Ch. 6 (PG-13, S): More Saturday Family Time

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"Fire & Ice" (Revised for Wattpad), Ch. 6 (PG-13, S): More Saturday Family Time, August 08, 2015 Gratiana Lovelace

(An original story copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace, 2015; all rights reserved)

[From time to time, I will illustrate my story with images of actors representing my dream cast--including Richard Armitage as Thomas Kane and Anne Hathaway as Caroline Walters, and others as noted in the image credits.] [(1) "Fire & Ice" story logo]

Author's Mature Content Note: "Fire & Ice" is romantic thriller story with mature themes (D for drama, S for sensuality, and V for violence) of love and relationships. Most chapters will be PG or PG-13. However, if you are unable or unwilling to attend a movie with the ratings that I provide, then please do not read that chapter. This is my disclaimer.

Author's Recap from the previous chapter:  On Saturday morning, Thomas and Caroline discover that she does have broken hand when they go to the emergent care clinic. So she and Thomas decide that he will move in with she and Trevor to help out--and to begin to rebuild their family.


Ch. 6 (PG-13, S): More Saturday Family Time

After visiting his apartment with Caroline and Trevor, Thomas pops his overnight bag of clothes for the weekend into the trunk of Caroline's car and then the three of them walk across the street to the park. It is a nicely kept up park with walking paths, benches and a children's play area with swings and sandboxes and such—and benches for their parents. The swing sets are the first play ground equipment to tempt little Trevor.

Trevor: "Please push me, Daddy?" Trevor asks hopefully [(2)].

Thomas: "Okay, Trevor!"

And Thomas smilingly walks behind Trevor and gives him a push on the swings. Such a simple thing, pushing a child on a swing. But this is his child, Thomas' child. And this is the first of many swing set pushes and playground visits they will have as Thomas and Trevor develop a father and son relationship. Thomas' heart is filled with joy.

Caroline: "Now don't go too high, Trevor." Though Caroline says this to Trevor, she is also letting Thomas know to keep his swing pushing gentle since Trevor is still a little boy of not quite 3.5 years old.

Then after a few minutes of swinging, Trevor decides to play in the sand box with a few other kids. Caroline and Thomas sit on a nearby bench watching Trevor and talking with each other.

Thomas: "How's your hand doing Caroline?" He lays his left arm around her shoulders and holds her right hand with his right hand and gives her a kiss on her cheek.

Caroline: Caroline lifts up her injured left hand to inspect it. "The pain meds and icing are helping, but it's still sore." She [smiles] sheepishly as she tilts her head and shrugs her shoulders. Then getting more serious with Thomas—while still keeping a watchful eye on Trevor—she says. "You know Thomas, little ones need consistency." Thomas nods. "We need to think about what will happen past this weekend ..."

Caroline lets her thoughts and her voice trail off because she is thinking about Thomas' time with Trevor, and with herself--and then there is the whole new work situation issue.

Thomas: He says calmly and logically, but also warmly to her. "I know that all of our lives just got more complicated this weekend—with me coming into your lives and you both coming into mine. ... And for me, that's a very good thing. But, I know you have a structure in place with Trevor, schedules, and such. And, I want to do whatever you think is best for him since you know him better than I do."

Caroline: Nodding gratefully, she says slowly. "Yes. Thomas, Trevor may not understand why you will be with us this weekend, and then, I assume, you'll go home to your own apartment on Sunday evening. I mean, your work clothes and such are there. And, I am starting work with you on Monday."

Caroline wonders if Thomas will want to be in their lives more than just this weekend, but she still feels uncertain with the newness of their redeveloping relationship to ask him outright.

Thomas: "I see." He sighs. Thomas [(3)] realizes that Caroline is still skittish about their relationship and he doesn't want to do or say anything to lose her. Then they both look over at Trevor and he is still playing happily in the sand box.

Caroline: "Trevor may worry that you're not coming back. We have to reassure him that he will see you again." Thomas wonders if Caroline also needs that reassurance.

Thomas: "Well, there's also the issue of you and I as a couple." Thomas gazes searchingly into Caroline's eyes. "And, I'm not talking about work—we're two professionals and we can do our jobs. But Caroline, would you prefer us to date and maintain our separate residences for now? Or ..."

Caroline: Caroline purses her lips a bit. "Or ..."

Thomas: "Caroline, I was thinking that we might we take Trevor's suggestion about our living arrangements? Or some combination?" Thomas is hesitant but hopeful.

Caroline: "What do you mean, Thomas?" Caroline looks at Thomas hesitantly, hopefully [(4)].

Thomas: "Well Caroline, Trevor labeled my apartment our vacation home—it could be our weekend home, for now. So, perhaps either now--or at some point in the future--we could live at your place during the week and my place over the weekends until we find a larger place for all three of us to live in together. We could look for a house with a big back yard for Trevor to play in and lots of kids in the neighborhood." Thomas suggests with a smile.

Caroline: She is privately thrilled that Thomas wants to be with them, with her, but Caroline still has to think about the long term. "Thomas, that sounds very nice. Hhhhh!" She starts to tear up. "But, I'm just afraid that if we try living together and it doesn't work out, that Trevor will be caught in the middle." They both look over at Trevor who looks up and smiles and waves at them and they try to smile and wave back at him. "Though you and I, obviously, still love each other, a lot has happened in four years—and we're not necessarily the same people. And, I am starting a new job—with you—on Monday. And, I want that to work long term as well."

Thomas: He nods. "Okay. I will do whatever you want me to do in order to make it easier for you, Caroline. I want us to work out as a couple and as a family. I want to be with you and Trevor at night after work and on weekends. I don't want to miss any more time with you." Thomas leans in and gives Caroline a tender kiss on her lips, and she trembles in his arms. "But that's what I want. What do you want?" Thomas wants to give Caroline the space she needs, but he hopes that her space will include him also.

Caroline: Softly, almost in a whisper, she says. "That's what I want, too .... I'm just afraid that it won't last." Her eyes are brimming with tears. Her tears fall as she shares her worst fear. "And then I have to pick up the pieces all over again."

Thomas: "Oh Caroline." Thomas closes his eyes as he embraces Caroline, knowing again how deeply his actions and lack of trust—his betrayal of their love—hurt Caroline four years ago ... and that it still hurts her.

Caroline: "I can't go through that again—not having Trevor now, too. He can't go through that." Caroline starts crying softly as she leans into Thomas and she buries her face into his neck and sobs.

Thomas: "Caroline my love." He wraps his arms around her. "I know that our breakup four years ago was my fault—I should have listened to my heart and how I felt about you and how I knew you felt about me, rather than to Paul's lies. There is no excuse for how I treated you. Hhhhh! And, I can only imagine that being a single mother hasn't been easy—having the burden of Trevor's care all on you. But, if you'll let me back you your life, I will make it up to you. You will never have to doubt my love for you ever again." Thomas kisses Caroline tenderly, holding her face in his hands. "I love you Caroline, with all of my heart. I want us to be a family, the three of us—a real family. I want you to be my wife and I want to be your husband. And I want to be a real father to Trevor."

Thomas kisses Caroline tenderly again and she responds to his soothing words and caring arms with her crying lessening. But she can't instantly change her feelings, despite Thomas' assurances. And her son notices that his Mommy is upset. Little Trevor comes over to Caroline and Thomas, seeing that his Mommy was crying and asks.

Trevor: "Mommy, what's wrong?" Trevor asks with his hand on her knee as he waits patiently for her reply. Though Trevor is only an almost three and a half year old, little Trevor knows when his Mommy isn't her usual cheerful self as she is with him. Trevor looks over at his Daddy, to see if he knows why his Mommy is sad. But Thomas also waits for Caroline's reply.

Caroline: Caroline wipes her tears from her eyes, tries to smile for her son, and holds out her arms and Trevor climbs up into his Mommy's lap. "Nothing, my little man. I'm just so happy that Daddy is home." Caroline hopefully gazes up into Thomas loving eyes and he leans in and gives her another kiss.

Trevor: "Me, too, Mommy."

Trevor hugs his Mommy and also gives her a kiss. Then Trevor holds out his arms to Daddy, and Thomas pulls him over to his lap and Thomas gives him a hug and Trevor hugs him back and gives him a kiss. The Walters-Kane family is mending their hearts--but as to be expected, it will take some time until they are completely whole again.

***

Since it is such nice weather out, Caroline and Thomas and Trevor, decide to have lunch at a restaurant with an outdoor eating patio. Thomas doesn't usually eat outdoors--old field agent habits keep him cautious about his family being so exposed, and he sits with his back to the outer wall where he can see everything behind them. But the outdoor table also works out well because any crumbs that Trevor makes can just be brushed to the ground. Then, the three of them also find a quick photo place nearby to get pictures of the three of them together as a family for the Memory Book and to hang on their apartment walls. They take their 5 by 7 inch photo copies home with them to Caroline's apartment.

By 2:00pm in the afternoon, Trevor is ready for his afternoon nap. So, Caroline and Thomas lovingly put Trevor to bed—just in his pull-ups—and go into Caroline's bedroom for their own nap. Thomas sits on the edge of Caroline's bed and he gently pulls her toward his warm embrace.

Thomas: "Caroline, I love you with all of my heart. I've been so lost without you." His voice chokes with emotion as Thomas admits his own frailty.


Then Thomas tenderly kisses Caroline, and she responds to him lovingly. Then leaning back from their embrace, Caroline caresses his face and gazes lovingly into Thomas' eyes.

Caroline: "Thomas, you are my only love—now and forever."


Now Caroline kisses Thomas with loving abandon. Thomas lies back on the bed and takes Caroline with him. They are fully clothed and kiss and cuddle for some time until their need for each other as lovers fills their hearts. They slowly undress each other until their bodies are as bare as their souls to each other--their caresses a confirmation that their being together again is no longer a dream, but their new reality.

And their mutual need to be joined as one in loving harmony is desirous, adoring, and passionate. Thomas and Caroline move their bodies together in loving harmony again and again and again and again. Thomas' intimate caresses thrill and excite both Caroline and himself as their lovemaking intensifies until they both reach a perfect and rapturous bliss in each others' arms.

Caroline collapses onto Thomas' chest in sensuous and loving fulfillment and they continue to kiss and caress each other passionately long after their bodies' lusts are sated. True lovers' needs are more than the physical pleasures they give and receive. And especially for Thomas and Caroline, their loving needs for each other are also poignantly emotional as they recommit themselves to each other—heart and mind and body and soul. Eventually, they fall asleep. Thomas and Caroline—Trevor's parents—are wrapped in each others' loving arms in a deep and peaceful slumber.

***

Waking around 5:00pm late Saturday afternoon, fully rested and still blissful, Thomas and Caroline put on their jammies—Caroline wears her flower print nightgown again and Thomas wears sweats and a t-shirt—for a lazy evening at home with their son. Thomas also dons his flash drive lanyard again--after taking it off to make love with Caroline. He checks and responds to one work email via his phone--just his boss checking about his new work project about the government funds transfer anomalies from last year. But Thomas hasn't had a chance to work on it--as he usually does with projects over the weekends--because with Caroline and Trevor, Thomas now has something better to do with his time. But he promises his boss that he'll get to it on Monday--since it isn't an exigent situation.

Then Caroline and Thomas go to check on Trevor--whom they find is happily playing with his toys in his room after waking up a bit ago. And Trevor had instinctively put on his jammies by himself. Their little boy is growing up. But, upon seeing his Mommy and Daddy at his door, little Trevor races to them and falls into and hugs their legs—with his Mommy and Daddy leaning down smiling and each giving Trevor kisses on his cheek and forehead.

Then Thomas lifts Trevor up in his arms—since Caroline must be careful of her healing hand—and Thomas carries Trevor out into the living area as Caroline walks beside him with her right arm around Thomas' waist. After Caroline pops a chicken into the oven to cook for their dinner, all three of them sit down on the couch to add to their Memory book.

Caroline: Sitting to the left of Thomas--with Trevor sitting on his lap--Caroline opens the Memory book to its next open page and she reads aloud what she writes in the Memory book so that Trevor and Thomas can hear her. "On Friday, May 20th, Mommy got an ouchee on her hand at her new job, but Daddy helped her bandage it. Then Daddy came home and read Trevor the plane bedtime story before everyone went to sleep for the night." Thomas looks over at Caroline and smiles lovingly at her and she returns his loving gaze. Then she continues writing and reading out loud. "On Saturday, May 21st, Daddy helped Trevor take a bath, Mommy got a splint for her hand to help it heal, and all three of us went to the park to play and then we all had lunch together afterward. Here is a picture of our little family all together." Caroline tapes a copy of the picture of all three of them as a family in the Memory book and writes the caption. "Caroline Walters, Mommy; Thomas Kane, Daddy; and Trevor Thomas Walters Kane, our son." Then she turns to Thomas and asks. "Thomas, would you like to write something in here, too?"

Trevor: "Oh yes, Daddy. You can write one of your notes." Trevor says with a big smile. Trevor climbs off of Thomas' lap and plops himself on the couch between his Mommy and Daddy--gleefully looking back and forth between the two of them. Trevor is happily squished in a parent sandwich--when before, he only had his Mommy, now he also has his Daddy.

Thomas: "Yes, Trevor. I would like that." Thomas takes the Memory book and pen from Caroline's hand and sets it on his lap. Thomas thinks about what to write for a moment and then he writes something in the book under Caroline's hand writing—taking care to print it so that it might resemble the entries that Caroline had lovingly ghost written for him previously.

Trevor: "What did you write, Daddy? Let me see. I want to know." Trevor says eagerly widening his eyes for emphasis.

Caroline: "Yes, Thomas, read it out to us." She smiles at this family moment.

Thomas: Thomas lays the Memory Book in Trevor's lap and reads what he wrote over Trevor's shoulders as he points out the words to Trevor. "I wrote 'Dear Trevor, Daddy is so glad to be home with you and Mommy Caroline. I've missed being with you both more than I can say. But Mommy has taken very good care of you—for which Daddy is very grateful. Daddy loves you and Mommy very much and I want to be with you always from now on. Love Always, Daddy'"

Thomas looks adoringly over at Caroline and she has tears in her eyes—as does he. Thomas and Caroline each lean toward one another—over Trevor's head—and they kiss each other sweetly and tenderly.

Trevor: Wanting to get in on the love fest, Trevor squirms upward saying. "Me, too! Me, too!" Thomas and Caroline laugh softly and lean in and kiss their little boy's cheeks.

Then, Thomas puts three other copies of the five by seven inch family photo into picture frames that they had bought—one for the living room end table, one for Trevor's bedroom, and one to take back to Thomas' apartment for when they stay there. There are a few other copies of the photo for them to use later that Caroline puts in a drawer—perhaps to share with their extended families, or have at work once they're married.

Caroline: Since it is still about thirty minutes before their food is ready, Caroline suggests. "Trevor sweetie, why don't you go get the cards to play Go Fish while Daddy and I heat up the potatoes and vegetables. Hmm?"

Trevor: "Yes, Mommy. I'd like to teach Daddy how to play it!" Thomas smiles because it has been a long time since he played Go Fish. So, Thomas really might need Trevor to remind him of the Go Fish game's rules.

Caroline and Thomas walk over to the kitchen and begin to prepare their side dishes.

Caroline: "Thomas, if you could just wash off three potatoes for me, then poke them, we'll start them in the microwave. I'll put the mixed vegetables in a small saucepan on stop of the stove." Caroline thinks how easily they have fallen into their shared domestic routines.

Thomas: He smiles and leans down and kisses her. "Certainly. And the potatoes are??? "

Caroline points to a low cabinet drawer bin and Thomas picks out two medium and one small potato to show her and she nods that they're fine. So, Thomas washes them in the sink and then pierces them in a few places with a knife before wrapping them in paper towels and popping them into the microwave to cook.

Trevor: As Trevor comes back from his room with his Go Fish game cards. he looks over at Mommy in the kitchen and asks. "Mommy, can we have fru pie n scream for dessert?"

Caroline: "Yes, Trevor honey." Then turning to Thomas she says. "Trevor is partial to apple pie and vanilla ice cream." Then she says under her breath to Thomas in explanation. "Thomas, it's not that Trevor can't say the words out fully, it's just that he has just created his own little code words for things."

Thomas: "Ha ha ha ha ha!" Thomas laughs at the irony of their son using code words. "Actually, I find his language use quite advanced for his age—and his code words are completely adorable." Thomas smiles at Caroline and gives her another kiss.

Caroline: "Well, shall we play Go Fish with Trevor until dinner is ready to dish up?" Thomas nods and they both go back to the couch where Trevor is waiting patiently for them after he already set the game up and counted out the cards

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