Two Hearts And A Baby

CHAPTER TWELVE

He’d just put Gabe down because everyone deemed not to get together for lunch, so he was on his way to the study to speak with his Father.  Susan pulled the car into the front quickly exited running up the stair into the foyer where she found Cade.

“Oh Cade, good I need your help,” she stated then hurried back outside.

“Why, is Faith all right,” Kincade began to panic thinking of all the terrible things which could have happened as he followed her outside.

Susan stopped to look back at him, “Oh no, it’s nothing terrible she fell asleep on the ride home apparently those sessions can be grueling and exhausting.”

He relaxed a great deal knowing she wasn’t hurt and followed Susan to the car where he saw Faith curled against the car door.  He slowly opened the door then gently scooped Faith into his arms.  She moaned in pain then mumbled something before snuggling up against his warm chest.  He smiled at the sweet, lovely picture she made in his arms and Susan didn’t miss the small gesture as she watched them.  He turned to begin the climb up the stairs while Susan closed the car door then followed. 

When they walked into the foyer there was a harsh woman’s voice raised in anger, “What is going on here.”

“Hush Mother, Faith was so exhausted from her physical therapy she fell asleep on the ride home,” Susan tried to explain.

“Why didn’t you just wake her up,” Christina stated the obvious while anger fueled her over the fact Kincade had that woman cradled in his arms.

“She could have but that would have been very insensitive.  I don’t mind please excuse me ladies,” Kincade turned going up the stairs quickly with his Mother glaring and Christina boiling with fury.

Susan followed while smiling sweetly at Christina and once in Faith’s room he deposited her on the bed and watched as she rolled to her side.  She had her head pillowed on one hand while the other one lay by her flat stomach.  He could see the bare skin of her legs because the skirt moved up some when he laid her down.  Raw desire pooled into his groin as he looked at this beautiful woman. 

“Cade,” Susan whispered from the doorway.

He turned leaving even though he didn’t want to Susan waited until he closed the door before speaking, “I’m sorry I should’ve just woken her up, but she looked so tired.”

“What do you mean,” Kincade inquired.

“This morning she looked as if she hadn’t slept last night on top of her session with the physical therapist, she just seemed drained of energy,” she looked unhappy.

He felt like the biggest horse’s ass, “It’s probably my fault.”

“I don’t see how,” she looked even less pleased.

“Come on let’s find a private place to talk” they took off down the hall.

This was a good thing because they didn’t know Christina was down the hall trying to listen.  After they left, Christina was furious she needed to know what was going on especially if she was going to keep Kincade.  Susan took him down by the pond because there would be no way anyone could sneak up and listen to the conversation the two were having.

“Explain yourself Cade,” Susan demanded when they were alone.

He sighed hunching over from the weight of guilt, “Ever since Faith’s come into my life, I’ve felt an attraction.  It turns out she is the woman from Halloween, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve I’ve been attracted to her without knowing who she was.  We’ve been trying to deny ourselves these feelings but it’s hard.  All I want to do is take her to bed and never let her out.”

Susan nodded her understanding, “Faith’s expressed the same thing, but says it’s because of Julie.”

“When was this,” he seemed to light up at once.

“She explained it to me today on the way to physical therapy.  I told her Julie would want her to go on with her life and if that’s with you so be it.  Julie may have cared about you at one time, but she shouldn’t deny herself happiness because of it.  Sometimes you can’t predict who your heart falls in love with, besides maybe this was her plan all along,” Susan looked up at her brother.

“I don’t know Susan, maybe your right.  Julie might have wanted Faith and I to be together to raise Gabe,” he liked the thought.

She smiled, “Either way you need to decide what you want because Christina is already winning over Mother.”

“I know,” he hung his head.

She went over to hug him, “I like Faith, she’s perfect,” kissing his cheek she left him to his thoughts.

Faith woke to find herself in bed and confused on how she got there when a knock sounded on her door, “Just a minute.”

Getting up she went to the door and opened it to find Kincade’s Mother standing there, “Please come in Mrs. Jordan.”

Emily breezed past her into a room where a servant should not be staying, “We need to talk.”

“All right,” Faith shut the door then sat down on the loveseat.

Emily stood on the other side of the room looking at the woman.  She was incredibly beautiful if only she came from better background, “I’ve come to explain your station in this house you’re the nanny.  For this reason, you must follow the rules of this station, which means you have meals with Joy.”

Faith looked at her with contempt but didn’t show it in her eyes or on her face, “I understand Mrs. Jordan and will do as you wish, is that all.”

Emily was surprised at how dignified Faith held herself even after hearing what, her position was in this house, “Yes.”

“Good, now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go get Gabe from Joy,” Faith stood regally and walked past Emily out the door without looking back.

Emily didn’t know whether to be offended or respect the girl for her diplomacy.  She left the room right after Faith and headed for the kitchen to look in on dinner.  Faith was angry, why should she even stay here if she was so unwelcomed.  Maybe it would be best if she just left and didn’t look back right now.  After some time, she could come back to his place and see Gabe.

Entering the nursery, she saw Joy changing Gabe’s diaper, “Hello Joy.”

“Hello Faith, I didn’t expect you so soon I thought you would be getting ready for dinner with the family,” Joy finished then handed him to Faith.

“I’ve been banned from family dinners it seems I’m the help,” she looked down at Gabe who gurgled up at her and decided maybe she couldn’t leave just yet.

“Emily,” Joy shook her head.

“Yes, Christina is here so I’ve been put in my place.”

Joy shook her head sadly, “I don’t like that woman I can’t believe Emily would treat you like that your Gabe’s aunt.”

Faith shrugged her shoulders, “I can’t say I’m surprised by it she hasn’t exactly been nice to me since I’ve arrived.”

“I’m sure Kincade will make things right,” Joy looked at her watch, “It’s time for dinner for the girls and I usually eat with them you can eat with us and bring Gabe.”

“Sounds great,” Faith followed Joy out while still carrying Gabe.

They went down to the kitchen area and from there Faith found a small dining room that she realized was for the children.  They sat together she helped Joy feed Susan’s girls that’s when she realized between taking care of Gabe and these little girls, she would like a large family.  This was a strange feeling for her because a year or so ago she didn’t want to have any children at all.  Now with Julie gone and she’s all alone she wanted many children.  After dinner, Faith took Gabe up to her room where she changed him then laid him down in his bassinet to sleep.  Sitting down on the loveseat below the window, she began to think.  The window was open letting in a small breeze she closed her eyes and let it wash over her.  Her mind kept picturing her and Kincade as a family with Gabe and many more children.

Kincade entered the dining room and found everyone already seated but instead of Faith, sitting in her spot it was Christina.  As he sat down the dinner began and there was no sign of Faith at all.

“Are we not waiting for Faith,” Kincade asked.

Emily looked at her son, but no one saw the smug look on Christina’s face, “I explained her place in this house she ate with Joy and the girls.”

Plates where placed and Emily didn’t think anything about what she had done so proceeded with eating.  Kincade was furious standing up he slammed his hands on the table.

“Damn it, Mother how could you,” he turned leaving the room.

“Kincade, don’t you leave,” Emily began to say.

William spoke, “Shut up Emily.”

Emily gasped because her husband never spoke to her in such a manner ever, “But,” she began.

William interrupted her, “Let’s just eat dinner.”

Susan was to upset by what her Mother had done she stood saying, “I’m not hungry excuse me.”

She left the room and Howard sighed then followed his wife out.  Only Emily, William, and Christina enjoyed dinner, but it was a noticeably quiet dinner since the tension was high.  Kincade went up the stairs two at a time hoping to find Faith in her room.  He didn’t bother to knock just opened the door and entered.  She was sitting on the loveseat underneath the open window which let the breeze flow in blowing her hair around her face.  Her eyes were closed, and she was enjoying some quiet, next to her was Gabe in his bassinet.  Slowly he made his way to the couch leaning down ever so quietly he pressed his mouth to her soft lips.  The kiss was slow at first then he put pressure increasing the tempo causing her lips to open.  His tongue slipped inside to dance with hers making her moan softly.  Kincade eased his body down next to hers but never broke the kiss.  Maybe finally they wouldn’t be interrupted and move toward the desire burning deep inside them.

A soft knock came to the door making Kincade groan and he broke away from her, “Enter,” he shouted.

Susan entered the room, “Faith, are you all right.”

Faith looked at Kincade and tried to smile, “Yes.”

“I’m sorry for what Mother did,” Susan came over and sat on the bed as the two were on the couch.

“It’s all right she just explained to me what I already knew.  Especially when Christina Kincade’s girlfriend showed up.”

Kincade was getting mad again, “Damn it, Faith you are part of the family not just the help.”

Faith sighed, “Your Mother doesn’t agree with you guys and since I’m staying in her house, I have to respect her wishes.”

“I don’t care what she says you’ll have dinner with us as a family,” Kincade stated.

“Kincade your Mother already doesn’t like me.  I’m not going to make her hate me I’ll just have my meals with Joy and the children.”

“Fine I’ll have my meals with you, Joy, and the children too,” Kincade stated.

Susan shook her head, “You should give in Faith no matter what he’ll win one way or the other.”

“I’ll have dinner with the family but I’m telling you she isn’t going to be happy about this.”

“I’m going to go now,” Susan stood and left the room.

“Kincade why are you trying to piss off your Mother,” she asked.

“I’m not, but you’re special to me and I won’t have you treated horribly,” he reached over and gently ran his hand down her cheek.

“This really must stop Kincade you’re involved with someone already,” she couldn’t help but lean into his hand as it lay against her cheek.

“I know but I’m trying to figure out what I’m going to do about everything,” he wanted to lean in and kiss her again, but she moved away.

“I think it’s time for bed I’m really tired,” she stood quickly.

He stood turning her around, “I know you have issues because at one time I’d been with Julie, but you shouldn’t only think about her.  You should think about yourself because you’re the one still alive.”

He pulled her into his arms and passionately kissed her before releasing then stormed out of the room.  Faith stood speechless as she watched him leave in a huff.

William entered the bedroom and found Emily sitting at the vanity taking her makeup off.  He confronted her the second he closed the door, “How could you do that.”

Emily looked to her husband innocently, “I don’t know what you mean.”

“I can’t believe you would treat Faith that way.  How could you treat her as if she was a mere servant?”

Emily frowned at his tone, “Because she’s the nanny.”

He practically shouted, “She’s not just the nanny Emily, she’s family because of Gabe.  The only reason she’s Cade’s nanny is because it’s the only way she could have Gabe in her life.”

She sighed and tried to make him understand, “I know that, but she has to understand one thing once Christina and Kincade are married she’ll have to act like the nanny or leave.”

“How do you know Cade wants to marry Christina,” he commented while he dressed for bed.

Emily sat down the brush she’d been running through her hair after she’d removed her makeup, “Christina and I have been discussing it for some time now, and I’ve given my blessing.”

“Damn its Emily why are you planning our son’s future without discussing it with him first,” he was furious now.

She’d never seen her husband this angry with her before, “I know what’s best for him, and Christina comes from excellent lineage.”

“And as far as you’re concerned Faith doesn’t come from a great lineage so she’s unsuitable for Cade,” William turned away from her.

“Exactly,” she thought he finally understood.

They climbed into bed, and he looked at his wife, “I pity you right now Emily because Faith is a very wonderful young woman and I think she would make a better match for Cade.  At least she’d give me more grandchildren whereas Christina won’t.”

“What makes you think Kincade wants more children,” she asked.

“Haven’t you seen the way he looks at Gabe, and the way he looks at Faith when she is holding him.  You can see it in his eyes he wants a woman that will give him a family.  I’ve waited a long time for him to finally want that.”

Emily sighed, “Maybe you’re right, but I’ll talk to Christina and see what she has to say about possibly having children.”

“If you chose to but I don’t think she’ll change her mind,” he turned off the light and they went to sleep.

The next day dawned with busy activity as everyone was preparing for the annual Spring Charity Ball.  Susan talked about it with Faith even though she wouldn’t be attending but found it intriguing.

            “This party reminds me of the old Balls they use to have in the seventeen and eighteen hundred in England.  Of course, we don’t have the kind of dresses those women wore, but I’d like to think ours are just as elegant,” Susan was bubbling with excitement you would think it was her senior prom all over again.

            “It sounds divine Susan, I’d love to go,” Faith confessed.

            Susan squealed suddenly, “Oh Faith you should come.”

            Faith smiled at her new friend, “I couldn’t for several reasons one I don’t have anything to wear and two I don’t have an escort.”

            Susan frowned as she looked over at the children who were playing quietly together.  They had decided in the late afternoon after a horrible lunch with Emily and Christina they’d bring the children outside.  Now Gabe lay on a blanket underneath the giant willow tree with Susan’s two girls, Stephanie and Lissa.  Faith now even more hated going to the meals after the conversation with Emily then Kincade making her.

            “That’s all right besides your Mother wouldn’t want me to go anyway,” Faith replied then instantly felt bad, “I’m sorry I didn’t mean anything bad by that, oh dear.”

            Susan giggled then smiled at her, “It’s all right my Mother can be harsh.  Don’t let it bother you she has a tough time with people who aren’t what she considers the right pedigree.”

            “I know but I don’t understand why she has such a hate for me,” Faith sighed.

            “Because Cade had a child out of wedlock with a woman, she doesn’t consider good blood line.  Then he moves the sister in and treats her like a member of the family instead of the nanny you were hired to be,” Susan smiled a funny smirk.

            “I never asked Kincade to treat me in any such manner,” Faith tried to explain.

            She waved her hand in a dismissal motion, “Of course not but Cade say’s your family because of Gabe.  There is nothing wrong with that however Mother thinks otherwise.”

            “I know,” Faith again sighed.

            “I know you like Cade in more ways than just a friend, but I can’t figure out why you won’t just go for it,” she held up her hand to stop Faith from speaking, “I know you say it’s because of Julie but you’re alive and she isn’t.  Don’t get angry I mean no offense but live your life even if it is with a man, she had once been with.”

            Before Faith could speak again Maria came out, “Mrs. Alderwood your husband is looking for you.”

            “Oh dear, come along girls, Faith we’ll talk later,” Susan turned to head for the house with her two girls in tow.  Faith remained out underneath the willow tree with Gabe thinking about everything Kincade and Susan has said.

            Kincade stood in the study watching his sister and Faith talk out under the willow tree.  William came in to find his son standing by the window looking out with longing.  He approached quietly to stand next to him and look out the window to see his daughter talking to Faith.

            “Cade is everything all right,” William glanced over at his son.

            “I don’t know Dad I’m sort of lost with what’s happening.  Ever since Gabe and Faith appeared on my doorstep nothings been the same.”

            He shook his head in understanding, “I understand, but why is that.”

            Kincade looked over at his father, “I have these overwhelming feelings for Faith, and it was long before I knew who she was.  We’ve met a few times and I was attracted to her then, but now she appeared on my doorstep being the sister of Julie.  My other problem is ever since I’ve had Gabe, he’s made me want more children.”

            “Christina is very adamant about not having any children at all,” his father pointed out.

            “Yes, plus Faith is having these feelings of if she does anything with me it will tarnish her sister’s memory,” Kincade through up his hands in frustration, “All because at one-time Julie and I had a relationship that produced Gabe.  I just don’t know what to do.”

            “I can see your predicament, but Julie would want Faith to be happy and if that’s with you then so be it.  I really like Faith, I think she would be perfect in the family plus she’d give me more grandchildren,” he jabbed Kincade in the arm.

            “Thanks Dad, but I don’t think Mother feels the same way she really likes Christina,” Kincade hung his head before turning away from the enticing picture outside.

            His father put his hand on his shoulder, “It’s because Christina comes from what your Mother considers prestige, while Faith doesn’t.  Still, I think she’d learn to like Faith given time, but your sister sure has become friends with her.”

            “Yes, she has,” Kincade chuckled, “I guess I’ll go take care of some things before the Ball.”

            William smiled sadly, as he watched his son leave not knowing what he could do to help him other than talk to Emily.  He didn’t think he could sway her to forget about pushing Christina out and letting things progress with Kincade and Faith.

Susan walked into the room she shared with Howard and found him in an extremely bad mood.  She smiled because he was always getting agitated over the littlest things, but she loved him anyway.

            “Howard, you sent for me.  What’s such an emergency that you had to pull me away from Faith,” she sat down on the edge of the bed.

            He stopped his pacing at the sound of her voice, “Oh thank heavens you’re here I just got off the phone with Duncan.”

            “Really, what did he say that has you pacing a hole in the floor.”

            He dragged a hand through his thick brown hair, “Apparently, his escort to the Ball has become ill, and now he doesn’t have anyone to go with.”

            Susan smiled at him, and it still amazed her that after seven years of marriage she could still find him extremely attractive.  He was six-one with an excellent athletic body for an executive.  His eyes were the golden shade of rum while his brown hair was well groomed, but then she realized what he said.

            Abruptly she exclaimed with excitement, “Oh this is perfect.”

            He glared at his wife as if she’d suddenly grown two heads, which was difficult because she was always, so levelheaded.  As he looked at her all he wanted to do was make love to her right now.  The attraction was still there he loved her well-formed body even after two children, she maintained a slim figure.  She looked mostly like her Mother both had beautiful auburn hair and starry blue eyes.

            He pulled himself back to the conversation, “How is it great my friend and colleague will go without an escort for the Ball tonight.  He’ll be so embarrassed he’ll never want to show his face again.”

            She smiled at him then couldn’t help but laugh at the expression on his handsome face, “No he won’t because I have the perfect solution just give me a few minutes, and Duncan will have an escort for tonight’s Ball.”

            He sighed while nodding his head in acceptance she stood going over to him where she softly kissed him, “Don’t worry darling trust me.”

            “I always do dear,” he enfolded her in his arms and gave her a long tender kiss.

            Susan hurried from the room to speak with Joy who she found with the girls in their room, “Joy I need a favor from you.”

            Joy looked up at her since she was sitting at the little table with the girls.  Stephanie and Lissa were happily coloring in their favorite books, “Anything you need Mrs. Alderwood,” Joy liked her employer because she was so nice not like most wealthy people.

            “Oh wonderful, could you please watch Gabe tonight for me.  Howard’s friend needs an escort for the Charity Ball, and I want Faith to join us.”

            Joy shyly smiled, “Of course I’ll watch Gabe for you, and Faith besides I think she likes your brother.”

            Susan laughed, “I know she does and thanks so much for helping me out.”

            “Good luck,” Joy said as Susan left the room.