| �Why did you tell Hannah that Jagger was your son?� Phillips asked Mark later that evening, as they sat in the dark corner of a restaurant. �I didn�t want to kill the girl, did you see the way she reacted when she saw Scott?� Mark asked, taking a drink of his beer. �Yes, she nearly died. But that still doesn�t answer my question.� Phillips bit down on a French-fry. �I figured it would be easier for her accept Scott and then Jagger, instead of throwing the whole bomb at her all at once.� �Oh so she can have a slow torturous death instead of a quick one? How thoughtful of you Mark.� Phillips smirked. �Alright, so my flawless plan has a few black spots.� Mark grumbled. �Some big black spots,� Phillips pushed, �You realize Jagger looks nothing like you, don�t you?� �Yes!� Mark hissed, �Why must he be a carbon copy of his father?� �All to ruin your life my friend, those two have been plotting against you since day one.� Phillips grinned, desperate to get under Mark�s skin. �How long do think Scott can hold out?� Mark looked across the table, �Not having his son?� �Not too long, Hannah and Scott better make amends, or this whole thing will blow up in our faces.� Phillips theorized. �So in short, we�re screwed?� �Yup.� Flip nodded. Chapter Six: Moment of Truth William fished the keys out of his pocket that Hannah had sent him. She�d called him a few days ago, completely falling apart over an encounter with Scott. He�d tried to fix everything by showing up six years after he�d deserted her. Well it was too damn late now, and William was royally ticked that the Southern idiot had even bothered to show up. William, if it wasn�t obvious already, had a bit of hostility harbored towards Mr. Stapp. �Hannah?� William dropped his bags, and the groceries he�d picked up, at the door. �Hi Will.� Hannah answered, walking from the kitchen, a small sad smile on her face. �Did you miss me?� He asked, shutting the front door. �Terribly.� She whispered falling against his chest and letting him wrap his arms around her. Even though it sounded horribly selfish, this is exactly what William wanted. Having her fall into his arms, wanting him, and needing him there for her. He knew it wouldn�t last long though, because he knew she would never love him the way she loved Scott. He knew they were meant to be together. Now it was up to him. Did he tell the truth, knowing that Scott was the one for Hannah, and realizing he would lose her for himself? Or did he try and keep her for himself, knowing she would never be truly happy? �Hannah,� William held her at arm length, �I love you, you�ve always known that. And as much as I�d love to have you my life, I can�t. I could never love you the way you want to be loved, but I know Scott could. I know you still love him, whether you agree with me or not, I know that you want to be with him. You�ve wanted to marry that man since I�ve known you. I know that he hurt you by not calling, but the thing I just realized Hannah, is that he�s human. Yes, he was a jackass for not calling, but he�s here now. I think you should talk with him.� William had had every intention of bashing Scott, but when he saw the love she had for him in her eyes William couldn�t bare to do it. �William?� She stood on the bottom of the staircase. �Yes?� His blue eyes turned to her. �Will you come with me, when I talk to Scott.� Her hazel eyes pleaded with him. �Sure pumpkin.� He slid his coat back on while she went to change out of her pj�s. ~~~ Scott�s heart was pounding in his ears as he attempted to walk calmly to the front door. Hannah was on the other side and he was praying to God that she could forgive him. �Hello Hannah. Hey Will.� He smiled as he opened the door. �Hey.� William stepped inside. �Hi, Scott.� Hannah stumbled quietly. �I�ll be downstairs with the boys.� William immediately left Hannah alone. �Let me help you with your coat.� Scott stepped up to help her remove it, slowly sliding his hands down her bare arms. Hannah spun to face him at his touch, a thousand emotions racing through her eyes. Her body yearned to kiss him, to experience the familiar taste of his mouth. He wanted to hold her in his arms and swear himself to her forever. �Hannah I know you�re angry at me, and you should be. What I did to you was wrong and completely unfair, I shouldn�t have made you wonder and worry like I did. I know �sorry� will never be enough for what I did to you, but I�m giving you all I have.� He whispered his hands still warm on her skin. �I was so mad and so hurt, all I wanted was a phone call. A letter telling me you were alive, or even dead, at least then I wouldn�t have to worry. You don�t know how many nights I prayed to God that Mark, Scottie, and you were safe, and cared for. I had so many nightmares of you dying without anyone to hold you, be there for you. Why didn�t you call Scott, just one call?� Fat teardrops were sliding down her face. �I wish I could tell you why, give you a reason, an excuse. But I can�t Hannah, I have no excuse for what I did, I just didn�t call.� He brushed away her tears with his thumbs, �Please, please don�t cry. I�ve made you cry so many times, I can�t bear it anymore.� His own eyes were watering now. �Do you still love me, like you said at the hospital?� Hannah asked. �Yes, I never stopped loving you.� He was staring down at her like he used to six years ago. Her hands gently touched his face, recalling every inch of it. Scott was completely floored by her touch; his mouth was slightly agape. Gently she closed his mouth and looked into his swirling brown eyes. Softly she touched her lips to his, teasing him and knocking the breath from his lungs. She laid her hands on his chest and pushed him against the nearest wall, Scott was still stunned. A slow smile crept over her lips. �I love you Scott Stapp, I will always love you.� She whispered softly, her body pressed against his. Her fingers ran through his hair as she smiled into his eyes, and felt his arms wrap around her waist. His hands slipped into the back pockets of her jeans. Quietly they swayed back and forth, to music only they could hear. The slow, tender melody their bodies made as they moved together. Hannah kissed him again, starting out hard and rough, then easing to a slow, tender touch. Slowly the kiss deepened as they still swayed their bodies, mouths and hearts intertwining. Finally she broke away, and rested her head on his shoulder with a content sigh. �I want to hold you like this forever Hannah.� He quietly sighed, his arms holding her to him. �I�d stay here forever, I�ve missed being in your arms.� She wrapped her arms around his chest. �One day will be together forever.� He whispered in her ear, and she had no idea how soon that promise would be fulfilled. |