
      Never Say Goodbye


      Author: aria


      Rated: R



      Chapter 4
      One year later
      Darien hated London. Always so dreary and dirty. What he wouldnt give to 
      be back in Paris. But business was business. He was there to look over the 
      office hed just taken over, so it wasnt all that bad. He stared out of 
      the rain-streaked window. He was beginning to get depressed just looking 
      out of it. Disgusted, he pulled out some papers and looked them over. 
      Stuck on one of the pages was a little card decorated with tiny flowers.
      Come back to me soon, Josette.
      Unimpressed, Darien crumpled it up and dropped on the floor of the limo. 
      He had no time for women. They were all so vapid and dull. As he 
      straightened his papers a photo fell out of the stack.
      A press photo of Serena as she was when he first saw her in the fashion 
      show fluttered onto his lap. He stared at it a moment then stuffed it back 
      into his briefcase. To this day he had no idea where she was or why shed 
      left him. He thought they were getting along well.
      Pushing aside the feelings of emptiness in his chest, he went back to 
      studying his papers to the beat of the falling rain.
      ----
      Serena wrestled her way through the crowd. How she hated shopping in 
      crowded places. She looked down at Rini who was clapping her hands with 
      glee in her pushchair. She, on the other hand, loved it. Serena stopped at 
      a bench to put on Rinis hat and mittens.
      Serena took a moment to look at her little girl. She couldnt help the 
      warm flood of love that washed over her every time she looked at her. 
      Serena ran a loving finger through her black hair before putting on her 
      hat. So adorable. Big sapphire eyes smiled back at her as she put on her 
      mittens.
      Serena felt a familiar pang as the resemblance between Rini and Darien hit 
      her. There was no denying who her father was. It was unmistakable. She 
      kissed her on the cheek and headed out. The street was filled and it was a 
      nightmare trying to weave through all the people.
      Then she felt a wet splat on her cheek. She looked up and cursed the grey 
      London sky. God she hated it here. Serena pulled on her hood and ran as 
      fast as she could to the office.
      She ran in the front entrance, not noticing the limo and ran straight up 
      to day care. "Hi Lita!" Serena ran up to her and helped her with Rini.
      "Hi Serena, hello Rini." She gave Rini a big kiss on the nose. "She gets 
      cuter by the day!"
      "Take good care of her!" Serena laughed when Lita stuck out her tongue. 
      "See you later."
      Serena hated being late. She pulled off her coat and straightened her hair 
      on the elevator up to her floor.
      Raye, another secretary, was walking past the elevator when it opened.
      "Serena. Youll never guess whats happened."
      "What Raye?" Serena walked past her and hung her coat up then walked over 
      to her desk.
      "Weve been taken over."
      "Really?" Serena straightened up her things and sat down.
      "Thats not the big news though. You should see the new CEO. You just 
      missed him. Talk about a god!" giggling she leaned in closer. "Just 
      incredible. And hes your boss." She nudged her with her elbow.
      Serena sighed. "Im not interested, Raye." She wasnt interested in 
      relationships especially after what happened last time.
      "Well then I think Ill have a make a go for it!" she got up and walked 
      away. "Talk to you later. And keep an eye out for him. One look and I know 
      Ill have some competition." She winked.
      Serena shook her head. Not a chance. There was no way she was getting 
      involved with anyone ever again. She looked over the first item in her 
      inbox and got to work.
      ----
      Raye showed up not too long later with a coffee. "Have you seen him yet?"
      Serena didnt look up from her work. "Have you done any work yet?"
      "Aw come on Serena. All you ever want to do is work." Serena looked up 
      when she gasped. "There he is!" She squealed excitedly.
      Serena took a look at who was causing all this frenzy and she nearly 
      fainted. Tall, broad shouldered, jet black hair and the unmistakable 
      beautiful blue eyes. Darien! He had taken over the company? And now he was 
      her boss? Oh god! Serena jumped out of her seat and looked around. She 
      wasnt ready to see him yet. "Raye cover for me. Ive got...Ive 
      got...Ive got to go to the bathroom." Not waiting for answer she ran out 
      of the room.
      Puzzled Raye did as she asked.
      Darien walked past her. Raye smiled warmly. "Hello."
      He nodded curtly. "Hello. Are you my secretary?"
      "No, shes indisposed at the moment. Im Raye Hino"
      "Nice to meet you. Tell my secretary to come in an see me once she 
      returns."
      "Yes of course." Raye smiled again. "Nice to meet you."
      He walked away.
      Raye frowned. He looked straight through her. Her smile returned when 
      Serena came back though.
      "Serena, the master wants to see you."
      Serena was afraid of that. "Ok." She fought to keep her temper in check.
      "Whats the matter?" shed never come across anything that would make 
      Serena Thomson so angry.
      "Nothing. Id better not keep him waiting. He hates that."
      Raye grabbed her arm. "He hates that? What do you mean? Do you know him?"
      "I dont want to get into it, Raye." Serena grabbed a few papers, walked 
      over to the door and knocked.
      ----
      Darien walked into his new office and sat down. He had it refurnished 
      before he got there. So at least he had somewhere as refuge. So far the 
      place seemed all right but he was tiring of all the woman and their 
      inviting smiles. He spun in his chair to look out the window. He could see 
      the Tower Bridge and not much else in the gloom. He knew he wouldnt be 
      spending much time here.
      He turned around again at the knock at the door. "Come." What ever he was 
      thinking his secretary was going to be like, he wasnt expecting this.
      She walked into the room looking exactly how he remembered her, slender, 
      pale and as beautiful as ever. Knocked for a loop, Darien forced himself 
      to stand up and speak her name.
      "Serena."
      "Hello Darien." Serena fidgeted with her note pad. "How have you been?"
      "Fine and you?" he stayed behind the barrier of his desk only because he 
      wasnt sure if he could stop himself from kissing those luscious lips hed 
      been dreaming about.
      Serena just nodded. "You wanted to see me?"
      Hed wanted to see her too many nights to count. Darien clenched his fists 
      and forced all the surfacing feeling back down. She looked so cold, so 
      distant. "I just wanted to meet my secretary thats all." He turned from 
      her. "You may leave now."
      Serena gritted her teeth. "I was thinking. This is totally inappropriate. 
      I want to give you my notice." There was no way she was going to work with 
      him.
      Darien turned around surprised. "Your notice? I assume that you have 
      somewhere else to go?"
      There was nowhere, but he didnt have to know that. It had taken her 
      months to get this job. But with him being there she wouldnt be able to 
      work. "Yes of course."
      "Ill have to ask that you stay on until I find you a replacement."
      "Fine. Now if you wont need me Ill get back to my work."
      Eyes as dark and depthless as the sea studied her for a moment
      Serena closed her eyes and walked out of his office. She slumped into her 
      chair amazed that such a brief encounter with Darien could drain her so 
      much. She got up again and walked over to the elevator. "Raye cover me for 
      five minutes."
      Serena took the elevator back down to the nursery and walked in. "Hi Lita. 
      Just came to give my little girl a cuddle."
      Lita smiled widely, Serena often came down to give Rini a cuddle. She just 
      wished that other mothers were as dedicated. "Cuddle away."
      Serena dropped down on all fours in her business suit and crawled up 
      behind Rini. "Boo!"
      Rini let out a squeal of delight.
      Serena tickled her belly and gave her a big kiss. "How are you doing 
      sweetie?"
      Rini burbled happily in reply.
      "I thought so. Keep being good for auntie Lita ok?" she gave her another 
      kiss and carried her over to Lita. "Ive got to get back before the new 
      boss notices Im gone."
      "No worries." Lita took Rini into her arms. "See you later."
      "Bye." She gave Rini another kiss and ran back to the elevator.
      ----
      She got back in time to find Darien glowering at her empty desk. "Sorry 
      D...Mr. Richert. I just had to go check on someone."
      "I assumed as my secretary, you would be here when I needed you."
      Serena didnt back down. "And as you know that status is in transition. 
      Now what do you want?"
      Darien looked at the stares they were getting from the others in the 
      office and grabbed her arm, dragging her into his office.
      "How dare you speak to me that way in front of the others!"
      Serena pulled her arms out of his iron grip. "But its just fine if you do 
      it to me right? Ive got news for you Darien, you cant push me around 
      anymore!" she slammed her palms on his desk and leaned forward staring him 
      directly in the face. "Now what do you want?"
      "Go home and get packed. Youre accompanying me on a trip."
      Serena shook her head. "No way. Take someone else. Rayes a great 
      secretary. She can go with you."
      "You are my secretary. Therefore you have to come with me."
      What about Rini? Serena shifted nervously. "Id rather not."
      "Why not?" why was she so dead set about going away with him?
      The knife twisted in her gut. "I really cant go." Serena answered 
      fiercely.
      Darien was surprised at her tenacity but nodded. "You are coming with me 
      and thats settled."
      Serena closed her eyes. She didnt have much of a choice. "Where are we 
      going?"
      "To Paris."
      "Paris?" Serenas stomach sank. She never wanted to see that city again.
      "Yes is that a problem?"
      "No. Ill go and pack." She turned to face him again. "When are we 
      leaving?"
      "Tomorrow morning. Ill pick you up from your building in the morning."
      Serena scowled. "See you then." She walked out of his office and over to 
      Rayes desk. "Hi Raye. Youll have to take care of a few things for me 
      while Im in Paris."
      "Paris?"
      "Yeah. D...Mr. Richert needs me to accompany him to Paris for a few days."
      "Ohhhh. Sounds nice."
      Serena wrinkled her nose. "Yeah right."
      "So what is with you two?" she moved in closer. She would be thrilled at 
      the prospect of spending a few days with a gorgeous man like Darien and 
      here was Serena acting like she was on death row. "You guys act like 
      youre going to kill each other at any moment."
      Serena sighed. Shed find out sooner or later. "Remember the man I told 
      you about? The jerk I left behind in Paris?"
      Raye nodded. "Who could forget such a fiend?"
      "Well, thats him right there in that office." Serena dropped a load of 
      papers on her desk and walked away leaving Raye sitting there with her 
      mouth dropped wide open.
      ----
      Serena picked up Rini and thanked Lita as usual then headed home to her 
      tiny apartment. She quickly gathered together her clothes and Rinis then 
      gave her a bath. By the time Serena laid her down in her cot she was 
      already half asleep. Serena hummed quietly as she tucked her in. She 
      brushed her downy hair out of her face and smiled.
      She tiptoed out of the room and sat down on the couch. What a day! Serena 
      rubbed at her eyes and walked into the kitchen to make herself a coffee.
      And now shed have to go back to Paris with him. It wouldnt take him long 
      to figure out Rini was his. All anyone had to do was look at her. She 
      wished there was some way to get out of this. Then an idea hit her.
      She walked back out and picked up her cell phone. Hopefully he would still 
      be in the office. She smiled when a smoky voice answered.
      "Hello?"
      "Darien?"
      "Hello, Serena."
      "I dont think that Ill be able to make it tomorrow. Im not feeling 
      well. I dont think that I should travel." She closed her eyes and waited 
      for an answer.
      "Is there anything I can do?" his voice sounded concerned.
      "Thats ok. Its probably just a cold but I dont want to take any 
      chances."
      "Fine. Ill figure out something. Good bye."
      "Bye" Serena hung up. Well that was that. She wouldnt have to go with him 
      now. Serena cleaned up the front room of her apartment and pulled out the 
      sofa bed where she slept. Then walked into the bathroom for a long soak in 
      the tub.
      She was hovering blissfully near sleep when she heard a knock at the door. 
      Who could it be at this hour? She got out of the tub and threw a robe 
      around her shoulders.
      "Who is it?"
      "Darien."
      Panic skittered up her spine. What was he doing here? She looked at Rinis 
      bedroom door and then at the front door again. There wasnt much chance of 
      Rini waking up since shed just fallen asleep.
      She opened up the door a tiny bit. "What are you doing here?"
      "I just wanted to come by and see how you were doing. Can I come in?"
      Serena contemplated slamming the door in his face, but stopped the 
      impulse. It was nice of him to be concerned. How unlike him. She unhooked 
      the chain and let him in.
      "Youll have to excuse the mess." She hurriedly ran about the room picking 
      up a few stray toys and pushing the bed back in. "Make yourself at home. 
      Coffee?"
      "Please." He took off his coat and sat down looking at her living 
      arrangement. It bothered him so much to see her living like this. It 
      wasnt as if she was destitute but this was hardly what she deserved.
      She came back in moments later with two steaming mugs. "Here you are." She 
      leaned over to put it down on the coffee table but when she did, her robe 
      fell open a little.
      It was only a tiny bit, but it gave Darien a brief glimpse at the soft 
      skin of her breast. He closed his eyes trying to erase the image and 
      picked up his mug.
      Serena straightened her robed hurriedly and sat down on a chair. "Its 
      nice of you to worry. But its really not necessary."
      "Its alright." He looked around. "Your apartments...nice."
      "You mean terrible. But its fairly reasonable and its close to work."
      "Can I take a peek?" he had to admit he was curious to see what the rest 
      of it looked like.
      Serena hesitated then nodded. "The kitchens right through here." She led 
      him to the door and opened it. "And the bathrooms there and the bedroom 
      is there." She pointed in their directions without moving from the spot. 
      The apartment was so small that she didnt need to.
      Darien looked around at the little touches that Serena had put on the 
      apartment. A rug here, a vase there. It was like what she had done in 
      Paris. She managed to make the tiny space homey and inviting.
      "Its really not that bad. Its perfect for a single person." He sat back 
      down on the couch again.
      Serena sat opposite him. "Its home."
      Darien winced. Shed once said the same thing about his apartment.
      "Serena why did you leave?"
      She stared at him for a moment. He certainly got to the point. "I saw 
      her." The anger grew again, fast and furious.
      "Saw who?" Darien was confused now. What in the world was she talking 
      about?
      "Her! That woman in you apartment!" Serena fought to keep her voice down. 
      "I think you should leave now."
      Darien refused to budge. "No. Now what are you talking about?" he watched 
      her steadily holding her gaze.
      Serena got up and walked to the front door. "Please leave now."
      Darien saw how resolute she was and got up. "This is far from over, 
      Serena." He walked out and disappeared down the hall.
      Serena let out the breath shed been holding as well as the tears. He was 
      just so infuriating, so stubborn, so...so wonderful. And such a liar! She 
      sagged onto the couch. What was she going to do? With him as her boss he 
      was sure to find out sooner or later. And then she could just imagine what 
      would happen then.
      ----
      The next morning, Serena walked into the building as she usually did, with 
      Rini in her pushchair. She quickly dropped her off with Lita and headed up 
      to the office.
      "Serena?"
      The husky voice startled her. She thought he was in Paris. She slowly 
      turned around to see Darien amid a crowd of people staring at her.
      The crowd around him parted as he walked over to her.
      "I thought you werent feeling well."
      "I thought you were in Paris." She retorted as she kept walking.
      He kept up with her. "How can I go without an assistant? Everyone came 
      here." He nodded at the crowd.
      "Its nice that everyone will go out of their way to please you. I have to 
      get to work now Darien." She pushed past him and took her seat at the 
desk.
      "Well its nice that some people actually care about their work, unlike 
      some." Darien walked past her desk and into his office followed by the 
      rest.
      Serena worked continuously until lunchtime. Darien didnt bother her and 
      she didnt bother him. Just the way she wanted it. She checked her watch 
      and leaned back in her chair. Time to go and get Rini for lunch.
      She walked over to Rayes desk, as she usually did. "Hey Raye. Feel like 
      lunch?"
      Raye smiled and nodded. "Absolutely. Im famished."
      "Great. Ill grab Rini and well meet downstairs." She headed over to 
      Dariens office and knocked on the door.
      "Come." The voice boomed from the other side.
      Serena pushed the door open slightly and stuck her head in. "Im going for 
      lunch now."
      He didnt even look up. "Fine."
      Serena let the door slam behind her on her way out. She headed down and 
      picked up Rini and met with Raye. They had a nice lunch at a local fish 
      and chip bar. Before long an hour had past and they had to head back to 
      the office.
      After a quick cuddle she and Raye headed back upstairs.
      Darien met them at the elevator. "Serena, I need you to collect and go 
      over the notes from everyone in my office."
      Serena nodded, "Ok. Ill get right on it." And headed to his office.
      The moment the door closed Darien turned to Raye and smiled. Handsomely. 
      "Raye. That is your name isnt it?"
      Raye smiled prettily. She was flattered that he even remembered her name. 
      "Yes thats me."
      He leaned in closer. "Can you tell me where Serena goes in such a hurry 
      every couple of hours?"
      His cologne was intoxicating, and Raye found herself telling him what he 
      wanted to know. "To the day care."
      His brow "And why is that?" Why in the world would Serena spend all her 
      time with a bunch of babies?
      Serena walked out just in time to catch the end of the conversation. 
      "Thats none of your business, Darien." She handed him the pile of papers. 
      "Here are your notes. Ive made copies that Ill type out tonight."
      "How efficient of you." He took them from her. "Now if you two will excuse 
      me, I have some things to take care of." He got into the elevator and 
      smiled at them as the doors closed.
      Serena turned to Raye. "What did you tell him?"
      Raye seemed to snap out of it now. "He asked where you disappeared to 
      everyday and I told him that you went to the day care."
      Serena ran frustrated hands through her hair. "How could you?" she took 
      another breath. "Im sorry. Just dont tell him anything else about Rini 
      ok?"
      "But why?"
      Serena ran to the elevator and punched the button a few times. "I dont 
      have time to explain." She hit the button again before taking the stairs 
      down to day care.
      Darien was peering in the window when she arrived. He had a soft smile on 
      his face that shed never seen before.
      "Theyre quite cute arent they?"
      Serena watched as Rini played with the other children. "Yes they are."
      "I never realized how relaxing it is just watching them play." He laughed 
      as one tumbled over.
      Serena smiled, it was nice to watch them. That was until she saw a little 
      boy wander over and bonk Rini over the head with a toy bat. She 
      immediately ran into the room and scooped the bawling Rini up.
      Lita ran in also and picked up the boy. "Peter! I told you never to do 
      that!" she helped Serena look over Rini. "Im sorry Serena. I know how 
      much you worry about Rini. I know I would if she were mine."
      Serena wiped away Rinis tears and tickled her belly, instantly 
      brightening Rinis angry little face. "Its ok Lita. Its not your fault." 
      She turned her attention to the little boy. "And you little man, have to 
      be a little more careful with a bat." She patted him on the head and 
      smiled.
      "Is she alright?"
      Serena had forgotten that Darien was there. She started guiltily then 
      turned around. "Yes, shes fine."
      Darien took Rini from her and gave her a big cuddle. "Arent you a brave 
      little girl?" he turned to Lita. "Whats her name?"
      Lita smiled proudly, "Thats Rini Thompson. Serenas daughter."
      Shocked eyes turned to her. Serena nodded. "Its true."
      Stunned, Darien just stared at her for a moment. She had the gall to try 
      and hide the fact that she had a child from him. "Why didnt you tell me 
      you had a child?" he thrust Rini into her arms and walked away.
      ----
      Serena didnt see him for three days.
      Then one morning, minutes after he arrived, she was called into his 
office.
      He stood waiting on the other side. Sheathed in a fine suit he looked as 
      lean and incredible as usual. Yet the anger she had seen in his eyes the 
      last time shed seen him hadnt died in the least.
      He shut the door behind him. "Why didnt you tell me you had a child?"
      Serena looked away from him, suddenly finding the old books on his shelf 
      very interesting. "I know I shouldnt have tried to hide the fact, I just 
      didnt think"
      He slammed his hand on the shiny mahogany surface of his desk. "Thats 
      right you didnt think. Here I was trying to get back with you and you 
      dont even have the decency to tell me that you have a child."
      How had this all turned against her? She wasnt in the wrong here. Serena 
      glared at him with hard icy eyes, "If it werent for you and that woman 
      you would have known a lot sooner!"
      He glared at her. "Who is this woman you keep bringing up and why would I 
      have to know about you having another mans baby?"
      Serena stared at him absolutely stunned by the comment. How could such a 
      smart man be so blind? "What do you mean another mans baby? Have you even 
      taken a look at Rini?" She walked to the door and swung it open with such 
      a force that it bounced off the wall. "I suggest you go and take a look." 
      She walked out without a second glance.
      ----
      Darien sat there dumbfounded for a moment. What the hell was Serena 
      talking about? He decided to go and take a look at her daughter.
      When he got there it was apparently nap time. All the kids were asleep on 
      the floor with blankets on them all apart from the little ones. They were 
      in individual cribs.
      Darien leaned over the rail of the cot and frowned at the cherubic baby. 
      She had to be the first baby that he ever took a good look at. And he had 
      one hell of a good look. One look at her face and he had a little trouble 
      breathing. Trembling slightly he reached forward to touch the soft black 
      hair framing her chubby face.
      Rini stirred and opened her big eyes. She blinked at him a couple of times 
      then smiled.
      Darien gasped at the sight of eyes identical to his blinking innocently 
      back at him.
      Rini rolled over started crying at the lack of attention he was paying 
her.
      He picked her up instinctively, cradling her against his chest. Rini 
      instantly stopped crying and instead she patted his face with her chubby 
      hands, gurgling happily.
      ----
      Serena stood at the door on the verge of tears. On one hand she was happy 
      that they finally got to see each other. And on the other she was 
      terrified at what Darien would do now that he knew.
      ----
      Suddenly tired again, Rini yawned and closed her eyes completely content 
      to be held by her father. Darien rocked her for a bit before putting her 
      back in her cot. He took a moment to watch her as she slept peacefully. He 
      walked out silently, grabbing Serenas arm as he went.
      "In my office now!"
      They headed back up to his office and again a conversation started with a 
      door slam.
      "How dare you keep my child from me!"
      Serena glared at him. "And how dare you act so high and mighty. You accuse 
      me of sleeping with someone else when you did it to me in Paris!" She 
      yanked her arms out of his grip.
      "Who is this woman you keep bringing up?"
      "That blonde in your apartment!" she looked at him. He had to be one hell 
      of a liar. She couldnt even see a shred of recognition in his eyes. "The 
      day before we were supposed to leave on that trip. I came home and found a 
      woman in the bedroom and you in the shower."
      Darien nodded. "I see. And did get a look at me in the shower?"
      Serena glared at him. "Of course not. I walked out."
      "You should have. That was my best friend, Jules and his girlfriend, 
      Monique. Youll know her as the gold digger. I left a message on your 
      phone telling you that I let them use the apartment for a few hours 
      because it was so much closer to the airport than theirs. They were going 
      on a trip as well. You see."
      Serena felt relief flood through her system and then guilt. "What else was 
      I supposed to do? I couldnt tell you about being pregnant. You would have 
      accused me of trying to trap you!" tears streaming down her cheeks she 
      shoved at him. "And then I saw her..." she sagged into his arms.
      Darien had no idea shed felt like that. "I would never have thought youd 
      try to trap me." He held her shuddering body to his, lending his strength 
      to her. "Never you."
      Serena cried harder when she heard that. How could he be so forgiving? 
      "How can you be so nice to me?"
      His arms tightening around her were his answer. "Come. Well take you and 
      Rini home and I can meet her properly."
      He spent the rest of the day questioning her about everything about Rini. 
      What she liked to eat, what she liked to do, how smart she was compared to 
      other kids. Serena was amazed about how knowledgeable he was about babies. 
      She never considered that he would be interested in them.
      After Serena put Rini down for her afternoon nap, she and Darien settled 
      on the couch.
      "Come back to Paris with me."
      "What about work?"
      Darien chuckled. "I have a feeling your boss will understand."
      Then she realized how stupid she sounded. "But"
      Darien cut her off with a smile. "Besides. I think Rini is enough for you 
      to manage without having to go to work as well." He could see that this 
      was a lot for her to handle all at once. He leaned down and kissed her 
      hair. "I tell you what. Well go back tomorrow morning and you can tell me 
      what you think once we get there. Ok?"
      She nodded thoughtfully. "Ok."
      ----
      The next morning a loud knocking on her door woke her up. She looked at 
      the clock on the wall. 5am. Even Rini wasnt awake yet. She retied her 
      robe and walked to the door opening it slightly.
      She blinked. Was it her imagination or was a giant pink giraffe standing 
      on the other side of her door? Serena opened the door wider to reveal 
      Darien carrying a gigantic stuffed giraffe and various other toys.
      "Hi Darien." She opened the door to let him in.
      "Where is she?" he looked around expectantly.
      "Asleep Darien. Its 5am." He heart melted when he sat down disappointed 
      that he couldnt see his daughter yet. Yawning she headed into the 
      kitchen. "Have you had breakfast yet?"
      "No Im not hungry. Are you ready to leave yet?"
      She stuck her head out of the kitchen. "What?"
      "Are you packed yet? Weve leaving in a few hours."
      "Let me get some caffeine into me and Ill get back to you." She made them 
      a coffee each and sat down next to him. Without thinking she leaned 
      against him and sighed. It felt so nice to feel his strength so near 
      again. Then slowly cell by cell she began to wake up.
      Serena quickly sat up. "Were leaving in a few hours?"
      Darien was quite happy just sitting there holding her again. But they did 
      have to leave. "Yeah. I take it you havent packed yet."
      "I did a little." She headed to the other room to get more clothes and 
      things together. "Keep an ear open for Rini ok?"
      "Sure." Darien sat back while Serena rushed around the apartment. It 
      wasnt very long before he heard movement coming from Rinis room. He got 
      up and peeked his head in the door.
      Rini recognized him instantly and raised her arms for him to pick her up.
      Darien walked in. "Hi there. Did you have a good sleep?" he laughed when 
      she gurgled. "Ill take that as a yes." Then he realized he had no clue 
      what to do next. "Want to go see your mom?" he carried her out into the 
      living room. "Look whos up."
      Serena walked into the room. "Hi sweetie." She took her from Darien and 
      kissed her cheek. "We should get you dressed." She turned to Darien. "Can 
      you put the things I laid out into my bag while I feed and change her?"
      "Sure."
      He wandered into the kitchen where shed laid out several items of 
      lingerie. Darien tried not to read anything into it. Women wore lingerie 
      and just because she packed some very nice, very skimpy...he closed his 
      eyes and jammed them into a duffle bag. It didnt mean a thing.
      He walked back out, dumping the bag on the couch, and wandered into Rinis 
      bedroom. He stopped at the door.
      Serena was breastfeeding Rini by the window in a rocking chair. Darien 
      stood transfixed by the sight. A sudden warmth hit his gut and he knew 
      right then that he had to make them a family. Quietly he backed out and 
      shut the door behind him and pulled out his phone.
      "Amy? I need a favour."