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Searching for Love Ch. 01

By: AshiraDatya



 Here's the sequel to "Fighting for Love" and I hope you enjoy it. The idea for it jumped in my mind while I was trying to sleep and I had to start getting stuff written down first thing. Please give me feedback! I'm hoping to incorporate ideas about my writing style from posts of my other story. 

*

CHAPTER ONE

-Somewhere in Latin America-

"This is crazy! How are you expected to find anyone in this swam?" Caitlin asked, waving her arms around her head to keep the bugs from flying near her. 

"Hold still!" Jake hissed, coming to a stop.

"What's up?" Caitlin asked quietly, halting all movement.

"We aren't alone," Jake whispered. Caitlin looked around carefully.

"There are three armed men, 90 degrees to our left," Caitlin told Jake softly as she consulted her mini laptop. Jake carefully and quietly pulled his gun from it's holster and handed to Caitlin before easing his rifle from it's sling across his back.

"I trust you remember how to use a gun," he said, easing away from Caitlin without waiting for a reply.

Before either of them knew what was happening, Caitlin and Jake were surrounded by camouflaged men pointing very large assault rifles at them. The leader of the group grabbed Caitlin by her pony-tail and pulled her to a standing position next to him. 

Jake started to walk towards them and found the barrel of a gun in his face. Jake raised his hands and handed off his weapon before his hands were bound and he was dragged to the enemy's compound. Jake looked around and called out, "Cait, twenty black birds waiting on a pie!" Caitlin looked over her shoulder.

"Two bakers burning the pie," she said.

"Fuck!" Danny exclaimed, tossing his head set onto the desk and grabbing the phone. "This is Danny Storm, get me Cal Hopkins," Danny said when his call was connected.

"Caitlin?" Jake asked softly, sneaking into a tent. Caitlin looked up, surprised to see Jake. 

"How did you get past the guard?" Caitlin asked. Jake studied Caitlin's face and his eyes darkened with anger.

"They hit you," Jake said, crawling deeper into the tent, and tracing the bruise with his finger. "Did they do anything else?" Jake wanted to know. Caitlin sighed.

"Can we get out of here?" she asked. Jake nodded and held out his hand. 

Caitlin took it without hesitation and followed Jake out of the tent. As they eased their way towards the jungle, a hand reached out and touched Caitlin's shoulder making her jump. They both turned around carefully and Caitlin gasped when she saw a bruised and battered young woman. "Please take me with you," she whispered. Before Caitlin or Jake could answer, the girl's knees buckled and she started to go down; Jake caught her easily and hoisted her into his arms. 

"We can't leave her," Jake told Caitlin. 

Caitlin sighed, but nodded, remembering everything that had happened to her over the past two weeks.

"How are you feeling?" Jake asked Caitlin as she walked out of the make shift infirmary. 

"Better," Caitlin said with a small smile. Jake brushed his fingers down her bruise and the fingers on his other hand clenched in anger. "I'm okay Jake," Caitlin said, taking his hand from her face and squeezing it. 

"Hey guys, I hate to break this up, but our guest is waking up," Danny said from the shadows. Jake pulled away from Caitlin and walked into the infirmary and sat by the bed as the girl he had carried woke up. 

Sitting up, she gave a small scream. 

"Please don't hurt me!" she cried. Jake held up his hands in front of him.

"I won't hurt you. I'm the one that carried you out of there," Jake said gently. "I'm Jake," he added. 

She studied him for a moment. 

"My name is Marisol." 

Jake smiled. "That's a beautiful name. Would you like something to drink, or eat?" Jake murmured. Marisol nodded and Jake looked up at Danny who grabbed a bottle of water from a cooler and walked up to the bed. 

Marisol shrank away as Danny held out the bottle. "It's okay Marisol, he won't hurt you. This is Danny, he's a good friend of mine. His girlfriend and son are back home," Jake told her. Marisol took the offered water bottle, opened it and took a long drink. 

-Meanwhile-

Claire frowned as she finished examining Jessica. "I'm worried about your blood pressure," she told Jessica. Jessica sighed as she wiped the gel used to amplify the baby's heart beat off of her belly and sat up. 

"The baby's heart beat sounds good, nice and strong," Claire murmured, writing something in Jessica's chart before turning around. "How have you been sleeping and eating?" Claire wanted to know.

"Okay. It's getting harder to sleep comfortably," Jessica answered. Claire smiled and jotted another note on the chart. "Claire, has Cal heard from Danny since Jake and Caitlin were taken?" Jessica wanted to know. Claire sighed. She knew that Danny's absence, along with the Jake's and Caitlin's kidnapping had pushed her stress level over the edge.

"Jessica, Danny called Cal this morning, Jake and Caitlin managed to get themselves out, as well as a girl who was being held hostage. They're all fine. We need to talk about your blood pressure," Claire told Jessica, gently but firmly. 

Jessica was standing in front of the stove, stirring the chili when she felt a searing pain course through her. Jessica dropped the wooden spoon to the floor and braced herself on the oven door. 

"Jess, are you okay?" Paul asked, putting his bowl in the bin designated for dirty dishes.

"I don't think so, can you take me to the infirmary?" Jessica asked, her eyes wide. Paul nodded, lifted Jessica into his arms and carried her quickly to the infirmary.

"Welcome back guys," Cal said as Danny, Jake, Caitlin and Marisol climbed out of the van. "Danny, you need to go to the infirmary right away," he added. Danny and Jake exchanged glances and Danny took off at a run towards the compound. 

"Cal this is Marisol Santiago. We rescued her from the enemy camp sight," Jake introduced. "He won't hurt you," Jake told Marisol, feeling her shrink back away from Cal. Cal gave Marisol a warm smile and led them into the compound.

"Claire!" Danny exclaimed, bursting into the infirmary. Claire looked up from her paperwork and stood up from the desk. "What happened? Where's Jessica?" Danny wanted to know. 

Claire laid a comforting hand on Danny's arm.

"Jessica's blood pressure was very high and she had a condition called preeclampsia," Claire began. Claire quickly told him the causes and effects of the condition and Danny paled visibly.

"Is Jess okay?" Danny asked, fearing the worst. Claire smiled and nodded.

"She's going to be just fine," Claire told Danny.

"How did you cure the preeclampsia?" Danny asked. Claire smiled again.

"There's only one way to stop preeclampsia and that is to deliver the baby. Now before you start panicking, Jessica was at thirty-seven weeks, and full term. Jess and the baby are both doing very well," Claire began. 

Danny breathed a sigh of relief. "We had to do a C-section, but Jessica's blood pressure is back to normal and the baby is beautiful," Claire added, leading Danny towards one of the rooms. "Go on in and meet your new baby," Claire said, opening the door a little before returning to her paperwork. Danny stepped into the room to find Jessica and the baby sleeping. Danny peered into the bassinet and smiled before sitting down next to the bed. Danny brushed his knuckle across Jessica's cheek. Jessica's eyes fluttered open and zeroed in on Danny's face. 

"Hey beautiful," Danny murmured with a smile.

"Danny? When did you get back?" Jessica asked, surprised to see him sitting by her bed.

"Just a few minutes ago," Danny answered as Jessica pulled herself into a sitting position with a wince.

"I missed you!" Jessica exclaimed as Danny wrapped his arms around her and gave her a tight but gentle hug. "I was so scared for you," she murmured. 

"I'm alright, and I'm home now," Danny soothed. "I'm so sorry I didn't get back in time," Danny said. Jessica smiled a little.

"It's okay. I know you wanted to be," Jessica told him. "Have you seen her?" Jessica asked. 

Danny grinned, but nodded. "Her?" 

Jessica nodded. "I named her Kylie Rose," Jessica said. Danny smiled.

"She's beautiful, like her mom," Danny said, kissing Jessica gently as Kylie started fussing. Danny scooped Kylie out of the bassinet and cradled her gently in his arms, turning at the knock on the door.

"Come in," Jessica called. The door opened and Jake poked his head in the doorway. "I'm glad to see you made it back okay," Jessica told Jake as he walked into the room and gave Jessica a gentle hug. Jake glanced over at Danny who was holding a now calm Kylie. "Meet Kylie Rose Storm," Jessica added. 

Jake grinned. "She's beautiful." Jessica looked over Jake's shoulder at Marisol. "Jess, this is Marisol. It's a long story, and I don't want to go into it now," Jake introduced. 

Jessica smiled kindly at Marisol who was looking at Kylie with a strange expression on her face.

"Do you like babies Marisol?" Jessica asked. Marisol nodded slowly and looked away. 

"She reminds me of my little sister," Marisol murmured. Danny handed Kylie over to Jessica as Claire walked into the room.

"Hi Marisol, my name is Claire, and I'm the physician here," Claire introduced herself. Marisol smiled slightly and shook Claire's hand. "I was told you went through a lot. If it's okay with you, I'd like to examen you," Claire said gently. Marisol looked at Jake who gave her an encouraging smile and Marisol nodded. "Follow me into another room," Claire murmured, leading Marisol into the exam room next door.

"Jake?" Caitlin called, knocking on his door. Jake opened the door.

"What's going on?" Jake asked, his brown hair tousled.

"I woke you up didn't I?" Caitlin murmured. Jake nodded, but let her in.

"It's okay, I wasn't sleeping well anyway," Jake said. "What's up?" he wanted to know.

"I needed to talk to you about what happened during the gun op," Caitlin began. 

Jake shook his head. "No Caitlin, you don't. You slept around, you got pregnant, and had an abortion, what else is there for you say? That you love me?" Jake sneered. Caitlin sighed and played with her hands.

"I didn't sleep around, I just told you that because I was afraid," Caitlin told Jake. 

"Afraid of what?" Jake demanded. 

"You know the childhood I had Jake. It wasn't great," Caitlin murmured. Jake nodded.

"Not everyone has a good childhood," Jake reminded her. Caitlin nodded and hesitated for a moment. She hadn't told anyone about her past, but she knew she had to tell Jake.

"I was raped Jake. When my mother had a miscarriage and had to have an emergency hysterectomy, my step father decided I would be a surrogate mother for their child. He raped me every night until I was pregnant," Caitlin told him. 

Searching for Love Ch. 02-03



 Here are chapters two and three ... enjoy! As always, please send feedback; if it's going to be destructive instead of constructive, send it to my email instead of posting it on the end of the story. Thanks! 

-Ashira 

CHAPTER TWO

When Jake showed up for the weekly meeting the next morning, his eyes were shadowed by large dark circles and his face was pale. Caitlin didn't look much better; she and Jake had stayed up until the sun began to rise in the sky talking; they had received maybe three hours sleep. 

"What's up with the two of you?" Danny asked, still over the moon about being with his family. Jake grinned in spite of how he was feeling; he was happy about his friend's new daughter.

"I'll tell you later," Jake promised. Caitlin shifted uneasily in her chair as Cal began the meeting. 

Cal looked up and focused his vision on Caitlin. "Do you have a problem?" Cal asked. Caitlin shook her head, but stood up and ran from the room. 

"Permission to follow her sir," Jake said. Cal nodded and Jake left the room in time to see Caitlin hurry into the bathroom. When Caitlin walked back into the hallway, she bumped right into Jake. "Are you alright?" Jake asked, concerned at how much paler her face seemed. Caitlin shook her head and Jake led her to his room. "What's going on Cait?" Jake asked.

"Nothing," Caitlin said softly. 

Jake shook his head. "Don't give me that Cait. You look like you've been puking your guts out," Jake scolded. "Has your step father contacted you?" Jake wanted to know, leading Caitlin to his room. 

"No, Jake, he doesn't even know where I am," Caitlin said softly.

"Then what? Are you feeling guilty for the abortion?" Caitlin shook her head. 

"Caitlin, talk to me," Jake said softly. Tears came to her eyes and Jake gave Caitlin a hug and when she tried to pull away, he held firm. "Talk to me Caitlin," Jake repeated, wiping the tears off of her cheeks.

"They raped me Jake, and I, I'm pregnant," Caitlin whispered.

Jake sat there stunned, holding Caitlin as she cried. Jake didn't know what else to do; Caitlin usually acted like an ice queen. 

"I can't have another abortion Jake, it nearly destroyed me the last time. It was almost a year before I could handle hearing a vacuum cleaner," Caitlin said after she had calmed down a little. "But I don't want this baby. It will be a constant reminder of what happened," she added.

"There's always adoption," Jake reminded her.

"I would have to carry the baby and give birth to it and I don't know if I can do that," Caitlin murmured.

"I'll be here for you," Jake told her. Caitlin stared at Jake in surprise.

"Even after I aborted our child, you would forgive me enough to help me through this?" Caitlin asked, her eyes wide. 

Jake sighed. "Caitlin, I was angry with you when I found out about the abortion, I won't lie about that. I would have been thrilled to have had a child with you. I understand your fear; your last pregnancy had been full of pain and heart- ache. I'm not your step-father. I would never hurt you like that, and you know it. If you choose to have another abortion, I'll be here, if you decide to have the baby and give it up for adoption, I'm here and if you decide to have and keep the baby, then I'll be here," Jake promised. Caitlin sniffled 

"Why are you being this nice?" Caitlin asked. "I thought you hated me," she added.

"I was angry with you, but I never hated you. In fact, you made me so miserable that I nearly killed Jess," Jake admitted. Caitlin looked at Jake in surprise. Jake chuckled and told Caitlin what had happened.

"And you're alive to tell about it?" Caitlin joked. Jake laughed.

"Just by luck," Jake agreed. They pulled apart as there was a knock on the door before it opened to reveal Danny and Jessica. 

"We thought you'd be hungry," Jessica said softly, setting a basket of food on the desk by the door. 

"Thanks Jess, but I don't know if I can keep anything down," Caitlin murmured.

"Where's Kylie?" Jake asked. Jessica grinned and turned slightly so that Jake could see the baby in her sling on Jessica's back.

"Danny, can you go check on Will and take him to dinner? I'll be there in a minute, I have to ask Caitlin something," Jessica asked. Danny nodded and kissed Jessica and Kylie before leaving the room.

Jessica turned back to Jake and Caitlin. "Caitlin, are you pregnant?" Jessica asked gently. Caitlin nodded, shame flooding her. 

"I should have been able to stop him," Caitlin whispered. 

"It wasn't your fault. All the training in the world can't stop someone if they're determined enough and have help," Jessica said. 

"Thanks for the food Jess, but I'm not really hungry," Caitlin said. Jessica smiled knowingly.

"Yeah, morning sickness is a bitch, but you need to eat and keep your strength up," Jessica murmured, pulling food out of the basket. "I have some chicken soup and lightly buttered toast. I also have some tea with honey and some saltines. There's also a can of lukewarm Sprite. It will help settle your stomach. If you feel up to eating something more substantial later, my room is right next door," Jessica said. 

Jake gave Jessica a grateful smile as she stood up and headed for the door.

"Cait, why don't I leave you and Jess alone to talk? I need something more than chicken broth," Jake suggested. Caitlin nodded and watched Jake leave.

"I'm assuming it's not Jake's, considering he looked ready to kill you when you first got here," Jessica said gently. Caitlin nodded again.

"When I was captured, I was raped. Claire says I'm disease free, but I have to have another HIV test in four months," Caitlin said. Jessica gave Caitlin a sympathetic smile and poured a little chicken broth into a small bowl. 

"I know how you feel," Jessica murmured.

"You were raped?" Caitlin asked in surprise. 

"No, but I manned the phones at a rape crisis center," Jessica answered. "And I'm the product of a rape. My parents were dating through high school and my mom had decided that she wanted to have sex with my dad at prom, but changed her mind after some fore play. He refused to accept she had changed her mind and forced her to have sex with him. While I was growing up, she treated me like I was a disease. As I got older, she managed to convince me that any boy would rape me. When I met Danny, my mother threw me out of the house because she, in her own words, had already raised a bastard daughter and didn't want to raise a bastard grandchild," Jessica said in a rush. Caitlin stared at Jessica in shock as she took a sip of chicken broth.

"I'm scared. I don't know if I can have another abortion, but I don't know if I can have another child due to a rape," Caitlin whispered. Jessica gave Caitlin a hug.

"Jake won't let you go through this alone," Jessica murmured. "And you have Danny and me, provided of course you don't hurt Jake again," she added. Caitlin grinned and nibbled on a slice of toast.

"How can you still be friends with Jake after what he did to you?" Caitlin wanted to know. 

Jessica smiled. "Because I know and understand why he did what he did. It took some time, but I'm glad Danny has such loyal friends," Jessica said.

"So what's up with you and Caitlin?" Danny asked as he lifted the bar of the bench press.

"I don't want to get in to it here," Jake said, checking to make sure the bar wasn't going to slip from Danny's hands.

"Holy hell man, how much weight did you put on this thing?" Danny asked after his tenth rep. Jake checked the weights after helping Danny to put the bar in place.

"150," Jake answered. Danny sat up and took the offered towel and wiped his face. "How's Will taking to Kylie?" Jake wanted to know. Danny smiled.

"He's a little put out, but he's okay. I can't believe I missed his first birthday," Danny answered.

Jake gave his friend a sympathetic look. "I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me; having Caitlin around must be a constant reminder for you," Danny said, slapping his hand against his forehead. 

Jake shrugged. "It's okay," Jake said, getting on the treadmill. Danny got on the exercise bike next to Jake and began the next phase of his exercise regime.

"Um, Jake, isn't this the girl you rescued on your op?" Paul asked from the rowing machine by the door. Jake looked up and nodded. "What's wrong Marisol?" he asked, getting off of the treadmill and walking over to the shaking girl in the door way.

"There are so many men here. They frighten me," Marisol answered.

"They won't hurt you," Jake assured her.

"Take her out back for some air," Danny suggested. "It calmed Jess down after she first got here," he added. Jake nodded and led Marisol out the back door and down to the apple orchard.

"Marisol, none of the men here would hurt you; the most they would do is flirt," Jake told Marisol.

"That's what Rafe told me when he took me from my village," Marisol retorted. 

"You're comparing me with a kidnapper and rapist now?" Jake asked, raising an eye brow. Marisol shook her head.

"No, no, you're nothing like him. Usted me salvó. (You saved me.) You are a good man, and very caring from what I have heard. I need a favor from you," Marisol said.

"And what might that be?" Jake wanted to know. 

Marisol hesitated before saying, "Quiero que usted me muestran que el sexo no tiene que doler." 

"You want me to do what?" Jake asked in surprise.

"I've heard that sex doesn't have to hurt, and I want for you to show me that it doesn't have to hurt," Marisol repeated, this time in English. Jake swallowed and stared as Marisol slipped off her dress.

"Marisol, this is a bad idea," Jake managed to say as she reached for his workout pants.

"Te quiero a ti, te necesito. Hacer el amor a mí, por favor," Marisol whispered, pushing Jake's pants down his legs. 

"G-d help me," Jake muttered, kicking his pants away and pulling his wife beater over his head before pressing a kiss on Marisol's lips. Marisol tensed as Jake slipped his fingers down her body and inside her body. "No voy a lastimarte," Jake promised. Jake kissed Marisol again before replacing his fingers with his hard cock and pressed it into her slowly. "Relax, or it will hurt," Jake murmured. Marisol gasped when she felt Jake deeply embedded inside her. Jake waited a moment for Marisol to adjust before thrusting gently. Jake kissed her gently and brushed his thumb across her nipple causing Marisol to gasp and arch her back, pressing herself closer to Jake's well toned body. 

"You're beautiful," Jake breathed, pressing kisses down her face and neck. Marisol moaned, surprised at the sensations building in her and began to thrust with Jake. Jake thrust harder and faster and grinned when Marisol figured out his rhythm. Jake gritted his teeth. "Not yet, wait for her," he thought, reaching up and squeezing one of Marisol's breasts gently. Jake stopped moving and stared at Marisol in surprise. 

"You're lactating," Jake observed. "Marisol, are you pregnant?" Jake asked, closing his eyes as Marisol started to grind her hips against him. "Marisol, answer me. Está embarazada?" Jake asked again, holding Marisol's hips down towards the ground, keeping her still for the moment.

"Jake, por favor!" Marisol cried. 

"Not until you answer me," Jake said. "Are you pregnant?" Marisol began to cry.

"Sí, estoy embarazada!" Marisol exclaimed. Jake sighed and wiped the tears away.

"You were going to trick me, weren't you?" Jake asked gently.

"I didn't want to. I've seen you with Jessica's children, you will make a wonderful father, and I don't want my child to grow up without a father," Marisol whispered. Jake sighed and rolled off of Marisol, the mood ruined. "Lo siento, I'm sorry Jake. I wanted you to make love to me, you've been so good to me," Marisol murmured, falling apart. Jake swore under his breath and gave her a hug.

"Marisol, there are plenty of guys out there, and you don't have to have this baby if you don't want to. There are many options in this country. Nobody can force you to do anything you don't want to," Jake said gently, wiping the tears off of her cheeks and giving her a gentle kiss. 

"Please, don't hate me," Marisol said softly, reaching for his still swollen member.

"For the love of God Marisol," Jake groaned, pulling away from her.

"What is wrong?" Marisol asked. Jake reached for his clothes and started pulling them on.

"I can't do this Marisol. You're a beautiful woman, but you need someone who will love you the way you deserve to be loved, and I'm not that person," Jake said.

"You love that puta that was taken with you, don't you?" Marisol asked. 

"Why did you call Caitlin a whore?" Jake demanded, his face turning dark with anger.

"I heard Jessica and Danny talking. She killed your child, she does not deserve you," Marisol said. Jake gritted his teeth and tossed Marisol's dress towards her. "Get dressed," he growled, as he pulled his shirt over his head. Without waiting for Marisol, Jake stormed back to the compound and into the infirmary where he was positive he'd find Cal. Jake grinned as he saw Cal going down on Claire.

"Having fun playing doctor?" Jake asked with a chuckle. Claire turned beat red and pulled away from Cal before pulling up her panties and jeans. Cal stood up and turned to Jake, a murderous look on his face. "I won't take up too much of your time, then you can go back to your exam Cal," Jake teased. Cal crossed his arms across his chest and waited for Jake to continue. "Marisol got pregnant while she was in the camp. She just tried seducing me to trick me into thinking I was the father. She's in the apple orchard. Find someone to baby-sit her," Jake said, before leaving the infirmary, giving Cal a thumbs up as he left. Cal sighed and turned back to Claire.

"Find Marisol and bring her in for an exam," Claire told to Cal. Cal nodded but reached for Claire again.

"Her pregnancy won't go away, she can wait," Cal said with a grin. Claire smiled and sighed.

"No Cal, I need to get her prenatal care started," Claire said with a apologetic look. Cal growled but went to find Marisol.

CHAPTER THREE

Jake stood in the doorway of the exercise room and watched Caitlin jogging on the treadmill. "Shouldn't you be resting?" he asked. Caitlin jumped but smiled when she saw Jake in the doorway.

"Claire said I could do some light exercise," she answered. Jake smiled and walked into the room.

"How are you feeling?" Jake asked. Caitlin shrugged.

"I've felt better, but the saltines Jessica gave me this morning are helping," Caitlin told Jake. "I heard what happened with Marisol," she said after a moment. 

Jake winced. "I hadn't planned on having sex with her," Jake said. 

"I know, but you don't owe me anything, we aren't together," Caitlin murmured.

"I want to be. I never stopped loving you Cait," Jake said. Caitlin stopped running and caught her breath before answering.

"I love you too Jake," Caitlin said softly; so softly that Jake had to strain to hear her. Jake crossed the space between them, wrapped his arms around Caitlin and pulled her to him.

"Give us another chance," Jake pleaded. 

"I want to, but there are things that I'm not ready for," Caitlin murmured. Jake kissed her gently.

"I won't push you. When you're ready, you'll let me know," Jake assured her. Caitlin threw her arms around Jake's neck and hugged him tightly.

"Jess?" Danny called, walking into the mess. Danny found Jessica sitting on a chair, her head on the table, crying. "What's wrong love?" Danny asked, sitting down next to her.

"I don't know!" Jessica wailed.

"What do you mean? Why are you crying?" Danny asked again.

"I don't know! I was fine and then Will started walking without help and I just lost it," Jessica sniffled. Danny chuckled and gave her a hug.

"It's called postpartum depression," Claire said from the doorway. "It's fairly common. C'mon Jess, let's go into the clinic and I'll give you something that can help," Claire added. 

Danny watched as Claire led Jessica to the infirmary and sighed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small box. 

"I guess this just has to wait," he murmured.

"Feeling better?" Danny asked a few hours later when he brought Will and Kylie down for some dinner. Jessica nodded as she checked on her brownies.

"I'm sorry Danny, I didn't mean to flip out like that," Jessica said. Danny smiled.

"No worries love, I'm just glad you're okay," Danny told her. Jessica popped the tray of brownies onto the counter to cool. "Jess, I have to ask you something," Danny said after a minute. Jessica sat down in a chair and took Kylie from Danny as she started to fuss. 

"What's up Danny?" Jessica asked as she unsnapped her nursing bra to allow Kylie to latch on. Danny smiled, momentarily distracted by the site of his daughter eating her dinner. "Danny?" Jessica snapped her fingers in front of Danny's face who grinned when he snapped out of it.

"I love you Jess," Danny began. Jessica smiled and opened her mouth to speak, but Danny placed a finger over her lips. "I love you more than anything. You're smart, beautiful and an amazing mother to our children. I don't want to live without you." Danny sank down to his knees in front of Jessica whose eyes widened and she gasped as Danny pulled out a box from his pocket and opened it to reveal a beautiful and delicate diamond ring. "Jessica Lynn Saint, will you marry me?" Danny asked. 

Tears filled Jessica's eyes. "I love you too Danny, yes, I'll marry you," Jessica whispered, shaking as Danny slipped the ring from the box and onto her finger.

"Dadadadada," Will babbled, reaching out for Danny. Danny laughed, pulled Will to him and then reached for Jessica and Kylie, pulling them all into a hug. Danny pulled away as an alarm sounded, making Will and Kylie cry. 

"Go ahead, I've got this," Jessica assured him. Danny pressed a tender kiss to Jessica's lips before running from the mess to the conference room.

"This had better be good," Danny growled, sitting in a chair next to Jake.

"Why, what's going on?" Jake asked.

"I asked Jess to marry me," Danny answered. Jake looked at his friend with a grin. "She said yes," Danny added. Jake gave his friend a manly hug.

"Congratulations!" Jake exclaimed. He looked around as Cal walked into the room and shut the door behind him. "Have you seen Caitlin?" Jake asked. Danny shook his head.

"We have a problem," Cal began. "Jake, the girl you rescued from the camp wasn't really a captive. She was Rafe's sister. One of his men raped her, and he has taken care of him, however, he wants Marisol back. She's dangerous and he was keeping her in that camp to protect her from the law," Cal said. He looked around. "Where is Caitlin?" Cal wanted to know. Cal's words sunk in and Jake jumped up and ran from the room, yelling for Caitlin as he ran. Danny caught up to Jake easily. 

"Grab a walkie and set it to channel two," Danny told his friend, showing him his receiver. Jake nodded, ducked into the supply room and grabbed a walkie talkie. "I'll take the mess and the weight room, you start knocking on the doors," Danny added. Danny walked towards the mess and pulled his gun when he heard agitated voices. 

"I haven't done anything to hurt you, why are you doing this?" Danny's heart raced when he recognized Jessica's voice. He knew both of the kids were with her, and if he lost Jessica or the kids, he didn't know what'd he would do.

"You're friends with this puta! The man I want is in love with her and he won't give up on her to be with me unless she is out of the way!" Danny recognized the next speaker as Marisol. 

"Hurting Caitlin is not the way to do it," Jessica said. "If you do this, Jake will never want to be with you. He'll hate you," Jessica added.

"Jake, Caitlin is in the mess with Jess and the kids, Marisol is there threatening to hurt Caitlin," Danny said into his radio. Danny waited for Jake to get there before sneaking in the door.




Searching for Love Ch. 02-03



"Dada!" Will screamed between his sobs. Marisol whirled around.

"Put down the knife Marisol and you won't be hurt," Danny told her, leveling his gun so that it lined up with her forehead. "I don't want to shoot you, but you're endangering my family and I will not allow that," Danny added.

"Let them go Marisol, and I'll do whatever you want," Jake said from behind Danny.

"You pushed me away!" Marisol exclaimed.

"You were trying to trick me into having sex with you so that you could pass your child off on me," Jake reminded her. Caitlin and Jessica exchanged glances.

"All I wanted was to be with a good man!" Marisol cried.

"Jake is a good man, but tricking him isn't the way to get him," Caitlin said. Marisol whirled around.

"And you broke his heart by killing his baby!" Marisol spat out and plunged the knife into Caitlin's abdomen.

"No!" Jake shouted. Before Marisol could pull the knife from Caitlin's abdomen, Danny tackled Marisol, pulled Marisol's arms around her back and tied them with a zip tie. Jake ran to Caitlin and looked at Jessica who had put Kylie in her bouncy seat and Will in his and was already checking Caitlin's pulse. 

"Jake, I have this, go get Claire," Jessica said gently. Jake stared at Caitlin in shock. "Jake, go, Caitlin needs a doctor," Jessica said more urgently.



Searching for Love Ch. 04



Jake looked up as Jessica knocked on the door. "How's Caitlin?" Jessica asked.

"Claire says she'll be okay in time," Jake answered, taking the bagel Jessica offered him.

"What about the baby?" Jessica wanted to know. Jake shook his head.

"She miscarried. Claire doesn't know if Caitlin will be able to get pregnant again," Jake said, dropping the bagel back into the sack. "I'm sorry Jess, but this tastes like cardboard," Jake apologized. 

Jessica gave her friend a hug. "Don't apologize. You're upset, you don't have to eat if you don't want to, at least not right now, but you will have to eat eventually," Jessica said softly. 

Claire gave them both a sympathetic smile when she came back out of Caitlin's room.

"You can go see her now if you want, just don't stay too long, she's very tired," Claire told them. Jessica followed Jake into the room. "Cait?" Jake asked softly. Caitlin looked up with a smile.

"I was hoping you'd come see me," she murmured. Caitlin gave Jessica a little wave.

"How are you feeling?" Jessica asked, sitting down in the chair.

"Sore, but at least I don't have to have a baby I didn't want," Caitlin said with a small smile. Jessica laughed weakly.

"That wasn't funny," Jake scolded.

"I know, but you both look so solemn that I wanted to lighten the mood," Caitlin said.

"What's wrong?" Jessica asked, seeing the look in Caitlin's eyes. 

"I know Jake told you that I might not be able to get pregnant again," Caitlin began. Jessica nodded and gave her a sympathetic look. Everyone looked up as Cal poked his head in.

"I'm glad to see you're awake Caitlin, but I need to steal Jake for a bit," Cal said. Jake kissed the top of Caitlin's head and followed Cal out the door.

"You're worried that you won't be able to have a child out of love," Jessica observed. Caitlin nodded.

"I killed the baby Jake and I made out of a stupid fear and now it might be too late," Caitlin cried. Jessica held her new friend and looked up helplessly when Claire walked back in. 

"Caitlin, I need for you to calm down," Claire warned. Caitlin tried to compose herself, but was unable to stop crying.

"What's wrong?" Jake asked, hurrying back in as Claire gave Caitlin a shot that calmed her down almost instantly.

"She was hyperventilating and I had to sedate her," Claire answered. "She'll need some counseling, but she'll be okay in time," she added before leaving. Jake looked at Jessica who sighed.

"Caitlin is worried she lost her one chance to have a baby out of love when she had the abortion," Jessica murmured. The look on Jake's face worried Jessica; he looked like he wanted to kill Marisol.

-2 weeks later-

"I can't believe Cal gave everyone some time off," Jessica commented to Caitlin as she watched her friend play with her breakfast. Jessica glanced at Danny whose worried expression mirrored her own.

"Everyone needs a break," Danny said as Claire walked into the mess. 

"Claire, Caitlin, would you like to go into town with me?" Jessica asked. Claire nodded.

"C'mon Cait, it'll be fun," Jessica said. Caitlin nodded reluctantly. The three girls finished their breakfast and headed towards one of the company vans.

"So what's going on?" Caitlin asked as the girls strolled down the sidewalk. Jessica grinned.

"I need help picking out something," Jessica replied. Caitlin and Claire waited for Jessica to finish her thought. "I talked Cal into letting Danny and I get married at the compound before I get knocked up again," Jessica joked. Claire laughed and Caitlin smiled. 

"Your kids are beautiful," Caitlin told Jessica who nodded.

"I love them dearly, and I hope to give them more brothers and sisters, but I want the wedding band first," Jessica agreed. Claire and Caitlin laughed. Jessica stopped short as she recognized a woman standing outside of the post office. "Mom?" Jessica asked in disbelief. Her mother turned around.

"Hello Jessica," her mother said, looking her daughter up and down. "I see you haven't gotten yourself knocked up yet, I suppose that is a good thing," she added. Claire opened her mouth to defend her friend but Jessica silenced her with a look. 

"What are you doing here mom?" Jessica wanted to know. 

"Looking for my daughter, is that a crime?" her mother retorted. Jessica sighed.

"What's going on mother?" Jessica asked. 

"I haven't seen you since you were fifteen, is it too hard to belief that I have missed you?" Jessica started laughing and her laughter turned to tears.

"Mother, you haven't seen me since I was fifteen because a boy became interested in me, and you threw me out," Jessica snapped. Claire and Caitlin each took one of Jessica's arms.

"C'mon Jess, let's just go find you a dress and get back so you can tease the pants off of Danny," Claire said.

"Yeah, I need a reason to smile," Caitlin added. Jessica nodded and allowed herself to be dragged past the post office and into the bridal shop. "Claire, you and Jessica start looking, I'll be right back," Caitlin said. Claire nodded and followed Jessica into the bridal shop. Caitlin walked over to Jessica's mother. "You leave Jessica alone, she's had a rough year and she doesn't need you to destroy her happiness," Caitlin said. "If you don't, you'll answer to me," she threatened.

"And what are you going to do if I don't leave  MY  daughter alone?" Jessica's mother wanted to know.

"There are quite a few things I could do to you. Don't make me," Caitlin said before walking into the store. 

"Caitlin, come look!" Jessica squealed the minute she saw her friend enter the store. Caitlin walked over to where Jessica and Claire were standing. 

"Jess, it's perfect!" Caitlin exclaimed, seeing the white satin dress. It had spaghetti straps and a neckline that stopped just above Jessica's milk filled breasts. The dress showed off Jessica's still dainty waist.

"Danny will love seeing you walk down the isle in that," Claire agreed. She helped Jessica take the dress off and before Jessica could look at the price tag, Claire handed it to a store employee. "Hold that up front for us please," Claire said. The employee nodded and whisked the dress away.

"Claire, I only have a three hundred dollar budget for everything," Jessica protested. Claire smiled.

"Let me buy the dress. Actually, Cal is buying the dress, he gave me his credit card. He told me to put the entire bill on it as his way of apologizing for sending Danny on an op that lasted until your due date," Claire said. Tears filled Jessica's eyes as she pulled on her tank top and skirt.

"C'mon, let's get your shoes and other accessories," Caitlin said, brightening. 

When the girls returned to the compound, Danny, Cal and Jake were waiting anxiously for them.

"What's wrong?" Jessica asked.

"Kylie's sick," Danny answered. Claire handed the bags in her hands to Cal. 

"Where is she?" Claire asked gently.

"My room with Paul," Danny answered as Jake took Will from Danny. Jake could see Jessica beginning to panic. 

"Hey Jess, why don't you and Caitlin show me what you bought and then you can go check in with Claire," Jake suggested. 

"Can I just store the dress in your room and go be with Kylie?" Jessica asked. Jake nodded, handed Will to Caitlin and then took the dress bag from Jessica. "If Will gets sleepy, put him in our room, there's a key in his diaper bag and take the baby monitor until one of us gets back," Jessica told them before running to the infirmary.

"Wow he was really wound up tonight," Jake commented after he and Caitlin put Will down in his crib. Caitlin nodded. "He must sense that something is wrong," she murmured, sitting down on Jake's bed.

"You okay?" Jake asked. Caitlin nodded. "What's wrong Cait?" Jake asked, knowing something was off.

"After spending so much time with Will and Kylie, I am reminded of what I threw away," Caitlin murmured. Jake sighed.

"Caitlin, that was a long time ago. We were both so young, and honestly, it was probably for the best. We were what, nineteen?" Jake murmured. Caitlin nodded. "So what's the matter?" Jake asked, sensing there was still something bothering her. Caitlin said something that Jake had to strain to hear. "What did you say?" Jake wanted to know.

"I want a baby," Caitlin repeated, loud enough for Jake to hear. Jake swallowed. "I know you don't want to hear that, especially since we aren't exactly in a relationship," she murmured. Jake laughed a little.

"You could say that," he agreed. Caitlin stood up to leave. "I meant about the being in a relationship. I love you Caitlin, I never stopped, even if I wanted to," Jake said, grabbing her hand to stop her from leaving. Caitlin looked at Jake in surprise.

"What are you saying?" Caitlin asked. Jake smiled and pulled Caitlin to him.

"Let's try for a baby," Jake murmured before lowering his lips to hers. Caitlin pulled away from Jake long enough to pull her clothing off and she laughed with the speed at which Jake rid himself of his own clothing. "Do you have any idea of how long I have waited for you?" Jake growled, tossing her on the bed gently. Caitlin giggled as Jake trailed kisses down her neck and onto her belly. Her giggles turned to a gasp as Jake's mouth found her core. 

"You're driving me crazy!" Caitlin gasped. Jake looked up and grinned.

"You've been driving me crazy for ten years," Jake said, nudging the tip of his hard cock just inside of Caitlin's sopping wet core. Caitlin tensed and tears filled her eyes. "Caitlin, relax, it's me, not someone else. I won't hurt you," Jake murmured. He tried to push in further. "Caitlin, look at me," Jake said, when Caitlin tried to push him away. "Catie, it's me," Jake said softly. The use of his old nickname stilled Caitlin's actions. 

"I'm sorry," she whispered.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Jake asked. Caitlin nodded.

"I need this Jake, I need you," Caitlin said. Jake locked his eyes with hers as he plunged completely into her. Caitlin moaned and closed her eyes as Jake began to thrust deeper and deeper inside her.

"Tell me if I hurt you," Jake said with a groan of contentment. 

"The only way you could hurt me is if you stopped," Caitlin gasped. Jake groaned as Caitlin matched him thrust for thrust.

"I couldn't stop if I wanted to," Jake managed, thrusting harder and faster, his lips closed around Caitlin's left nipple causing her to cry out. "You're beautiful," Jake groaned. He could feel the tension building inside of Caitlin. "Stop holding back," Jake ordered thrusting again hard and fast. Caitlin came with an loud scream. Caitlin's climax fueled his and Jake came with a loud roar. Jake pressed his lips to Caitlin's forehead. "Are you alright? I didn't hurt you did I?" Jake asked after his breathing returned to normal.

"I'm fine, you didn't hurt me," Caitlin assured him, reaching up and running her fingers through her hair. Jake moved to roll off of Caitlin but she wrapped her arms around him. "Don't leave me!" she cried. 

Jake groaned. "I have to get up Catie, I have guard duty in an hour," Jake told her. Caitlin pouted and Jake laughed. "You can stay here. I don't know how long Jess and Danny will be in the infirmary with Kylie, but regardless, I'd be glad to see you when I get back," Jake said. Caitlin reluctantly pulled her arms back to her side and Jake rolled off of her with a sigh. Jake pulled his clothing back on and sat down on the bed next to Caitlin. "I'll be back by midnight," he promised. Caitlin nodded and kissed Jake before he left for the front gate.

"Wake up Catie!" Jake exclaimed, shaking her awake. Caitlin sat up with a small scream and Jake pulled her into a hug. "What's wrong?" he asked, pressing a kiss to her forehead. 

"Bad dream," Caitlin murmured, taking a deep breath and snuggling closer to Jake. 

"Are you okay?" Jake asked. Caitlin nodded.

"Oh, Jess came by to get the baby monitor; Kylie's okay, just a really bad ear infection," Caitlin told Jake. Jake smiled.

"I'm glad to hear that," Jake murmured, kneeling down on the bed next to Caitlin. Jake reached for Caitlin but she pulled away. "What's wrong?" Jake wanted to know.

"I'm a little sore," Caitlin admitted.

"I was too rough wasn't I?" Jake asked in concern.

"No, not too rough, but it's been a while for me," Caitlin told him. Jake smiled and gave her a hug.

"Stay with me tonight," Jake whispered. Caitlin smiled and curled up on the bed in Jake's arms and drifted off to sleep.



Searching for Love Ch. 05



Sorry it's been so long since I updated last; I got busy with writing another story that came to me in a dream; not sure if I'm going to post it yet or not. I have a lot on my plate story wise right now. I'm pretty sure the end of this chapter will make some of you cheer.

I apologize if any of the language used offends anyone; I personally do not share the beliefs of some of the characters; I wrote the character to be as unappealing as possible. It is an act of fiction, I myself am a very open-minded person and I openly accept everyone and their personal choices; it is their choice and it is not my place to judge them; only G-d's. Again, I apologize if the language offends anyone, and I remind you again that it is just fiction.

Ashira

*

"Nervous?" Caitlin asked as she and Claire helped Jessica into her wedding dress. Jessica nodded.

"I love Danny and I know he loves me, but this is a huge step," Jessica admitted.

"You already have two kids with him; this is the next logical step," Claire teased. Jessica nodded and shifted uncomfortably. "Don't tell me you're pregnant again," Claire said with a laugh. 

Jessica nodded and sighed. Claire laughed and shook her head. 

"Danny needs to give you a break. You're going to burn out having a baby every year," Claire warned Jessica. Jessica nodded. Jessica looked at Caitlin. 

"What's wrong?" Jessica asked. Caitlin shook her head.

"Nothing," she lied, unconvincingly. "We'll talk later," Caitlin added as she finished Jessica's hair. Jake knocked on the door. "Are you ladies ready because Danny looks ready to jump out of his skin," Jake joked. Jessica smiled and sighed.

"Five more minutes and we'll be walking down," Caitlin told him. Jake nodded and closed the door behind him.

"Have you told Danny about the baby?" Claire asked. 

"No. I'm not even sure if I am pregnant," Jessica answered.

"How late are you?" Caitlin wanted to know.

"Only a few days, but I'm usually so regular," Jessica answered. She shook her head. "I'll worry about being pregnant after the wedding," she added. Caitlin gave her friend a hug. Claire grinned.

"Jess, we're in the infirmary, so why don't I just do a blood test really quickly and you'll have the results by the end of the ceremony, that way you know if it's safe for you to drink the champagne," Claire suggested.

"But you'll miss the ceremony," Jessica protested.

"No, I won't. I'll draw the blood and run the test; and I can come back and get the results after the ceremony," Claire said, grabbing a needle and drawing the blood. Luckily, Jessica's gloves covered the band aid.

"Are you ladies ready?" Cal asked, ducking his head in. Claire started the test running and set the machine to shut off when the test was done.

"Yes, we're ready," Jessica said as Caitlin helped her adjust the veil. Cal escorted them to the stair way where Jake took Caitlin's hand and walked her down to the chapel.

"You look beautiful," Jake murmured. Caitlin smiled.

"You don't look so bad yourself," Caitlin teased. Jake laughed and they both stopped talking when they walked into the chapel. Caitlin gave Danny a hug and stood off to one side as Clare followed Caitlin into the chapel. Danny stood up straighter as he saw Cal and Jessica at the top of the stairwell. 

"Are you okay? You seem a little jumpy," Danny observed as they stood in the doorway of the mess accepting the congratulations of the men in the company.

"I'm fine," Jessica murmured as Claire walked over to them. 

"Can I steal you both for a few minutes?" Claire asked. Danny and Jessica nodded and followed Claire into the kitchen. "I have a wedding present for you," she began. "Well, actually, you gave it to yourselves," Claire said. Danny looked puzzled and Jessica looked at Claire who nodded.

"What am I missing?" Danny asked. 

Claire smiled. "Congratulations, to you both," she murmured before walking into the mess.

"Jess?" Danny asked. Jessica smiled a little.

"I had Claire run a pregnancy test earlier. It was positive," Jessica answered, her voice soft, unsure of how he'd feel about having a third child in the space of three years. Danny kissed Jessica lovingly.

"Are you okay?" he asked, seeing the uneasy look on her face. Jessica nodded.

"I love you Danny," Jessica murmured. Danny grinned and wrapped his arms around her carefully.

"I love you too," Danny said. "Let's go celebrate," he added, leading Jessica back to the mess.

-2 weeks later-

"How was the honeymoon?" Caitlin asked Jessica as she helped her bake some bread.

"Aside from the morning sickness, wonderful," Jessica answered. Caitlin laughed and shrieked as someone's arms wrapped around her waist. 

"That had better be Jake or someone will be getting their asses kicked," Caitlin threatened.

"It's me love," Jake said, nuzzling Caitlin's neck. Jessica smiled, glad her friends were finding peace. "Are you feeling better?" he asked. Caitlin nodded. 

"I think I just had a case of the stomach flu," Caitlin answered. Jessica glanced at her friend carefully as she covered the bread dough with plastic wrap to let it rise.

"Caitlin, can you finish up for me? I'm feeling kinda funny all of a sudden," Jessica asked. Jake and Caitlin studied Jessica carefully and Jake reached for Jessica as she gasped loudly.

"What's wrong?" Jake asked, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"Oh God, Jake, look," Caitlin said softly. Jake followed Caitlin's gaze and his eyes widened when he saw blood trailing down Jessica's legs. Jake lifted Caitlin into his arms and carried her into the infirmary. 

When Jake saw Caitlin later that day, Caitlin was sitting on his bed waiting for him, her clothes in a pile by the floor. "Are you okay?" Jake asked. Caitlin nodded.

"I had a meeting with Cal, it didn't go over so well," Caitlin answered.

"What was it about?" Jake asked.

"Cal wanted to send me on an op and I told him I couldn't go," Caitlin said. Jake's eyes narrowed.

"Why can't you?" Jake wanted to know. Caitlin smiled, reached behind her and pulled something off of the night stand.

"Because of this," she answered, handing it to him. Jake stared at the small device.

"EPT?" he inquired. Caitlin nodded.

"Look at it better, it's digital, you should be able to figure out what it is," Caitlin told him. Jake looked at it more closely.

"You're pregnant." Caitlin nodded and studied Jake's face carefully, unsure of how he was feeling. Suddenly, Jake grinned and wrapped his arms around her. "Have you seen Claire?" Jake wanted to know. 

"As soon as the test came back positive. Everything looks good. And Jess didn't miscarry, so we'll be pregnant together," Caitlin said. Jake trailed kisses down Caitlin's neck and rested his lips on her abdomen. "Jake, you're going to make me cry," Caitlin whispered. Jake laughed and pulled away long enough to pull his own clothing off before pressing Caitlin back against the mattress.

"Is it okay to make love?" Jake asked, his cock poised above her.

"As long as you're gentle," Caitlin assured him. Jake pressed gently into her and Caitlin moaned. 

A knock at the door had them pulling apart and reaching for the blanket as the door opened and Cal walked into the room.

"Your timing is impeccable," Jake groaned. Cal chuckled.

"I see Caitlin told you that she's pregnant," Cal observed. Jake nodded and grinned.

"Do you have a problem with that Commander?" Jake asked, seeing the look of disapproval.

"Look Jake, as a friend, I'm very happy for you, but as your Commanding officer, I disapprove. You and Caitlin are two of my best operatives, and I need you both in the game. Now, with Caitlin being pregnant, she can't go into the field, it's too dangerous. And I'm going to assume, like Danny, you refuse to leave Caitlin until after the baby comes," Cal said. Jake looked at Caitlin.

"We haven't discussed that yet," Jake admitted. Cal sighed.

"I'll have to talk to my superiors, but I don't know how I can spare both you and Danny. Obviously with the near miscarriage that Jessica almost had earlier, he may be allowed to stay on base, but I doubt I can spare all three of you," Cal said.

"Cal, whatever you decide is fine, just try not to send Jake on an op near Christmas," Caitlin said.

"When is your due date?" Jake asked suddenly. Caitlin laughed.

"Three days after Jessica, and two days after Christmas," Caitlin replied. Cal shook his head. 

"The hormones are going to be raging," he prophesied.

Jake grinned. "Just don't knock Claire up and we'll be fine," he joked. Cal paled visibly and left the room, Jake and Caitlin laughing as he closed the door.

"Caitlin, are you okay?" Jessica asked, walking into the mess. Caitlin looked up and nodded, wiping the tears off of her cheeks. "Do you need me to get Jake?" Jessica wanted to know. Caitlin shook her head. "Do you want to talk?" Caitlin nodded.

"I told you about what my step father did to me right?" Caitlin murmured. Jessica nodded, a feeling of unease flowing through her. "My mother wrote me a letter. My brother wants to meet me," Caitlin said, nibbling on the bagel she had snatched from the pantry. Jessica sucked in a breath and let it out slowly.

"Did your mother know what your step father had done?" Jessica wanted to know.

"No, she assumed I had been sleeping with one of the neighborhood boys. He got sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Texas," Caitlin answered. "But she agreed to raise the baby as her own," she added. 

"Have them come to the base, and let them see what you've made for yourself," Jessica suggested. 

"Are you insane? I don't want to see him again, ever!" Caitlin exclaimed. Jessica sighed.

"Caitlin, you need get some closure to this. It will help with your and Jake's relationship," Jessica said gently. Caitlin wrinkled her nose and tossed the bagel onto her plate. 

"Morning sickness?" Jessica guessed. Caitlin looked at Jessica in surprise. "Jake told Danny first thing this morning," Jessica said with a grin. Caitlin laughed. "Seriously though Caitlin, invite your mother and your brother here. Jake, Danny and I will back you up," Jessica murmured as Jake and Danny walked in. Jake was holding Will's hand and Kylie clinging to Danny. "Hey buddy," Jessica said when Will jumped into her lap.

"Careful Will, mommy's still a little sick," Danny said gently. He looked at Jessica. "Speaking of, shouldn't you be in bed? Claire told you to take it easy," Jessica sighed.

"Danny, walking to the mess to get some food or gossip with a friend isn't going to cause me to lose the baby," Jessica retorted. Danny bit back a remark and Jake looked at Caitlin with an amused grin.

"Okay you two, opposite ends of the mess," Caitlin joked. Jessica blushed and Danny grinned.

"Sorry, we're a little on edge," Danny admitted.

"And someone is just too protective," Jessica teased. 

"Probably," Danny said with a grin.

"You okay?" Jake asked Caitlin. She nodded and glanced at Jessica who sighed.

"What?" Danny asked. Jessica smiled.

"Nothing, just thinking," Jessica said. Danny opened his mouth to say something else when Cal walked into the mess.

"Jake, Danny, we have a situation," Cal said. Danny and Jake sighed but followed Cal into his office.

"Are you okay?" Jessica asked, as she waited with Caitlin at the gate for Caitlin's family.

"No, I'm terrified. I haven't seen my mother or stepfather since I was released from the hospital after having Craig," Caitlin said, her voice shaky.

"How old is Craig?" Jessica asked.

"Twelve," Caitlin answered. 

Both of the girls looked up as a dark SUV pulled into the driveway and came to a stop in front of the garage. "Oh God," Caitlin whispered. Jessica grabbed her friend's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. "I think I'm going to throw up," she murmured.

"Deep breath, you'll be fine," Jessica promised as the doors opened. 

"Caitlin, look at you!" her mother exclaimed.

"Hi mom." Caitlin said with a small smile. She glanced back at Jessica who stepped forward. "This is my friend Jessica Storm. Jess, this is my mother Evelyn, my stepfather Michael and my brother Craig," Caitlin introduced. Jessica politely shook everyone's hands, even though being anywhere near Michael made Jessica feel the urge to shower in steaming hot water.

"I hate to be rude, but we need to take this reunion inside before Danny staples my butt to a chair," Jessica said, giving Caitlin a grin. Caitlin laughed.

"Is there something wrong with your legs?" Michael asked, looking Jessica up and down with a leer.

"No, but I nearly miscarried a few weeks ago and have been given explicit instructions to stand as little as possible," Jessica said coldly.

"Then let's get you inside," Evelyn said, pushing the girls forward. 

Cal, Jake and Danny were waiting in the mess and everybody else was gone; Cal had cleared the compound with the exception of a few personnel in hopes that fewer questions would be asked.

"Mom, Michael, this is my boss Cal Hopkins, Jessica's husband Danny and my boyfriend Jake Davis,"Caitlin introduced. Evelyn smiled politely but Michael gave Jake a look that could kill.

"So what exactly is it you do around here?" Michael asked with a sneer.

"We work for the government," Cal answered, exchanging glances with Jake and Danny.

"Doing what?" Michael wanted to know.

"It's classified," Danny said, stepping forward.

"I wasn't asking you boy," Michael told Danny.

"That's enough Michael," Evelyn said softly.

"I will decide when it's enough," Michael growled at his wife. Craig rolled his eyes.

"So, Craig, what are you interested in?" Jake asked. 

Craig shrugged. "Stuff," he answered. Caitlin toyed with her necklace anxiously.

"The little fagot is interested in women's things, like cooking and cleaning," Michael sneered.

"There's nothing wrong with a young man knowing how to cook and clean. It could come in handy," Jessica said. 

"For what? For when his wife leaves him for fucking another man?" Michael asked, rolling his eyes. Craig looked embarrassed and like he wanted to cry.

"Craig, why don't you come help me for a minute," Jessica suggested. Craig looked at Evelyn who nodded her approval and Craig followed Jessica into the large kitchen off the back of the mess.

"What did you want mom?" Caitlin asked, folding her arms across her chest. Danny checked the setting on the baby monitor to make sure he could listen for Kylie and Will if they woke up before turning his attention back to Caitlin's family.

"I missed my daughter. I haven't seen you in twelve years," Evelyn said. She avoided Michael's eyes. "And Craig knows that you're his biological mother," she added. Caitlin's eyes widened and Jake stood up.

"And does he know who his father is?" Caitlin asked.

"Catie, don't do this," Jake murmured, regretting his decision to agree with Jessica about meeting with the family.

"I told him we didn't know who his father was; you never told us," Evelyn answered.

"Michael knows who Craig's father is," Caitlin said.

"Don't you fucking do this, you fucking little cunt!" Michael warned, his eyes narrowing. Jake slipped his hand in Caitlin's and squeezed it tightly.

"How could Michael know?" Evelyn asked, glancing from her daughter to her husband.

"Because after you had to have the hysterectomy, Michael raped me every night until I got pregnant," Caitlin announced. Evelyn's eyes widened, and she looked from her daughter back to her husband.

"You lying little bitch!" Michael snapped. Caitlin refused to back down.

"Where's my birth mark Michael?" Caitlin asked.

"How should I know, I've never changed your diaper," Michael answered. Caitlin gave a smug smile.

"If you haven't changed my diaper, how would you know it's in the diaper region?" she asked sweetly.

"Your mother told me you have a crescent moon shaped birth mark right above where your pubic line is now," Michael answered.

"I said no such thing. I told you she had a birth mark, but never what it was or where," Evelyn said, her voice growing cold. Michael lunged at Caitlin who stepped back, grabbed his arms as Michael reached her and flipped him over her back. Before Michael could get up, Caitlin had a foot in his chest and a gun pointed at his head.

"Like Cal said, we work for the government, and I can do things now that I couldn't do twelve years ago that would make you piss yourself and scream like a little girl," Caitlin said, her voice low and even; controlled. Michael swallowed hard as Jessica and Craig returned to the mess. The look on Craig's face proved he had heard everything. 



Searching for Love Ch. 06



CHAPTER SIX

"How are you doing?" Jake asked from Caitlin's bed, watching her comb out her hair; still damp from her swim and shower.

"I feel better. I feel like a set of weights have been lifted off of my chest," Caitlin admitted. Jake smiled.

"I'm glad to hear that," Jake said as Caitlin finally sat on the bed. He began massaging her shoulders making Caitlin moan. "What's with all of the knots?" Jake murmured.

"It's been a long day," Caitlin said. Jake nodded.

"If I can do anything to make this easier on you ..." Caitlin smiled and kissed Jake gently.

"You'll be the first to know. I think I'm going to go to sleep now, I'm exhausted," Caitlin assured him. Jake nodded.

"Do you want me to go?" Jake asked. Caitlin shook her head.

"NO! Please stay and hold me!" she pleaded. Jake grinned and pulled Caitlin too him as he settled back against the pillow and pulled the covers over them.

-The next day-

Jake and Caitlin made their way into the diner in town and joined Evelyn and Craig at the booth.

"Morning Mom, hey Craig," Caitlin said softly, unsure of what else to say. Craig looked at Caitlin, a look of self disgust on his face.

"You must hate me for ruining your life," Craig said bitterly. Caitlin nearly choked on her water.

"Craig, you didn't ruin my life. Michael scarred my life, and you are a by-product of that scarring. I never hated you or resented you. And to be honest, if it wasn't for what Michael did, I never would have met Jake," Caitlin said firmly but gently. The smell of eggs wafted over from the table behind theirs and Caitlin suppressed a groan. "Jake, let me out," she managed to say. Jake slid out of the booth and watched as Caitlin moved quickly to the bathroom.

"Is Caitlin okay?" Craig asked.

Jake nodded. "She's fine, it's been a long week," Jake answered. Evelyn's eyes narrowed slightly.

"The smell of eggs don't make people feel ill because of a long week," she told Jake, giving him a scrutinizing look. Jake flushed and looked up as Caitlin returned to the booth and slid in next to him.

"What are your intentions towards my daughter?" Evelyn asked, taking a sip of her own water.

"Mom!" Caitlin exclaimed as Jake found her hand.

"It's a perfectly reasonable question. I wasn't born yesterday Caitlin, and I do recognize the signs," Evelyn said as the waitress came over. Caitlin breathed a sigh of relief when Craig ordered French Toast.

When Jake and Caitlin returned to the base, Cal was waiting at the gate for them. "What's going on?" Caitlin asked.

"Marisol's brother is causing trouble, only instead of being in Latin America, he's heading over to the Middle East to stir up trouble. 

Since Jake worked the first mission, I need him to go with Paul and Jeff," Cal answered. Jake and Caitlin exchanged glances. Neither one of them made it out of that jungle without injury and it nearly cost Caitlin her sanity.

"What if I say no?" Jake asked. Cal sighed.

"I won't blame you after what he did to you, however, if you refuse, I'll have to send Danny and Claire has told me that Jessica's condition is serious and that if she has added stress, she could lose the baby," Cal answered. Jake and Caitlin looked at each other again.

"When do we leave?" Jake asked, resigned.

"If you're going, I'm going!" Caitlin exclaimed. Jake shook his head.

"You can't go Catie, you're pregnant," Jake said, trying to be reasonable.

"I will not let you face this psycho alone!" Caitlin said.

"Caitlin, I'll be fine. Paul and Jeff will watch my back. I need to know that you and the baby will be safe," Jake said softly. Caitlin sighed but nodded.

"You'd better come back," she whispered. Jake smiled.

"I will," he promised, giving Caitlin a kiss before following Cal to the locker room.

~Later that day~

"Having a bad day?" Jessica asked as Caitlin walked into the kitchen. 

She smiled slightly when she heard Caitlin grumble. "I heard about the mission. Jake will be fine. He's smart, and he knows what he's doing," Jessica assured her friend. 

Caitlin sighed. "If you need a way to work out your frustrations, dump the dough from that bowl out onto the pastry board and start kneading it for me," Jessica instructed. Caitlin washed her hands and did as she was instructed.

-Days later-

"Caitlin, your phone is ringing," Jessica said softly. Caitlin picked up her cell phone.

"Hello?"

"Cait, it's mom. There is a woman here, she has a gun. She says she's going to kill Craig," Evelyn said, her voice shaky.

"What are you talking about?" Caitlin asked, a feeling of dread taking over her.

"Hello puta! Has Jake missed me?" Caitlin gasped.

"Marisol!" she hissed.

"Muy bien, you remember me. How's Jake?" Marisol asked again.

"That is none of your business!" Caitlin exclaimed.

Marisol laughed. "I will give you two days, forty-eight hours to come rescue your mother and your brother, or is he your son? Either way, he's very cute," Marisol began. "You will take their place as my hostage. When you get here, my brother will be talking to Jake and he'll be coming here. When Jake agrees to be with me, I will let you go and I will not bother you again," Marisol added. 

Caitlin opened her mouth to say something else, but Marisol hung up the phone. Before Caitlin could put her cell phone away, she received a text message telling her where she could go to rescue her family.

-Meanwhile-

"First the jungle, now the fucking desert! Does Juan have a death wish?" Jake growled. Paul chuckled and shook his head. Jeff consulted the map and compass.

"We're almost there, maybe another fifty feet," Jeff told Jake. Jake nodded.

"God I'm so tired of all of this walking," Paul groaned. Jake nodded in agreement.

"It is hot," Jake muttered.

"We need to find shade," Jeff stated. Jake nodded again and scanned the area with his long range binoculars. 

"About five hundred feet to our left there is an oasis ... we'll spend an hour there cooling off and resting. Then we go back looking for Juan," Jake ordered. Jeff and Paul nodded and headed in the direction of the oasis.



Searching for Love Ch. 07



"Caitlin, you can't do this!" Jessica exclaimed as she watched her friend frantically throwing clothing into a duffel bag.

"That psycho whore has my mother and Craig! I have to do this," Caitlin said as Danny strode into the room. 

Jessica had called him the moment Caitlin had left the kitchen to go pack her stuff.

"Caitlin, you need to stop for a minute," Danny said, pulling Caitlin away from the bed. He held her hands tightly as she struggled to free herself; but Danny was stronger and with a sigh, Caitlin settled down.

"You're pregnant Caitlin, the minute Marisol finds out that you're pregnant, she'll kill you; she may even keep you alive long enough to deliver the baby safely before killing you. Do you really want to make Jake live through that?" Danny asked as gently as possible.

Caitlin slumped against Danny as the tears streamed down her face.

"But I have to save my mother, and Craig," she whispered.

"We'll get them out Caitlin, but we can't risk your life or the baby's life," Danny murmured. 

He waited for Caitlin to compose herself before letting her go.

"How are you going to rescue my mother and Craig?" Caitlin wanted to know. Danny grinned.

"I'm sending Cal in. He could use some time in the field," Danny answered. He gave Caitlin's hand a gentle squeeze before turning to Jessica. "If she leaves, call me right away," he said softly before giving her a kiss and leaving the room.

-36 hours later-

"Are you sure this will work?" Cal asked Danny.

"It'd better," Danny whispered. His face was expressionless, but there was a cold anger in his eyes that gave him away. If given the chance, he would kill the bitch that dared take innocent people in hopes of getting what she wanted. 

They watched silently on the infrared feed as Caitlin walked up to the meeting site.

"I was beginning to think you were not going to show," Marisol said with a dangerous purr.

"Where is my mother and Craig?" Caitlin demanded to know, crossing her arms over her chest.

Marisol let Caitlin into the warehouse, looked around behind her and closed the door. Marisol led Caitlin to the room that her family was held in.

Caitlin gasped as she felt Marisol's hands on her back; pushing her. Caitlin closed her eyes and let her body go through the motions she'd learned during training, tucking her head and knees into her chest and upon hitting the floor, went into a roll. She came to a stop within an arms reach of Craig who looked up at her as Caitlin pulled herself into a sitting position.

Marisol smiled a cruel smile. "I'll leave you to get reacquainted with your son," she said, leaving the room, closing the door and locking the dead bolt behind her.

"Has she hurt you?" Caitlin wanted to know, checking Craig over for injuries.

Craig stared at Caitlin in surprise. "Craig, has she hurt you?" Caitlin repeated.

"She tried to get me to have sex with her ... she didn't care that I'm as young as I am ... mom ... grandma, whatever the hell she is to me now, stopped her," Craig answered.

"Where is mom?" Caitlin asked. Craig pointed over to another mat a few feet away and Caitlin started inching towards her.

"Don't bother trying to wake her up ... I've already tried," Craig told Caitlin. Caitlin checked her mother's pulse and she sighed as she stood up, her eyes flashing. 

-Meanwhile-

"We should be in there," Danny growled.

"Relax. From what we saw, Marisol didn't search Caitlin which means she hasn't found the radio or the weapons," Cal told his friend. Danny nodded and checked his watch.

"This is taking too long," Danny grumbled as Caitlin's voice came over the speaker.

"Are you okay?" Cal asked.

"Physically, I'm fine; it's a good thing I know how to take a fall. My mom's dead," Caitlin answered. 

"How?" Danny asked.

"Marisol. I'll tell you later. Right now, I'm ready to create the diversion," Caitlin said, her voice surprisingly calm. She knew the stakes involved, but she knew she couldn't leave Craig to suffer at Marisol's hands.

"Be careful Caitlin. If anything happens to you, Jake will have my hide on a platter," Danny said. Caitlin smiled. "I'm always careful," she assured him, shutting off the speaker. Danny would be able to hear everything that was happening, and he'd be able to give her tips but it wouldn't be overly loud; nobody else would be able to figure out she had an out.

"What are you going to do?" Craig asked, sounding much younger than his twelve years. Caitlin put a comforting hand on Craig's shoulder.

"I'm going to get you out of here. I need you to go sit by mom and stay away from the door. Cal will be coming from the window; when he gets to the window, let him pull you out," Caitlin told him. Craig nodded and watched silently as Caitlin opened the window just enough for Cal to be able to get his hands through then pulled out her gun and fired once at the door. Marisol ran back towards the room, her own gun drawn and cocked.

-=

"You aren't going to hurt anyone else," Caitlin said when Marisol pulled the now dented door open. The two women stood facing each other, guns pointed ahead of them.

"If you pull that trigger, I'll still have enough time to shoot you," Marisol reminded Caitlin. Caitlin smiled coldly and dropped to her knees as Marisol cried out. 

"Why do people always forget about me?" Danny asked, the barrel of his gun in between Marisol's shoulder blades. Caitlin burst out laughing and the two friends hurried outside as backup hurried in to secure Marisol.

-Somewhere in the desert-

"Well well well, I was wondering how long it would take for you to find me," Juan sneered as Jake, Jeff and Paul surrounded him in the compound they had found not far from the Oasis. 

"It wasn't soon enough," Jake growled, hatred flowing through him.

"How is Caitlin? Marisol told me that she is pregnant with my child," Juan asked, trying to bait Jake. Jake grinned.

"Yes, well, did Marisol also tell you that when she shot Caitlin, she caused a miscarriage?" Jake asked.

"Liar! Marisol is supposed to bring Caitlin to me, so that I can raise my son!" Juan yelled. Jake resisted the urge to grin at Juan's outrage. Jeff and Paul confirmed the shooting and the miscarriage, driving Juan into a rage.

"Give up Juan!" Jake exclaimed. "It's over."

"No, it's far from over. I'll just take her again and again until she has my child," Juan said, chuckling. His eyes going from angry to devious. Before anyone knew what was happening, Jake's gun was in his hands and the barrel was poised right between Juan's eyes. Juan moved to knock the gun away and Jeff stepped in; knocking the butt of his own gun against the side of Juan's head.

"Let's get out of here," Paul said. Jake nodded as he tied Juan's hands together with a zip tie. 

"I found a horse," Jeff called. Jake grinned as Paul helped Jeff get Juan on the horse. 

"Let's go home," Jake said, patting the horse on the rear, getting him to start moving slowly.



Searching for Love Ch. 08



"No," Cal told Caitlin calmly, trying to hide his smile of amusement.

"I want to be there when you question the bitch," Caitlin repeated, her voice cold.

"No," Cal repeated.

"Damn it Cal, she MURDERED my mother!" Caitlin shouted.

"What?" Caitlin whirled around and Cal looked up to see Jake, Jeff and Paul walking towards them; Jeff and Paul were escorting a very irate Juan.

"His bitch of a sister kidnapped mom and Craig AND tried to rape a 12 year old. Mom tried to stop it so she killed her," Caitlin answered, her eyes brimming with tears. 

She could feel the anger welling within her.

"I'm so sorry," Jake said softly, reaching for Caitlin. Caitlin shrugged away from Jake's embrace and turned to Cal again.

"I want to be in the room while you question Marisol and I will not take no for an answer," Caitlin said, her voice even, calm, deadly. The look in Caitlin's eyes made Cal swallow.

"On one condition. Danny is in the room with you." Jake opened his mouth to protest. "Your emotions would get in your way over this one and Danny will be able to keep a cooler head," Cal said. Jake and Caitlin nodded.

When Danny and Caitlin entered the interrogation room, the look in Caitlin's eyes made Marisol's eyes widen in fear. Caitlin stood back against the wall while Danny began the interrogation, her eyes never leaving Marisol's. It took Caitlin threatening to hurt Marisol for killing her mother to get the hysterical woman to finally give up the plan that she and Juan had come up with; Juan would start some shit in the Middle East with the Iranians to lure Jake away, leaving Caitlin vulnerable. 

Only Marisol was supposed to kidnap Caitlin directly, not Evelyn and Craig; however Jake's agreement with Cal was that Caitlin was not to leave the base until he returned threw a wrench into the plans and Marisol had to improvise to get to Caitlin. 

She hadn't anticipated that Caitlin would bring backup. Caitlin grinned and looked at Danny. "I normally wouldn't have needed backup to deal with murdering scum like you, however the desire to keep Jake's baby safe required that I bring some backup," Caitlin said, her voice low, but she couldn't hide the joy she felt about being pregnant with Jake's child. 

Marisol gasped as Danny began describing what would happen to her in an American prison for murder. Neither Danny nor Caitlin were prepared when Marisol lunged across the table for Caitlin and just before she could wrap her hands around Caitlin's throat, a loud bang reverberated through the room, causing Caitlin to scream a little. "Are you okay?" Danny asked Caitlin as Marisol fell to the ground and the door flung open; Cal and Jake rushed into the room.

"I'm fine," Caitlin said before either of them could ask. Jake led Caitlin out of the interrogation room and insisted that Claire take a look at her.

-Later that night-

Caitlin, Jake, Danny, Jessica and the kids followed Cal out towards the yard used for outdoor exercise. "Where are we going Cal? It's been a long day and we all want to go to bed," Jake grumbled. Cal grinned.

"Trust me. Just shut up and trust me," Cal said. Cal led them to two houses; each house had two stories, one was painted a pale yellow, the other a light blue. 

"Jess, Danny, you have the blue house. There are four bedrooms in each house, a full bathroom upstairs and a half bath downstairs. Everything is the same; the kitchen, layout, everything," Cal said. 

"Why?" Danny managed to ask, rubbing Will's back as he started to fuss. Cal grinned.

"Because we aren't equipped to have children running around, and I have a feeling that neither you and Jess or Caitlin and Jake are done yet," Cal answered. 

Caitlin gave Cal a hug. "Thank you," she murmured. 

Cal smiled. "No problem. Take some time off to get acquainted. That goes for Jake and Danny. Jess, I need you to come cook meals, but other than that, take time to be with your family." 

Cal turned to Caitlin. 

"You are not required to come to briefings, if I need you there, I'll let Jake know. Give Craig some time, and just be there for him. I'm here if you need any guidance," Cal said gently. Everyone nodded and went inside to explore their new houses.

-Months later-

"Are you sure you don't mind doing this?" Caitlin asked Jessica as they settled down in the dining room.

"It's not a problem. Craig's a good kid, and he's really great with Will and Kylie. He's done really well in his studies too," Jessica answered. Caitlin smiled.

"Things are interesting, having a near teenager in the house ... it's weird. He's so moody and I know he's having to process this thing with mom and Michael and me. 

Craig's trying to stay out of our way, but he's been so quiet that I don't know what's going on with him," Caitlin said, taking a sip of tea. Jessica gave her friend a sympathetic smile.

"Have you considered having Claire bring in a councilor to talk to Craig?" Jessica asked.

"Yeah, I mentioned it a few times and he blows me off," Caitlin answered as the front door was opened and slammed shut. "Craig?" Caitlin asked, standing up and heading to the foyer.

Jake was standing next to Craig with a very unhappy look on his face and Craig was looking at the carpet. "What happened?" Caitlin wanted to know, tilting Craig's face up towards hers. There was an ugly bruise over Craig's left eye and dried blood trickling down from his nose and his lip was cracked and scabbing over.

"I got in a fight," Craig mumbled, trying to pull away to escape to his room.

"Why?" Caitlin demanded to know.

"It's a little late for you to start acting like my mother!" Craig shouted, pulling away from Caitlin and Jake and running up the stairs and into his room.



Searching for Love Ch. 09



"Craig, come downstairs please," Caitlin said, knocking on his door.

"Go away Caitlin, I don't want to talk," Craig grumbled.

"It isn't a request," Caitlin said.

"I'm not in the mood," Craig spat.

"Craig Joseph, get your ass down those stairs and into the kitchen now!" Caitlin exclaimed before walking back down the stairs.

"What do you want?" Craig groused, walking into the kitchen five minutes later, his arms folded over his chest.

"To talk about what happened at school," Caitlin said, her voice calmer.

"I got in a fight, what's the big deal?" Craig asked, shrugging his shoulders.

"For starters, it looks like you lost the fight," Caitlin said, suppressing a smile. 

Reluctantly, Craig nodded. "I need you to talk to us about what's bothering you," Caitlin said softly.

"Other than the fact that the woman I thought was my mother until recently was murdered in front of me, and I find out that my father raped my real mother, everything is just peachy keen!" Craig said sarcastically. Caitlin and Jake looked at each other, trying very hard not to laugh.

"I didn't know people still said the phrase peachy keen," Jake joked, trying to lighten things up. Caitlin finally giggled and Craig cracked a small smile. 

"Craig, look, even if I am your birth mother, mom was still just as much of your mother then she was before you found out someone else gave birth to you. Does that make sense?" Caitlin asked gently. Craig nodded.

"So what was the fight about?" Caitlin asked again.

"Some of the kids at school found out about Marisol kidnapping me and mom. They've been calling me a girl for not being able to protect myself," Craig said. Caitlin managed to keep her anger under control; she couldn't stand bullies. Michael had been a bully and look where that got her.

"I tried to keep him from hitting me, but he's bigger then I am," Craig added.

"Size doesn't matter in a fight; sure, it can help, but it doesn't matter," Caitlin said. Craig looked at her as if he didn't believe her. "C'mon, we'll show you," Caitlin offered, heading for the back door. Jake and Craig followed. "Catie, I don't know about this," Jake said nervously. 

Caitlin smiled.

"I trust you, you won't hurt us," Caitlin said softly. Danny and Jessica were in the yard playing with the kids and came over to watch. Craig's mouth dropped when Caitlin managed to block most of Jake's advances, including him flipping him onto his back more than once. Jake's humiliation as it were didn't stop until Caitlin not only flipped him, but pressed a training knife to his throat.

"Size doesn't matter. Jake is almost six inches taller than I am, and that's if I'm wearing heels and I still managed to take him and it had nothing to do with him going easy on me," Caitlin said, helping Jake up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Caitlin, can I ask you a question?" Craig asked, walking into the living room where Caitlin was folding laundry.

"Sure Craig, what's up?" Caitlin said, not looking up.

"I know I shouldn't ask this, but how old were you when dad raped you? And how old were you when I was born?" Craig asked haltingly. Caitlin looked up and sighed, the unwanted memories flooding over her.

"I was sixteen, and you were born two months shy of my seventeenth birthday," Caitlin answered. "After I was released from the hospital, I tried to live at home, but Michael kept hinting that he wanted more children and that his friends wanted a taste, so I split," Caitlin added. 

Craig sighed, his look of anger mimicked Jake's.

"I'm sorry he did that to you," Craig murmured. Caitlin sighed and smiled. 

"I am too, but, for what it's worth, you are an amazing young man. So much has happened to you in such a short amount of time and even though you've had your moments, you're handling everything really well," Caitlin said, patting Craig's leg. "Here, fold the socks for me," she added, seeing Jessica storm into the back yard, Danny following her. Craig followed her gaze.

"Danny looks pissed, should we be worried?" Craig asked, his voice low. He had always hated to see people fighting; Michael's temper had been explosive; if Michael got angry, someone was going to get hurt and it was usually him.

"Danny would never hurt Jessica, but I'm going to go check it out," Caitlin said softly. Craig nodded and began folding socks while Caitlin slipped out of the house.

"Jess, what's wrong?" Caitlin asked. Jessica looked up, tears in her eyes as Danny began punishing the over-sized punching back hanging from a near by tree. Caitlin led Jessica out of Danny's hearing range and sat her down on the picnic table between the two houses.

"I, I, I," Jessica burst into tears, startling Caitlin. She was never good at comforting someone who was sobbing. Jake came out of the house and sat down next to them and took Jessica's hand in his.

"Jess, talk to us," he prodded gently.

"When I saw Claire for my checkup, she couldn't hear the baby's heart beating," Jessica managed through her sobs. Jake and Caitlin exchanged worried glances, their faces mirroring each other's sorrow.

"The baby could have just been moving away from the probe though, right? Craig did that a time or two," Caitlin said, trying to find a rational way to explain it. 

"I wish that's all it was. The ultrasound showed that his heart wasn't even beating," Jessica was crying so hard now that she was beginning to hyperventilate. Jake swore under his breath and forced Jessica's head between her knees.

"Breathe," he commanded gently. When Jessica started to calm down, Jake stood up and walked to where Danny was abusing the punching bag.

"Danny," Jake said, keeping his voice low and as gentle as possible. Danny looked up briefly before slamming one more major punch to the bag, knocking it off it's support. The look on Danny's face told Jake just how much Danny was hurting; Danny's face was covered with sweat and his eyes were red and puffy, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Why don't you just talk to Jess?" Jake suggested.

"It's her fault," Danny growled. Jake looked surprised at that, but didn't say anything. "She was working too hard," he added.

"Um, Danny, actually, she's been spending most of her time taking care of Will and Kylie," Jake said. Danny shook his head. "She would spend from 5:30 every morning until 9:30 cooking breakfasts, from noon to two making lunch and from 4:30-7:30 cooking dinner; and if it was a time consuming meal, she'd spend even longer," Danny said. The sound of a branch cracking had both Danny and Jake looking up and Danny's stomach plummeted when he saw Jessica and Caitlin standing there.

"Danny, I ..." Jessica trailed off as Danny walked away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How are you feeling?" Claire asked gently as Jessica settled back on the exam table.

"Depressed," Jessica admitted.

"How's Danny taking it?" Claire asked.

"He's moved back to his old room here," Jessica answered. "Didn't Cal tell you?" Jessica wanted to know. Claire just sighed as she started the IV.

"Is he going to be here to be with you?" Claire asked, getting the equipment for labor out onto the tray.

"No, he isn't. He left early this morning for a mission," Jake answered for Jessica. A new batch of tears filled Jessica's eyes and trailed silently down her cheeks. Swearing under his breath, Jake crossed the room in ten seconds and took Jessica's hand in his. "Catie's with the kids and Cal's given me permission to stay with you for as long as you're needed," Jake said gently. Jessica smiled slightly and Jake squeezed Jessica's hand.

"Take a deep breath Jess and hold it for me," Claire said gently. Jessica gasped as she felt the petocin take effect. "Easy Jess. I know this is hard for you, but it'll be over soon," Claire murmured. The tears were falling faster now, causing her to start hyperventilating again and Jake mentally cursed Danny. Why had he volunteered when he knew that Jessica was going to need him. 

Despite Claire's protests, Jessica demanded to be taken home, but instead, Jake took her to his and Caitlin's house where she waited with Will and Kylie.

"Jake, I'm tired," Jessica said groggily as he carried her inside. Jake gave her a small smile; Jessica felt as light as a rag doll and he wished that Jessica had felt as heavy as she did the last time he had to carry her to safety. Jake took the stairs carefully and laid her down in the guest room on the full bed. "Where are the kids?" Jessica asked, her eye lids fluttering. Jake smiled gently and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

"They're downstairs with Caitlin and Craig having dinner. They're fine. I'll send Catie up with some food later," Jake promised. He sat with her until she fell asleep and made his way downstairs and sat at the table, putting his head in his hands.

"Are you okay?" Caitlin asked gently. Jake shook his head.

"I could have gone a million years and never have needed to witness what I just witnessed. And Danny, the fucking coward volunteered for a mission and left first thing this morning," Jake groaned. Caitlin began working on the knots in Jake's shoulders causing him to groan again. 

"Are you hungry?" Caitlin asked.

"No." Jake pulled Caitlin's hands off of his shoulders and turned around, pulling Caitlin into his lap. "Are you okay?" he asked, pressing a hand gently into Caitlin's abdomen. Caitlin smiled.

"We're fine. I had Claire check me out last night after we got Jessica calmed down. I knew this would have you terrified," Caitlin answered. Jake gave Caitlin a tight hug and smiled as he felt the baby kick against him. 

"How much longer?" Jake asked, trailing kisses down Caitlin's neck.

"Three months," Caitlin answered as Kylie started crying in the living room. They pulled away and headed in to see what was wrong.

"Will took her toy," Craig said with a laughing grin. Will pouted for a minute then offered the toy back to his sister who instantly stopped crying and starting cooing sweetly.

"Oh man, Danny's gonna have to lock her in a tower," Jake prophesied. Caitlin laughed. "Speaking of babies, has Claire told you if we're having a boy or a girl?" he wanted to know. Caitlin smiled.

"I thought you wanted to be surprised?" Caitlin teased. Jake growled playfully. "Honestly, we don't know. The baby has been playing hard to get," Caitlin said. Jake growled again, but nuzzled Caitlin's neck lovingly. 

"I'm going to finish my homework," Craig said, backing out of the room, laughing as Caitlin pelted Jake in the side of the head with a pillow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hey look, it's the faggot who's taking a cooking class!" Caitlin grit her teeth as she heard the boys taunting Craig as he waited for her to pick him up from school. 

She was so beyond eager to get out of the house; Jessica had been moping about since the still birth and the fact that she hadn't heard anything from Danny was driving her crazy. She had thrown herself into cooking, and at the moment, both houses and the mess was over loaded with pastries and cakes. 

"Hey Craig," Caitlin said easily, coming to a stop before him. Craig looked up, a relieved look on his face. Even at six months pregnant, he knew Caitlin was still a force to berecokened with.

"Who's the babe?" one of the boys wanted to know. Caitlin opened her mouth to answer, but Craig stopped her with a look.

"My mom," Craig answered. 

"Yeah right, she's too young, not to mention way too hot," one of the bullies scoffed. "Why don't you come home with me sweet cheeks!" he taunted The principal walked over to them. "That is enough Thomas Adlen," the principal said, raising his eye brows.

Caitlin laughed. "You're too young for me kid and I doubt my fiancee would approve," Caitlin said, winking at Craig. 

"Miss, I apologize, but we don't allow call girls on campus, it just sets a bad example," the principal said, unable to keep his eyes off of Caitlin's breasts. Caitlin sighed and resisted the urge to blacken the principal's eyes.

"And you are?" Caitlin asked, her eye brows raised, her eyes flashing. Craig stifled a grin. He knew what was coming.

"My name is Mr. Blackwell, I'm the principal here," he answered, puffing his chest out.

"Yeah, you remind me of my step father; Michael Powell," Caitlin said. 

Craig couldn't help it, he started laugh. 

"That is not a person you want to be a reminder of," Craig said.

"And why is that?" Mr. Blackwell wanted to know.

"Because he's a child rapist," Caitlin said. "He raped me when I was sixteen; Craig is the result of that. My name is Caitlin Martin and Craig's biological mother. My mother raised Craig as her own until she was murdered a few months ago," Caitlin said, her voice just low enough for Mr. Blackwell to hear.

"Can anyone confirm that?" Mr. Blackwell asked, becoming increasingly uncomfortable.

"I can," Jake said, walking over to them. He had been watching Caitlin's body language from the car and when she started tensing, he hauled ass to get to them before she started something. "My name is Jake Barnes," he added. The name obviously meant something to Mr. Blackwell because he straightened up and began to look nervous. "You okay Catie?" Jake asked. 

Caitlin nodded. "I could have handled this," she said, still seething. Jake nodded.

"I'm aware, but this way, your blood pressure stays normal," Jake said, watching the vein under Caitlin's eye twitch. "Well, closer to normal anyway," he amended. 

Thomas sauntered over to Craig. "He's still a faggot. He willingly signed up for a cooking class; it wasn't even a last resort," Thomas said loudly. 

Caitlin grinned broadly. "And when he's waiting to find the perfect woman to marry, he'll be able to feed himself, unlike you who will either have to go out to a restaurant every night, beg food off of mommy and daddy or eat ramen noodles for every meal," Caitlin said, her eyes dancing with amusement. 

Before Thomas could retort, Jake's cellphone rang. The color drained from Jake's face, his eyes wide. "Jake?" Caitlin asked, not liking the look on his face.

"Danny's been listed MIA," Jake croaked. Craig and Caitlin looked at each other and high tailed it back to the car, beating Jake by half a step.



Searching for Love Ch. 10-11



 IMPORTANT NOTICE: I MENTION A CHARACTER BEING DARK SKINNED; THAT DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLLY MEAN AFRICAN AMERICAN ... I say this because while I am caucasian, I tan very easily and in the summer time, get very, very dark.

Ashira

CHAPTER TEN

Danny looked around at his surroundings and struggled against his bindings. He knew he was near water because he could hear waves crashing on the beach and he could smell the salt in the air and hear the gulls calling. His head was throbbing and Danny groaned as he pulled his hand away and found a large pool of blood on his fingers. 

"Look who's finally awake, the American." Danny looked up to find a tall, dark skinned man, his face covered by a dark cloth. "Who's the bitch now?" he asked, delivering a kick to Danny's ribs. The last thought that ran through Danny's mind as he lost consciousness was Jessica.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

"Hey," Jessica said, walking into Caitlin's bedroom. "What's up?" she asked.

"My water broke," Caitlin said, her eyes wide and frightened. Jessica smiled.

"Why didn't you call Claire?" Jessica asked.

"She's on her way, but I don't think she's gonna make it," Caitlin said, crying out as a contraction hit. 

In the months since Danny was taken, Jessica seemed to withdraw into herself, however, Caitlin's labor seemed to spark a side of Jessica that everyone missed; it bordered on happiness. Jessica gave her friend's hand a gentle squeeze before going into the bathroom and getting a cold wash cloth to wipe of Caitlin's face with. 

"How long have you been in labor for?" Jessica asked.

"About five hours," Caitlin gasped.

"And you didn't say anything until now?" Jessica asked in exasperation.

"Caitlin!" Jake shouted from the front room.

"We're upstairs," Jessica called back, looking up as Jake and Claire burst into the room. Claire washed her hands quickly and examined Caitlin quickly.

"You're already at ten centimeters; go ahead and push," Claire coached gently. Jake's eyes widened even more if possible and he winced as Caitlin reached for his hand and squeezed. 

"The baby, it's early," Jake sputtered. 

Jessica burst out laughing. "Jake, she's two days ahead of her due date, that's considered full term," Jessica teased. Jake grinned in spite of his panic and fear; he was glad to see something had made Jessica's mood lighter and a smile on his friend's face. 

Caitlin cried out as a contraction gripped and Claire shouted for her to push. Ten pushes later and Caitlin fell back against the pillows, exhausted as Claire held a wailing baby in her arms. Jake waited impatiently, too afraid to leave Caitlin's side to look at the baby. 

Jessica smiled and helped Claire weigh and measure the newborn and helped use the aspirator to get the gunk out of the baby's mouth and nose. "Are you okay? You seem more worn out than Caitlin," Jessica observed. 

Claire smiled. "I'm fine," Claire said, putting a diaper on the infant before wrapping the baby in a towel. "Have you decided on names yet?" Claire wanted to know, turning towards Jake and Caitlin.

"Damon Matthew for a boy and Danielle Evelyn for a girl," Jake answered for Caitlin. 

Claire smiled. "Great names. Here's your daughter," Claire said. Jake grinned as Claire slid the new baby into Caitlin's waiting arms. Jessica smiled and after Claire gave some last minute instructions to bring Caitlin into the infirmary for a more through exam, Jessica followed Claire down the stairs.

"Claire, has Cal heard anything about Danny?" Jessica asked. Claire sighed and shook her head.

"Not that he's shared with me, but then again we've been a little busy with other things," Claire said. 

Jessica laughed a little. "I've noticed, you're absolutely glowing," Jessica commented before she sighed. "I know I shouldn't feel jealous, but I am," Jessica whispered. Jessica looked up with a gasp as Jake came down the stairs.

"Caitlin wanted some orange juice and to make sure you were okay," Jake said softly. "It's okay to be jealous Jess, we both would be surprised if you weren't, at least a little bit jealous. You were fully expecting to be holding your own new baby right now," Jake murmured. 

Jessica's body wracked with sobs.

"I'm sorry, I've ruined your Christmas and you should be happy today, not brought down by my problems," Jessica whispered. 

Jake gave Jessica a kiss on the cheek. "Listen to me Jessica. You have every right to feel sad, and you aren't bringing me down. I'm impressed that you've held it together as long as you have; but Cait and I are here for you, and so is Cal and Claire," Jake said gently. Claire nodded and they turned when they heard Cal enter the house carrying Kylie while Craig helped Will into the house.

"What's going on?" Craig asked nervously. 

Jake smiled broadly. "You have a sister. Danielle Evelyn," Jake told Craig. Craig grinned and passed Will of to Jessica who had calmed down for the most part. 

Long after Jessica had returned to her house with the kids, Cal held Claire in his arms and stroked her hair lovingly. "Cal, you're very quiet tonight, what's wrong?" Claire asked. 

Cal sat up and looked at Claire in shock. "You mean to tell me you don't know your own body?" Cal asked.

"What do you mean?"

"I can't believe I'm the only one who's noticed that you haven't had your period this month; or last month for that matter," Cal said, running a hand through his hair. 

Claire sighed. "It's nothing," Claire said. 

Cal frowned, he could detect a hint of sadness. "What do you mean it's nothing? You could be pregnant Claire," Cal growled, panicking a little at the though. 

Sure he loved kids, but he was so much better with other people's kids; if they needed a diaper change, he handed them back to mom or dad, if they were hyped up on sugar, back they would go.

"No Cal, I can't," Claire said, picking at a hang nail.

Cal frowned. "Just test yourself, please," Cal said gently. Hot tears filled Claire's eyes. "Claire, please, for me? For my peace of mind?" Cal murmured, taking her hand in his. Claire sighed, but got out of bed and walked out of her room which was strategically attached to the infirmary and into the medical bay. Cal watched her take a vial of blood; Claire preferred the blood tests since it was much easier to get a true positive or negative from a blood test then from urine and run the blood sample through the required procedures. Claire waited anxiously for the result and hoped Cal wouldn't be too disappointed when it came up negative.

"Well?" Cal asked impatiently as Claire studied the results. She looked up, pale and shocked. "Claire?" Cal asked, worried by the look on her face.

"I don't understand," Claire whispered.

"Claire?" Cal asked again, his voice taking on a hint of an impatient edge to it.

"I'm pregnant," Claire said, her voice just higher than a whisper, but still quiet enough for Cal to have to strain to hear. Cal sighed; he'd been partially hoping that his instincts were wrong; but after spending as much time around Jessica and Caitlin while they had been pregnant, not to mention not being told that she was wearing a tampon and he needed to keep it in his shorts for two months in a row had set his mind into overdrive. 

"Cal?" Claire asked, the shock still evident in her voice.

"Why is this such a surprise to you?" Cal wanted to know, avoiding the conversation he didn't want to have. 

"Remember how I said I was married before?" Claire asked. Cal nodded. "We tried to have a baby for years and we were told that we couldn't; the fertility specialist said that it wasn't Owen's fault, it was mine," Claire said, still trying to wrap her brain around the fact that she was actually pregnant. 

Cal watched as Claire retested the blood.

"Claire, what are you doing?" Cal asked.

"I want to make sure it wasn't a false positive," Claire answered.

Cal rolled his eyes and crossed the room; taking Claire's hands in his, he swung her around to face him. "Claire, we've been seeing each other, not to mention sleeping together for the last year and a half now. I know your cycle as well as you, better if tonight is any indicator. You haven't had a period in over two months, and then, there's this," Cal brought his hands up to Claire's breasts and squeezed gently causing her to wince; they were tender and sore. Claire sighed and checked the second results, ignoring the growl that came from Cal. "Well?" Cal asked, already knowing what the result was.

"I'm pregnant. I'm actually pregnant," Claire breathed. Cal couldn't help it; he laughed; the awe in her voice made her sound like a giddy school girl who had just been asked to the dance.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You shouldn't have tried to escape! Now, we'll have to punish you." Danny cried out as the whip hit his already tender back. He still had no clue as to where he was, but wherever he was, his captors were cruel and enjoyed torturing him. He had seen one of the men actually fuck one of the women in the camp hard. Danny surmised that he had been here for months already because the woman who had been fucked senseless was now sporting the beginnings of a pregnant belly and it wasn't like that when he got here. 

"Is she your wife?" Danny managed to ask in between lashes.

"Why do you care?" his tormentor lashed Danny three times before allowing Danny to answer.

"I have a wife at home. We have thre, two kids," Danny gasped.

"Why the correction?" his captor asked, raising his arm to whip Danny again; but something in Danny's posture made him hesitate.

"She lost the baby, just before I came out here," Danny said, looking over at the obviously pregnant woman. His captor followed Danny's eye movement.

"That's too bad," he sympathized with Danny. He didn't know what he would do if anything had happened to his woman or the child she carried.

"Please, just let me go. I need to know that my wife is okay," Danny pleaded.

"No. You were found over the body of one of our men," his captor growled, striking Danny again. Danny gasped and fought to remain conscious. "He was already dead. If you looked closely at his body, as I did, you would know that his stab wounds had a serrated; a jagged edge. My knife has a smooth blade, all the way around," Danny tried to reason. His captor brought the whip down once more before walking away.

Tears filled Danny's eyes as the wind threw sand into the wounds on his battered back. "Jess, please forgive me," he whispered before losing consciousness. 

Thanks for reading! I'll be writing Claire and Cal's story next, obviously.