Later that night, Stella found Mac sound asleep in bed. Climbing on his back, she brought her hands up and massaged his shoulders. Hearing his soft sighs, she knew he was awake. Leaning down towards his ear, she whispered...
"So hot Mac. So hot, and so damn sexy."
Kissing his neck, shoulder, and ear, he turned over and positioned her on his thighs. While his hands, held on each side of her head, where he could look into her passion filled eyes. Seeing them tear up, Mac became concerened...
"Stel... what is it love? Talk to me, please."
In the barest of whispers, she said...
"I'm terrified Mac. Terrified of you leaving Alan and I behind. Leaving us to try and move on without you. Something I know isn't possible. I love you so much, you are my other half that makes our world, our love complete. I don't want you to leave us Mac. I'm sorry if it sounds selfish. Maybe that's because it is. Every night, I'm scared to sleep, in fear that I'll wake, without you beside me."
Feeling her teardrops fall onto his chest, he teared up with her. How could he not, when all her fears completed his. How many nights had he been afraid to sleep? Afraid that he would never wake to see his wife and children again.
"I've had the same fears love. For the last few weeks. Each night, I see myself leaving those I love behind. Always it's so warm, like a peace of purity, and warmth. Then always I hear you and the children calling me back. Not allowing the dream to take me away. I'm not sure what it means love, it could just be my conscience playing a cruel game with me. I guess all we can do, is wait for the results from the scan. Worrying about it now, isn't going to help the situation any. Right?"
Nodding yes. Mac pulled her down till she was a whisper away from his lips. Then tenderly caressing his tongue across hers, they deepened the kiss. Leaving all their pain, and fears behind for another day.
Over at the Staton's, Claire had finally read Julia to sleep. Leaving her room, she headed towards her own. Dropping her clothes, she stood in front of the mirror, and talked to her baby.
"Hi there little one. How are you feeling tonight? Are you getting ready to meet your family in a couple months? I'm sure you already know your sister. She's the one that screams all the time. But that is daddy and mommy's fault. Know why? Cause we spoiled her. Yes we did." she laughed.
Turning to face the door, she seen Tony standing there admiring her beautiful rounded tummy.
"Hi baby. Sorry I'm late. I had to grade reports."
Walking towards his wife, he bent down and kissed the baby. Then caressing his way up, he reached his wife's heated lips. Tasting, plunging, suckling her tongue, in fevered passion. Breaking the kiss, he held her in front of the mirror. Watching as her head rested on his shoulder, as his hands wrapped protectively around the baby.
"Are you hungry, Tony? I left you dinner?"
"Mm... I'm starving." Helping Claire into her robe, he took her by the hand and walked her downstairs.
"How was Julia today?"
"Loud as ever. She annoyed her brother who had piles of homework. Screamed her way into cookies and milk before dinner. Then had me read her the complete story of Lady and the Tramp."
Tony sighed...
"What are we going to do with our little Princess of horror?"
Claire laughed...
"I'm sure she'll settle down once the baby comes. It may help her mature a little. Sometimes knowing you are no longer the youngest, and are now a big brother or sister, changes your outlook."
"I hope you are right, baby. Now let's eat, so I can get you to bed and love you."
Smiling at his words, Claire removed his dinner from the oven, and sat down with him.
"You hungry, baby? we can share."
"No... I ate again before you got home."
"Are you okay, Claire. You've been really quiet?"
"It's just dad. I heard from mom today. She thinks daddy may be heading for another stroke. She's scared, and upset."
"Aww... baby. I thought things had settled down?"
"So did I. But according to mom, Alan has been getting into all kinds of trouble. Which is piling the stress on dad."
"Listen baby. Has mom and dad thought any more about that vacation, I offered them?"
"Yeah. Mom don't think he'll be able to fly.
"How about by train then. They can see all the beautiful scenery. We can look after Alan. Maybe being around his nephews will help change his outlook."
"I guess. I'll talk to mom again in the morning. See what she's says."
Getting up, Tony placed his plate in the dishwasher, took his wife by the hand, and lead her to bed.