When The Rain Falls

CHAPTER 12

“If we’re gonna make tongues wag, Callen, I’m going to need both feet in good working condition.”

He laughed, and moved his legs at an awkward angle, staring down at the floor. After the Kenny debacle, Callen had made the mistake of telling Amelia he had never danced before, except for his wedding, and that first dance was mainly Arya showboating while he stood still. Amelia had made a joke about him being a stripper pole, and he couldn’t help but agree. After he stepped on her toe the third time, she ended up swapping her slippers for steel toe boots, which didn’t make her any less graceful in the least.

“Where did you learn this, Amelia?” Callen asked. He felt like a stumbling buffoon compared to how she moved.

Amelia raised his hand to twirl under it and came back close to his chest, her arm around his shoulder. “My mom wanted to make sure I was mobile, graceful, and lady like. She signed me up for lessons when I turned thirteen, until I was seventeen. She was a ballerina in her heyday, and hoped it became a tradition with me.”

“I assume since you’re not exactly dancing in the Broadway selection of Swan Lake, that was not the plan for you?” He dipped her and stumbled slightly, almost dropping her.

“Oof.” Amelia grumbled as his foot found her calf. “Nope. Too fat to be a ballerina.”

Callen pulled her back up, and carefully righted her. He made a show of looking at her body admiringly and closely. “Fat? Granted, you’re hardly a waif, Amelia, but fat?”

“The word you’re looking for, sir, is curvy, thank you very much!” Amelia planted her fists on her hips. After his soft chuckle, she pulled him in again and began a slow waltz. “So what did you and Ainsley talk about last week? Anything I can do to help out?”

Callen swallowed, thinking up a lie. “Boys. Life. Pregnancy. I told her I refused to discuss s*x until I was too far into dementia to remember it.”

“Weird, we already had that discussion.” Amelia frowned. “Maybe she wanted her dad’s point of view? A mans?”

“Possibly.” Callen attempted yet another dip, and then another. “But either way she’s going to be alright.”

“Mhm.” Amelia nodded. “Except I won’t tell you how I know, but you’re lying to me.”

He stopped. “How could you tell?”

“I said I’m not telling you.” She resumed the dance, until Fiona came to them and reached for her fathers hands, and stepped on his shoes to dance as well.

And Callen did, stepping carefully, holding his daughter's hands in his own, laughing with her while his mind raced. Of course, Ainsley didn’t ask about boys, pregnancy, or any of that rubbish. She asked about Amelia and Kenny, and if he was going to take her away, and what had happened to make him so angry at him. Callen was thankful to be able to tell her some truth about that. Kenny was not a worry anymore, and Amelia was going to be part of their lives, no matter what. Then she asked if Amelia and him were together. He had no answer to that, other than to repeat that Amelia wasn’t going anywhere, and playing matchmaker to keep her with them wasn’t necessary. It seemed to satisfy her curiosity, if only for a little while.

When Fiona tired of the game, Amelia took her place again, and tried to teach him a simple waltz. He tripped over her less this time, and she laughed instead of crying out in pain.

“You are an amazing father, Callen.” Amelia said, smiling. “These girls worship you. You are the world in their eyes.”

“Amelia, they’re my world. Period,” Callen said. “They love you, by the way. You’ve been an amazing influence on them.”

“Well, they’re great kids. Twirl me.” She raised his hand and turned under his arm, then pressed herself back into his arms. “I really think if it’s at all possible, we should take them on a trip somewhere. Just either you guys, or I can tag along. I mean, up to you, but I know they’ll benefit more if they get some major one on one time with you.”

“Hmm, you may be right.” He held her close, and stopped moving. “Where would you think they’d enjoy it? We haven’t been to Dublin since Fiona was born. We can shop a bit in Howth. Maybe stay in the Mermaid Isles? Ainsley likes mermaids.”

Amelia nodded. “I haven’t been to Dublin before. So. I’d be useless. So you guys should go.”

“Me old boss, we’re on good terms.” Callen began to sway, slowly moving with her close to him. “He has a vacation rental. Said I could use it at any time. Highrise, two bedrooms, one bedroom has double beds for the girls.”

Amelia smiled up at him. “And you expect me to stay in your bed? With you? With the girls knowing?”

“You have been. Granted you’ve been wearing fleece pajamas and denying me a chance to see that beautiful ass again.” He said simply, enjoying the red in her cheeks. “We said we’d see how this goes, Amelia. Maybe we should take another step. Maybe we should see if the girls are okay with us.”

“The engagement party is tonight.” She said softly. “Maybe we can see what happens afterwards?”

Callen nodded, looking down at her. He pulled her close, an arm around her waist, and held her to his chest, swaying softly. “Are you saying that you’re willing to come sleep in my bed tonight? And stay after the girls wake up? It’s quite annoying to wait til half past eleven at night to have you beside me.”

Amelia reached up and ran her hand over his face to his neck. “I mean, maybe we can see what happens tonight. Granted your mom is taking them both tonight, so we don’t have to sneak around. Ainsley’s birthday is in a few days. I know she’s very on board with us being, you know.”

Callen stopped moving. “Amelia, are you okay with what happened between us?”

“Of course Callen.” She shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You haven’t seemed to want to…” He trailed off. “I didn’t expect you to become a nymphomaniac after one night with me. However, I was hoping for a repeat performance.”

Amelia stayed quiet, and moved her eyes from his. She began to sway again with him, and leaned closer to his body, running her hands along his back. He felt her fingers press into the sinewy muscle that lined his shoulder blades, and then down to his waist. Tilting her head, she captured his mouth with hers, and gently kissed him with as much feeling as she could give him, all she felt. He gently opened her lips with his tongue and swept her mouth, his arms coming around her to pull her closer.

The sound of someone clearing their throat pulled them apart. Ainsley stood behind Amelia, grinning. It was the happiest Callen had seen her in a long time.

“Totally called it Dad.” She said through her teeth. “I knew you weren’t telling me the truth last week.”

Callen pulled Amelia close, and pressed his chin into Amelia’s shoulder, wrapping his arms around her waist. “Don’t you dare tell anyone, Ains. Not even your gran. It’s new to us too.”

Rolling her eyes, Ainsley ran in-between them, and hugged both Amelia and Callen together. “I knew this was gonna happen. I knew it. When you started smiling more after the first day, I knew Amelia was the one.”

Amelia paled. The one? She looked at Callen and questioned him with her eyes, mouthing ‘the one?’ He shrugged and hugged his daughter closer. Ainsley pulled away, her smile never failing. “Kiss her like that tonight. If you love someone, you gotta show the world.”

With that, she let them go and ran back to her room. Amelia looked at Callen, confused. “Did… did that girl just say love?”

“I guess she did,” he said. Callen began to sway softly again. “I don’t know if-"

“Don’t say anything past that, Callen.” Amelia whispered to him. Her hand found the back of his head and pulled his mouth to hers again. She pulled away, but kept her lips close. “Not yet. But we do need to get ready. I know Arya is asking for you and the girls there, so Jules, your mom and I will go in a separate car. I’m doing your mom’s hair. Promise it wont be purple.”

“So you don’t want me to tell you how I feel about you?” He asked softly, kissing her forehead.

“No. Because if you do right now,” she leaned her lips up and captured his once again. “It’ll be forced, spur of the moment and frankly, the last thing I want is you to feel like you have to reciprocate my feelings. So, however you feel, just know. I feel the same. So you don’t need to tell me. I already know.”

He knew he didn’t have to, but by God, he wanted to.

-----

Arya walked like she was floating. Her long crème colored rhinestone adorned evening gown flowed and sparkled, with a train that reached her ankles, and a skirt that billowed into an A-line and kissed the ground ever so softly. Her hair was done up in curls upon curls, with a glittering tiara gracing her head that was adorned with beads that fell beside her face. Her large diamond engagement ring was almost blinding, and all contrasted beautifully with her sun-kissed skin.

Jason stood beside her, tall, handsome in a suit cut and tailored just for his body. Narrow waist and strong muscular legs covered in the finest Italian cut black trousers, with broad strong shoulders, his dark auburn hair and hazel eyes seemed to light up at Arya’s presence. His smile and his jacket were as white as her dress, his facial hair trimmed neatly into a goatee, he resembled a model, but with as much charisma as he reflected, he also showed a charming, humble side. He was handsome, with a long angular face, and a dark goatee with just a sprinkling of gray, and a touch of silver at the temples. Distinguished and humble, with a gaze just as charismatic and comforting

They both stood talking, as he caressed her face, when Callen walked into the manor. The girls stood in amazement at the sight of the ballroom. Beautifully adorned in crystals and gold, multiple centerpieces, and a banquet feast fit for royalty. The staircases were adorned with candles, brightly lit, and strung Edison bulb lights reflected the glass and colors. He almost laughed at how they must have looked. Ainsley in her halter top dress in royal blue, denying her young age and showing her as a young woman, and Fiona with her disastrous purple unicorn tutu. He wore a dark black suit that Amelia picked out for him that hugged his shoulders, and fit him like a glove. He knew he could not match how pristine Jason looked, but he didn’t mind. It wasn’t his night to be the center of attention.

Arya took immediate notice of Callen and her children and a smile graced her peach-colored lips. Jason saw them both, and smiled as well. He kissed Arya’s cheek and whispered in her ear before they both walked towards them.

Callen stood up straight, watching as they came to him. Immediately he felt awkward, seeing this man touch his now ex-wife as intimately as he once did, and holding her hand possessively. He also noted his age. Jason was Amelia’s age, maybe a few years older, but definitely closer to hers than he was to Arya’s. He was also taller, at least three inches, and more well built than Callen could have ever seen himself to become. The man had a chiseled jawline and a smile out of a fairytale. No wonder Arya had fallen for him. 

“Jason,” Callen said briskly. He extended his hand, which Jason gladly took.

“Callen, thanks man. It’s so nice to see the girls again, and finally meet you face to face. The phone doesn’t do a person justice. You know?” Jason gazed down at Ainslee and Fiona, giving them a big smile. “Girls, the dessert table is ready. If you wanna go on and start the best part first, be my guest.”

Arya smiled as the girls extended thanks and broke away. It faded quickly as she turned to Callen, a surprised look on her face. “Is Fiona really wearing that?”

Callen nodded. “It’s what she wanted. So yes. She’s really wearing that.”

Giving him a disappointed look, she shook her head. “I can't believe you allowed this. There was no way you could influence her out of a bloody tutu, Callen?”

“Actually, I didn’t take them shopping. Amelia did. And she let the girls choose what they wanted, and our five-year-old wanted a tutu.” Callen shrugged. “The heart wants what it wants.”

Arya sighed. “Ainsley looks magnificent. She’s growing up. How she dotes on Fiona.” Taking a deep breath, she turned to Callen, and gave him a demure once over. “As do you Callen. Very handsome. It reminds me of our wedding day. Seeing you like this at the end of the aisle. I remember how my heart skipped.”

He smiled, feeling weird about her compliment. When he didn’t respond, Arya looked towards their children. “I’ll go make sure they don’t eat too much and give Amelia a headache when they get home. Does she have any plans tonight, Callen?”

Callen nodded. “Yes, actually. She’ll be here in a bit.”

Arya stopped, and stared at him intently. “Amelia is your date?”

“Invite said Plus One.” Callen shrugged. “Mum said Jules decided she was to be his, so Amelia graciously took the mantle as mine.”

“You’re… you’re dating your babysitter?” she replied. “Are you serious, Callen? She lives with you!”

“We aren’t dating. “ He took a deep breath. “She was supposed to come with Kenny but that fell through. So she had a dress and no where to go. I had the invite and my social life is garbage. It worked.”

He could almost sense the relief in her, and he cursed himself for the lie. Why should he care if Arya knew they had something? Arya didn’t seem to care that he knew she was with Jason. So why should it matter?

Because the woman he was once in love with was standing before him, dressed like a goddess, in a golden room, with another man. And while it still hurt, watching her carry her beautiful self towards the two beautiful children they created, he didn’t stab him anymore. It was a dull ache of a healing wound.

Jason and Callen got on well. His girls seemed to like him, and he liked them. While he sipped his drink of scotch neat, he frowned. Arya had always pointed out that Jason wasn’t fond of children. It made no sense as to why he was so caring for his. Callen made a mental note to speak to Jason about this. If he was going to be a part of his children’s lives, he had to love them like his own.

Absent-mindedly he wandered about. He avoided Arya’s parents, with their annoyed pinched faces, and her brother and his constant request to have a ride along. Since he became a cop, Anthony Gladstone had been a thorn in his side until the separation, and he was glad her family had gone with her in the divorce. Mutual friends from previous times he avoided as well, except for the occasional well-wisher that came over to him as a courtesy, and not out of interest in how he was doing generally. Kenny took one look his way, and exited any area they would be in simultaneously. Through his mingling, he learned that Jason was wealthy, his parents were wealthy, his father, especially, his mother was a prude, but Jason was raised with good intentions. Overall, he was a good man who seemed to have good intentions. Overall, it was difficult to hate him, and Callen found

When Anthony Gladstone caught him again, he inwardly groaned and resigned to his fate. But instead of the man pestering him about any time he shot his gun, he nudged him to look towards the double French doors of the entrance.

“Ay, brother,” Anthony said, jabbing his ribs with his elbow. Callen refrained from slapping him.

“Yes, Anthony?” He asked, sipping his drink.

“Who’s that with yer mum and Jules? She’s like the lady of death, with all her breath takin' in this place!”

Callen frowned and followed Anthony’s eyes, only to feel his heart stop beating. When Amelia entered, those who were close to her stopped breathing, and those near her stopped speaking. She had redone her hair. No longer did she have large roots of dark brown and a sassy ombre of color. Instead, her entire head was a deep, dark purple and burgundy mix, with streaks of red mixing in with the curls. And she had curls. He knew her Italian heritage gave her thick, long locks, but she always had her hair either in a bun or a ponytail. Tonight she had a sophisticated updo, her own beautiful curls framing her face and neck, with barrettes that matched the glimmering sequins in her dress. She also had forgone the face piercings, except for a beautiful dermal on the side of her eye he knew she didn’t have originally. He figured it was part of the make-up she wore, which itself wasn’t gaudy or overdone like normal. Instead, with it’s usual dark toned flare, she looked elegant, beautiful, and completely unapproachable.

And that damn dress she wore, fitting her like sin, narrowing her waist with its deep-cut corset, holding those damn breasts down, and flaring over those damn hips with a-high slit, made him suddenly need to take his jacket off.

The party seemed to separate like they were water and oil. Amelia walked to him, her high heels clicking on the marbled floor, and smiled. He found his feet moving to greet her, and finally he came close enough to smell her jasmine, peach, and fig perfume. Her lips moved. But he couldn’t hear with all the blood rushing to his ears. All he could do was concentrate on the simple choker that adorned her neck and the long opera gloves that laced up her arms, and the beautiful way her collar bones shadowed above her breasts.

“Callen? Can you hear me?” Her words finally made it past the humming in his mind.

“Yes Amelia, sorry, my mind got away from me.” Callen smiled and gazed at her, her full ensemble coming together. He sipped his drink. “Thought you weren’t going to show up the bride?”

Her eyes went wide and she looked down at her dress. “It’s not too much is it?”

“Absolutely not.” He whispered back. “By God, woman, you’re beautiful. You’re taking every eye in the room, but who can blame them?”

Amelia giggled, and it was a beautiful sound. Beside Callen, Anthony Gladstone came into view, and leered at her, smiling. “Hello there darling!” He said, his smile matching his sisters in shape and form. “And who might you be? Except absolutely stunning, but I’m sure you knew that.”

“My name is Amelia.” She extended her hand. “And you are...?”

“Anthony Gladstone, so very happy to meet you.” He took her hand in his, and pressed his lips against her fingers. “Seems you know my brother Callen here, but he hasn’t mentioned you to me before.”

“Brother-in-law. Former.” Callen took Amelia’s hand from Anthony’s mouth. “Amelia this is Anthony Gladstone. Anthony is Arya’s brother. Me girl's uncle.”

“My pleasure,” Amelia said kindly. Only Callen could tell that she didn't mean it.

Anthony raised an eyebrow. “American lass, ay? Arya said Callen hired an American to watch me nieces. Callen, you didn’t tell me she was such a beauty.”

Amelia half smiled. “Yes, well, Mr. Fraser-"

“Amelia,” Callen interrupted her. “You know bloody well not to call me that. Especially tonight.”

She smirked. “Do I call you Callen then?”

He chuckled, and gave a look at Anthony. “She knows damn well what to call me tonight.” He took her hand in his, and leaned in to kiss her softly on the lips. “Amelia, you know you can call me yours.”

Callen stepped away from Anthony, enjoying the laughter that came from Amelia as he twirled her on the dance floor. When the music came on, he pulled her close, and buried his nose in her neck. A hand wrapped around her waist while another took hers in his. Her arm came around his shoulder and she kissed him softly behind the ear.

“Did you say that so it would get back to Arya?” she asked him. “Or did you really mean that?”

Callen pressed his lips against her earlobe, softly blowing on her earring. “Up to you Amelia. Did I mean it?”

“I’d like to answer that later.” Her eyes closed partway. Peering behind him. “What do you see? Because I see a pissed off ex wife staring at us with her jaw breaking her toes.”

“Hmm. I see two pinch-faced old ninnies glaring at me and my gorgeous date.” Callen kissed her temple, and softly pulled away. “My former in-laws. I’m assuming Anthony is making the rounds now to gossip.”

Amelia smiled up at him. “You know the girls are watching.”

“They’re staring. The older one is swooning while Jules is agreeing with my mum and hitting on her.” He pulled her closer, tilting his head. “I think the rest of the room is staring at you.”

“What makes you think that?” Amelia whispered.

“You’re the only one here more beautiful than the bride. And you didn’t even try to be.” He leaned in and kissed her lips, holding her mouth captive with his own. Her arm reached around his neck and pulled him closer. When he finally released her, he was breathing deeply, his chest pressing against hers. “You are so beautiful, Amelia. I don’t know where we are going with this. With us. But I want to see what becomes of us. I know you’re scared. So am I. But you’re the only woman who has ever made me forget I was married to the other one.”

She swallowed, and pulled her lips away from his. “Callen, I-"

“Excuse me you two,” A shrill, prim voice came at them warningly. They both looked to the source, and Callen inwardly groaned.

“Mother Gladstone,” He said stiffly. “And what can I do for you, Irene?”

“My daughter would love some time to catch up with you, Callen.” Her face crinkled, crows' feet etching madly the corners of her eyes. Arya stood behind her, her face pensive, with a polite smile. She took Amelia’s hand and gently pulled her away while handing her daughter to Callen roughly. “Amelia dear. Come. Have a drink at the bar, let my daughter and the father of my grandchildren catch up.”

She all but dragged Amelia away, and Arya slid into her place, pressing herself against her former husband. Callen danced with her stiffly, suddenly forgetting everything Amelia had taught him.

Irene led Amelia to the bar. She promptly deposited her next to Jason, who, smiled at her and ordered another drink as he watched the scene before him. Irene gave a cry, and stepped away, ignoring Amelia and Jason as she ventured off to mingle.

“What… what was that about?” Amelia asked Jason.

He choked on his drink, and turned to her surprised. “Whoa. A fellow New Yorker?”

Amelia smiled. “Bronx. I think Arya said you were from Manhattan?”

“Yep, born and bred.” He took a sip of his drink. “Of course, to Mama Gladstone I’m still a f*****g Yankee." He motioned to the bartender, who brought another drink, and handed it to her. “Jason Maccone. And you are?”

“Amelia Richards.” She smiled at him. “I know who you are. The man of the hour.”

“Ha! Guess you can call me that.” He gave her another smile. He pointed to the dancefloor at Callen and Arya, waving his glass between them. “Callen seems like a good man. I like the guy. Are you two…?”

Amelia shrugged, sipping her drink. “To be honest, not sure right now. We just wanna see how things go.”

“I see. Best way to do it.” He shook his head. “Should come as no surprise, but Irene’s still pissed Arya left him. Wants them back together.”

Amelia turned to him, confused. “Is that why her mom dragged me away from her former son-in-law?”

"Most likely." Jason shook his head. "Callen was always good to them. Me, not so much." Jason smirked. “I outright told Arya that her parents gotta deal with their own s**t. We have got enough of our own, and I really hate how Irene thinks he’ll go back to his old job and make the family whole again if Arya tries hard enough.”

Amelia shook her head. “No. He’s set on being an officer. It makes him happy. And that’s what I want for him.”

Jason looked at her, and lifted a corner of his handsome mouth. “You’re a good woman, Amelia. Makes me hate myself for what I'm about to ask you.”

Amelia nodded, and drained her glass. Setting it on the counter, she turned to him. “Well, what can I do for you?

Jason chuckled and took her glass, handing it to an older gentleman who hid his face from them both, passing them by. “See, you’re close to the kids, right? Well, I’ve been wanting to get close to them too. But the older one, man, she has a hate for her mom.”

Amelia blew out a breath. “Man, does she. She doesn’t even call her Mom. Fiona doesn’t even know her.”

Jason gave her a serious look. “I honestly don’t blame them. Italy was a nightmare. I told Arya to watch them while I tended to some business with my dad, but she was bound and determined to send them back here. I said I’d even get a sitter but nope.”

Amelia narrowed her eyes. “That’s not what Arya said happened.”

Jason shook his head, sipping his drink. “Doesn’t surprise me. I love my fiancé, but a mother she is not. I’m not into having kids of my own, but s**t, they’re a part of her, so I wanna get close to them. If I can get some help from you, maybe see if we can work something out about custody? Convince Callen to let us have ‘em a few weeks every other month?”

Amelia shook her head slowly. “You need to talk to your fiancé about that, Jason. She just signed over all the rights. And Callen isn’t going to give them up.”

Jason stared at her, studying her face. "She did? I asked her to get partial custody. If I'm gonna be in their lives, I need to get to know them."

Turning from him, Amelia smoothed her skirt, seeing Arya detach from Callen. “They’re separating now. I’m going to go talk to Callen. Maybe see what I can do for you. Thank you Jason.”

She walked towards Ainslee and Fiona, picking up Fiona and hugging Ainslee to her hip. They walked to the dancefloor towards their father and each person took a child, and began to move together to a lovely tune, with Callen leading a traditional Scottish dance. His girls laughed at him, all of them, and those who watched him felt the joy he emanated as if they were the sun.

Jason too gazed at them, until Arya came and leaned against him. He draped an arm over her waist and looked to the corner, watching as an older man put a drink glass in a plastic bag.