Chapter Forty Four

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ashlyn turned and stared at Kevin�s phone for several minutes as her emotions warred with each other. She took a step forward, her hand reached out to pick it up. She suddenly stopped herself.

�No!� She whispered out loud. She would not allow herself to do it. No matter how much she wanted to do it, she would not. Dale was the one who�d broken things off with her. At the one time that she needed him the most, he wasn�t there for him. And while she was very relieved that Donavan had been caught, it didn�t change a thing between Dale and herself. Not at all.

Ashlyn sighed wearily as she sat down and rubbed her temples in an effort to ward off the threatening headache. God, things were a mess! She didn�t have the slightest clue what to do about Taryn. She knew that she had to do something, but she didn�t know how to get through to her. After the argument they�d had the day before, she hadn�t seen or heard from Taryn. She had serious doubts that she would see Taryn again in the next two weeks. She was unable to get through to Taryn and make her see what kind of guy Logan really was and that she deserved so much better, she wasn�t sure�no, she KNEW that she couldn�t go to that wedding and pretend to be happy for Taryn. She knew that it would break Taryn�s heart, but she couldn�t do it.

Ashlyn looked up when she heard Kevin come into the room a short time later. Her heart immediately went out to him when she saw his eyes wet with unshed tears. She opened her mouth to speak, but Kevin beat her to it.

�You ready to go?� He asked quickly before she could get any words out. He knew what she was going to say. No, he wasn�t okay and there was no way that he could say that out loud. Saying would make the horrible ache in his heart even more real.

Ashlyn sighed, knowing that she had to drop the subject. It was over. In less than two weeks, Taryn was going to marry Logan unless she could find some way to get through to her. That was provided that she even saw or talked to Taryn before the wedding took place.

*****

�What�s wrong, baby?� Logan asked Taryn when they were in his dressing room between sets at the club. He noticed that she�d been very quiet the last day.

Taryn sighed heavily as she looked at Logan. �You were right about Ashlyn.�

�What happened?� Logan demanded, his voice filled with anger.

Taryn got up and got another beer from the small refrigerator in the corner of the room. She opened it and took a long drink before she started pacing.

�Exactly what you said would happen.� She nearly cried, her hurt, anger, and frustration obvious. She suddenly stopped pacing as an idea hit her. She spun around and looked at Logan. �I don�t want to wait, Logan! Not even two weeks. Let�s get married now!�

Logan stepped over to where she stood and pulled her against him. �You know that�s not possible.� He told her as he brushed his knuckles across his cheek, trying to sooth her. �Don�t pay any mind to Ashlyn. You don�t need her and you certainly don�t need her bullshit. She�s just jealous that you�ve found love and she hasn�t. This is the happiest time of your life. Don�t let her petty shit ruin it for you.� Logan paused for a moment, looking down into her eyes. �I hate seeing you so upset. You don�t deserve it. Promise me that you won�t see or talk to Ashlyn until after our wedding. This is the happiest time of your life and I won�t have her ruining it for you. Promise me, Taryn.�

Taryn bit her lip, hesitating for only a moment before she realized that Logan was right. �I promise.� She told him as she stood up on her toes, sealing her promise with a passionate kiss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Forty Fivr

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ashlyn sorted through the stack of mail, her eyebrows going up when she came across a white envelope with her name in script across the front. �Well, I�ll be damned.� She said softly, opening it and finding a wedding invitation to Taryn and Logan�s wedding, in two days. She had assumed since she hadn�t heard anything from Taryn, she wasn�t invited. It looked like that wasn�t the case after all.

She tapped her fingernails against the table as she got lost in thought. She continued to talk to Kevin on a daily basis since he came to Colorado. She was heartbroken over the way Taryn had completely shut her out of her life, and was even considering going to her and apologizing and giving Logan the benefit of the doubt and supporting the wedding.

But she wasn�t entirely sure she could do that with her whole heart, and Taryn would see straight through anything less.

She got up and grabbed the phone when it rang, knowing full well who it was. �Hello Kevin.� She greeted, gaining a laugh from him on the other end.

�Let me guess, your psychic now.� Kevin teased.

�No, you�re just the only one who calls anymore.� She said half jokingly, half serious.

�Still haven�t heard from Taryn?� Kevin asked. Despite his own feelings for the woman, and his own heartache, he was beginning to get a little angry at the way Ashlyn was being hurt in all this. He had no doubt that it was this guy Logan�s doing. It wasn�t like Taryn to just turn her back on Ashlyn like this. It was from outside influence.

�Actually I got an invitation to the wedding today.� She said softly, hoping to soften the blow. They never really talked about the upcoming nuptials. It was a subject Kevin stayed as far away from as possible.

�Oh.� He replied.

�It�s this Saturday, in two days.� She told him. She wasn�t trying to rub salt in his wounds�she was hoping to open his eyes.

�Are you going?� he asked, although his voice was tight with emotion.

�I don�t know. Most likely. I want to be there for Taryn. Not for the marriage, but for her at least.� Ashlyn replied. �I just hope she comes to her senses before Saturday.�

Kevin looked up and held up a finger when Dale walked in. �Listen, I�ve gotta run. I�ll call you later tonight, okay?� he said.

�Alright, I�ll talk to you then.� She said before hanging up the phone and going back to staring at the invitation laying on the table.

***

�What�s up?� Dale asked, studying his friend closely. He didn�t have to be a genius to know whom Kevin had just been talking too. He�d gotten to the point where he stopped asking about her. It hurt too badly.

Kevin sighed, his head bowed. �Ash just got Taryn�s wedding invitation in the mail. It�s Saturday.�

Dale�s eyes widened. �This Saturday?� he questioned, whistling lowly at Kevin�s nod. �That�s quick.�

�Ashlyn thinks the same thing.� Kevin mumbled, not noticing Dale�s wince at her name.

�And what do you think?� Dale asked. Kevin shrugged.

�Nothing.�

�Bullshit!� Dale nearly yelled, causing Kevin to jump. He didn�t mean to be so harsh, but he was sick and tired of Kevin�s moping since coming back from wherever he�d gone to meet Ashlyn. Not that he was any better himself, but that was beside the point. It was time he let Kevin have it�Earnhardt style.

�You�re a damned fool, Kevin.� Dale told him bluntly. �You have the opportunity to stop this, or at least give the woman something to think about but yet you refuse to do anything about it, except mope and be bitchy.�

�You think I�d just be standing here whining about it I knew where Ashlyn was or how to get to her? Hell no! Damnit, man, fight for the woman you love!� he yelled before turning and storming up the stairs.

Kevin watched a little stunned as Dale left the room, then sank down on the sofa, going over what Dale had just said. After a few moments he stood up and went upstairs. Dale was just coming out of the kitchen with a beer in his hand. He paused and eyed his friend, sensing something a little different about him.

�Get packed.� Kevin told him. Before Dale could ask, Kevin continued. �We�re going to stop a wedding. Correction, I�m going to stop a wedding, you are going to follow your own advice and fight to get back the woman you love.� Kevin threw his own words back at him.

�But�� Dale started to protest but stopped himself. This was the opportunity he�d been waiting for and he wasn�t about to blow it. The women were in for the surprise of their lives. Cuz neither he nor Kevin were going to leave Colorado until they had what they came for�Ashlyn and Taryn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Forty Six

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just after the wedding started, Kevin and Dale slipped unnoticed into the back of the church. Kevin�s breath caught as his eyes immediately touched on Taryn standing at the front of the church. She was absolutely stunning! His hands tightened into fists as his eyes wandered to the man standing next to Taryn. He wanted to punch the man�s lights out for the way he�d manipulated Taryn. At the same time he wanted to shake Taryn senseless for falling for his shit in the first place. But then he knew that he really couldn�t be too upset with Taryn when most of what happened was most of his fault anyway. If only he hadn�t lied to her. Things could have been so much different right then.

Discreetly glancing at the people sitting in the pews in front of them, Kevin spotted Ashlyn finally and pointed her out to Dale, knowing that his friend was looking for her. He watched, grinning slightly as Dale�s mouth fell open and he was unable to take his eyes off her. He knew that Dale was just counting the seconds until the wedding was over and he�d get a chance to talk to Ashlyn.

Both men were on the edge of their seats as the wedding went on and Kevin waited until precisely the right moment. Finally the time came.

The minister looked out into the people seated in the church. �If there are any objections to the union of this man and woman, speak now or forever hold your peace.� He paused for only a split second and was about to continue when Kevin stood up.

�I have an objection to this marriage.� Kevin stated loudly and firmly. The heads of all the people whirled around and they all gasped collectively. Both Taryn and Logan spun around, their eyes wide with shock.

�Oh my God.� Taryn whispered to herself when she saw Kevin standing there. She looked over at Logan and could see the anger simmering just beneath the surface. She looked back at Kevin, her eyes narrowed as she began walking down the aisle to where he stood. She would take care of this and take care of it now!

�What the hell are you doing here?� Taryn hissed quietly as she stepped up to Kevin. �How dare you come here on my wedding day and try to ruin it!� She told him, her voice filled with anger.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Forty Seven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kevin looked down at Taryn, and knew she was angry, rightfully so. But he didn�t let that stop him. He�d come too far to stop now even if he wanted to, which he knew he didn�t.

�We need to talk.� He told her. Taryn took a look around the church, seeing everyone staring at them, then looked at Logan. She took a deep breath and turned back to Kevin, ready to let him have it when she saw the sincerity in his eyes, and the way he was pleading with her to listen.

She shook her head. �This is my wedding day!� she cried, sounding lost and confused.

�And if you decide to continue with this after giving me five minutes, I won�t try to stop you.� He promised. She still looked torn, unable to decide, her heart and head conflicted.

Logan started down the aisle, ready to put an end to all this, when Ashlyn jumped up from her seat and stood in front of him, halting his progress.

�Just let them talk. If you�re so secure in your love,� she said almost snidely, �Then you have nothing to worry about.�

Logan�s eyes narrowed as he stared down at her. �This is all your doing you conniving little bitch!� he spat, gaining another gasp from the congregation. �I knew you were nothing but bad news, why do you think I�ve worked so hard to keep Taryn away from you? You shouldn�t even be here!�

Ashlyn couldn�t help but grin. �But I am, and so is Kevin. Deal with it.�

Logan advanced on her some more. �And to think I wanted you once. What the hell was I thinking?� he growled, not realizing just how loudly he was talking.

�What!?� Taryn demanded, having heard the entire thing. She hadn�t liked the way he had talked to Ashlyn, but this�this was too much. She felt like she was nearing a nervous breakdown.

�Thank you. You just opened her eyes more than I and possibly Kevin could have.� Ashlyn told the man in front of her, taking a small step back when he whipped around and looked at her. The anger and almost�violence in his eyes had her thinking twice about facing off with this man.

�You�ll pay for this.� His voice was low as he started towards her.

�Back the fuck off!�

Both Logan and Ashlyn stopped. Ashlyn knew that voice�would know it in her sleep. She spun around and found herself looking at the man she had love�still loved with all her heart, no matter how hard she tried not too.

�Dale.� She said softly, wondering how on earth she had missed him there. She had been so focused on the fact that Kevin was there, stopping the wedding, she hadn�t seen him.

Taryn, despite everything, couldn�t help but smile seeing Ashlyn and Dale standing there. It was about time! Her smile immediately fell when she looked back at Logan. She started towards him.

�What the hell did you mean by �wanting� Ashlyn?� she demanded. Logan shook his head.

�Nothing honey, you�re taking it out of context.� He told her, his voice suddenly soothing.

�Don�t you dare �honey� me!� she yelled. �What the hell is going on here? You did hit on her didn�t you? She tried to tell me but I wouldn�t listen!� Taryn could feel the tears filling her eyes. Everything was coming down on her at once. �And to think I allowed you to turn me against her�against my best friend. You bastard!�

Unable to take anymore, Taryn turned and fled to the back of the church, causing everyone to start moving. Logan started after her, but this time it was Kevin who stopped him.

�Don�t even think about it. You�ve done enough.� Kevin told him, seeing Logan was about to protest. �You don�t deserve her. You don�t really love her, not like I do. And if I have anything to say about it, this wedding is over. There is no way in hell I�m going to let her make the mistake of marrying you.�

Logan grinned cockily. �She loves me. She�ll come through, and the wedding will proceed.� He said confidently.

�We�ll see.� Kevin snapped before walking away, intent on finding Taryn.

After he walked out, Dale turned his attention back to Ashlyn, who was also unable to take her eyes off him. Damn but he looked good. She had known he missed him, cried herself to sleep over him ever single night, but until this moment she hadn�t fully realized just how much she had missed him.

�Hi.� She said almost shyly, unable to think of anything else to say. She knew she�d gone over in her head what she would say to him if she saw him, at least a million times. She had the perfect speech all planned out. But now, facing him, her mind was blank. All she could think about was how badly she wanted to feel his arms around her.

Dale swallowed hard. �Hello Ashlyn.� He had no idea the affect of just hearing him say her name had on her. He looked around, seeing everyone starting to get up and move around, wondering what the hell was going to happen. He turned back to Ashlyn, not wanting to let her out of his sight for even a second.

He was about to say something when she spoke. �Can we talk?� she asked, taking a look around herself. �Somewhere more private?�

He smiled at her, the love he felt for her shining through, making her catch her breath. �I was just about to say the same thing.� He said, unable to suppress the surge of hope that spread through him. He knew he shouldn�t get his hopes up too high, he had hurt her, abandoned her at her weakest point, even if his intentions had been good.

�Come on, there�s some open rooms in the back of the church.� Ashlyn said, leading the way.

***

Kevin opened the door slowly and found Taryn sitting in there, crying into her hands. She looked up when he came in, and the tears started falling harder.

�What was I thinking?� she sobbed brokenly. �He�s no different from all the others. I thought he was, but deep down he wasn�t. Ashlyn tried to warn me but I wouldn�t listen. Oh god, what if I�d married him?�

Kevin sat down next to her. �I would never have let that happen.�

She laughed, although it was heart wrenching. �How could I have been so blind?� she asked.

�It�s not your fault.� Kevin told her. �If it�s anyone�s, it�s mine.� She looked at him in confusion.

�How could this possibly be your fault? You didn�t make me almost marry that�that asshole!� she spat, shuddering at the thought of committing the rest of her life to Logan.

�But you would have never even been with him if I hadn�t fucked things up.� He told her softly, accepting all blame.

�Oh Kevin.� She sighed. �As much as I�d like to put the blame on someone else, I can�t blame you. I only have myself to blame. I was stubborn, telling myself I was unable to forgive you, and allowed myself to think that Logan was the one.�

�I�m so sorry Taryn, for everything. I hope you can believe that.� She smiled at him, a true smile.

�I do. And I have to thank you, if you hadn�t stopped the wedding I�d be married right now.� She shuddered again. She dropped her head in her hands. �Ugh, I was so stupid!�

�No you weren�t. I was. I should have told you the truth from the very beginning.� Kevin insisted. Taryn reached out and took his hand in hers.

�No, I can understand why you didn�t. I don�t know exactly what your life is like, but I can only imagine, just from watching Dale. Honest, I can understand. And I forgive you. I�m sorry I was so stubborn about the whole thing.� She said, for the first time allowing all her anger towards him disappear. It didn�t matter anymore. All that matter, he was there now.

�Thank you.� She whispered. He looked at her.

�For what?� he asked.

�For stopping me from making the biggest mistake of my life.� She said.

�I couldn�t let you go through with it. I was going to stay away. When Ashlyn first told me you were getting married, I told her it was your decision and out of my hands. But when it came down to it, I couldn�t just walk away without a fight. I love you Taryn. More than you will ever know.�

Taryn bit her lip as she looked into his eyes, seeing nothing but truth there. She took a deep breath and opened her own heart up completely. �I love you too, Kevin.� She said honestly. �I never stopped, I just allowed other things to get in the way, I�m so sorry.�

Kevin leaned towards her. �Don�t you dare apologize to me. You have nothing to be sorry for.�

�Yes I do.� She insisted. �Look at all this time that has been wasted, and for what? Nothing! We should have been together instead of apart.�

He grinned. �Well I agree with you there, but we�re together now. Aren�t we?� he asked, needing to hear the words. She smiled and nodded.

�Yes, Kevin. We are most definitely together.� She whispered as she closed the distance between them and captured his lips in a kiss that had his head spinning, and Taryn knowing she had made the right, and only, decision.

After a few minutes they pulled back and grinned at each other, both of them finally feeling complete. She looked around and then stood up. �I guess I better go back out there and tell everyone there won�t be a wedding, huh?� she laughed, able to find humor in it.

Kevin stood up as well. �Well�� he hesitated. She looked at him.

�What?�

�I�m just thinking, you�re ready for a wedding. You look absolutely gorgeous by the way, I don�t think I�ve mentioned that. And everyone here is expecting a wedding. I say we give them one.� He said surprising her and himself as well.

�Huh? Kevin, are you crazy?� she demanded. She squealed when he picked her up and spun her around.

�Yes I�m crazy, over you. I love you Taryn, I don�t want to be without you a second longer. You make my life complete, without you I�m empty. I know there are a lot of details we�d have to work out, but we can do that together. Marry me, Taryn. Make me the happiest man on the planet.� He asked, going down on one knee looking up at her.

Taryn�s eyes filled with tears again, this time with happiness. All of this was happening so quickly, her head was spinning. But she decided to listen to her heart.

�Yes Kevin. I�ll marry you.�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Forty Eight

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�I�m surprised to see you here.� Ashlyn told Dale, not really knowing what else to say once they�d gotten the door shut behind them. She could have kicked herself. She had so many things that she wanted to say to him, yet, she couldn�t get any of the words out.

Dale smiled at her. �Well, Kevin and I are on a mission today.� He told her.

�Oh? What�s that?� Ashlyn asked although she already had a pretty good idea why Kevin was there and she was damn glad to see him�and Dale too.

�To fight for the women that we love.� Dale replied simply and straight-forward. He held his breath as he watched her eyes widen. �I think that Kevin has already fulfilled what he came here intending to do.� He paused, gazing into her beautiful eyes for a moment. �Now it�s my turn to fight for the woman that I love.�

Ashlyn�s gasped softly as her mouth fell open. �Me?� She questioned, her voice barely a whisper. Again she felt like kicking herself. Boy, she was being real smooth with this one. But in her defense all she could really think about was throwing herself into his arms and never letting him go.

Dale smiled softly down at Ashlyn as he reached out and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. �You.� He clarified softly, his voice gruff. �Ashlyn, I-� Dale began, but she stopped him before he could get any further.

�I know Dale.� She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. Then taking a deep breath, she continued, her words coming straight from her heart. �Yes, I was hurt and then angry after you broke things off with me, but I�m over it. I was over it the instant I saw you today�when you stood up to Logan. Although I don�t agree with it, I do understand why you did what you did, and I forgive you. I love you, Dale. I never stopped.�

Dale opened his mouth to speak, but nothing would come out. He was honestly speechless by Ashlyn�s heartfelt words. Finally he found his voice and told her the only words he could�the only words he wanted to say to her at that moment. �I love you too, Ash. More than anything�ever.� He told her, his voice husky with all of the emotions flowing through him. Unable to hold himself back any longer, he pulled her into his arms and lowered his head, is lips seeking and finding hers in a kiss that made time stand still for both of them. When they finally pulled apart, they were breathless.

�Just promise me one thing.� Ashlyn asked him, her eyes gazing into his.

�What?�

�That whatever comes up now and in the future, we�ll get through it together.�

Dale smiled down into her eyes. �Together.� He promised, before leaning forward and kissing her again.

�Let�s go find Taryn and Kevin.� Ashlyn said excitedly as she grabbed Dale�s hand and began leading him to the door. She was dying to see how things had turned out between Kevin and Taryn, although she really didn't think that there'd be any problems there. And she also couldn�t wait to let them know that everything was okay between Dale and herself. She had her hand on the doorknob to open it when Dale stopped her.

�Marry me?� Dale asked abruptly when Ashlyn turned to look at him.

�What?� Ashlyn questioned, not really quite sure if she�d heard him right or not.

Dale smiled softly at her as he stepped forward and looked down into her eyes. �Ash, I love you. I never want to be without you. You make me complete. Without you I am empty. The only thing that could make my life even more perfect is if you were my wife. Please marry me.� He asked again, all of the love and sincerity shining through in his voice and in his eyes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Forty Nine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ashlyn just stared at him, unable to form a coherent thought. Her mind was a whirlwind. Had he really just asked her to marry him?

Dale grinned down at her dumbfounded expression. �I think the words you�re looking for are �Yes Dale, I will marry you.��

�Are you serious?� she asked breathlessly, her heart pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it as well.

The smile faded as Dale grew completely serious. �I�ve never meant anything more in my life. We belong together, Ash, you can�t deny that. This time without has been the worst experience of my life. I never want to face something like that again. I want to be with you, always. I want the world to know we�re together, and that nothing and no one will come between us again. But more than anything, I want to be able to wake up beside you every day, have you beside me from here on out, see my ring on your finger, have kids with you�just spend the rest of my life with you.�

Ashlyn�s eyes filled with tears at his words. This was everything she had ever wanted, could have ever hoped for. She wanted all this as well.

She smiled through her tears, putting her arms around him. �Yes Dale, I�ll marry you.� She answered with no hesitation.

***

�There you two are, we�ve been looking for you everywhere. I see things went well.� Kevin grinned when he and Taryn finally found Dale and Ashlyn in the hallway.

Dale nodded, pulling Ashlyn closer. �Everything is perfect. And you two?� he asked, although from the way they were standing together and the smiles on both their faces, no one really needed to ask.

Taryn looked at Kevin, sharing a secretive smile before looking back at Dale and Ashlyn. �We�re perfect as well. In fact�� she paused, unable to stop the happiness inside her. �We�re getting married!� she announced.

Ashlyn felt as if the world were as it should be for once. She rushed forward and hugged Taryn tightly. �So are we!� she cried.

�Oh my god!� Taryn exclaimed, hugging her back.

�Congratulations!� They both said in unison, laughing through their tears of happiness.

Taryn pulled back and looked at Ashlyn, thinking she�d never seen her friend so happy. She knew exactly how she felt. She paused and looked back at the men. �Will you two excuse us for a minute? I�d like to talk to Ash.�

Both men nodded, although neither of them wanted to let them out of their sights. �No problem, we�ll go talk to the minister and see what we can arrange.� He said.

Once in the room Taryn turned and faced her best friend. �I owe you a huge apology. I don�t know if you can ever forgive me, I wouldn�t if I were you, but I just want you to know how sorry I am.�

Ashlyn tilted her head. �For what?� she asked.

�For the way I�ve been acting the past few months. I can�t believe I was stupid enough to listen to Logan and allow myself to all but cut you out of my life. I�m so sorry.� She said, lowering her head in shame.

Ashlyn came forward and hugged her. �It�s forgotten. I�m just so relieved you didn�t marry Logan.�

Taryn smiled softly. �And I know I have you to thank for that. If it weren�t for you, Kevin wouldn�t have come. I owe you everything.�

Ashlyn grinned. �And I�ll tell you how you can repay me. You can be happy with Kevin, and not allow little things to get in the way. Love him, always and treat him right. He deserves it. And so do you.�

�I promise, Ash. Now, let�s go get married!� Taryn exclaimed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifty

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taryn took a deep breath as she stepped back into the church followed by Kevin, Ashlyn, and Dale. A hush fell over the congregation they saw her and Logan stood up from where he�d been sitting in a pew talking to one of his buddies. He grinned smugly when he saw Taryn coming towards him. He knew that she had chosen him.

�I see that you�ve come to your senses.� Logan said to Taryn as he sneered at the people standing behind her, particularly Kevin and Ashlyn. �Now let�s get this wedding going.� He grabbed Taryn�s arm, but she immediately jerked out of his grasp.

Taryn smiled at him, her eyes glowing. �Oh, there�s definitely going to be a wedding here.� She paused, clearly seeing the relief that entered his eyes. She nearly laughed out loud, knowing that what she was about to tell him would knock him down a notch or two.

�But it�s not going to be yours and mine.� She stopped when a collective gasp filled the church. She leaned back against Kevin when his arms circled her from behind. �I�m marrying Kevin.� She stated, watching Logan�s eyes grow dark with outright anger.

�Go ahead. But this is not over. Not by a long shot.� Logan growled quietly for only them to hear. �You are going to regret this.� He said, looking menacingly at all of them before he stalked past them and out of the church.

Taryn let out the breath that she�d been holding and turned around in Kevin�s arms. She looked up at him and then at Dale and Ashlyn. �Let�s get married!� She exclaimed, unable to wait any longer.

*****

�I can�t believe that we�re married!� Taryn said excitedly as she and Kevin stepped into his hotel room that he�d gotten when he and Dale had arrived in town the day before. Dale and Ashlyn had gone back to her house.

�It�s wonderful isn�t it.� Kevin commented as he leaned forward and gave her a long kiss. They all knew that they weren�t married�legally since none of them had a marriage license. But to them it didn�t matter. It was just a piece of paper. In their hearts and minds, they were married in every sense of the word. However, they did plan to have another wedding as soon as possible to make it legal and to include their family and friends that hadn�t been there for their impromptu wedding.

Taryn gazed up at him, a huge smile on her face, her eyes full of love. �I never thought that I�d be this happy again. But thanks to you, I am. You are so amazing.� She told him, her voice choking a little bit as she said that last part.

Kevin smiled softly down at her as he framed her face in his hands. �I love you.� He told her, his own voice husky with emotion. Slowly, her lowered his head and kissed her again.

�So what are you doing the next couple of weeks?� Kevin asked after breaking the kiss.

�Um, I don�t know.� Taryn replied, a little confused by his question. �Whatever you�re doing, I guess.� She didn�t have anything planned and had no appointments scheduled at the shop since she and Logan had planned for a honeymoon in Cancun had they gotten married. In fact she had all of the airline and hotel information since he�d told her to take care of making all of the reservations and to surprise him with where they were going. And she most certainly did not plan to share that information with Logan now.

�Why?� She questioned, easily seeing that he was planning something.

�Well�we just got married and what do people usually do after they get married?�

Taryn smiled, knowing exactly what he was getting at and she couldn�t agree more with his thinking. �I�ve got it all taken care of. We leave tomorrow morning for two weeks in Cancun.� She told him, very much looking forward to the vacation. She definitely needed it.

Kevin looked at her, the surprise obvious. �Are you sure? I can-� He began, but knowing what he was going to say, Taryn cut him off.

�More than sure. If we don�t go, the money that I spent on this will be wasted and I don�t know about you, but being in Cancun with you sounds really nice.�

�Alright then, I guess that�s settled.� He grinned at her, the thought of having her all to himself for two weeks was very pleasing to him. Taryn giggled as he scooped her up in his arms, but her laughter died when his mouth came down as he carried her over to the bed and gently placed her down on it, his body covering hers. He looked down at her, gazing into her eyes.

�Mrs. Miller. That has a nice ring to it.� He said, still having a hard time believing that this was all really happening. It was a dream come true.

Taryn smiled, loving how it sounded as well. �Yes, it does.� She agreed. She was still blown away by all of this. Everything had happened so fast. It still had her head spinning, but she could honestly say that she knew that this was right and she�d never been happier in her life.

Kevin lowered his head until his lips just brushed hers. �I love you.� He whispered before fully closing the distance between them in a mind shattering kiss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifty One

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�I hate to cut this short Ash, but I need to go lie down again. This flu is really kicking my ass.� Taryn said tiredly into the phone, her stomach beginning to churn again.

�Still not feeling good?� Ashlyn asked, concern for her friend evident in her voice. It had been at least a week and a half if not more since Taryn had first mentioned that she wasn�t feeling well. �Maybe you should see a doctor.� She suggested.

�I think I�ll give it a few more days.� Taryn told Ashlyn, her eyes lighting up a little bit when Kevin walked into the room. He came over and tenderly kissed her forehead before going to sit down so that he wouldn�t disturb her phone call. It had been six weeks since they�d gotten married and everything was going wonderfully. After they�d returned from their honeymoon, Kevin had gone to New York to head into the studio with the band. Taryn had stayed back in Colorado for about a month to take care of selling her shop and to get her things packed and moved to Kevin�s home in Pennsylvania. Afterwards she joined him in New York for the last week that he needed to be in the studio. It was then that she started feeling ill�about two weeks ago.

Dale and Ashlyn were doing wonderfully as well. While she was again living in North Carolina, Ashlyn couldn�t bear to sell her beloved home. After moving most of her things out, she closed up the house. She and Dale planned to return there several times a year for vacation.

�Okay, but if you�re not feeling better by Friday, you get yourself to a doctor.� Ashlyn said sternly. �And let me know how you�re doing.�

Taryn laughed a little bit. �Yes, mom.� She teased, earning a laugh from Ashlyn.

�Alright girl, I�m going to let you get off of here so you can get some rest. I�ll call you in a couple of days to see how you�re doing, okay?�

�Sounds good.� Taryn answered and then continued. �Oh, and tell Dale hi from Kevin and I. We all really need to get together soon. It�s been too long.�

Ashlyn smiled, agreeing completely with Taryn. �I�ll check with Dale and see what he�s got coming up on his schedule. Hopefully we can get together soon. And tell Kevin hi from us too.� Then after saying their good-byes, they ended the call.

Taryn got up from where she�d been sitting and stretched as a jaw- cracking yawn escaped her. Lord, she was exhausted. She felt like she could sleep for days. Walking over to Kevin, she crawled on his lap and snuggled up against him, sighing contently as his arms circled her, holding her tight. She laid her head against his chest, the beat of his heart instantly lulling her and she closed her eyes, more than ready to go to sleep. And she had just about drifted out when it suddenly hit her�why she hadn�t been feeling well. As she thought about it�the symptoms she�d been having it, it made perfect sense. She didn�t even think about the fact that she�d been late until now, but then again, her cycles were always erratic so it really wasn�t anything that she would think about. She wouldn�t say anything about what she suspected to Kevin, or even Ashlyn until she knew for sure, but it had to be it.

*****

�Kevin!� Taryn called from the bathroom into the bedroom he was still sleeping the next morning. She giggled as she watched him abruptly wake up and jump out of bed. She was so excited, she was nearly jumping up and down with happiness. While he was still sleeping, she�d gone and gotten a pregnancy test. She�d done it and was more than delighted with the results.

�What? What�s wrong?� Kevin asked sleepily as he stumbled into the bathroom, still not fully awake. He was caught off guard and nearly fell backwards when she threw her arms around him and jumped into his arms, her mouth crashing down on his in a very passionate kiss.

�Mmm, good morning to you too.� Kevin said after the kiss ended. �I could handle waking up like this every morning.� He teased, a grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

�Look!� Taryn exclaimed, showing him the test stick. She smiled broadly at him, her eyes absolutely glowing with happiness.

�What is that?� Kevin asked, dumbfounded. It wasn�t that he didn�t know what it was. He was just too overwhelmed at the moment to form any kind of coherent thought.

�Kevin, we�re going to have a baby!� Taryn exclaimed, watching Kevin�s eyes fill with surprise, and then wonder and pure happiness as her words really began to sink in. She squealed as Kevin spun her around, his lips finding hers in a tender kiss.

�A baby?� Kevin asked, his voice full of amazement. �When?� He questioned when Taryn nodded to answer his first question.

�Um, I�m not sure.� Taryn answered. She honestly hadn�t given it any thought yet. She was just so happy that they were having a baby that she hadn�t thought of anything else. �I guess in about eight or so months.� She told him, hugging him tight.

Kevin smiled into her eyes. Before he�d thought that he was happy�and he had been, but this�This was happiness beyond anything he ever dreamed. �I love you.� He whispered gruffly, leaning forward until his lips brushed hers.

�I love you too.� Taryn told him and then closed what little distance remained between them.

*****

�Are you sure that you�re okay with this?� Kevin asked for what seemed to be the millionth time. But he felt really bad that he wasn�t able to go with her. He had a commitment with the band and would be gone for the next three days. Taryn had tried to get her appointment at another time, but this was the only time that she could get in without waiting another month.

Taryn smiled as she walked over to where he was standing by the door putting his jacket on. She wrapped her arms around his waist and looked up at him. �I�m sure. Besides, there will be plenty of other doctor appointments that you can go along to.� She said as she stood up on her toes and kissed him.

�You are right.� Kevin smiled, agreeing with her. �I just wish I didn�t have to leave you. But I guess we better get used to it with the new album coming out and everything.� He paused but continued when Taryn nodded. �I�ll call you later to find out how everything went, okay?�

�Sounds good. Have a great day.�

�You too, baby.� Then after giving her another kiss, he turned and left.

*****

�Well, with you not being sure of the first day of your last cycle, until we can do a sonogram to get measurements of the baby, I can only tell how far along you are by measuring you.� The doctor explained to Taryn after he�d examined her and she�d asked about her due date. �Stop by the desk on your way out and they�ll get you an appointment for the sonogram. It needs to be done as soon as possible so we know for sure where we�re at.� He continued telling her.

�But about how far along do you think I am?� Taryn questioned, dying to know. And she couldn�t wait to find out so she could tell Kevin and Ashlyn. She had no doubt that Ashlyn was waiting impatiently by her phone for her call.

�About eight to nine weeks.� He told her as he made a couple of notes in her chart.

Taryn�s eyes grew wide as realization hit her. �What?� She questioned, her voice rising hysterically as panic ripped through her. There was no way�That couldn�t be possible!

The doctor looked up at her, seeing that all of the color had drained from her face. �Are you okay?� He asked, thinking that she didn�t look so good at that moment.

Taryn shook her head slightly, trying to get her barring. She took in a deep breath and slowly let it out, pulling herself together for the time being. �Eight to nine weeks? Are you sure?� She questioned, thinking that this had to be a dream that she would wake up from any time now.

�Well, like I said, we won�t know for sure until we do the sonogram, but I don�t think that it�ll change much, if at all.� He replied and then stood up. �Be sure to make an appointment for the sonogram and another appointment here in a month. Oh, and here�s the prescription for your prenatal vitamins. If you have any questions or anything before your next visit, please don�t hesitate to call.�

�Thanks.� Taryn mumbled as she took the slip of paper from him and he left the room.

*****

After making the necessary appointments, Taryn hurried out of the clinic to the safety of her car where she immediately broke down. She laid her head on the steering wheel as heart wrenching sobs shook her and tears flooded her eyes.

She nearly jumped out of her skin and was unable to suppress the little scream that escaped her when her cell phone began ringing. She was flooded with relief when she looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Ashlyn and thankfully not Kevin. There was no way she was able to talk to him at that moment. She was going to let the call go to voice mail, but then changed her mind. She knew that if she didn�t talk to someone, she would certainly go out of her mind.

�Hello.� Taryn answered, her voice barely a whisper.

�Taryn? What�s wrong?� Ashlyn demanded, easily hearing something in her friend�s voice. �Is everything okay?� She was concerned that something was wrong with the baby, or Kevin and Taryn.

Taryn took a deep breath, tears stinging her eyes again. �The baby isn�t Kevin�s.� She barely choked the words out. It was the first time that she�d said the words out loud, making this nightmare all too real.

Shock momentarily left Ashlyn speechless. Had Taryn really just said what she thought she�d heard her say? �What�s going on, Taryn?� She asked gently, her voice coming back to her when she heard her friend crying on the other end of the phone.

�I�ve been back with Kevin about six and a half weeks. I�m eight to nine weeks along.� Taryn told her, the dread clearly heard in her words. �I can�t tell him, Ash!� She continued before Ashlyn had a chance to say anything. �I can�t tell Kevin. This will crush him!�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifty Two

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ashlyn took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down, knowing she couldn�t go hysterical as well. One of them needed to stay sane, and there was no way it was going to be Taryn at the moment.

�Okay, calm down.� Ashlyn told her soothingly. �Take a couple deep breaths.� She heard Taryn breathing in deeply and letting it out slowly.

�That�s better. Now, tell me all the doctor said.� She urged.

Breathing in another shaky breath Taryn explained everything; nearly hysterical again by the time she finished. Ashlyn did anything and everything she could to reassure her friend.

�Well there you go. The doctor himself said that you wouldn�t know anything for sure until the sonogram. Try not to worry too much before then. You have your appointment, so just wait until then and see. You never know, he could have predicted you to be further along than you really are.� Ashlyn told her.

Taryn knew it was a possibility, although she really didn�t believe it. Deep down she knew she was not carrying her husband�s baby.

�What do I tell Kevin? I can�t tell him this!� she cried, getting herself worked up again.

�You can�t NOT tell him, Taryn.� Ashlyn told her sensibly. �He has a right to know. And given the circumstances, sure he�s going to be disappointed, just as I�m sure you are, but it�s understandable. You were marrying Logan. Hell you were at the altar with him ready to say your vows�no one can blame you. It�s not like you cheated on Kevin or anything.�

Taryn shook her head, more tears slipping down her cheeks. �But I don�t want the baby to be Logan�s. This is supposed to be mine and Kevin�s!� she sobbed.

Ashlyn�s heart went out to her friend. She couldn�t even begin to imagine how she was feeling. �And it still could be. But you and Kevin need to go through this together. Don�t take this burden on your own. It will drive you insane. Kevin married you �for better or for worse�. He�ll stand by you and support you and love you, no matter what. Tell him, Taryn.� She urged.

Taryn sighed knowing Ashlyn was right. �You�re right. Alright. I gotta get off here. Calm myself down and drive home.�

�Will you be okay?� Ashlyn asked.

Taryn gave a humorless laugh. �No, but I�ll make it. I�ll call you later, alright?�

�Okay, remember I�m here if you need me. And if you need me, I�ll fly out there.� Ashlyn promised.

Taryn smiled. �Thank you Ash.� Then she hung up without saying goodbye. She sat in the parking lot for a few more minutes, then began to drive home. Thankfully Kevin hadn�t called, but she knew it would only be a matter of time.

How on earth was she going to tell him this? She thought and thought on it the entire way home, and once she got in the house she finally came up with a solution. She wouldn�t tell him, just yet. She would wait for the sonogram and allow that to give her the answers she was looking for. Besides, Ashlyn could be right. The doctor could be off by a couple weeks, and if so, then the baby would most definitely be Kevin�s. There was no sense in worrying Kevin about this until she knew for sure there was something to worry about.

***

Dale walked in the house and found his wife in the kitchen, just staring out the window, obviously lost in thought. He smiled to himself as he watched her quietly, not yet alerting her to his presence. It still amazed him that she was his wife. After getting back to North Carolina, Teresa had been so excited about the wedding; she had immediately gotten plans in motion for a �real� wedding. Neither Dale nor Ashlyn had to lift a finger to plan it, and within a week all had been set. But Teresa wasn�t through with her surprises. When Ashlyn and Taryn had gone back to get Ashlyn ready, there had been another perfect wedding dress there waiting for them, that one for Taryn. Teresa had decided since the first impromptu wedding had been a double, this one should be as well.

So before their family, friends and God, they had gotten married, legally this time.

There were times Dale would wake up in the morning thinking it was all a dream, but all he would have to do is turn his head to see his wife next to him. To say he was the happiest most content man in the world was a huge understatement.

Unable to wait any longer, he walked up behind her, slipping his arms around her waist, smiling softly when she jumped, obviously not having heard him come in.

�Hey.� He said, leaning down to nuzzle her neck in the spot he knew drove her absolutely crazy. She leaned back against him, closing her eyes, moaning just a little.

�Hey.� She responded a little breathlessly. She turned in his arms and smiled up at him, going on tiptoes to kiss him thoroughly. When he pulled back and looked down at her, it was the first time he noticed the sadness in her eyes.

�What�s wrong?� he asked. She smiled up at him, unable to believe just how well he knew her. He could read her like no one else could.

�I just got off the phone with Taryn.� She said, her shoulders slumping a little. Dale stiffened, suddenly alarmed.

�Is everything alright with the baby?� he demanded. He couldn�t be happier for his two friends, although he was a little envious. He wanted more than anything to have a child with Ashlyn�had from nearly the beginning, but now he wanted it even more, especially with Taryn and Kevin about to become parents. He didn�t want to wait much longer. He just didn�t know how to bring it up to Ashlyn. He was afraid she�d think it was too soon. And maybe it was. Was he rushing things?

�No, the baby is fine. Just a little farther along than expected.� She answered. Dale looked confused.

�Huh?�

She sighed. �If the doctor�s calculations are correct, then Taryn is eight to nine weeks along.�

Dale shrugged. �So?�

Ashlyn rolled her eyes. Sometimes men could be so dense. �If you�ll think about it, we all have only been back together for a little over six weeks.�

�Yeah.� He replied, still not getting it.

�And if Taryn is eight to nine weeks pregnant, then�� she trailed off, allowing it to sink it. When Dale�s eyes widened she knew he got it.

�Oh shit!� he exclaimed.

�Yeah.� She replied.

�Oh shit!� he repeated a little louder.

�You already said that.� She told him. He shook his head. This was too much to take in. There was no way�

�What are they going to do?� he asked. She shrugged.

�Haven�t gotten that far yet. She has a sonogram coming up and they will know for sure how far along she is.�

�So there�s still the possibility the baby could be Kevin�s?� Dale asked, almost afraid to hope. She nodded.

�There�s always the possibility, but the doctor was pretty certain as to how far along she is.� Ashlyn said sadly.

�Oh shit!�

***

Dale sat back in his motor home, reading a magazine. He was bored. Ashlyn was over to Kevin Harvick�s motor coach talking with his wife Delana. She�s only been gone maybe fifteen minutes, but he missed her and he was lonely. He shook his head with a small laugh. There had been a time when he was used to being by himself, never needed someone at his side. Now though, things had changed. He hated her being away from him for even the shortest amount of time.

He reached for his cell phone when it range, smiling when he saw Kevin�s number, thinking this was a good way to pass time until Ashlyn got back. Also he hadn�t really had a chance to talk to Kevin lately, both of their schedules being so hectic.

��Sup man?� he greeted, hearing his friend laugh on the other end.

�Hey Dale. Long time no chat.� Kevin told him, missing his friend.

�Damn, I was just telling Ashlyn the same thing. We all need to get together, and soon! I can probably free up my schedule this week.� Dale suggested, already thinking he�d call Teresa and see what he could work out.

�Sounds good, would you two mind coming here?� he asked.

�Absolutely.� Dale answered. �We don�t want her flying right now anyway!�

�And you two will be here for the sonogram! It�s scheduled for this Tuesday.� Kevin said excitedly. He could not wait to see his child.

�Cool! I bet you�ll be relieved once the sonogram is done, huh?� Dale asked. He hadn�t actually brought it up with Kevin before now, unable to think of how. And Kevin hadn�t said anything, making Dale think he didn�t want to really talk about it. Not that he could blame him.

�Uh, sure.� Kevin said uncertainly, not quite sure what Dale was getting at.

Dale was thoroughly confused. Come to think of it, every time he had talked to Kevin, he�d been more than excited about the baby. He hadn�t had a chance to talk to Taryn, neither had Ashlyn. Whenever she had called for her friend, Taryn had made some excuse not to talk, or talk long.

�I just mean that it will be a relief to know once and for all, right?� Dale asked.

�Once and for all? What the hell are you talking about Dale? Oh wait, I get it. We don�t want to find out.� Kevin told him.

�WHAT?� Dale jumped up off the couch. �How in the hell could you not want to know?�

Kevin was taken aback a little, unable to understand Dale�s reaction. �Well, we discussed it, and decided we don�t want to know. It will be better to wait to find out when the baby is born.�

�Have you lost your fucking mind?� Dale demanded, pacing his motor home.

�I don�t think so�but I�m thinking perhaps you have.� Kevin grumbled. He couldn�t imagine why Dale was getting so uptight about them not wanting to find out the sex of their child. It just didn�t make sense!

Dale was flabbergasted. �I�m sorry man, I guess everyone is entitled to their own feelings and all, but I just can�t imagine not wanting to find out right away if the baby is mine or not!�

There was nothing but silence on the other end and Dale suddenly got the sickening feeling that he and Kevin had been talking about two totally different things.

�Uh, Kevin?� he asked.

�What did you just say?� Kevin demanded, his whole tone changed. Dale could just see him gripping the phone, his knuckles white.

�Nothing.� Dale mumbled, suddenly feeling like the world�s biggest heel. All he wanted to do was hang up and hide his cell phone, pretending like the conversation never happened.

�Dale.� Kevin�s tone was low and held a very real warning. �What the fuck did you mean by that?�

Dale finally snapped out of feeling so guilty. �You mean Taryn didn�t tell you?� he demanded, his anger towards his best friend�s wife growing. Didn�t Ashlyn tell her Kevin had a right to know? That had been two weeks ago! If Kevin was just now finding out, it wasn�t his fault. Kevin should have found out the day Taryn did. He could not and would not sympathize with Taryn on this one. Nothing she could say would justify not telling Kevin. If it had been he and Ashlyn and she kept something like this from him�he shuddered at the thought and what his reaction would be.

�Tell me what?� Kevin growled through clenched teeth, his heart and head pounding. He was trying to take some calming breaths, but nothing was working.

Dale paused, not really knowing what to say. Yes Kevin deserved to know the truth, deserved it long before now, but did he really want to be the one to tell him.

�Kevin, I think you need to talk to Taryn about this.� Dale said uncertainly.

�You�re probably right, but for now I�m talking to you about it. Now what the hell is going on?� Kevin demanded.

Dale sighed in defeat. �Alright. After Taryn�s first appointment she told Ashlyn that the doctor said she was eight to nine weeks along.� He stopped when he heard Kevin�s sharp intake of breath. He knew he didn�t have to explain any farther.

�Dale,� Kevin started, his voice sounding foreign, even to his own ears. �I�ve got to go. Talk to you later.� He hung up before Dale could say anything.

Dale started at his phone for a second. �Aw fuck!� he swore, throwing the phone across the room, barely missing his wife, who walked through the door. She looked from the phone to him, one eyebrow raised.

�And what may I ask did the phone do to you?� she teased, but stopped when she saw the seriousness on Dale�s face.

�Ashlyn, has Taryn told you she told Kevin about the baby? About it possibly not being his?� he asked, getting straight to the point.

Ashlyn shook her head. �No she hasn�t, but then again we haven�t really talked that much lately. I just assumed she had.� She said.

�Well, you assumed wrong.� Dale told her angrily. He wasn�t angry with her but the whole damn situation made him want to just rip someone�s head off.

�How do you know this?� she asked.

�Because when I just talked to Kevin, he knew nothing about it.� Dale spat out.

Ashlyn�s hand flew to her mouth as she took in what her husband was saying. �Oh my god!�

�Indeed.� Dale said.

�I can�t believe she did this. I can�t believe she didn�t tell him!� Ashlyn cried, her own anger towards her best friend rising. She understood, to a certain extent, but there was no way she could condone this. No way in hell.

�Are you going to call her?� Dale asked. Although he wanted to blast Taryn himself for this, at the same time he didn�t want her to be blindsided by Kevin�s anger. It wouldn�t be good for the baby.

Ashlyn shook her head. �No I�m not.� She answered.

�Really?� Dale asked a little surprised.

�She got herself into this, now she has to deal with the consequences. I don�t agree with this one bit, and I won�t pretend to, not even for Taryn. Kevin had every right in the world to know the truth, but she decided to keep it from him. Whatever happens now, I�m sorry to say, is her own fault.� Ashlyn said sadly. She loved Taryn and would always be there for her, but she would not back her on this one. She would help her through no matter what, but she would not agree with what she had done.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifty Three

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taryn paced her house as she waited and waited for Kevin to arrive home. He had told her that morning when he left he would be home around five. It was now going on six thirty, and she was beginning to get worried. She�s called his cell phone numerous times, but he must have had it turned off, since it wasn�t ringing and going directly to voicemail. She�d already left four.

She sighed as she walked over to the phone and picked it up, this time calling another number. She needed something to take her mind of her missing husband for a few moments.

�Hello?� a deep voice answered.

�Dale? Hey, it�s Taryn.� She greeted. She frowned when she got nothing but silence. �Uh, Dale you there?�

Dale, on the other end of the line, was taking a couple deep breaths, trying to control his temper. It wasn�t his place to lash out at her. And from the sound of her voice, she had not talked to Kevin.

�Yeah I�m here. What do you want?� Dale asked curtly.

Taryn was taken back at the tone of his voice. Never had he been unfriendly to her in anyway. She shook her head deciding he was just busy. �Sorry to bother you Dale, but I was wondering if Ashlyn was there.�

Dale looked over at Ashlyn who shook her head. She knew that if she talked to Taryn right now it would not be good. It was best she and Dale just stay out of it and let it be between Taryn and Kevin.

�No, she�s not here right now. I�ll tell her you called though.� Dale told her. Taryn sighed, it was obvious Dale was not in a talking mood.

�Okay, thanks.� She mumbled then hung up. She sat down on the couch and went over things in her head. She felt ill when she thought about not telling Kevin about the possibility of the baby not being his. In her defense, she had tried a couple times, but whenever she brought up the baby the look of excitement and pure joy on Kevin�s face stopped her. She couldn�t destroy that, not just yet.

But she also knew she couldn�t put it off much longer. The sonogram was in a couple days, and she didn�t want him being shocked like she had been when the doctor announced the due date.

She looked up when she heard the key hitting the lock and stood up. Kevin walked in, took one look at her, then looked away, turning his back to her when he took off his jacket.

�Where have you been? I�ve been worried sick! And why did you turn your cell phone off?� Taryn asked, moving forward, wrapping her arms around him from behind. She knew it was not her imagination when he stiffened, and pulled away. She looked at him confused, but he refused to look in her direction.

�Kevin!� she said, getting a little angry herself at the way he was blatantly ignoring her as she followed him into the kitchen where he grabbed a beer and downed half of it in one swallow.

Keeping his back to her, Kevin fought to control the rage inside him, but knew it was useless. �When were you going to tell me?� he asked, his voice low, almost dangerously so.

Taryn looked confused, not that he could see. �Tell you what?� She jumped when he suddenly slammed the bottle down on the counter and spun around to face her.

�The fact that this baby may not be mine!� Kevin yelled. All the color in Taryn�s face disappeared and she had to reach out and grasp a hold of the table to keep her legs from giving out on her.

�W-wh�how�� she was unable to finish a statement or form a coherent thought.

�Dale told me. Oh don�t worry, he didn�t mean too. He thought I already knew. Now tell me Taryn, why is it I didn�t already know?� he demanded, crossing his arms over his chest.

�I-I wanted to tell you, Kevin. Honest I did. I just wasn�t sure how, and�� she trailed off helplessly. This was worse than she could have ever imagined.

�When I asked you how things went at the doctors office, what did you say?� he demanded, his eyes piercing into her.

She shook her head, trying desperately to hold back the tears that were threatening. �I-I don�t remember.� She said feebly.

�Bullshit!� He snarled. �What did you say Taryn?�

Her shoulders slumped even more, her head dropping. �I said it went fine.� She mumbled, feeling like a child being scolded�not that she didn�t deserve it.

�Exactly. You said everything went fine. Now suddenly I find out things aren�t so fine. Were you just going to wait and let me find out during the sonogram?� he demanded to know, his anger building more and more as he talked about it.

�No!� she cried. �I was going to tell you before then, I swear!�

He smiled suddenly, but instead of warming her like his smile normally did, this one chilled her to the core. �You know, if my memory serves me correctly, I kept a little bit of important information from you at one time. And you just couldn�t forgive me. Ended things with me because of it. And now you turn around and do the exact same thing, only worse! You�re nothing but a hypocrite, Taryn!�

The tears finally fell, and Taryn didn�t say a word, knowing all that he was saying was true. She would never be able to forgive herself for this.

�I can�t even stand to look at you right now.� Kevin muttered before picking up his beer and stalking out of the room and up the stairs, leaving his wife sobbing quietly into her hands.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifty Four

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ashlyn groaned as she slowly woke up, wanting nothing more than to roll over and go back to sleep. She heard Dale moving about the room and opened her eyes, smiling as she watched him get dress.

�Morning.� She said sleepily, yawning loudly.

Dale paused in putting his shirt on and came over, giving her a kiss that had her thinking being awake wasn�t so bad after all. �Good morning, baby.� He said, smiling down at her.

�Getting ready for the drivers meeting?� she asked, sitting up. She paused when she felt her stomach drop suddenly. It passed quickly, so she didn�t say anything about it.

�Yeah, it�s in about ten minutes. You can get some more sleep if you want, I�ll come back and wake you up before the pre-race stuff.� He told her. She shook her head, getting out of bed.

�Nah, I�m up now. Might as well get moving myself.� She stopped and looked at Dale when someone knocked on door. �You expecting anyone?� she asked.

�No, all the guys know not to bother me before the drivers meeting.� He grumbled, walking to the front of the trailer.

Ashlyn quickly threw on a shirt and jeans then hurried to the front of the trailer, wanting to see who was there. She halted in mid-step when she came out and saw who her husband was talking too.

�Kevin!� she said in shock and surprise. �What are you doing here?� she asked as she rushed forward to give him a hug. Just looking at her friend, she knew she didn�t have to ask if Taryn was there for not.

�Are you okay?� she asked softly, leading him over to the sofa. Quite frankly, she�d never seen him look worse.

He shrugged. �I just needed to get away for a few days. I hope you two don�t mind.� He looked from Ashlyn to Dale.

�Of course we don�t mind.� Dale told him. �Stay as long as you need too. You can keep Ash company while I�m driving. Then you guys can meet me in victory lane.� He grinned, trying to lighten the mood.

Kevin smiled, although it didn�t quite reach his eyes. �Awful cocky isn�t he?� he asked. She rolled her eyes.

�You have no idea.� Ashlyn bit her lip then continued. �I hate to bring this up, but does Taryn know where you are?� No matter what Taryn had done, no one deserved being abandoned. To her relief, Kevin nodded.

�Yeah she knows I�m here. No matter what I wouldn�t just leave like that. It wouldn�t be fair.� Kevin answered, staring down at the wedding ring on his finger.

Dale sighed. �How are things?� he asked, knowing he didn�t need to elaborate.

Kevin shook his head. �I really don�t know. I�m too angry and hurt to think clearly, which was why I needed to just get away for a little while. Hopefully when I go back I�ll be a little calmer and sit down and talk rationally with her. God,� he groaned, his head dropping to his hands. �The way I talked to her�I was horrible.�

�And rightfully so!� Dale snapped. Ashlyn shot him a look to cool it. �Sorry.� He mumbled.

�I know I need to talk to her, but I�m so afraid I�ll react like I did before.� Kevin continued.

Dale took a deep breath. �Well, I say for today at least, try not to think about it, as hard as that may be. You�ve got a lot of friends here, they guys will be thrilled to see you, just relax and enjoy the race. Speaking of which,� he stated as he glanced down at his watch, his eyes going a little wide. �I�ve got to haul ass to the meeting or I�m gonna be late, and Helton will have my ass if I�m late again.� He groaned, speaking of the NASCAR president.

�We�ll see you before the race.� Ashlyn promised, giving him a quick kiss as he flew out the door.

�So how are you really doing, Kevin?� she asked.

�I�m miserable.� He answered truthfully. �Leaving this morning was the hardest thing I�ve ever had to do. She was standing there, looking so lost, so sorry�and helpless. But I had to leave.�

Ashlyn nodded. �I understand, and I�m sure she does too.�

�I told her I loved her, then left. And I do, Ash. I love her more than life itself. That hasn�t changed. Hell this wouldn�t hurt so badly if I didn�t love her. Through all this I haven�t even had time to think what we�re going to do if the baby isn�t mine!� he exclaimed, his voice holding a note of panic to it.

Ashlyn put her hand on his arm. �Kevin, you don�t need to worry about that right now. Wait until the doctor�s appointment, then go from there. There is still a chance this baby could be yours. Right now, I would focus on getting things worked out with Taryn.�

�You�re right. You�re always right. What would I do without you?� Kevin asked. Ashlyn grinned.

�Walk around this earth aimlessly?� she asked, getting up to finish getting ready for the race. Kevin jumped up, grabbing her arms steadying her when she swayed, her face going a little pale.

�Are you alright? What the hell was that?� Kevin demanded. God, he couldn�t handle any more stress!

Ashlyn shook her head, fighting off the wave of dizziness. �I have no idea. I guess I just stood up too quickly. I haven�t eaten anything yet this morning either. That�s probably it.� She grinned apologetically at him. �Sorry to worry you.�

Kevin released her and moved towards the kitchen. �You go get dress, I�ll make you breakfast.

***

�Damn, he�s really gonna be cocky now!� Kevin grumbled good-naturedly. Dale had indeed won the race and was on his way to victory lane. �Guess we ought to meet him over there, huh?� Kevin asked looking down at Ashlyn, who was still sitting down.

He frowned when he took in her again pale complexion. �Ash are you sure you�re alright? You don�t look so good.�

She waved off his concern. �I�m fine. Think I�m just feeling the affects of being out in the hot air all afternoon.� Kevin decided to keep quite about the fact that it really wasn�t all that hot.

�I think I should go get Dale.� Kevin said hesitantly, but backed up when Ashlyn gave him a dirty look.

�Kevin, I�m fine!� she snapped. �And don�t you dare bother Dale. This is his time to enjoy his victory, he doesn�t need to be worrying about me. Now speaking of victory, let�s head over there and celebrate.� She got up and started in the direction of victory lane, but had only taken a couple steps when everything started spinning around her. She tried to call out Kevin�s name, but the darkness consumed her too quickly.

�Shit!� Kevin exclaimed as he jumped forward and caught her before she hit the ground. He looked around frantically, but everyone was heading in the opposite direction. He looked down at Ashlyn, but she was out cold.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifty Five

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Both Dale and Kevin stood up when the doctor who had been put in charge of Ashlyn�s care came into the waiting room. After she�d passed out, Kevin yelled for help, and Delana Harvick, who had been just walked past them seconds before, went and got Dale. From there things moved quickly, and although Ashlyn had already come back around, Dale insisted that she go in an ambulance to the nearest hospital. That had been a little over an hour ago and for Dale it had been the longest hour of his life. Never before had he been so scared and worried.

�How is she?� Dale asked, his eyes pleading with the doctor to tell him something. He nearly sighed out loud with relief when the doctor smiled reassuringly.

�your wife is fine. She�s waiting to see you.� He told Dale, this being the kind of case that he needed after such a long day. A nice, happy ending after a bad day.

�But what happened?� Dale questioned, needing to know something. People didn�t just pass out like that for no reason.

�I�ll let her tell you.� The doctor replied, still smiling. �Follow me and I�ll bring you to her.�

Dale begun to follow the doctor but then stopped and looked back at Kevin. Kevin immediately saw the question in his friend�s eyes and answered before Dale could ask. �Nah, go ahead. Sounds like you two need some alone time. I�ll wait here and you can come and get me when Ash is ready for a visitor.� He said as he sat down, sighing heavily as he did so.

Dale hesitated for a moment and then hurried to catch up with the doctor. Once they arrived at the room where Ashlyn was being held for a little while just for observation, Dale thanked the doctor for everything that he�d done for Ashlyn�even though he didn�t have the slightest clue what that was. Then Dale opened the door and went in.

His breath caught when she turned her head and smiled at him, her eyes full of light. She�d regained all of her color and she was absolutely glowing.

�I think you�ve taken ten years off of my life.� Dale commented softly as he walked over and sat down beside her, taking her hand in his.

Ashlyn looked up at him and smiled sheepishly. �Sorry about that, but I think that what I have to tell you will give you those ten years back.�

�What?� Dale asked, thoroughly confused. So many thoughts were going through his mind that his head was spinning.

Ashlyn knew she had to tell him now. If she waited any longer she was certainly going to burst! �Dale, I�m pregnant!� She whispered, her voice choking with happiness. When the doctor had told her, she�d been shocked to say the least, but she couldn�t have been happier.

Dale opened his mouth to say something, but nothing would come out. For the first time in his life, he was speechless. So instead of words, he simply grabbed Ashlyn into his arms, holding her tightly as tears of happiness stung his eyes.

*****

Taryn took a deep breath and then pushed the doors leading into the hospital open. Today was the day that she would find out if the baby was Logan�s or Kevin�s, although deep down she already knew the answer. She originally wasn�t supposed to have the ultrasound for another couple of days, but shortly after Kevin had left that morning, they�d called and said that they�d had a cancellation so they were able to bump her up if she was able to make it. She was going to decline but then decided that she might as well get it over with. She regretted that Kevin wasn�t there. But then again, if he was, as pissed off at her as he was, would he even have wanted to be there with her anyway? She couldn�t blame him either. Everything he�d said to her the night before was true. Every bit of it.

After checking in, she sat down and waited. She tried reading a magazine to occupy her mind, but it was useless. Finally she got up and began pacing. Every time she thought of the baby being Logan�s, it absolutely sickened her. The fact that she hadn�t been honest with Kevin sickened her just as much. The pain and anger that she�d caused him sickened her. The fact that he�d left and probably wouldn�t come back and it was all her own doing sickened her. And she was also still horribly ill with her �morning� sickness, although it usually lasted all day and into the night. She really wasn�t doing so well.

She nearly jumped out of her skin when she heard the nurse call her name. She had finally stopped pacing and was looking out the window, although deep in thought she saw nothing. Nor did she hear the nurse walk up behind her. She quickly wiped away the tears that she realized were falling down her cheeks before turning around.

�Do you want to see the heart beat?� The tech asked once Taryn was settled on the table and the sonogram was underway.

Taryn took a deep breath and nodded as she turned her head to look at the screen. She waited as the tech moved the wand over her belly. �There it is.� He said, pointing to the screen and then paused as he looked closer and moved the wand again just slightly. �Wait�� He began, but trailed off.

�What?� Taryn asked, afraid that he�d found something wrong. No matter how much she hated that the baby was probably Logan�s, she�d already began bonding with it, and she would be devastated if something was wrong.

�Right there,� The tech again pointed at the screen. �Is another heart beat. It looks like you�re having twins. Congratulations!� He looked over at her, seeing the genuine shock on her face. It was a normal reaction. Finding out that one was expecting twins was quite overwhelming for most people in the beginning. He moved the wand over her belly some more. �It looks like they�re in the same sac so they�re going to be identical.� He told her, watching her eyes widen as a bit more of the color drained from her face.

�How far along did you say you were?� He asked, getting ready to take the measurements. �Ma�am?� He asked again when she didn�t say anything, her eyes still fixed on the screen in front of her.

�Um�� Taryn began, but stopped, trying to get a coherent thought formed. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to get herself together. �Ten to twelve weeks, I guess. I�m not really sure, which was the reason why I was having the sonogram done.�

�Well, let�s find out.� He said as began measuring various things on the babies and her. �When he was done, he pressed a button on his keyboard to calculate all of the measurements that he�d taken and entered in. �It looks like you�re eleven and a half weeks and your due date is September 9��

He kept on talking, but Taryn didn�t hear a word the tech was saying after he�d said that she was eleven weeks. The babies were Logan�s, there was no doubt about it now. She grabbed onto the table that she was lying as the room began spinning wildly around her. This was too much to take in all at once. She closed her eyes as every thing went dark.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifty Seven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kevin unlocked the front door to his house, paused and took a deep breath, then went in. His eyes immediately touched on Taryn sitting in the dark in the living room.

�I�m home.� He said softly, stating the obvious, but at a loss of what else to say. She turned her head and looked up at him, and all he could think of was how horrible she looked. She had dark circles under her eyes, which were also puffy and bloodshot. She was pale and didn�t look like herself at all.

He sat down next to her. �Are you okay?� he asked. She shrugged and turned away, not answering.

Kevin sighed. �We need to talk Taryn. First I need to apologize.� He started, his words jarring her as she whipped her head around to look at him in disbelief. What on earth could he have to apologize for?

�I shouldn�t have reacted the way I did. I was hurt and angry, but it�s still inexcusable.� He started, halting her protest when she tried. �Let me finish.�

�I still can�t believe you would keep something so important from me, and that�s what hurts. We�re married Taryn. We are supposed to trust each other completely, be each other�s confidants and best friends. Sure I wouldn�t have been happy hearing the baby may not be mine, but I can�t blame you for it. You were with Logan, and if it weren�t for me you�d be married to him right now. It�s not as if you cheated on me, and I just wish you�d trusted me enough to tell me yourself.�

Taryn looked down at her hands, more tears running down her face. She had thought she was all cried out, no more tears left. Obviously she was wrong.

�I�m so sorry Kevin.� She whispered, her voice rough. �I-I have no excuse. I can�t even think of one, other than I was shocked and scared. I was so happy, thinking you and I were going to start a family, only to have that come crashing down around me.�

Kevin put his arm around her, grateful when she leaned into him. No matter how hurt he still was, she would have his support. It was something he and Ashlyn had talked about in great length.

�Well, I say we don�t worry about it until tomorrow when we go to the sonogram. Then we�ll find out once and for all.� He said, but the look on her face froze him. �Taryn, what is it?�

She took a deep breath, trying to control her emotions. �There is no sonogram tomorrow.� She stated, her voice almost dead.

His eyes widened and he jumped off the couch to kneel in front of her. �Oh my god, did you lose the baby?� he demanded, ready to kick himself for not being there. If anything happened to her or the baby�regardless if it was his biologically or not, he was already in love with the idea of having a baby.

�No, the baby is fine. The sonogram was moved to today.� She said dully, turning away from him once again. Kevin felt his heart drop. If the baby were his, she would not be reacting like this.

�It�s Logan�s.� he stated, voicing it out loud for the first time for either of them. She nodded.

�That�s not all.� She laughed, but the laugh broke his heart. �Can you believe there is more?�

He reached out and took her hand, which trembled in his larger one. �What?� he urged her, although he wasn�t sure he could take more.

�I�m having twins.� She said shakily, holding her breath as she waited for his response.

Kevin blinked, then blinked again. �Twins?� he echoed in disbelief. She nodded, swallowing hard.

He got up from his kneeling position and began to pace. He really didn�t know what to think of the news. There was such a huge part of him that wanted to be so excited and joyous, but he held himself back.

�When are you going to tell Logan?� he finally asked, dreading her answer.

Taryn looked a little shocked, then snapped out of it, realizing it had never occurred to her to call Logan. She�d been too worried about her and Kevin to even consider Logan. Even now, calling him was the absolute last things she wanted to do.

�I really hadn�t thought about it.� She admitted. �Do I have to tell him?� she asked pitifully, although she knew she would never keep him from knowing his children. It wouldn�t be right.

Kevin walked back over to her, once again sitting next to her. �You have to tell him. He has the right to know. As much as I hate the thought of him having any kind of opening into our lives, these are his kids.� He said gruffly.

She bent her head. �I know, you�re right. But can�t I at least wait a little while to call him. I�m really not up for it right now.� She whispered, speaking the truth.

Kevin nodded, wanting to put off any contact with the other man as long as possible. �You need to know something.� He said, taking a deep breath before continuing, speaking from his heart. �You are my wife, and I love you, no matter what. I can�t say that I�m not still hurt that you didn�t trust me enough to tell me, but we�ll get past this. I know with these babies being Logan�s that means he�ll be in our lives from here on out, but I can live with that. And I will love these kids as if they were my own. I�ll stand by you in this, as long as you stand by me.�

Taryn�s lower lip began to tremble. �I swear, I will, Kevin. And I won�t keep anything from you ever again.� She cried as she threw her arms around him, breathing a sigh of relief when his arms circled her, holding her close. She needed him now more than ever, and even though he�d had the perfect opportunity to walk, and she wouldn�t have blamed him, he�d come back to her.

She pulled back and looked him in the eyes. �I love you, so much.� She told him, leaning forward pressing her lips to his, putting all the love she felt for him into the kiss.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifty Eight

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Do you think I should hold a press conference?� Dale asked out of the blue. They were back home in North Carolina for a couple days before off to the next race. At the moment he and Ashlyn were enjoying some quiet time together on the couch with the TV.

�For what?� she asked.

�To let everyone know we�re having a baby, of course!� he exclaimed, still completely ecstatic. He was ready to shout it from the rooftops for the world to hear.

She laughed and shook her head. �Do you really need to hold a press conference. Seems a little extreme, honey. But if it means that much to you, why don�t you just say something during your next interview this weekend.� She suggested.

�Yeah that could work.� He answered with a nod. �Hey, wanna go shopping?� he asked.

�For?� Although she already had a good idea. She was thrilled about the baby, but Dale went beyond that. He�d already surprised her with a load of gifts for the baby.

�Stuff for the babies room, of course. Which reminds me, we need to pick out the nursery furniture and stuff.� He said, going over the checklist in his head.

She couldn�t help but grin at him. �I think we have sometime. I�m barely a month pregnant.�

�Why wait? Hey, when time comes for the sonogram do you want to find out the sex?� he asked, hoping her answer would be no. He�d always wanted to be surprised, but if she wanted too, he�d go along with it.

To his relief she shook her head. �Nope. It�s one of life�s last great surprises. I want to find out when he or she is born.�

Dale hugged her close to him. �Me too. Come on, let�s get going. We can get some shopping in now before going to the doctors appointment.� He told her, getting up and pulling her to her feet as well. Since her fainting spell, she�d been feeling much better. Every once in awhile she�d get a little dizzy, but thus far no more passing out.

Their first doctors� appointment with the OBGYN was today. They actually could have waited another week, but Dale had insisted on the appointment right away. He�d already told everyone at the shop, DEI, in his family. And Ashlyn found herself falling more and more in love with him every day.

The only person who didn�t know was the one person Ashlyn wanted to talk too. Taryn. They hadn�t heard from her or Kevin since Kevin left the day before. They both hoped they were alright, and wanted to share their good news, but they would wait to hear from them, not wanting to bother them.

***

They got back later that afternoon, with a load of bags, all of which Dale insisted they needed right away. The doctors� appointment had gone beautifully, the doctor letting them know everything looked perfect. But Dale was still disappointed.

�Honey, it�s okay.� Ashlyn comforted him. He was still pouting.

�I know, but I wanted to hear the baby�s heartbeat today!� he whined. �I don�t want to wait until next appointment! And how come you�ll get to feel the baby moving before me?� he demanded.

She rolled her eyes. �Oh gee I don�t know maybe because I�m carrying the baby!� she giggled. �Are you going to be this impatient about the whole thing?� she asked teasingly. Secretly, she loved the way he was acting.

�Most likely. And another thing, why in the hell do we have to wait until your five months along for the sonogram? What�s up with that? I wanna see the baby now!� he complained.

�The doctor told you we can have it done sooner, but most likely wouldn�t see much. When we have it done at five months along the baby will be more developed and we�ll know what we�re looking at.� She re-informed him, repeating all that the doctor had told them. She loved her doctor as well. She had been understanding and patient with all Dale�s questions and inquiries, allowing them as much time as they needed.

Their estimated due date thus far was November 15th, but they would know more certainly once the sonogram was done.

Dale walked over and looked at the phone, seeing there was a message. He listened to it, then went to find his wife, who was lying down in bed, drained after all the shopping they had done. Never in her life had she seen a man shop the way Dale had. He�d all but drug her from one baby store to another, announcing proudly that they were expecting to every sales person.

�Are you feeling okay?� he asked. �Do you need anything?�

She shook her head. �No, I�m fine. You just wore me out.� She grinned. �Who called?� she asked, having seen him checking messages.

�Teresa, demanding we let her know as soon as we get back what we found out. Oh, and she�s got some baby stuff to bring over.� He told her. The only person who was maybe worse than Dale, was Teresa, about the baby.

�Why am I not surprised.� Ashlyn chuckled. �Between the two of you, this baby won�t be needing anything for the first fifteen years of its life!�

He grinned and nodded, lying down next to her. �Taryn also called.�

Ashlyn shot up straight in bed, only to have Dale push her back down. �What did the doctor tell you?� he scolded sternly. �You aren�t supposed to get up like that, you could hurt your back!�

She shook her head. �I think he was talking about when I�m farther along, Dale.�

�Well, regardless, you need to take it easy.� He warned. She had no idea the pampering she was in for.

�I am, and I�m fine. Geez Dale, I�m pregnant, not fragile.� She told him. �And I want to talk to Taryn. I want to know how things went between her and Kevin.�

�I do too actually. He reached across to the bedside table, grabbing the cordless phone. �Let�s find out now. Hey, are you going to tell her about the baby?�

Ashlyn hesitated. �I don�t know. If things are good with her and Kevin, and she got bad news from the sonogram, I don�t want to make it seem like I�m rubbing it in her face that I�m expecting and we�re both happy about it. Do you know what I mean?�

Dale nodded, understanding perfectly, he felt the same way with Kevin, but he�d been very happy for them, although Dale could see the sadness in his eyes. �Let�s do this. We�ll call, see how they are doing, what they found out, and just take it from there. If we don�t now, we can always tell her later. And you never know, maybe Kevin already told her.�

�Guess there�s only one way to find out.� Ashlyn said as she took the phone and punched in the numbers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Fifty Nine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kevin quickly grabbed the phone off the table beside him when it began ringing so that it wouldn�t wake Taryn. She�d finally given in just a few hours before, the exhaustion taking over everything else for the time being. He�d slept a little bit, but all of the thoughts spinning around in his head kept waking him�or maybe it was Taryn�s restlessness even as she slept. He�d all but given up on sleep for the time being when the phone rang.

�Hello.� Kevin answered quietly as he carefully got up off the bed so that he wouldn�t disturb Taryn. He looked down at her. Although she�d gained a bit of color back, she was still far from looking anything like herself. He knew that the last few weeks had been hell for her. If he hadn�t known it first hand, he�d been able to tell just by looking at her. Sighing inwardly, he walked out of the room, taking the phone with him.

�Kevin, its Ashlyn.� She told him, trying to get a feel for his mood.

�Hey Ash.� Kevin greeted tiredly, but happy to hear from his friends. �How are you feeling?�

Ashlyn smiled. �Tired, but much better. Dale took me all over town today shopping for the baby and now I�m exhausted.� She explained excitedly and then immediately regretted saying the words. Hadn�t she just told Dale that she didn�t want to rub their happiness in Kevin and Taryn�s face? She could have kicked herself.

�That�s great.� Kevin replied after a few long moment of silence. It wasn�t that he wasn�t happy for Dale and Ashlyn. He was. But it was very hard when the joy of having his own child had been so abruptly yanked from him just a few days before.

�How�s things?� Ashlyn asked, although she could tell that whatever was going on there wasn�t entirely great. She heard Kevin sigh heavily and her heart went out to him.

�Well, the good news is that Taryn and I have worked things out between us.�

�Oh, that�s wonderful Kevin!� Ashlyn said, truly happy for him and Taryn. �I�m so glad that you were able to get everything worked out.�

�But�� Kevin began again and then trailed off. He took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. �The babies are Logan�s.� He told her, feeling his heartbreak once more saying the words.

Ashlyn was momentarily stunned speechless. �Uh�babies?� She questioned, once she got her voice working again. She was certain that she�d heard him wrong, but at the same time she knew that she hadn�t. She looked over at Dale, his eyes wide with shock.

�Yeah, she�s having twins.� Kevin confirmed. �She�s almost twelve weeks along now and she said that they�re identical.�

�Wow.� Ashlyn stated after a moment, still dazed by the news. �How is Taryn? Is she okay?� She asked, feeling very worried about her friend.

Kevin laughed a little humorlessly. �She�s�� He trailed off, not really able to find a word to distinguish how Taryn was. �Overwhelmed, I guess would be a good way to describe it right now. I think we�re both a little overwhelmed right now. But it�s going to be okay. She knows that I love her and that I�m going to be here for her and the babies.�

�I haven�t told her about you and Dale yet.� Kevin continued before Ashlyn could say anything, knowing that the question was inevitable. �I had thought about telling her, but I really don�t think that she could bear it right now, ya know?�

�I understand.� Ashlyn assured him. �Dale and I were talking about it before I called and we thought that it would be best to wait a bit too.� She paused for a moment and then continued. �Is Taryn there? I�d like to talk to her.�

�She�s sleeping now, but I�ll be sure to let her know that you called. I know that she wanted to talk to you too.� Kevin told her.

�Thanks Kevin. I appreciate it. I�m gonna let you get off here. You sound exhausted. Try to get some sleep, okay?�

�I will.� Kevin promised and then after they said their good-byes, they ended the call. He walked back into the bedroom and lay down beside Taryn, pulling her close to him. He was asleep almost instantly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Hey, you wanna watch the pre-race interviews?� Kevin asked as he walked into the living room where Taryn was lying on the couch, resting. Two weeks had passed since they found out that she was having twins and that the babies were Logan�s. They were both still having a hard time coming to terms with the situation, but they knew that they had to accept it. There was nothing else that they could do. It wasn�t that they weren�t happy about the babies. They just really, really wished that Kevin were the father.

�If I can stay awake.� Taryn laughed. Although she now into her second trimester, the nausea and tiredness was hanging on. She was so tired of feeling so crappy. Her doctor had finally given her a prescription for an anti nausea drug, but so far she hasn�t noticed that it was helping. She�d lost a fair amount of weight, but it was hard to eat when her stomach was almost constantly churning.

Kevin looked at her, his handsome features etched with concern. The doctor had told her that everything that she was experiencing was normal and she�d relayed that information to him, but he couldn�t help but worry.

�Do you need anything?� Kevin asked, ready to go to the kitchen to get a drink and a snack before sitting down.

�Some more water, please.� Taryn answered as she picked up her glass and handed it to him. It seemed to be the only thing that she could keep down that particular day.

�Anything else? Something to eat?� He suggested, knowing that she hadn�t had much, if anything so far that day.

Taryn shook her head. �No, not right now. Maybe later.� She said, grabbing the TV remote and changed it to the channel that the race was on as Kevin turned and left the room.

Kevin came back in the room about a half-hour later, having gotten diverted by a phone call from Ben. They would be hitting the road later in the next week and had a lot of last minute details to take care of before then. He immediately sensed something wrong when he saw Taryn staring at the TV, her eyes wide with shock and damp with unshed tears. He looked closer and could easily see a bit of hurt underneath the shock.

�Taryn? What�s wrong?� He questioned as he set down the things that he�d brought in with him and sat down beside her.

Taryn blinked and looked over at him. �Ashlyn is pregnant. Dale said so in his interview.� She stated, her voice wavering a bit.

�Yeah.� Kevin confirmed after several moments of silence. �I�ve known for a couple of weeks now.�

�You know!?� Taryn demanded, feeling a little bit betrayed that he�d kept this from her, but she quickly let it go, knowing that she had no right to feel that way. �Why didn�t she tell me?� She asked, wondering why Ashlyn would keep something like this from her. They�d talked several times in the last couple of weeks. She�d had many opportunities to tell her.

Kevin took a deep breath and slowly let it out. �Because I asked her not to tell you yet.� He told her, watching as she slowly turned her head away, but then she looked back at him after a moment.

�Why?� She asked, her voice tinged with hurt.

Kevin looked into her eyes, hoping that she would understand the reasons. �Because when Ashlyn found out, it was also the same time that you found out about the twins and that they were Logan�s.� Kevin paused, feeling the stab of pain in his heart at saying those words. After a moment, he collected himself and spoke again. �It was a rough time for both you and I and they were so happy about their baby�everything is so perfect in their life right now and ours is...well, not. Ashlyn and Dale didn�t want it to seem like they were rubbing their happiness in your face if they told you right now.� He let out the breath that he�d been holding, hoping that he�d explained it well enough to not make her feel further hurt.

Taryn was quiet for several minutes as she absorbed and went over everything that he�d told her. � I understand.� She told him, knowing that he was about to ask her. She sighed as she put her head down, trying to keep back the tears that were threatening. She knew that their life wasn�t perfect, but hearing Kevin saying it just now made it even more brutally obvious. And she also hadn�t missed the emphasis that Kevin had put on the word �their� when he�s said that Dale and Ash were so happy about their baby. She knew that she couldn�t expect him to be excited about Logan�s babies, but it still hurt all the same. And while she wasn�t happy that Logan was the father of her babies, she was happy about her babies, even if Kevin wasn�t.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty One

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Are you sure you�re feeling up to this?� Dale asked. Ashlyn shot him an exasperated look. She was all about the worrying and doting husband, but now he was beginning to get on her nerves.

�Dale, for the last time, I�m fine. Besides, it�s not like I don�t travel. I still go with you to races, so a trip to Pennsylvania is not going to hurt me.� She told him. �Quit fussing!�

He held up his hands. �Sorry, sorry�I just want to make sure everything is alright.�

She sighed, feeling a little bad for coming down on him. �I�m sorry too. I know you�re just concerned, but I haven�t seen Taryn in a while now, and I�m anxious to go see her. I promise you, I feel fine. No morning sickness, no more dizziness, nothing. Everything is good.�

He nodded, sitting relaxing back in the seat on the plane. �Did you tell Taryn we were coming to visit?� he asked. Ashlyn grinned and shook her head.

�Nope, I�m making it a surprise. I haven�t talked to her since the other day when she called to congratulate us.� Ashlyn�s smile fell. �Which I�m still not happy about the fact that she had to hear it on TV.�

�I know, and I hate that too. And I�m sorry I blurted it out during the interview like that. I�m just so damn excited, and besides, if I didn�t do it, someone else would have. Too many people at the tracks know already. It�s better the fans hear it from me.� He explained.

�I know, I just wish Taryn had heard it from me.� Ashlyn said sadly.

�I�m sure she understands. Besides, you have the next couple days to make it up too her, and surprising her like this should do just that.� Dale grinned, hoping what he was saying was true.

***

Taryn stared at the phone, then down at the piece of paper in her trembling hand. She did not want to do this. Dreaded doing this. Kevin was there with her, although she could tell he would much rather be a million miles away. She closed her eyes. She wanted Ashlyn�badly.

It was time to call Logan.

She felt sick, again, just thinking about this phone call. She reached out and just about touched the receiver when the doorbell rang. She breathed a sigh of relief, the distraction more than welcome.

�I�ll get it.� She said softly, looking over to her husband before getting up and walking over to the door. Her mouth fell open in shock and surprise when she saw who was standing there. �Oh my god!� she exclaimed happily. �I was just thinking about you!�

She rushed forward and threw her arms around her best friend, who hugged her back tightly. �I�ve missed you.� Ashlyn told her sincerely.

Taryn pulled back and wiped at the sudden tears in her eyes. �I�ve missed you too. Hey Dale!� she greeted, inviting them both in. Kevin got up, also surprised but happy to see the other couple.

�This is a nice surprise.� Kevin said, hugging Ashlyn. �How are you feeling?� he asked.

�Fine.� She answered. �Um, how is everything here?�

Taryn and Kevin looked at each other. �Okay.� Kevin answered finally, but both Dale and Ashlyn could not only hear the strain, but see it on both their faces.

�You wanna beer?� Kevin offered, wanting some time to talk to Dale, and also knowing Taryn needed alone time with Ashlyn. He and Dale made their way to the kitchen, and the second they were out of site, Taryn grabbed Ashlyn�s arm and pulled her into the computer room for more privacy.

�Are you okay?� Ashlyn asked, knowing now she would get the real answers she was looking for. Taryn could never lie to her face.

Taryn shook her head, walking over to the chair and sitting down. �No.� she answered miserably.

�Is there anything I can do?� Ashlyn asked, feeling helpless.

Taryn smiled at her through her tears. �Just being here is a huge help.� She answered honestly.

Ashlyn sat down as well. �Taryn, I want to apologize to you. I should have been the one to tell you about the baby�� she trailed off when Taryn shook her head.

�No need to apologize. Kevin told me he asked you to not say anything. I understand. I�m happy for you though.� She said.

Ashlyn�s eyes lit up. �Just think, maybe our children can grow up together and be best friends like us!�

Taryn lit up, for the first time having someone to share the excitement with. She tried not to mention the babies too much around Kevin, trying to spare him the pain. But in sparing his own, she was causing herself more.

�How are you feeling? Any better?� Ashlyn asked. It was another reason she felt bad. Poor Taryn was having every symptom in the book of pregnancy, and it was obvious she had lost weight, where her own pregnancy was going beautifully. Aside from her one fainting spell, she was fine.

Taryn shrugged. �A little better. It comes and goes.�

�Oh, that reminds me, I have something for you.� Ashlyn remembered, getting up and walking out of the room for a second. She came back in with a brightly decorated bag and handed it to Taryn, who was having a very hard time keeping her tears in check. It was the first gift she�d received for the babies.

�You didn�t have too.� She choked out, clutching the bag to her, as if holding on for dear life.

�Yes I did! I�m going to spoil these babies just as much as my own, get used to it.� Ashlyn smiled at her, her own eyes a little misty.

Taryn slowly opened the bag and found three things. Two were matching baby books, but not the normal ones. These were eloquently done, unlike anything she had ever seen. �Oh my�they are gorgeous!� she breathed, holding them in her hands.

�I saw them and instantly thought of you. And I had to get two!� Ashlyn grinned. Taryn nodded and set them aside, looking at the next book in her hands. It was pretty much the same design, but didn�t have any labels on the front cover. She opened it and her breath caught.

It was a book of her and Ashlyn�s lives together. From the day they met to now. Pictures, mementos, everything you could possibly think of. She looked at Ashlyn, unable to find the words.

�I thought if they kids had something to look at, when they get older they will understand why their mommies are so close.� Ashlyn said softly. �And it�s for you too�to reminisce.�

�Oh, Ash.� Taryn whispered, getting up giving her another hug, the gifts meaning more to her than Ashlyn could ever know. �Thank you�so much.�

They sat in the room talking for a few more minutes before reality sunk back in for Taryn. Her whole demeanor changed, got sadder.

�What�s wrong? What is it?� Ashlyn asked.

�Before you came I was getting ready to make a phone call.� She said wearily, suddenly feeling extremely tired.

�Oh?�

�I was going to call Logan.� Taryn whispered.

�Oh.� Ashlyn said flatly. The thought of that man having any kind of an opening to Taryn made her own skin crawl.

�I don�t want to call him.� Taryn admitted, although she didn�t have to say it out loud, that fact was quite obvious.

�I know you don�t, but it will be better to just get it over with. Tell him what�s going on, but make it clear that you and Kevin are still together and will remain that way, and that aside from the babies, you and he need to have no contact, and this doesn�t give him an opening back into your life. Well, it kinda does, but you know what I mean.� Ashlyn said.

�I know, you�re right. I�m just worried about what it�s going to cause once he does come in the picture. I highly doubt he�ll say he doesn�t want anything to do with the babies, which means he will be back in my life, whether I like it or not. I just don�t know how that is going to affect Kevin. He�s having such a hard time with this as it is.� Taryn replied miserably.

�I know it�s hard, but putting it off won�t make it any easier.� Ashlyn advised her gently.

Taryn nodded, taking a deep breath. �Will you be there with me when I call?� Ashlyn smiled reassuringly.

�Of course I will. Come on, let�s get this over with.� She said as she and Taryn turned to the phone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty Two

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taryn let out the breath that she�d been holding as she hung up the phone and looked over at Ashlyn. The call to Logan had gone a lot better that she had expected it to. She knew that it had a lot to do with Ashlyn being there and not Kevin. Kevin supported her, but not unconditionally like Ashlyn did and that gave her a lot of extra confidence that she hadn�t had before when she�d been ready to make the call.

�Well, he seems happy with the news.� Taryn told Ashlyn, feeling more than a little relieved. She didn�t know if she could handle it if Logan had rejected the babies as well.

�He did?� Ashlyn questioned, a little surprised by that.

Taryn shrugged. �Yeah. He said that he couldn�t wait until they were born. He seemed genuinely happy.�

�Hmm�� Ashlyn trailed off, still a little amazed. �What did he say when you told him that you married to Kevin?�

�He said that he understood that and his only interest was in the babies. Oh, and he said that he�d see me soon.� Taryn replied, a little surprised herself by Logan�s reaction, especially when he�d that he�d see her soon. But she didn�t feel threatened by that. He hadn�t said it in a malicious way or anything.

�Really? Why would he need to see you?� Ashlyn asked, still feeling a little leery about everything, knowing how Logan was.

�I don�t know. He probably wants to make sure that I�m really pregnant or something.� Taryn gave the only reason that she could think of. Her eyes lit up when her stomach suddenly rumbled loudly. She looked at Ashlyn, a smile on her face. �Wow, I�m actually hungry�for the first time in a long time.�

Ashlyn returned her smile. �You know, now that you mention it, I am too.�

�Let�s go out!� Taryn exclaimed, feeling better than he had in a while. She knew she had Ashlyn�s presence to thank for that. �We all haven�t been out for a long time. And I�m sure that Kevin and Dale wouldn�t pass up the opportunity to drink more beer and not have to cook.� She laughed because Kevin had been doing 95% of the cooking lately. �Let�s go get them and get ready.�

Ashlyn grinned. �That sounds like a fabulous idea to me!�

*****

�So, how are really going?� Dale asked once he and Kevin had gotten their beers and had gone out back to sit on the patio.

Kevin took a long drink of his beer and stayed silent for several moments before answering. �Not so good.� He replied truthfully as he ran his hand over his face, the strain clearly evident. �Taryn knows that I love her and that I support her in this, but I just can�t get myself to be excited about the babies. I know that Taryn senses this and I know that its hurting her, but I can�t help how I feel and I can�t change it�not right now anyway.� He paused and shook his head sadly.

�I know it sounds harsh, but I�m rather relieved that we�re hitting the road tomorrow so I don�t have to be around her. Not because of anything she�s done�it�s because of me. Because I�m dragging her down�making her hold back the happiness that she feels about her babies. She never talks about them. She�s trying to spare me, but I know that its only causing her more pain. I think that it might be why she�s still feeling so tired and sick. I think it has a lot to do with the pregnancy, but I think that she�s depressed too, which is making it worse. I�m glad that Ashlyn is here right now�at least she�ll have someone to share her excitement with�at least until you two leave.�

Dale was honestly stunned speechless as he listened to Kevin talking. He knew that things weren�t great here, but he had no idea that it was this bad. He always thought that Kevin would come around where the babies were concerned�and he still could. But with Taryn nearly half way through her pregnancy and Kevin still not feeling anything for the babies, it wasn�t looking good.

�I know that you probably think that I�m a horrible person.� Kevin continued when Dale didn�t say anything. �I�m pretty disappointed in myself too because I know this is hurting Taryn and I always promised her that I would never do anything to hurt her.� He stopped, raking his fingers through his hair as he tried to collect himself. He was about to say more, but stopped when Ashlyn and Taryn came out and joined them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty Three

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�Dale, I have an idea that I�d like to run by you.� Ashlyn began later that night after they�d gotten back to Kevin and Taryn�s and they were in the guestroom getting ready for bed.

Dale turned and looked at her, his eyebrow raised. �Oh? What�s that?� He asked curiously.

�Well�With Kevin going out on the road, I can�t stand the thought of Taryn being here all alone. She�s already lonely�and that�s with Kevin being here! And what if something would happen to her or something while he�s gone?� Ashlyn explained, leading up to her question.

�I want her to come to North Caroline and stay with us�at least while Kevin is away. She needs to be around people who support her and that she can share her excitement with.� Ashlyn continued telling him.

�Kevin supports her.� Dale stated, although he didn�t know why when just a few hours ago, Kevin himself had told him that he didn�t feel like he was there for Taryn like he should be.

Ashlyn sighed. �I know that he does, but she needs more and I really, really don�t want her to be here alone here! She�s pregnant with twins for God�s sake!� She was nearly pleading with Dale to say that it was okay. �We have the apartment above the garage. She can stay there.� She sighed inwardly with relief when Dale smiled and she saw the agreement in his eyes.

�Of course she can�if she and Kevin agree to the idea.� He said as he sat down on the edge of the bed and looked up at his wife.

�I really don�t see where Kevin has any say in this. This is about Taryn, not him.� Ashlyn told Dale. She loved Kevin and he was a great friend of hers, and she knew that her words may have sounded a little harsh, but she really felt bad for her friend and right at the moment, Taryn�s happiness was a top priority on her list.

Dale thought about her words for several moments before he nodded his head. �You�re right.� He admitted quietly.

Ashlyn grinned at him. �Of course I am.� She stated smugly. �I�ll ask Taryn about it right away in the morning and hopefully she�ll be on the plane back home with is tomorrow night.� She was so excited that she was nearly jumping up and down with excitement. She had missed her friend so much and the thought of her being in North Caroline with her made her very happy.

*****

�What?� Kevin asked, spinning around to look at Taryn when he heard her gasp. They too were in their bedroom getting ready for bed.

Taryn�s eyes were absolutely glowing as she turned around and glanced up at him. �I think I just�� She began, but stopped herself from going any further, knowing that she couldn�t tell him that she�d thought that she�d just felt the babies move. �Never mind.� She said quietly as she turned back around.

�Taryn�� Kevin tried to begin, but the look in her eyes as she looked at him over her shoulder stopped him.

�I�m going to go take a bath.� She told him flatly, knowing that if she didn�t get out of the room, she might say a few things to him that she could regret later.

Kevin raked his fingers through his hair, frustrated with himself, and trying to find the words as he watched her getting her pajamas out of her drawer to get ready for her bath. He knew that she�d been about to tell him something about the babies. He wished badly that he wanted to hear it�wished that he could feel the same about the babies as she did. He didn�t. But he knew that for her, he could at least try to put a little more effort into it. Maybe his feelings would change. It was worth a try because what was going on now, wasn�t working�for either of them.

Taking a deep breath, he walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, his hands resting on the swell of her belly. He closed his eyes and silently pleaded with himself to be able to resist the urge to turn and bolt out of the room as he hesitantly ran his hands over her stomach. He immediately felt her tense up, but he tightened his hold on her when she tried to move away from him. He knew that she could sense that he was uncomfortable, but he wanted so much to be able to get over that. �Taryn,� He began again when he heard her sigh heavily and tense up further. He lightly rested his head atop hers, just holding her for a moment.

�I�m so sorry�for everything.� He told her as he turned her around to face him. When she wouldn�t look at him, he hooked his fingers around her chin and gently lifted her head until their eyes met. His heart ached when he saw her eyes wet with unshed tears and all of the emotions there. �I�m sorry.� He whispered gruffly.

Taryn�s eyes searched his and all she found there was the truth. �I know, Kevin.� She said, her voice wavering slightly. Several moments of silence passed between them before Kevin broke it. �We have to get up early. We should get some sleep.� He suggested as he took hold of her hand and began to lead her over to the bed.

Taryn hesitated, pulling her hand out of his. She was surprised because for the last two weeks or more he�d slept in the guestroom. Of course now that Dale and Ashlyn were there, unless he wanted to sleep on the couch, he had to sleep with her.

�Come on, Taryn. Please?� Kevin asked, again holding his hand out to her. She softened at the pleading in his voice and had to acknowledge to herself that he did seem to be making more of an effort than he had in a while.

�Okay.� She finally relented, having to admit that it would be nice to sleep with him again�even if it was only until Dale and Ashlyn left. But then again, he was leaving the next day and so were Dale and Ash. �I just need to change quick.� She said, watching as he walked over to the bed, stripping down as he did so. Her breath caught as her eyes ran over his gorgeous body. It had been so long.

She quickly changed, went over to the bed and lay down. She sighed softly with content when he drew her into his arms, holding her tight against his strong body. She closed her eyes, the exhaustion instantly taking over. The last thing she heard before sleep took over was Kevin whispering in her ear that he loved her.

*****

�Good morning.� Ashlyn greeted cheerfully as she walked into the kitchen the next morning and saw Taryn in there. Her smile widened when Taryn turned around and she saw that her friend was actually glowing. She hadn�t seen that in a long time.

�Wow, you look great this morning. I take it you had a good night last night.� Ashlyn teased, eyeing her friend knowingly.

Taryn laughed. �Well, not how you�re thinking, but yes, it was nice.� She smiled softly, remembering how good it felt to wake up in Kevin�s arms once again. Even before he�d started sleeping in the guestroom, even though they slept in the same bed, they weren�t together. He was on his side and she was on hers.

�So what happened then?� Ashlyn questioned as she took the glass of orange juice that Taryn had poured for her and sat down.

�We just went to bed. Together.� Taryn added the last word after a moment.

�Oh, I see.� Ashlyn replied after a moment, realizing what Taryn was saying. She was surprised, this being her first time being told that Kevin and Taryn weren�t even sleeping together anymore. Things were a lot worse than she�d thought. But hopefully this meant that Kevin was starting to come around.

�Oh, and I felt the babies move last night for the first time too.� Taryn said before Ashlyn could say anything. �They�ve been kicking up a storm in there this morning.�

Ashlyn�s eyes widened as a smile spread across her face. �That is so awesome! Next time they�re moving; tell me cuz I wanna see if I can feel them.�

Taryn looked at her friend, her eyes getting a little misty. �Thank you.� She said as she walked over and gave Ashlyn a big hug.

�For what?� Ashlyn questioned, her own eyes getting a little damp.

�Just being here.� Taryn answered, knowing she could never express to Ashlyn how much she meant to her.

�Hey, that�s what friends are for, isn�t it? I know you�d do the same for me.� Ashlyn told Taryn, knowing that without a doubt that if their roles were reversed, Taryn would be right there with her as well. �But you know, speaking of �being here�, I�ve got something I want to ask you.� Ashlyn paused, then continued when Taryn nodded.

�As you know Kevin is leaving today to go on tour and I really don�t like the thought of you being here all by yourself. So Dale and I talked things over last night and we�d like you to come and stay with us while Kevin is gone.� She stopped, but quickly continued again when she saw that Taryn was about to protest and she knew exactly what was going through her friend�s head.

�Trust me, it�s no problem at all. We have the apartment above the garage and you can stay there so you won�t be in the way, which you wouldn�t be anyway like you�re thinking. Please Taryn.� She nearly pleaded with her friend. �If I leave here today, and you�re not with me, I�m going to do nothing but worry about you. And that�s going to make me stressed. You don�t want me being stressed in my delicate condition, do you?� Ashlyn smiled, knowing that she had her friend after those words.

�Okay.� Taryn agreed, having to admit that she rather liked the idea of staying with Dale and Ashlyn. She hadn�t been looking forward to be there alone while Kevin was gone on the road. �I�ll go with you�� She trailed off when the doorbell rang, cutting into their conversation.

Taryn glanced up at the clock and frowned. �Who the heck could that be this early in the morning?� It was barely eight o� clock. Ashlyn just shrugged, not having anymore of an idea than Taryn.

Walking to the front door, Taryn stood up on her toes and looked through the peek hole. Her eyes widened as she gasped. She looked at Ashlyn, who had followed her. �It�s Logan!�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty Four

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ashlyn�s eyes went wide, and then narrowed at the thought of seeing that man again. Damn him! She knew he�d use these babies as an excuse to try to get close to Taryn. Of course he�d been excited about the news�it meant he had an �in� where Taryn was concerned.

�Well, not if I have anything to do with it.� Ashlyn thought to herself, before snapping out of her thoughts when Taryn whispered to her.

�What do I do?� Taryn demanded, confused. She knew she had to talk to Logan, but she wasn�t prepared for this soon. She honestly wasn�t prepared to see him again. And things had just started on a good note for her and Kevin, she knew Logan�s presence could easily shatter any kind of progress that was made with her and her husband.

�Don�t answer that door!� Ashlyn hissed. Taryn gave her an uncertain look, then looked at the door again when the bell rang a second time.

�I can�t just let him stand out there!� she cried, but in reality that�s exactly what she wanted to do.

�What are you two doing, seeing if the door will open itself?� Kevin asked as he came down the stairs, pulling his shirt on as he came, Dale following close behind, both having their sleep disturbed.

Taryn looked panicked, not knowing what to do or say. She looked helplessly at Ashlyn. Ashlyn looked at the two men. �We�re deciding if we really wanna open the door or not. It�s Logan.� She stated flatly, moving a little closer to Taryn for support.

Both Dale and Kevin paused in their steps, Dale immediately looking over at his friend. �Shit.� He muttered under his breath, knowing this wasn�t going to be good for any involved.

Kevin took a deep breath, struggling to control himself. He knew this was bound to happen at one point or the other, he just hadn�t expected it to be this soon. He nodded and came forward, putting his arm around Taryn�s back, resting his hand on her waist. �Well, let�s get this over with.� He stated, also letting her know that he was there with her, beside her. She smiled gratefully up at him as together they moved to open the door.

Ashlyn quickly moved back until she was standing next to Dale, but her eyes were glued to the door, again narrowing dangerously the instant they landed on Logan. The bastard was back.

�Easy.� Dale whispered, feeling her tense and move closer to his side, wanting to calm her down, even though he himself was on guard. �It�ll be alright.�

She shook her head. �When Logan�s involved, nothing is �alright�.�

***

�You look wonderful, Taryn.� Logan told her, after he, Taryn and Kevin had gone into the living room. He looked over at Kevin. �Married life must agree with you.�

Taryn looked at Kevin and smiled. No matter what was going on between them, she wouldn�t trade being married to Kevin for the world. He was still the best thing that ever happened to her�well aside from her children.

�Yes, it does.� she answered softly. She bit her lip, trying to figure out what to say, but Kevin beat her to it.

�What are you doing here, Logan?� he demanded, having kept quite long enough.

Logan paused and looked over at Dale and Ashlyn, who were still in the room, sitting closer to Kevin and Taryn. �I believe this is a private conversation.� He stated, directing his statement more towards Ashlyn than anyone else.

�Ashlyn and Dale are more than welcome to stay, in fact I prefer they do.� Kevin snapped. Ashlyn couldn�t help it, she threw a very satisfied look Logan�s way, who was still glaring at her. He quickly, however, looked away when he looked over at Dale and found himself on the receiving end of a glare that put his own to shame.

He cleared his throat. �Um, I�m here to see how Taryn is doing, and if there is anything she needs.�

Kevin tensed. �She has me to take care of her, not you.� He said quietly, trying like hell to keep control on his temper.

Logan nodded but then grinned slyly, knowing his next statement would drive a nail in the coffin. �I know that, but they are my children�not yours.�

Taryn gasped and stood up as quickly as she could. She�d had enough of this. �Logan, it�s time for you to leave. Now. I wish I could say I appreciate you stopping by, but I don�t. It seems you�re only trying to cause problems. I will keep in touch with you about the babies, but other than that, you don�t need to come back here. Now, please leave.�

Logan stood up as well, looking apologetic. �I am sorry Taryn, it was not my intention to come here and upset you. Please, let me know if there is anything I can do for you or our children.� He said, turning and walking towards the door. She followed behind him, intent on locking it as soon as he was out. His hand was almost on the knob when he suddenly turned around, catching her off guard. She didn�t have time to back up before his hands were on her stomach.

�My babies.� He murmured before she hastily retreated out of his grasp. He looked her in the eyes, and the look there sent a shiver down her spine. Finally he turned and walked out, but the tension he left behind was nearly suffocating.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty Five

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After closing and locking the door behind Logan, Taryn stood there facing the door for several moments, trying to get herself together before she turned around and looked t Ashlyn and Dale, who had also come out into the foyer. She let out the breath that she�d been holding. �That was intense.� She said quietly, breaking the heavy silence that had fallen over them.

�What a snake!� Ashlyn hissed. �I can�t believe he just showed up here like that!� She was absolutely livid.

Taryn had her mouth open, ready to comment, but she quickly closed it when Kevin stalked past them, his eyes dark and stormy. Taryn turned to go after him, but she froze in her tracks when Kevin stopped abruptly and spun around. His eyes narrowed as he looked at her. �How did he know where we live? You told him?� He accused her.

Taryn was stunned speechless by his accusation for a moment. �No! You know I would never do that!� She finally said, her voice nearly pleading with him to believe her. She couldn�t believe he�d even questioned her about it in the first place.

�Wouldn�t you? Yeah�sure.� Kevin scoffed, his anger not allowing him to see the truth. Taryn flinched back as each of his sharply spoken words bit her.

�Kevin.� Dale said before Taryn had a chance to respond to Kevin�s last words. His voice was low and filled with warning as he spoke his friend�s name. Ashlyn moved closer to Taryn as she saw the color drain from her face.

Kevin turned his eyes and glared at Dale, not liking the tone of voice that he was taking with him. After several moments, he looked back at Taryn. �We will finish discussing this later.� He promised, his eyes still dark. �I have to go finish packing. My flight leaves soon.� He snapped before turning and storming up the stairs.

Taryn gave Dale and Ashlyn an apologetic look as she moved to follow Kevin. She felt tears stinging her eyes as she climbed the stairs. So much for the day starting off good. The good mood that she had been in was now ruined. She was just as upset by Kevin�s attitude as she was by Logan�s appearance. She could certainly understand why Kevin was upset. Logan being there was enough, but what he�d said to Kevin had pushed it to the edge. What she didn�t like was that Kevin was taking it out on her. He had no reason to be all pissy with her. She hadn�t told Logan where they lived. He�d found that out on his own. She didn�t know how, but he had. Walking down the hallway, she stopped in front of the closed door that led to their bedroom. Taking a deep breath, she put her hand on the knob and turned it.

Kevin�s head snapped up when he heard Taryn enter the room. �I have nothing to say to you right now.� He growled before he went back to his packing.

Taryn wasn�t sure if she was more hurt or pissed by his words. She decided that she was more pissed at the moment. He was being completely asinine. �Fine. But when you cool down and want to talk about this rationally, call me on my cell because I won�t be here.�

�And where do you think you are going?� Kevin demanded, his voice low.

�I�m going back to North Carolina with Ashlyn and Dale and tough shit if you have a problem with it!� She nearly yelled before she spun around and went back out the door, slamming it hard enough behind her to shake the walls in the house. Once outside the room, she leaned against the closed door, taking deep breaths to try and calm herself. It was useless. She began trembling all over as she gave in and let the tears fall.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty Six

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�You�re being a straight up asshole.�

Kevin spun around, glaring at the man across the room. �I didn�t ask your opinion.� He growled.

Dale shook his head as he walked fully in the bedroom where Kevin was angrily throwing clothes in the open suitcase on the bed. �I don�t give a shit what you asked for or didn�t ask for. The way you just acted, and talked to Taryn was totally uncalled for.�

�How the fuck am I supposed to react? Welcome Logan with open arms?� Kevin snarled.

�It�s not Taryn�s fault he showed up. You�re going to have to get used to the fact that Taryn is going to have to have some dealings with the man. Like it or not he is those babies� father.� Dale said bluntly.

Kevin glared. �You think I could ever forget that fact?�

�No, but you�re not even trying to accept these babies. You need to remind yourself, Taryn did not cheat on you. She was never unfaithful to you. This wasn�t supposed to happen the way it did, but since it has, you need to remember your marriage vows that you took twice! You are not standing by her and you�re not supporting her. Keep this up Kevin and I can guarantee that you will lose her.� Dale said.

Kevin didn�t say anything, but his head went down. He knew all that Dale was saying was true. He wished he could move past things�but something was holding him back. He didn�t even know what. Lashing out at Taryn the way he just had was uncalled for, and he felt horrible about it, but at the same time he couldn�t bring himself to go to her, apologize and try to make things better.

�I don�t know what to do.� He said miserably.

Normally, Dale would feel bad for Kevin, but after what he�d just witnessed, his own patience with his friend was at their end. �Well, you better figure it out, and fast, Kevin. Putting Taryn through hell is not fair and it needs to stop, one way or the other. You are doing exactly what she did to you at the beginning of your relationship. You remember how much it hurt you�yet now you�re turning around and doing it to her.�

Shaking his head, Dale turned and walked out of the room, not even wanting to be near Kevin at the moment. He didn�t have a good feeling about things, at all. Just with Kevin�s reaction to Logan today�he couldn�t see things getting any better once the babies were born, which would bring Logan even more in the picture.

***

Kevin came slowly down the stairs, his eyes immediately going to Taryn who was sitting on the couch with Ashlyn, the two talking quietly. Through everything that was going on, he was grateful Taryn had Ashlyn and Dale.

He cleared this throat when he got to the bottom of the stairs and both women looked up and over at him. He nearly flinched at the disgusted look in Ashlyn�s eyes before she got up and walked out of the room, giving Kevin and Taryn a moment alone.

He then looked at Taryn, and was surprised instead of finding tears or hurt in her eyes, they had turned hard. She stood up and crossed her arms over her chest, staring right at him.

�Um, I�m leaving.� He said hesitantly, not really knowing what to do or say.

�Fine.� She snapped. She�d had enough. He wasn�t excited about the babies, probably never would be. She was through with allowing him to bring her down. She was more than looking forward to going to North Carolina and getting away. She was seriously considering not coming back.

�I�ll call you later.� He said. She laughed harshly causing him to flinch at the sound.

�Why bother? You�ll only end up upsetting yourself or me, and I don�t know about you, but I don�t need it. Go on your tour, have fun and don�t worry about me. I�ll be fine.� She said indifferently, but meaning every word.

�Taryn�� he started, but she stopped him.

�Don�t. Just don�t.� she told him. �Just leave.�

By the look on her face and in her eyes, he knew she wasn�t playing or going to be swayed by anything he had to say. Hopefully the time apart would be refreshing for them both. God he hoped so.

Without another word, he turned and left, leaving his broken heart behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty Seven

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taryn smiled as she went to the door of the apartment when she heard a knock on it and she was Ashlyn there. She�d been in North Carolina for a week now and everything was going wonderfully, apart from the fact that her marriage was a wreck and she hadn�t talked to Kevin since he�d left the same day she had. Honestly though, if given the opportunity, she really wasn�t ready to talk to him just yet.

�Good morning.� Ashlyn greeted as Taryn opened the door and stepped back so she could come in. �Got coffee on?� She asked as she handed Taryn the box of rolls and bagels that she�d just picked up from the bakery. She knew that Dale would have a fit if he knew that she was drinking coffee. But a cup or two wasn�t going to hurt anything. Her doctor had told her so himself.

�Of course.� Taryn answered as she turned and went into the kitchen. She herself had been unable to give up her two cups a day of coffee as of yet.

�How are ya feeling?� Taryn asked as she got plates and cups out of the cupboard, and some strawberry cream cheese out of the refrigerator and brought it all over to the small dining table.

Ashlyn smiled as she got the coffeepot and filled the cups then placed it back on the stand. �Wonderful. How about you?� She asked although she really didn�t need to. Taryn looked so much better than she had just a week ago.

�Pretty good.� Taryn answered cheerfully and Ashlyn knew that it was faked for the most part. No matter how much she tried to hide it, she could easily see the sadness in her friend�s eyes. It was understandable though. She was going through a lot right then.

�Logan called last night.� Taryn said as she sat down by the table.

Ashlyn went perfectly still for several moments when she heard Taryn�s words and then her eyebrow rose in surprise. �What did he want?� She asked flatly. She knew that Taryn hadn�t heard from Logan since he�d shown up at Kevin and Taryn�s house. She�d hoped that that would be the last they would see of him, but she knew that that wouldn�t happen.

Taryn sighed. She was so tired�of everything. The only thing that really kept her going every day was her unborn babies. They were what she lived for. �He just wanted to know how I was doing and he said that he�s got some things for the babies. He also wants to go to my next check-up with me.� Taryn added the last statement after a few moments of silence.

Ashlyn was again quiet as she silently counted to ten to keep herself from cussing Logan up and down. �What did you tell him?�

�I told him that I had to think about it and that I�d call him back and let him know.� Taryn was torn. She didn�t know what to do where Logan was concerned. �I want him to be able to be involved in this�these are his children too. But then there�s another part of me that just wants to turn and run as far away from him as possible.�

Ashlyn sat back quiet for a moment before speaking. �Unfortunately only you can make that decision. I can sit here and tell you what I think, so can many other people, but ultimately the final decision is yours and yours alone. You have to decide what you�re most comfortable doing.�

Taryn nodded. �I know that, but I don�t know what I�m comfortable with. These are just as much his babies just as much mine. I don�t feel right excluding him from these things when he wants to be there. But then again, I don�t want him back around. And no matter what I do there it�s going to cause problems for Kevin and I. But then again, there are already problems with him and me. I just don�t know what to do.�

�Have you talked to Kevin yet?� Ashlyn asked, knowing that as of the night before they hadn�t spoken. She herself had talked to Kevin a couple times, trying to make him see clearly�and he would call her and ask her how Taryn was doing. She finally got fed up and told him if he was really interested, he needed to call Taryn himself.

�No.� She answered with little to no emotion. She suddenly brightened. �What�s on the agenda for today? I wanna get out and explore!�

Ashlyn laughed. �I think that can be arranged. Dale�s at DEI and will be there most of the day, I think it�s the perfect time for us to go and see the sights.�

�Cool, I�ll go get ready!�

***

�Hey there you are. What are you doing out here?� Dale asked, coming out the back of the house and onto the patio where he found his wife sitting by herself. �Is everything alright?�

She shrugged, tipping her head back to receive his kiss before speaking. �Taryn and I had a great day. Wonderful even. Until Logan called. He�s insistent that he wants to be there at her next doctor�s appointment. And she agreed. I can�t believe she agreed. I mean I understand to a certain degree, but I just feel allowing that man back in her life any more than necessary is a huge mistake.� She cried.

Dale sat down next to her, taking her hand in his. �Well, you know the man better than me. I�m sure you�re feelings towards him are justified. But Taryn is smart. She won�t allow herself to get sucked in by him.�

Ashlyn threw him a look. �She allowed it once before and look what nearly happened. And things between her and Kevin are anything but good right now. Logan is a very�conniving man. If he catches even a hint that something is wrong between her and Kevin, he�ll be like a vulture, just honing in on her. And I don�t know if she�s in the frame of mind to realize that and be able to hold him at bay.�

�Well we don�t have to worry about him as long as she is here.� Dale stated. Again he got a look from his wife.

�Oh okay, Dale. He showed up at their house without anyone telling him where to find her. Do you really think he would hesitate in showing up in North Carolina?� she asked.

Dale�s eyes narrowed. �He better not.� Was all he had to say. He didn�t want the man anywhere near his wife or Taryn. From the little he had seen of the man, all he wanted to do was tear him apart. He would not stand by and watch Logan cause more stress for Taryn or Ashlyn.

�Well,� he continued after a moment. �At lease we�re all leaving tomorrow for the race. We won�t even be around North Carolina. You and Taryn will be with me at the track, where there is a load of security, we won�t have to worry about him there.�

�Yeah, you�re right.� She was suddenly very much looking forward to getting away for the next few days.

�Okay, so what do you say we go get Taryn, and I�ll take the two most beautiful women in North Carolina out to dinner.� He asked, changing the subject. She grinned.

�Throw in dessert and you�ve got yourself a date!�

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty Eight

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

�We�re about ready to go. You ready?� Ashlyn asked Taryn when she answered her phone.

Taryn was silent for a moment and then answered. �Um, actually there�s been a change in plans. I�m not going with you and Dale to the race this weekend.� She told her friend, waiting for the explosion.

�Why?� Ashlyn demanded, unable to hide the shock in her voice. If this had anything to do with Logan�So help her, she was not going to be happy!

�Kevin called this morning.� Taryn began, but was stopped.

�Ohhh!� Ashlyn exclaimed, unable to help herself. She was so thankful that it was because of Kevin and not Logan. And she hoped that this meant that Kevin had finally gotten his head out of his ass. �Sorry�go ahead.� She said sheepishly, realizing that she�d interrupted.

�The band�s gigs were cancelled for this weekend because one of the guys had a family emergency. And so he�s going home for the weekend and wondered if I could come home too. He said that he�s ready to talk about this rationally. So I guess I�ll go and see what he has to say.� Taryn said skeptically. She wasn�t getting her hopes up this time. She had before when Kevin had started coming around and then Logan had shown up, causing Kevin�s true colors to come glaringly through.

Ashlyn was quiet for a moment, easily hearing the hesitation in her friend�s voice. And while she could definitely understand after the way Kevin had been acting through this whole thing she wanted to be positive about this. �The fact that even called says something. Maybe he�s really ready to get over this and move on, accepting the babies.�

�Taryn sighed. �I hope so Ash, I really do. I miss him so much. A big part of me is missing when we�re not together.� She said, her voice wavering. But still, as much as she wanted things to work out between Kevin and herself, she wasn�t expecting it.

As it had so many times in the last few months, Ashlyn�s heart went out to Taryn. Things were so messed up between her and Kevin. She wished that she could just snap her fingers and make everything all better for them.

�Okay Hun�what time does your flight leave?� Ashlyn asked, not really knowing what else to say. There wasn�t really a whole lot that she could say. Her words were pretty much meaningless when this was between Taryn and Kevin after all.

�About the same time as yours.� Taryn answered after glancing up at the clock. �I�ll still be going to the airport with you and Dale. Just won�t be getting on the same plane.�

�Well, the limo just pulled up. I�ll send the driver up for your bags, okay?�

�Okay, see ya in a bit.� Taryn replied and then ended the call.

�Call me when you get home so I know that you got there okay.� Ashlyn told Taryn later at the airport after Taryn�s flight had been called for boarding. Her and Dale�s flight would be boarding shortly also.

Taryn looked at her friend, her eyes beginning to tear up. She smiled sheepishly. �Damn hormones.� She muttered as she wiped away a tear that had escaped her eye.

Ashlyn smiled back as she brushed her own tears from her eyes. �I know. It�s hell.� She agreed. She and Taryn moved at the same time, hugging each other tight.

�Have a good trip.� Taryn said as her final boarding call was announced over the loud speakers.

�You too. I�ll see you in a few days, right?� Ashlyn questioned, assuming that Taryn would be coming back to North Carolina after the weekend and Kevin went back on tour.

�Yeah, Wednesday probably. I have my doctor appointment on Tuesday so I�m just going to stay through for that. Otherwise I�d be back on Monday. Taryn explained.

�Tuesday? Is that the one that Logan is coming for?� Ashlyn questioned, not realizing that it was so soon. She should have known though now that Taryn was farther into her pregnancy and with twins, she was going every two weeks. She suddenly wanted to grab Taryn and beg her not to go. But she knew that she couldn�t.

�Yes, but don�t you worry yourself.� Taryn told her, easily seeing the unease in her eyes. �If I know you�re worrying and stressing yourself out, it�ll make me worry about you and I�ll be stressed. And you don�t want me to do that in my �delicate condition�, do you?� Taryn teased, earning a slight smile from Ashlyn. Her condition was anything but delicate�she was getting downright huge. �Everything will be fine.� She added after a moment and then continued again after a short pause. I�ve really got to get going. You two have a great weekend.� She hugged Dale back when he stepped forward and put his arms around her. �Thanks for everything. I really appreciate everything that you�ve both done for me this last week.� She told Dale and Ashlyn.

�You�re welcome.� Dale smiled down at her. �Take care, Taryn.�

After saying their good-byes, Taryn turned and walked away to board the airplane that would take her back to Pennsylvania. Dale and Ashlyn watched until she was out of sight, both praying that this would be a turning point in Taryn and Kevin�s relationship and that they could work things out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Sixty Nine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taryn sighed heavily as the cab pulled up in front of the house and she paid the fare before getting out. She stood there for a few minutes, not really feeling like going inside, but finally she began up the walk to the door. She was about to go in, but stopped and turned around when she heard a truck pull into the drive. She was surprised to see that it was a delivery truck from a very high end department store.

�Are you Taryn Miller?� The driver got out of the truck and asked. �We have a delivery for you.� He continued when Taryn nodded in reply to his question. �Just need to have you sign here, ma�m.� He said as he stepped up to where she was still standing and her the clipboard and a pen. After she signed and handed it back to him, he gave her a card, which she quickly opened, curious to see who this was from. Her first thought was Ashlyn. Or even Kevin, trying to make amends. But she was more than a little surprised to see that it was from Logan. It said simply, �Just a few things for our babies. And a few things for you too. Take care, I�ll see you Tuesday.�

-Logan

Taryn smiled in spite of herself, turning to open the door as the driver and two other delivery men began carrying bags and boxes into the house. She looked for Kevin as she went into the house, not sure if he was there or not. She didn�t see him.

�Just set every thing down in there.� Taryn told the men, gesturing to the den located just off the front entry.

�Just a few things?� Taryn questioned out loud to herself after several minutes, laughing as she watched the men bring in bag after bag and box after box of things. She turned around when she felt someone watching her. Her eyes touched on Kevin, who was standing on the stairs.

�Hi.� She greeted quietly, needing to break the suffocating tension between them.

Kevin remained silent as his eyes drifted over to the gifts piling up in the den. Then after taking a deep breath, he looked back at Taryn. �Hey.� He replied a little gruffly. �Its nice to see you.� He said truthfully. He�d missed her horribly, but hadn�t been able to bring himself to call her until that morning. He knew that he was ten kinds of a fool, but no matter how he tried, he couldn�t change the way he felt. But he also knew that it was now or never. He knew that he had to get his shit straight�NOW, or he was going to lose her.

�You look good.� Kevin spoke again when Taryn didn�t say anything. She looked so much better than when he�d last seen her. She had color back in her face. Her eyes had some life back in them. And she looked so much more relaxed�or at least she had until she�d turned around and seen him there.

�Thanks.� Taryn replied coolly, refusing to be swayed by a few kind words. She looked at him for a few more moments before she turned again and moved to go into the other room. She knew that they needed to talk, but she wasn�t ready to have that conversation just yet.

�Taryn.� Kevin said, stopping her.

Taryn stopped, silently counting to ten before she turned back around to see what he wanted. Looking into his eyes, she knew immediately. She sighed inwardly. �Kevin, I know we need to talk. That is my whole reason for being here today. We will talk. Just not right now.� She told him, and then with that said, she turned and walked into the den, anxious to see all that Logan had sent for the babies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Seventy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kevin watched her walked out of the room, his heart breaking. He knew her coldness was his fault. Why had he been so stubborn? She was only keeping him at a distance to protect herself from further heartache. With a deep breath he followed after her.

He stood silently at the door, watching her as she went through bag after bag, her face lit with joy. He even melted a little when she placed a hand on her stomach, talking to the babies growing there.

He cleared his throat, gaining Taryn�s attention. �I was thinking, the room next to ours would be perfect for the babies� room.� He said gruffly. �It�s big enough for two cribs, dressers and all the stuff the babies will need. And if you�d feel more comfortable, we can put in a door from our room leading right into theirs.�

Taryn stood motionless, staring at him in shock and disbelief. This was the very first time he had even brought up the babies. She blinked at the sudden sting of tears.

�Really?� she asked softly, unsure of what to say.

Kevin took a deep breath and came farther into the room. He knew it was now or never. �Taryn, I can�t begin to make up for the way I�ve been acting, or the way I�ve made you feel. It was horrible, and worst of all I knew it was wrong. I just couldn�t seem to snap myself out of it. I wouldn�t blame you if you didn�t forgive me, but I�m hoping you will.�

Taryn bit her lip and looked away from him, needing a minute to collect her thoughts. This was everything she had hoped to hear and more, but in all honesty it didn�t do what she thought it would. She wasn�t overjoyed, relieved or anything. Instead she was hesitant and apprehensive. She wanted more than anything for things to be back the way they used to be, but could they really get to that point?

�Kevin,� she started, returning her gaze to his. �I know you feel badly. And a part of me understands why you�ve been acting the way you have. But then there is another part of me that really doesn�t believe things will change. Before long these babies, these precious, perfect babies will be here. They, nor I, have done anything wrong. I shouldn�t have to worry that you will be nothing more than a stranger to them. And I am Kevin, I truly am.�

Kevin�s head lowered in shame and guilt. He couldn�t blame her for feeling the way she did. He�d been horrible to her in his actions and his words. He knew it, he knew it was wrong, and he deeply regretted it. After a few moments he lifted his head again and met Taryn�s eyes. �I can�t blame you for being apprehensive, but I can assure you that there will be no more of that inexcusable behavior from me.�

Taryn looked away again. She really wanted to believe what Kevin was telling her, but he�d said the same things to her before and just as many times, he�d broken her heart. She turned and looked at him again, her resolve softening when she saw the sincerity and pleading in his eyes. In spite of everything, she still loved him. That never changed.

�Taryn, I love you. I know the way that I�ve acted doesn�t show that, but I do. And I can-� He was cut off before he could finish.

�Kevin, if we�re going to make this work,� She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath. She knew that what she was doing was right, she felt it in her heart, but she still felt like she was taking a risk. She supposed that she would continue to feel that way until Kevin proved that his words were honest. But she was miserable without him and she really wanted their relationship back to where it was. Maybe it would never be the same as it was before, but if he was willing to try to get things back, so was she.

�If we�re going to make this work,� She began again. �You�re going to have to make me a couple of promises.� She told him, knowing that their entire relationship depended on whether he was willing to make her these promises.

�Anything for you.� Kevin swore.

�First and foremost, you need to promise me that you will accept these babies unconditionally and you won�t hold anything against them because they�re Logan�s. I will not have them somewhere and around someone where they aren�t wanted� She said, holding her breath as she waited for his answer.

�I promise.� He replied almost instantly, his heart in his eyes, telling her that he meant it. She let out the breath that she�d been holding, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off her.

�Then second, you need to promise me that you have accepted the fact that these babies are Logan�s and he will be involved in their lives, which means that he is going to be around here often. You will not give him or me any grief about it. If you don�t want to be around when he is visiting, you are welcome to step out.�

Kevin had known that this was coming and he couldn�t blame her for wanting him to make this promise to her. He�d told her before that he was okay with all of it, but his past actions had proved different. But now he was ready to make her see that he wouldn�t be like that anymore. Yes, he was disappointed that the babies weren�t his, but he knew that there was no use dwelling on it�it wouldn�t change anything. All it did was caused Taryn a whole lot of hurt. He was ready to accept the fact and move on.

�I promise.� He answered gruffly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter Seventy One

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Things were okay for the next few weeks. Kevin was still hesitant to opening up to the babies, but he was making more effort than before. Taryn was satisfied with that. She knew that she couldn’t expect him to turn around overnight, but he at least was trying. As promised, he even began clearing out the room next to theirs for the babies’ cribs, dressers, and other things that they would need. This made Taryn feel a lot more positive than she had in a long time.

Dale and Ashlyn were doing well also. Her pregnancy was progressing wonderfully and Dale was still as proud and ecstatic as ever.

“So I’ll be waiting for you and Dale when your flight lands.” Taryn told Ashlyn as they finalized the plans for their visit the next day. Kevin unfortunately was touring and wouldn’t be able to see Dale and Ashlyn. He wouldn’t be home until three days after they left.

“Don’t even think about it, Taryn.” Ashlyn told her friend. “You just stay there at home where you’re comfortable. We know where you live. We’ll get a rental”

Taryn had to admit that she was relieved to hear Ashlyn say that. At almost 28 weeks, she was huge and not looking forward to walking through an airport. “Oh okay…if you insist.” Taryn said, sounding falsely disappointed.

“Yeah, I had to twist your arm real hard.” Ashlyn laughed.

“Okay, I’ll see you guys tomorrow afternoon then. I can’t wait!” Taryn told her friend, having not seen Ashlyn since leaving North Carolina. “Have a safe trip.” She finished and after saying their goodbyes, they ended the call.

Ashlyn slowly let out the breath that she’d been holding and sat back after hanging up the phone. Taryn had told her that things were going well with her and Kevin and she did sound happy. She hoped that Taryn was really that happy and it wasn’t just a cover up and she was still miserable. She’d know for sure the next day when she saw her.

****

“So how are things going?” Ashlyn asked Taryn the morning after they got there. She knew that Taryn was an early riser, so she’d gotten up early as well so they could talk while Dale was still sleeping.

Taryn thought about it for only a few seconds before answering. “It’s good.” She said and Ashlyn could see the honesty on her eyes. “It’s not perfect, but every day he’s coming around a little bit more. I still have 12 weeks to go so by time the babies are born he should be ready.” She paused for a moment, deep in though. “Kevin and I aren’t as close as I’d like, if you know what I mean, but…” She trailed off, lowering her eyes.

“Well, I’m glad things are better for you as far as they babies are concerned. I’m sure the rest will come a long soon.” She was quiet for a moment and then asked Taryn if she’d heard from Logan lately.

Taryn bit her lip as she looked at her friend, knowing that Ashlyn was not going to like hearing what she was about to tell her. “Um…he’s coming on Monday for the sonogram. We both want to know the sex of the babies. Hopefully they’ll cooperate this time.”

Ashlyn was silent for several moments, her eyes wide. “Kevin won’t be there.” She said finally, not liking the thought of Taryn being alone with Logan when Kevin was much more than a phone call away.”

“No.” Taryn replied.

“Ashlyn sighed. “I don’t like it, Taryn. I know that you think Logan is harmless because he’s been…decent the last few times you’ve seen and talked to him, but I don’t believe it for one second. Can’t you postpone it until Kevin gets home?” Ashlyn nearly pleaded for Taryn to listen to her.

Taryn shook her head. “No, I can’t.” She answered quietly. “Trust me, I think its much better that Kevin isn’t here when Logan is.” She wasn’t oblivious to the fact that maybe a big reason why she and Kevin were getting along was because Logan hadn’t been there. But she knew that she couldn’t keep Logan away just because Kevin might flip out again. She didn’t want to keep him away from his children, especially when he really wanted to be there.

Ashlyn closed her eyes as she took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. She looked at Taryn again. “Okay,” She finally relented. “I still don’t like it though.” She added and then paused as a smile slowly spread across her face. “And the second you find out about those babies, your ass better be on the phone, letting me know!”

Taryn grinned back at her friend. “You can count on it.” She promised.

*****

Kevin smiled as he turned his car into the driveway. He was disappointed about the next four gigs being cancelled. Ben had caught some virus and had lost his voice and obviously they couldn’t play without a singer. But he was happy to be home two days early though. He hadn’t even let Taryn know he was coming home, wanting to surprise her. His smile faded a bit though as he went further up the long drive to the house and he saw an unfamiliar car there. At first he thought that it might be Dale and Ashlyn, knowing that they were coming for a visit, but then he remembered that they would have left the day before. His hands tightened around the steering wheel when he pulled up behind the car and saw the Colorado plates and that could only mean one thing. He knew that Taryn had a sonogram that early that morning and that Logan was driving out to be there, but what was he doing at his house at nearly nine at night. He should have been long gone by now!

Kevin froze as he opened the door and heard their voices and laughter coming from the living room. After quietly closing the door behind him, he went into the living room, his temper immediately soaring to dangerous heights when he saw Taryn and Logan sitting on the couch facing each other. Logan tucked a lock of hair behind her ear as she laughed at something he’d said. Both were oblivious to his presence.

“Now seriously,” Taryn said after several moments and she calmed down from laughing so hard. “We need to decide names for our boys.”

Logan smiled as he gently placed his hands on her belly. “I can’t believe we’re going to have to boys.” He told her, still in awe of the whole thing. The words were barely out of his mouth when Kevin finally made his presence known.

“What the hell is going on here?” He demanded, his voice loud. Both Taryn and Logan jumped as their heads whipped around, their eyes wide.

“Kevin!” Taryn exclaimed happily after a few moments and she’d gotten her heart calmed down and found her voice. “I didn’t know that you were coming home!” She was thrilled to see him and that he was home early. She’d really been missing him. But his icy glare quickly chilled her to the bone.

Kevin looked at her for several seconds before turning his glare to Logan. “I think you’d be wise to get your hands off of my wife and get the hell out of my house.” He told the other man, his voice low and filled with warning.

Logan turned back to Taryn and gently touched her arm to gain her attention. “I’ll call you in a few days and we’ll go over those names again.” He quietly told her, not sure if she’d heard him or not. She gotten pale and she was stunned by Kevin’s anger. But when she nodded in reply, he stood up and looked at Kevin, his eyes narrowing as he walked past the other man towards the door. Kevin returned the look until he was out the door and then he stormed out of the room upstairs, leaving Taryn sitting there wondering what the hell had just happened.

She sat there for almost an hour, going over things in her head before she rose wearily to her feet and headed towards the stairs. She was not looking forward to facing her husband but this needed to be done. She’d given him so many chances and the last she remembered, Kevin had promised that he would not go off like that when Logan was around. She’d let this little outburst slide, but no more! Another reaction like that and she was done. Tears burned her eyes as she thought about how much she loved him and didn’t want to give up on their marriage, but this was killing her.

She was almost to the top of the stairs when Kevin came around the corner obviously on his way down with suitcases in hand. He went past Taryn without a word or without even looking at her. She stood there, still on the stairs, dumbfounded at what was happening. Then after several moments, she snapped out of is and spun around, furious at the way he was acting.

“Kevin!” She angrily yelled his name to get his attention. “What the fuck?” She exploded, demanding to know what was going on.

Kevin kept going until he was to the bottom of the stairs. He set his bags down and then turned around, looking up at Taryn. “That’s what I want you to tell me.” He growled, his hands clenched into tight fists as his sides.

“What the hell are you talking about?” She questioned back in confusion. This was rapidly going downhill and she didn’t have a good feeling at all about this. The fact that he had his bags packed pretty much explained what he was doing, but what she didn’t understand, was why.

“I think it’s pretty clear, Taryn.” He told her, his eyes filled with fury.

“What do you mean?” She questioned again, still completely lost.

“That you’d rather be with the father of your babies.” He yelled, having had about enough of this conversation.

Taryn stood there, too taken aback to say or do anything for several moments. She probably would have laughed and thought that he was joking if not for the look of complete seriousness on his face. Then she got pissed again. He was being utterly asinine. “Kevin, you know that’s not true, but you keep this crap up and I just might go there.” She paused for a moments and then added, “He might have been an ass, but at least he gives a shit about the babies, where you’re an ass and don’t give a shit about them. Hmm…which is worse?” She told him, not bothering to hide the sarcasm as the made that last statement. If he was going to be a jerk, she was going to be a bitch right back.

“Where are you going?” Taryn questioned when Kevin said nothing to her last words, but turned back around, picked up his bags, and began towards the door. Her heart froze when he turned and looked at her, his eyes cold and that of a stranger.

“I’m not putting up with this bullshit anymore, Taryn. I’m out of here and we are over. I want you and all of your shit out of my house within a month.” He said quietly, but it did nothing to hide the loathing and anger. Then with that said, he turned again and headed towards the door, leaving Taryn stunned speechless.

The sound of the door slamming shut broke Taryn out of the stupor that she was in. She sank down to sit on the stairs as she tried to comprehend what had just happened. It was impossible. She was too numb and in shock.

She jumped when the sound of the phone broke through the eerie silence that filled the house. Not really feeling up to talking to anyone right then, she let the machine pick it up. She got up though and went down the stairs when she heard Ashlyn’s voice saying that she hadn’t heard from her all day and was wondering how the ultrasound had gone and to please call her back as soon as she could. The call was ended before Taryn could reach the phone, but she immediately picked it up and called Ashlyn back.

“Wow that was fast!” Ashlyn commented before Taryn could say anything, knowing by the called ID that it was her friend calling.

“Hey,” Taryn greeted Ashlyn. “I’m sorry that I didn’t call you sooner.” She apologized, feeling bad that she had called when she’d promised that she would.

“Don’t worry about it.” Ashlyn told her. “So…how did the sonogram go?” She asked, having been dying all day to know.

“Both boys.” Taryn answered, her voice wavering. The shock of Kevin leaving was beginning to wear off and she was very close to losing it.

“Is everything okay? You all right?” Ashlyn asked gently, easily detecting something in her friend’s voice.

“No.” Taryn replied, her voice barely a whisper.

“Taryn, what’s wrong?” Ashlyn demanded, suddenly worried for her friend.

Taryn took a deep breath and let it out, trying to push her emotions back. “It’s over.” She told Ashlyn after a moment. An instant later, she broke down, unable to keep it in any longer.

“What? What’s over?” Ashlyn asked as she listened to Taryn’s heart breaking sobs.

“Kevin and I.” Taryn answered several moments later and she’d gotten herself calmed down a bit. “Just right before you called, he said that it was over and he walked out. She told me that I have to have myself and all my shit out within a month.”

“What?!!” Ashlyn nearly shrieked. “What the hell happened?” She asked, looking up as Dale stepped up beside her, seeing the distress in his wife’s eyes.

“Is everything okay?” He asked quietly, knowing that he was talking to Taryn. A little shiver raced sown his spine when Ashlyn shook her head.

Taryn again took a deep breath and let it out, trying to get herself under control…at least for the time being. “Kevin came home early today. As you know he wasn’t supposed to be home for two more days. Logan was here…we were discussing names for the babies when Kevin came in and he…snapped. Logan left right away when Kevin ordered him out and then Kevin stormed up the stairs. I stayed downstairs for about an hour because at that point I was completely exhausted and I wanted some time to think about how to deal with this latest ‘situation’. Then as I was going upstairs to talk to him, Kevin came out obviously on his way down the steps. He had his bags packed and when I asked him what was going on, he accused me of wanting to be with Logan and not him. Then he said that it was over and he was leaving and he wanted me out in a month.” She finished, the tears beginning to fall again.

“Oh my god!” Ashlyn gasped, shocked at what Taryn had just told her. “Are you okay?”

“No, I don’t think so.” Taryn answered truthfully, her voice shaking.

“I’m coming up there first flight I can get.” Ashlyn stated, wanting to be with her friend.

“No, don’t.” Taryn told her firmly. No matter how much she wanted her friend there right then, she did not want her to be traveling when she didn’t have to. “I’ll be fine. I’m just a little stunned right now.” Taryn paused for a moment and then continued. “You know, I think I’ve always known deep down since this whole thing began that this was bound to happen. And maybe it is for the best.” She admitted, feeling completely defeated inside.

“But..” Ashlyn began to protest, knowing that Taryn was just putting on a brave face. She knew that her friend was probably on the verge of a complete breakdown after all that had gone on during this whole thing.

“No, Ash.” Taryn reiterated. “It’s okay. Honestly.”

Ashlyn sighed, letting it go for now. But she would be calling Taryn tomorrow and she even had the slightest inkling that Taryn wasn’t doing well, she’d be on the first plane there.

“So…two boys, huh?” She asked, changing the subject to something more positive. That and she wanted to hear all about the babies.

“Yeah,” Taryn confirmed as she thought about her sons growing inside her, her spirits immediately lifting. “The doctor said they look great and are growing just fine.”

“That’s wonderful.” Ashlyn said, happy to hear that everything was okay with the babies. That was one less stress for Taryn.

“And Logan is thrilled about them being boys. I mean, he would have been happy either way, but he really wanted at least one of them to be a boy.”

“You said that you two were talking about names?” She asked, curious if they’d decided on anything.

“Yes, but we really didn’t get anything decided. Still got plenty of time for that though.” She paused for a moment to stifle a yawn, then said, “I’m going to get off here now. I am completely exhausted.”

“Okay, I’ll call you tomorrow.” Ashlyn told her, getting ready to end the call, although she really didn’t want to. She wished that she could grab Taryn through the phone and hold her close to her. She couldn’t even begin to imagine what her friend must be going through right then. And although Taryn had told her that she was okay, but Ashlyn knew that she wasn’t. “But if you need anything…anything at all, don’t hesitate to call Dale or me anytime.”

“Thank you.” Taryn replied sincerely. “I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” She finished and after they said goodbye, they hung up.

Ashlyn sighed heavily s she put the phone down and looked up at Dale once more. “What happened?” He asked, not really wanting to know, but needing to all the same. He knew that if it involved Kevin and Taryn, it probably wasn’t good, and judging by Ashlyn’s reaction, it wasn’t.

Ashlyn bit her lips as she continued to gaze up at her husband. God, she loved him so much and she was so very lucky to have him. What was going on with Taryn and Kevin only made her realize that all the more. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes as she thought of the pain that Taryn must be going through. Anger filled her as she wondered what the hell Kevin was thinking. How could he do this to Taryn? Of all the things he could have ever done, this was the worst slap in the face to Taryn.

“What happened?” Dale repeated, breaking Ashlyn out of her thoughts.

“Kevin walked out on Taryn.” She answered, seeing the shock, disbelief, denial, and finally the rage that filled his eyes at what she’d just told him.

*****

“Hey!” Ashlyn greeted Taryn when she picked up the phone. Three weeks had gone by. The first week, they’d talked every day, sometimes twice, since then they’d only talked once or twice, both of them being busy. “How are you doing?” Ashlyn asked, concerned for her friend. Although Taryn hasn’t said anything, she could sense that something was going on. “Taryn?” She prompted when she hadn’t said anything.

“I got papers a few days ago.” Taryn said finally, her voice flat.

“Papers?” Ashlyn was confused but then it hit her after a moment. “Oh shit, divorce papers?”

Taryn was again silent for several moments. “No, annulment.” She replied, her voice barely a whisper. Although she’d gotten the papers a couple days, this was the first time she’d actually said it out loud and it was hard.

Ashlyn gasped in shock. “Oh god, Taryn, I’m so sorry.” She said, not knowing what else to say. She was completely stunned just as she knew Taryn must be.

“I signed them.” Taryn told her, as she glanced over at the envelope lying on the table that held the documents. She had broken down, crying hysterically when she’d first gotten the papers. Now she actually felt kind of relieved. Like a huge weight had been taken off of her shoulders. She had loved Kevin so much, but it just wasn’t working. Deep down she knew that it probably never would have. She knew that although he had promised, she knew that he would never accept her babies or the fact that Logan was the father and would be in their lives. She wouldn’t say that she was happy that it was over between Kevin and her. But it was a relief to not have to worry about it anymore...for Logan to be able to visit and her not having to worry if Kevin was going to throw a tantrum because of it.

“Oh.” Ashlyn replied sadly. Despite what an ass he had been, when Taryn had told her that Kevin had left, she had prayed that Kevin would come back to her. They were so meant for each other she thought. And while that was still a possibility, it didn’t seem very likely now. And maybe it was for the best in the long run.

Taryn sighed. “From the time he left until the moment I got those papers, I didn’t give up. I hoped he would come back..I thought he would. But now I realize how much I and our marriage truly meant to him….nothing. Hell, he could have just as well, ripped my heart out and stomped on it, the pain wouldn’t have been any worse.”

Ashlyn didn’t know what to say. Her heart went out to Taryn as it had so many times during this…mess. “I’m so sorry, Taryn.” She said softly, not knowing what else to say that would ease her friend’s heartache. Although she was trying to hide it, she knew that Taryn had to be hurting…bad.

“Hey,” Ashlyn began when Taryn didn’t say anything. She had an idea. “Why don’t you come to North Carolina and stay…move here? You can stay in the apartment for as long as you’d like. We’ll take care of getting all of your things here. And I’ll introduce you to my OB, who is absolutely wonderful.” Ashlyn finished, praying that Taryn would agree to her idea.

Taryn had to bite her lip to keep the threatening tears back. Oh how she loved her friend. She was always so thoughtful and considerate. She took a deep breath and slowly let it out , trying to get control over her emotions. “I really appreciate your offer, Ashlyn. Maybe after the babies are born. Right now a move that big would be just too much. And my doctor doesn’t want me traveling since it’s getting later in the pregnancy and with twins, I’m considered ‘high risk’.” Taryn explained, leaving out the fact that at her appointment yesterday, her blood pressure had been quite elevated and she was showing other signs of preeclampsia. That coupled with the stress that she’d been under lately had her doctor very worried. “And I’ve already made arrangements to move into a cute little house at the end of the week.”

“Oh!” Ashlyn was surprised. She knew that Taryn had to be out of Kevin’s house soon, but this was the first time that Taryn had mentioned anything about actually moving. “Do you need help with the moving?” Ashlyn asked, willing to fly there if she did.

Taryn smiled, once again thinking how much she loved her friend. “No, um…: Taryn began, but then stopped, knowing that Ashlyn wasn’t going to like this one bit. “No I don’t.” She finished, not going into detail and hoping that Ashlyn would drop it.

“Alright, what’s going on?” Ashlyn questioned, knowing that Taryn was hiding something.

Taryn sighed, wondering why she even bothered to try hiding it when she damn well that Ashlyn could always see right through her. “Um, Logan is taking care of everything. He’s hired movers that will pack and unpack everything.” “Wow, isn’t he just being the upstanding guy.” Ashlyn said, her voice thick with sarcasm. She knew full well what Logan was up to even if Taryn was blind to it.

Taryn was silent for a moment but then spoke. “He’s just trying to help and quite frankly I could use it right now.”

Ashlyn laughed in disbelief. “I can’t believe you are defending him. Don’t you see what he is trying to do?”

“Trying to do?” Taryn echoed Ashlyn’s question. “All that he is ‘trying to do’ is take care of his children and myself, which is a lot more than I can say for Kevin.” She shot back, her temper beginning to rise.

Ashlyn sighed heavily. This wasn’t working. Kevin leaving had pushed her to the edge and now exactly what she feared would happen, was happening. Taryn wasn’t thinking straight at all. “Oh, okay Taryn. If you say so.” Ashlyn replied, getting ready to end the call. She needed to get off of there so she could think…of a way to get through to Taryn. She knew from past experience that it wouldn’t be easy. Once Logan has his grip firmly on Taryn, she was near impossible to talk to as she was beginning to see…again. “I’m gonna let you go. I’ll call you tomorrow. Bye.” And after Taryn said her goodbye, the call was done.

*****

“Can I get you anything?” Logan asked Taryn as he stood up to go get something to drink.

Taryn cracked an eye open and looked at him. They’d just finished moving her into the house and while the movers and Logan had done most of the work, she was exhausted. “No, I’m fine, thanks.”

Logan gazed down at her. “You should go to bed. You need your rest.”

“I know.” Taryn replied wearily. “ I honestly don’t think I have the energy to get up and get there.” She told him, half joking and half serious.

Logan held his hand out to her. “Come on.” He smiled when she slipped her hand into his. He pulled her to her feet and then scooped her up in his arms. Taryn sighed softly as she wrapped her arms around his neck and laid her head against his shoulder.

“There you are.” Logan said softly as he carefully placed her down on the bed.

“Thank you.” She said as he pulled away and stood up.

“Anytime.” Logan returned, smiling as he still looked down at her. “What?” He asked when he saw something in her eyes. Like she wanted to say something, but was uncertain about saying it.

“Will you…will you lay with me?” She asked quietly and hesitantly, afraid that he would reject her the same way Kevin had.

Logan looked surprised for a moment, but then he lay down beside her. Taryn sighed again with content. It was so nice just to be held again. It had been so long. Closing her eyes, she rolled over onto her side and she felt his arms circle tightly around her, his hand resting on her swollen belly. He smiled softly when he felt a strong kick against his palm. “Good night, Taryn.” He whispered in her ear as he noticed her breathing deepen and even out.

“G’night…” She told him. Her voice trailing off as she fell deep asleep.

***

Taryn moaned softly, stretching as she slowly woke up the next morning. The first thing that hit her was how well rested she felt. She hadn’t slept so well in a long time. Next she realized the arms wrapped tightly around her and the warm body lying next to her. For a split second she thought that it was Kevin, but then she remembered that not only did he never sleep with her, but he’d left her as well. Turning her head, she smiled softly when her eyes touched on Logan. She knew that she really shouldn’t be doing this with Logan, but at the moment she didn’t care. All she wanted to do right then was to hang on to the feeling of how warm and safe she felt next to him in his arms. It had been a while since she’d felt like that.

“Did you sleep well?” Logan’s voice broke into her thoughts and startled her. She hadn’t realized that he was awake.

“Yes, very well.” Taryn answered, smiling again. She looked away for a second and then met his eyes again. “Thank you.” She said sincerely.

Logan looked confused. “For what?” He asked softly as he reached out and tucked a fallen lock of hair behind her ear. He knew that he was falling hard for her. When they’d been together before, he loved her, but not like he’d been feeling for the last two months or so. This was real and went very deep.

“Just for being here.” Taryn answered. “I really appreciate all that you’ve done for our babies and I.

Logan looked down for a moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out before he met her eyes again. “Taryn, I know that you’ve gone through hell because of me and I know that nothing I say or do can take that back. I would do anything to be able to take it all back and for everything that you’ve had to go through, I apologize. It was not my intention…well, maybe the first time I showed up at your house, it was. But after that it was never my intention to come between you two. I’m sorry that it happened.”

Taryn shook her head and sighed. “It’s not your fault anymore than it is mine. Kevin…he…I don’t know…I don’t think it would have worked anyway. Whether you were here or not.”

“Well, regardless, I’m sorry for what you’ve had to go through the last several months. Here and now and in the future, I promise that I will be here for you and our sons. Anything you or they need…it’s yours.”

Taryn closed her eyes against the tears that she felt burning there. How many times had she heard those very same words from Kevin? Just as many he let her down and shattered her heart. But it wasn’t Kevin saying these words to her this time. It was Logan and it felt much different. It felt genuinely sincere. She opened her eyes again when she felt his fingers brush her cheek. As she stared into his eyes, then and there she made her choice.

“Anything I need?” She asked, still holding his eyes.

Logan nodded his head. “Anything.” He confirmed, his voice gruff as he watched her eyes darken. As she began to lean toward him, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her tight against him. Their lips met, hesitantly at first, but it quickly deepened and intensified as their passion grew.

***

“Come back to Colorado with me.” Logan stated later as they lay in bed, neither wanting to get up and leave each other’s arms.

Taryn’s eyes went wide as she lifted her head off his chest and looked at him in disbelief. “But you just bought this house. I just moved in here yesterday…” She began to tell him, but he stopped her.

“It doesn’t matter. I’ll get the movers back in here and I’ll just put the house back up for sale.” He said and then paused for a moment as he stared into her eyes. “Taryn, I have to go back to Colorado tomorrow night. The thought of leaving you here all alone is killing me.”

Taryn only had to think about it for a few moments. There was nothing for her anymore in Pennsylvania…nothing but bad memories. And that sure as hell wasn’t enough to hold her there. “Okay, I’ll go with you.” She agreed, truly feeling that she was making the right decision.

“Good.” Logan told her, the relief in his eyes genuine as he leaned forward to claim her lips and they’d just touched when the phone rang. Logan groaned but pulled back and picked the phone up off the table beside the bed and handed it to Taryn. “I’m going to go take a shower.” He said as she looked at the caller ID before answering. Taryn nodded, smiling s he got up and went into the adjoining bathroom. She watched him go until he was out of sight, unable to take her eyes off his magnificent body. After the fourth ring, Taryn finally turned on the phone and brought it up to her ear.

“Hey Ash!” Taryn greeted cheerfully.

“Hey yourself. How are you doing and how did the move go?” She asked, it having been on her mind since she’d last talked to Taryn a few days before.

“I’m doing great.” Taryn sighed happily, realizing that how happy she truly felt.

“I can tell.” Ashlyn laughed. She hadn’t heard Taryn sound this good in a while. “I’m glad.” She replied sincerely. “Tell me bout your new house.”

“It’s great, but…” Taryn trailed off, knowing that Ashlyn was going to be…upset when she told her, her plans for moving.

“But what?” Taryn prompted when Taryn didn’t go on.

“Well…I’m moving again. To Colorado.” She added the last part after several moments then held her breath, waiting for the explosion.

“What?!!” Ashlyn shrieked, shocked at what she’d just heard. “What the fuck? Have you lost your mind, Taryn?” She couldn’t possibly understand what he friend was thinking. Hell, she obviously wasn’t thinking.

“I know what you’re thinking Ash, but he’s changed.” Taryn stated firmly. “I know that you don’t believe it, or think it to be even remotely possible, but it’s true.” She was certain of this. She’d first noticed the changes in him the first time he was there for one of her appointments. And ever since then, she noticed it more and more.

Ashlyn laughed humorlessly. “No, I don’t believe it and I can’t believe that you would believe it. What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking clearer than I have in a long time, Ash.”

Ashlyn sighed, knowing that much like before, this was pretty much hopeless. But she didn’t want this to come between them again. She didn’t like it one bit, but for the sake of their friendship, she was willing to back down. “I can’t believe you’re falling for his shit again.” She mumbled, mostly to herself. “I think you’re making a big mistake.”

“No, I’m not.” Taryn told her with absolute certainty.

Ashlyn sighed again, her head beginning to throb. “I can’t stop you. It’s your life, Taryn, I just hope you realize what you’re doing before its too late.” Ashlyn finished and waited for her response but all she got from Taryn was silence.

“Um…so when are you moving?” Ashlyn asked, breaking the uncomfortable silence that was growing between them.

“I’m leaving tomorrow with Logan. I’ll being some clothes and things that I need with me in the car and the movers will bring everything else. I’m sure they’ll love having to pack all of my stuff up again.” Taryn laughed a little bit.

“Logan is there now?” Ashlyn asked, not even thinking that he would still be there.

“Yes, he’s been here since yesterday morning helping me move.”

“So is that when he convinced you to move back with him?”

“No, that was last night. No, wait. It was actually this morning.

“He was there last night and this morning?” Ashlyn pried, not wanting to know, but needing to all the same. She still couldn’t believe that Taryn was doing this.

“Taryn sighed inwardly, tired of answering questions. She might as well get it all out in the open. “He’s been here since yesterday morning and hasn’t left since then. We slept together last night and we had mind blowing sex twice this morning. It was then that he asked me to come back to Colorado with him. He asked me and I agreed. He didn’t need to convince me of anything. I made the decision on my own. Any other questions?”

“No, no more questions.” Ashlyn replied quietly after several moments of silence. That was definitely way more than she wanted to hear. Damn it, it was already too late.

Taryn sighed. “I’m sorry if I’ve disappointed you or whatever, but you’ve always told me that I should follow my heart. I’m not settling for second best because Kevin is gone. I truly feel in my heart that this is best. Things are different. Logan has chanced. Whether you decide to believe that or not is up to you.”

Ashlyn sighed tiredly. “Alright Taryn. Call me when you get to Colorado so I know that you got there okay.”

“I will. I’ll talk to you in a couple days. Bye.”

“Bye.” Ashlyn returned and hung up the phone just as Taryn did. She turned and looked t Dale and saw the questioning in his eyes. He knew she’d been talking to Taryn and wondered what was going on.

“Taryn has officially lost her mind.” She told him and then began telling him what was going on.

******

A week went by before Ashlyn heard from Taryn. She was relieved to hear from her friend, yet a little irritated that Taryn couldn’t take a minute or two out of whatever she was doing and call her sooner. She was certain that it was all Logan’s doing.

“It took us two and a half days to drive back here and then we immediately began looking for a bigger place because there was no way in hell that all my stuff and the babies’ things were going to fit in Logan’s apartment. We found a great place in one day so once we got that taken care of, we had to get everything of his moved there and then the movers got here from Pennsylvania with my stuff so we had to get that all unpacked. And the last couple days we’ve been working on getting the babies’ rooms ready.” Taryn explained why it had taken her so long to call.

“Sounds like you’ve been busy.” Ashlyn commented, a lot of the anger dissipating.

“I’m exhausted.” Taryn laughed. “How are you and Dale?”

Ashlyn smiled. “We are doing great. Everything is wonderful…perfect in fact.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that. And everything is good with the baby?”

“Pregnancy is a walk in the park.” Ashlyn laughed, knowing that she was lucky to have such an easy time after witnessing what Taryn had gone through earlier on. “I have a check-up tomorrow. I can’t wait!” She always looked forward to her appointments and being able to hear the baby’s heartbeat.

“Ohhh. I do too.” Taryn told her.

“You found a good OB there then?” Ashlyn asked.

“Yeah, Logan’s sister recommended her. She had her with both of her kids and says she’s absolutely wonderful. Tomorrow is the first time I’m meeting her, so hopefully it goes well.”

“So things are going good with Logan?” Ashlyn questioned, having been concerned about it since they last talked. But judging by the way Taryn sounded, she didn’t have anything to be worried about.

Taryn smiled to herself. “He’s been wonderful. He’s all about me and the babies. He’s so proud, he doesn’t stop.”

“That’s great.” Ashlyn replied, sincerely meaning it. She still wasn’t thrilled that Taryn was with Logan, but she did seem genuinely happy. That would have to be good enough for her. Taryn was a grown woman, old enough to make her own decisions. And whether she liked it or not, she had to respect it.

***

“Hey Dale, its Kevin.” He said when Dale answered the call. Since he’d left Taryn, this was the first time that he talked, or even tried to call Dale or Ashlyn.

“Hello Kevin.” Dale replied curtly. He still wasn’t sure how he felt about Kevin. While he could certainly understand how hard it was for Kevin with the babies’ not being his and Logan being in their lives, the way he treated and walked out on Taryn was despicable.

“How are you and Ashlyn doing?” Kevin asked, trying to break the ice. He didn’t blame them for being pissed at him, but he missed his friends. He wanted to visit them, but didn’t know if he was welcome or not.

“We’re doing really well.” Dale answered, starting to warm back up a bit towards his friend. “You?”

“I’m…okay.” Kevin replied, not really sure himself of how he was doing. “Uh…how is Taryn?” He dared to ask.

“Well, Ashlyn just got off of the phone with her. It sounds like she’s doing well.” Dale told him, leaving out a lot of details. He would tell Kevin that she was back with Logan, but not over the phone.

“That’s good. She deserves it.” Kevin said sincerely as he raked his fingers through his hair and groaned inwardly. “I think I made a big mistake.” He knew that he’d acted rashly and now that he’d had some time to calm down, he deeply regretted what he’d done. It had really hit him hard when the annulment became final and after Taryn had moved out and he came back home. The house never felt so empty and he never felt so completely alone. But he knew that he couldn’t go back and beg for another chance. She’d given him too many already and she deserved so much better.

Dale couldn’t help but laugh. “You think you made a mistake? Man you fucked up big time! You’ve thrown away the best thing that ever happened to you. Taryn gave you everything she had and you just threw it right back in her face.”

“I know.” Kevin sighed heavily. “Would you mind if I came to visit you and Ash sometime? I’ve missed you two.” He asked, changing the subject. It was much too painful talking about Taryn. Hell, even thinking about her hurt. “We’re off the road now for a couple of months.”

“Why don’t you come to the race this weekend?” We’d be happy to see you.” Dale told him. Despite everything, he did miss Kevin and was looking forward to seeing him again. He hoped that Ashlyn would feel the same.

“That’s sounds great! I’ll be there.” Kevin replied, already looking forward to the weekend.

“Good. We’ll see you there then.” Dale said and then after giving Kevin the details for the weekend, they ended the call.

*****

“Hey.” Logan greeted Taryn when he got home after being gone most of the day.

“Hi.” She returned softly after he came over and placed a tender kiss on her lips. “How was your day?”

“It was good. I think I did well with the interview. How did your appointment go?” He questioned, disappointed that he hadn’t been able to go with her. But Taryn assured him that it was okay and that there would be plenty more for him to come to before the babies were born. He’d had a job interview that couldn’t be rescheduled. He’d had it set up even before he’d gone to Pennsylvania. He no longer enjoyed stripping. He had a degree in advertising and it was bout time that he put all that hard work getting it to use. He really hoped that he’d hear back from the company soon so he could quit at the club as soon as possible.

Taryn’s expression turned serious and Logan felt his heart drop. ”My blood pressure is higher.” She told him, seeing the concern jump into his eyes. “They’ve got me on some medication for it now, but if it’s not down significantly by next week, we’ll have to induce.”

“Next week? That’s too early!” Logan exclaimed frantically, pacing as he ran his fingers through his hair, his handsome features lined with worry. He stopped and sat down beside her, taking her hands in his. Tears burned her eyes when she felt his hands shaking in hers. He truly cared. Not that she really doubted him before, but this proved it.

Taryn looked into his eyes. “Toxemia is a pretty risky thing to deal with. The only way to make it go away if the medication doesn’t work is to deliver the babies. The doctor said that at 31 weeks, the babies have a very good chance of being okay if it comes to that. But I’m sure that everything will work out fine and we won’t have to worry about it.” She told him, trying to assure him as much as herself.

Logan searched her eyes as he tucked a fallen strand of hair behind her ear. Then he brushed his fingers across her cheek, cupping her chin in his other hand as he leaned forward and tenderly claimed her lips. “I love you. Whatever happens we’ll get through it.” He told her after moving back just enough to be able to see into her eyes again. “Everything will be fine.” He promised, praying that it would be.

*****

Ashlyn opened her phone and looked at the caller ID when it went off. She stood up and excused herself from Dale and Kevin and went to the back of the coach when she saw Taryn’s number on the screen.

“Hey Taryn, how’s it going?” She greeted as she brought the phone up to her ear. “Taryn?” She asked when all she got in return was silence.

“Uh…this is Logan.” He finally found his voice and managed to say. He hated the words that he was about to say. Speaking it for the first time would make it real and not some horrible dream that he was having. “I thought that you would want to know that Taryn is in the hospital. There’ve been some complications and they need to deliver the babies tonight.” He told her, his voice wavering.

Ashlyn was shocked silent for a moment at hearing Logan’s voice instead of Taryn’s and then hearing what he was telling her. “What? What happened?” She questioned. Still stunned, her head was spinning.

“When I got home from work tonight, I found her on the floor, unconscious. After making sure that she was breathing and everything, I called the paramedics. Her blood pressure has been getting higher and higher the past month-month and a half. She started taking medication for it a couple days ago and the doctor said that if it wasn’t down by next week, they were going to induce. The doctors think that tonight she had a seizure from the high blood pressure, so I guess the medication wasn’t working. It couldn’t have though, it’s only been a day or two she’s been taking it. The babies have to be delivered because that is the only way for her to get better and they think that waiting any longer could be dangerous for her and the babies. Now they’re trying to decide if they’ll induce labor and try to have her deliver naturally or if they should just go ahead and take them.” Logan finished, letting out a shaky breath.

“Oh my God!” Ashlyn gasped. This was absolutely the very last thing she expected to hear. “How is Taryn now? Is she okay?” She asked, very worried for her friend.

“She did wake up for a little bit, but she was asleep again so I came down here to call you. The doctors said that said that it’s common for her to be sleepy after a seizure. She was pretty disoriented as well, but they said that’s normal too.” Logan paused for a moment, and then spoke again. “I should get back up to her incase she wakes up or they’ve decided what to do, but I wanted to let you know what was going on.”

“Thank you, Logan. I’ll be there as soon as I can.” She told him, getting ready to end the call so she could make flight arrangements.

“Thank you. We’ll appreciate having you here. We’ll see you when you get here. Bye.”

“Bye.” Ashlyn said and then ended the call, honestly beginning to believe that maybe Logan had changed as Taryn had told her. Shutting her phone, she went back up to the front of the coach.

Dale immediately jumped to his feet, frightened by how pale she was. “What’s wrong?” He gently demanded, feeling her trembling in his arms.

Ashlyn took in a deep breath and slowly let it out to get control over the tears that were threatening. “There…there have been some complications with Taryn. The babies are going to be delivered tonight.”

“What kind of complications?” Dale asked, praying that it wasn’t anything too serious, but if they were delivering the babies this early, it had to be.

“She’s been having high blood pressure…I had no idea. She never told me. Logan said that it’s been going on for the last month-month and a half.” She was about to continue, but stopped when Kevin spoke abruptly.

“Logan?” He demanded, the softness of his voice not hiding the shock and many other emotions.

Ashlyn sighed, not wanting Kevin to find out this way, despite what had happened between him and Taryn. Especially when Dale had told her that Kevin told him that he knew he’d made a mistake leaving Taryn and regretted it.

“I’m sorry that you have to find out like this, but Taryn has been back with Logan for about two weeks now. She’s even moved back to Colorado.” She told him, clearly seeing the heartbreak in his eyes. Then he nodded in resignation, knowing that her being gone, was no one’s fault but his own.

“Ah, so she started taking medication for it a couple days ago.” Ashlyn continued explaining what was going on. “But it’s not working. Logan said he came home from work tonight and found her unconscious. He said that the doctors think that the high blood pressure made her have a seizure. Thank God she went to Colorado with Logan. If she’d been alone in Pennsylvania, who knows how long she might have laid there, or what might have happened.” Ashlyn paused when tears began to fill her eyes. She was very worried for her friend. After a few moments she was able to continue.

“He said that the doctors feel that it would be too risky to wait any longer for the babies. He also said that she woke up for a little bit, but she was disoriented and groggy, which the doctors told him is normal.” She paused again, looking Dale in the eye. “I’m going to Colorado as soon s I can get a flight.” The tone of her voice and her expression left no room for argument.

Dale smiled softly down at her as gently caressed her cheek. “Of course. And you know I’m going with you.”

“But…” Ashlyn began to protest, but Dale stopped her.

“It’s only Friday today. I don’t have to race until Sunday. If everything is okay with Taryn, I’ll fly back Saturday night. Otherwise I’ll stay. This is much more important that some race.” He told her, seeing the tears fill her eyes once again.

Ashlyn threw her arms around Dale and hugged him tight. “I love you so much.” She whispered, burying her face in his chest. After several moments, she moved back and opened her phone. “I need to call the airport.”

Dale stopped her. Go ahead and get a few things packed for us. I’ll take care of it.” He said, taking the phone from her.

“Thank you.” Ashlyn said, smiling softly before she turned and went to the back of the coach again.

“I’m going with you.” Kevin said suddenly as Dale began punching in the number for information so he could get the number of the local airport.

Dale glanced at him, his eyebrow raised. “Kevin, I don’t think…” Dale began as he waited for the call to connect. Kevin quickly cut him off.

“I’m going with you.” He stated firmly once more. Dale backed off, easily seeing that Kevin had made up his mind and it couldn’t be changed. He knew he couldn’t stop him. Whether he went with him and Ashlyn or not, if he wanted to be there, he would be.

*****

The three of them arrived in Colorado early the next morning. After getting their rental car, they went straight to the hospital.

“Can I help you?” The lady behind the information desk asked when they stepped up. She was caught off guard for a moment when she saw Dale, knowing full well who he was. She knew that Kevin looked very familiar too, but she couldn’t quite place him.

“Yes.” Ashlyn spoke first. “What room is Taryn Miller in?” She asked and waited while the lady typed the name into the computer. After a moment, she looked up.

“I’m sorry, but there is no one registered in that name here.” She told them. Ashlyn looked and was completely confused.

Kevin stepped forward a bit more. “Taryn Reed.” He told her, his voice wavering a bit.

Ashlyn groaned inwardly, having completely forgotten that not only were Taryn and Kevin no longer married, but with the annulment, she lost his name as well. She looked at Kevin, seeing the agony in his eyes. “I’m sorry…” She began, but he stopped her unnecessary apology.

“Ahhh, that’s better.” She commented, having found a match this time. “Third floor, ICU. They’ll be able to tell you at the desk up there what room.”

“ICU?” Ashlyn gasped as a wave of dizziness washed over her. What the hell had happened since she talked to Logan? She hung on tight to Dale when he stepped beside her and put his arm around her shoulders, bringing her closer to him. She glanced over at Kevin, who was pale, concern etching his handsome features.

“Thank you.” Dale quietly told the lady behind the desk after several moments. “Where are the elevators?”

“Take this hallway behind me. They’re about half way down on the right.” She told him, gesturing to the corridor behind her.

“Thank you.” Dale said again and then they began walking to the elevators.

***

After arriving on the third floor, they began walking down the hallway where the signs said it led to the ICU. They stopped when someone behind them called Ashlyn’s name. They turned around and found Logan there. He and Kevin glared at each other for a moment, neither liking the other being there, but both were above saying or doing anything at that time. While there definitely was no love lost between the two, this wasn’t about their differences. Right now it was all about Taryn and the babies.

“I was outside talking to my sister. They don’t let you use cells in here and she wanted to know how things were going.” Logan said, not really sure what to say. He spoke mostly to Ashlyn.

Ashlyn studied him intently, easily seeing the genuine distress in his in his eyes. Right then, she knew for certain that it had been true when Taryn had told him that he was different…changed. She could see that he truly cared for Taryn and the babies. The smug, selfishness that he possessed before was gone. This was real. Stepping forward, she gently placed her hand on his arm.

“What happened?” She asked softly. She really didn’t want to know, but had to all the same.

“She…” Logan tried to begin, but his voice choked and he had to stop for a few moments before he was able to try again. “She had the babies. Everything started happening really fast right after I got off the phone with you. She was steadily getting worse and the babies were starting to show signs of distress so they decided to just go ahead and take them by c-section. While they were getting her prepped, she had another seizure…a bad one and the babies’ heart rates plummeted. It only took a few minutes to get the seizure stopped with the medication they put in her IV. Then they rushed her into the OR. After the babies had been delivered, she started hemorrhaging. They…they lost her for a few minutes.” Logan had to stop again. Those were very hard words to say. He was thankful when Dale stepped forward and put his arms around Ashlyn because she looked like she was about to pass out. He glanced over at Kevin, seeing the other man standing back, his head down.

“Thank goodness they got her back and while she’s pretty stable right now, the doctors said that she is no where near out of the woods. Things could be okay now and then go straight downhill within seconds.” Logan finished, letting out a shuddering breath as he raked his fingers through his hair. This was a horrible nightmare.

Ashlyn was quiet as she tried to absorb all that he’d told her. It was impossible. “How are the babies?” She asked, praying that they were okay.

Logan smiled a little bit. “Some good news there.” He told her, seeing the relief in her eyes. “They got the babies out very quickly because of their low heart tones. They were fine once they were delivered, but Taryn is going to be feeling the effects of such a rough surgery. They’re in the NICU, but they were more developed for what they should have been at 31 weeks so they think that she must have been further along than what we thought. The doctors think they look like 34 or 35 week babies. They’re small…three pounds and some each, but they’re doing well. They’re breathing on their own with oxygen. The doctors think they have a really good chance.”

“That is wonderful.” Ashlyn told him, thankful that the news was better for the babies. She didn’t know if she could have handled it if they were bad off as well. “What room is Taryn in? I’d like to see her.”

“She’s in 8A. They’ll only let you in for a few minutes at a time, but it’s better than nothing. They’re keeping her sedated so she won’t be awake, but I like to think that she can hear you when you talk to her.”

Ashlyn felt tears burning her eyes and struggled to keep them back. “I’m sure she can.” She said softly after a moment, her voice shaky. She turned and went fully into Dale’s arms. After several moments he pulled back and ran his knuckles tenderly across her cheek. “We’ll go check on the babies while you go see Taryn.” He told her, knowing that she would want to be alone with her friend for a little bit first.

“Thank you.” She whispered, hugging him tight once more before she moved out of his arms and turned to begin walking to Taryn’s room. She’d only taken a couple of steps before Logan stopped her.

“I’ll walk with you.” Logan said as he moved to catch up with her.

“We’ll wait in the waiting room for you to get back.” Dale said to Logan, who nodded to let Dale know he’d heard him.

“I just wanted to take a moment to apologize.” Logan told Ashlyn once they’d began walking. When she started to protest, he stopped her. “No, I treated you horribly before and I’m very sorry about that. I was a self-righteous, self-centered jackass.”

Ashlyn smiled over at him. “Thank you. I respect you doing that. When Taryn first told me that you’d changed, I thought that she was crazy…that she was only doing this because Kevin was gone.” Ashlyn paused, shaking her head. “Now I can see that she was right.”

Logan looked over at her. “They say that kids change your life and it’s true. The moment I heard those babies’ heart beats for the first time and then when I saw them on the sonogram for the first time…it touched something deep inside me. It really was a life changing experience.” He paused for a moment, deep in thought. “After that first time when I showed up at their house, it was never my intention to come between Taryn and Kevin. I knew that she loved him, anyone could have seen that. When she told me about what happened after the last time I was there, I felt horrible, thinking that I was to blame. Taryn told me that it probably would have happened anyway, but still I felt responsible. After it happened and she called me the next day, I just wanted to help her get through it any way I could. It was never my purpose to play on her vulnerability. She was the one who made the first move. Hell, I’m only human. I can’t resist her. I fell hard for her all over again a couple months ago.”

Ashlyn looked up at him, smiling softly. “I’m glad that she has you. I never, ever thought I’d say that, but I am. She and the babies deserve someone that truly wants and loves them.

They walked the rest of the way in silence. As they arrived at her room and went in, a low distraught moan escaped Ashlyn when her eyes touched on Taryn for the first time. She thought that she had prepared herself, but she was wrong. She was grateful when Logan gently took hold of her arm and led her over to a nearby chair, seeing that her legs were about to give out. After that, Logan only stayed for a few seconds, making sure that Taryn was okay before he stepped out, leaving Ashlyn alone like he knew she wanted. He talked with Taryn’s nurse for a couple of minutes before going back to meet Dale and Kevin.

Ashlyn immediately broke down as she leaned forward and tool hold of Taryn’s hand and looked at her friend. She was so pale, and on a ventilator with all kinds of IVs and things hooked up to her.

“Oh Taryn.” She whispered brokenly. This last year had been so hard on her friend. This was just the icing on the shitty year cake for Taryn. “You have to stay strong and pull through this. I know you’re really tired and it’s been hard, but I think that from here on out, things are truly going to start looking up for you. Your precious babies are doing really well. I haven’t seen them yet, but I know that they’re beautiful.” Ashlyn paused for a moment, smiling softly and really looking forward to seeing them.

“Dale is here with me too and I know that you probably don’t want to hear this, but Kevin is here as well. I think he just really wanted to see for himself that you were okay. He knows that you’re with Logan. He doesn’t like it, but he’s leaving it alone…at least for now.” She laughed a little bit humorlessly. Dale would probably knock Kevin on his ass if he tried to start any shit. “I believe you now when you said that Logan has changed. I’m glad that you’re with him. He truly loves you and your sons, and you really deserve that.” Ashlyn sat back and closed her eyes for a moment before she spoke again.

“You’re a strong person, Taryn. I know you’ll pull through this just fine. God, I pray you do.” She said, resting her head in her hands as tears filled her eyes once more. After several minutes, she at up and wiped her eyes. She then rose to her feet and looked down at her friend. “Well, I’m going to go and let you get some rest.” She said, a small, sad laugh escaping her at that. Taryn hadn’t even moved the slightest in the time she’d been in there. She just lay there…lifeless. “And I know that Logan is anxious to get back in here to you and I really want to get up to see those babies of yours. I’ll come back a little bit later.” She stayed a few minutes longer and then left.

***

The next forty eight hours passed uneventfully and Taryn and the babies remained stable. The doctors felt that she was doing well enough to begin waking her up. The also hoped to be able to remove the breathing tube once she was awake as well. Over the next day, they slowly reduced the amount of sedation she was receiving until she was completely off of it. After that, Logan and the doctors waited anxiously for her to wake up. Ashlyn, Dale, and Kevin had left for Dale’s race, but they would be back in two days. In the meantime, Logan kept them updated by phone.

It was late the next morning before Taryn finally began to wake up. Logan had been sitting with her, holding her hand in his, his head resting lightly against her arm when he felt her grip on his hand tighten slightly. That had never happened before so he knew that it meant something…that it wasn’t just a reflex or something. He quickly lifted his head and looked at her, seeing her eyelids fluttering. With his free hand, he brushed his fingers across her cheek, overjoyed when she turned her head into his touch.

“Come on, baby. Open your eyes.” He pleaded. The doctors had been starting to get a little concerned that she hadn’t wakened yet since she’d been completely off of the drugs for almost 30 hours. But finally she was starting to come around. “Hey, welcome back.” Logan said softly, his voice gruff with emotion when she fully opened her eyes and looked at him. “Oh thank God.” He breathed, closing his eyes for a moment as he sent up at silent ‘thank you’.

“You can’t talk right now.” He told her when she tried to. “But they’re going to be taking that out real soon.” He told her as he reached for the call button and pushed it to alert her nurse.

Taryn’s eyes widened as she suddenly remembered what had happened. The panic could clearly be seen in her eyes as her hands went to her now flat stomach. She searched Logan’s eyes, desperately needing to know.

“It’s okay, don’t worry. The babies are doing real well. They’re small, but they’re bigger and more developed than expected.” He told her, instantly seeing a measure of relief in her eyes.

“She’s awake.” Logan told the nurse when she came in the room. She smiled as she looked over at Taryn and that that was indeed true.

“Wonderful! I’ll page Dr. Long.” She told him before turning and leaving again.

“Here are some pictures of the babies.” Logan said, getting up after the nurse left and got the digital camera out of the bag. “This is baby A.” He told her, showing her the first picture, watching as her eyes instantly flooded with tears. He paused for a second, laughing softly. “We really need to decide names. Or should we just make it easy and call them A and B forever.” He joked. They’d thought that they had so much time before to pick names. Little had they known. “They are identical.” He told her as he showed her some more pictures.” Then he put the camera away for the time being when he saw her eyes beginning to grow heavy again. “I’ll show you some more later. Get some rest now.” He said quietly as he leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her forehead as her eyes drifted shut. She was awakened again though just a few moments later when the doctors came into the room.

After Taryn was checked over by the doctors, and they left, she was given some medication for the pain from the surgery. Because the c-section had been n emergency and they needed to get the babies out very quickly, they’d made a vertical incision instead of the classic horizontal cut and in their haste to get the babies out fast, they had to be much rougher than normal when opening her up. She would be fine, just quite sore for a while.

*****

“Hey.” Ashlyn greeted softly, her voice choking as she walked into the room a few days later and Taryn turned and looked at her, smiling at her friend.

“Hey yourself.” Taryn replied, happy to see her friend. “It’s about time you got here.” She teased.

Ashlyn faked a pout. “ I was here before. You were just kind of out of it and didn’t notice.”

Taryn smiled as Ashlyn came further into the room and sat down. “I know. Logan told me. I really appreciate you being here.” She said sincerely.

“Well, I didn’t want to be any place else.” Ashlyn paused for a moment, wondering if Taryn knew that Kevin had been and was again there. She wouldn’t blame Logan if he hadn’t told Taryn that he was there. It could be very upsetting and they definitely didn’t want to do anything to upset her right now…or ever. “Dale was here too, and he’s here again with me.” She told Taryn, deciding that they would only talk about Kevin if Taryn brought it up.

“Good. I’m glad to hear that he could make it here with you. I’d hate to hear that you were traveling alone in your condition.” Taryn smiled as she gestured to Ashlyn’s very pregnant belly. “Pregnancy obviously suits you. You look wonderful!”

Ashlyn blushed a little bit. “Thanks. You look….better than the last time I saw you.” She was so happy that Taryn was doing so well. She didn’t even want to think if it had gone the other way.

“Was it really that bad?” Taryn asked, laughing.

“Well, it wasn’t good.” Ashlyn commented seriously. “You were in pretty bad shape last time I was here. You had a lot of people worried about you.” Ashlyn told her, although Taryn was probably well aware of how bad it had been. “But you’re doing better now and that’s all that matters.”

“Thanks.” Taryn said and then fell silent for a moment before speaking again. “Have you seen the babies yet?” She asked, smiling proudly.

“Not yet today, but I did see them when we were here before. They are beautiful, Taryn.”

“Aren’t they though.” Taryn absolutely agreed. “I’ve only seen some pictures that Logan took and some footage on the video camera, but I think that they’re going to let me go up there today.” She said, tears burning her eyes. She literally ached to hold her sons.

“I hope that you get to see them and soon. I know I’d be going absolutely crazy if I was in your place. Have you and Logan decided on names yet?”

“No, not really. We’ve discussed a few and have it narrowed down somewhat, but we don’t want to write it in stone, so to speak, until I get to see them in person. You know, because I could think that one name is perfect and then completely think that it doesn’t suit them once I see them.

Ashlyn smiled as she nodded her head, understanding. “That makes perfect sense.”

Before Taryn could say anything more, Logan came in, along with a nurse who brought a wheelchair with her. “Are you ready to go see your babies?” She asked, smiling as she watched Taryn’s eyes light up.

“Oh…” Taryn breathed softly as her eyes touched on her sons for the first time. The pictures that Logan had shown her didn’t even begin to do justice. They were with out a doubt, the most beautiful things she had ever seen. Everything that she’d been through during her pregnancy and in the last few days instantly faded away when she saw them. When the nurse placed the tiny bundles in her arms for the first time, time stood still. All she could do was sit quietly, gazing down at them as she took in every one of their perfect features. Much like Logan, they both had heads full of black hair, dark eyes, and tiny turned up noses. They looked exactly like each other and she didn’t know how she was ever was going to be able to tell them apart. They were absolutely gorgeous and she was instantly completely in love with them.

*****

“Come in.” Taryn called when she heard a soft knock on the door, thinking that it was Ashlyn. She turned her head and was taken aback when she saw Kevin standing there. She knew that he was there with Dale and Ashlyn, but she never thought that he’d actually come in to see her face to face.

“Hi.” Kevin found his voice and said as he closed the door behind him and came further into the room, snapping Taryn out of the momentary stupor that she was in.

“Um…Hi.” Taryn replied, wondering what the hell he was doing.

“I…uh...I just wanted to make sure that you were okay. Everyone said that you were, but I just needed to know for myself.” Kevin told her s he jammed his hands into his pockets. He looked down at the floor, shifting under the heavy weight of Taryn’s stare. He’d seen the coldness jump into her eyes and he didn’t blame her. He’d been horrible to her. “I’m really glad that you’re okay…the babies too.” He looked up again, seeing that her eyes were still hard. Kevin ran his fingers through his hair. This was not going at all like he had thought. What did he expect though? He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “Taryn, I want to apologize.” He began, hoping that he could get the words to come out right. “I know that I’ve been awful to you and I’m so, so sorry for that. I don’t have any excuses except that I must have been insane. I know I acted rashly that night and it didn’t take me long to realize how big of a mistake I made.”

“How come you never came back then?” Taryn asked, her voice cold.

“Trust me, I wanted to. Bit it wasn’t until after you’d signed the papers. I knew I’d hurt you a lot and I couldn’t chance doing it again.”

“Hurt me?” Taryn laughed humorlessly. “It went way beyond hurt, Kevin. When I got those papers, it felt like my heart had been ripped out and shredded. I could have handled a divorce, but you went straight for the heart with an annulment. That’s fine. Now I know much I really meant to you.” She finished, her voice like ice.

Kevin looked away for a moment, his heart breaking at the pain and anger in her eyes. “No, that’s not it at all, Taryn. You meant the world to me. You still do. I just…I don’t know. Like I said, I had to have been insane the way I acted.” Kevin paused, giving her time to say something if she wanted to, but when she didn’t he continued. “Losing you made me realize what a fool I was. But I’ve changed and I am ready to be completely devoted to you and the babies.” He knew that she and Logan were together again, but hopefully he could make her see how much she and the babies meant to him and that they truly did belong together.

Taryn laughed outright at his last statement. “Do you honestly expect me to believe that?” Taryn questioned once she’d calmed down. She had laughed hard despite the pain in her incision that doing so caused. Kevin had a lot of nerve…she’d give him that much. “You have told me that so many times…promised. Yet you never came through on anything.”

“But its different now. I’ve changed.” Kevin tried desperately to convince her. “When I saw the babies for the first time, the first thing that hit me was how much I just wanted to hold them and protect them.”

Taryn stared blankly at him, shaking her head. “You know,” She began after several moments. “Not so long ago, I would have given anything to hear you say those words…and mean it. But now…your words mean nothing to me.” Taryn finished, ready to be done with the conversation.

“Taryn,” Kevin began to try again, but she quickly cut him off.

“No!” She aid forcefully, her eyes filled with anger. “There are no more chances for you. You’ve had more than you ever should have had and you blew every one of them. I don’t love you anymore, Kevin.” She told him straight out. But even after everything he’d done, she hated the hurt that she saw jump into his eyes when she said that. She knew she had to be completely honest with him though. “I’m sorry to put it so bluntly, Kevin, but that’s just the way it is.” She paused for a moment, collecting her thoughts and taking a deep breath to calm her emotions, pushing the anger back down.

“Even after you walked out, I never gave up…never stopped loving you or hoping that you would come back until the moment I got those papers. You shattered me with that and it ended once and for all then.” She stopped again, sighing heavily. “I don’t think that it would have worked out for us anyway. Even before this whole thing, we had problems…from the very beginning we had problems. Its nobodies fault, it’s just the way the hand was dealt. I’ll always care for you and you’ll always have a special place in my heart, but its time to move on, Kevin.” She told him and saw the resignation is his eyes several moments later.

“I’m sorry.” Kevin said quietly, but sincerely. “I’ve always loved you, Taryn. And I know that I’ve lost a big part of my life. You can’ blame me for trying to get it back.”

Taryn smiled a bit. “I know, and it’s okay. I’m glad that we were able to have this talk. I feel better…there’s closure now.”

Kevin nodded, agreeing. He was silent for several moments before he spoke again. “So Logan is good to you?” He asked, getting his answer just by the way her eyes softened and lit up. Ashlyn had told him that Logan had done a complete three sixty and he knew that it was true. He’d seen it with his own eyes. He smiled sadly as he looked at her, knowing that it truly was over between them once and for all.

“Take care, Taryn.” He said before he turned and walked out of the room, and out of her life forever.

The End
2004/2005/2006 K&K Productions

Home

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws