Chapter 1

 

                                                                 

 

                   The taxi pulled into the driveway around mid-afternoon. It had been a fast and easy drive back with the onset of early evening rush hour still in it’s forming stage. Steve opened his passenger door first and stood as the driver went directly to the car’s trunk and began lifting out their luggage. His wife emerged a few seconds after him and took a few steps towards the pathway leading to their front door. She rummaged through her purse, looking for her keys while her husband paid and gave their driver a handsome tip. Slowly backing out, he drove down their street and made a left turn at the stop sign disappearing from view moments later.

 

The gravel under his shoes signaled his approach as Kayla looked up at him and gave a small half smile Her hand still poked through her bag and for the time being, came up empty handed. With a slight shake of his head, he gave her a teasing grin all the while reaching for her as he slipped his arm around her waist and lifted her up. A soft yell passed through her lips, as Kayla was carried once more in her husband’s arms and he walked the remaining steps, stopping at the front door. He motioned with his head at his upper breast pocket and Kayla reached in, finding his keys nestled there.

 

Teasing her with a moan as her hand brushed at his chest, she laughed at his exaggerated behavior then turned and worked on unlocking the door. Steve carried her all the way to the sofa and gently lowered his bundle until Kayla sat grinning back at him. She pulled on the lapels of his jacket and his head came towards her. Rewarding him with a kiss, he leaned in some more as she sank back into the cushions. The passion that flowed between them had not diminished or lessened, but strived and grew stronger.

 

As recently returned honeymooners, it wouldn’t have been a great surprise to find them still locked in sensual embraces or stealing away for quiet moments alone. The fact that this was a second honeymoon and the couple in question had spent almost two decades apart would give rise to the casual observer, that this was no husband and wife. From the ever-present feminine giggles, to the longing looks that passed between them every other minute, Steve and Kayla more than broke the mold.  The belief that life and love only grows sweeter, when you’re in the arms of the one you love had so aptly applied to them.

 

Finally lifting her head, Kayla still felt her husband’s hot breath along her cheek as his fingers wrapped around the curve of her neck, placing small kisses along her jaw.

 

“Steve? The luggage?” Kayla’s thoughts finally began to register that fact that all their bags were left outside in the driveway and the front door was open wide.

 

He lifted his head until he faced her directly and looked back in confusion. Of all things to hear from her right then, the worry over their luggage was not one of them. She shouldn’t have started looking at him that way or pulling him towards her for a kiss if Kayla didn't expect he would follow through. Truthfully, all Kayla had to do was be within walking distance and he automatically felt the pull to be near her.

 

“Don’t worry Sweetness. The luggage will still be there.” He told her as he bent his head for another kiss.

 

“But the front door’s wide open.”

 

Turning around, Steve saw the open door and growled in frustration. The luggage, he could care a hill of beans about, but the open door could be a problem. Nosy neighbors, children, or the punctual postman could come upon them. People knowing about their love and passion for each other was one thing. Exhibiting it for an audience was another. Reluctantly, he started to rise as Kayla also stood to follow him.

 

“No, Baby! Just stay here and rest.”

 

“It’s not going to hurt me to carry in a couple of bags.” She told him.

 

As much as Kayla liked having the royal treatment, she wasn’t going to sit back and do nothing for the next six months. Yes, she was pregnant, but she didn’t lose the use of her arms and legs because of it. She realized he was worried about her and it made perfect sense, but right now, she was feeling better and healthier than she had been in a long while.

 

For a while she had guessed she might be, but said nothing. Steve must have been more attuned to her body this time, more so then when she carried Stephanie since he really didn’t need to be told. The changes in her body and shape were still subtle, so few would have guessed her little secret. When they had made love after arriving on the ship and he caressed her tummy so gently, she knew then he was aware and obviously thrilled with the idea. His large hands always lingered on her stomach when they were in bed or when he would come up from behind to embrace her.

 

Since then, he had been so solicitous of her every move. He pampered, he indulged, and he waited on her every whim and need. She loved the attention, but she was no fragile doll. Like it or not, she wasn’t going to break with a little hard work.

 

“Just sit back there.” It wasn’t an order really, more like a stern plea. Kayla gave him a look and he followed one in return.

 

“I’m not made of glass you know.”

 

“Just humor me Sweetness.” Without waiting for a reply, he turned tail and walked out the door. Heaving a large sigh at his retreating figure, she casually shrugged her shoulders and frowned slightly at his behavior. It this was a preview of what was to happen in the coming months, she didn’t know how she would make it without going crazy.

 

As the idea rumbled around in her thoughts, Kayla reached for the pile of mail Bo and Hope brought in and left on the dining room table. The envelopes containing bills she would deal with last as she sorted through any cards or personal letters instead. There were several congratulatory cards from her former associates in Los Angeles who had been unable to attend. She had opened the first one when she heard Steve at the door returning with the heaviest of their three bags.

 

"This one's definitely yours, Baby!" He said out of breath as he quickly placed it by the foot of the stairs and went back outside to retrieve the other two.

 

Most of her former colleagues mentioned how lucky she had been to find her husband after so many years. Considering she had remained pretty much dateless during her years in Los Angeles, led many to remark how Steve must have been one special man. So special in fact that she couldn't even think about trying again with anyone else. It had been almost a year now that she returned to Salem. Back then; she came just to help out her brother Bo and to also attend her brother Frankie's wedding. The last person she ever thought to face was her long dead husband.

 

Sixteen long and painful years had passed slowly and quickly for her. Kayla could remember days that never seem to end, when everything and everyone around her sparked memories of a person long dead and gone, but not forgotten. No, she never forgot Steve. Even is she wanted too, his image was so burned in her heart, he would naturally be with her each step she took. When time appeared to run passed her, she would always pause and any one of a million memories she had of him would instantly come to her. If any were slow to arrive, all she had to do was look at her daughter and Steve was right there before her. Stephanie had her father's drive, his thirst for adventure, his daring wild streak that usually brought them at odds with each other.

 

Those lonely days were all behind her now. Steve was alive and he came back to her. Even the months when he still struggled to remember who he was had now faded. The pain she felt then at his indifference was long gone. The affection, the passion, the love and adoration he showered at her feet overflowed in abundance. As if making up for every sad memory, every painful moment she suffered was his goal, he was more than making up for all their years apart.

 

He appeared again at the door and struggled a little with the smaller bags, placing them along hers.

 

"That's all of them." He announced out loud. Coming up beside her, Steve gave his wife a quick hug and kiss before pulling up his laptop to check for messages. Kayla placed the stack of bills off to one corner of the table and took the junk mail with her to the kitchen.

 

"We'll have to do go to the store. There's no food in the house." Kayla reminded him as she left the room.

 

Steve looked through his emails, deleted all the Spam mail that clogged up his account and pinpointed any from Stephanie or Benjy. There were a couple from both, but nothing beyond the ordinary. Stephanie brought up her upcoming race in Hamburg and mentioned possibly coming home for a visit, though she was unsure of the exact dates. Benjy mentioned work again and being tied down by endless business meetings. They had been fortunate to get him to attend their wedding, but he left sometime during the reception, so their visit had been very brief. Neither Stephanie nor Benjy spoke of seeing each other, which made Steve worry.

 

It wasn't certain that they hadn't gotten together, but it would have made him feel more secure knowing his daughter wasn't alone. When he read over her second email, his frown grew deeper as it was mostly filled with news about Elliot. Since they raced together, it wasn't too farfetched to imagine they would at least meet and talk. But now Stephanie was talking about a lunch with Elliot, followed by a dinner, which grew to spending her free day with him at the local markets. Didn't the man have better things to do than take up his daughter's free time, Steve thought to himself. He wouldn't come out and describe him in anyway as one of his daughter's friends. It was more that they occasionally met and spoke, but now the younger was ingratiating himself where he wasn't needed. It was the most unpleasant of thoughts to mar such a good day.

 

He could feel his shoulders getting tense at the too short email, but Kayla was there seconds later, easing the tension from his shoulders. He rolled his head around and let out an appreciative moan. "You're all tense! It's because you brought those bags in yourself. You should have let me take one."

 

"It's not the bags, but your daughter's choice of friends."

 

"Well, if she's become my daughter... then she must have picked someone you don't like."

 

"Elliot!" He uttered the name.

 

Kayla bit back a smile and casually asked about him. "So... what has he done that's gotten you upset."

 

"He hasn't done anything... yet. But Stephanie mentioned spending time with him."

 

Kayla leaned down slight and ready from the email on screen. "... We went to dinner at this little place by the square... took me to the local market where I bought a new jacket... teased about letting me drive his car... Seems harmless to me." She told him. "They have racing in common. Must be nice for Stephanie to find someone who likes the same things she does."

 

"It's an awful lot of time off the race track."

 

"I wouldn't get too worked up over a few meals together. I'm sure they are just friends." Checking her watch, she mentions heading out to the store again as Steve shuts down his system. "We can unpack later."

 

Grabbing his car keys, he follows Kayla out the door. After driving off, he mentions going someplace to eat first. "I'm just too tired to cook you any gourmet meals. Baby."

 

"Does this mean the honeymoon's over then? No more star treatment?"

 

"You'll never have to worry about that, Sweetness."

 

"Just checking." She smiled back at him.

 

"Anyway, I'll have to come up with some new meals for my baby to try." He inclines towards her tummy. "If I get to working on his palate now, there's no telling how refined his tastes will be later on."

 

"Are you hoping for an assistant in the kitchen? You may have to wait a while for that."

 

"I can wait." He tells her giving her a gentle look before his eye glances down again at her waistline. "For this little dude, I'll wait until he's ready."

 

"You know, he... could be a she."

 

"But he's not!" He said firmly, then laughed at the notion of having another woman to deal with. "I've already got two girls... what I need now is a little man to help me watch over his mama and sister. There's no telling how much trouble you women get into. I need me some back up."

 

Smiling back, Kayla imagined just what their little baby would look like. The image was clear and strong as she pictured him at five years. He was exactly as she remembered and she couldn't wait to see him again.

 

 

**********

 

 

They showed up at the Brady Pub after the lunchtime crowd thinned out to just a sprinkling of customers the following day. Bo, Hope and their newest addition had been there since for the past hour as little Ciara's grandparents doted on their newest granddaughter and took her upstairs. Entering hand in hand, Steve and Kayla were greeted by everyone with hugs and kisses abound.

 

"When did you get in?" Hope questioned them first.

 

"Mid afternoon, yesterday." Kayla answered then gave her brother a quick hug. Steve reached out and got one each from his brother and sister-in-law as well. "Where's the baby?" She questioned them

 

"Pop's got her." Bo answered, as he looked Steve over. The man looked happier than he remembered seeing him in a long while.

 

"You two aren't tired?" Hope remarked. "You've been gone a while. The jet lag must be pretty bad."

 

Kayla nodded at her as she took a seat by the bar. "It's the time difference that hard. We only just woke up a couple of hours ago. It'll take a couple of more weeks to get back to normal."

 

"Well you look great Sweetie." Giving her sister-in-law a mischievous grin, Hope eyes Steve who has come up behind Kayla. "Both of you. That must have been some cruise. You're just glowing." She told Kayla. Looking back at her own husband, she gives Bo a wink before remarking further on the trip. "I'll have to get Bo to take me on one of those soon. I think I'm about due for a cruise don't you think, Brady?"

 

“Oh! I’m not sure you’d really like a cruise, Fancy Face. Food’s probably bad on those ships?” Bo poised the question to Kayla, as his sister shook her head at him and laughed at his attempt to get out from taking his wife.

 

“Actually, we had some of the most incredible meals in their restaurants. Even Steve commented on the fare. They had at least six or seven different restaurants you could eat at.”

 

“Yeah… but you can’t spend all your time eating? I mean what else is there to do on a cruise?”

 

As Steve let out a sudden cough, Kayla pressed her lips tightly together. Hope grinned at the two of them before either could answer back. Bringing up all the activities mentioned in the brochure in their stateroom suite, Steve went down the list of onboard games and offerings.

 

“They had weight rooms, casinos, three different pools, saunas, the usual blue haired Bingo crowd… something for everyone.”

 

Bo had been watching his brother-in-law as he rambled about the ship. Leaning over, he suddenly grabbed hold of Steve’s shirt and pulled at it to look inside. Giving him a smirk, he just confirmed what was suspected on how much of their time were spent out of doors.

 

“Don’t see much of a tan line there, Bro? Guess the lines at the pool were long… huh? Or maybe you joined all the little ole grandma’s at the shuffleboard tournament?”

 

Slapping his hand away, Steve stood up and faced him, his stance in the defensive mode. “Get your hands off me. It’s faded. That's all." He lamely explained. “Anyway, it was still cold over there. I’d more likely get frost bite, then a tan.”

 

His smile growing larger, Bo was showing his pearly whites now as he brought up Kayla’s fair complexion. “Yeah well my sister’s looking a bit pale herself.”

 

“Stop it Bo.” Hope told her husband. “You’re embarrassing Kayla!”

 

Steve protectively put his arm across his wife’s shoulders as Bo kept at them for more news. He gave his sister another wink as he plowed at Steve on how he would rate the accommodations. Kayla rolled her eyes and tried to escape the discussion, but Steve held her steady, preventing a quick getaway. Hope jabbed at his side, but Bo wouldn’t stop and redirected his attack.

 

“So were the rooms big…or small? What about the closet’s, large enough for two… wardrobes or just one? I hear they have very comfy bath…tubs too. Almost large enough to fall asleep in I bet.” His eyebrows rose, Bo continued mercilessly. “You got a suite right? Bet it came with a private balcony. I hear those railing have to be strong in case someone leans against them… along while.”

 

Steve started smiling back, but remained quiet a while longer. He knew what Bo was up too, but he wasn’t going to fall victim to his little game.

 

“Anything else you want to know, Beauregard? We had a separate living room area too. Big, cushioned Love…seat. The sofa wasn’t bad either.”

 

“Steve!” Kayla yelled out.

 

He leaned down and gently cupped her face as he kissed the tip of her nose. “Just answering the man’s questions, Baby! It’s all for research, right, Bo?”

 

“Right! So… anything else I need to know?” Lifting his eyes upward, he made a show of thinking long and hard before peeking down at Hope. “You know Hope likes having a lot of pillows… the bed’s big enough to hold half a dozen? Wouldn't want to feel squished in… right Fancy face?”

 

“You are treading on dangerous waters, Brady?” Her green eyes locked with his brown ones as Bo’s grin began to slip.

“What some matter, Bo? Got an upset tummy or something?” Now it was Steve’s turn to tease, but Kayla spoke up then and excused herself.

 

“I’ll be back in a minute.” She told everyone as she quickly made her way to the bathrooms. Steve looked worriedly at her retreating figure, and went to the bar to get her a Ginger ale and some crackers.

 

Hope punched her husband’s arm as he yelled out in pain. “Ouch! That hurt! Why’d you hit me for?”

 

“For trying to tease your sister. Couldn’t you see how tired she looked? I swear Brady…sometimes you can be so dense!”

 

"What do you mean? She's fine! She looks great in fact!"

 

"Well she did look pale."

 

"It's probably just the jet lag, like you said."

 

"Maybe?" Hope mused and watched as Kayla came back in a couple of minutes later. She entered the room at the same time as her parents, who came back down stairs with a smiling Ciara in her grandfather's arms. Kayla gave her both parents a hug and kiss then cooed to her little niece. The baby was so much bigger than she remembered and was surprised at how much she changed in just under six weeks. Bo took his girl up against his chest as she pushed one small arm over his shoulder and looked around in wonder at the sights before her.

 

Steve brought over Kayla drink and crackers and insisted she take some to settle her stomach. Seeing Kayla's pale face. Hope grew concerned and went over to join them for it was possible she caught a bug while on the cruise.

 

"Are you okay Sweetie?" Hope questioned her. "You don't look so good. Maybe the food wasn't as wonderful as all that or did you get a little seasick?"

 

Giving his wife a quick glance, Steve grinned back and informed his sister-in-law that the meals served aboard were the last thing that could have caused his wife any distress. A few more looks passed between husband and wife as Kayla munched on a few crackers and drank half her glass. Bo had come over by then as he lifted his daughter and turned her to face her aunt and uncle.

 

Hope still wasn't satisfied that the cruise wasn't the cause. "It could be a virus or bug of some sort. You know you're always hearing about how people are getting sick on cruises these days." She looked at her own husband then and recanted the idea that they should go on one themselves. "Never mind about the cruise, Brady. The plane will do fine."

 

"Am I missing something here? "He asked her. "Since when do you dislike cruises?"

 

"Since your sister got sick from taking one. Being confined... all those days... I bet the germs just multiplied like crazy."

 

"Hope!" Steve called out, looking meaningfully at her. "Believe me, Kayla's not sick because of the cruise."

 

"I'm fine Hope." Kayla reassured her as well. When Shawn and Caroline joined them at the bar, the first words from her mother's mouth was who was sick and why didn't anyone tell her. Kayla broke into giggles then as Steve let out a hearty laugh and took the seat next to his wife. Their faces growing alternately pink then, red, before another outbreak of laughter followed. Their small audience to look back at them in complete confusion and worry.

 

Bo spoke up first at what was obviously a secret that was being passed only between husband and wife. "Alright! What's going on with you two?" Hope, who had been watching them closely suddenly widened her eyes in understanding and looked ecstatically at them.

 

"Oh my God! Kayla! Steve! That's wonderful!"

 

"What's wonderful?" Bo asked.

 

Kayla gave Steve an inquiring look as he extended his arm at her to make the announcement. With a little smile and leaning her head slightly to the side she face her parents and brother and told them the great news. "I'm... pregnant!"

 

Caroline opened her arms wide and embraced her daughter immediately as her husband exclaimed the arrival of another Brady grandchild. "Oh honey, that's just wonderful news." Caroline told her as she kissed her younger daughter then turned to Steve for a big congratulatory hug. Hope hugged Kayla next as Bo reached out with one hand and embraced her.

 

"My girl's having a baby too! You do an old man proud darlin." He told her as Kayla hugged her father last.

 

"Thanks, Pop."

 

 "And you..." He pointed to Steve. "It's about time you gave me another grandchild. I never liked the idea of Stephanie being an only child. I'm sure she's thrilled about getting a little brother or sister."

 

"Well... she doesn't know yet." Kayla confessed. "But we plan to later tonight. We just wanted to tell you first."

 

Bo looked smirking at his brother-in-law, all the while congratulating him. "Married just over a month... you work fast, Bro." When he reached out his hand, Steve took it immediately and gave him a firm handshake. Now his little Doodlebug will have a companion and Bo couldn't be happier. He lifted his daughter and told her that a new cousin will be coming soon, so just sit tight a while longer. She gurgled baby talk back at him as he laughed and kissed her chubby cheeks. Bo looked back at Steve's smiling face and handed his daughter over to him to hold.

 

"Here... take her! You'll need to practice again." Bo told him. Steve took his niece and brought her up to his face as she looked curiously at him. She made an attempt to touch his patch as Steve stopped her hand midway and gave it a quick kiss. One of his large hands cradled the back of her head, as he protectively held her back with the other. Kayla came to stand by him as he engaged in discussion with the little one.

 

"By Christmas, little one... you'll have a cousin to play with. Yes you will and I know he can't wait to meet you. That's right... he's just going to be so happy to meet his cousin."

 

"He?" Bo teased him after hearing Steve refer to the baby as a boy. "You might have another daughter." He suddenly laughed then at the image of Steve being out done by his women.

 

But Steve shook his head at him, as he continued playing with Ciara. "Nope! It's a boy this time. I feel it."

 

"You want to place a bet on that, Bro?"

 

"Oh come on Bo!" Kayla remarked. "You're not placing bets on my baby?"

 

"Not officially. It'll just be between Steve and me." Turning to him, Bo waits for his reply. "So... we got a bet or not?"

 

"Okay, Bro! You're on." Steve tells him as they shake on it. "I'd hate to take your money though when you lose, Beauregard!"

 

"I wouldn't start feeling sorry yet. You might be the one who loses out!"

 

"No... I don't think so." Steve tells him as he looks back at Kayla. "I definitely am not on the losing side in all this." Kayla gives him a kiss before placing one on her niece's head.

 

Ciara Brady looks laughingly back at the man and woman. They do look a little familiar but with all the new faces, she really isn't that sure. They seem to enjoy making funny little faces at her and calling her all sorts of cute names. What she enjoyed most was smiling at them because they always smiled back in return, no matter how bad they were feeling at the time. Wondering if she could make them do it again. Ciara gave them another toothless grin, this time with a few bubbles on her lower lip. Sure enough, the man with one dark eye smiled back and called her another pretty name.

 

 

**********

 

 

Unlike their previous arguments, this was the first time that Steve was more adamant about seeing the doctor than Kayla. Usually Kayla was always the one at him for checkups and making appointments. But now, her husband was taking no chances and being a little bit more over zealous in his push to have her checked out. Not to disagree with his intentions, Kayla had every notion to visit with Dr. Garrett, though not quite the following day as Steve was suggesting. They had only just come back from home the pub to get some more rest.

 

Still on Europe time, it was still difficult adjusting and being pregnant on top of that made Kayla more than sleepy and tired most of the time. When she mentioned needing to lie down for a while, Steve immediately insisted they return home so she could rest properly in her own bed. Caroline packed them some chowder to go as they off. The hospital was not too far out of their way and if Kayla was willing, she could see her doctor that day. Kayla knew what her husband was doing, and it made her love him all the more. She came straight out and said she just needed a nap. Tomorrow was soon enough to have her appointment.

 

As Kayla continued to sleep, Steve entered the room he had been using as an office. Ever since the miscarriage, he hadn't really been in JJ's old nursery very much. He knew it was his imagination, but he could have sworn there was a lingering scent in there. It reminded him of Ciara's diaper bag. The last time he tried working in the room, the smell seemed overpowering. Then Bo came by and when he collected some papers, there wasn't the slightest trace anywhere.

 

He stood, just inside and looked around. The boxes he left by the far wall would have to go, as well as his desk and file cabinet. Perhaps he could put them in the guest room until they could be taken to the storage facility. Walking over to the wall, he examined the paint job and was thinking whether Kayla would want to do the whole room over in another shade. The off while color was cheerful, but there were some crayon marks by the closet door. And he was seriously thinking of just removing the carpet and just leaving an area rug.

 

The last time he worked on a nursery was for his daughter. It had been his surprise for Kayla as they had been estranged back then. Jo had helped him last time and he knew she would be willing to offer her services again. But now, he wanted the two of them to fix this room up. Whatever Kayla wanted or liked would be the first done on the list. He'd be happy just to follow any or all of her instruction. The thought made him smile, then laugh a little.

 

When Stephanie was born, he wanted a girl first. Unlike most men, who wanted a son, he felt scared, not knowing how to raise a boy who could very well make the same mistakes he did. He really believed girls were easier, especially with Kayla by his side helping him. But now all he could think about was his boy, a little dude to do all the guy things. Thinking about his son, he could almost feel how it would be to hold him. For a few seconds, when he was holding Ciara, he imagined it was his son instead. His eye felt misty recollecting how small and light the baby felt in his arms. When Hope finally took the baby away to feed her, his arms quickly felt very empty.

 

This time it would be different. Over the past months, he had berated himself countless times for not being there for his daughter. Maybe God heard the prayer he repeated nightly in his heart. It was a small one and the words did not change, but remained constant. All he wanted was another chance to do it right. Steve prayed for another opportunity to make up for all the things he missed out and lost with his family. He wasn't sure if Stephanie would be jealous that he would be there for her brother when he wasn't for her. The thought had occurred to him when they spoke of calling her later.

 

He had realized as happy as Stephanie would be with the news, she might also be feeling a little hurt. With the baby coming before the end of the year, his daughter would be away a good many months and out of any plans they make undertake. Instead of being here awaiting his arrival, she might very well be on the other side of the world when he finally makes his entrance. It was bad timing again, on her part and it could make her feel left out of it.

 

But how to rectify that problem? Unless she quit her racing for the next six months, there was really no alternatives open to her. Steve was almost wishing then that her racing would be halted, at least for the time being, so she could be here with her family. But that wouldn't be the answer. Keeping her here, when her heart was elsewhere would hinder and dampen her spirit. She had to know, that no matter how far away she may travel too and regardless of the time she was out of their sight, she never left her parent's heart. Her place was beside them.

 

With his thoughts occupied, he failed to her Kayla approach from behind. Steve had started moving the boxes when she tapped on his back, causing him to jump back in surprise. He quickly turned to find her standing in her pajamas, an apologetic smile on her face.

 

"Baby! Don't go sneaking up on people like that! I thought you were still asleep."

 

"I'm sorry! I guess you didn't hear me call you." She saw he had moved some of the boxes, clearing out a good deal of wall space. Are you throwing those out?" She pointed to the ones he moved.

 

"No. I thought I'd put them in the guest room for now then get them stored away."

 

"What for?"

 

"Well we got to start fixing this room up. Once I get my junk out of the way, we can start re-painting or re-decorating. I'm sure you'll want to change the colors or designs."

 

"Steve... we have plenty of time for that. The baby's not due until after Thanksgiving."

 

"I know... but there's no harm in getting a head start. We've got to start from scratch again, getting a new crib, clothes, toys... November will be here before you know it."

 

"And we can get all those things soon... just not right at this moment." Kayla pointed out JJ's dresser drawer which was still fairly new. "We can use this. It's practically brand new... the rocking chair also."

 

"All right... but what about painting the room. The white's okay, but there are marks by the wall over there. I'm not too crazy about yellow... still, we can always do blue."

 

"I don't know... why don't we wait until we can be more certain He will be a he. Maybe we should just repaint it off white again, then add a Blue border afterwards."

 

"Yeah... we can do that too." Steve went back to his desk and started placing the contents on top into any empty box. "This can go now. Luckily I used a folding table, so it's no problem putting this in the garage. I use the dining room table most of the time anyway."

 

When he stood up, he placed the box with the others and began taking apart the table as Kayla stopped him. She took hold of both his hands, as he looked backed at her confused. She gently stroked at his face she let her hand slide down his chest. His eye followed her hand movements to when she stopped midway above his stomach. Searching her face, he saw her looking at him, with a happy, but stilted grin on her face. He wasn't sure why she stopped him.

 

"Is something wrong, Sweetness? Why'd you stop me?"

 

"Because... instead of you fixing up this room... I think I'd rather have you hold me... for a few minutes. Think you could do that instead?"

 

His arms came around her instantly as she fell into his embrace and was pressed up against him. Her own arms wrapped around his waist as they stood, locked in a tender embrace, Kayla's head just over his heart. "You mean like this."

 

"Exactly like this." She told him. "The table can wait... I prefer this for now." Her eyes closed as he hugged her tighter and placed a kiss upon her head. His wife fit ever so perfectly within his arms and it never cease to amaze him that he could be so happy just having moments like this. Inhaling deeply, his nose picked out the scent from her perfume and he let out a small appreciative moan. Just as quickly, another scent came to him, causing him to open his eye and look warily around the room. It couldn't have been his imagination because the smell had suddenly grown very strong at the moment.

 

He turned his head slightly towards the wall by the closet door, focusing on the marks left near the floor. He inhaled again and his mind told him the smell was emanating from that place. It was crazy to think that, but that was what he smelled. Kayla hadn't said anything and he was reluctant to mention it to her since it was probably all in his head.

 

"Sweetness? Baby? Do you smell that?"

 

"Hmmm?" She replied as she lifted her head and looked back at him.

 

"Can you smell that... baby smell? It's like Doodlebug's diaper bag. Please tell me I'm not imagining it."

 

Kayla returned his look with a slight frown and took a deep breath. For a second there was nothing, then the scent hit her too. It started out light then grew quickly. As though someone sprayed a bottle of scent near them, the baby smell was strong for a few seconds then disappeared moments later. Her eyes opened wide as her surprise at what just happened caught her off guard.

 

"I smelled it too... but it lasted only a few seconds... then nothing."

 

"Okay! Good! I thought I was starting to lose it there."

 

"You know I thought I smelled that... before. I came in her after the miscarriage and for a minute... I started thinking I could still smell that baby scent. But I brushed it off as my imagination." She was looking curiously at him, the strangeness of what was happening pushing her to think of impossible things. "The weird part is that I don't feel scared or worried. Its almost comforting being able to smell that."

 

Nodding his head at her, Steve agreed as he looked around the room again. It should have been scary, but it wasn't. As he looked back at her, he reached for her tummy and slightly rubbed it as a quick whiff of the scent came and went. "You think it's the little dude here? Maybe he's trying to tell us something?"

 

"What could he possibly be trying to say?" Kayla laughed at him.

 

"Maybe... that he can't wait to be with us." Steve rubbed Kayla's tummy again as he spoke to his baby boy. "Is that what you're trying to say to your papa... is that what my baby is telling us?"

 

The scent didn't come back, but the over feeling in the room was cheerful and light. It made the smile on Kayla's face grow wide as Steve leaned and placed a small kiss on her forehead, before adding another to her lips. Her hands cupped his face as she kissed him back too then wrapped her arms around Steve's neck.

 

 

**********

 

 

They warmed up the chowder and had it with some crackers. Checking the time, it would be too early in the morning to call Stephanie yet. Last night they had stayed up late, unable to sleep. This night would be no different as Kayla cleaned away their dishes and worked on the stack of bills she sorted out yesterday. It would be another couple of hours before they could call Stephanie about the news. Deciding to tell her as soon as possible, they decided not to waste any more time letting their daughter know she was soon to be an older sister.

 

When the clock stuck eleven, Steve had calculated that the time in Germany would be about seven in the morning. Stephanie was always an early riser, and if they didn't catch her before she left for the race tack, it would be another nine to ten hours before she would be home again. The phone rang only once before she answered.

"Baby?"

 

"Papa! I was just thinking about you!"

 

"How's my girl doing?" Steve could almost see the happy look on his daughter's face. Her smile always came through in her voice. He instantly knew whether she was happy or not.

 

"Just great, Dad. I thought you would call yesterday. I waited all day!" Stephanie complained to him.

 

"I know Baby, but your Mama and I... we were really tired... and we needed a day to recover first."

 

"Is Mom okay? Can I speak to her?"

 

"Sure thing. But first we have some news."

 

"News? Is something wrong? Did something happen?"

 

"No, no... nothing like that. Just the opposite. This is great news!"

 

"You scared me, Dad. Okay, so spill... did you get a new car or something...?"

 

"I should have known you'd ask about a car." He shook his head at her first suggestion and rolled his eye up. Kayla mouthed to him for her to take the phone as Steve nodded at her. "Actually... I'll let your Mama tell you, since she's the one with the surprise."

 

Kayla took the phone. "Hi Baby! Are you doing all right over there? Taking care of yourself?"

"Everything's fine with me... but what this big news. Say... dad didn't go and buy a boat did he?"

 

"No. It's not a boat."

 

"Oh." Stephanie remarked disappointedly. "Well, if it's not a new car or a boat... what else is there?"

 

Laughing a little at her daughter's response, Kayla finally mentioned the newest family member to come. "Well, if it's not too much a disappointment, how about becoming an older sister before the end of the year."

 

"Older sister...? Oh Mom! You're having a baby?" The question came out like a squeal as Stephanie undoubtedly was now jumping up and down. "That more than great news Mom. I am so happy. This is fantastic. When? When's my baby sister or brother coming?"

 

"Just after Thanksgiving. I'm so glad we could tell you right away!"

 

"I'm thrilled, Mom. And you know what else, I'll be able to come home for a visit soon. I'll have to call again or email you in a couple of days to let you know when exactly, but it should be soon. I can't wait to see you both."

 

"We can't wait to see you too. Just let us know when."

 

"As soon as the race schedule goes up, I can tell you. Is Dad still there? I want to tell him something."

 

"He's right here. Bye baby!"

 

"Bye Mom, I love you!"

 

Steve took the phone and teased his girl that he could always get a new car too, just in case. "We might have to get one of those SUV's, something big to carry all of your brother's things."

 

"Dad?"

 

"Yeah, Baby?"

 

"I'll take a little brother or sister over a new car any day. By the way... I love you. You're still the only man in my life."

 

"Thank you, Baby! So no one there has fallen for my little girl yet? That doesn't sound right." There must have been something wrong with the men in Germany if no one could see how beautiful his daughter was, Steve thought.

 

"Oh I've had dozens of proposals already, just haven't accepted any yet. Still waiting for the right one to come along."

 

"Well... don't fall for the first smooth talker. Your Papa's got to check him out first."

 

"Oh I will dad. First thing I'll do is bring him home so you can get your twenty questions over with."

 

"That's all I ask for baby girl." He told her as she laughed on the end of the line.

 

"Just keep saying that when he shows up on the front door, Dad." She teased him as Steve's grin slipped a little. He thought a moment that she maybe hinting something, but decided she was just joking with her old man. She wasn't in love yet.

 

 

**********

 

 

When John walked in the detective squad room a few days later, Steve was still surprised to see him up and about. During his wedding, John had been in a wheel chair. While he recovered quickly from the coma, he was still too weak to even stand, much the less walk. But that was almost six weeks ago and the man appeared to have fully recovered from his shooting. Unfortunately for the police, he wasn't able to identify his assailant so the case had gone cold fast. If it was the DiMera's behind his attack, they had no way to prove it.

 

"Hey there Johnson! Heard you got back a few days ago." He extended his hand as Steve gave him a firm handshake. "You're looking good. Nice trip abroad then?"

 

"As honeymoon's go... yeah it was pretty terrific." Steve takes his seat as John pulls up a chair opposite him. "So what brings you down here?"

 

"Thought perhaps you could answer some questions."  Crossing one leg up, John placed an elbow on the chair rest and regarded the man sitting across from him. "Bo said you remembered a few more things about being this... Gabriel? What exactly did you recall?"

 

Giving him a look, Steve sat back wondering why his brother-in-law didn't mention talking with John. "When did you talk to Bo?"

 

"Just last night. I was out of town myself and only came in yesterday morning."

 

Pausing a little Steve thought about two of the missions he was sent on. Both times he went only as a back up. There was always another man in charge, someone with more seniority than he had. "I remember being sent out two times. One was a rescue mission. I'd rather not say where. I'm pretty sure it was for the British." Seeing John focusing hard on his face, Steve tried to lighten the mood a little. "I mean I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you." He laughed at the poor joke while John just smiled.

 

"It was a successful mission I take it?"

 

"I'm not sure what they would consider successful... but, yeah... I guess it was." As he thought about the long past event, the image of the dead bodies left behind sent a shiver down his spine. He didn't kill anyone, but his superior did as Steve kept watch. The first Gabriel was ruthless and quick. He chuckled at Steve when the man turned his head so he would have to see the grisly work. Steve remained silent almost that entire trip back to Devon. He spoke only went it was necessary. Other than that, he had nothing to say to the first Gabriel.

 

"So... what about mission number two? Can you talk about that one?"

 

"The other one... that one I only recall bits and pieces so far." Steve sat up in his chair then and leaned slightly forward, placing his arms on top of his desk. He frowns trying to recall the clearest images in his mind. "I can see a wall surrounding the town. I'm not sure, but it's one of those cities in Europe... you know, they always have pictures of them in travel magazines... where there are high walls all around the entire town."

 

"Interesting." Thinking to himself, John lowers his glance towards the floor, looking at nothing in particular all the while rubbing his jaw with the tips of his fingers.

 

"And I think it was during winter. I seem to remember it was very cold... must have been in early January."

 

"Was this a rescue mission too?"

 

"No. It wasn't. This time, I was sent on an errand for DiMera."

 

"How do you know that?" John asked him, perplexed by his suggestion.

 

Sighing a little, Steve mentions finding out more about Greyson's involvement in training Gabriel's. "Seems the man requested the little adventure himself and specifically asked that I be there. It was suppose to be another team that was to go... but they had to switch the other backup with me."

 

"There are more of you? I thought Lansing only trained three Gabriels?"

 

Nodding his head, Steve looked John squarely in the eyes and he told him of the others. "He did. Lansing was only one of six men who produced the AA's. Apparently, there are a lot more of us than I thought."

 

"I see."

 

"We were sent in to bring back some people DiMera deemed important."

 

"Bring back?"

 

"Kidnap... and it didn't go as planned." Steve closed his eye a moment before continuing. "I still can't remember exactly what happened, but I could feel it went wrong and people... died. The wrong ones."

 

John was thinking long and hard about Steve's news. He didn't even blink when Steve stood to get some coffee from across the room before returning to his seat. It would only be a matter of time before the memory of who the poor victims where would come to Steve. In the meanwhile, he had news of his own regarding recovered memories. His own past had been a complete mystery since he showed up in Salem over twenty years ago. He assumed the identity of Roman Brady only to find out he was someone else. He never really knew who the real John was.

 

"John?" When Steve called his name, it seemed to knock him out of his reverie and he looked back, a hard expression in his eyes.

 

"Looks like you're not the only one who’s getting a glimpse of your past." John told him.

 

Confused, Steve regarded him carefully as John told him of images that had been haunting him for a couple of weeks now. "They only came to me after I started walking again. The image was the same. I'm with a young woman and she's holding a baby in her arms." He stops a moment, then taking a deep breath continues. "I think they may have been my family."

 

As Steve's eye widens, he puts down the cup he seconds earlier raised to his lips. "My God, John!"

 

"Yeah! I've already spoken to Marlena... but she's not sure they are. Heck! I'm not really sure either."

 

"But... what else? Do you remember any names... where you were?"

 

He shakes his head once before replying. "Just like you, it's only a small bit. But I do know I was living in Switzerland for a while, near the Italian border when I was supposed to have been involved with Gina. Maybe this happened after her."

 

"So... you think Stefano's involved with that too?"

 

"I certainly do. He was the one who captured me and made me into the Pawn. I wouldn't put it pass him to remove my family in the same breath."

 

"I remember... then Vic got his claws in you." Letting out a half laugh, Steve still thinks about the days when he knew John as Roman. They had endless arguments early on when he was trying to warn Steve against seeing his sister. "You know man, it still freaks me out seeing you now and not calling you Roman. I mean I know you're not, but it's what I remember!"

 

"Well... you missed out on the big reveal. It wasn't a pretty sight, I can tell you that."

 

"Okay, so what we have is you possibly having a family before you arrived here. Then DiMera captures you, and your whole past is wiped clean." John agrees as Steve brings up his own part. "But where I come in is years later. This time DiMera tries to use me to do his dirty work, only he doesn't succeed. That kidnapping he ordered went all wrong." He rubs at his face with the palm of his hand as John watches. "So what's the connection, other than me finding you when you were into the bandage look?"

 

"Guess we'll have to wait for more of your memory and mine to trickle in. Perhaps when we find out more of what your mission for Stefano was, it will open the doors to mine."

 

"I hate to burst your bubble but it doesn't look that promising. Even if we did discover who I was sent to get, that happened almost eight years after you showed up here. That's a pretty long line to trace." Steve told him.

 

"Probably is... but this time, it's my gut instinct telling me, the connection is there. It may just be a trail of crumbs, but… if we look hard enough, we may get lucky."

 

"You sure you want to do this John? I mean you have a family, a wife who loves you, a beautiful daughter and granddaughter?"

 

"I know. I'm pretty lucky to have them, but I just can't turn my back on this other... family. I just need to know what happened."

 

"All right then." Steve stands as John also rises. He gives the man a curious look as John nods his head once then turns to leave. He takes a few steps before turning back again.

 

"You will call... if you remember anything else Johnson?"

 

Steve nods his head as John gives him a small grin and exits the room. A few seconds later he scowls down at the mess he left on his desk thinking about what he didn't tell the man before he left. It wasn't a secret and he didn't intend to hold any information back, but right then, Steve wasn't that sure himself about what the memory meant. It was just a single scream... one born of pain and anguish. The only thing he was a hundred percent certain about, was that it was a woman screaming and she was yelling for help.

 

Mona Liza's Fan Fiction page
A Patch of Sweetness