Chapter 109

Monday morning found Brianna in the studio checking supplies and making sure everything was ready. Rew was in the larger room checking Tico's kit and the various guitars lined up around the room. Obie was settling in at the sound board.

The quiet buzz of the gate went largely unnoticed and completely ignored. Brianna assumed it was Jon returning from taking the kids to school, so she didn't bother to look out the window.

A few minutes later, voices could be heard along with footsteps on the stairs.

"Where is she?" David demanded as he stepped through the doorway, Tico right behind him.

Rew didn't bother to ask who 'she' was, or even look up from the Takamine he was checking the strings on. He just pointed.

"BEAUTIFUL!" David stalked into the kitchen area where Brianna was verifying the stock of bottled water. "I've got a bone to pick with you, missy."

"Hey Lemma! What's the problem?"

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"About what?"

"About that!" He pointed at her left hand.

She looked down at her ring. "That we're engaged? I thought Jon told you."

David waved a hand to dismiss her comment. "That's beside the point. If you'd told me that you wanted to get married I could have found you someone better."

"Oh yeah? Like who?"

"Me!"

Tico snorted. "And make her deal with April? I thought you liked her."

It was no secret that David's divorce had been less than pleasant and Brianna had heard many comments about how unpleasant his ex-wife was. "Throwing me to the wolves now Lemma?"

"Naw, you could handle April." His expression turned wistful as he gazed at her hair. "Would you be willing to dye your hair blonde?"

"Over my dead body!" Jon objected as he joined them. Moving to Brianna's side, he smoothed a hand over her smoldering locks, noting she'd left her hair down the way he preferred. "Don't you dare. It's perfect just the way it is."

"Yes dear." Brianna chuckled and tilted her face up to kiss him.

He slid his arm around her waist and pulled her closer.

"Awwww. Isn't that sweet." Obie cooed and made kissing noises.

Brianna cuddled into Jon's chest and gave Obie the finger - at the same time Jon did.

Tico waited for the laughter to die down before he spoke. "Seriously though guys, congratulations. I'm really happy for you."

"Thanks man." Jon answered. "So are we ready to get to work?"

"Yeah."

David glanced around. "Um...we seem to be missing a lead guitarist."

"When I left the house he was helping Romeo rebuild Tokyo after Copper played Godzilla. If you don't need me right now I'll go relieve him and send him out. Let me know if you need anything."

"Bina?"

"Mmm?"

"I hungy."

Brianna looked away from the puzzle they were putting together to glance at her watch, surprised to find it after noon. "Wow, it's lunch time already!" Rising to her feet, she held out her hand. "Let's go see what we can find in the kitchen. Do you want a sandwich or maybe some soup?"

Romeo shook his head as he took her hand. "Hot dog!"

"Okay, I think we can do that." While she prepared and cut up his hot dog, she thought about the guys in the studio. They hadn't called to ask for food, but they needed to eat. Not knowing their schedule, she figured sandwiches would be the easiest, and they could eat whenever they were ready.

"Who dat for?" Romeo asked as she packed sandwiches into a container.

"Daddy and the guys."

"Oh. I hep?"

"Yes. Can you carry these cookies?" She held out another container.

"Yep! I'n big boy now!"

"You sure are!" She picked up the sandwiches and another container with cut up raw vegetables and followed him to the door. As they climbed the stairs to the studio, she reminded him that they had to be quiet when they got inside in case they were recording.

They weren't. In fact, they were arguing about chord progressions - at least that's what she thought their jargon meant. She wasn't a musician and had no idea how to write a song, plus they had their own terminology. As she set the food out on the table, the volume rose to the point she decided to brave stepping in before it blew up into a real fight. "Hey guys, why don't you take a break and eat some lunch?"

They ignored her - except for Rew who grabbed a drink out of the fridge, sat down and dug in. Jon was sitting beside Obie at the sound board, raking his hands through his hair. She recognized the signs of frustration. Picking up a sandwich, she walked over to his side, pulled one of hands from his hair and put the sandwich in it. "Eat."

He held the sandwich out to her. "I don't want to..."

"Eat!" She insisted.

Sighing heavily, he obeyed.

It was like a signal, and the others left their stations to surround the table. Brianna smiled in satisfaction as the piles of food rapidly diminished. "Do you guys often forget to eat?"

Richie shrugged. "Depends on how well things are going. We get around to it eventually."

"But now we have you to look after us." Tico commented from his seat at the table, Romeo on his lap, both of them eating cookies.

"Having dessert first Teek?" Brianna asked, amused.

He shrugged. "You know what Jon's like with cookies. If we want any we have to get to them before he does. Right little man?"

Romeo nodded, grinning around a mouthful of chocolate chips.

Jon plucked a cookie out of the container, leaned close to Romeo and defiantly took a big bite, making Romeo giggle.

"Why did you never have an assistant around during our studio sessions before?" David wondered as he reached for another sandwich. "Beautiful, you're an angel."

"Because the others never knew when to help and when to stay out of the way." He sighed. "I think I'm going to have to ban this one too."

"Oh?" Brianna spoke from directly behind him, one delicate brow arching. "Why? Because I'm not helpful? Or because I'm in the way?"

His lips twitched, but he didn't look at her. "Because you're too distracting."

She slid her arms around his neck and bent down to brush her lips over his ear. "Good answer."

"I may be stubborn, but I'm not stupid!" His hands came up to hold hers and he turned his head to kiss her.

When the food was gone, Brianna stacked up the containers and held her hand out to Romeo. "Come on little man. Let's let daddy and the guys get back to work."

"Okay." He yawned and rubbed his eye with a fist. "You read me story?"

"Sure. Which one?"

"Eoh n Sitch!"

Brianna stared at him, running the sounds over in her head to try and figure out what he was saying. Coming up empty, she looked at Jon and raised a brow.

"Lilo and Stitch." He explained. "His latest favourite."

"Ah. Got it.  Okay, let's go."

The guys joined them in the house for dinner, and Brianna couldn't decide if she was a babysitter or a circus ringmaster. By the time everyone who wasn't staying in the house left, the kids were ready to go to bed - or at least to their rooms.

Brianna sat with Jon and Richie for awhile, but wasn't too long in finding her own bed. "Sorry guys, I'm beat." She yawned. "Night Rich."

"Night Sunshine."

"I'll be up soon." Jon assured her.

After she'd left the room and was out of earshot, Richie eyed his friend. "You don't have to sit up with me." His system was still on west coast time, and they'd been friends too long to be bound by host/guest etiquette. "You can join your lovely lady."

Jon waved his hand. "It's fine. She's tired."

Uh oh. Richie frowned. "Trouble in paradise?"

"No. She's just.....having a hard time adjusting to sleeping with me with the kids in the house. I've had to get creative."

"Quickies in obscure places?" Richie guessed with a smirk.

Jon nodded and reached for his glass.

Later, after Jon had gone to bed, Richie roamed the house thinking about the songs they'd been working on. Wandering down the hallway by Jon office, he continued past the doorway to the next room, stopped and backed up. "What the fuck is this?" The room had once been a sitting room, then where Dorothea had spent her last days. Now it looked like a storage room filled with furniture and boxes. "Looks like she's having a hard time adjusting to more than just sleeping with you bro."

Chapter108

The middle of the next week found Brianna sitting in the office trying to get caught up on the work she'd let slide while she was unpacking. She booted up the computer and pulled up Jon's schedule to compare with the pile of invitations in front of her. A notation for the following week caught her eye. It wasn't one she recognized or had ever even seen before. 

"BIANNA! WE'RE HOME!"

Making a mental note to ask Jon about the mark in his schedule, she rose to greet the kids and get them an after school snack.

"Brianna can you help me with a school project?" Jesse asked as he set down his glass.

"If I can, what's it about?"

"We have to research one of the fifty poorest countries in the world. I got Liberia."

"Okay, how much have you got?"

He squirmed a little in his chair. "Not much."

Which she assumed meant he hadn't started yet. "Uh huh, and when is it due?"

"Monday." When she stared at him and crooked a brow, he squirmed a little more. "Dad says you're the queen of research, so we should have lots of time."

Stephanie snorted. "Kiss-a.....um butt."

"You're lucky I don't have much going on work wise next week." Brianna remarked.

Jon bit into a cookie and froze. Uh oh. He swallowed and braced himself. "Speaking of next week, the guys are coming in for a few days. We're going to hit the studio and see what we can put together." Noting the narrow amber glare directed at him, he raised a hand. "Before you gear up to tear a strip off me, I didn't tell you sooner because you were busy unpacking and organizing. There's nothing you need to do anyway."

"Uh huh." Brianna scoffed. Guess now I know what notation means. "Just make sure the studio is stocked and check the travel arrangements and arrange transportation from the airports." She ticked off items on her fingers. "And where is everyone staying? We'll need more food here as well. And have you talked to Obie?"

"The guys aren't helpless. They can make their own arrangements. Tico will stay at Lemma's, but we'll have to put up with Richie. And yes, I've talked to Obie. And Rew."

"Uncle Mookie's coming?" Jake asked.

"Yes." His father replied.

"Yay!"

Regardless of Jon's assurances, Brianna considered it her job to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be and had everything they needed.  The next day she got to work. First on her list was a call to Tico.

"Nina! How are you?"

"I'm good Teek. How are you?"

"I'm good. Guess I'm going to get to see you next week."

"That's why I'm calling. I wanted to make sure you were set for transportation and accommodation. Jon said you'd take care of it, but..."

"But the perfectionist in you just had to make sure." His amusement was clear.

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

"Nope. As Jon's assistant it's necessary. But you can check me off your list. Plane ticket's booked, Lemma's picking me up and I'm staying at his place. I'm all set."

"Okay. Good. Is there anything you need in the studio?"

Tico blinked, then grinned. "That's right. You haven't been through a studio session with us yet. The last one was done before you came on board. It seems like you've been a part of our merry little band for so long I forgot you're still a newbie about some things. I'll bring a supply of sticks. Rew will look after everything else." He paused. "Is Jon really ready to do another album, or is this just something to keep him occupied?"

"I think he's really ready to move on and get back to living again." She looked down at her engagement ring. "I have to believe he is or I'm in for a world of hurt."

Tic frowned. "What makes you say that?" What have you done amigo?

"The diamond ring on my finger."

It took a second for her words to sink in. "Wow! Really? Congratulations! I hope you're both very happy."

"Thanks."

"Sounds like he really is ready to move on. He takes marriage very seriously - despite rumours to the contrary. We'll have to celebrate next week."

"Looking forward to it. See you Monday."

Hanging up, she glanced at the clock, worked out the time difference and picked up the phone again. "Hi. Denise, it's Brianna."

"Hey stranger! How's life on the right coast?"

"Pretty quiet. But I understand that's going to change next week."

"Yep, and I'm looking forward to a few days of peace and quiet." Denise sighed in anticipation, then sobered. "How are Jon and the kids doing?"

"Good. They still have rough days now and then, but basically they're doing really well."

"I'm glad to hear that."

After a few more minutes of catching up, Brianna got to the main point of her call. "So, I was wondering about Richie's travel plans and whether I need to arrange to pick him up at the airport."

"No, I booked a car service. I figured you had enough on your plate already, without being closed in a car for a couple hours with my goofball boss."

Brianna laughed. "Thanks, I appreciate that."

"So are you staying in Red Bank for the duration of the session or will you just make trips as needed?"

"I'll be there for the duration." She paused. "I live there now."

"Live there as in you have your own room and no longer have your condo in New York or live there as in you're shacking up with Jon?" Richie had confirmed the tabloid stories that they were a couple, but she hadn't heard anything that would indicate they were that serious.

"Do you still call it shacking up if we're engaged?" Brianna wondered.

"Really?" Denise gasped. "That's fantastic! Congratulations!"

"Thanks."

"Have you set a date? Oh! Does Richie know?"

"Not unless Jon's told him, and no we haven't set a date yet. The kids need a little time to get used to the idea."

"Oh yeah, I suppose it might take them a bit." She grinned. "I won't tell Richie. It's so rare that I know anything before he does I'm going to enjoy taunting him a little."

"Have fun." Brianna snickered.

"What's so funny?" Jon asked from the doorway as she hung up.

"Did you tell Richie that we're engaged?"

"No. I'm not sure he'd believe it unless he could see the ring, and I didn't feel like arguing. I told Lemma though."

"Well Denise is going to taunt him without telling him, so he'll be chomping at the bit when he gets here."

Jon chuckled. "She's a brave girl. His paybacks are a bitch."

Brianna's prediction about Richie's mood was right on the mark. He barely managed a civil greeting before narrowing his eyes at his friends. "So what's the big secret and why am I being left in the dark?"

Jon frowned. "I have no idea what you're talking about."

"No? Then why is my assistant smugly hinting that she knows something about you that I don't?" He grumbled. "And she won't tell me no matter how much I bribe, cajole or threaten her." He pinned Jon with a look. "Does your assistant keep secrets from you?"

"Probably,." Jon acknowledged. "But nothing serious."

Stifling a smile, Brianna kept her left hand in her pocket. "You must be hungry after your flight. Why don't you take your bags upstairs while I make you a snack?"

Richie picked up his suitcase and started up the stairs, grumbling every step of the way. As he passed the open door of the master bedroom, he glanced in. Three steps later, he stopped and backed up to take a closer look. "What the fuck?"

"Isn't it cool?" Stephanie had seen him pass her room and followed him.

"Hi Pook." He hugged her with one arm. "What's with this?" He gestured towards the room he no longer recognized.

"It's Bri's lair."

"Brianna's lair?" His brows rose. "Has she moved in then?"

"Well, yeah. They're engaged after all."

"Oh, right. Wait! What? Engaged? Since when?"

"Dad's birthday."

So that's what Denise was smirking about! Dropping his bag in his room, he stomped downstairs to confront the couple. He found them in the kitchen where Brianna was making him a sandwich. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"About what?" Brianna asked.

"Don't play Miss Innocent with me!" He reached out to snag her left hand and lift it, watching the diamond sparkle in the light. "This!"

"Oh."

"Oh. Oh, she says." Richie snorted. "Why didn't you just tell me?"

Brianna shrugged. "It was more fun this way."

Richie growled and yanked her to him for a hug. "You're right. She is a brat!" He commented over her head to Jon. He held out his hand. "Congratulations man."

"Thanks." Jon shook his hand, only slightly surprised to feel himself being pulled into a group hug.

Chapter 107

"Whoa, this room is great!" Stephanie commented from the doorway to the master bedroom. "I wasn't sure where you were going with the wall colour and texture, but now that I see it all together, I love it!"

"Me too!" Jake ran in and jumped onto the bed to roll around on the fur cover.

Romeo tried to climb on the bed, but he couldn't reach....until Jesse followed him in and gave him a boost. Even Copper came in to inspect the new decor...and promptly flopped down to roll around on the rugs.

After the movers had unloaded all of her possessions and left, Brianna, with Jon's help and encouragement, set about putting the bedroom in order. Jon had been hanging the last picture on the wall when the kids came to investigate.

"It's like a cozy....den. No! A lair!" Stephanie continued. "Maybe once you get all your stuff settled we can talk about redoing my room."

Brianna tried to stifle a grin, but failed when she saw Jon close his eyes and rest his forehead on the wall. Patting his back consolingly, she winked at Stephanie. "We'll talk."

With a sigh, Jon raised his head, hit the nail one last time, and stepped back to survey his work. "There. Done."

Jesse pursed his lips and nodded. "Looks good Dad."

"Yes, nice job honey." Brianna slid her arm around his waist and squeezed.

Romeo popped up from the bed. "I hungy."

"Me too!" Jake raised his hand from where he was still sprawled on the bed.

Brianna glanced at her watch and nodded. "Okay, let's go get a snack. I guess I'd better start thinking about dinner too."

Following Brianna into the kitchen to help, Stephanie's brows rose at the pile of boxes stacked in the corner. "What are you going to do with all this stuff?"

"Well, I'll go through it to see what can be used here, in the Inn, and the guest house and the rest will go to Habitat I guess." That much she could part with. The rest of her possessions piled in the room beside Jon's office was another story.

But she would think about that another day.

"What do you think of steak for dinner?"

"Mmm. Think Dad will barbecue?"

"Only if you ask him, nicely." Jon answered as he entered the room. He reached behind Brianna to snag a cookie out of the jar on the counter. Taking a bite, he gestured towards the boxes. "Need help with those?"

She eyed him thoughtfully. "Hmmm. Do you know what a sifter is? Or a colander?"

"Ummm....no?"

"Then you're excused from kitchen sorting duty." She almost laughed at his relieved expression. Looking at the boxes again, she sighed.

"Leave them for tomorrow." Jon suggested. "You've had a busy day today already. Just relax tonight."

As much as she wanted to get it done, he was right. She was too tired to do any more today. "Okay. That sounds good."

When bedtime arrived, Jon slid under the covers and waited for his fiancée to join him. He watched her flit back and forth between the closet and the bathroom, with a few furtive glances towards the door. "Honey, what's wrong?"

"Hmmm? Nothing." Smoothing lotion over her face and neck, she turned off the bathroom light and moved to the empty side of the bed.

Jon held up the covers while she climbed in. When she settled, he slid his arm around her and pulled her against him, disappointed at the feel of cotton rather than silk or lace. "What's with the boring night gown?"

"I think the others are a bit much - or too little - for the kids' sensibilities."

"That's what robes are for."

"And if they come in here?"

"Blankets." He grinned.

Brianna snorted. "You're such a......man."

Masculine chuckles ruffled her hair. "Can't argue with that." He hugged her closer and sighed. "Have I told you how much I love having you here?"

She knew he wasn't referring to just her being in his house. "Not that I recall."

"Mmm." He nuzzled her neck. "Well I do. I love being able to hold you and kiss you and...." His voice drifted off as his hands began to roam.

Unfortunately for him, his fiancée wasn't exactly on the same wavelength and stopped his hands before they could remove the unappreciated nightgown. "Jon, no. Not tonight."

The frown was evident in his voice. "What's wrong?"

"The kids..."

"Are all asleep."

"But they might hear."

"So you'll have to keep the volume down on the moans." His hot breath in her ear and his lips on her earlobe made her shiver. "I'll muffle your screams."

It was a good try, but he didn't get the laugh - or even a smile - that he was aiming for. "I'm sorry Jon, I just don't feel comfortable yet."

He sighed at what was becoming a familiar refrain. This was the third night she'd slept in this room.....and the third night she'd turned him down. They were going to have to find a way to sort this out. He wasn't about to be celibate until his kids were grown and moved out. Luckily, he knew she wouldn't be able to wait that long either. "Want to sneak out to the Pleasure Palace?"

Brianna turned to face him and cuddled closer. "It's raining. I just want to stay snuggled up in here....with you."

With no other option available to him, Jon had no choice but to give in. "Okay." He kissed her forehead and closed his eyes.

The next day, Brianna finished cleaning up the breakfast dishes and decided to spend some time in the gym. The three oldest kids were at school and Romeo was hanging out with Jon in the office.

When Romeo was ready for his nap, Jon tucked him in, then went to investigate the footsteps he'd heard in the hallway. The sound of the shower running in their bathroom, brought carnal thoughts to his mind......and a slow grin to his lips.

He opened the bathroom door, slipped inside and quietly closed it behind him. The air was already thick with steam and the scent of her shampoo. The glass of the shower was frosted, so he couldn't see her clearly, but he didn't need to. He was well acquainted with the curves revealed only in silhouette. His rapidly hardening cock signalled its recognition and eagerness to get closer. Flipping the lock on the door, he quickly stripped off his clothes and stepped forward.

The cool air reached her before the sound of the door opening. Turning to look at him, she raised a brow. "Coming to wash my hair?"

"I will after if you want. My dad taught me how."

"After?"

"Mmmm." He cupped her head with both hands and lifted her chin with his thumbs under her jaw. "After I show you one of the benefits of us living together."

His lips covering hers muffled her chuckle and his exploring tongue quickly turned it into a moan. Her hands slid up the damp planes of his chest to wind around his neck. She started to press closer, then stopped. "Romeo?"

"Sleeping." Jon replied without lifting his head. "And I locked the door."

"Mmm." Concerns relieved, Brianna relaxed and let him have his way.

Sensing her capitulation in the softening of her body, Jon ran his hands down her back to grip hips. With gentle nudges he pressed her against the wall out of the spray of the shower. He kept their mouths fused together as his hands roamed - one moved up to caress and play with her breast, the other down to grasp her thigh and raise it until her knee hooked over his hip. Reaching between them, his fingers stroked the damp, sensitive flesh that never failed to bring him pleasure.

As always, her body responded instantly to his touch.....and craved more. The feel of two fingers penetrating her aching core, instead of easing her yearning, just added fuel to her inner fire. Her nails bit into his neck and she broke the kiss enough to suck in a breath......and exhale a plea. "I need you inside me. Now. Please."

While his mind was all for drawing out the teasing, his body sided with hers.  As the saying went: happy wife means happy life. "Yes dear."

Her eyes closed and she moaned softly as he filled her with a slow thrust of his hips.

He nipped her lower lip, then soothed the sting with his tongue. "Fast or slow?" He just hoped his control was up to her answer.

With her libido in overdrive thanks to their recent abstinence, slow wasn't an option. "Fast."

Jon pressed closer, using his body and his hands to hold her steady as he complied, his hips churning against hers. Their mouths touched again, but the need for oxygen didn't allow for more than a brief kiss.

"Oh! Mmmm. Yes!" Brianna gasped as the friction created by their joined bodies ignited her nerve endings, sending tingles throughout her body. All she could do was cling to him and ride out the storm.

When their climaxes hit, he barely felt the bite of her nails in his back or her teeth in his shoulder. He was too focused on keeping them both upright while their bodies shuddered with release.

Brianna was brought back to an awareness of her surroundings by strong fingers massaging her scalp and working lather through her hair. "Mmmm. God that feels good. Your dad taught you this?"

"Mmhmmm."

"As a punishment?"

Jon chuckled. "No. He said if I got good at it, the women in my life would be putty in my hands."

She would have liked to challenge that assertion, but she didn't have the energy.

Chapter 106

The living room was strewn with boxes, bubble wrap, newspaper and tape. Standing in the middle of it, Brianna looked around and sighed. Everything in the room - in the entire apartment - had been carefully chosen by her, to suit her tastes, for her own enjoyment, if no one else's. It was the first living space she'd had where she didn't have to care about anyone else's opinions. It was totally about what she liked and wanted. 

Now she was about to give all that up. And she still wasn't a hundred percent sure that she wanted to. But she couldn't tell anyone the real reason why. She'd just sound like a selfish bitch. As much as she loved Jon and the kids, she was going to miss this place. She'd had a taste of independence and it was going to be hard to give that up.

Her realtor had been over the moon when she called to list the apartment. Apparently she had a waiting list of people looking for property in the area. In less than twenty-four hours there had been three offers to buy based on pictures only. And the top bidder was willing to pay an extra hundred thousand if they could move in within the next two weeks.

So she didn't have time to be sitting around. Wrinkling her nose, she reached for a figurine on the fireplace mantle. As much as she hated packing, she didn't trust strangers with her treasures. The only way to make sure they didn't get broken was to pack them herself.

The pile of boxes grew and her spirits fell. She wondered what she was going to do with everything. Nothing would suit the decor of Jon's house, but she refused to get rid of any of it. It was a big house. Maybe she could find a room no one used that she could put it in.

When her stomach growled, she took a break and headed into the kitchen. While her dinner cooked, she wandered around the apartment checking what she still had to do. In the bedroom, she fought the urge to sit down and cry. This was her favourite room. She'd spent weeks searching linen stores for the perfect bedding and accessories to create her 'lair'. It was going to break her heart to pack it all away.

Jon entered his bedroom intent on making sure it was ready for Brianna to move her things in. In the large walk-in closet, as he picked up the items of clothing that he'd left scattered around, he couldn't help but remember all the times his wife harped at him about picking up after himself. "See Dotty, I do know how to do it."

Dorothea's sisters had cleaned out all of her clothes shortly after the funeral and her personal items had been distributed to various members of the family, so there would be no uncomfortable reminders of that sort of the previous occupant. The same could not be said for the rest of the bedroom - or the rest of the house. Everything in and about the house was to Dorothea's specifications. He gave a mental shrug. Brianna could change whatever she wanted. Thinking of her apartment, he looked forward to it.

In the main part of the bedroom, the bed caught his gaze and he frowned. Maybe he should buy a new one. A vision of Brianna's 'lair' flashed through his mind and he grinned and reached for his phone.

Brianna's phone rang and she rushed back into the living room to answer it. "Hello."

"Hey honey. You sound out of breath. Did I call at a bad time?"

"No, I was in the bedroom and had to run for the phone."

"Oh. Okay. What are you up to?"

"Packing."

"Perfect. That's what I want to talk to you about. I don't know what you've got planned for the house and your stuff, but I have a request."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Do you think you can install your 'lair' here?"

"Where? In the guest house?" That might work.

"No, in the main house. In our bedroom."

"R...really?" To say she was shocked would be an understatement. 

"Yeah."

"You want to put my bed in your bedroom?"

"Our bedroom." Jon frowned. "And not just your bed. All of it. The lamps, the satin sheets, the fur cover and rugs, the suede walls......everything."

"You don't think it's a little....much... with the kids there?"

"It's not like there's naked pictures on the walls or anything. It's just fabric." His voice turned stern. "Don't go hiding behind that prim and proper shell again on me. I much prefer the inner wanton."

She had to laugh and felt her spirits lift a bit. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as she feared. "I think something can be arranged." She was already visualizing what she could do with the room.

"Good. Do you want me to line up some painters, or do you want to look after that?"

"If you can give me the name of someone good in the area, I'll call them about the colour and timing."

"Done. When do you think you'll be ready to move everything?"

"I'll bring some off season clothes in a few days and I should have everything else ready for the truck by the beginning of next week."

"Okay. Sounds good."

When she pulled into her usual parking spot by the house that weekend, the door opened and Jon emerged with Jesse right behind him.  Copper beat them to her car.

"Hi guys." She greeted all three of them and thumped the dog's sides.

"Hey." Jesse answered already opening the back door of her car and pulling out a suitcase. "All of this going in?"

"Yes, the trunk's full too. Thanks Jess."

"Hi." Jon kissed her before reaching around her to pull the trunk release. His brows rose at the sheer number of suitcases and garment bags, but he'd been around women enough - and remembered the 'discussions' surrounding the design of the massive closet in his bedroom - to know better than to comment....mostly. "How many of these are shoes?"

"Only three." One delicate brow arched. "Is that a problem?"

"No! Not at all." He assured her quickly. He might be stupid sometimes, but he wasn't suicidal.

"Good answer."  Grabbing a bag, she headed for the house.

"Bina!"

"Hi Little Man!" Brianna put down the bag to catch the toddler running towards her.

"You staying here now?"

"Not quite. Next week the truck will bring my stuff." And I need to figure out where to put it.

"Bianna!" Jake ran in and nudged his brother aside for his own hug. "You make dinner tonight?"

"Sure. What would you like?"

"Pizza!" Was Romeo's vote.

"No, that's when Daddy makes dinner. Bianna can cook." Jake informed his brother.

During this conversation, Jon and Jesse made trips back and forth to the car, carrying in her bags. Jon happened to be going through in time to hear his son's opinion of his culinary abilities. Catching Brianna's amused expression, he just shrugged.

"I want psgetti." Jake decided.

"Sounds good to me too." Jesse commented as he passed through the foyer.

"Me too. With garlic bread." Jon added. "And Caesar salad."

"And maybe that cannoli cake we made before?" Stephanie contributed from the top of the stairs. "I'll help."

"Sounds like we have a menu." Brianna agreed. "Just let me get this stuff upstairs."

"I'll take care of the bellhop duties. You can get started in the kitchen." Jon offered.

"Okay." She was glad of the excuse not to face that bedroom yet.

An hour later, with dinner under control, she stood just inside the doorway to the master bedroom. Her suitcases were visible through the open door to the closet, but the rest of the room bore the stamp of the woman who had designed, decorated and lived in it. No matter how much Jon and the kids told her they wanted her there, no matter how much Dorothea had pushed and prodded to get her there, she wasn't sure she'd ever be truly comfortable staying there. Maybe it will be better once it's painted and my things are in it.

The smell of his cologne warned her just before strong arms slid around her waist and pulled her back against his chest. "The painters are coming on Monday."

She nodded.

He sighed and squeezed her. "You're still not sure about this, are you?"

"I'm sure that I love you and the kids."

"Then what's the problem?"

She shrugged. "It's just going to take a little getting used to." She paused. "This was Dorothea's room."

"And mine." He reminded her. "And now it's ours. You know she would approve."

"I know."

"It'll be different once it's painted and you put your stamp on it."

"Mmmm." She sighed. "Well, I'd better get to work unpacking."

"I'll leave you to it." He would have offered to help, but suspected he'd just be in the way......and she needed the time alone to come to terms with the situation. He kissed her neck. "Yell if you need anything."

"Thanks."

In the massive closet, Brianna grimaced, grabbed a suitcase and dug in. Due to her anal organizational tendencies, it was a simple job, but she took her time, arranging and rearranging clothes. Picking up a pair of sandals, she tried to fit them in a slot in the rotating shoe shelves, but they wouldn't fit. Something appeared to be blocking the slot. She bent to take a closer look and thought she saw something, so she reached in to try and pull it out.

It turned out to be an envelope....with her name on the front. Her stomach clenched when she recognized Dorothea's handwriting and she had to take a deep breath before opening it. Inside was a single sheet of paper.

Brianna (and if Jon is as smart as I think he is, you'll be the one reading this),

If you've found this letter, you're moving in. And if I know you was well as I think I do, I bet you're feeling unsure and a little uncomfortable. But you don't need to be. You are exactly where you're meant to be and I have complete faith that you will love and care for my family every bit as well as I could myself. 

And that gives me peace.

But don't feel you have to live in my shadow. This house and this family are yours now. Make them your own. I know you will never let them forget me, so you - and they -  don't need to be surrounded by reminders.

Make new memories, a new home, new lives. Be happy and know you have my full support.

Dot

Brianna could hardly read the last words through her tears. She sat on the floor in the closet for several minutes, then, still clutching the letter, jumped up and rushed out the door. She just had to go.

In the foyer, she stopped long enough to pull on her coat and grab her keys.

"Brianna? You leaving?" Jesse had heard noises and had come to investigate.

"I....I've got something I need to do. I'll be back." She assured him as she hurried out the door.

Frowning, Jesse watched her go. Something was wrong. He'd seen the tears in her eyes. She was upset....and he didn't like it. But he didn't know how to fix it, so he'd go to the one that would.

He found his father in his office reading something on his computer. "Dad?"

"Mmm?"

"Brianna just left."

Jon didn't look away from the screen. "Did she say where she was going?"

"No, just that she had to do something and she'd be back."

"Okay."

"Dad?"

"Mmm?"

"She was crying."

That got Jon's full attention. "Are you sure?" At Jesse's nod, he frowned. "Okay, thanks." 

After Jesse walked away, Jon thought for a few moments, then headed upstairs to see if he could find some clue to what was going on. In the closet her empty suitcases stacked neatly to one side and several pairs of shoes scattered around the shelving unit told the story of what she was doing, but not why she left. A closer look revealed a piece of white paper under a pair of shoes. Jon bent to pick it up and discovered it was an empty envelope. Seeing Brianna's name in Dot's handwriting on the front filled in the missing pieces. He didn't know what had been in the envelope, but he had a pretty good idea where Brianna had gone.

When he got downstairs, he found Jesse by the door, Jon's coat in his hand. "Are you going after her?"

"Yes."

Jesse held out the coat. "Good."

At the cemetery, Brianna parked near Dorothea's grave and walked across the grass. She stood staring silently at the stone for several moments, then sank down to sit on the ground and blew out a ragged breath. "Hi Dot." She lifted the letter still clutched in her fist. "I found the letter you left me in the shoe shelves. You were right. I'm moving in. And you were also right that I'm not completely comfortable with the idea." She paused. "Jon and I are getting married.....eventually. I think he proposed to try and make everyone more comfortable with my living in the house. But the kids aren't ready for us to rush into a wedding." 

She sighed. "I don't know what to do Dot. I think they're happy to have me around, but they're not quite ready to see someone officially in your role yet. So, as much as I appreciate your support and reasoning about making changes at the house to make it more my own, I don't think that's a good idea. At least not yet."

Bending up her legs, she wrapped her arms around them and rested her head in her knees. "I don't know about any of this Dot. I mean....I love them all, but I'm not sure any of us are ready for this. I would never want them to forget you, but I can't.....how did you put it.....live in your shadow either. I've spent too much of my life being the person everyone wanted and expected me to be. I can't do it anymore."

She closed her eyes, but that didn't stop the tears from overflowing. "I'm sorry if that sounds selfish. Maybe this is all a big mistake. Maybe I'm not the right woman for them after all. I'm sorry Dot."

The crunch of tires on gravel announcing she was no longer alone didn't register through her distress. Neither did his approaching footsteps.

"Having a little girl talk?" When she jumped and her head jerked towards him, he saw her tears. "Aw honey." He dropped to his knees beside her and wrapped his arms around her. "What's wrong Golden Eyes?"

The urge to spill it all to him was strong, but hiding any weakness or vulnerability was too deeply ingrained. She leaned against him and let out a ragged sigh. "I just got...overwhelmed. Moving my stuff into her space just reinforced her loss." she rushed to change the subject. "How did you know I was here?"

He pulled the envelope out of his pocket. "I recognized her handwriting and took a guess."

"So...was she psychic or just scary?"

"Because she knew you so well?" He didn't have to see the letter, he knew his wife.

"Mmm."

"Scary. And if you think that letter was scary, try living with that for over fifteen years." His lips twisted into a wry smile. "I couldn't get away with anything. She always knew what I was thinking before I did it."

"Wish I knew how she did that. It would be helpful."

Jon snorted. "Feeling better?"

"Mmm."

"Ready to go home?"

Brianna nodded. "Yeah. I guess we should. The kids will be getting hungry."

"So am I." He stood and held out a hand to help her up. "Let's go."

Chapter 105

It took a few seconds for his meaning to sink in. 

"You...you proposed?" Lisa wanted to make sure she understood correctly.

"Yes."

"And she said yes."

Jon nodded.

"You and Brianna are getting married."

"Yes."

"You really do love her."

"Yes."

With a little squeal, Lisa jumped out of her chair to throw her arms around his neck and squeeze. "That's wonderful!"

"Am I interrupting something?" Brianna asked from the doorway. When the other two occupants of the room turned to look at her, she crooked a brow.

"Hi honey." Jon grinned. "Everything okay with the kids?"

"Yeah, apparently there were a couple ladies they felt needed a reality check."

"Ahh. Teacher or mother?"

"One of each."

"Let me guess. Miss Fuller and Mrs. Marinelli." At her stare, he shrugged. "Just because I choose not to catch what's thrown at me doesn't mean I don't see it." He smiled innocently. "I promise I'll always catch you though."

Brianna snorted and turned to Lisa. "Is something going on or did you just come by to visit?"

"You!" Lisa pointed a finger at her sister-in-law. "You've been holding out us!"

"About what?"

Even though Brianna's innocent look was more believable than Jon's, Lisa wasn't fooled and did some snorting of her own. Stomping over, she grabbed Brianna's left hand and lifted it. "This! Ooh, nice!"  Glancing over her shoulder, she gave Jon the thumbs up and turned back to her sister-in-law. "When were you going to tell your family?"

"Jeez, cut me some slack, will ya? It just happened a few days ago. Can I not have some time to just absorb the idea myself before having to share with the world?" Brianna demanded.

"If that was the real reason, sure." Lisa responded. "But we both know the real reason you haven't told anyone. Look, just because your father might have apoplexy at the thought of having to accept a rock musician in the family doesn't mean the rest of the family - including your mother - won't be thrilled that you've found someone who makes you happy, and want to celebrate with you!"

Brianna winced. "I know and I'm going to call her - and Rachel - very soon."

"When?"

"Tomorrow."

Lisa knew that was the best she was going to get, so she jut sighed. "You'd better."

"Hey Lisa, maybe you can help me convince her to move in." Jon suggested hopefully.

"Well, if the wedding's going to be soon..." Lisa began.

"It isn't." Brianna jumped in. At Lisa's raised brow, she explained. "The kids need us to take our time."

"In that case, why are you resisting moving in?"

"I'm not 'resisting'." Brianna protested.

"Yes you are." Jon countered.

Brianna scowled at him. "We've been busy with other things." She wiggled the fingers of her left hand. "Besides, I don't recall the subject being raised lately."

Jon snorted, then frowned. "You don't mean I have to ask again?"

"Yes!" Both women answered.

"Women!" The word was more of a sigh, but the looks he was getting told him it was clearly heard. "Fine. Bri, will you put us all out of our misery and move in here....permanently....as soon as possible?"

With the gazes of  both Jon and Lisa weighing heavily on her, Brianna gave in. "Okay. I'll list my apartment and start packing."

"Good!" Jon grinned. "Let me know what you need me to do to help."

"BINA! GOTTA GO POTTY!"

"Okay little man, I'm coming." Brianna paused in the doorway and looked back at Jon. "I never said which bedroom I'll be sleeping in."

Blue eyes narrowed At her taunt, but she was gone before he could respond. He turned to Lisa and crooked a brow. "Her strength and independence is an act huh?"

Lisa grinned. "You're good for her. Don't screw it up."

"Yes ma'am."

The next day, while the kids were at school and Romeo was napping, Brianna sat on the couch in the living room and stared at her phone. Buck up old girl, it's got to be done. She started to dial, but decided she needed more moral support first, chickened out and dialled a different number. "Hey Rach, how are you?"

"Hi! I'm good. How are you?"

The amused, eager note in her sister-in-law's voice warned Brianna that Lisa had gotten in ahead of her. "You talked to Lisa."

"She called this morning to tell me to expect a call from you.....that you had some big news. But she wouldn't say what it was. So spill."

Brianna had to smile. "Jon and I are getting married."

"Oh wow! That is some big news." She paused. "And this is truly what you want?"

Brianna frowned. "I thought you'd be happy for me."

"If you're happy, I'm ecstatic! I like what I've seen of Jon, and he seems to be making you happy, which will put me on his side everytime." Rachel hesitated. "Bri, I'm so glad you're following your heart and doing what you know is right for you instead of what your father thinks is right for you. It's your life, not his. You deserve to be happy."

"Thanks." Brianna smiled wryly. "Think Father will feel the same way?"

"No," Rachel acknowledged, "but I'm betting your mother will."

Knowing she couldn't put it off any longer, Brianna blew out a breath and dialled. "Hi Mom."

"Brianna! How are you dear?"

"I'm good. Really good. I have some news."

"Oh?"

"Jon and I are getting married."

"Oh honey, that's wonderful! Hang on, let me get your father to pick up the other phone. Edward! Brianna has some news. Pick up the phone."

"No! That's not necess..."

"Hello Brianna, what's your news?"

Brianna closed her eyes and braced herself. "Jon and I are getting married."

Jon entered the living room, took one look at her face and frowned. The tight line of her lips and set jaw left him in little doubt of who she was talking to.

"I see."

"No Father, I don't think you do." Brianna argued. "I love him. He makes me happy."

Jon turned and headed for the kitchen.

"I'm sure you think he does now, but when your emotions calm down you'll see he's not the right kind of man for you."

"Edward, for heaven's sake, stop it!" Sara's voice was pure exasperation. "I'm sure you'll be very happy together. "

"Thanks Mom."

"Think long and hard about what you're doing Brianna. Don't do this out of some sort of rebellion against me - or Alex. You're smarter than that. Use your head."

Anger rose up, threatening to choke her. "I am Father. My head is telling me to follow my heart and be happy with a man who values my abilities. And that's exactly what I'm going to do! I've got to go. Mom, I'll talk to you later."

Jon returned to find her with her face buried in her hands. Setting down the bottle of wine and full glass he carried, he sat next to her and wrapped his arms around her. One arm cradled her head against his chest.

Brianna clutched his sweater, turned her face into it and screamed.

Lips curving, Jon kissed the top of her head and stroked her hair. "I promise we're going to be happy. We'll prove him wrong. That ought to piss him off."

Brianna chuckled helplessly. "Sounds like a plan." Plucking the glass off the table, she relaxed back against him and sipped, letting his nearness and reassurance soothe her.