0 comments/ 30539 views/ 7 favorites The Awakening of Love By: AshiraDatya :: Prologue:: The girl at the counter handed him his card. "Every time you come in to tan, you will need to bring this card with you. You can not tan without it," she began. She led him to one of the open tanning rooms, and shuddered slightly as she felt his eyes locked on her butt. "After you check in at the desk and you are assigned a room, you go into your room, get your lotion on or whatever you need to do before you tan. Then you will slide your card into this reader." She slid her own card into the reader. The display read, "Cohen, Ashira. 5 tans remaining. Enter time or hit cancel." She hit cancel and tucked a strand of her brown hair behind her ear. "If you need any help, just press the call button on the speaker there and I'll see what I can do to help," she added before backing out of the room as fast as she could without looking rude. :: Chapter One: The Opportunity :: The phone was ringing when she returned to the desk. "Larson's Tan this is Ashira, how may I help you?" she asked. "How busy are you right now?" the voice at the other end asked. "We have three beds and two stand-ups open," Ashira replied. "Great, thank you." The caller hung up. Ashira swiped her card in the reader that would open the door to the desk and after the door opened, she sat down. The front door opened and Ashira stood up. "Hi Marlee," she greeted. Marlee waved. "What's open?" she asked. "All the beds on level four," Ashira replied as Marlee signed her name on the sign in sheet. "I'll see you in twenty minutes," Marlee promised. Marlee stepped in the lift and pressed the button for the fourth floor. Ashira glanced at the computer log and shook her head at the readout. "350 tans in eight hours, I remember when we were only getting 40 tans in eight hours," she thought to herself. She glanced at the computer again and noticed that the guy she had just shown to a room hadn't started his tan yet. She picked up a corded phone and pushed nine. "Yes?" his voice rang out loud and clear. "Is everything alright? I noticed you haven't started your tan," Ashira wanted to know. "I'm an idiot, I didn't realize that the arrow was what had to go in first, but thank you," he replied and hung up. Ashira checked the security system that Lindsey had installed. Everything seemed normal and sales were up. "Hi there sexy." Ashira looked up to see her fiancée Mark standing there. "Hi yourself," Ashira said. "Sure you don't want a job? Lindsey could use the help and you're always here," she teased. "To see you," Mark retorted. Ashira smiled. "You tanning tonight?" she asked. Mark shook his head. "Just stopping by on my way to meet Jack," he said. "Tell Jack to behave with Caran tonight," Ashira told him. Mark nodded. "Don't worry," Mark murmured. "Caran will be perfectly safe," he promised. Mark kissed Ashira's cheek then walked out the door. -Three weeks later- "Close down early Shira, we're having a little celebration," Lindsey said from her office. Ashira walked to the front of the door and swiped her card. The doors locked and the green open sign changed to a red closed sign. Lindsey came up behind her and taped a sign that read, "Closed for meeting, will reopen at 8 am." "How many do we have in beds?" Lindsey wanted to know. "Six," Ashira replied. "When they're gone, come into the office," Lindsey told her. Ashira nodded and returned to her desk. "Have a good evening," she told two clients that were leaving. He looked at her. "You too," he muttered. Ashira shivered as he walked away. After the last client walked out of the room, Ashira made her way to Lindsey's desk. "What's up Linds?" she wanted to know. "We've been in this new building for a year and it's time to celebrate," Lindsey replied. She pulled out a bottle of sparkling lemonade and a chocolate cake. Four more people walked into the office. "You're just in time," Lindsey told them. Ashira greeted Jake, Melinda, Crystal and Sunshine as they sat in chairs around Lindsey's office. Ashira studied her co-workers. Melinda was tall and had hair the color of a raven. It was sleek and shiny and fell half way down her back and her eyes were the color of midnight. Jake wasn't as tall and Ashira often joked that he could be Matt Damon's stand in. Crystal was named after very expensive champagne and was model thin and very beautiful with her chestnut brown hair and green eyes. Sunshine looked like the sunshine with pale blond hair and sparkling blue eyes. Ashira often found herself envious of her friend's flawless features when she had to spend an hour in the bathroom so she didn't look like swamp thing. "We've been in this new building a year, and we're the only salon like this. We may be the first, but we won't be the last. I have an announcement to make." Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at Lindsey. "I am expanding the business. I will be opening a store in San Diego California. I need three of you to move there and be my managers. You have until the end of next week to make your decisions. It's a first come first serve basis. I trust you all and that is why I am extending this offer to you and not to any of the other employees," Lindsey said. Everyone stared at each other and started talking at once. Lindsey sat back and watched as her gang as she affectionately referred to them ate the cake and talked excitedly about the new salon. The Awakening of Love Ch. 02 Sorry it takes so long to get into anything interesting ... I was trying to develop the characters a bit instead of just diving on in. :: Chapter Two: The undoing:: Ashira swiped her card after the last customer walked out the door, and watched with relief as the green open sign turned to the red closed sign. She had the feeling that someone had been watching her all day. Ashira picked up the house phone and dialed to the fourth floor. "Are your beds cleaned?" she asked Jake when he answered. "Almost, I've got two left and man, whoever was in bed forty tonight left one hell of a mess," Jake replied. "There was paper all over the place, and I'm pretty sure there was semen all over the bed," he added in disgust. He swiped his card in the reader. "Make a note of a kid named Paul Michaelson,"Jake told Ashira. Ashira entered a memo in the computer under Paul's name about the masturbation, and then clicked on the 'give warning' key. Ashira then pushed the button for the third floor. "Crystal, how's it coming?" she wanted to know. "All clean and clear. I'll be leaving in about five minutes," Crystal replied. Ashira called Melinda and Sunshine, and when she was satisfied that the rooms were all cleaned, she began her closing routine of vacuuming and cleaning the mirrors before counting the register. As Ashira went about her closing procedures, she let her mind wander to the dinner date she had with Mark later that evening. She was going to finally meet his parents after nearly three years of dating. She was excited, but nervous at the same time. Mark had always described his parents as uptight and controlling people. As Ashira was putting the cash drawer into the safe, she heard the front door open. "Lindsey, what's wrong? Did you forget your keys?" she called, closing the door to the safe and turning around. "Hello Ashira, have you used your last tan yet?" Ashira tried to scream as a masked man grabbed her arm and pulled her to him. "I have a gun in my pocket and if you scream, I will use it," he threatened. He pulled Ashira into the employee tanning room behind the coat room and forced her into the tanning bed. He then pulled Ashira's skirt down past her knees and let it fall to her ankles as he pushed his pants down and shoved his way into her. Ashira tried to scream as she swung at him with her hands. "I will kill you," he warned, covering her mouth with his hand. Then, he grabbed both of her wrists with a hand and held them over her head as he pumped in and out of her. There was a noise in the coat room that only had him moving faster within her. Ashira glanced around the room frantically as she looked for anything she could use to make noise to alert whoever was in the coat room to get out and get help. Ashira bit her lip as her attacker moaned in ecstasy and kissed her cheek. "You were wonderful baby, thank you," he said, pulling up his pants and straightening his jacket. He glanced at Ashira who was shaking against the bed as she pressed her legs together. "Don't tell anyone about this," he warned as he turned to leave. Ashira grabbed the lamp that sat next to the tanning bed, stood up and right before he reached the door, she brought it down on his head; but not hard enough. He whirled around. "You bitch!" He slapped her face and pushed her into the bed. "I guess you want another go," he growled, reaching for the snap of his pants. Ashira scratched at his face and he pushed her away again. Ashira grabbed at his arm, scratching it as she unbeknownst to him, grabbed his tanning ID card. "You're not worth another go, you're just like the rest of them," he snarled, pulling the gun out of his pocket and pointing it at her. Ashira tried to slide out of the way, but the bullet caught her in the shoulder, and she cried out in pain before sliding into darkness. Ashira's attacker shook his head with a sigh as he studied Ashira's body. He felt a twinge of guilt about having to shoot such a beautiful woman, one he wanted for his own, but he couldn't have her telling him what to do; dictating his every move. He brushed the hair back from her face and kissed her cheek gently. "It's too bad you rejected me Ashira, we could have been great together, you could have been my queen. I would have treasured you always," he said in her ear before leaving the room to avoid detection. The Awakening of Love Ch. 03 :: Chapter Three: The Decision:: "Shira, can you hear me?" Ashira's eyes fluttered open with a groan. "Shira?" Ashira screamed as she recognized the voice as masculine. "Shira, it's Jake, shh, you're going to be okay," Jake soothed, pressing his shirt onto her shoulder. "I've called the police and they're on the way," he murmured. ::4 hours later:: Jake, Crystal and Melinda walked into Ashira's hospital room. "Shira?" Jake asked as he knocked on the open door. Ashira opened her eyes and gave a half hearted smile. "Hey," she said sleepily as her friends crowded around her. She reached for Jake's hand. "Thank you," Ashira murmured. Jake squeezed her hand. "You don't need to thank me," Jake told her. "Has Mark been here yet?" he asked. Ashira shook her head and winced at the pain it caused in her shoulder. Jake sighed. "Who was in the coat room?" Ashira wanted to know. "I was," Sunshine replied. "Jake was in the back office making orders off of what inventory said was needed and when I told him your car was still in the garage, he came down to investigate," she added. "Miss Cohen, could you answer a few questions?" a police officer asked from the doorway. "If you'll let my friends stay," she told him. Unhappily, the officer agreed. "What do you remember?" the officer wanted to know. Ashira looked at Jake, who reached over and squeezed her hand gently. "I took the cash drawer and locked it in the safe. When I turned around, there was a man in a ski mask, black I think. He told me he had a gun and took me to the employee tanning room. He pulled my pants down, pushed me onto the bed and raped me," Ashira answered. "Why wasn't the door locked?" the officer wanted to know. "It was locked. I locked it right after Ami Sampson left," Ashira protested. The officer wrote down something in his notebook. "What else?" he inquired. "When he finished, he turned to go and I hit him over the head with the lamp. He was going to rape me again, but I scratched his arms and face and the next thing I remember is Jake was there," Ashira said. The officer turned to Jake. "What were you doing there?" the officer wanted to know. "I was doing inventory and ordering more lotion, bulbs, eye wear, and cleaning soaps, just like I do every Friday evening," Jake answered. "I had gone into the employee level in the parking garage and when I noticed Shira's car was still in her spot, I got concerned and went inside to look for her," he added. "Why were you concerned?" the officer prodded. "She had a date with her fiancée." "And his parents! G-d what they must think," Ashira exclaimed. "Never mind that," Sunshine said. "If they're human, they'll understand," she added. The doctor walked into the room. "Good, you're awake. I'm Doctor Harrison, officer, I'm afraid you'll have to continue your questions at a later time, I don't need my patient getting worn out, she's had a very traumatic time," he told the officer. The officer scowled but handed Ashira his card. "Call me if you remember anything else," he told her. "Officer," Jake said as the officer turned to leave. He turned back to Jake and Jake handed him a plastic bag. "He left this, I found it snagged to Ashira's jacket. It must have gotten tangled when the paramedics were looking her over," he said. The officer looked at the white card with the words Larson's Tan on one side. "That's how our customers log into the beds," he explained. The officer thanked Jake and left the room. "You all have five more minutes then I want you all to leave so Ashira can rest. You may come back tomorrow," Doctor Harrison told them. Sunshine thanked him before he turned to leave. "You sure you're okay?" Crystal asked. Ashira nodded. "You did really great Shira, scratching him and hitting him over the head like that. They've got his DNA now. But, why didn't you hit the panic button?" Jake asked. "He restrained me. My hands were over my head," she replied. "You're okay now. It's over," Melinda said. Ashira gave a weak smile. Jake pulled out his cell phone. "I'll call Mark for you, okay?" he asked. Ashira nodded and yawned. "Get some sleep kiddo, we'll be back tomorrow and I'll make sure Linds gives you hazardous pay for this," Jake joked. Ashira laughed and shook her head. "Get out of here, will ya?" she asked jokingly. "Feel better," Jake murmured, before kissing Ashira's cheek lightly. Crystal, Sunshine and Melinda waved as they walked out the door. -A week later- "This is Jake," he answered. "Jake it's me, I can't do this," Ashira said, breathing heavily. "Shira, talk to me, what's the matter?" Jake asked. "I can't be here." Jake could hear her hyperventilating through the phone. "Where are you Shira, talk to me," Jake prodded. "The office," she replied. "Stay there and calm down, I'll be right there," Jake told her. He checked his computer, only one bed was in use. He scribbled a note for the client and headed for the employee elevator which would take him into the office. "Shira?" he asked, opening the door. "Ashira, calm down, and put that away," Jake said, reaching carefully for Ashira. She jumped and the open blade of the scissor nicked Jake on the hand. He winced, but carefully extracted Ashira's hand from the scissors. "Shira, it's okay," he murmured, pulling her to him. "You're okay, he isn't here." "He was," Ashira sobbed. "What?" Jake asked. "I found this at my station," Ashira said through body wracking sobs. Jake took the note from her. "C'mon sweetie, let's go get some air," he murmured, pulling Ashira to her feet. "What's going on?" Lindsey asked. Jake pulled a Kleenex from the box, folded the note up in it and handed it to Lindsey. "Call the police and give them that. I'm taking Ashira outside for some air," he replied, leading Ashira to the patio. -Later that day- "Hi Linds," Ashira said, opening her front door. "You okay?" Lindsey asked. Ashira shook her head. "I don't know if I will be for awhile, but I know what will help. I want that job in San Diego," Ashira replied. "What about Mark?" Lindsey asked, knowing full well that Mark didn't want to leave. "We're taking a break," Ashira answered. "Jake has already requested to go, will you be all right if he goes with you?" Lindsey asked. Ashira nodded. "He's been my rock," Ashira told her. "Okay, you guys go on to San Diego, I have Sunshine going too. I'm sure Crystal and Melinda will understand why I'm putting your request ahead of theirs," Lindsey promised. "Thanks Linds," Ashira said. The Awakening of Love Ch. 04 Please leave comments ::Chapter Four: The Move:: "Wow," Sunshine breathed as she saw the outside of what was to be their new home. Ashira and Jake seconded Sunshine's reaction. "I can't believe Lindsey is paying for all of this," Ashira said. "This is amazing," Jake chimed in. "Look, we're right on the beach," he added. Jake glanced at Ashira and then exchanged worried looks with Sunshine. It had been nearly a month since the attack and the dark circles under Ashira's eyes told Jake that she had not been sleeping very well. "It's a fresh start," Sunshine declared. She grabbed Ashira's hand. "C'mon, let's go inside and pick out our bedrooms," she added, pulling Ashira into the house. Jake laughed and followed the girls into the house. "OOhh, Ashira, this room is perfect for you!" Sunshine squealed. The room was a large open space, with a large bay window that overlooked the ocean. There was a built in bookshelf next to the bay window and the floor was a beautiful oak. Ashira smiled. "It is beautiful," Ashira agreed. "Sunny, the room down the hall is awesome, come check it out," Jake called. "I'll be right back," Sunshine promised. She headed into the room Jake called from and squealed in delight. Jake appeared in the door way. "Shira? I think Sunny found her room. Wow, this is amazing," Jake said. "You okay?" he asked. "Hmm? Yeah, I'm fine," Ashira replied. "It is beautiful. I think I'll love this room," she told him. "You can talk to me, you know that right?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded. "I know," she murmured. "Okay, well, I'm gonna go find my room then we'll go out to dinner," Jake told her. -3 hours later- "Hey you three, how's the house?" Lindsey asked as Jake, Ashira and Sunshine walked into the tanning salon. "This is amazing," Jake said. "The house is beautiful," Sunshine told Lindsey. "Okay, let's take the tour," Lindsey began. "It's a bit smaller then the one in Chicago, but we should still get plenty of clients once people realise that we're here. "There is only one floor and you guys are the only employees. Ashira, you're going to be the office manager, Sunshine, you'll be in charge of the salon, keeping the beds and rooms cleaned. Jake, you'll be in charge of security. Ashira, as the office manager, you'll take over Jake's job of inventory, I'm sure he'd be more than happy to help you out with that," Lindsey said. She handed out their ID cards and led them to a panel in the wall. "This is where you will punch in and out each day. There is an employee tanning room, but you'll need both a badge and a thumb print. This system is state of the art, if your pulse is higher than normal, it won't let you in," Lindsey told them. She brought them into the office where there was a thumb print scanner attached to the computer. "You're first Ashira," she added. When everyone had scanned their thumb prints into the computer, Lindsey showed them around the salon. "C'mon everyone, let's go get something to eat," Lindsey told them all. "Ashira?" Jake called. Ashira opened her bedroom door. "Phone," he added, handing her the phone. Ashira took the phone and when she hung up, her face was white and her hands were shaking. "Shira?" Jake wanted to know. "What's the matter?" "I'm pregnant," she whispered. Jake reached for her hand. "Are you sure?" he asked. Ashira nodded. "I'm late, really late, and the doctor just confirmed it," Ashira said. "It's going to be okay," Jake promised. "It could be his," Ashira whispered. "I know. Is there any chance that it's Mark's?" Jake wanted to know. Ashira nodded and sighed. "It wouldn't matter if it is his, Mark made it clear he doesn't want anything to do with me," Ashira told him. "What? Why?" Jake asked. He had known they had decided to take a break, he just didn't know why. "I wouldn't let him touch me," Ashira replied. "Are you serious? He understands what you went through, right?" Jake asked. Ashira shrugged. "He knows I was raped, you called him and told him, but he expects me to be the same person," Ashira answered. Jake shook his head. "What a jerk," he muttered. Ashira looked at him sharply. "You can't tell me that if you were engaged to someone and they got raped, you wouldn't be a little bit hurt if she wouldn't let you touch her?" Ashira asked. "Of course I would be hurt, but I would also understand that what she just went through is a traumatic experience that isn't going to change over night. I would try to be as understanding as I could be and I wouldn't dump her just because she wouldn't let me touch her," Jake replied. He took a deep breath. "Listen Shira, you have every right to be skittish and scared. I'd be worried if you weren't. I think you'll let go when the time is right and if Mark is too stupid to realise that, then he never deserved you in the first place. But I promise you this: I won't let anything happen to you or Sunshine while you are in that salon. If you feel like you need a shadow when you go places, I'll go with you. You girls are family to me and if the cops ever find this guy, they'll have to restrain me to keep me from killing him," Jake promised. Ashira gave a small smile. "You're a dork, you know that?" she asked. Jake laughed. "As long as you are smiling, call me what ever you want," he told her. "Get some rest, I'll tell Sunny not to disturb you but I'll let you know when dinner is done," Jake said. -3 days later- "Larson's Tan, this is Ashira, how may I help you?" Ashira answered the phone. "Shira?" "Mark?" Ashira asked. "Hi." There was an awkward pause. "How are you?" he asked. "Still alive," Ashira replied. "What do you want Mark?" she wanted to know. "Jake called me," Mark told her. Ashira swore under her breath. "It could be mine, right?" Mark asked. "Yes Mark, it could very well be yours," Ashira said. "What do you want?" she repeated. "To come and talk," Mark answered. "You've said all you needed to say. If it's yours, I'll let you know," Ashira said before hanging up on him. The phone rang again. "Damn it Mark, leave it alone," Ashira snapped. "Is that the wayward fiancée?" Ashira froze as she recognized the voice on the other end. "How did you get this number?" Ashira whispered. "The website the lovely Lindsey had developed. How is the weather in San Diego? I hear the beaches are quite beautiful and that you and Sunshine were stunning on them yesterday." "What do you want you creep?" Ashira asked. "You." With that, he hung up the phone. Ashira sat there, receiver in hand, shaking as Sunshine walked into the office. "Shira?" she asked, reaching out and touching Ashira's shoulder. Ashira jumped and screamed. "Ashira, what's wrong?" Sunshine asked, taking the phone from her friend and hanging it up as Jake hurried into the room. "What happened?" he demanded. "He, he called me," Ashira whispered. Jake froze. "When?" Jake asked. "Just now, after Mark," Ashira replied. "C'mon, let's go get something to eat while Jake takes care of this," Sunshine murmured. Jake pulled his cell phone out of his pocket and dialed the police. -Later that day- "Shira, Sunny, can you come into the dining room please?" Jake asked. The girls followed Jake into the dining room and sat down. "I've called Lindsey, and I've called the police. There is a tap on the phone, if he calls again, we'll get him," Jake said. Ashira fiddled with a hang nail. "Two things. If he calls, don't provoke him, but try and figure out what he wants. Second, neither of you goes anywhere alone. Linds is hiring some additional security to follow you girls around any time you leave the house," Jake added. Two tall and attractive guys who looked like they went to the University in San Diego walked into the kitchen. "This is Miguel and Steve," he introduced. Sunshine smiled but Ashira shook her head. "This isn't optional Ashira," Jake said. "I will not have some guy I don't know following me around," Ashira told him. Steve winked at Ashira. "So let's go get to know each other," he suggested. "Get out! You're nothing but an oversized boy who can't get some any other way," Ashira snapped. "I did not mean that in a sexual way, are you nuts? I could lose my job over that!" Steve exclaimed. "I will not have a guy I do not know following me around, and if Lindsey has a problem with that, I'll go somewhere where nobody will find me," Ashira told Jake. Jake sighed. "Shira, just calm down. Steve, you and Miguel go wait on the patio," Jake told them. The guys nodded and walked outside. "Ashira, be reasonable," Jake began. "Lindsey is doing this to protect you," Jake told her. "I don't care, they look like they could be a threat and I don't trust them," Ashira said. "Stop and think for a minute," Jake pleaded. "If Lindsey wants me to have a body guard and if you agree with her, why don't you do it?" Ashira retorted. Jake sighed. "You should understand Jake, why I don't want someone I don't know following me around," Ashira said. Jake sighed. "But it's for your protection," he reminded her. Ashira looked at Jake. "How well can someone protect me if I don't trust them?" Ashira asked. Jake sighed again. "All right Ashira, I'll do it. I'll send Steve away and I'll act as body guard until this guy is caught," Jake told her. Ashira gave a small smile. "Thank you," she murmured. Jake sighed and stood up to let the guys know. When he and Miguel came back in moments later, Jake was laughing. "Shira, you would not have had to worry about a thing with Steve," Jake told her. "What do you mean?" Ashira asked. "Steve's boyfriend lives in L.A.," Miguel told her. Ashira shook her head and gave a small smile. "Then I don't think he would have liked going to doctor's appointments with me," Ashira murmured, just loud enough for Jake and Sunshine to hear. Jake shook his head. "I forgot about those," he admitted. "Backing out on me?" Ashira asked. Jake shook his head. The Awakening of Love Ch. 05-06 ::Chapter Five: The Truth:: Ashira nervously picked up the phone and dialed a number she knew by heart. "Hello?" Ashira paused, confused by the strange voice at the other end. "Is Mark there?" Ashira inquired. "Hold on. Mark, phone!" "Hello?" "Who the hell was that?" Ashira wanted to know. "Umm, that's Carrie, a girl from work," Mark replied. "That's not all!" Ashira heard Carrie yell from the back ground. "Carrie, will you be quiet?" Mark asked. "What's up Shira?" Mark wanted to know. "What would you say if I told you that you're the father?" Ashira asked. "That I'm glad it isn't some wacko who can't get sex any other way then raping someone, but that you're on your own, I don't need that kind of responsibility in my life right now," Mark replied. "You won't help?" Ashira asked. Mark sighed. "I'll send money when I can, but I don't want any part of this kid's life Shira. I thought you and I would have had years to plan for this, but I'm not ready for this kind of life yet," Mark told her. "At least you're being honest," Ashira said before hanging up the phone. -3 hours later- "Wow, what's all this?" Jake asked, walking into the house to find Ashira making a huge dinner. Ashira turned around, a handful of peeled and diced potatoes in her hands. Ashira turned back to the pot of water, dropped the potatoes into it, whirled back around and wrapped her arms around Jake's neck. "It's Mark's," she murmured. Jake gave her a gentle squeeze. "I'm glad. Does he know?" Jake wanted to know. Ashira sighed. "He knows, but he doesn't want to be a father," Ashira told him. Jake hugged her again. "I'm sorry," Jake said. "How are you feeling?" Jake asked. "Better now that I know that at least the baby was conceived in love and not a criminal act," Ashira answered. Jake smiled. "That's something," Jake agreed. "What was that?" he asked, pulling away slightly. "That would be the baby," Ashira told him. "Seriously?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded. "That's incredible," Jake said. "It feels weird," Ashira admitted. Jake laughed. "I can only imagine," Jake said. Ashira pulled out of Jake's arms. "I need to finish dinner," she murmured, turning back to the stove. ::Chapter Six: The Nightmare Continues:: "Larson's Tan San Diego," Ashira answered. "I hear we're having a baby." Ashira shivered as she recognized the voice. "We aren't having anything," Ashira told him. "What do you want? Haven't you tortured me enough?" Ashira wanted to know. "I know that you're pregnant, I can see you right now." "Where are you?" Ashira asked nervously. "Close enough," he replied before hanging up. Shaking, Ashira pushed the button for Jake's extension. "Jake Barnes," Jake answered. "He just called me," Ashira said. "Are you all right? What'd he say?" Jake wanted to know. "He knows I'm pregnant, he also said that he could see me. He thinks the baby is his," Ashira replied. "Did the call get recorded?" Jake asked. "I didn't have time," Ashira said. "Stay put, I'm on my way," Jake promised, hanging up the phone. -Five months later- "Come in," Ashira called. Sunshine opened the door. "What's up?" Ashira asked. "There's a memo from Linds, she wants us to shut down and come back to the house," Sunshine replied. "Does Jake know?" Ashira wanted to know. Sunshine nodded. "Give me five more minutes, I'll meet you guys in the parking garage," Ashira told Sunshine. Sunshine nodded again and walked out the door. -30 minutes later- "Lindsey?" Jake called. Lindsey walked into the front hall. "I have a surprise for Ashira," Lindsey said. "Go, we'll wait," she added. "Where?" Ashira asked. "Your room," Lindsey replied. Ashira walked into her room and when she didn't return right away, Jake headed towards it. "Oh my gosh, this is," Jake breathed. He turned to Ashira. "You okay?" he wanted to know. Ashira turned to see Lindsey and Sunshine in the doorway. "Lindsey, this is too much," Ashira told her. "No Shira, it isn't. You've done so much for me and I wanted to repay you for that," Lindsey replied. "You already have with this job and this house," Ashira told her. "But you're still getting calls, until this stops, I will owe you more and more," Lindsey said. -3 days later- "Jake, are you still here?" Ashira asked, walking into his office. She was surprised to find the lights off in the office and Jake nowhere to be found. "Jake, where are you?" Ashira muttered, walking upstairs to the employee tanning room. "Well, well, well, look who's finally alone." Ashira whirled around to find the man who raped her standing in front of her. "You're coming with me," he added. When Ashira tried to turn and run, he held a cloth over her mouth and nose and within seconds, Ashira was out cold. He pulled her away, unaware that one of Ashira's shoes had fallen off. -Ten minutes later- "Ashira?" Jake called, walking through the tanning salon. He heard Sunshine calling from the other end of the salon. "Jake!" she shouted. Jake ran to where Sunshine was searching. "Something's wrong," Sunshine told him, holding up Ashira's shoe. Jake pulled his cell phone out of the holster and dialed the police. -3 hours later- "She's officially been declared kidnapped," Jake told Sunshine and Lindsey. "Any suspects?" Lindsey asked. "Other than her rapists, no," Jake replied. "Has anyone called Mark? I would think he would want to know if the mother of his child was kidnapped," he wanted to know. "I'll do it," Sunshine offered, walking into the office, Miguel trailing behind her. "When Sunshine comes back, tell her there is going to be a meeting at the house," Lindsey told Jake. -Later that night- "The police finally managed to identify Ashira's attacker by his DNA. They finally got a hit, his name is Joe Johnson and he's from New York. He's wanted there for several attacks like this," Lindsey began as Jake walked into the kitchen through the back door with large bags of food from the local Chinese take out joint. "How did this happen?" Lindsey demanded, turning on Jake angrily. "I had to go to the bathroom. Shira was in her office and I thought she'd be okay," Jake said. "You were supposed to stay with her unless she was in this house!" Lindsey yelled. "Linds, calm down," Crystal said. She had come down to San Diego with Mark who had been oddly concerned. "Don't tell her to calm down. Jake was responsible for Ashira's safety," Mark told Crystal. "Are you finally done with your whores and concerned about the welfare of your former fiancée and your child?" Jake snapped. Mark sat silently. "Don't sit there and pretend to be concerned. You haven't been here. You haven't gone to her doctor's appointments with her, you haven't felt the baby move, weren't here when Ashira would wake up screaming, or when she wanted to kill herself because she thought the baby was his! You have no idea how relieved she was to find out you were the father instead of that creep. Your lack of interest broke her heart!" Jake shouted. "Everyone calm down!" Lindsey yelled. Jake and Mark both turned to Lindsey. "Bickering isn't going to help Ashira," Lindsey told them. "I'm sorry," Jake said. "Me too," Mark muttered. The police detectives walked into the room and began asking everyone questions. Finally, Jake had had enough. "We can't find Ashira while we're sitting here and talking!" he shouted. "Why are you moving in on my girl?" Mark wanted to know. "You broke up with her, she isn't your girl anymore," Jake growled, taking a step towards Mark. "Boys!" Crystal shouted, stepping in between Mark and Jake. "This isn't helping," she said. "I want to go out and look for her," Jake told Lindsey, ignoring Mark. "So do I," Mark chimed in. Jake turned on Mark. "You have no business being here," Jake told him. "Sure I do. Ashira is having my baby," Mark replied. "A baby you don't want!" Jake exclaimed. "But I don't want anything to happen to her. I care about Shira," Mark said. Jake snorted. "You care about her?" he asked, incredulously. "You broke off your engagement with her because she was raped! And then, when she calls you to tell you that the baby she is carrying is yours instead of his, you tell her you don't want to be a father! You were engaged to her! You should have known that a child would follow! It usually does!" Jake yelled. He was beyond pissed now. Pissed was wanting to break something, Jake was at the kill something stage. If Mark didn't get out of his sight, Jake would have to hurt him. "Just go Mark, you can't help and you're not wanted," Jake growled. Mark turned to Lindsey as she put her hand on his shoulder. "You'd better go Mark, we'll keep you informed," Lindsey murmured. "This isn't over," Mark promised, giving Jake a threatening glare as he walked out of the house. The Awakening of Love Ch. 07 and 08 :: Chapter Seven: The Race :: Ashira groaned as things came into focus. "What the hell?" she thought, shaking her head in an attempt to clear her head. She reached up to rub her face and gasped when she saw her arm was handcuffed to the bed she was laying on and remembered her rapist kidnapping her from the salon. "Good, you're awake." "Where am I?" Ashira wanted to know. "Where you can never get away," he replied, standing up. He walked over to a sink and poured a glass of water, walked over to Ashira and handed the glass to her. "Drink," he instructed. "Let me go," Ashira said. He laughed. "Not until you have my baby," he replied. "It isn't yours!" Ashira exclaimed. "No? It sure as hell is that pansy ex boyfriend of yours." Ashira's eyes were flashing with anger. "What makes you think it's yours?" she wanted to know. "Because I'm a man and your ex is a boy," he replied. "Drink," he said. Ashira twisted her wrist. "How can I drink when I'm tied up?" she asked. He untied one of her wrists and held the glass out for her again. Ashira took the glass and was relieved when she didn't taste anything but clean water. "Do you have any food?" Ashira asked. He shook his head. "Why would I have food?" he asked. "You won't need it where you're going," he added. "Are you going to kill me before or after I have the baby?" Ashira asked. "I wasn't going to ..." he stopped, catching himself before he revealed something he shouldn't. "After," he told her. "I want the baby." "If I don't eat, the baby will die," Ashira told him matter of factly. "Everything I eat and drink goes to the baby. Everything I breathe goes to the baby," she said. He looked at her as if he didn't believe her, then stood up, walked over to a laptop computer and did a quick search before coming back to the bed. "What do you want to eat?" he asked. Ashira thought quickly. "I've only been in the mood for one thing lately, but I don't know how close it is to here," Ashira began. "I have a microwave, I can heat food up," he said. "Well, the only place that makes it really worth getting it from is near my house. It's this place called Comida Casa ... they make the best Four Cheese Enchiladas ... make sure they're mild though," Ashira told him. He nodded and walked out of the house, got in the car and drove away. Ashira tried to untie her still restrained hand but it was no use. She fumbled in her pocket for her cell phone. "Victory!" she thought. She flipped open the cover. "Damn it, no signal," she thought. Ashira slid the phone back in her pocket. "I hope Jake goes for Mexican one of these nights or I'm going to get really sick of enchiladas," she thought. :: Chapter Eight: The rescue:: "Do you want more enchiladas?" he asked Ashira. Ashira shook her head. "I'm actually in the mood for Chinese," she said. "Sweet and Sour Chicken," he said, nodding his head. Ashira mentally shuttered that he knew her that well. He started to walk to the door. "Before you go, could you untie me? I need to get up and walk around," Ashira asked. He hesitated, then untied her other wrist and her feet. "You can't go anywhere," he reminded her. "I know, I just need to walk," Ashira said. Ashira waited until he drove away before she walked as fast as she could to where she had been hiding her cell phone. Ashira pulled the phone out of its hiding space and turned it on then walked around the room until she found a spot that would allow her to make a call. "Hello?" "Jake!" Ashira exclaimed. "Shira! Where are you?" Jake wanted to know. "I don't know, but I just sent my kidnapper out for food. He's gonna go to China Town Buffet and get me sweet and sour chicken ... he's about six five with blond hair ... he has a scar that reaches from his nose to his mouth, you can't miss him," Ashira said. "Please go wait for Chinese," she added, hanging up, turning the phone off and sliding it back into its hiding place. Ashira paced up and down the living room waiting for someone to walk through the front door, hoping that Jake and the police would be right behind him. "Here's your sweet and sour chicken," he announced from the front door. Ashira sat down at the makeshift table and he sat the chicken in front of her. Not even thirty seconds later, the police stormed into the house. "How did you find me?" he wanted to know as the police handcuffed him. Ashira walked over and pulled her cell phone from its hiding spot. "You bitch!" he exclaimed. Jake walked in after the paramedics. "Jake!" Ashira exclaimed. Jake wrapped his arms around her. "You didn't think I'd stay home did you?" Jake murmured. "Are you all right?" he asked. "He didn't hurt me," Ashira replied. "He actually took pretty good care of me ... how long have I been here?" she wanted to know. "Almost two months," Jake answered. Ashira groaned. "You okay?" he asked. Ashira nodded. "I've had enchiladas almost every day for two months. If I see another enchilada, I'll scream," she told him. Jake laughed. "Sir, we need to take her to the hospital," the paramedic said. Reluctantly, Jake pulled away from Ashira and allowed the paramedics to help Ashira into the back of the ambulance. -3 hours later- "May we come in?" Jake asked from the doorway. Ashira nodded, and even though she was obviously exhausted, she looked relieved to see them. "What about me?" Mark asked from the door way. Ashira hesitated when she saw the anger on Jake's face at Mark announcing his presence. "Even you Mark," Ashira said. She met Jake's gaze. "It's okay," she mouthed. Jake, Crystal, Sunshine and Mark hovered around Ashira's bed. "I'm fine," she said before anyone could ask. Sunshine laughed, easing some of the tension between Mark and Jake. "He didn't hurt me," Ashira said for Jake's benefit, hoping to calm him down before he blew like a land mine. Ashira turned to Mark. "What are you doing here?" she asked bluntly. "I was worried. I still care about you," Mark replied. "You care about her? You left her after she was raped! You call that caring about someone?" Jake asked. "Jake," Ashira murmured softly. "I may not be in love with you anymore, but that had nothing to do with the rape. And you know I would never want to see you hurt," Mark said. Ashira said nothing, she merely nodded. "I'm not even ready to be a father. I'll help you out financially, but I don't ..." Ashira held up her hand. "Lets not talk about this until after the baby, okay?" she suggested. Mark nodded, walked over to Ashira and gave her a hug. "I am glad you're okay," he murmured, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "I know," Ashira told him. Mark squeezed her hand before walking out the door and into the night. The Awakening of Love Ch. 09 :: Chapter Nine: A New Beginning:: "Shira?" Jake called, walking out to the garden. Ashira looked up from her book and smiled. "Hi," she murmured. "Are you feeling all right?" Jake wanted to know. "Yeah, just tired," Ashira replied. "How much longer?" he asked. "Two weeks," she answered with a groan. "Your back?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded. Jake straddled the bench behind Ashira and began to gently massage the knots out. "Are you excited?" Jake asked. "I'm scared," Ashira admitted. Jake stopped massaging Ashira's back and pulled her to him. "Why?" he wanted to know. "I don't know if I can do this. Mark doesn't want to be a father and yeah, he's willing to pay money, but I don't know if I can do this alone," Ashira said. "Shira, you're not alone, you have all of us," Jake reminded her. Ashira gave a small smile. "A baby needs a father and Sunshine isn't exactly father material," Ashira joked. "What about me?" Jake asked. Ashira turned to look at Jake. "You know I care about you. Let me be there for you and for the baby," Jake murmured. Before Ashira could say anything, Sunshine walked out onto the patio. "Hey guys, dinner is done. And before you ask, it isn't Mexican, or Chinese," Sunshine told them. Ashira and Jake laughed as Jake helped Ashira to her feet. "What is for dinner?" Ashira wanted to know. "Manicotti," Sunshine replied. After they had finished eating, Ashira turned to Jake. "Can you drive me to the salon? I have some paper work to finish up," Ashira asked. "Yeah, give me five minutes to finish something in my room and I'll meet you in the car," Jake agreed. True to his word, five minutes later, Jake met Ashira in the car. They rode the fifteen minute ride to the salon in silence. "What do you need to do here?" Jake asked. Ashira turned and looked at Jake. "I just have some paper work to finish up," she told him. "It'll only take about an hour," Ashira added. Jake looked at his watch. "Okay, I'm going to go shopping for my mom's birthday then, I'll be back here at 7:30," Jake said. "Have fun," Ashira murmured, walking into the salon and into the office. Jake got out of the car and headed for town. Ashira walked into the office and sat at her desk. Ashira reached for the files that she hadn't filed. Ashira first checked the number of times the customers had tanned in the last sixty days, and then she checked how much money they had spent between buying packages and buying lotion. Everyone who had spent a hundred dollars in the last sixty days was bumped up to preferred customer status. Just as Ashira reached for the last file, she felt a searing pain in her abdomen and felt a warm, sticky fluid run down her leg. Ashira reached down and felt her leg. When she pulled her hand back up, Ashira was shocked to find her fingers covered in blood. Ashira tried to stand and fell to the ground. "Jake," Ashira whimpered as she struggled not to panic. Ashira glanced at her watch. She still had fifteen minutes before Jake would be back. Ashira reached for the phone and managed to pull it off the desk. Ashira dialed Jake's cell phone number. "You have reached Jake, I'm not here right now, just leave a message and I'll get back to you ASAP," the voice mail recording sounded. "Jake, I need help, please hurry," Ashira said in a panicked voice before hanging up the phone. Shortly after 7:30, Jake walked back into the salon. "Shira?" he called. Jake walked into the office. "Shira?" Jake called. He walked around the desk. "Oh my G-d! Ashira!" Jake exclaimed. He grabbed the phone and dialed 911. Jake paced in the hall way as he waited for the doctor to come out and speak with him. Just as Sunshine found him, the doctor came out of Ashira's room. "Are you Jake Barnes?" the doctor wanted to know. Jake nodded. "Is Ashira okay?" Jake wanted to know. "We're taking her up to surgery to have an emergency cesarean section. The placenta started to break away from the uterine lining that is what caused the haemorrhaging. She should be fine and so will the baby, if the doctor can get it out in time," the doctor replied. Jake and Sunshine exchanged concerned glances as Ashira was wheeled out of the examining room and upstairs to the Operating Room. "Do you want me to call Mark?" Sunshine asked. Jake clenched his fists but nodded. "He should know that his child's life is in danger," Jake said after several moments. "I'm going out for air, I'll be back in a few minutes," he added. Jake was pacing up and down the hall when Mark started walking towards them. "How is she?" Mark asked. Jake looked surprised to see Mark get there as fast as he had; forgetting that Mark had been transferred to San Diego a few weeks before. "There's no word yet," Sunshine told him, toying with her hands nervously. Mark looked at Jake, hesitated then walked up to him. "Jake, I know I should apologize to Shira, but I'm going to apologize to you. I'm sorry for the way I treated her after she was raped. I know you've hated me for it since and to be honest, I hate myself for the way I treated her. She deserves way better than me, and I hope you guys are happy together. I know you care about her; I've seen the way you look at her. If Shira wants your name on the baby's birth certificate, that's fine, but I would like to see the baby every once in a while, you can call me 'Uncle Mark," Mark told Jake. Before Jake could say anything, the doctor came out of the operating room, his scrubs speckled with blood. Jake's hands clenched as Sunshine and Crystal came to stand next to him. "How is she?" Jake asked. "She's one lucky lady. We managed to get the baby out and save them both. Ashira's weak and she's lost a lot of blood, and while I don't recommend it right away, provided she is kept as stress free as possible, she can have another baby," the doctor said. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. "The baby, what is it?" Mark asked. "A little girl; eight pounds, ten ounces and twenty three inches long," the doctor replied. "You can see the baby now, but you need to wait about a half hour before you can see Ashira," he added, anticipating their next question. "She's in the NICU," the doctor told them before walking away. Everyone looked at each other. "Let's go see the baby," Jake said, turning towards the NICU. Jake stopped after a few feet and turned back to Mark who was hanging back, unsure of where he stood. "C'mon dad," Jake told him. Mark caught up with them and the four of them walked to the NICU. The Awakening of Love Ch. 10-11 :: Chapter Ten: A New Edition :: Jake knocked on the door to Ashira's room and shuffled nervously. Mark opened the door. "Hey Jake," Mark said quietly. "I was just heading out, Ashira's exhausted," he murmured. "I wasn't going to stay long, I just needed to ..." Jake couldn't say anything. "Make sure she's okay, I know, I needed to as well. Ashira and I have talked and worked out an arrangement. You need to talk to her, just don't talk long. Take care of Ashira Jake," Mark added, walking away. Jake walked into Ashira's room and she lit up when she saw him standing in the doorway. "Hey!" Ashira said softly. "Are you okay?" Jake asked, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "We're fine," Ashira told him. Jake tucked a strand of hair out of Ashira's face and behind her ear. "Jake, I'd like you to meet Serenity Faith Barnes," Ashira murmured. Jake stared at Ashira. "I thought about what you said, and I talked to Mark. If you're still willing to be her dad, then I'd love to take you up on the offer," Ashira told him. "I don't know what to say," Jake said. "Are you sure? Is Mark sure?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded. "He said he'll sign any paper he needs to sign to terminate his rights as long as he can see her." Ashira trailed off as Mark strolled back in the room. "Sorry, I forgot my jacket," he said. Jake turned to Mark. "Are you sure about this?" Jake asked. Mark nodded. "I love Ashira, but it's not the kind of love I thought it was and I would be honored to be this little girl's father, but I'm just not ready and I know I can't provide the way she needs to be provided for. I know you can, and I know you'll love the baby and Ashira the way they need to be loved," Mark said. Jake shook his head in disbelief. "I just want to be able to see the baby once in a while," Mark added. "Any time, just call first," Ashira promised. Mark kissed Ashira on the cheek and the top of the baby's head. "See you around Serenity," he murmured before walking back out the door. -8 weeks later- "She's beautiful, and what a pretty name," Lindsey said, rocking Serenity in the rocking chair. Ashira laughed. "I thought so too," she murmured. "How is she sleeping?" Lindsey wanted to know. Ashira shrugged. "The first few weeks were pretty rough, but I think we're settling into a routine," Ashira answered. Lindsey smiled and both women looked up when Jake entered the room. He had fallen head over heels with the tiny baby in his boss's arm, and was quickly falling in love with the baby's mother. Ashira smiled as Jake knelt down besides Lindsey and gave the baby a gentle kiss on the top of the head. Lindsey had flown out to San Diego from Chicago to fill in for Ashira as she recovered from her surgery. Ashira had recovered faster than anyone expected and Lindsey would be leaving in just a few days, and Ashira's first day back would be Monday morning at 8 a.m. "Ready to get back to work?" Lindsey asked. Ashira shrugged but nodded. "I am, but I don't know how I'll handle being away from Serenity," Ashira admitted. Jake took the now fussy baby from Lindsey's arms and cradled her gently. Lindsey stood up and gave her employees both a big smile. "I need to go if I'm going to make my flight. I'll give you a call Sunday night," Lindsey said. Ashira gave Lindsey a hug. "Thank you for everything," Ashira whispered. Lindsey smiled and left the house. :: Chapter Eleven :: Ashira could hardly believe how her life had changed. Since Ashira mostly did office work and hardly interacted with clients, Lindsey told her to take the baby to work with her and Jake surprised Ashira by buying a very nice pack and play for Serenity to play and sleep in when she was in the salon. Ashira sighed as she stepped into the shower late Saturday morning. Things were moving so fast that she could hardly keep up and she found herself wondering what it was about her that made Mark not love her anymore. When Ashira stepped out of the shower, she heard Jake talking to Serenity, calming her down and getting her to sleep. Ashira smiled to herself. Jake was a natural and Serenity took to Jake like ducks take to water. While Ashira was drying her hair with her towel, she didn't see Jake come into the bathroom. He stood against the wall, his eyes fixated on Ashira. She had lost all of the pregnancy weight, thanks to a sensible diet and a work out regime that rivaled his own. Ashira's abdomen was flat and toned, her long legs muscular without an ounce of additional fat. Jake's eyes were glued to Ashira's ass then to her crotch as Ashira turned around. She finished drying her hair and lowered the towel in her arms as she opened her eyes. Ashira gasped when she saw Jake and frantically tried to wrap the towel around her lean body. "Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?" Jake asked, his voice husky. Ashira's face was bright red as Jake stepped towards her, reaching for the towel and sliding it down Ashira's body, letting it drop to the floor. Ashira stood naked in front of Jake, nervous but unafraid. Something in Jake's eyes let her know that he wouldn't hurt her. Jake pulled Ashira to him and kissed her gently as his hands explored her body. When Jake's hands reached the apex of Ashira's thighs, he slid a finger deep inside Ashira making her gasp and arch towards his hand. Jake's finger stroked Ashira gently and Ashira moaned as the sensations made her more and more wet. Ashira could make out the distinct bulge in Jake's pants and smiled shyly. "You know, this isn't fair, you've seen me, I should ..." Ashira stopped talking and gasped as Jake started to move his finger faster. A moan escaped Ashira's lips and her knees started to shake. Jake pulled his finger out of Ashira, who whimpered for more and swept her into his arms and carried her to his room, laying her gently in the center of the bed before stretching out beside her. "You are so damn beautiful," Jake said, his voice raw with emotion, pressing kisses on Ashira's mouth, face, neck and stopping at the breasts. Ashira's breasts were full of milk and changed her cup size from a B to a C. Jake licked one of Ashira's nipples gently and grinned as she cried out. He eased a finger back inside of her, stroking gently. Jake's mouth left Ashira's breasts and continued his assault with his mouth until Jake's mouth joined his finger at her most secret place. Ashira cried out and her hips shot off the bed as Jake's tongue made contact with her clit. Ashira closed her eyes and whimpered as Jake eased a second finger inside her. "Oh God Jake!" Ashira moaned as he took her higher and higher. Ashira came with a scream and Jake quickly covered Ashira's mouth with his hand so she would awaken Serenity. Jake waited for Ashira's breathing to return to normal and watched her. "Are you okay?" Jake asked gently. Ashira nodded and Jake pulled her in for a hug. "I couldn't resist. You looked so beautiful," Jake murmured, trailing kisses down Ashira's neck, making her moan again. Ashira slid a hand down the front of Jake's shirt before letting it come to rest very close to his groin. Ashira could feel his hardness and she smiled softly before looking Jake right in the eyes. "Make love to me Jake," she whispered. Jake laughed, painfully aware of where Ashira's hand was sitting. "I thought I just did," Jake said. Ashira smiled and unbuttoned and unzipped his blue jeans. Jake groaned as Ashira carefully pulled his jeans and boxers down his legs and let them fall into a heap on the floor. "Are you sure?" Jake asked, poised over Ashira. Ashira lifted her hips and nodded as Jake pushed his way inside. "God Shira, you're so tight," Jake groaned. Ashira tensed a little as Jake pushed farther and farther inside her. Jake felt her tenseness and cupped her face in his hand. "It's me Shira, not some creep," Jake said soothingly, stroking Ashira's hair lovingly as he swirled his tongue around an already hard nipple. Ashira gasped squirmed under Jake who smiled and began thrusting gently. Ashira met him thrust for thrust, moaning loudly. Jake covered her mouth with his and swallowed Ashira's moan as she came again. Jake thrust once more before he came deep inside of her. Jake mentally called himself an idiot, he had been planning on pulling out, hoping to avoid getting Ashira pregnant. They lay together, a tangle of arms and legs, and even though they were side by side facing each other, Jake was still buried deep inside Ashira. Ashira began to cry and Jake wiped the tears away. "Did I hurt you?" Jake asked gently. Ashira shook her head and smiled. "I haven't felt that good in months," Ashira whispered, her breathing irregular from her work out. Jake smiled and groaned as Ashira began tracing his spinal cord with her finger, before groaning again as he felt himself harden inside Ashira again. This time, he rolled them over so that Ashira was on top. "Do what you want, when you're ready," Jake said, hoarsely. Ashira tentatively slid up and down onto Jake's swollen manhood and he groaned, gripping Ashira's hips tightly, thrusting hard up into her. They came together, moaning. Finally exhausted and spent, they fell asleep in each other's arms. When Jake awoke later that day, Ashira was gone. For a moment, Jake thought he'd dreamed everything until he saw the semen and other fluids on his shaft and on the sheets of the bed. Jake cleaned himself up, pulled on some clothes and went in search of Ashira who was sitting in her room, in her rocking chair nursing Serenity. Jake stood in the doorway, watching Ashira with the baby, a soft smile on his lips. Ashira looked up and Jake walked into the room. "Hi," Ashira murmured. Jake pressed a kiss to the top of Ashira's head before leaning down and kissing the beautiful little girl in Ashira's arms. "Did I hurt you?" Jake asked in concern. Ashira shook her head and smiled. "It felt beyond wonderful," she assured him. Jake smiled and ran a finger of Serenity's nose. The baby stopped suckling, looked at Jake for a minute and returned to her task. Ashira resisted the urge to squirm in her chair; Jake had never watched her nurse before and her breasts were still sensitive from Jake's teasing. A knock at the door at Jake and Ashira looking up to find a grinning Sunshine standing in the doorway. "What have you two been doing while I was gone?" she asked teasingly. Ashira and Jake looked at each other and Ashira blushed, knowing Sunshine could read any expression that would appear on her face. Sunshine's eyes widened as she looked back and forth between her two friends. "Did you guys sleep together?" she asked incredulously. Jake looked at Ashira and grinned. "There wasn't much sleeping involved," Jake admitted. Ashira flushed brighter and Jake chuckled and checked his watch. " I promised some of the guys that I'd go surfing with them, will you dashing ladies be okay without me?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded and Sunshine grinned. "Go on, get out of here so we can talk about you behind your back," Sunshine said, almost literally pushing Jake out the door. "What was he like?" Sunshine asked, her eyes twinkling. Ashira blushed and sighed. "Oh my God Sunny, he was unbelievable," Ashira told her friend. Sunshine grinned. "He was so much better than Mark," Ashira added. Sunshine's eyes grew wide. "Bigger too," Ashira said, an evil grin on her face. Ashira noticed Serenity had stopped sucking and when she looked down, the baby had fallen asleep. Ashira carefully pulled her daughter away from her breast and fixed her bra and shirt. Serenity's eyes opened slightly as Ashira held her up against her shoulder and patted her lightly on the back. After Serenity had burped, Ashira stood up and placed the baby in her crib before heading towards the door. Jake paddled his surf board out to where the waves started to come in and when a large wave came for him, he stood up, riding the wave towards the beach. His mind got to wandering back to the love he and Ashira had just shared and Jake stopped paying attention to what he was doing. He fell off of the board and was dragged under the break water, the board hitting him on the head, stunning him. Jake pulled himself up from under the water and grabbed his board with one hand as he swam the last few feet to shore. "Are you okay man?" Jake's friend Trevor asked. Jake nodded and grinned sheepishly. "What were you thinking about?" Trevor asked. Jake grinned again. "A girl," Jake answered. Trevor laughed. "Does that mean you finally got laid?" Trevor asked. Jake nodded and Trevor gave him a pat on the back. Jake invited Trevor back to the house and Sunshine eyed him eagerly. "Trev, this is Sunny, she works at the tanning salon with me, and this is Ashira," Jake introduced. Trevor's eyes raked over Ashira and he gave Jake an appreciative smile. "She's gorgeous man," Trevor said quietly to Jake when Ashira returned to the kitchen. Jake grinned and nodded. Sunshine walked up to them and handed them each a glass of ice cold lemonade. "I made it myself," Sunshine told the guys. Jake rolled his eyes and took a sip of the lemonade. "Where's Serenity?" Jake wanted to know as Ashira brought out a large casserole dish full of food from the kitchen and set it in the center of the table. "Sleeping," Ashira replied. Trevor looked at Jake curiously. "Just how many women do you live with?" Trevor wanted to know. Jake laughed. "Two women; Serenity is special," Jake answered. Ashira rolled her eyes and motioned for Sunshine to follow her to the kitchen. "Are you okay?" Sunshine asked her friend. Ashira nodded. "I'm just getting one hell of a weird vibe from Trevor," Ashira answered. She handed her friend a big bowl of salad. "Take this out to the table for me," Ashira murmured. Sunshine nodded and headed back to the kitchen as Ashira pulled the garlic bread out of the oven. Jake came into the kitchen and wrapped his arms around Ashira's waist, pulling her to him. Ashira sighed and leaned against Jake, loving the feel of his arms around her. "Do you need any help?" Jake asked. Ashira smiled and nodded. "Could you take out some salad dressing?" Ashira asked. Jake turned Ashira to face him and kissed her gently. "Can I take you later?" Jake said, his voice low. Ashira blushed but nodded. "If you'd like," she answered. Jake pushed his pelvis up to hers and Ashira could feel how aroused he was. "Oh I'd like to," Jake agreed. "I'd like to take you right now," he whispered into Ashira's ear. Ashira blushed as the kitchen door opened to reveal Trevor standing in the doorway. Ashira pulled away from Jake, her face red as she turned back to the garlic bread and began putting it on a platter. "Sorry, Sunshine sent me in to say food was getting cold," Trevor said. He looked appreciatively at Ashira's ass and Jake shot him a look that clearly read, "She's mine, so keep your hands off!" Jake grabbed the pitcher of lemonade and thrust it at Trevor as he grabbed three different bottles of salad dressing. Ashira followed the guys into the dining room, carrying a platter of garlic bread and they all sat down to eat. Ashira hadn't taken more than four bites when a god awful wail blasted through the house. Ashira sighed and started to stand up. "I've got her," Jake said, standing up. Ashira smiled with relief and sat back down. Jake slipped into Ashira's room and pulled the crying baby from her crib before carrying her over to the changing table and changing the soiled diaper. Trevor looked up as Jake returned with the baby in his arms. "This is Serenity," Jake introduced, buckling the baby into her chair and pulling it up to the table. Trevor looked surprise but said nothing. Jake glanced at Ashira and smiled. "How old is she?" Trevor asked finally. Jake looked at Ashira and thought quickly. "Two months tomorrow," Jake answered. Ashira looked surprised that he remember the exact day of the month Serenity had been born on and Jake smiled. "I didn't know you had a kid," Trevor said. Jake grinned and shrugged. "I have a personal life," Jake answered. The longer Trevor stayed, the more at ease Ashira became with him. Jake took Serenity back to her room before he followed Ashira into the kitchen to help with dessert. "What'd you make?" Jake wanted to know. Ashira smiled and handed him a baking pan full of apple crisp and pulled a carton of vanilla ice cream out of the freezer. "God woman, are you trying to kill us all?" Jake asked with a grin. Ashira laughed and shook her head. "Not yet, but maybe later," Ashira said quietly. Jake's grin widened and he hurried to take the dessert out to the kitchen and poured everyone a glass of wine. Ashira as usual, declined the wine, but poured herself a glass of milk. "L'Chaim!" Ashira said, raising her glass. Sunshine and Jake repeated the toast but Trevor looked confused. Jake laughed. "It means 'to life'," Jake translated. Trevor grinned and held up his glass of wine. "That was really good," Trevor said after he had had his second helping of apple crisp. Ashira smiled and thanked him and glanced over at Jake who was staring at her. Finally Jake stood up. "Sunny, will you clean up and put food away?" Jake asked. Sunshine nodded and Jake stood up, grabbed Ashira by the hand and pulled her towards his bedroom. "I'm sorry, I can't wait any longer," Jake groaned, pulling his clothes off of his body before moving on to Ashira's clothing. The buttons on the blouse Ashira was wearing flew across the room and she pushed her skirt away eagerly. Jake lifted Ashira into his arms before placing her on the bed and plunging deep inside. Ashira gasped as she moved her hips with Jake. Ashira moaned loudly as Jake fondled one of her breasts with his hand before leaning down to take it in his mouth. Some breast milk squirted inside his mouth, but Jake swallowed it, even though it was not the most pleasant of flavors. Jake thrust hard and fast and Ashira came with a scream. Jake groaned as he emptied his seed deep inside Ashira's tight channel. They lay there, Jake on top of Ashira for several minutes before Jake rolled off of her. They lay together side by side and Jake reached for Ashira's hand and held on to it tightly. Ashira propped herself up on one elbow and studied Jake's face. "What's wrong?" Ashira asked. Jake sighed and smiled sheepishly. "Each time we've made love today, I've forgotten to wear a condom," Jake admitted. Ashira froze, and closed her eyes. "I know it was stupid, I'm so sorry," Jake murmured, reaching up and cupping her face. Ashira opened her eyes and took a deep breath. "I think I'm okay, I'm due for my period soon," Ashira said softly. Jake nuzzled Ashira's neck and pulled her down on top of him. "I love you," Jake murmured so quietly that Ashira had to strain to hear him. Tears streamed down Ashira's face and she pulled away. "What?" Jake asked worriedly as Ashira started pulling her clothing on. "I have to go check on Serenity," Ashira said, holding her blouse closed and escaping to her room. The Awakening of Love Ch. 12 -2 months later- Ashira sat at her desk in her office hoping her flu was really the flu. Despite bolting after Jake telling her that he loved her, Ashira and Jake had slept together several more times. Ashira bolted out of her chair and into the employee bathroom and made it into a stall just in time. After regaining her composure, Ashira rinsed her mouth out at the sink and headed back to her office, sat in her chair and made a quick phone call as Sunshine walked into the office. "Are you still feeling sick?" Sunshine asked. Ashira nodded. "I just called my doctor's office, they can get me in to see the doctor in about twenty minutes. Can you watch Serenity for me?" Ashira wanted to know. Sunshine nodded. "Of course, do you want me to tell Jake if he asks?" Sunshine asked. Ashira shook her head. "Just tell him I'm running an errand," Ashira answered, glancing at her sleeping daughter before leaving the office. An hour later, Ashira returned to the salon and was glad that it had closed for lunch. Using her id card, Ashira unlocked the door, opened it and walked inside. She was just about to close the door and lock it when Jake walked up with a huge bag of food. "Need some help?" Ashira asked, reaching for the tray of drinks. Jake handed them over with a grateful smile and swiped his own card to lock the door behind him. "Where'd you disappear to?" Jake wanted to know. Sunshine met them at the doorway to her office. "I'm off to my dentist appointment now, thanks Jake for grabbing lunch," Sunshine said, grabbing the drink and bag she knew were for her. Ashira and Jake always brought food from home and ate in Ashira's tiny office. Ashira waited until they were in the office with the door closed before saying, "I went to the doctors, they were able to fit me in." Jake looked at Ashira in concern. "Are you okay?" Jake asked. Ashira sighed and ran a hand through her hair as she looked away. "Shira, what's wrong?" Jake asked, reaching out and gently tilting Ashira's face back towards him. Jake's concern grew when he saw the tears in Ashira's eyes. Ashira glanced at her daughter who was still thankfully asleep before looking back at Jake. Ashira managed a small smile. "I'm pregnant," she said finally. Jake closed his eyes and he mentally cursed himself for being careless. Ashira studied Jake's face, looking for a reaction. She could feel his panic and sensed his desire to run. Ashira stood up and headed for the door. "Where are you going?" Jake asked, so unsure of what he was feeling. Ashira stopped by the pack and play and lifted the sleeping baby out of it. "I'm going home. I'm completely drained. Sunny will be back in a few hours, you guys can handle the shop until closing. Take some time and think about what you want," Ashira said softly before leaving the salon. By the time Jake and Sunshine returned home, Sunshine was deeply worried for both of her friends. Jake hadn't said one word about what had happened at Ashira's doctor's appointment, just that she wasn't feeling well and had gone home. "Are you hungry?" Sunshine asked. Jake nodded as he headed into the house. "I can make some soup and sandwiches," Sunshine offered. Jake finally smiled. "That sounds great. I'm going to go check on Shira," Jake said softly. Sunshine nodded and headed to the kitchen while Jake walked over to Ashira's room. Jake opened the door quietly and smiled when he saw Ashira and Serenity fast asleep. Jake quietly walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge of it. Jake studied Ashira's face, and frowned when he saw how red her eyes were from crying. Jake wiped a remnant of a tear away causing Ashira to wake up and sit up quickly. When she realized who it was, Ashira relaxed a little. Unfortunately, her stomach hadn't agreed with the sudden movement and Ashira dashed to the bathroom. Jake followed behind Ashira and held her hair and rubbed her back. "I'm sorry," Jake murmured. Ashira stood up, her body shaking as she rinsed out her mouth. Jake led her to his room and Ashira looked at him with tired eyes. "I acted like a doufus," Jake said. Ashira laughed a little at that but sighed, hoping her stomach would settle down soon. "I know it's probably too soon after Serenity, but if you want this baby, then so do I," Jake murmured. Ashira sniffled and Jake kissed her gently. "I know you bolted the last time I said this, but I love you," Jake said softly, reaching into her pocket. Ashira looked at Jake in surprise. "This was my mother's, and I want you to have it. "Ashira, please say you'll marry me," Jake pleaded, his voice husky with emotion. Ashira began to cry and Jake held her close. "I love you too Jake, yes, I'll marry you," Ashira whispered. Jake kissed Ashira lovingly and slipped the ring on her finger. Tears streamed down both of their faces as Jake smothered Ashira's face with kisses. Before either one of them knew it, they were both naked and Jake was thrusting gently into her. Ashira came fast and hard, screaming Jake's name, trembling with pleasure. Ashira was exhausted and allowed Jake to clean her up before tucking the covers up around her. "Get some sleep while I help Sunny with dinner," Jake said gently, pressing one last loving kiss to Ashira's full lips before walking out of the bedroom, closing the door behind. Sunshine grinned when Jake walked into the kitchen. "Have fun?" she teased. Jake flushed and grinned back. "Be careful with her, she's fragile," Sunshine warned her friend. Jake nodded. "I know," he muttered, grabbing a bottle of water out of the fridge and taking a swig. "Need help?" Jake asked. Sunshine nodded. "Yeah, slice up some bread for the sandwiches," Sunshine said, handing Jake a loaf of rye bread. The next thing Ashira knew, Jake was shaking her awake gently. Ashira smiled when she saw his face looming over hers. Jake returned the smile and kissed her gently. "I brought you some soup and a sandwich," Jake told her, pulling away. He picked up the tray up from the dresser and placing it over Ashira's legs. Ashira took a hesitant spoonful of the chicken soup. It stayed down so she ate a few more spoonfuls before trying the sandwich. Jake watched Ashira eat while he nibbled at his sandwich. "Jake, I need you to move the tray," Ashira said suddenly. Jake grabbed the tray and Ashira made a mad dash for the bathroom. On her way back from the bathroom, Ashira bumped into a worried Sunshine. "I'm okay Sunny," Ashira said quietly. She closed her eyes as another wave of nausea gripped her before turning around and heading back into the bathroom. This time, Ashira made it back to the bedroom without further incident. "You okay?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded and gave a wan smile. "I hate this part," she whispered. Jake smiled gently as he settled down next to Ashira on the bed and kissed her gently. "Do you want to try eating again?" he asked. Ashira shook her head. "Not yet, but do we have any 7-up?" Ashira asked. Jake shook his head. "I can get you some if you want," Jake offered. "No, it's okay, don't make any special trips," Ashira said softly. Jake rolled his eyes. "Will it help your stomach?" Jake wanted to know. Ashira nodded. "As long as it isn't too cold, then yes," she answered. Jake gave Ashira's hand a squeeze. "I'll be back in ten minutes," he promised, standing up and walking out of the room. Jake had no sooner backed out of the driveway then Serenity started crying. Ashira sighed and slowly made her way to her daughter's room. Five steps from the room, a wave of dizziness swept over her and Ashira had to grab hold of the door leading to the laundry room to keep from falling. Sunshine was walking out of the laundry room and frowned as she helped her friend back to Jake's room. "I'll take care of Serenity, you just take it easy," Sunshine said quietly. After helping Ashira back to bed and calming the baby down, Sunshine waited by the door for Jake. When he finally came back with the 7-Up, Sunshine pounced. "What's wrong with Ashira? I know she had a doctor's appointment, and I know she told you what was going on, but I want to know," Sunshine demanded. Jake sighed and set the bag down on the kitchen counter. "What did Shira say?" Jake asked finally. "Nothing, which is why you're going to tell me," Sunshine answered. Jake hesitated and busied himself with pouring a glass of the 7-up for Ashira. "I'm pregnant," Ashira said from the doorway. Sunshine gasped and Jake turned around. He frowned when he saw how pale Ashira was. "You okay?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded. "I will be as soon as I stop puking my guts up," she grumbled. Jake chuckled as Ashira sat down in a chair. He slid the glass of 7-up over to Ashira who took a small sip. Sunshine looked from Jake to Ashira and back to Jake again. "Are you stupid Jake?" Sunshine asked finally. Jake sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Look Sunny, I know you're upset ..." Jake began and Sunshine snorted. "If this is what you both want, then I'm thrilled, but it wasn't that long since the attack and ..." Sunshine stopped talking and stared at her friend who was laughing so hard that her laughter turned to tears. Ashira couldn't stop crying and her breathing became sharp gasps. Jake swore under his breath and knelt down in front of Ashira, taking her hands in his. "Just relax, it's okay," Jake said softly. It took a few minutes, but Jake calmed Ashira down and she shakily took another sip of soda. "I'm sorry Shir," Sunshine murmured. Ashira shook her head and gave her friend a smile. "It's okay, I'm glad you're worried about me," Ashira said. "That's how I know you're a real friend," she added. "Are you really okay having another baby so soon?" Sunshine asked. Ashria shrugged. "Honestly, I don't know, but I am, so I guess okay or not doesn't matter," Ashira answered honestly. Those weren't the words Jake really wanted to hear, but he knew where Ashira was coming from. "At least you know it's Jake's," Sunshine said. Ashira grinned and nodded. "And I'm very glad about that," Ashira said, squeezing Jake's hand. He smiled at her and glanced at Sunshine. "We good?" he asked. Sunshine nodded and watched as Jake kissed Ashira's hand gently before leaving the kitchen. -3 months later- Jake led a blindfolded Ashira through the parking lot and into a building. "Jake, what are you doing?" Ashira wanted to know. Jake smiled and led Ashira inside a few more feet, closed the door behind him and pulled off the blindfold. "Where are we?" Ashira asked, looking around. Jake grinned and pulled Ashira to him. "This is our new home," Jake told Ashira. "I figured things would be really crowded with two kids and three adults, so I bought us a house. It isn't huge, only three bedrooms, but it has a really open floor plan and a pretty awesome attic," Jake said. He studied Ashira's reaction before she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him, tears streaming down her face. The Awakening of Love Ch. 13 I do not know any of the television personalities in this chapter! CHAPTER THIRTEEN Jake walked into the salon one morning to find Ashira trying patiently to handle a client that was very irate. "Miss, if you can't calmly tell me what the trouble is, I can't help you," Ashira said, trying to be as patient as possible, she saw Jake behind the client. "Do you need help?" he mouthed. Ashira shook her head and returned her attention to the client who lowered the volume a little. "I paid for a month of tanning, came in here maybe four times and when I tried to tan today, the little floozy you have out front told me my package expired," the woman said angrily. Ashira closed her eyes for a moment and silently counted to ten. She really wanted to chew this woman out for berating her friend. Jake took a step closer, crossing his arms over his chest. "Do you have your tanning id card?" Ashira asked. The woman handed Ashira the card. "Just give me one moment while I pull up your account," Ashira said, swiping the card through the card reader. Ashira scrolled through the information on the screen. "When did you buy your tanning package?" Ashira asked. The woman shrugged. "I can't remember, but it couldn't have been more than a week or two," she answered. Ashira looked past the woman to Jake. "Jake, can you go back to the records room and pull Miss Carlson's file please?" Ashira asked. Jake nodded, walked up to the desk, took the card from Ashira and walked away. "Who is that?" Miss Carlson asked, her eyes following Jake as he walked away. "He is quite a good looking man, and that ass," Miss Carlson said, imagining what it would be like to get in bed with Jake. Ashira laughed and rolled her eyes. "That's Jake, our head of security, and my fiancee," Ashira answered. Miss Carlson frowned, and wondered if there was any way of getting Jake away from Ashira. The front door opened again and Ashira looked past her irate client. "Linds!" Ashira exclaimed, happy to see her boss. "Excuse me please," Ashira said to Miss Carlson as she hurried over to Lindsey. "Let me help you," Ashira offered. Lindsey dumped a paper bag into Ashira's arms and followed her to the front desk. As Ashira and Lindsey set the bags down, Lindsey got a good look at Ashira's slightly rounded abdomen. "It looks like you need to start doing stomach crunches. A pretty girl like you shouldn't carry around so much extra weight," Miss Carlson observed. Lindsey stared at Ashira in surprise and Ashira blushed as Jake came back up front with the file. "Hey Linds, good to see you!" Jake exclaimed, giving his boss and friend a kiss on the cheek. Lindsey gave Jake a tight hug before returning her attention to Ashira. "Are you ..." Lindsey didn't have to finish the question because Ashira nodded with a slight smile. Jake reached for Ashira's hand and held it for a minute. "We are," Jake told Lindsey, holding up Ashira's left hand for her to see. Lindsey grinned, sensing another excuse to have a party. Jake and Ashira exchanged looks and laughed. "No parties," they said together. Ashira moved back behind the desk and opened up the file. "Miss Carlson, according to both your receipt that we filed and the computer records, you purchased your package over two months ago," Ashira said. "How can that be?" Miss Carlson asked, growing angry again. Ashira showed her the receipt. "You fabricated this! You don't want to give me my full tans!" she exclaimed. Ashira sighed and rubbed her eyes. She'd only been at work for twenty minutes and already she wished she were anywhere but there. "Do you have a credit card or bank statement that could prove that you purchased it a few weeks ago?" Ashira asked. The woman shook her head, and leaned close to Ashira. "If you don't give me back my tans, or my money, I will make you regret ever being born," she threatened quietly. Jake pulled the woman back. "You have stepped way over the line. I'm banning you from the salon, if you don't start walking out of here in the next thirty seconds, I will call the police," Jake said, pulling his cell phone out of the pouch on his belt. Miss Carlson reached for her key card but Jake shook his head. "You aren't allowed back here, ever," Jake said. Miss Carlson huffed, spun on her heel and left the salon. -3 months later- Ashira, Jake, Mark, Sunshine and Trevor sat in patio chairs in the back yard of the house on the ocean singing "happy birthday" to Serenity who looked around at everyone, the presents and the cake in awe. Ashira leaned over and helped Serenity blow out the candles and everyone clapped. Serenity clapped too making everyone laugh. Serenity's first birthday was a fun but exhausting event. Ashira had wanted to make dinner and the cake but Jake and Sunshine convinced her to order in pizza and let Sunshine help with the cake. Serenity talked to Jake in her baby babble as Ashira started cutting the cake. Ashira started to walk back over to the main table with the slices of cake when she nearly tripped over one of Serenity's baby dolls. "Hey, easy there," Mark said, reaching out and steadying Ashira. "You okay?" Mark asked. Ashira nodded, feeling Jake's eyes on her and shivered. "You usually aren't such a klutz, are you sure you're okay?" Mark asked. Ashira blushed but nodded. "It's a little embarrassing, but I can't see my feet," Ashira admitted. Mark grinned and led Ashira by her elbow back to the main table. "I'll serve the cake, you sit," Mark said. Jake wrapped an arm around Ashira's waist possessively. He felt more comfortable with Mark around, but part of him still feared he would want Ashira and Serenity back. Mark sighed as he studied his ex-fiancee, the mother of his daughter heavily pregnant with another man's child; a man that he had practically driven her to. Mark was beginning to regret giving Ashira up and signing over his parental rights to Serenity. He could come see her whenever he wanted, and didn't have to pay a dime in child support, but Mark was beginning to want to be known to Serenity as daddy and not Uncle Mark. Mark shook his head, chasing away his thoughts and brought cake and tall glasses of milk for everyone. He needed to talk to Ashira, but could wait until she had the baby. No point in stressing her out if he didn't have to. -3 weeks later- "I can't believe we're here, this is insane," Ashira said, fidgeting in her chair as she and Jake waited for the trial to begin. Jake nodded and sighed. "I know, suing over something this trivial, it's a waste of tax payers dollars," Jake agreed. He studied his new wife carefully, smiling. They had married the week before, three days before Ashira's due date. The ceremony took place on the beach with only Trevor and Sunshine as witnesses and Serenity as the bride's maid. Their honey moon was just a night at the local Hilton and the love making had been gentle but passionate. The bailiff said, "All Rise." The words shook Jake out of his thoughts and he helped Ashira stand up. Judge Judy walked over to her position over the rest of the court and banged on the gavel, ordering everyone to sit back down. She then proceeded to ask Miss Carlson her side of the story. Jake only half listened as he studied Ashira out of the corner of his eye and frowned when he noticed Ashira was gripping the stand so hard her nuckles were white. "Are you okay?" Jake whispered. Ashira waited a minute before nodding and took a deep breath. Judge Judy noticed Jake whispering to Ashira and turned her attention to him. "Would you like to share with the rest of the court what you were just asking the young woman next to you?" she asked. Jake wanted to roll his eyes. "I was asking my wife if she was okay, as you can see for yourself your honor, she's very pregnant," Jake answered. Judge Judy opened her mouth to tell him not to be sarcastic when Jake sighed and apologized. Judge Judy nodded and turned her back to Miss Carlson who finished telling her side of the story. Judge Judy turned back to Jake and Ashira. "And what do you have to say?" she asked. Ashira straightened her spine a little. "Who are you and what is your position with Larson's Tanning Salon?" Judge Judy asked. "My name is Ashira Barnes, and I am the office and general manager," Ashira answered. "Go on," Judge Judy prodded. Ashira proceeded to explain the events of the day that happened over 6 months prior. "How is it you remember so much about this incident?" Judge Judy asked. Ashira opened her mouth to speak, but closed her eyes and gripped the table again. Glancing at Ashira in concern, Jake stepped forward. "When ever we have a conflict with a client, we document it in the file we have. In this file, we keep receipts of every purchase the client makes and when. We print out two copies, one for us, which the client signs and one for the client themselves," Jake answered. "And I'm Jake Barnes, head of security for the salon," he added, turning back to Ashira. "What's wrong?" Jake asked softly. Ashira shook her head. "My back keeps cramping, I'm fine," Ashira said quietly. Judge Judy asked for the file which Jake handed over to the bailiff. "I'll be back in a few moments, I'm going into my chambers to deliberate," she announced, standing up and walking away. Jake eased Ashira into the chair behind their podium and the bailiff walked over. "Ma'am, if you don't mind my saying so, the last time I saw a woman in this much pain as far along as you are, it was when my wife was in labor with my youngest child," the bailiff told Ashira. Jake's eyes widened. "Shira, are you in labor?" he asked. Ashira took a deep, calming breath. "Yes," Ashira admitted. Jake cursed under his breath. "Why didn't you say something?" Jake asked, unable to hide the anger in his voice. Ashira looked at him, her eyes wide and pained. "Because we'd automatically lose the case and have to pay this woman everything she's asking for," Ashira answered. Another contraction gripped her, this one stronger than the previous ones and she was unable to keep from crying out. She reached for Jake's hand and when he slid his hand into hers, she squeezed it as tightly as she could. Sunshine stepped forward. "If need be, I can stay for the verdict," she said softly as Judge Judy walked back into the court room and Ashira struggled to her feet with the help of Jake and Sunshine. Judge Judy looked over at Jake and Ashira and having been through it herself, knew exactly what was happening. "Mrs. Barnes, when are you due?" Judge Judy asked gently. Ashira gasped for breath and Jake turned to face the judge. "She was due almost a week ago," he answered. Judge Judy shook her head. "I'll make my ruling brief. Miss Carlson, you have no records to proof your story, and these people from Larson's Tanning have records that proof their story, and they have your signature. Judgment for the Defendant, case dismissed," Judge Judy said, banging her gavel. As the hammer met the base, Ashira let out a scream of pain as an intense contraction gripped her body and a rush of fluid poured between her legs. Jake swayed but didn't pass out, helping Ashira sit back down. "Jake, I'm scared," Ashira whispered. Jake squeezed Ashira's hand as medics rushed down the isle. As the paramedics started to help Ashira onto the stretcher, she groaned. "I don't think I'm going to make the hospital," she said suddenly. Jake stared at Ashira in concern as she lay back on the stretcher. One of the paramedics carefully lifted Ashira's skirt up past her knees. "Ma'am, I need you to lift your bottom for me," the paramedic said gently. Jake helped Ashira lift up and the paramedic slid Ashira's now soaked panties down her legs. "You're right, you won't make it to the hospital, the baby's crowning," the paramedic said, checking Ashira. Jake shook his head. "No way! She has to wait till we get to the hospital!" he exclaimed, panicking. Ashira moaned in agony. "Jake, shut up!" Ashira wailed. The paramedic chuckled as her partner started an IV in Ashira's left arm. "This is to keep you hydrated, when the next contraction comes, you need to push and push hard," he told Ashira. Ashira reached for Jake's hand who took it. Jake winced as Ashira squeezed hard on his hand as she pushed, screaming. "Don't scream, save your strength and energy," the paramedic said gently. "Again! One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten," the paramedic counted. "Breathe," she coached as her partner hooked up a fetal monitor to Ashira's abdomen. "Oh God!" Ashira groaned, pushing as the contraction struck. Ashira didn't know if she wanted to cry, pass out or kill Jake for doing this to her. Ashira looked over at Jake and would have laughed at the look on his face had it not been for the agony she was in. "Listen Ashira, the head is almost out. I need one more good push for me, but when I tell you to stop pushing, you need to stop, understand?" the paramedic asked. Ashira nodded. "Push, hard!" the paramedic exclaimed. Ashira pushed as hard as she could and almost didn't hear when the paramedic told her to stop. "Good job, just lay there, I know it hurts, it's almost over," the paramedic said, manipulating the baby's shoulders one at a time past Ashira's cervix. Ashira wanted to reach down and pull the baby out herself and screamed as the pain intensified. She wanted the baby out and she wanted it out now. "One more gentle push," the paramedic coached. Ashira pushed and the baby slid out into the paramedic's arms. Ashira fell back on the stretcher, panting hard, closing her eyes, relieved that the pain was over, but soon realized it wasn't over when another strong contraction gripped her. The paramedic handed the screaming new born over to her partner and peered at Ashira's exposed vagina again. "Did your doctor say anything about twins?" she asked. Jake and Ashira stared at each other, wide eyed and shook their heads. "Well, then he missed it, push Ashira, push now!" the paramedic shouted. Ashira screamed as the head ripped past her cervix, tearing her in two places and screamed louder when the shoulders slid out, aggravating the tears and when she heard the baby start screaming, she laid back, gasping for air, praying it was over. The paramedic smiled as she cut the cord and handed the baby to Jake while she propped up the back of the stretcher a little bit higher and her partner placed the first baby in Ashira's arms. "Congratulations, you have a beautiful little boy and a beautiful little girl," the paramedic that delivered the twins said as they loaded Ashira onto the stretcher. The Awakening of Love Ch. 14 CHAPTER FOURTEEN Jake paced in the hall as he waited for the doctor to tell him that he could see Ashira and when the doctor finally came out to the hall, he got as far as, "You can go..." before Jake shot past him and into the room. Jake looked at Ashira who was propped up in the bed, a baby in each arm. He smiled softly, crossing the room quickly and gently sitting on the edge of the bed next to her. "How do you feel?" Jake asked, staring at the two large yet tiny babies in her arms. Ashira grinned. "Like I just passed a twenty pound monster," she joked. Jake chuckled, leaned forward and kissed Ashira. When they broke apart, Ashira and Jake stared down at their children. "Would you like to hold one?" Ashira asked. Jake nodded and gently pulled his son out of Ashira's arms. "This is the boy right?" Jake asked, examining the faces of his new son and daughter. Ashira nodded and chuckled. "He has the blue blanket and our daughter has the pink blanket," Ashira said. Jake laughed. "God, he feels so much heavier than Serenity did," Jake commented. Ashira nodded, shifted in the bed and winced slightly "You okay?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded. "Just sore," she answered. "Doctor Peters said he couldn't believe I made it to 41 weeks carrying twins. Especially with as big as they are," Ashira said. Jake waited for Ashira to share the vitals with him. "He was nearly nine and a half pounds, and twenty-three inches long, and she was nearly nine pounds and twenty-two and a half inches long," Ashira added. Jake winced and Ashira laughed. "Tell me about it," she said. A nurse came into the room. "We need to take them for their hearing test and a bath now," she said gently. Jake gently placed his son into the plastic bassinet and the nurse took the little girl from Ashira and did the same before another nurse came in to help wheel the babies away. Ashira stifled a yawn, but Jake saw it anyway. "Why don't I go home and tell Sunny what happened and let you get some sleep?" Jake suggested. Ashira gave a small, but tired smile. "That sounds good," Ashira admitted. Jake kissed her gently before leaving the room. -Two hours later- Jake walked back into the hospital room carrying a bag of Chinese take out. "My hero," Ashira said with a grin. Jake chuckled. "I remember the food from when Serenity was born, and I doubt it's gotten any better," Jake said. Ashira laughed. "They're both sleeping," she said, noticing Jake look towards the babies. He smiled and started pulling cartons out of the bag. He handed Ashira the box of beef and broccoli and a small carton of rice and then pulled out his sweet and sour chicken. "How are you feeling?" he asked. Ashira shrugged. "Better than earlier, I actually got to sleep," Ashira answered. Jake smiled. "Good." Ashira dug into the beef and broccoli with gusto, trying to regain some of the energy she had lost during labor. Jake chuckled to himself as he watched her eat and took a sip of his soft drink. Ashira sighed contently and leaned back in the bed. Ashira looked up as Sunshine knocked on the door and walked inside the room carrying Serenity. "Mama!" Serenity said excitedly. Ashira smiled as Sunshine passed the girl off. Ashira groaned as Serenity dropped onto her stomach. "Careful princess," Jake cautioned, taking Serenity from Ashira. One of the new babies started crying in the bassinet and Ashira set her carton of food on the bed side table, slid out of bed and lifted the tiny baby into her arms. "Baby!" Serenity exclaimed. Jake and Ashira shared a smile. "That's your little sister," Jake told Serenity as Ashira eased back onto the bed. He set Serenity down next to Ashira gently and Serenity stuck her face right in front of the baby's. Jake chuckled and pulled her back slightly as Ashira pulled down top of her gown and brought the baby up to her breast. She latched on eagerly making Jake smile. The little boy woke up crying and Ashira looked momentarily panicked. Jake handed Serenity off to Sunshine and pulled out one of the bottles and nipples that was sitting in the small basket under the bassinet; shaking the formula to mix it and attached the nipple before picking up his new son. "Does he need to be changed?" Jake asked. Ashira shook her head. "They were both changed right before you got here with the food," Ashira told Jake. Jake nudged the nipple of the bottle into his son's tiny mouth and he latched on and began sucking greedily. Serenity stifled a yawn and stretched in Sunshine's eyes. "I'll take Serenity home, and let you guys spend some time with the twins," Sunshine said. She leaned Serenity down far enough for Ashira and Jake to kiss her good bye before leaving. Ashira returned to the living room after putting the twins down for the fifth time in two hours and sank onto the couch with a tired sigh. Jake resisted the urge to chuckle as he handed her a glass of lemonade. "I hate you right about now, do you know that?" Ashira said jokingly. Jake chuckled. "No you don't, you just need to get out," Jake replied, taking a sip of his own drink. He studied her closely, concerned with the dark circles under her eyes. "How about if I ask Sunny to come watch the kids for a few hours tonight and you and I go catch a movie and have a late dinner?" Jake suggested. Ashira yawned and shook her head. "I think I'm just going to try catching some sleep," Ashira told him, standing back up. Jake nodded and watched as she left the room. -3 days later- "Jake where are we going?" Ashira asked for the tenth time as they drove away from the house they used to live in with Sunny. Jake just smiled. "It's a surprise," Jake answered. Ashira growled making Jake laugh again. Ashira looked surprised when he pulled into the the driveway of the Ivy Hotel, one of the most expensive hotels in the area. "Jake, what are we doing here?" Ashira wanted to know. Jake grinned. "You and I are spending the weekend here," Jake answered. Ashira's eyes widened as she stared at him. "What about the kids?" she asked. Jake smiled again. "Sunny's got them," he answered. Ashira shook her head. "She can't handle the three of them alone," Ashira protested. Jake smiled. "She isn't. Trevor's there," he said, coming to a stop at the front of the hotel. He got out of the car and popped the trunk as the valet staff loaded the bags he had secretly packed away onto a cart and waited for Jake and Ashira to step into the lobby. Ashira's eyes widened even more until she and Jake thought they would pop right out of her head. "Jake, you can't afford this," Ashira whispered as the butler let them into their room. Jake grinned. "Yes, I can, just relax," Jake said, tipping the bell hop who had taken the cart from the valet. Ashira looked around the room in absolute awe. She had never been anywhere near this nice. Ashira looked over to see Jake studying her. "I can't believe you did this," she whispered. Jake grinned, stepped up to Ashira, pulled her into his arms and kissed her gently. "I love you and you needed to get away," he said, nuzzling Ashira's neck. Ashira sighed and leaned into him, experiencing totally complete silence for the first time over two years. Jake kissed Ashira gently as he popped the buttons on her shirt one by one. She shivered as the cool air danced lightly upon her skin. Jake looked past Ashira and grinned when he saw the hot tub in the corner. "What?" Ashira asked, looking at Jake suspiciously. She followed his gaze and blushed. "I could use a soak," she said, reading his mind. Jake chuckled as he walked over to the tub and began filling it with water. After adjusting the temperature, and plugging up the tub, he turned around and his jaw dropped. Ashira and finished removing her blouse and jeans, leaving just her bra and boy shorts. Jake crossed the distance between them and unhooked the bra before sliding it down Ashira's arms, and the panties soon followed. Jake quickly removed his own clothing, lifted Ashira into his arms and carried her to the steaming water. She sighed as she felt the smooth, velvety water rise over her as Jake set her gently on the seat. Ashira leaned back, relishing the feel of the water on her skin. Jake pushed a button the side of the tub and the jets activated. Ashira sat back up and looked at Jake and smiled. Jake smiled back and pulled her to him. When Ashira was comfortably resting in his arms, he shifted the way they were sitting. Ashira gasped as the bubbles from the jet tickled between her legs. Jake chuckled and began massaging her shoulders; the sensations from the bubbles and Jake's hands caused Ashira to squirm. Jake turned her around and slipped up into her, thrusting hard and fast. "You're amazing," Jake murmured, kissing her lovingly. She arched against him and moaned, feeling her orgasm was close. Jake slowed to a teasing pace making Ashira squirm against him in desperation. Finally, neither one of them could take it any more and Jake slammed into her over and over before they came together, hard and fast. Ashira leaned her head back on the side of the tub as she fought to regain the ability to breathe normally. "You okay?" Jake asked, when he had finally regained the ability to speak. Ashira nodded and made a small sound of protest as Jake pulled away from her gently. Jake let turned off the jets and let the water out of the tub. Jake stood up and stepped out of the tub before reaching for Ashira's hand. "Let's go take a shower and have dinner brought up," he suggested. Ashira smiled and followed Jake into the bathroom. They showered quickly and while Ashira rummaged through her suitcase, Jake dialed room service and ordered up their food. When Jake hung up the phone and turned around, he grinned when he saw Ashira in a night gown of blue silk. "When did you buy that?" Jake asked. Ashira smiled. "Honestly, I don't really remember," she admitted, climbing onto the bed and reaching for the remote. Jake studied Ashira as she flipped through the channels and frowned slightly when he noticed the dark circles under her eyes. Jake shook his head as he pulled his own clothing back on before joining Ashira on the bed. They settled on an old Hitchcock film and were surprised when there was a knock on the door, followed by a man calling, "Room Service!" Jake got off of the bed and answered the door. The waiter wheeled a cart of food in and handed Jake the server's envelope containing the bill. Jake checked the box designated to have the food billed to the room and handed the waiter a generous tip. Ashira opened up both of the domed lids and her mouth watered in appreciation. "Prime Rib, red skin potatoes, fresh broccoli, and for dessert, chocolate cake," Jake rattled off as they settled in at the table. "Good?" Jake asked with a grin as he saw the look on Ashira's face. "No, not good, freaking fabulous," Ashira answered. Jake chuckled. "I'm glad you like it," Jake commented, taking a bite of broccoli. "Do you know what the best part is?" Ashira asked. Jake shook his head and Ashira grinned. "Do you hear anything other than us or the movie?" Jake shook his head again. "There you go," Ashira said with a laugh. Jake chuckled again and watched in amazement as Ashira finished her prime rib in record time. "Holy hell woman, where did you put that thing?" he joked. Ashira laughed as she finished the last bite of broccoli. "My hollow leg," she answered with a laugh. Jake rolled his eyes as Ashira dug into the chocolate cake. "Oh dear God, this is heaven on a plate," Ashira moaned. Jake laughed again, but he was glad to see her enjoying her self for once. When they had finished every last bite of food, Jake wheeled the trolley out and set it in the hall way. "Now what do you want to do?" Jake asked, rejoining Ashira on the bed. Ashira yawned. "Sleep," she admitted with a small smile. Jake laughed. "Take your nap, and when you wake up, I'll be on the balcony," Jake said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Ashira smiled and closed her eyes and was asleep within minutes. Jake sat there for a while, watching her sleep, then took the book he had brought and walked out to the balcony to read it. The Awakening of Love Ch. 15 CHAPTER FIFTEEN -Eighteen Months Later- "Larson's Tanning Salon San Diego, this is Ashira, how may I help you?" Ashira answered the phone. "You took my money, and you will pay," a distorted voice came through the phone. Ashira hung up the phone and shook her head before picking up the phone again and dialing Jake's extension with a sigh. "Jake Barnes," Jake answered. "It's me, we just received another call. It was too short to trace and just as distorted as the first few," Ashira answered. Jake swore. "I'll be there in a second," he promised. When Jake finally got to the office, Ashira and Sunshine were waiting for him. "Having problems with Trevor?" Jake asked, noticing the unhappy look on his friend's face. Sunshine sighed and shrugged. "He's just so distant," Sunshine said. Jake shook his head and returned to the task at hand. "Caller ID wasn't able to pick it up," Jake said with a frown. Ashira sighed and looked at the security camera as someone rang the bell. She stood up and walked out front. "Welcome to Larson's Tan, may I help you?" Ashira asked. She went through the motions of signing up the new client and handed her the ID badge. "Let me show you how this will work," Ashira said, leading the young woman into a room. When Ashira came back to the desk, Jake and Sunshine were going over some paperwork. "Ready to get out of here?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded and took her jacket from Jake. "You'll be okay alone?" Ashira asked Sunshine. Sunshine smiled. "Trevor is supposed to be here in a few hours to hang out while I close up," Sunshine said. Ashira and Jake waved to Sunshine and walked out of the salon. "There are too many toys around here," Jake grumbled, walking over to the phone and picking up the receiver. "Hello?" Jake answered, as he watched Ashira coloring with the kids. "No Dylan, you can't eat the crayon," Jake heard Ashira say gently as she pulled a red crayon out of the small boy's mouth. Jake turned his attention back to the phone when he heard Trevor's voice on the other end. "Slow down man, I can't understand you," Jake said. Trevor took a deep breath. "The salon is a mess. I came to get Sunny and the place, well, the door was jammed open, cash was everywhere, and Sunny's missing," Trevor repeated. Jake swore loudly causing Ashira to look up in concern. Ashira turned back to the children. "Let's go get ready for bed guys," she said softly, leading the three children out of the room. "Mama, story?" Serenity asked. Ashira nodded as she changed diapers. "Which one? I believe it's Allyson's turn to pick," Ashira murmured. The smaller girl toddled over to a bookshelf and grabbed "The Ugly Duckling." "Good choice," Ashira said, giving the kids a smile. Ashira helped Dylan into his little toddler bed and watched Allyson and Serenity sink into the little bean bag chairs in the center of the room. When Ashira finished reading the book, she led Allyson and Serenity into their room and tucked them in. "Good night," Ashira said softly, kissing the girls on the forehead. When Ashira stepped back into the living room, Jake was sitting in the recliner with his head in his hands. "Jake, what's wrong?" Ashira asked, instantly concerned. Jake stood up and ran a hand through his hair. "When Trevor got to the salon to wait while Sunny closed, he found the place a mess," Jake began. He described what Trevor had told him. Ashira's eyes were wide with worry as she grabbed her cell phone and dialed Sunshine's number. Jake and Ashira's eyes met as they heard their friend's phone ring eerily close to where they were. "Stay here," Jake whispered as he went out to investigate. He went to the front door and opened it, and seeing nothing, closed it again. "JAKE!" Ashira screamed from the back of the house. Jake hurried toward the sound and felt his stomach lurch at the sight in front of him. There, on the picnic table was Sunshine, her face white and her eyes glassy. Ashira swayed and Jake pulled her inside. "Lock the door," Jake said, before returning to the front of the house to make sure the front door was locked. Jake dialed 9-1-1 as he checked the windows. "Go get the girls and take them into Dylan's room," Jake said as the operator finally picked up. It seemed like hours before Jake finally opened the door. Ashira looked up, her eyes red and tired. She was holding a sleeping Allyson in her arms. Jake smiled slightly and saw Serenity asleep in one of the bean bag chairs. Ashira stood up carefully and slid Allyson onto the vacated bean bag chair as Jake covered the kids up one by one. Ashira followed Jake into the kitchen where a police officer waited. "Was she ..." Ashira closed her eyes, unable to complete the sentence. Jake squeezed her hand. "She was unconscious, but alive," Jake said softly. Ashira gave a sigh of relief and they turned together to face the officer who was ready to ask them some questions. -Three days later- Ashira, Jake, Lindsey, Trevor, Crystal and Melinda stood and half listened as the minister talked about Sunshine. Ashira's eyes were so red and puffy that she could hardly see through them as she clutched Jake's hand. She glanced at Trevor, whose face was hard and cold and if it wasn't for the fact that his hands were clenched into fists at his side, it would have appeared like he didn't care that his girl friend was dead. Lindsey, Crystal and Melinda stood in a semi circle, their grief written all over their faces. When the service ended, they all ended up at the house Lindsey had put them all up in. "I thought you said she was alive when you found her?" Crystal asked Jake. Her voice was clogged with emotion, and Jake didn't bother to hide his own feelings. "She was, just barely. She'd lost so much blood that she couldn't make the ride in the ambulance. I hope to God the cops let us have first crack at whoever did this," Jake said, slamming his fist into the table. He couldn't look at Ashira or at Trevor. Their friend was gone, and he, the head of security hadn't been at the salon doing his job; instead, he'd been home eating pot roast and changing diapers. Ashira sighed as she watched Jake walk out of the house through the back door and down to the ocean. Trevor's eyes were red with un-shed tears. "I guess I should go," he mumbled. Ashira turned to follow him and caught up with him just as he reached the front door. "Trevor, you don't have to leave," Ashira said softly. Trevor turned to face Ashira and he offered her a small smile. "She loved you like a sister," Trevor murmured. Ashira sniffled. "I loved her too." Ashira hesitated. "Sunny was in love with you," Ashira told him. Trevor shook his head and sighed. "I know." Trevor gave Ashira a tight hug. "What did you slip inside her coffin before the funeral?" Ashira wanted to know. Trevor pulled away and sighed. "I was going to propose, after she finished closing, I was going to take her to the beach and ..." Trevor lost it; tears streamed down his face; his body shook and he sank to the ground. Ashira wrapped her arms around her friend and held him as he cried. "I don't know where to go from here," Trevor admitted, looking up at Ashira. She wiped the tears off of his face. "Just take it one day at a time, and remember, Jake and I, we're here for you," Ashira said softly. Trevor smiled a little at that as Ashira gave him one last hug. "He's lucky to have you," Trevor murmured, pushing himself up into a standing position. "I need to get out of here, thanks for talking to me," Trevor added, opening the door. "Trevor," Ashira said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder. He turned around. "If you need to talk, I'm here," Ashira promised. Trevor gave one last sad smile and walked out the door. Ashira closed the door behind her, locked it and returned to the living room where her friends were waiting. "How is he?" Lindsey asked. Ashira shook her head. "He wanted to marry her," Ashira answered. Tears came to everyone's eyes again. "I know nobody wants to worry about business today, but I need to return to Chicago tomorrow. I need to know who's staying here," Lindsey said. Melinda and Crystal looked at each other. "I will," Melinda offered. "Crys has a boyfriend, I don't, it'll be easier for me," she reasoned. Lindsey nodded. "We'll reopen next week," she told Ashira. Ashira nodded. "I need to go find Jake," she said softly, before heading towards the beach. She found him several hundred feet away, sitting on the beach, the surf crashing over his legs. "Jake? Are you okay?" Ashira asked, sitting down next to him. Jake shook his head. "It's my fault," he whispered. Ashira sighed. "No, Jake, it isn't. You didn't force anyone to kidnap and torture anyone," Ashira said softly. Ashira lay her head down on Jake's shoulder. "Shira, I appreciate what you're trying to do, but I need to be alone for awhile," Jake said gently. Ashira sighed but kissed Jake's cheek and headed back into the house. -8 weeks later- "Trevor?" Ashira asked as she turned a corner and walked into a diner. Her friend turned and smiled. "Hey," Trevor said. "How are you?" Ashira asked. "Let me buy you lunch and I'll tell you," Trevor offered. Ashira nodded and slid into the booth across from Trevor. The two friends caught up on the events of the past two months. "How are you and Jake?" Trevor asked. Ashira sighed and fiddled with the straw in her juice. "We've been better. We've hardly talked since the funeral," Ashira admitted. Trevor rolled his eyes and glanced up as the door opened. "What are you doing here?" Trevor asked as Jake walked up to them. Ashira started to smile and slid over before motioning for Jake to join them. "I was looking for my wife, but had I realized she was seeing my best friend behind my back, I would have waited until after lunch," Jake said, his voice full of anger. Ashira's face felt like it was on fire as she fumbled in her wallet for money. She found a ten and threw it onto the table before she stood up and tried to walk away and ignore the people's stares. Jake blocked her way. "What's the matter Ashira? Weren't you getting enough at home?" Jake sneered. Ashira slapped Jake across the face, her anger fueling her before she ran from the restaurant. Trevor shook his head in disgust as he placed another ten dollar bill on the table, stood up and grabbed his friend's elbow. "You're a fucking bastard Jake Barnes," Trevor said, his voice low, angry as he pulled Jake out of the restaurant. "That girl is the one thing you have going in your life," Trevor growled. Jake allowed Trevor to lead him back to the salon which was being repainted. "Let's get the record straight, Barnes. I haven't seen Ashira since Sunny's funeral. She happened to see me going into the diner. Yeah, I saw her, she was coming out of the doctor's office across the street," Trevor said, an angry edge in his voice. Jake opened his mouth to speak but Trevor beat him to it. "Do you realize you've been driving her away every day for two months? What the hell is the matter with you? You're married to a beautiful girl like that and you don't even go home for a week straight? She called the police and filed a fucking missing person's report! She also told me that your guys' sex life went from radioactive hot to colder than Antarctica!" Trevor continued to lecture his friend until he noticed how awful Jake really looked. "God man, when did you shower last?" Trevor wanted to know, wrinkling his nose. Jake sighed. "It's been a while," Jake admitted. Trevor poured a cup of coffee from the thermos and handed it to Jake who downed it in one gulp before finally opening up and telling Trevor everything. When Jake arrived back at the house, he let himself in, showered and changed before searching for his family. He frowned, it was too quiet. Jake looked around the living room and was surprised to see a good chunk of the kids' toys were missing. Jake tried to contain his panic and ran into Serenity's and Allyson's room. Jake could hardly breathe when he noticed that the majority of the girls' clothes were missing. Finally, Jake walked into the kitchen. His heart stopped when he saw the note on the kitchen table in Ashira's familiar hand writing. "Jake, You obviously need some time to yourself, to think about what your priorites are. We're with Melinda, so we're fine, no need to worry yourself over us. Ashira" Jake crumpled the note in his hand, ran to the car and drove to the house that he and Ashira and Sunshine had lived in all those months before. Jake pounded on the door hard until Melinda opened it. Before Jake could say anything, Dylan, who had followed Melinda to the door shouted, "Daddy!" Melinda let Jake into the house and watched as he lifted his son into his arms and gave him a hug. Allyson and Serenity soon followed and Jake felt like a weight had lifted off his shoulders. "Where's Shira?" Jake asked. Melinda shook her head. "It won't be that easy Jake. She told me what you said, how can you be such an idiot?" Melinda wanted to know. Jake sighed and watched as Melinda shooed the kids out of the living room. "I'm an idiot," Jake muttered. Melinda nodded in agreement. "She loves you, but she's hurt. Give her some time," Melinda suggested. Jake sighed and looked up. Ashira was standing in the doorway for a moment. Their eyes met, but before Jake could say anything, Ashira had ushered the kids into the back yard. "You need to leave now," Melinda said. Jake wanted to protest, to say anything to convince Ashira to talk to him but the look Melinda gave him warned him he had better just keep his mouth shut. "Will you tell her I'm sorry?" Jake asked finally. Melinda shook her head and slid a pad of paper and a pen forward. "You do it, then leave," Melinda told him. Jake sat at his desk in the salon, struggling to keep his mind on his work. He hadn't seen Ashira since that day in the diner almost three weeks before and it was killing him. She had scheduled her shifts so that she wouldn't be working when he was and much to Jake's surprise, Ashira had hired Trevor to be an additional security guard. Jake looked up as someone knocked gently on the door. "Come in," Jake said. The door opened slowly and Jake smiled when he saw Ashira standing in the doorway. "What's up?" Jake asked, hoping Ashira was finally ready to talk. Ashira walked in and closed the door behind her. "Mark wants custody of Serenity," Ashira said, tossing several folded pieces of paper on Jake's desk. Jake studied the documents in front of him. "He signed over his rights; my name is on her birth certficate," Jake said, shocked. Ashira nodded and shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "He won't take her away from us," Jake promised. Ashira laughed dryly, bitterly. "Is there even an us anymore?" Ashira asked. Jake sighed and ran his hands through his hair. "Shira, I'm sorry, I've been a major ass lately. Truth is, I blamed myself for Sunny's death. I wasn't here working because I wanted to be with you and the kids. I lost track of my priorities, and I've been punishing myself ever since," Jake said. Ashira fiddled with the rings on her finger and Jake's heart flip-flopped. "Please Shira, give me another chance," Jake pleaded. He stood up and crossed the room; stood in front of her and pulled her to him. Jake pulled back in surprise. "Why didn't you tell me?" Jake asked. Tears filled Ashira's eyes. "I didn't think you wanted me any more," Ashira admitted. Jake swore under his breath. "I'm an idiot, you should know that by now," Jake berated himself. Ashira bit back a giggle as Jake knocked his fist into his head. "I love you Shira, I always have, and I'll never stop," Jake promised. Ashira allowed Jake to wrap his arms around her and sighed. "Give me another chance," Jake pleaded again. Ashira nodded, closed her eyes. "I missed you," Jake said softly. Ashira sniffled. "What's wrong?" he asked. She shook her head. "I need to talk to Trevor first," Ashira murmured. Jake growled. "Why Trevor?" he asked. Ashira sighed and pulled away. "I found Sunny's diary, and there's something in there he needs to read," Ashira answered. Jake studied her carefully then nodded. "Call me later?" Jake made it a question. Ashira looked at him and nodded before leaving the office. Trevor paced impatiently on the beach as Ashira pulled into the parking lot and parked the car. He stopped and watched her approach him. "Hey," Trevor said. Ashira smiled and gave her friend a hug. "You look amazing," Trevor told Ashira who shook her head. "It's hormones," she said simply. Ashira shifted her weight uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "So what's so important that you couldn't wait to tell me?" Trevor wanted to know. Ashira hesitated and walked to a picnic table, knowing Trevor would follow her. "Ashira, what's going on? Other than Jake's knocked you up again," Trevor said with a chuckle. Ashira froze. "How did you ..." Trevor grinned and laughed. "You are one of the tinnest people I've ever met, and it's so obvious right now," Trevor told her. Ashira blushed and sat down on the table. "Seriously, what's going on?" Trevor wanted to know. Ashira sighed and pulled Sunshine's diary out of her oversized purse. "This was Sunny's diary. You should read the marked page," Ashira told him. Trevor took the diary from Ashira and opened to the marked page. "I don't know what made me read this, but I thought you'd want to know," she added, her eyes filling with tears. Trevor looked down and began to read. He got about a quarter of the way down the page when he dropped the diary. "I'm so sorry," Ashira said softly, touching a hand to his arm. A noise behind them had them both turning around. "Well well well, what do we have here?" a woman sneered. Ashira's eyes went wide as she recognized the woman standing before them. "What do you want?" Trevor demanded to know. "I want retribution," the woman answered. "For what?" Trevor asked, instinctively placing his body in front of Ashira's. "My son being sent to prison," the woman said, pulling a large knife from her pocket. Ashira closed her eyes hoping that when she opened them again this would all be a bad dream. She sighed as she opened her eyes, still seeing the woman in front of them. Trevor looked confused. "What do we have to do with your son going to prison?" Trevor asked. He whirled around as Ashira screamed in time to see her being pulled away from him. "Your little girlfriend is going to die," the woman baited him, an evil grin on her face. Trevor glanced at Ashira; her face was pale and tired. He took a step towards her and the older woman placed the knife at Ashira's throat. "Keep back or I'll kill her right here," she threatened. Trevor looked torn; he knew Jake would never forgive him if he let anything happen to Ashira, but he knew he was way over his head. "Shira?" Trevor asked uncertainly. Ashira gave a small smile and mouthed the words, "Get Jake," before she was pulled roughly away. Trevor sat in the kitchen with Melinda while Jake got the kids settled down for a nap. Trevor played nervously with the spoon he had been using to stir his coffee as he watched the FBI agents fiddle with the phone. "Damn Feds didn't do a damn thing the last time she was kidnapped, what makes them think they'll find her now?" Melinda fumed. Jake walked back into the kitchen, his eyes flashing with anger, but he was fighting to stay calm. "Mel, you aren't helping," Jake said. Trevor could see how conflicted his friend was as Jake turned to look at him. "I'm sorry Jake, I tried to stop this but ..." Trevor stopped talking as Jake cut him off. The Awakening of Love Ch. 15 "You couldn't have prevented this," he told his friend. One of the FBI agents walked over to the table and turned to Jake. "Do you have any idea who would want to harm your wife?" he asked. Jake nodded. "Before Serenity, our oldest was born, Ashira was raped back in Chigago by a man named Joe Johnson. After we moved out here, he followed us to San Diego and when she was around five, maybe six months pregnant, he kidnapped her and held her for nearly two months," Jake answered, his hands clenching into tight fists. Melinda reached out and touched Jake's hand. "What?" he growled. Melinda nodded towards the door. Jake turned around and managed to surpress his groan; Mark was the last person he wanted to see right now. "This is what, twice in three years?" Mark asked dryly. Jake swung around and pushed Mark into the counter behind him. "Fuck you!" Jake growled. Mark grinned. "You're making my case easier," Mark told Jake. Jake sighed and released Mark as Serenity walked into the room. "Daddy?" she asked, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Jake knelt down in front of Serenity and gave her a gentle hug. "You're supposed to be sleeping," Jake said with a small smile. Serenity looked around the room. "Want mommy," Serenity murmured. Jake sighed. "So do I," he muttered. "Mommy isn't here right now Ser," Melinda said, crouching down next to her friend and niece. "C'mon kiddo, let's go back to your room and I'll read you a story," she added, reaching for the little girl's hand. Serenity took it and allowed Melinda to lead her from the room. "Damn, she's getting big," Mark commented. Jake laughed and grinned, unable to deny it. "She'll be four next month," Jake reminded Mark. Mark nodded. Mark sighed. "Damn, where does time go?" Mark wanted to know. Jake shrugged; he could feel the curious stares of the FBI agents. Mark shook his head knowing that Jake was torturing himself, angry that he hadn't been able to prevent it. "I was dating Ashira when she was raped by that bastard, and we broke up soon after," Mark told the agent before he could ask. Jake raised his head to look at Mark. Mark shook his head and sighed. "Okay, we didn't break up, I left her, happy?" Mark asked Jake. Jake nodded his head, but gave Mark a look that told him just how much Jake hated this. "Was she pregnant before the rape or after?" the agent asked, taking notes in his notebook. Mark looked at Jake and they both tried to mentally calculate the timing. "She found out after the rape," Jake answered while Mark was calculating. "I see, and when had the two of you last been together?" the agent asked Mark. Mark growled. "It's in the original report, read it," he snapped. The agent ignored Mark's outburst. "And the child's father is whom?" she asked. Jake smiled slightly. "Legally, I am. Biologically, Mark is," Jake answered. "I made a mistake, I was really young and stupid," Mark spouted. "I want her Jake, she's mine, you have to give her to me," Mark told Jake. Jake suppressed the urge to smash his fists into Mark's face. "You signed away your parental rights. You told Shira that you weren't ready to have a baby. You promised to give money, but never have, save for birthday presents," Jake argued, his voice low but the anger very obvious. Mark balled his hand into a fist and slammed it on the table. "She is my daughter Jake Barnes, and I want her back," Mark said, not bothering to hide the anger. Jake took a step towards Mark. "I will say this once, and only once," Jake said. "Serenity is MY daughter!" The agent stepped between Mark and Jake. "This is beside the point gentlemen, we have a missing person to find," she reminded them. Jake took a step back and his anger at Mark rushed out of his body as Melinda walked back into the room. "I need air," Jake muttered, fumbling with the handle on the back door before managing to open it and stepped outside. The Awakening of Love Ch. 16 CHAPTER SIXTEEN Ashira opened and closed her eyes and prayed that her nausea would go away before she embarrassed herself. Ashira held her breath as she heard something slide into the wall. She could hear someone else breathing. "Who's there?" Ashira asked, feeling nervous. There was hardly any light in the room which made it nearly impossible to see. Ashira felt in her jacket pocket for the small mag light she always carried. Success! Ashira closed her fingers around the flashlight and pulled it out of her pocket. Turning it on, Ashira shined the light around the room. She stopped when the beam came across a human form. Ashira carefully walked over to the other person and knelt down beside her. She could now see that her cell mate was a young woman, who was very dirty, and despite being beyond thin, was obviously pregnant. The young woman turned towards the light, sheilding her eyes from it. Ashira's eyes widened and she gasped as she dropped the flashlight. "Sunny!?" Ashira asked, unable to container her surprise. The girl sat up. "Oh my God Ashira, I'm so glad to see you!" Sunshine exclaimed. Ashira was unsure; Sunshine was supposed to be dead, she had buried her months before. "How, how is this possible?" Ashira asked, her voice trembling. Sunshine sighed. "They faked my death," she whispered. "One of the paramedics that came to the house is Joe's cousin," Sunshine added. Ashira looked her friend up and down closely. "Are they feeding you?" Ashira asked. Sunshine nodded. "Twice a day. It's surprisingly ediable," she assured her friend. "How's Trevor?" Sunshine wanted to know. Ashira smiled sadly. "He misses you," Ashira said. She looked up as the door opened. "I see you found your friend," the woman in the doorway said. Ashira nodded. "What do you want from us?" Ashira asked. Ashira's mouth dropped open as the woman moved aside to allow a young man to step into the room. "Hello Ashira, remember me?" he asked, his voice cold and cruel. Ashira felt like throwing up and Sunshine reached for Ashira's hand. "No, please no," Ashira whispered. Sunshine knew instantly who he was and wanted to fight for her friend. He chuckled. "You're a sight for sore eyes," he said, walking over to the girls and kneeling in front of them. "What do you want from us?" Ashira asked, hoping he couldn't tell how afraid she was. He chuckled. "You are going to have my baby," he told her. Ashira closed her eyes, remembering how brutal he had been with her all those years before. "You'll have a long wait," Ashira told him. He studied her, and after he pushed the jacket away could just see the slight swell of her abdomen. "You little slut!" he shouted, back handing Ashira. The blow was so hard and powerful that Ashira's equilibirum was shattered and she rested her head on the filthy wall behind her. "That's enough Joesph," the woman said, quietly but commandingly from behind them. Ashira shivered as Joe pulled her blouse apart and squeezed her breasts roughly; she resisted the urge to cry, remembering how that had spurred him on in the past. "That's enough son, for now," his mother said, her voice louder, more commanding. Ashira shuddered and silently thanked her abductor for pulling her beast of a son off of her. Another man walked into the tiny room with two plates of food. "Eat," the woman commanded. Ashira hesitated, not trusting the woman; the mother of her tormenter. "For crying out loud, it isn't drugged," his mother said in exasperation before leaving. "How far along?" Ashira asked quietly. Sunshine thought quickly. "I was three months when they attacked; I'm surprised I didn't miscarry, they were brutal," Sunshine answered. Ashira nearly choked on the hamburger she was chewing on. "I don't know how long I've been here," Sunshine said. Ashira swallowed hard and sighed. "You've been here for over five months," Ashira said softly. Sunshine's eyes widened. "Then I'm ..." Sunshine stopped speaking, she was visablly shaken. "Almost ready to pop," Ashira finished her friend's sentence with a small grin. "It'll be okay," Ashira promised. The girls finished their dinners quietly then gave each other a sponge bath. "God I haven't had a bath in months," Sunshine moaned. Ashira laughed and splashed her friend playfully. Sunshine went all serious. "Don't waste the water Shira, they'll beat you for it," Sunshine warned her friend. -Three weeks later- "Hello Ashira," he called from the doorway, his voice low and powerful. Ashira shivered but other than that ignored him. "You okay Sunny?" Ashira asked her friend in concern. Sunshine nodded. "I'm fine, but I really want to go home," she whispered. Ashira nodded and gave her friend's hand a gentle squeeze. "You will, I promise," Ashira said softly before wincing, feeling her hair being yanked on. "You're mine, you little bitch!" he shouted, pulling Ashira roughly from the room. Sunshine waited nervously for her friend to return and hours later, Ashira was pushed back into the room. She fell onto her hands and knees as the door closed behind her. Ashira curled up in a little ball and began to cry. "Shira?" Sunshine asked, reaching out and touching her friend on the shoulder. Ashira flinched and pulled away until she remembered she was locked in with Sunshine. "What happened?" Sunshine asked softly. Ashira pulled herself into a sitting position, her knees bent in front of her. She wrapped her arms around her knees and rocked slowly. When Ashira looked up and met her friend's gaze, there were silent tears streaming down her face. "What did they do to you?" Sunshine wanted to know. Ashira took a deep breath before she answered. Sunshine's eyes went wide with surprise. "Bastard!" Sunshine hissed. Ashira closed her eyes before taking several deep breaths. "I managed to get the key to the door," Ashira whispered. Sunshine looked at her friend in surprise. "We're leaving tonight; they won't be here, there won't be a guard," she added. Sunshine closed her eyes and shook her head. "Sunny, what is it?" Ashira asked, her voice full of concern. Sunshine opened her eyes and Ashira could see the tears in them. "You'll have to go without me; my water broke," Sunshine said, her voice quivering. Ashira gave her friend a gentle hug. "I won't leave you," she vowed. Sunshine opened her mouth to speak and groaned as a contraction ripped through her. Ashira held her hand and told her how to breathe. When the contraction subsided, Sunshine rubbed her abdomen. "Those hurt," she complained. Ashira laughed until tears came to her eyes. "Oh God Sunny, it's supposed to," Ashira said. Sunshine chuckled and sighed. "You have to go without me, this could take hours and I'll only slow you down," Sunshine said. Ashira shook her head. "You're coming with me. I won't leave you here to die in this hell hole," Ashira promised. "When did the contractions start?" Ashira asked. Sunshine shrugged. "Right before you left," she answered, closing her eyes. "Another one?" Ashira murmured. Sunshine nodded and moaned softly. "I'm going to fucking kill Trevor if I ever get out of here!" Sunshine vowed. Ashira hid a smile as she sponged off her friend's face. "It'll happen tonight," Ashira promised. Sunshine relaxed as the contraction ended and took a deep breathe. "The birth or seeing Trevor?" Sunshine wanted to know. Ashira smiled. "Both," she promised. Sunshine shook her head doubtfully. "Sunny, your contractions are only about four minutes apart as far as I can tell, and you aren't on any birthing drugs, so it'll happen soon. I need for you to be as quiet as possible, yes I know what I'm asking, I've been there, but if they have any suspicions about you being in labor, they'll leave someone behind," Ashira said softly. She heard someone fiddling with the lock on the door. Thinking quickly, Ashira dumped some water near where the stain of amniotic fluid was. The door opened to reveal Joe's mother carrying two large bags. "This is enough food to last the next three days. Eat it sparingly. I'll be bringing in some more water in a moment. We are leaving until Monday," she said, glancing from Sunshine to Ashira. "What are you doing?" she asked Ashira, her eyes narrowed. Ashira resisted the urge to look at her friend, knowing the agony she was in. "My hands were shaking and I dropped the ladle. I'm sorry," Ashira lied, dropping her face down a little, hoping she looked contrite. Joe's mother seemed satisfied with the answer and turned as six big buckets of water were brought down. "I will leave this door open so that you may stretch your legs while we are away, but the main door will be locked, so don't even think about escaping," she added, before leaving. Ashira rushed back to Sunshine's side and slid her hand into her friend's. "You have to breathe," Ashira coached. "He ... is ... never ... touching ... me ... again!" Sunshine exclaimed with a groan. Ashira laughed. "You'll change your mind," she told her friend. Sunshine shook her head. "Not a chance in hell," Sunshine denied, leaning back against Ashira. She stiffened suddenly. "What?" Ashira asked. Sunshine groaned and shook her head. "I don't know, but something feels very weird," Sunshine gasped. Ashira helped her friend pull of the disgustingly dirty jeans and panties she was wearing. "What the hell is happening?" Sunshine asked as pain gripped her body. Ashira gave her friend a reassuring hug. "I told you it wouldn't be long," Ashira said, hoping her voice was calmer than she felt. "Lay back sweetie, the baby is almost here," she added as she looked between her friend's leg and saw the top of the baby's head. "It hurts," Sunshine whispered, most of her strength was spent. Ashira looked at her friend. "Sunny, look at me," Ashira said softly. Sunshine looked up. "You can do this, you have to. Just a few pushes and the three of us are out of here," Ashira promised. Sunshine was shaking as another contraction gripped her. "I can't do this," Sunshine gasped. Ashira smiled gently. "Your body knows what to do, but you need to help. You need to push sweetie, and push now," Ashira coached. Before Sunshine knew what was happening, the baby slid out into Ashira's waiting arms, loud wails of protest flooded the tiny room. Ashira looked up at her friend with a smile. "Sunny, he looks just like his daddy," Ashira whispered, her eyes filled with tears. "He?" Sunshine asked quietly. Ashira nodded and placed the squalling infant in her friend's arms. "Hang on, I have to find something to ..." Ashira raced to her jacket and fumbled in the pockets until she found what she was looking for. Ashira knelt down next to her friend and cut the cord. Sunshine groaned as smaller contractions rippled through her. "This is easy Sunny, relax, this is just the placenta," Ashira assured her friend. Ashira grabbed one of the towels that had been left on a hook by the door and carefully wrapped the baby in it. "How are you doing?" Ashira asked. Sunshine lifted her head weakly as Ashira placed the baby back in her arms. "I know, sore, tired, hungry," Ashira answered for her friend. Sunshine laughed weakly and nodded. Ashira walked over and grabbed a bag of food. "Give me the baby and eat something, then after you've rested, we'll get out of here," Ashira said gently. Sunshine passed the baby up to Ashira who watched Sunshine dig into the food. Jake sat in the back yard of the beach house and watched Melinda play with the kids. Trevor sat next to him, and Mark next to him. "I will kill whoever did this," Jake said, no longer trying to keep his anger under control. Mark nodded and Trevor sighed. Jake looked at Trevor. "What did Shira need to tell you anyway?" Jake asked. Trevor sighed again. "According to Sunny's diary, she was three months pregnant when she died. She didn't know how to tell me," Trevor answered. Jake placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'm sorry man," Jake said gently. Trevor smiled sadly. "I guess we'll never ..." Trevor stopped talking and stood up. Jake and Mark followed his gaze. "Shira," Mark whispered, recognizing the shape of one of the women walking towards them. Jake and Mark exchanged glances and Jake looked harder. "How in the hell ..." Jake shook his head and ran towards them. As he reached them, Ashira's companion sank to the sand. Jake skidded to a stop as Ashira's legs gave out. He eased her to the ground. "Are you alright?" Jake asked, kneeling in front of Ashira. She shook her head then nodded. Jake turned to the person next to his wife as he heard the cries of a new born baby. "Hey Jake, you're a sight," she greeted him. Jake's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open as Trevor and Mark reached them. "Joe's mother. She hired someone to take me, but found Sunny instead; he didn't know there was a difference, she didn't show him a picture, just told him where I worked and that I closed up. They faked her death because they couldn't let her go," Ashira told Jake. Jake gave his friend a gentle hug and reached for the screaming baby. Sunshine handed the baby over and Jake looked the baby up and down before turning to Trevor. "It's a boy," Jake said softly. Trevor stared at Sunshine before taking the baby Jake was holding out to him. "We need to get inside," Ashira said urgently. Jake nodded and helped Ashira to her feet. "Sunny, can you stand?" Jake asked. He was worried about his friend, she was so pale and thin. Mark bent down and scooped Sunshine up into his arms. "Let's go," he said, an uneasy feeling washing over him. Melinda stood up and gasped when she saw the exhausted convoy of people. "Mommy!" all three kids exclaimed happily. "Mel, get the kids inside and lock the door," Jake said softly. It didn't take Melinda much to get the kids inside, they wanted to follow their mother. Trevor sank into a chair and studied the now sleeping infant in his arms. Jake gave his friend a knowing smile. "God I want a bath and to sleep for a week," Ashira groaned. Jake chuckled as he reached for the phone. "You can't call the police!" Ashira exclaimed. Jake looked at her in surprise. "Hon, you both need medical attention," Jake said gently. "Joe's cousin is a paramedic here," Ashira told Jake. Jake sighed, hung up the phone before picking it back up and dialing a different number. Within thirty minutes, Jake was letting a man in the front door. "He's okay, this is Paul," Jake introduced. Sunshine recognized him and smiled. "You surf with Trevor and Jake," she murmured. Paul nodded. "And I'm a fire fighter," he added. "We've got the mini van, but they need medical care," Jake told his friend. Paul nodded as he helped Jake situate the exhausted women. Before getting in Trevor's car, Jake turned to Mark. "I know you want to come with us, but I need you to stay here and protect Mel and the kids. I don't trust anyone else. I only trust you because I know you'd kill yourself before letting anyone hurt Serenity," Jake said in a rush. Mark nodded. "Truce for now," he agreed, going into the house and locking the door behind him. Mark raced through the house, making sure all of the doors and windows were locked, then he pulled the blinds down about half way. "Is there a basement or anything?" Mark asked Melinda. She shook her head. "This isn't the mid west," she reminded Mark. Mark sighed. "But Ashira's old room has a place we can go," Melinda added. Mark grabbed a duffle bag from the hall closet and filled it with bottles of water and non perishable foods. "We hide there until Jake calls and says it's safe to come down," Mark said. Melinda nodded and led the way up the stairs and into the room that used to be Ashira's. "When Linds had the house built, she built a panic room in the closet. She knew Shira would be scared and would need a place to feel safe. Only Jake has the combination, he's the only one Shira trusted with it. There's a bathroom, and a mini fridge, a television, cable and a dvd player. It's sound proof, and the light won't show under the door," Melinda said, ushering the kids in. "They will need clothes," Mark reminded Melinda who smiled and shook her head. "The panic room has four small rooms in it, the bathroom, with a flush-able toilet, a small shower stall, a tiny galley, a living area and a small bedroom. Shira keeps several change of clothes for each of the kids. They're small enough to fit in the bedroom," Melinda told Mark. He grinned, thankful that his ex was that paranoid. They shut the door and Melinda fitted a bar over the lock. "The only way in now is for Jake or Ashira to punch in the code, and it won't be easily broken," Melinda said, satisified. She fixed a small dinner and they ate quietly; the kids seemed to sense that something was wrong. "They went down fast," Mark commented, an hour later as Melinda emerged from the small bedroom. Melinda nodded and sat on the couch next to him. She tensed as she heard crashes coming from Ashira's old room. She turned on the television and changed the channel to 3 and watched with a gasp as Joe and his family ransacked the house. "Are you sure they can't find us?" Mark asked softly. Melinda nodded. "It doesn't even show up on the blue-prints," she assured him. Mark stared at Melinda for a moment before leaning over and kissing her gently. "Mark, what are you doing?" Melinda asked, pulling away. Mark shook his head as he pulled Melinda's top over her head. "Mark, stop this," Melinda said softly. Mark shook his head again. "We both need this," he murmured. Melinda looked back toward the small bedroom and moaned softly as Mark's hand slid up her skirt and eased a finger past the barrier of her panties and inside her. "They'll sleep through hell raining down on earth if they're like their mother," Mark added, easing Melinda's panties down her legs. Melinda hesitated one last time before lunging at Mark, tugging at his belt. Mark chuckled and kicked his pants and boxers off, letting them fall in a heap beside the couch. Mark slid inside Melinda, and as he nibbled on her neck, thrust hard and deep. Melinda bit her lip to keep from crying out too loudly and Mark swore under his breath. "You're a ..." Mark shook his head and closed his eyes. "You should have told me," he groaned, holding himself as still as possible. Melinda caught her breath and wriggled a little making Mark groan again. "You didn't give me enough time," Melinda reminded him. Mark opened his eyes, and found himself staring into Melinda's dark blue eyes. Mark began to thrust gently, keeping his eyes on Melinda's; hoping he didn't hurt her. Melinda smiled slightly and lifted her hips to meet his. Mark took things slow for as long as he could; he could feel the energy in her body changing; he could feel her muscles tightening around him. "You're beautiful," Mark whispered, picking up the pace. Melinda moaned, the sensations that were running through her scared her, but thrilled her. Mark kissed her gently as one of his hands found her nipples. He pinched one lightly before moving his mouth over the nipple and sucked gently. Melinda cried out loudly as her whole body tightened. Mark groaned; she was almost there and so was he. "Let go Mel, just let go," he said huskily in her ear. Mark thrust once more and she shattered in his arms; the orgasm made her dizzy. Mark lost it, spewing his seed deep inside her body. Mark's arms finally gave up, unable to support him any longer and Mark shifted the way they were laying in hopes of not crushing Melinda under him. Mark lifted Melinda's face to his and was surprised to see tears in her eyes. "Did I hurt you?" he asked gently. Melinda shook her head as a lone tear trailed down her cheek. "What's wrong?" Mark asked. Melinda opened her mouth to answer when she heard loud poundings on the wall and door. She glanced at the television and could see Joe's face as he investigated the wall. "That's the guy who raped Shira," Melinda whispered. "He looks so normal." The Awakening of Love Ch. 16 Mark wanted to rip him to shreds. Melinda heard the kids moving around in the next room and began pulling on her clothes. Mark growled but pulled his boxers and jeans back on as Serenity led Allyson and Dylan into the room. "We're scared," Allyson whimpered. Mark lifted the small girl up onto the bed and gave her a hug. "Where's daddy?" Serenity asked as she helped push Dylan onto the bed before climbing up herself. Mark's heart clenched and Melinda gave him a sympathetic smile. "Daddy's with mommy, making sure she's okay," Melinda answered. Allyson let out a small scream as Joe started going at the wall with a sledge hammer. All of a sudden, the noise stopped and the door opened. Mark looked at Melinda and reached for her hand. They both breathed sighs of relief as Jake stepped into the room. "It's safe," Jake said as the kids ran to him. He bent down and held them tightly, his eyes never leaving Melinad and Mark. His eyes narrowed. "What happened between you two?" Jake wanted to know. Melinda pulled her hand away and stood up. "How's Shira and Sunny?" Melinda asked. Jake smiled. "Dehydrated, but they're fine," Jake answered. He led everyone to the main house as Joe and his family were being handcuffed. "It's over," Jake promised his friends. The Awakening of Love Ch. 17 Trevor sat in the chair at the side of the bed, refusing to leave Sunshine's side; afraid that if he left, she'd be gone. He looked up as she began thrashing in the bed and crying out. Trevor put a gentle hand on Sunshine's shoulder and she awoke with a scream. Shaking, she looked at him and smiled. "You look terrible," Sunshine managed to say, drinking him in. His eyes appeared darker; she could see the dark circles under his eyes, revealing his exhaustion to her. Trevor grinned before leaning in for a gentle kiss. "You look beautiful," he murmured. She shook her head. "Don't argue with me," Trevor cautioned. They both looked up when someone knocked on the door. "Come in Shira," Trevor said, seeing his friend leaning on the frame of the door. He stood up and let her have his seat and took the crutches from her as she sat down. One long look at Ashira told Trevor that she was no longer pregnant and he opened his mouth to ask what happened but Sunshine shook her head. Ashira looked at Trevor, and saw the unasked question in his eyes. "I haven't even told Jake, I need time," Ashira said softly. She looked at her friend lying in the bed, hardly able to believe that Sunshine was alive. Trevor gave Ashira a gentle hug. "I owe you so much," Trevor whispered, ignoring the tears that trailed down his face. Ashira felt his tears as they dropped onto her neck. "That's my wife you're hugging," Jake joked from the doorway. Trevor and Ashira laughed as Trevor pulled away. Jake gave Sunshine a gentle hug as Trevor helped Ashira stand. "You're a sight for sore eyes kid," Jake told Sunshine. She smiled. "I missed you too Jake," Sunshine said. She looked past her friend and saw Melinda and Mark standing in the doorway with the kids. "We pulled some strings," Melinda said. "Aunt Sunny!" Serenity shouted, running towards the bed. Trevor grinned and lifted Serenity onto the bed. Melinda stood back holding Dylan on her hip while Mark stood next to her with Allyson gripping his neck tightly. Ashira didn't miss the look Mark gave her friend but bit on her tongue to keep from asking him about it. "There are too many people here," a nurse said, walking in with the bassinet. Jake grinned a little. "We'll be leaving shortly, we just had to see for ourselves that this wasn't a dream," Jake promised. The nurse nodded and wheeled the bassinet up next to Sunshine's bed. "Baby!" Allyson exclaimed. Jake laughed and reached out for his daughter. Allyson went to her father eagerly until she saw Ashira. She struggled to get out of her father's arms and into Ashira's. Ashira wrapped her arms around her daughter and held her close. Jake pulled Serenity off of Sunshine's bed as the nurse lifted the baby out of the bassinet and into Sunshine's arms. Jake saw the look on Trevor's face and grinned. "Guys, give them a few alone," Jake said softly. Ashira gave Trevor a quick hug and smiled warmly at Sunshine. "The panic will go away," she promised, passing Allyson back to Mark and taking the crutches back from Trevor and following everyone out the door. -Two weeks later- Ashira stood at the sink and rinsed off an apple before handing it to Melinda to core and slice. "What's going on between you and Mark?" Ashira asked suddenly as Melinda layered the apples in the bottom of the pie tin. Melinda dropped the last few pieces of apple. "What do you mean?" Melinda asked nervously. Ashira studied her friend and sighed. "You slept with him didn't you?" Ashira said gently. Melinda avoided her friend's eyes. "Melinda, I know you did," Ashira said gently. Melinda sighed and nodded. Ashira grinned at the look on her friend's face. "You like him," Ashira observed. Melinda nodded. "How was it?" Ashira asked. Melinda blushed and Ashira laughed. "That good huh?" Ashira teased. Melinda smiled. "I remember," Ashira told her friend as Jake stormed into the kitchen. "What's wrong?" Ashira asked without turning around. "Mark is going through with the custody battle," Jake answered. The color drained from Ashira's face. "He'll lose, he signed over rights," Ashira said as calmly as she could. Melinda looked between her two friends and sighed. Melinda put the finishing touches on the pie and popped it into the oven before leaving the kitchen. "I'm going to kill him," Jake growled. Ashira sighed and shook her head. "Like that will help," she said sarcastically. Jake ran his hand through his hair. "I can't believe he's doing this," Jake grumbled. Ashira smiled sadly. "Jake, if you were Serenity's biological father, what would you do?" Ashira asked, trying to see both sides. Jake turned and faced Ashira. "I wouldn't have walked out on you," Jake answered. The look in his eyes was so intense that Ashira shivered. "I know," she said softly. Ashira looked away with a sigh. "I'm going to find Mel, then I'll go talk to Mark," Ashira told him. Jake nodded and watched Ashira walk out of the room. Ashira found Melinda out by the pool, dragging her foot through the water. "Mel? Are you okay?" Ashira asked. Melinda shrugged. "You're falling in love with him," Ashira observed. Melinda nodded. "He's so cute, I was so jealous of you guys," Melinda whispered. Ashira gave her friend a hug. "Go after him; after of course, I rip him a new one," Ashira encouraged Melinda with a grin. "Don't forget about your pie," she added before getting up and walking away. Ashira walked into the tanning salon, her face red with anger. "Mark Pederson, you have some explaining to do!" she shouted. Mark looked up from the new security desk and sighed. "Ashira, I'm not in the mood," Mark warned. "I don't give a flying fuck about your mood! We need to talk!" Ashira shouted. One of the other security guards made a move to grab Ashira by the arm and she shoved her employee badge in his face. "Don't even think about touching me," she hissed. Mark sighed. "Watch the lobby John," Mark said, leading Ashira to the security office. "What's up your ass?" Mark asked, leaning across the desk, his arms folded over his chest. Ashira's eyes narrowed as he focused his hazel eyes on her. "First you tell me you don't want to be a father to your daughter and you let Jake adopt her, then you change your mind and do want to be a father to your daughter then you sleep with my best friend!" Ashira shouted. Mark winced, knowing everyone in the salon could hear her. "Shira," Mark warned. Ashira took a deep breath to calm herself down. "How'd you know about Mel?" Mark wanted to know. Ashira rolled her eyes. "Her face is too expressive," Ashira answered. Mark chuckled. "Leave Serenity be, she loves Jake and he adores her," Ashira murmured. Mark's face hardened. "She's my daughter. We made her," Mark said. Ashira clenched her hands into fists. "And you abandoned us both," Ashira hissed. Mark sighed. "I have regretted that decision. I know you're happy with Jake. I'm glad for you, but the baby we made, Shira, she's beautiful," Mark said. Ashira smiled at that and nodded. "Yes, she is, but it isn't your name on the birth certificate; it's Jake's. We will tell her when she's older, but don't do this. Jake loves her so much, he's been there through everything," Ashira pleaded. Mark sighed. "I want my daughter Ashira," Mark stated, his voice taking on a hardness that surprised her. "Where the fuck were you at three am when she was hungry? Needed her diaper changed? Had a bad dream? You weren't there for any of it, Jake was!" Ashira shouted. Mark sighed when he saw the tears in her eyes. "I know Jake loves Serenity, but I need my daughter," Mark said gently. He looked up as the door opened. "You don't need her, you just want her, like she's a commodity," Ashira whispered. "That's enough," Jake said gently from behind her. He put his hands on Ashira's shoulders and pulled her away from Mark. "Go to the bathroom and wash your face," Jake said softly. Mark and Jake watched her go and Jake turned back to Mark. "You do what you have to, but you're going to destroy any relationship you already have with Serenity," Jake told Mark, his voice low, controlled but angry. "Just make sure you're doing what's best for Serenity," Jake added before walking away. -Two days later- "You've been avoiding me," Mark said from the doorway, making Melinda jump. "No, I've just been busy," she denied. "Bull," Mark hissed. Melinda sighed. "I want to be with you, but you're hurting two of my friends," Melinda said softly. She folded the last teeshirt and put it in the drawer. Mark walked into the room and pulled Melinda to him. "Forget what's happening between Ashira, Jake and I. This is about us," Mark said, reaching a hand up under Melinda's shirt. He fumbled with the clasp of her bra before he finally managed to unhook it and slid the garment down Melinda's arms. "You're beautiful," Mark said softly, pressing a kiss to Melinda's forehead. Melinda backed away. "We can't do this," she told him. Mark growled and took a step forward. "I mean it," Melinda said sternly. Mark stepped back over to her and she backed into the dresser. "Mark ..." Melinda's words faded away as he lowered his lips to hers. Melinda was lost; she hardly felt him remove her clothes or his and she gasped in surprise when he pushed his way into her. "We shouldn't do this, not without ..." Mark kissed her again and all doubts faded away as she gave her body to him. At some point, they managed to move to the bed and lay together, in each other's arms. "Did I hurt you?" Mark asked, seeing tears in her eyes. Melinda shook her head. "Then why the tears?" Mark asked with a frown. Before Melinda could answer, the door opened and Ashira stepped inside. She stopped dead as she saw her best friend and ex-boyfriend in bed together. Ashira blushed a little as she noticed Mark hadn't changed much. "I'll come back later," Ashira said, backing out of the room. Mark growled when he noticed Melinda had sat up and was pulling on her clothes. "Mel, don't," Mark said, reaching out for her. She pulled away and shook her head. "I want you to leave Mark. I can't keep doing this, someone is just going to get hurt," Melinda said. Mark stood up and walked up to her. "Mel, we can work this out, just give us a chance," Mark pleaded. The look in Melinda's eyes told Mark she wanted to try, but she shook her head and looked away. "We can't be together. I want you to leave, and don't come back,"Melinda told him firmly. Mark opened his mouth to protest again. "Go Mark, get your clothes on and just go!" Melinda exclaimed. Mark sighed, pulled his clothes on and headed for the door. "This is what you want?" Mark asked, turning to look at Melinda one last time. Melinda nodded. "Good-bye Mark," she whispered as he walked out of the room and down the stairs. The Awakening of Love Ch. 18 This is the final chapter in Awakening. I am working on Melinda and Mark's story. Thanks for reading. Ashira CHAPTER EIGHTEEN -Months later- "Stop fiddling with your tie," Ashira said, batting at Jake's hand. "I can't help it," he grumbled. Ashira sighed and looked up as Mark and his lawyer walked into the court room. "I want him to just ..." Jake jumped as someone placed a hand on his shoulder. "Jeez Trevor, you gave me a heart attack," Jake groused. Trevor laughed. "Where's Sunny?" Ashira asked. Trevor grinned. "She's home, Crystal got here last night," Trevor answered. Ashira smiled. "How's Sunny feeling?" Jake asked, stealing glances at Mark. Trevor smiled and Ashira laughed at the look in his eyes. "Finally over the morning sickness huh?" Ashira giggled. Trevor nodded and Jake chuckled. "Just go easy on her, you don't want to break her," he joked. Trevor rolled his eyes. "She's tougher than she looks," Trevor reminded his friend. Jake nodded. "But you're not used to having sex with a pregnant woman, it's a lot different. And more fun," Jake said with a grin. Ashira laughed and shifted uneasily, feeling Mark's eyes on her. He ignored his attorny and walked over to them. "How's Sunny doing?" Mark asked. Ashira looked at him coldly. "Have you talked to Mel?" she countered. Mark sighed. "Sunny's fine," Trevor answered Mark, hoping to avoid a fight. "Mel hasn't talked to me in months; she told me to leave and not come back," Mark admitted. Jake and Ashira exchanged glances as their lawyer stepped up. "You need to go back to your side," the lawyer told Mark. Mark nodded and turned to Ashira. "Tell Mel that I miss her," Mark said softly before returning to his side of the court room. Both Mark and Jake looked at each other as Ashira haltingly talked about the rape and the events that followed. They hated the pain in her eyes as she talked about it. Mark mouthed, "I'm sorry," to her and she looked away from him. This was one of the only thing Mark and Jake had in common; they hated that Ashira had gone through this and Mark felt a twinge of guilt for making her relive it. "What happened after you were released from the hospital?" Ashira's lawyer asked gently. Ashira hesitated. "Mark and I broke up," she answered finally. "Why?" "I wouldn't sleep with Mark, I was too scared." The lawyer paused to let Ashira try and regain a bit of her composure as Mark's lawyer objected. The judge told the lawyer to sit down and nodded to Ashira's lawyer to continue. "Did you know you were pregnant?" "Not then, no." "And when you found out you were expecting?" Ashira looked at Jake who smiled warmly, lovingly. "I was a wreck. I didn't know if it was Mark's or his," Ashira answered. "His?" the lawyer asked. "My attacker's," Ashira clarified. She was shaking visibly and Trevor had to put an arm on Jake's shoulder to keep him in his seat. "Did you tell Mark you were pregnant?" Ashira nodded. "And?" "He said that he hoped it wasn't because of the rape and to let him know," Ashira answered. "And who fathered your child?" Ashira brightened a little. "Mark," she answered. "And what did he say?" the lawyer asked. Ashira looked at Mark who looked very ashamed. "That I was on my own," she answered. Her lawyer nodded and sat back down as Mark's lawyer stood up. "Did Mark ever say he wanted the baby?" he asked. Ashira shook her head. "He said that he would help financially as much as he could, but that he wasn't ready to be a father," Ashira answered. "But you were engaged, surely you discussed having children." Ashira sighed and wished she could curl up under a rock. "We did discuss it," she agreed. "We had planned on waiting a few years at least," Ashira added. "So Serenity was rather unexpected?" Ashira chuckled at that. "That's putting it mildly," she said. Mark's lawyer smiled. "Who was at the birth?" he asked. "Nobody, it was an emergency C-Section," Ashira answered. "But they were both there when I came out," she added. "I see. Did you and Mark discuss anything about custody?" he asked. "Yes. Mark knew that Jake and I were getting close. Jake had offered to step in and be a father to Serenity. Mark agreed to sign over his parental rights and let Jake adopt her, as long as he could still see Serenity," Ashira answered. Mark's lawyer paused and Ashira's lawyer stood up for a moment. "May I ask a small question your honor?" she asked. The judge's eyes narrowed but he nodded. "Ashira, did Mark go to any of your prenatal appointments?" Ashira shook her head, and focused on Jake. "Jake went to every single one. He was there for all the blood draws, and even the ultra sound. And he was there when the cops arrested the man who raped me and kidnapped me. He's been my hero," Ashira said softly. Jake smiled at her and Mark sighed. Mark's laywer opened his mouth to speak but the judge stopped him. "I'd like to meet this young lady, how old is she?" the judge asked. He looked at Mark for the answer, giving Ashira a look telling her to keep quiet. "Serenity just turned four your honor," Jake answered. "Three days ago as a matter of fact," he added. Ashira smiled and rubbed her forehead lightly. "Are you alright Mrs. Barnes?" the judge asked. Ashira nodded slowly. "Just a headache your honor," she said softly. The judge turned back to the lawyers. "We'll recess for an hour, will someone please bring the little girl?" he announced. Jake nodded and waited for Ashira to return to their seats. "That isn't just a headache," Mark observed. Jake growled at Mark then turned his attention to Ashira. Jake studied Ashira and grinned. "Are we ..." Jake stopped talking when she nodded and pulled Ashira in for a gentle hug. "You okay?" Jake asked. Ashira nodded. "I need the bathroom," she said softly. Jake chuckled a little and led Ashira out of the court room. While he waited for Ashira, Jake turned to Trevor. "Will you get Seren?" he asked. Trevor nodded and quickly walked away. Back in the court room, Ashira fiddled with a pen as Jake set a glass of water in front of her. "Thanks," Ashira murmured. Jake squeezed her hand as the lawyer walked back into the room. Jake sat down next to Ashira and wrapped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her to him. "You okay?" Jake asked softly. Ashira nodded. "I just want this to be over," she admitted as Jake was called to the stand. "Good afternoon Mr. Barnes," his attorny greeted. Jake nodded to her. "Hello Ms. Davis," he replied. "Can you walk us through the nine months of Ashira's pregnancy with Serenity?" Ms. Davis asked. Jake nodded and sighed before launching into the story. Jake watched Mark flinch when he mentioned Ashira's suicidalness. "She was scared when she found out. She had nightmares for months," Jake said. "What about?" Ms. Davis asked gently. Jake hesitated. "I can't talk about that," he said finally. Mark's lawyer objected. "It isn't my place to tell people about my wife's nightmares," Jake added. He looked at Ashira; he could see how pale she was. Before she could say anything, Ashira bolted from the court room. Jake tried to get up to follow her, but the judge stopped him. "Is she ill?" Jake gave a small smile. "Not technically," Jake answered. The judge gave him an annoyed look and Jake growled softly. "Last time I checked, pregnancy wasn't considered an illness," Jake said in a sarcastic tone that he regretted instantly. He turned back towards the door as Ashira slipped back inside. She caught his gaze and smiled a little. He was relieved to see some color back in her cheeks. "Trevor's here," Ashira said quietly. "I take it he's a friend," the judge said, choosing to ignore the tone of voice Jake had used to address him. Ashira nodded. The judge looked at Jake and at Mark. "I'd like to hear from Mark for a moment, you can stay where you are. Did the description Mrs. Barnes give us about your reaction and your actions, were they accurate?" the judge asked. Mark sighed. "Yes your honor," Mark answered. "You did give up your rights to the child then?" Mark nodded. "I did your honor, but it's something I regret very much," Mark answered. The judge looked at the three young people before him. "How does the child know you?" he asked Mark. Mark sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "She calls me Uncle Mark," Mark said. Both Mark and Jake turned and looked at Ashira who was going pale again. The bayliff handed her a small garbage pail and led her to the judge's chambers. "Why don't we wait for the rest of this until Shira's done puking her guts out," Mark grumbled. Jake chuckled a little. "Because neither one of us want to live with this for another four months," Jake retorted. Mark's eyes widened a little. "Months?" he echoed. Jake nodded. "Morning sickness, it's a bitch and lasts for about four months; this is something you should know about, except you weren't there," Jake sneered. Ashira stepped back into the room, wiping her mouth on a piece of paper towel. "That's enough Jake," she said gently. The judge watched as Ashira took her seat then turned back and cleared his throat. "I'd like to bring in the child. From the reports I have here in front of me, she's been spending two weekends a month with Mark. I want to see how she reacts. We'll let her see Mark first, then her mother, and then Jake," the judge announced. Jake's heart was pounding as the bayliff opened the door. He watched Trevor lead his daughter down the center aisle and come to a stop in front of Mark. The look on Trevor's face would have killed Mark if looks could kill. "Uncle Mark, where's my mommy and daddy?" Serenity asked, looking around nervously. Mark closed his eyes and stepped aside. He knew he'd lost. "Mommy? Where's Daddy? Daddy promised to take me to the zoo to see the new babies!" Serenity exclaimed, seeing Ashira and running over to her. Ashira smiled and hugged her daughter tightly. Serenity looked around until her eyes zeroed in on Jake. Her eyes lit up and she ran towards him. "Daddy, daddy, the elephants had their babies!" Serenity exclaimed, jumping into Jake's arms. Ashira glanced at Mark. She saw the dejected look on Mark's face and stepped up to him. "Mark, she loves you, just not as a father. I promise, we'll tell her everything when she's older," Ashira promised. She turned back and smiled when she saw her husband and daughter. Mark stepped forward. "Your honor, I'm prepared to go along with the agreement I made with Ashira four years ago. I love Serenity, and I realize now, that if I take her from Jake, that I'll just hurt her, and I don't want that," Mark began. He turned to Jake. "Just let me see her," he pleaded. Jake grinned and swallowed over the lump in his throat. "You'll probably regret that when she turns sixteen," Jake joked. Everyone laughed and the judge dismissed the case. Ashira knocked on the door of the beach house and waited for Melinda or Crystal to answer the door. She hadn't seen her friend in months, since before the trial and she was dying for her friend to know what had happened. Cyrstal opened the door and was relieved to see Ashira standing there. "It's over, Mark agreed to stick to the original agreement," Ashira said softly. Crystal gave Ashira a hug. "You're glowing," Crystal observed. Ashira smiled and shrugged. "Can't Jake keep his hands off you?" Crystal teased, letting her friend into the room. Ashira shook her head. "Thankfully, no," she joked. Crystal laughed. "He is a good looking man," Crystal agreed. Ashira sighed. "And he's all mine," Ashira reminded Crystal who laughed. Her laugh turned into a sigh. "You have to do something about Mel," Crystal whispered. Ashira looked at her friend in surprise. "She's in the kitchen," Crystal added. Ashira looked at Crystal before walking into the kitchen. "Mel?" Ashira asked. Melinda turned around and Ashira sighed. "Have you told Mark?" Ashira asked. Melinda shook her head. "I told him I didn't want to see him any more. I didn't want any part of what he was doing to you and Jake. I thought if I was in a relationship with him, that it could work in his favor," Melinda sniffled. Ashira gave her friend a tight hug. "You're not just four or five months pregnant," she accused. Melinda shook her head. "Oh my G-d, that night that Sunny and I got back ... in the panic room ..." Ashira sank into a kitchen chair. Melinda sat down and nodded. "He needs to be told Mel, you need to tell him," Ashira said gently. Melinda shook her head. "Mel, it's over; Mark's agreed to go back to the way things were in regards to Serenity, but you need to tell him he's going to be a father, he has that right," Ashira said, holding her friend while she cried. When Melinda's tears stopped, Ashira picked up the phone and dialed Mark's number and handed the receiver to Melinda before Mark answered. "Hello Mark, it's Mel. We need to talk," Melinda said. As I said above, this is the final chapter of Awakening of Love. I am considering a sequel; would you prefer it to be about Mel and Mark or Trevor and Sunshine? Thanks for the feedback and thanks for reading! Ashira