork in his hand and turned to wrap his arms around her. When she raised her head to look at him, he kissed her. "Hey there. Yeah, there's coffee. You feeling okay?"

She yawned and nodded. "Just tired." She rested her head on his chest.

Jon rubbed his hands up and down her back. "The boys still asleep?"

"Uh huh."

He smiled. "Let's get you fed, then you go have a nap. I'll take over."

"Breakfast ready yet? Oh." Jesse froze in the doorway for a moment, then continued on to the fridge and took out the orange juice. "You okay Brianna?"

Lifting her head, she sighed. "Yeah, just tired."

"She was up all night with the squirts I bet." Stephanie speculated as she joined them. Glancing at the frying pan full of eggs, she pulled out the bread and moved towards the toaster. "How are they?"

"What's the matter with the squirts?" Jesse asked.

His sister stared at him. "Didn't you hear them crying and puking last night? It went on for hours."

Jesse shrugged. "I didn't hear anything."

Stephanie caught Brianna's gaze and rolled her eyes. "Boys!"

Brianna grinned. "The little ones are sleeping - finally. It's been a couple hours since they've thrown up, so I'm hoping the worst is over. You two feeling okay?" Please say yes, I can't deal with all four of them sick!

"Yeah."

"Good. Maybe we'll get lucky and no one else will get sick."

Jon squeezed her. "Sit down sugar, food's almost ready."

"I'll set the table." She was afraid if she sat down she'd fall asleep.

Stephanie handed her a cup of coffee. "Here. You look like you need this. I'll set the table."

"Thanks."

Breakfast finished and the kitchen cleaned, they wandered into the living room. After a look at the snow still swirling outside the window, Jesse settled into a chair with a hand held video game. Stephanie took a book and curled up on the love seat. Brianna glanced down the hallway towards the office, but decided she needed to rest a few minutes before making the trek and sank down on the couch, leaned her head back and closed her eyes.

The cushion beside her dipped as Jon joined her. "Why don't you go upstairs and lie down?"

"I should at least check the email. I'll be alright in a few minutes. Just need to get my second wind."

Jon smirked, but didn't argue, just picked up the TV remote and surfed until he found ESPN. When her head touched his shoulder a few minutes later, he shifted into the corner of the couch and drew her into his arms, holding her securely while she slept.

A couple hours later, Jake walked into the living room and stared at the occupants of the couch. "Daddy, why you holding Bianna? She seeping. She not going to fall off."

"Because she's my girlfriend, and I like to cuddle with her." He waited to see the reaction.

Jake frowned. "What's a girlfriend?"

"Well, it means that she's a girl that I like a lot and I want to spend lots of time with her and do things with her and only her." He wished Brianna would wake up and help with the explanation.

"What kind of things?"

"Oh lots of things. Like going out for dinner and to movies."

"And holding hands and hugging and kissing and cuddling." Stephanie added, trying to help.

Jake frowned in thought. "Like you and Mommy did?"

"Yes." Jon eyed his son carefully.

"Oh. Okay."

Figuring he should quit while he was ahead, Jon changed the subject. "You feeling better buddy?"

"Yeah. I'n hungry."

Chapter 78

"Took you long enough."

Jon walked into the bedroom of the guest house and almost dropped the bottle and glasses he carried. Whatever he was going to say was forgotten as his blood rapidly headed south and his brain was instantly fogged by lust. "Holy fuck!"

"Does that mean you like it?" Brianna ran her hands down her torso.

He could only nod. The 'it' she was referring to was the piece of clothing she wore. There probably was a name for the garment, but he didn't have a clue what it was. All he could see was bits of black lace barely covering the pertinent parts of her body - more enticing than discreet, thin straps the only break in the smooth skin of her shoulders, the hem barely brushed the tops of her thighs. When she took the wine and glasses from him and rolled over to set them on the bedside table he had to pick his tongue up off the floor. The back was criss-crossed laces and it was very clear she wasn't wearing any panties. "Fuck me."

Brianna grinned at his husky whisper. "That's the plan Blue Eyes." She rolled onto her back and looked him up and down. "But I think you're a little overdressed, don't you?"

He set the baby monitor on the table beside the bottle, stripped off his sweatshirt, and socks, but left his jeans on. Their restriction was the only hope he had to retain control long enough to not embarrass himself - the pain distracted him. Stretching out beside her, he filled the glasses and handed her one.

Brianna sipped and watched him, surprised when he merely reclined next to her and let his eyes roam over her while he kept his hands to himself. She didn't expect that. Normally when they hadn't seen each other for awhile he was impatient and eager. She'd expected him to be all over her, especially considering his reaction to her babydoll and the hard evidence that his body was obviously ready and raring to get busy. She raised a brow. "Change your mind?"

"Mmmm?" It took a moment to drag his mind back from where it had wandered - conjuring up images of what he wanted to do to her body - and focus on her question. He shook his head slowly. "No. I just want to look at you for a few minutes. You're beautiful."

"Thank you." He made her feel beautiful. More so than any other man she'd ever been with. Maybe it was because he'd had beautiful women throwing themselves at him for most of his adult life that made his opinion - and admiration - mean so much. 

As his gaze drifted over her body it was as though he touched her. Her skin heated and became more sensitive, her nipples pebbled and ached, the flesh between her thighs moistened and swelled. Taking a shaky breath, she decided turnabout was fair play, so she did some looking of her own. Over his heavily muscled chest with its thick covering of hair, the broad shoulders and brawny arms, the rock hard abs, the swollen tip of his cock poking out above the waist of his jeans. "Well, he definitely looks ready to play."

She leaned across him to set her glass on the table, dipping her fingers in the golden liquid before easing back. "But he looks so uncomfortable." She rubbed her wet fingers over the smooth head.  Her other hand undid the button of his jeans and carefully tugged down the zipper, releasing his erection. "That's better. Poor fellow."

Jon didn't know whether he agreed or not. His aching cock certainly did. But his self control warned his pride that it wasn't a good idea. The touch of her mouth on his ultra sensitive flesh tipped the scales.

He gripped her shoulders and eased her away, pressing her onto her back. One hand grasped lace and pulled it up out of his way, the other pushed his jeans down over his hips. Pushing her legs apart, he settled in between. When he saw her brows lift at his haste, he grimaced. "Sorry Golden Eyes, but....it's been so long. I can't wait."

As he pressed forward, it suddenly occurred to him that he hadn't checked to see if she was ready, and he might be hurting her. The problem was, he wasn't sure he could stop. It's her own damn fault! Evil temptress!  He sank in another inch and discovered he didn't have to worry. Instead of resistance, he was met with a hot, wet welcome. "Ha! So Miss Calm and Cool is just as hot for it as I am!"

Brianna merely smiled and lifted her hips, taking him deeper. "I never said I wasn't."

 "Fuck, you feel good!" Bracing his weight on his elbows, he rocked against her, enjoying the sensation of lace scraping his chest and her hard nipples poking him.

Brianna agreed, but wasn't in the mood to let him run the show. She had plans. Bracing her foot and knocking his elbow out from under him, she caught him by surprise and rolled them over until she was in the dominant position. She sat up, straddling his hips and gazed down at him in satisfaction. It was her turn to be in charge.

Jon saw the gleam in her eye and relaxed into the bed, curious to see what she would do. "Feeling a little cocky tonight are you?"

She flexed her muscles surrounding his buried erection. "Don't sell yourself so short. Your cock's not that little. It certainly works for me."

He stared at her for a second then burst out laughing. "So glad that you find me acceptable."

"Hold on there Blue Eyes. I said your cock works for me. I haven't decided on the rest of you yet." She set her hands on his stomach and slid them upward. "I need to re-examine a few areas more thoroughly before I can make a final decision."

He spread his arms out to his sides. "Examine away Golden Eyes. Just....be gentle with me. I bruise easily."

With a low chuckle, Brianna bent forward until her mouth could touch his golden skin. While her lips and tongue kissed and tasted, her hands stroked - his chest, his shoulders, his arms.

Jon would have been happy to let her 'examine' him as long as she wanted, but the aching in his groin was rapidly turning to agony. If he didn't find relief soon, it promised to become excruciating.  He cupped his hands around her knees, slid them up her thighs and under the hem of her nightie to caress the firm cheeks of her ass.

He lifted one hand and spanked her.

Brianna sat up with a jerk. "Hey!"

"Move it or I'll bruise it sweetheart. I'm aching here."

One feminine brow rose. "Oh baby, you're just beginning to hurt." She swivelled her hips. Sliding her hands under her hair at her neck, she lifted her mane up and let it fall back down her back in a flaming waterfall. Her gaze locked on his face as she coasted her hands down her torso, cupping and squeezing her breasts before continuing down to her hips, a satisfied smile curving her lips when his eyes darkened and burned with blue fire.

Jon ignored her knowing look, not caring that she knew how much he liked her body. After the hours he'd spent exploring it, his appreciation was hardly a secret. The hard nipples poking through black lace captured his attention and drew his hands. The firm globes filled his hands perfectly, with just a bit of overflow. 

As his fingers stroked, and squeezed, her nails bit into his sides. "Mmmm. That feels good." She rocked her hips.

In full agreement, Jon bucked against her, urging her on, needing more. But she didn't take the hint. Undaunted, he set about ratcheting things up a notch. After all, he knew what she liked and what drove her crazy. Locking his gaze with hers, he watched her closely as he tightened his abs and curled up to take a nipple in his mouth.

Brianna moaned and let her head drop back, savouring the tingly jolts of sensation that shot through her body with every rasp of his tongue and pull of his lips on her lace covered nipple. "Oh!"

Even with her hands holding his head close Jon had to brace one hand on the bed to maintain his position. Back and forth, he shifted between her breasts, doling out his sensual torture evenly, her soft mewling cries music to his ears.

But his throbbing cock reminded him that delaying was not an option for much longer. Releasing her breasts, he eased back onto the bed again. His hands smoothed down over her stomach. One hand rested on her hip, the other went straight for the magic button at the top of the cleft between her spread thighs.

Brianna gasped at his first touch. The abrasion of the lace against her sensitive nub under the pressure of his finger was an exquisite torture. "Oh God! Yes! Right there...mmmm." She bit her lower lip against the swelling tide, wanting the rapture to last as long as possible.

When she started to finally - finally! - ride him in earnest, Jon didn't let up.   His hand on her hip guided her and helped her to balance. His tormenting finger stripped it away. His eyes wanted to close, but he couldn't look away. The sight of her flushed and panting, totally lost in her passion - their passion - was one he could never get enough of.

"Yes! Yes! Mmmm Jon! Yes!" Feeling her orgasm overtaking her, Brianna bent forward, her hands bracing above his shoulders, as she pumped harder, grinding her clit against his pelvis.

The clenching of her sheath around his embedded flesh signaled her release, giving him the green light to let go and find his own. "Fuck!"

Brianna collapsed on top of him, spasms racking her body. "Not right away." She panted. "I need to recover from this time first."

Jon chuckled breathlessly and rubbed his hands up and down her back. While he caught his breath, he debated whether to try for another round or just curl up with the drowsy woman in his arms and sleep. "Stay with me here tonight Golden Eyes. I sleep better when you're beside me."

"Mmmmm." If she was being honest, she slept better with him curled around her as well. But she hated sneaking around. It made her feel that what they were doing was somehow wrong and illicit and.....dirty. Unfortunately, it appeared that covert lovemaking was going to be the theme for her sex life for the foreseeable future - at least when they were at his house.

She sighed. She couldn't complain. She knew what she was getting into when she agreed to try for a relationship with him. Besides, the kids' feelings were more important right now. She had him beside her now, she'd just have to take what she could get.

"BIANNA!"

Jon groaned. "I love my kids, I love my kids." It was a litany he repeated to remind himself that he really didn't want to strangle his son.

Brianna swatted his arm and swallowed her own disappointment.

Chapter 77

When she drove through the gates, Brianna sighed in relief. The snow may have stopped, but the plows hadn't had enough time to do more than take a quick swipe at the roads. The gusting wind did its best to replace the snow as fast as the plows removed it, making for a treacherous journey. Luckily, there wasn't much traffic on the roads. The smart people stayed home.

But they didn't have four motherless children and a gorgeous, lonely, horny rockstar waiting for them.

Still, it was a harrowing drive. She really would have been smarter to wait until at least the afternoon and given the road crews more time to work. It wouldn't have killed anyone if she didn't get there for a few more hours. But her longing overrode her common sense. She told herself it was for the kids, but deep down she knew it was as much for herself as it was for them.

Easing by Jon's Navigator that was parked in front of the door, she pulled into her usual spot and climbed out. She grabbed her suitcase from the back seat and started for the house. 

The front door opened and Jake came running out to hug her. "Bianna!"

"Hi buddy."

He grabbed her suitcase and tried to drag it into the house, but it was too heavy for him. When Jesse stepped out of the house, Jake called out to him. "Jesse hep!"

Jesse sighed, but obliged, turning the luggage around and pulling out the handle. "This way squirt, remember?"

"Oh yeah! Thanks." He continued towards the door, walking backwards so that he could keep an eye on his job.

Stephanie stepped out of the way, but Jon, with Romeo in his arms wasn't so lucky.  "Ow! Jake watch where you're going."

"Sowy, beep beep, coming through." 

Brianna winced as she watched her suitcase bump and bang into the foyer, but figured it had been through worse in the various airports she'd travelled through.

"Bina! Bina!" Romeo saw her and threw himself at her, causing Jon to scramble to hang onto him.

"Romeo! Take it easy before you fall on your head!"

Quick reflexes shot Brianna's arms up to catch the toddler. Taking him from his father, she cuddled him close. His arms slid around her neck and squeezed. "Hi little man. Did you miss me?"

He nodded his head against her shoulder.

Rubbing his back, Brianna looked around at everyone in their winter coats and boots. "Going somewhere?" Did she risk life and limb to get there only for them to leave? Surely Jon would have told her if he had to go somewhere.

"Gocey store." Jake answered as, bellboy service complete, he rejoined them. "Come on. Let's go."

Jon opened the back door and stepped back so that she could put Romeo in his car seat.

"You're going grocery shopping?" Domestic chores were not his forte.

The shock and disbelief in her tone made him scowl. "Don't you think I'm capable?"

"I see you more like one of the kids, throwing whatever catches your eye in the cart, with no plan, while someone else pushes it, grumbling the whole time, impatient to get the job done and get out."   

Stephanie laughed and climbed in to help Jake into his seat. "Bingo!"

Jon turned his scowl at his daughter, but there was too much truth in Brianna's assessment to argue. "That's why we waited until you got here. We need to restock after the storm."

"Did you at least make a list?"

He shrugged. "We'll figure it out."

"I started one." Stephanie pulled a piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it over.

Taking it, Brianna glanced it over as she climbed into the front seat. She pulled a pen out of her purse with a sigh and started throwing out menu ideas for approval.

The drive to the store passed quickly amid much debate. Climbing out of the car, Jon picked up Romeo to carry him.

"No!" Romeo squirmed, pushing against his father's chest. "Want Bina! BINA!"

"Okay, okay. Calm down." Jon handed him over.

Brianna smiled, took Jake's hand with her free one and headed inside.

They got two carts so that both little boys could ride. Brianna and Stephanie pushed while Jon and Jesse filled. About ten minutes in Jon started looking at his watch.

"Uh uh." Brianna wagged her finger at him. "We've barely started."

He groaned and sighed, but dutifully turned his attention to the next aisle.

Half an hour later, they loaded the car and headed for home. Before they were halfway there, it started to snow again. Groans filled the car.

"Bianna you got here just in time." Jake pointed out.

"Looks like you're right Jake. Good thing you called me."

By the time they reached the house, it was really coming down.

"Wooks wike we have to pway inside again." Jake sighed.

"That's okay," Jon murmured in Brianna's ear. "Daddy likes inside sports."

She swatted his arm, grabbed two handfuls of grocery bags and started for the kitchen. Jon and Jesse followed suit while Stephanie helped Jake and Romeo out of their coats and boots.

Brianna was putting the last of the groceries away when she felt two arms slide around her waist. She leaned back against his hard chest and tilted her head when he nuzzled her neck. "Mmmm."

"We're finally alone. I can greet you properly." Turning her in his arms, he bent to capture her lips. "I've missed you."

"Brianna, can we.....oh. Sorry." Stephanie halted in her tracks and glanced around the room, not sure where to look. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

Jon straightened, but didn't let go of Brianna. "It's okay. What did you need?"

"Nothing. It can wait."

"Steph." Brianna watched the young girl closely. "Are you okay with seeing me like this with your dad or do you need us to cool it for awhile until you get used to it?"

Stephanie shrugged. "It's fine........I guess."

"Steph?" Jon frowned. "I thought you wanted us together."

"I did. I do. It's just.......I don't know."

"Actually seeing it is different than the idea of it?" Brianna guessed.

Stephanie shrugged again.

"Okay. I understand." Brianna patted Jon's chest and stepped back. "We'll take it slow and cool it with the PDAs for awhile."

"We will?" Jon wasn't sure he liked the sound of that. He'd thought that once the kids were on board his restrictions would be lifted and he could touch and kiss her whenever he felt the urge.

"Yes we will. The kids need to be comfortable with our relationship or it's never going to work." Brianna reminded him.

"I'm sorry Daddy. I'll try harder." Stephanie's eyes filled.

"It's okay Baby Girl." He stepped up to her and wrapped his arms around her. "I don't mean to pressure you. I know this is hard. There's no time limit. It'll come."

Brianna had to blink away her own tears. When Jon caught her eye and raised a brow, she smiled and nodded, her approval and pride evident in her face. "What did you come to ask me Steph?"

Wiping her eyes, Stephanie leaned her head on her father’s chest and looked at the older woman. "Um...oh! Can we make a cake or something for dessert?"

"Sure. What should we have for the main course tonight?" Brianna started pulling out cookbooks.

Stephanie and Jon looked at each other with raised brows, then answered in unison. "Spaghetti."

"With garlic bread." Jon added.

"And Caesar salad." Stephanie put in.

"And maybe this?" Brianna spun the open cookbook in front of her to show them the recipe and picture of Cannoli Cake.

"Mmmmm,." Father and daughter agreed.

"Okay then. Jon, you're on Daddy duty with the boys and Steph, I'm naming you my sous-chef. We'll get the sauce going first." Brianna directed.

"BINA! I TINK!!!"

"After I change your brother." Brianna amended.

"Have I told you how happy I am that you're here honey?" Jon blew her a kiss.

"Yeah, yeah,"

Watching her leave the room, Stephanie leaned against her father again. "How do we love her without forgetting Mom?"

Jon sighed and rubbed her back. It was a question he'd been asking himself for weeks - not that he was in love with her....yet, but he had a feeling it wouldn't take much. He passed on the answer he'd finally discovered. "Those are two different things, Baby Girl. We'll never forget Mom. And Bri would never want us to. She promised Mom she'd help you to remember. And in all the time I've known her, she's never broken a promise."

When she sighed, he squeezed her and kissed the top of her head. "One day at a time honey. It'll all work out. There's no rush."

She was silent for a moment. "You really like her, don't you."

"Yes, I do." He answered honestly.

"So do I."

After dinner they decided to watch a movie. Once again Jon and Brianna found themselves sharing the loveseat. One of the trailers for upcoming releases twigged her memory.

"Oh! I got a call from Bobby Bandieri yesterday about this year’s Hope Concert, wondering if you're still interested in participating." Her lips twisted. "And Southside called about his gig on New Year's Eve."

Jon snorted. "Was he inviting me or you?"

She grinned. "You to play on stage..."

"And you to play off of it?"

"Something like that."

He turned his head to stare at her. "What did you say?"

"That I'd talk to you and let him know." When his brows rose, she rolled her eyes. "About you playing." She nudged him with her elbow. "He knows my play time is all booked up."

Jon grunted.

"It might do you good to get out and play a little."

He leaned over to murmur in her ear. "I'd rather stay in and play with you." Heat flared through his body to match what, judging by her flushed face, was also shooting through hers. When she elbowed him again, he chuckled. "Might not be a bad idea. I'll call them tomorrow."

When the kids had all gone to bed, the adults sat by the fire with a glass of wine. Snuggled beside him, Brianna leaned her head against his shoulder and sipped while she watched the dancing flames.

This was one of the aspects of her personality that drew Jon to her - her capacity to sit quietly and not feel the need to fill the silence with inane chatter. He kissed the top of her head and sighed. Normally her calm presence beside him was soothing, but they'd been apart so long her scent, combined with the heat of her body reaching out to him was steadily working to destroy his serenity.

He shifted restlessly. "Do we really have to abstain from the PDAs?"

He sounded so much like a kid told he'd have to wait for his dessert that she had to chuckle. "Just in front of the kids and just until they get used to seeing us together as a couple. We'll start slow with touching, holding hands, that kind of thing."

"So I have to suffer until they're comfortable?" He grimaced. "I'm getting blue balls here Golden Eyes."

Those eyes twinkled. "Well, there might be a way to relieve your pain and frustration." And my own!

His face lit up in eager anticipation. "Yeah? How?"

Downing her wine, she handed her glass to him and stood. "Meet me in our pleasure palace in ten minutes. Bring the wine....and the baby monitor."

A frown creased his forehead as he watched her walk towards the door. "Pleasure palace? What are you talking about?"

"If you want me, you'd better figure it out." She paused in the doorway. "By the way, I got some new lingerie."

His frown turned into a scowl at her taunt. "Evil wench."