Two Hearts And A Baby

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Faith looked at Megan and was nervous because she didn’t know what she wanted, “I wasn’t expecting you today,” Faith spoke.

“I was going to wait until Cade was back in town to come see his son, but after last night when I spoke to Duncan I had to come.  Is Christina around,” Megan went over and sat down next to her.

“No, she got angry at Cade and left this morning,” Faith was happy about that but even more because he ended things with her.  This meant she just had to come to terms about betraying Julie.

“Why was she angry,” Megan was a bit surprised.

“Cade broke it off with her.”

Megan smiled but it seemed a bit sad, “I’m glad he did was there a reason why.”

Faith wasn’t sure she should announce this because she didn’t really know where Kincade stood quite yet, “For me.”

“I knew it,” Megan was happy but scared for her and Kincade.

“I’m not sure where we stand yet,” Faith heard Gabe whimper and peeked into the basket to check on him.  He was starting to wake up after his short little nap.

Megan looked over at the basket but couldn’t bring herself to look in or ask to see the baby yet, “I understand, so I came over because Duncan stopped by and told me about what happened at the Ball and after.  I just wanted to check on you and make sure you were all right.”

“I’m fine,” Faith was confused, “Why wouldn’t I be.”

“Because you have taken what Christina wants,” she replied then looked off in the distance.

“This puts me in danger.”

“It could,” Megan looked back at Faith with sad blue eyes.

“How,” Faith suddenly wanted to hug her god all her emotions were out of control since Julie’s death.

“I was in her way when she wanted Duncan,” Megan stood this time and walked over to the lilac bushes.

“Christina wanted Duncan,” she was shocked.

“No, she got Duncan, but she was afraid I would get him back.  Therefore, she had to make sure he never came back to me.  She succeeded for a while but now we are back together he proposed to me last night and I said yes.”

“Oh Megan, I’m so happy for you.  I knew he was very much in love with you the way he looked at you.”

Megan turned to look at Faith, “Just watch yourself.”

“I will,” Faith knew there was more to the story but felt Megan would tell her when the time was right.

“Now let me see Cade’s son,” she came back over and sat down.

Faith picked him up and placed him in her arms, “His name is Gabe.”

Megan looked down at the little boy and burst into tears, “Oh he’s so beautiful.”

“What’s wrong,” Faith wrapped her arms around the woman.

“He reminds me of my baby,” she continued to sob.

“How old is your baby,” Faith asked but knew something was wrong.

“I lost my baby girl,” she surveyed Gabe’s sweet little face and hoped last night she and Duncan made a baby.

“I’m so sorry, what happened,” Faith still had her arm around Megan’s shoulders.

“Christina.”

Faith’s blood went cold, “Is that what you meant by watching myself.”

“Yes, if she wants something, she’ll do anything to get it.  She wanted Duncan and our baby was in the way, so she got rid of her.  We fought, and I went into labor our baby lived for two days.”

“Megan I’m so sorry, but you and Duncan are together again, and you’ll get married then start a family.  You’re safe from Christina because I have what she wants.”

Megan knew Faith spoke the truth, “I know, but I still worry about you and this little fellow.”

“I’ll protect him with my very life,” Faith meant it.

“Good, well I’ll go now because I have things to do,” Megan handed Gabe back to Faith.

“Megan, stop by anytime when we get back to visit.  I could use a friend in my corner,” she said after setting Gabe back in his basket.

“I will, and we are friends now,” she walked back into the house leaving Faith to her thoughts.

Faith stood up to take Gabe inside then find Susan to see if she had something she could wear tonight at dinner.  Once upstairs she went to find Joy first and ask if she could watch Gabe tonight.  Joy was in the room with the girls playing tea party along with Susan. 

Great she would be able to complete two tasks with one shot, “Joy can I ask a favor of you,” Faith said as she came into the room.

“Of course,” Joy smiled at her.

“Cade wants to take me out for dinner tonight and I was wondering if you could watch Gabe for me.”

“That won’t be a problem,” Joy stood to get Gabe from her.

“Thanks, I’ll have to pay you something for your time.  I’m supposed to be the nanny and I feel you’ve been watching him more than me,” Faith looked embarrassed.

“It’s not a problem I’m happy to do anything to help out,” Joy looked down at Gabe.

Faith still decided she was going to give her something, “So Cade is taking you out to dinner like a date,” Susan smiled at Faith.

“Yes, like a date, which brings me to you do you have anything I can wear something nice he said.”

Susan stood, “I’ll be back girls right now I have to help Aunt Faith.”

Together the two left the room heading for Susan’s room, “Why did you call me Aunt Faith to the girls.”

“Because no matter what happens you will be Aunt Faith to my girls,” Susan opened the door to her room and ushered Faith inside.

They both went into the closet to look through her clothes, but after about a half hour they decided nothing, Susan had would work, “It looks like I’m going shopping can I borrow your car.”

“Let me get the keys for you,” she went to the dresser where her purse was and produced the keys.

“Thanks, you’re a life saver,” Faith hugged her.

“Oh, please now go,” Susan pushed her out of the room.

Faith was still using her cane but not as much, even though her physical therapist wouldn’t be happy.  She found it got in the way more especially when she was taking care of Gabe.  The brace she had on was working fine and found she could go without the cane while in it.  Driving into town, she thought about everything that was happening.  Her thoughts kept coming back to Julie and if she was betraying her by being with Kincade.  She knew Julie and Kincade had only been together for a few months, so it couldn’t have been love.  Not a deep love, more like a fondness obviously since she never wanted to tell him about the baby.  If it had been a deep love for each other Julie would have run to him, and they’d be married.  Julie would still be alive, but she wasn’t thus could she have this man and the possible love and family they both wanted.

Pulling into a large mall Faith parked then went inside to find something to wear for tonight.  He said something nice, so he was probably taking her some place fancy, so it would have to be a nice dress.  She found a shop with beautiful dresses in the window and looked about for what she needed.  Looking through racks she felt as if someone was watching her but when she looked around there was no one.  Finally picking out four dresses, she went to try them on but still felt as if someone was watching her.  The first dress she didn’t like how it showed so much of her bad knee, while the second dress was too long and showed more cleavage than she liked.  Finally, the last two dresses seemed to be perfect one was an indigo dress the top fit snug but didn’t show a lot of cleavage.  Two small straps held the top up the waist was tight around her then the skirt when down and flared out past her knees.  This covered her bad knee so that was a bonus.

The second dress was a shimmering violet purple the top was like the other one, but the skirt billowed out like a bell going all the way to the floor.  It was the type of dress you’d wear to a wedding or something along those lines.  When you moved in the light the color was different, but the other color was unclear because it didn’t last long.  This one she would probably save for another time, but she loved it so had to have it.  She left the dressing room with both dresses and paid for them.  Leaving the mall, she headed for Susan’s car but still felt as if someone was watching her.  Maybe her imagination was running wild because of what Megan told her about Christina.  The drive back to the Jordan’s house was uneventful so she chalked it up to her overactive imagination.

Kincade spent several hours on the phone with one of his team members who were working on the Slade building project.  There seemed to be a huge block on the building and the inspector told them a problem arose.  It turned out to be an extremely big issue but with the help of the building inspector, his designers, and team, they got it back on track.  If this problem happened on this building it could happen on another building, he was working on, so he might have to head back early.  He’d broach the issues with Faith tonight at dinner now with that all complete he decided to go find her.  He found Gabe in with Joy, Susan’s nanny, which was a surprise, so he went looking for Susan.

He found her in the kitchen with his Mother and they were working on dinner for tonight, “Susan have you seen Faith.”

“She left a while ago to shop for something to wear tonight,” she pointed out something to Emily.

“I didn’t mean for her to have to buy something to wear,” he was upset now.

“She tried to find something in my closet, but nothing seemed to work so she said she’d go buy something.”

Emily looked at her son, “Where are you taking her to dinner.”

“The Gossamer House,” he smiled at them.

“How lovely, your Father takes me there every year on my birthday,” Emily approved.

Kincade was a bit scared of the turnaround on his Mother’s behavior toward Faith, “Is something going on I should know about.”

“No why,” Emily looked at her son funny.

“Because you seem to be happy about Faith,” he remarked.

“I had a nice chat with her after you left, and I’ve found she’s a very enchanting girl,” she wasn’t going to tell him about what Faith told her.

“I see, well I’m going to go see if Joy will be willing to watch Gabe for me again tonight,” he turned to leave when Susan spoke.

“Faith already asked her before she left,” Kincade turned around to look at her.

“She did,” he looked again confused.

“Cade why don’t you go get Gabe and go for a nice walk before its time to get ready,” Susan smiled at her brother.

“I think I will,” he left the room feeling a bit out of place right now.

Susan and Emily began to chuckle, “So Mother, what made you change your mind about Faith.”

“I can’t tell you because I gave my word, I wouldn’t say anything to anyone,” Emily always prided herself on the fact she kept peoples confidences well.

“I’m just happy you see how much she makes Cade happy,” Susan went back to looking at the cookbook.

“I hope it all works out one way or the other,” Emily went back to looking at the book also.

Kincade went upstairs going to Faith’s room he knocked but there was no answer, so he went in.  She hadn’t comeback from her shopping yet, so he left her a note then went to get Gabe and go for a walk.  He had some thinking to do about everything especially with Faith.  As he walked around the pond with his son, he thought about how he really felt about her.  Was he feeling love or lust?  Once he had her in bed, he never wanted to let her out, so it was a great desire he felt.  On the other hand, he watches her with Gabe, how loving and gentle she is with him.  Talking today out by the pond she said she wanted to have more children and he could imagine her with his children so that was more than desire.  He felt her pain when she cried for Julie and this was her dilemma, she felt by wanting him it was a betrayal.  He liked Julie very much but only dated for a few months before she broke it off.  If she’d loved him, she would have run to his door when she found out about Gabe.  They would’ve married the car accident that killed her never would have occurred but then he wouldn’t have meet Faith and things would have probably gone bad after that.  She was more of what he wanted than, Julie this was harsh to say, but true.

Faith arrived back at the house and went up to her room to drop off the dresses before going over to get Gabe.  She wanted to spend some time with him before getting ready for her date with Cade.  She found a note on her bed when she came in opening it and read, ‘Meet me downstairs at 7:00 tonight.’  Putting the dresses away, she went to Joy’s room to get Gabe and found only her and the girls.

“Where’s Gabe,” Faith asked as she came in.

“Mr. Jordan took him for a walk,” Joy answered.

“Oh, well I guess I’ll go take a bath then,” she turned and went back to her room where she took an exceptionally long hot bath.

Soaking her knee helped since she was feeling a bit of pain from it, thus she’d better use her cane more.  Getting out of the tub Faith fussed with her hair, put on a light layer of makeup then stepped into her dress.  Looking at herself in the mirror, she was shocked to see a beautiful woman with a sparkle in her indigo eyes, which one could, contributed to love.  This brought her back to her earlier thoughts, could she be in love with Kincade Jordan.  He brought out feelings in her no other man ever has, a great desire beyond her wildest imagination, but could it be more.  When she watched him with Gabe, her heart melts into a puddle and how sweet he’s been to her since Julie’s death.  How he held her when she needed comfort it was beginning to feel more like love in her heart.  One thought kept coming back to her was she betraying Julie by wanting and loving a man who conceived a child with her.

Looking at the clock, she saw it was almost seven time to head downstairs.  She hoped her feelings would become clearer, so she wasn’t so confused.  Kincade was downstairs in the parlor ten minutes before seven and had been pacing back and forth for the last five minutes.

William sat watching his son pace anxiously waiting for Faith to appear, “Sit down Cade, you’re working a hole in my carpet.  It isn’t going to make her appear any faster,” he chuckled when Kincade glared at him.

“I know but I left a note, maybe she didn’t receive it.   I should go up you know to see if she’s ready yet,” he turned and stopped right in midstride.

William looked at him and the astonishment glazed his face.  Quickly turning to glance in the direction he saw her, “Cade I’m ready.”

Faith’s sweet voice rang out in the silent room, “Wow,” was all Kincade managed to say.

Faith blushed, “My dear you look exquisite,” William remarked.

“Thank you, William,” she moved further into the room, “Are you ready Cade.”

“Yes, I think,” Kincade stumbled over his thoughts.

He approached slowly to stand before her, “Do you need a wrap or anything.”

“No, I’m quite warm we should get going,” she smiled.

He only nodded his head then followed her out of the room into the foyer.  Opening the door for her Faith limped slowly out the door.  They proceeded down the stairs to a waiting car Kincade decided not to take the limo because he liked to keep things simple instead of outrageous.  She loved that about him how he preferred to act as if he didn’t come from a wealthy family.  She carefully climbed into the car while he closed the door and went to the other side.  Once he started the car, they were quickly on their way in a matter of minutes.

“Where are we going,” Faith softly asked once he was out on the main road.

“It’s a surprise but I must say you’re certainly dressed perfectly,” he looked over at her with such intensity she felt her body tingle.

“You look wonderful in your black suit, but you looked really handsome in your tux the night of the Charity Ball,” Faith smiled sweetly, and he could see her indigo eyes sparkle mischievously.

“You’re a little devil,” he laughed.

“Yes, but I bet you can’t wait to get me home now,” she laughed as he groaned aloud.

“You did that on purpose,” he wanted to turn the car around and go back home.

“Maybe,” she smiled brightly.

It didn’t take long getting to the restaurant and Faith was stunned to see them pull up to The Gossamer House entrance.  She’d heard about this restaurant from several people she knew who married into money.  They said it was an excellent place though she wasn’t quite sure coming here was a great idea.

“Kincade,” Faith began, but he stopped her.

“What happened to Cade,” he whispered.

She chuckled a bit, “Cade I don’t think this is a promising idea this restaurant is very expensive.”

 “I know but I want to do something nice for you.  Please let me do it this one time,” he looked a bit childlike, so she couldn’t help but say yes.

“All right but just this once,” she couldn’t help smiling at the pure joy, which crossed his face.

As they stopped in front, a valet person came over to open the door then assisted Faith out of the car.  Kincade came around the side to escort her into the restaurant.  Once they entered, a Maître de quickly escorted them to a table in the back away from everyone.  The table sat in a dark little corner with soft-lit candles giving it a romantic glow.  Faith smiled happily, as Kincade pulled out her chair then pushed it in.  He hurried over to the other side taking his place as the waiter hurried over asking if they would like drinks.  He ordered a nice light wine for them, which had Faith raising an eyebrow.

“I know you’re not supposed to have alcohol but just for tonight,” he smiled at her.

She smiled back and nodded her head in agreement while picking up the menu.  Faith decided on the Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo and a small dinner salad with ranch.  Kincade went with lobster and shrimp sided with a dinner salad but with Italian dressing.  The waiter brought their wine he poured two glasses then took the dinner order after which he left the couple alone.

“You really look beautiful tonight,” he said after taking a small sip of the wine.

Faith looked down at her hands, which were linked together on top of the table, “You already said that in the car.”

“Not exactly, I recall saying you were dressed perfectly for where we would be dining.”

“Your right,” she smiled but it didn’t reach her eyes.

He sensed something was wrong, “Are you all right.”

She looked up at him, “Yes and no, I can’t quite put my finger on it.  I have this strange feeling we’re being watched closely.”

He quickly scanned the restaurant but didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, “I don’t see anything strange or anyone watching us.”

Faith lightly chuckled, “Maybe it’s because I’m not use to being in a place like this, so I feel as if everyone is staring at me.”

“Most likely,” he replied.

The waiter brought them their salads and the conversation turned to more interesting subjects.  They found they both had some of the same interest, so this made conversation more intriguing.  Unfortunately, Faith’s feeling of someone watching them never went away the whole evening, which she wasn’t mistaken.  Several tables over a young woman glared at the beautiful woman who sat with the man she wanted.  Christina always believed her beauty surpassed most women but beyond her comprehension, Faith seemed the most beautiful woman in the world.  Christina’s beauty was even more than Megan’s that’s how she stole Duncan from her.  Once she was finished playing with him, she moved on but with Kincade it would be forever of course she’d never limit herself to one man.  Watching as Kincade picked up Faith’s hand then run his thumb across her knuckles while laughing at something she said.  Christina felt her temper flare and knew it was time to leave before she ran over there and ripped the little slut’s hair out.

They finished their meal but sat for a while longer just talking, “I remember the first time I saw you dancing at the Halloween party.”

“Out of everyone there you picked me out,” she smiled slightly.

“Yes, it was those long legs in those leather spiked boots,” he laughed at the look on her face.

“All I knew was I wanted to go home with you that night,” she softly confessed.

“Which brings me to what had you leaving in such a hurry,” he asked then he saw the sadness creep into her eyes.

“Julie had an accident and thought she was losing the baby,” Faith was suddenly back to her conflicting emotions about being with him.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” he wanted to take back this conversation and put it back on how much he wants her.

“It’s all right, water under the bridge.  I was frustrated when you were whisked away at the New Year’s Eve party,” she wanted to get off the subject of Julie.

“I know, I tried to find you again, but it was futile,” he waved for the waiter to get their ticket he wanted to take her home and make love.

The waiter came over gave them the ticket took Kincade’s payment then returned with the card and receipt.  They left the table and he escorted her out of the restaurant to the waiting valet Faith suddenly shivered even though the night was quite warm.

“Are you cold, I knew you should have brought a wrap,” Kincade touched her arm and she jumped.

He frowned at her, “Are you all right.”

She looked around before glancing up at him, “I’m not cold I don’t know what it is.  It might be my nerves.”

“What would you have to be nervous about,” he jested.

She lightly laughed, “Not about the rest of tonight.”

He chuckled as the valet pulled up with the car, they walked up to it, and he leaned down to nuzzle her ear, “So you plan to stay with me tonight.”

Her eyes darkened with desire as she looked up at him, “Yes.”

He saw the desire deep in her eyes and practically groaned, “I suggest we hurry home.”

Faith carefully eased into the car and once again, he closed the door then hurried over to the driver side.  They were on their way back to his house, but she still couldn’t let go of the odd feeling someone was watching them.  It dogged her out of the restaurant and almost all the way back to his parent’s house.  Christina sat in her car after leaving the restaurant she couldn’t get herself to leave just yet.  Then she saw them step out and wait for the valet watching the exchange between them he leaned down and intimately kissed her ear and neck.  It took every ounce of her will power not to start the car and run them both down.  She followed them almost to his parent’s house but then drove away to find some way to alleviate her foul mood.  Maybe she could find a nice young man who could put her into a better frame of mind.

Kincade pulled into his parent’s driveway and escorted Faith out of the car then straight up to her room.  Closing the door, he watched her move across the room to turn on a couple of lamps.  Kincade locked the door and came over to sit on the bed watching her limp lightly around the room.  She felt his eyes on her turning she looked at him and could see the passion already darkening his eyes.  There was something else in them, but she wouldn’t ask just yet. 

Moving toward the bathroom where the closet was, “I’m going to remove my dress and hang it up, so it won’t get ruined,” she disappeared into the bathroom.

He sat there thinking about how his emotions were all a jumble of lust and love.  Should he declare his love for her or was it too soon.  He didn’t have much time to analyze his thoughts because she stepped out of the bathroom wearing only her underwear and bra.

Instant desire pooled into his stomach, and she saw a bunch of emotions go across his face, “Come here Faith.”