Chapter 2

 

                                                                 

 

                        When John came to see him that afternoon, Steve had been surprised to see the man up and about. But he was also amazed at hearing John was remembering his past too. Steve didn't like thinking about his lost years as a British assassin. It always sent a knot to his stomach each time he would recall a particular act he performed, all of which seemed to be bordering on the violent side. His only saving grace was that he was certain, he never took a life. Though being forced to watch as others did, and not being able to help was just as bad.

 

A lot of the memories came flooding back during their time on the ship. Twenty-seven days and nights at sea offered him and Kayla countless hours to be alone and they certainly made the most of their time. But it was during the quiet moments in the early morning that left him vulnerable. The first streaks of the morning sun would slowly filter through their balcony doors and with it came his memories. Though he had recalled just two of the missions he was sent on, both were enough to make him more ashamed that he did nothing to stop what had happened.

 

Lansing's first Gabriel taunted him a lot when they were sent on the rescue mission. If killing everyone who got in their way to retrieve the victim could be considered a rescue, then he guessed it could fall into that category, though very loosely. The first Gabriel lived for the moments they encountered, while Steve would be the guard, the look out. But after a while he realized it was more to ensure that the first Gabriel could work uninterrupted. The man enjoyed the torture too much too be halted even for a minute. More often than not, Steve would leave the scene and wait just outside. Still the screams always reached his ears no matter where he stood.

 

During one of those early mornings on board ship, Steve woke up startled awake from a peaceful dream. He turned to find Kayla sleeping soundly beside him. Lifting his hand towards her face, he softly stroked at her cheek before getting up. Then splashing some water on his face, he quietly walked back through their bedroom and opened the doors to the balcony. Cool sea breezes chilled him quickly as he went back in to get his jacket before returning outside. He didn't know why he had woken up like that. For a minute, it almost seemed that someone shook him awake.

 

From where he stood, he could see several other balconies on the port side of the ship, but they were empty this time early in the morning. No doubt, most people would still be asleep. Any early risers would be jogging along the top level in the indoor path around the weight room. He had been there himself a few times that past week. Now as he gazed out to sea, he recalled again things he had to do then under orders. It was true he didn't kill, but it didn't mean he never inflicted pain.

 

At least two occasions required Steve to bring about bodily harm to some very stubborn individuals. Warnings and threats had failed to work, so that only left brute physical strength. Months of training at Lansing's home prepared him for those tasks. His methods were what could be deemed quick and efficient. Literally it meant taking the smallest amount of time and effort to do a great deal of damage. Comparable to a mercy killing in some twisted way, if one strike could render a man senseless, then proceed without hesitation was the rule. Failing in that, more harsh treatments would follow.

 

The victim would be in a great deal of pain, but he would recover. Injuries would always heal, death was final. Steve had mentioned to Kayla things he had to do. He never went into great detail about them, not wanting to scare her more of what he was capable of, but she knew enough to be frightened. At first he believed she might have feared for her safety around him. It had hurt tremendously to think she would fear he could ever hurt her. If anything, he would use all the skills he was trained with to protect her life from that day onward.

 

"Sweetness? You're not scared of me... are you?" The worry and fear, so evident in his voice just tugged at her heart.

 

She immediately corrected him when Kayla saw how he mistakenly took her words. "I'm scared for you. I know this is eating you up inside. You are a good man... and they tried to turn you into a killer."

 

"They tried, they pushed, they forced me for such a long time. I didn't think I would make it out alive. You know, Baby... there were days I just wanted to die... so I wouldn't have to go on anymore. When one year grew into another, then another... I finally started praying for it to just... end. I just couldn't take it anymore."

 

Reaching up to hug him, Steve had fallen into his wife's arms and let her comfort him. All those long empty years, he had no one to turn to, to give him comfort. Locked in his room or isolated for most of his confinement, he always seemed to be alone, cut off from any human contact. Even when Elliot used to watch his training, the boy never approached him, but kept his distance. It made his life so much harder when there was no one whom he could talk to about ordinary things.

 

It was so ironic that the younger Steve Johnson had sought his solitude, shunning himself away from the rest of society. But years later, when it was inflicted on him, he yearned for company with the same intensity as his need for food or water.

 

The only man who would open up conversations with him was the first Gabriel, but his words always had a bite to them. He liked to taunt Steve about what he would be doing soon, no matter how hard he kept resisting. The killer instinct was in him, he had said. It's in all men. All it takes it the right combination of events to trigger it and once you kill, you can never erase it. They never talked about anything else for Steve couldn't offer any personal information about himself. He thought that the first Gabriel knew who he was before joining, but he kept quiet. Not once did any of their talks center on anything outside their work. Any past either had was gone the moment they were trained.

 

As Steve raised his head and stared down at his wife, she would give him one of her smiles and it would always lightened the weight around his heart. He would touch her face, letting himself enjoy the feel of her soft skin. He often wondered if enough time could pass where he would truly be free from what had happened to him. A huge part of his life was already gone. If only he knew that the coming years could help him forget all the empty, lost ones.

 

Kayla had told him dying would have made Lansing and Stefano win. "They would have succeeded if your life ended... and I would have truly lost you." She had placed her hands on his chest as he felt the warmth from her on his skin. "But staying alive... fighting against what they did and coming home... it just shows how they failed and how much stronger a person you were and still are. Steve... you did what you needed to survive and stay whole. I can never be scared of that man... but I am scared of what he feels and that he hurts. All I want to do is help him."

 

Her words kept repeating themselves each time he remembered a little more. Standing there in the balcony, Steve knew the shame and guilt he felt tagged along in his life today. He could feel as bad as he wanted and make himself miserable with regrets, but he also knew the best way to help himself was just to remember it all and accept everything. The good with the bad, all the ugliness and shame that tainted him was now a part of who he was. He had to accept that the Steven Johnson who left Salem and his family over sixteen years ago had changed. Though it was by force and not of his own choosing, the changes happened anyway.

 

While the rescue mission filled him with disgust, the other one sparked his fear. He almost wanted to believe they had all been done in the name of the queen, but that was not the case. Whatever influence Stefano had was put forth when he requested Steve's participation in his little excursion. The plan was simple enough, but it had gone so horribly wrong. For some reason he was blocking himself from remembering it all. A mental picture of being in a walled city during the heart of winter was hardly enough to cause worry. But the single scream, which cut through it all, always sent the chills down his spine.

 

It may have happened over a dozen years ago, but when he recalled it while standing there on a cruise ship letting the early morning mist moisten his face, Steve could almost hear the woman's voice. Now, a few hours later after John’s visit, Steve heard her again as he had stood, staring down at his desk in the police station. He thought he should have told John about her.  But what could he say that wouldn't sound ominous. He wasn't even sure the victim they were to kidnap was the woman. Perhaps she had witnessed what occurred. Maybe she watched as Steve did and was shocked at what happened.

 

Steve wasn't sure about what he would do, but he knew he couldn't pursue it yet. It had only been a few hours since he had seen John and already he was letting that small recollection take hold of his better judgment. Once he knew more, then he could proceed and know whether John should be told or not. Looking around his office, he realized he had been thinking more about his personal problems than concentrating on his work. He still had another hour before his shift ended and there were two more reports left to file. At least for that next hour, he could do the mundane police paper work. Unlike the other detectives in the room, Steve was probably the only one enjoying doing just that.

 

 

**********

 

 

He waited a couple of more days before telling Bo and John about his plans. One of the main reasons behind it had been to be able to spend more time with Kayla. Steve wasn’t going to take any chance with this pregnancy. It was miracle enough that Kayla became pregnant again, but she was still high on the risk factor. Whatever he could do to help was utmost in his thoughts. Lessening his workload was one thing, but being able to choose and pick his own hours always comes in handy. At least he could be at Kayla’s beck and call, should she ever need him.

 

The two men joined him for lunch at his request. Waiting until everyone ordered, Steve dove right in and spoke of the plans he had about opening a PI company.

 

“Maybe I’m taking on more than I can chew, but I want to try this.” He folded his hands in front of him on the table. John was busy putting more sugar in his ice tea and Bo played with the fork by his napkin. “Half of the money Portia left me was invested in stocks already. For a while now…I’ve been wondering about what to do with the rest. I figure this private investigation angle can work well with the police work.”

 

Bo interrupts him with the obvious, regarding his work hours. “Isn’t going to interfere with your schedule. You already work a full-time job…or do you plan to quit the force?”

 

“No, I’m staying… for now, but I do plan to lessen my hours. I’m going to speak to Roman about it soon… maybe even tomorrow.”

 

“Why the sudden change Steve?” John inquired. “Thought you were happy being a cop.”

 

“Still am… but I want the free time. With Kayla’s pregnancy, she’s going to need me more and more. I can pick and choose which cases to take, when I have the time for them. Anyway, we’ve had a whole slew of rookies come in at the station… fresh meat from the academy… so there’s more available bodies to take up the work load.”

 

“Is there something wrong with Kayla?” Bo asked him, alarmed by the news.

 

“No… it’s nothing like that. The doctor just told her she should take things easier this time around… especially during the last few months.” He paused a moment, taking a drink from his water. “With Stephanie away… well, I’d feel better knowing Kayla always has someone nearby… just in case. That’s all.”

 

“Sure it’s not anything else?” John piped in.

 

“Pretty sure.”

 

“I guess that means you have nothing else to tell me then?”

 

Thinking about the screaming, Steve took a breath before answering him. He smiled naturally and shook his head. “No. Nothing new to report.”

 

Bo had watched the two of them, feeling left out of the conversation. “You want to let me in on what you’re talking about.”

 

Steve turned to him and smiled again, amused by Bo’s childish pout. “John just wanted to know if I remembered anything else, apart from what I’ve already told the both of you…and the answer is no.”

 

“Just checking.” Bo grinned at him. “You know… I like this PI idea of yours. If you’re game… I’d like to go in with you on this. Hope and I already did this kind of work years ago… remember?” Jogging his memory, Steve nodded at him as he recalled the small private investigation company Hope had worked in along with Shane. For a while they were doing really well.

 

“You were working on bring down Kiriakis then. Maybe Hope would be interested in jumping back in herself.” Steve thought a moment about Ciara then amended his response. “Meaning of course after the baby gets a little older.”

 

“Knowing my wife, Hope will probably just carry Ciara in one of those carrying things and take her on assignments.”

 

Steve smirked at him as their food arrived and he started eating. “Well you can’t expect her to let you have all the fun, Bro.”

 

The PI Company idea appealed to John too. It wasn’t going to be anything big as compared to Basic Black, but he liked the idea of getting his hands dirty again, or more accurately, getting down to the street level. It had been too long since he himself was that excited about any work prospect. Maybe joining Steve and Bo in on this venture could bring back the thrill of his cop days. It was a big part of his life as Roman that he missed and he never forgot the years he had been commander Brady.

 

“Count me in too men.” John told them as they both turned to look back at him. “Basic Black pretty much runs on it’s own and I need something more productive than sitting through weekly business meetings.”

 

“A big executive like you hanging out with the boys?” Bo regarded him. “Thought you gave up playing in the school yard years ago.”

 

“Yeah well something things never really change, do they. I’ve grown tired of the polished nail look. Anyway, it’s just something on the side… right Johnson? We could always take turns in running the office. With the three of us, there’ll always be a back up.”

 

“If you’re really serious… then yes… I want you on board, John.” Steve told him.

 

“We’re in agreement then, gentlemen?” John asked the other two.

 

“I’m in!” Bo quickly chimes.

 

Steve eyed the both of them and nodded. “Then it’s set. We got ourselves a little PI company in the works.”

 

Bo extends one hand towards Steve first as they give each other a shake to confirm their plans, then turns to John as he follows suit. When Steve offers John his hand, they eye each other a second longer before repeating the gesture. Bo had turned back to his lunch and missed the quick looked that passed between his new partners. Checking his watch. Bo tells them to eat up as he and Steve only have another half hour before they need to get back to the station.

 

 

 

When they entered the squad room, Steve went to see if Roman was available for a talk but was told he had gone out. With Abe temporarily away on sick leave, Roman was doubling up his duties as both commander and commissioner and probably wouldn’t be back in the office until the following day. Bo had seen Steve asked about Roman’s whereabouts and assumed it was regarding his schedule.

 

“Hey man, I’m sure Roman will let you take a smaller work load. The place is just crawling with new faces… shouldn’t be too hard to spread the work around.”

 

“Huh? Oh I’m not worried. Just wanted to get it out of the way.”

 

“Yeah. Okay.” Bo replied. He hesitated a moment before asking about his sister. She seemed really healthy when he saw her a few days ago and he hoped Steve wasn’t keeping anything from him or the family about her health. “So… my sister is really doing okay? If something’s wrong, you just tell me, man.”

 

“Kayla’s fine. She’s going in for a check-up today in fact. I told her to call me if anything was wrong.”

 

“Good. Just checking.” He remained standing by Steve’s desk another minute before returning to his won. With a funny smile on Bo’s face, Steve looked back at him, confused by his behavior.

 

“Now what?” Steve asked. “Don’t you have work to do or do you just like looking at me?”

 

Snorting, Bo just chuckled loudly at him. “I’ll pass on looking at your ugly mug thank you very much. Just can’t believe you’re the same guy I knew back then. You were such a wise-mouthed, punk… being hauled in here at least once a week. And now, look at you… married to my sister with a family. Not so scary looking anymore… are you, Bro?”

 

”You can thank your sister for that.” Steve reminded him.

 

“Women! Always having to change things.”

 

“What’s the matter? Don’t like the new me.”

 

“New you? I wasn’t that fond of the old you!” Bo joked back.

 

“Guess we’ve finally grown-up, huh Beauregard?”

 

“Yeah! Doesn’t mean we still can’t have our fun… so long as Hope or Kayla don’t find out.”

 

Grinning back, Steve thinks again about needing to talk to Roman. Bo continues hanging around his desk rather than returning to his own. There was one thing he had wanted to ask Bo about his older brother. He had only known the man a few months, and he liked him all the same, but there was something about him that seemed familiar. It was strange considering and with Bo still lingering, he finally decided to ask him.

 

“Say, Bo? You know I never really knew your brother. I mean with John brainwashed into believing his was Roman… he’s the one I remembered.”

 

“Uh huh.”

 

“Well… okay, this is going to sound weird, but… do you remember Chris Kositchek, who used to run Shenanigans?”

 

“Sure.”

 

“Don’t you think your brother looks an awfully lot like him?”

 

“I supposed he does. Never really thought about it much. Why do you ask?”

 

“Just find it a little strange sometimes. I mean I’ve come close to calling him Chris a few times. Just don’t want him to think I’m crazy.”

 

“You’re too late on that. He already knows you are.”

Throwing a pencil at him, Steve turns on his computer as Bo finally return to his own desk. The pencil comes flying back towards him seconds later and hits Steve on the arm. The other men in the room ignored the missile tossing and just concentrate on their work.

 

 

**********

 

 

The argument started quickly enough as Steve tried very hard to control his temper over Kayla's decision. She had returned from her doctor's visit and had been preparing dinner when Steve arrived home from work. Offering to help in the kitchen, she had told him everything was done and all he needed to do was freshen up and they could eat. She seemed to be in a very happy mood, so he waited until they were actually eating before questioning her on the check-up results.

 

Kayla had waited until he had taken a few bites before mentioning Dr. Garrett's report. "I'm perfectly healthy... nothing to worry about in that department."

 

"Well I'm glad to hear that, Baby! I've been pacing the floor at work, worrying about you."

 

"You've got to relax Steve. It's still another six months... and if you continue worrying... you'll be a nervous wreak by the time the baby's born."

 

"Don't tell me you're not worried too, Sweetness? Cause I know you are. That miscarriage really affected you."

 

"It was hard... right after it happened." She sighed and tried to forget those first few weeks after. "But it's different this time. So long as I don't over exert myself and take it easy the last couple of months, it should be just fine."

 

"So my baby's coming to stay for good around... Thanksgiving?" He couldn't control his excitement at the prospect of welcoming his son.

 

Nodding at him, Kayla smiled deeply and told him her due date. "He should be joining us on the twenty-first." She watched his face light up as he imagined what it would be like to hold his son. Kayla had given up on convincing him it was still very possible they could have another girl. Steve so wanted a boy now that she happily went along in referring to their unborn child as Baby Boy. If it made Steve happy, she was all for it.

 

The food lay forgotten for a few minutes as the talk continued around the newest Johnson to be. Steve was still pushing to have the nursery worked on as soon as possible. Kayla was being to wonder if he already purchased things for the baby and was just waiting for the right time to bring them out. She wouldn't have put it past him to have a baby harmonica hidden away somewhere for the little guy. It would definitely be one of the first presents Steve would have gotten.

 

"You know... Stephanie said she would be coming for a visit soon. With her here, she could help us with getting the nursery set up." Kayla waited for Steve to think it over. "I'd think she'd love to help... so maybe we should just wait until she arrives."

 

Scrunching his face, Steve gave her a tentative look before giving in. He supposed having his baby girl around would be more help at his disposal, leaving Kayla to rest. "Okay! What do you think baby boy?" He looked pointedly at Kayla's tummy as he spoke to his son. "Want to wait for your sister to arrive first before we start fixing up your room?" When he rubbed the small bump there, the smile on his face just expanded causing Kayla to laugh back at her husband's baby talk. She thought he never looked or sounded more adorable.

 

With Steve in such a good mood now, it was the best time to tell him about returning to work full time. Kayla was right in suspecting that Steve assumed she would work part time. As she told him she would go back in the next week, he started to frown. When she pointed out she was resuming her old hectic schedule, his fork slipped from his grasp and he turned his scowl on her full force.

 

"Why!" He asked her angrily. "Dr. Garrett already told you to take it easy... and last I checked, working as hard as you always do doesn't count as easy work."

 

"I'm not going to sit around idle for the next few months. I'm a doctor remember... and we're short staffed as it is."

 

"Well that only tells me that you'll be working more hours. Sweetness... I don't like any of this!"

 

"Look... I don't want to argue about this."

 

"Who’s arguing? I'm stating a fact! They sometimes made you work double shifts. That's not going to help you or our baby!"

 

"I already spoke to the chief of staff and he knows my situation."

 

"Well if he knows, then there's no problem in telling him you'll be working only part time."

 

"It is a problem because I want to work!"

 

"Kayla!" Steve had raised her voice, but quickly regretted it when he saw how his wife reacted. The last thing he wanted was to make her upset. Taking a few deep breaths he tried again as he reached over and took one of her hands in his. "Baby... it's just not a good idea. I'm... I'm scared, all right! There's no telling how your work load can affect your health."

 

She saw how worried he was and her anger lessened. What Steve was saying made sense, but Kayla needed to work for herself. "I know you're scared... I am too I confess it. But I'm not foolish either. I wouldn't do anything to endanger my health or the baby's."

 

"Kayla... it's not the end of the world if you just work part time. I plan on doing just that as soon as I can talk to Roman."

 

"You've really decided then to start up the PI Company?"

 

Nodding at her, he also mentioned how Bo and John were going in with him on it. "I already have partners who can take over the workload if I needed more time with you."

 

Sighing at his plans, she was so tempted to relent and go along with him. But the more she thought about it, the more Kayla wanted to just tell him no. He was so hopeful looking at her. The meal had come to a standing halt as Steve waited for his wife's decision. All he wanted was to ensure that she and the baby would be fine.

 

Kayla knew he was waiting for an answer. She felt his gaze on her as she thought the matter over and over again. Finally, she told him what he didn't want to hear. "I'm sorry Steve, but right now, I really want to work my normal schedule."

 

He started shaking his head and pushed away at his plate. For a minute, she thought he might stand up and start pacing up and down the room. He seemed to do that a lot when things didn't go as he planned. But this time, he just sat besides her, staring down at their half eaten dinner. She saw him clench at his jaw several times while he took several deep breaths. When he finally faced her, she began to feel a little bad when she viewed his disappointed expression.

 

"Can we at least compromise on this?" He asked her.

 

"How much of a compromise are we talking about here?"

 

"After a month, when you go in for your next check-up, if Dr. Garrett says anything... and I mean even a small comment about you being overly tired or over doing it, you'll change your schedule immediately?"

 

"I don't know about...?"

 

"It's a fair deal Sweetness. We'll actually both get what we want."

 

Thinking about it, Kayla finally admitted it was a fair. Any risk to her child would take priority over work. At the worst, she would only be able to work full time for one month, but the end result would be she would have her baby in her arms by Christmas. Thinking she would try to wheedle her way around it, Steve was more than relieved when his wife agreed. He leaned over and gave her a kiss as she mentioned the food no one was eating. Finishing off their meal, Steve offered to clean up so Kayla could rest.

 

Instead she told him she’d be waiting upstairs in their bedroom. The hint wasn't even subtle and she knew it. As she stood up and headed towards the stairs, Steve grabbed all the plates and rushed into the kitchen. He was lucky not to have dropped anything considering the mad dash he made. Any leftovers were quickly dumped into the trash. Quickly rinsing off any excess food particles, he loaded up the dishwasher and turned it on. Getting a new garbage bag, he removed the filled one and replaced, then took the trash outside. Washing his hands, he did a quick wipe of the kitchen counter and dining room table, finishing in less than fifteen minutes, then bounded up the stairs to join his wife.

 

 

 

 

Kayla was at her vanity, already in her nightgown and sat rubbing lotion onto her hands, arms and legs. Steve stood just within their bedroom door and watched her movements. It never failed to amaze him that the beautiful woman before him was truly his wife. Even from the first moment he ever saw her, he couldn't imagine he would ever have someone like her in his life. She had been every dream, every fantasy he had come to life. For several minutes, he just stood watching until Kayla finally noticed her husband by the door and wondered why he had not entered.

 

"Steve?" She turned towards him, then stood to approach. "Are you okay?"

 

There was a strange expression on his face as she drew closer. Thinking he might be ill, Kayla placed her hand upon his brow to feel if he was feverish. His eye followed as she lifted her hand and touched his forehead. She didn't know what to make of him since his skin was cool to the touch. "I'm fine, Baby." He told her, his voice growing horse as she next placed it along side his cheek. With each touch, he felt himself grow warmer. The effect of having her so close to him instantly sent his blood racing and his heart to beat faster.

 

"You don't look fine. You've got a pained expression on your face. Are you hurting somewhere?"

 

Nodding at her, she tilted her head and asked if he might have an upset stomach. When he shook his head at her, she finally saw the twinkle that had appeared in his eye. A small smile appeared on her face, which then transported on to his.

 

"You want to kiss and make it all better, Sweetness?"

 

This time it was she who slowly nodded at him as her fingers started working on the row of buttons on his shirt. The shirt came off quickly and by the time Kayla had undone the zipper to his trousers, Steve was more than ready to help shed the rest of his clothes. He took her in his arms then, no longer able to wait in kissing her. Like steel bands, he clasped her to him, holding her firm but gently in his arms. She placed her hands on his face as their lips met over and over again. She could feel his tongue against her lips and she opened up to him. Their breaths mingled as her chest pressed against his. When she tore her mouth away, Steve took the opportunity to leave a trail of kisses alongside her cheek, pass her smooth jaw and finally across her neck and shoulder.

 

Kayla ran her fingers through his hair as he kissed and softly nipped at her skin. Not to be out done, she sent a smackering of kissed across his chest, stopping to both lap and taste her favorite spot around his tattoo. His skin seems to grow taunt as her lips moved further down on his chest. His muscles involuntarily twitched as she reached the top of his stomach. Unable to bear the motion, he lifted her up into his arms and carried her over to his bed. Her simple movements always drove him to such heightened desire that the need to have her grew tenfold in just a matter of minutes. Going under the covers, he started pulling at her nightgown, lifting it up past her hips, then waist and finally over her head. Carelessly, he tossed it over to the side where it fell hidden behind a chair.

 

His hands now made full contact with her soft skin and it sent a fever in his blood. His skin turned warm as his hands caressed his wife's breasts, his lips following, placing gentle kisses all over. Steve's hand stroked down to her outer thighs as he massaged her legs then pulled each one up and around him. Kayla was pulling at his shoulders as she wanted to feel his mouth on hers again, but he lowered himself more until he faced the small round bump at her tummy. He placed one hand first feeling the growing hardness of his unborn child. He pressed slightly and imagined the baby boy they created, sleeping peacefully inside. His hand began making small circular strokes as he placed his lips on the same parts and gave the both of them kisses.

 

Watching her husband, Kayla felt the first tears, as her eyes grew moist. With her fingers still in his hair, she ran them through his locks. The kisses that began as small and quick then turned leisurely and sensual. Steve placed more and more along her rib cage, gradually working his way back up. He stopped again at her breasts and took one in his mouth while his hand caressed the other. When he finished tasting one, he couldn't stop until the other was received the same treatment. Kayla moved restlessly beneath him, her hands stroking at the muscles on his back and she felt them ripple beneath her hands. She tried to move them lower and reached his waist when Steve's head came back up and he captured her lips in a deep, hungry kiss.

 

She felt her own blood racing and the heat from her face caused small beads of perspiration to form. As her fingers pushed lower, she came upon his lower back and began to knead the skin there and below. It was more than Steve could bear as he left out a soft moan on her lips and plunged his tongue inside her mouth. Their kisses grew frantic and wild as Steve's hands cupped her face and he ravished her lips over and over again. Kayla placed her hand along his sides and worked them towards his stomach, feeling her husband’s muscles jump with her touch. When she reached his abdomen, his hands came down to capture hers and brought them back up. Kayla's touches were making him lose control and he knew he had reached his limit. He sought her lips once more time as he grasped at her legs and wrapped them around his waist and came inside her.

 

Kayla gasped at the pleasure their joining gave her and kissed him deeply as they began to move. His hands continued to stroke along the skin at her thighs and hips as Steve moved within her. Over and over again, their bodies met as their lips also moved in rhythm to their lovemaking. Steve kept the pace steady, but when his desire increased, he deepened and lengthened his strokes. Kayla matched him, her soft moans filling the air as she clung to her husband, one arm around his waist and the other wrapped over his shoulder. Trying to gentle his movements he slowed down, but it only made his need and desire stronger. When Kayla started to place kisses along his chest, her lips lingering at the exposed skin there. He increased his movements, sending more pleasure through them. A few more minutes passed until they both cried out and Steve, for an instant, pushed himself deeper inside as Kayla opened up and welcomed him.

 

Collapsing on top of his wife, Steve laid his head against hers for a few seconds before rolling off to her side. His breathing was loud and fast as his heart pounded strongly in his chest. Kayla had closed her eyes as he watched the quick rise and fall on her chest in unison with his. He slowly lifted his hand and let one finger gently stroke her check. His wife slowly turned to him and smiled, then reached out her hand to grasp his. She took his hand and brought it to her lips and placed a small kiss on the tips of his fingers.

 

“All better now?” Her breathless voice caressing him as he smiled back at her.

 

“All better.” Steve told her as they lay side by side, holding each other.

 

 

 

“You don’t like the name Johnny B?” Steve looked aghast, when Kayla gave him a thumb’s down on the name. He had just returned to their bed after washing up in the bathroom. When he started calling the baby Jr. Blues again, Kayla grew curious and asked him what names he thought of for their son.

 

“Johnny Johnson?” Kayla shook her head at the thought. “And what would B stand for?”

 

“Blues!”

 

“Johnny Blues Johnson!” She laughed at the thought. “Sounds more like a Blues song than a name.”

 

“Well which ones were you thinking off?”

 

“I sort of like Kyle or… Kalen?”

 

“Kyle’s okay. Don’t like Kalen though.”

 

Leaning back into his chest, she was drawing lazy circles against his arm as Steve was rubbing his chin on the top of her shoulder. “There is another name I like.” She told him.

 

“So… tell me, Baby. I can’t disagree until I hear it.” He told her, his breath tickling at her ear.

 

“Marcus… how about Marcus Johnson?”

When he didn’t answer her back right away, Kayla turned around to face him and saw Steve looking at her with tear filled eyes. He gave a small smile as the first tear fell down his cheek. She caught it with the tip of one finger as he took hold of her hand.

 

“I like it too.” His words came out almost a whisper. Kayla gave him a lingering kiss as his hand came up to her hair.

 

“Marcus then… with Kyle as a middle name.” More and more, the name sounded right to her ears.

 

Steve thought of his dear friend and how much the man would have loved to see his namesake. His death left such a big hole in his heart and Steve still had guilty feelings about it still. At least he found a way to honor him. If anything, Marcus would be proud and happy to know there was another little dude who might follow in his footsteps.

 

Kayla had lay her head back down against him as he settled in next to her. His hand held hers against his chest as her eyes began to close. For several more minutes, Steve lay facing his wife as sleep claimed her and he could see the smile that always appeared on her face. The feel on her hand on his chest warmed him all the way inside and he kept his hand on top of her. He reached behind with his other arm to turn off the light and fell asleep moments later.

 

 

**********

 

 

Kayla was standing on the open staircase gazing down at the group of children playing below. She looked around in wonder, as the walls seem to shimmer with iridescent light. The curving steps led the pathway down as she took the steps one at a time. When she reached the bottom, the children’s laughter burst forth as they continued their games. She walked closer, stopping just a few feet away as a couple of the children turned towards her and smiled.

 

Returning the gesture, Kayla marveled at the beautiful sight before her. There were close to two dozen little ones there and all were enjoying themselves tremendously as she watched. The little boy spotted her first and he made a dash in her direction. Kayla saw him as the group parted to let him pass and she went down on bended knee, her arms open to embrace him.

 

“Mommy!” Marcus called out to her. “You remembered me!”

 

Mona Liza's Fan Fiction page
A Patch of Sweetness