JOHN

In our bedroom, it looked normal. Well fuck, not exactly, ay? Riley was still asleep and the sun was already up. The curtains were down, washed and packed as were most of our clothes. And I knew that just outside the bedroom door, there were several towers of boxes packed with books, computers, hell, almost everything from the second floor.

Almost moving day. T minus twenty-four hours.

Jesus, my heart was thumping like it was Christmas morning. I was excited as all hell. Almost jumping out of my skin. Fuck, getting out of this house, the house she shared with Gary, the house full of awful memories for her and nothing but irritation for me; that alone felt like Santa had arrived. The new adventure ahead, rebuilding the old mansion into a bed and breakfast, running the place so that it makes a profit for the Temple and the Family, now that felt more like Halloween, scary. I'm counting on Riley's expertise for that. We'll be fine.

Mmm, I looked over at her. So fucking sweet, sound asleep, her face calm, beautiful. The morning sun lighting her cheekbone. Making her glow. Slowly, I slid the sheet down, down over the rise of her hip. She stirred, rolled over, her back to me, her nice little ass right there. Easy, real light, I kissed her shoulder, ran my tongue over it, pressed a little more.

"Morning," she whispered.

I leaned over, her eyes were still closed and I smiled. We'd been packing, carrying, working like dogs all week and she was pretty tired. Even though every muscle I have ached, my cock was wide awake, ready for its morning workout. I snuggled close, spooning against the warm softness of her skin. She's such a little thing; I can completely lose her in my embrace. My arm tugged her closer and she snuggled, rocking that sweet ass against my hard on, making my head swim with the sudden loss of blood that rushed to my crotch. Jesus, what this woman does for me, what she does to me. How in the world did I ever think I was happy before her? I buried my face in the back of her neck, breathing her in. Damn. My hand cupped her breast, lay there still, feeling how hot it was, how full and welcoming she felt in my palm.

I thought about our lives. So much behind us, so much ahead and fuck, all I could do is be grateful. Grateful for the woman in my arms and all she brings to my life. Grateful for the opportunity to make her happy. Grateful that her visit with Lachlan was not the nightmare I was afraid of. They're just friends. Jesus, what a lucky break. I really thought I'd lose her to him. Instead, he proved his friendship to Riles and to me by cutting their visit short to come help pack. That's a real friend, ay? And maybe this is really right, after all. It almost felt unreal. Jesus, she's mine.

I pulled her closer, trailing my hand down her belly, to her pussy. So soft, I tangled my fingers in the hair there, listened to her gentle moan. She pressed against me. "Yes," she whispered. Music to my ears. And already wet for me, Jesus. My fingers slipped easily into their pace, her rhythm. Slow at the beginning, until that pink glow begins on her cheek. Then faster until her breathing becomes heavy, then harder until . . . there it is. My Riles, coming for me. My heart pounded almost out of my chest, like it does every single time. Watching her stiffen, arch, groan then cry out my name. Mine. And as I hold her tight, run gentle hands over her trembling skin, my cock slides into her from behind. An easy push against her pulsing aftershocks.

"Christ," I groan. It feels so fucking good. Riley, tight around me, sucking me into her sweet life, her sweet heart, her sweet body. It doesn't take long. Shit, I'm usually halfway there before I even touch her, ay? Lights spark behind my eyelids and I fill her. Holding her close. Loving her.

RILEY

John in the morning. What a blessing. I secretly promised myself to stay in bed longer from now on, to change my habits, as Doc had taught me. To savor the special moments in my life. But today would be filled with special moments. Today we'd be packing the last of our lives in Pittsburgh. Today we'd spend our last hours with Bud and Darcy before everything changes. And today is John's birthday.

I glanced over at the alarm clock. 7:15. Bud and Darce would be over at nine to help. Then off to a special birthday dinner and we'd be spending the night at their house. We expect the movers at seven sharp tomorrow morning. A tear stung my eye. Thrilled about the move. Sad about leaving our dear friends behind.

I turned over in John's arms, kissed his soft lips. "Mmm," I moaned and he smiled. "Happy birthday, baby."

He rolled his eyes comically. "Jesus fucking Christ. The big four oh."

I giggled, reaching down to his spent cock, cradling it, wet and warm in my hand. "Not too bad, for an old man."

"Uh-huh," he mumbled through another deep kiss.

"Let's run out for some breakfast before they get here. I don't feel like cooking." Hell, the pots and pans were already packed, the refrigerator was empty, the only thing in it, coffee and half and half.

He groaned, tugged me closer, then tickled my side making me wriggle and squirm. "Some chef."

After a quick breakfast we dragged out the last of the empty boxes and reviewed John's agenda. I never met a man so completely organized in my life. You'd never know by his calm, comfortable nature, but he's a bit obsessive about details. Always thinks about contingency plans and what could go wrong. It was actually comforting. John does this for certain things and I do it for different things. I suppose that's why we never get into a tiff about the silly stuff; we always seem to know whose best at what. John is definitely best at moving. I suppose he's certainly had enough practice at it.

I was assigned my china and crystal, all the kitchen (which was blessedly nearly packed), and the clothes. John ran the furniture department. Good thing, since I could barely budge even the smallest love seat alone. He'd already moved most of the living room and dining room furniture into a tight, neat area, making room for the upstairs items to fit in there as well. He didn't trust the movers to bring the bulky, heavy pieces down safely, so he and Bud would be doing the real grunting today. I smiled and shook my head.

Just then, Bud walked into the house with a shout. "Where are you?"

"We're in here." We answered together as Bud rounded the corner with two huge rolls of bubble wrap under his arms.

"What the hell is that?" John chuckled.

"Hell if I know. Darcy said we need it." He dropped the plastic and one tumbled then unrolled along the open floor space.

"Oh! I love this stuff!" I knelt on it, pressing my fingers, listening for the pops and giggling. "Great for tension release."

That's when I saw the look that passed between them. Oh shit! In one quick move, I found myself wrapped in bubbles, rolled like a pig in a blanket, popping all around. "Hey! Hey!" I squealed as they laughed and rolled me almost into the hallway.

Sophie went nuts, bouncing and barking. "Uff! Uff!" Growling, coming close then skittering away.

Darcy walked in with another roll of bubble wrap. "What the hell? You're having fun. No fun, pack." She pet Sophie's head and laughed.

The guys finally released me, unrolling me over and over, and I sat up on the plastic. Pop! Pop! Pop! "Ohhhh!" I gasped. They joined me, three more butts plopping on the plastic and we laughed as the little air pockets burst beneath our weight.

"Damn!" Darcy chuckled. "I gotta keep a roll of this at home."

"What for?" Bud grunted then climbed to his feet.

"Nothing," she batted her eyes up at him and winked at me.

***

Darce was cheerful, keeping my spirits up as we wrapped and tucked plates and glassware into sturdy boxes. She talked about the antique pieces of furniture she was shipping to Vermont for us, telling where and how she found them, and how she and Bud couldn't use them in San Rafael, California.

"The house is pretty small. It just won't all fit. Better you use the stuff than me just selling it off."

My heart ached a little; her beautiful giant armoire, the roll top desk and a gorgeous eight foot Victorian headboard. There was more to the gift than practicality. I'd actually be able to look at that furniture and feel Darcy. Her energy, her love, her friendship.

With few incidents, and not one disaster, John and Bud had brought everything downstairs, tucked it neatly in the living room/dining room space and we all looked around. Nothing on the walls, nothing loose or unpacked. I glanced at John and smiled.

"I'm fucking outa here."

"Good riddance to this house," Darcy shouted.

"Here, here!" Bud and John grunted.

They headed home and we headed for the shower.

***

I'd bought a new outfit for the occasion; a cute little short skirt, soft and twirly with pointed fabric at the hem and a pretty black off the shoulder sweater. I slipped into four inch high heels and chuckled.

"What?" John turned, tucking his crisp white shirt into nice grey slacks.

I walked up to him, the top of my head just past his shoulders. "See, I'm tall."

He laughed. "You really still think your gonna be tall when you grow up, don't you, Riles." Then he stepped back and took a good look at me.

I spun on my toes, the skirt floating out. "You like?"

"I like."

I had to reapply my make up, but it was worth it.

They met us at the restaurant, a little late. We were already seated, checking out the menu. I'd chosen the place because it was once a client of mine. Il Pizzioalo is a wonderful nuveau Italian Restaurant with a fabulous chef who'd studied in Italy. The food was northern Italian, light sauces, wonderful meat and fish dishes. Fresh pasta. Bottled sparkling water. White tablecloth. The atmosphere was upscale modern, but best of all, the music wafting through the room, 1950's, classic crooning. Perfect for a celebration, and it would take some of the gruff out of Bud too for having to sit in a snooty place.

He thumped into his chair as the waiter in a white shirt and a long bistro apron held Darcy's seat for her. "Wop food, heh?" He fingered the menu then broke a sweet smile my way.

"Oh, this is nice," Darcy smiled; watching the wine steward display the Cabernet Sauvignon I chose and pour and inch for John to taste.

He sipped, nodded then the steward left.

"Like you know fucking shit about wine," Bud joked.

John shrugged, grinning.

Dinner was wonderful. We all ordered a different entree and shifted plates around like school kids for everyone to taste. We laughed and polished off two bottles of wine. The men talked sports and shared jokes about their times together, at Baseball games, Steeler training camp, preseason football games. Darcy and I chatted about the Inn, about caring for Sophie. (The puppy would be staying with them for a few weeks until we got settled. John was afraid we'd be too busy getting things organized at first, sure the bear would eat her if we didn't keep a close eye on her. Like I said, the man covers every detail.) Then of course, the conversation turned again to include all of us. How moving is a royal pain in the ass, and how great things would be when we all got comfortable in our new homes. More than 3,000 miles apart.

"Riley!" I looked up into Chef Dominick's round face, his perfect white uniform glowing in the candle light, his tall paper hat a little lop sided like always and I smiled.

"Chef, how are you tonight?"

"Bueno! Bueno! How good to see you. And what is the occasion?"

"Well," I pointed to John. "It's my husband's birthday."

He reached over the table and clasped John's hand. "Happy birthday, Riley's husband. Lucky, lucky man you are."

"I am," John's eyes glowed.

"May I offer you dessert on me?" The chef puffed out his chest.

We all groaned, stuffed to the gills and feeling like slugs.

"No way," Darcy announced. "I've got a birthday cake at home waiting for this crew."

Chef knelt at my side. "Are the rumors true, Riley? Are you really leaving Pittsburgh?"

"Yes, in fact we leave in the morning."

He leaned close to my ear. "Then dinner is on me. And I wish you all the best."

Before I could protest, he stood and left. The bill was $198.00. We left a healthy tip and headed for Darcy and Bud's, following their tail lights in silence. My hand found John's in the dark and he kissed my palm.

Luckily the house is a good hour ride from the restaurant, so we weren't so uncomfortable facing food again. Over delicious birthday cake and coffee, (we passed on the blowing out candles part, figuring there was enough wine in John to ignite the kitchen table), again we all became quiet. I looked at Darcy, desperation in my eyes.

"Time for presents!" She chimed. Damn Darcy, always knew what to do. "You first, Riles."

John sat, a little embarrassed but grinning from ear to ear. I went to the guest room where I'd hidden his gift then carried it out, more than a bit worried that it might not be the best gift for my wonderful John. I sat, sighed then ran my hand along the rolled paper. A red satin ribbon was the only adornment, tied in a simple bow.

"John," I began, swallowed hard and looked into his beautiful baby blues. "When I was seventeen, I was an art student. It was the best time of my life. I had everything ahead of me, and no reason in the world to think it wouldn't be wonderful. I did these drawings then. I've kept them all these years, just to look at them, to remind me that once . . . once I was happy. Once I had the promise of joy." I slid my chair a little closer to him. "But I don't need them anymore. You've given me that girl; given me back all the promise. All the happiness. I love you, John. And I want you to have these."

He blinked back growing moisture that glowed in his eyes, took the roll and slid the ribbon off. Darcy pushed all the dishes aside and John unrolled the drawings, setting them side by side, his eyes wide. "Jesus, baby. These are amazing."

"Riley! You can draw like that?" Darce gasped.

"Not anymore." I shrugged.

Bud walked behind John and leaned over his shoulder. "They're all nude," he teased and looked deep into my eyes with a slight nod. He didn't need to say a word, I knew he liked them. He thumped a hand on John's back.

John carefully re-rolled the yellowed paper, sliding the ribbon back in place then leaned in for a devastating kiss that thudded my heart into overdrive. "Thank you, baby. I love them."

"Here ya go, Brother." Without warning, Bud dropped a case of beer on John's lap. "Happy, fucking fortieth."

We laughed and poor John groaned. "Thanks, Bud," John squeaked then chuckled, thrilled to see Penn Pilsner emblazoned across the box. "We'll christen the Inn when we get there."

"This is from us too," Darcy handed a huge gift wrapped package and John, like a kid, tore into it. It was a framed Pittsburgh Penguins hockey shirt, number 66, autographed by Mario Lemieux, and John was absolutely giddy. "That's for your den and this," she tossed another black and gold shirt at him; it bounced off his face and dropped into his lap. "That one is for your back."

"My back?" His eyes dove into hers, there was a private meaning there, one that tied them, that made John sigh. He lifted the shirt, the Pittsburgh Penguins logo on the front, and the letters B I E B E across the back. "Wow! Thanks."

"Yeah, Gretzky's nothing. Mario's the best," Darcy chanted. Unified roar followed. "Well, I don't know about you guys, but I'm tired of food and coffee. Anybody ready for alcohol?" Another unified roar.

The men headed out to the family room and I helped Darcy straighten up the kitchen and make drinks.

JOHN

Bud sank into his recliner and I dropped on the couch. He was quiet. I just looked around, trying to commit the room to memory. The pictures on the walls, the colors, the pool table. So many good memories. He watched me then leaned forward. "Some fucking party, heh?"

"Yeah," I groaned and rubbed my eyes. "This ain't easy, man."

He nodded, looked down at his hands.

"Man, I gotta say, you've been a good friend. I appreciate everything."

Bud grunted. "I ain't done nothin' you wouldn't do. What's carrying a few pieces of furniture down the steps. Nothin'."

I leaned elbows on my knees. "It's more than that. Bud, you were there when I wasn't, took care of Riles. I swear, half the time I'm so fucking confused, I just don't know what to do for her, what to say when she gets . . . you know."

He gave a silent nod.

"Maybe I just don't get it. Fucking amazes me how a man that size could . . ." I swallowed hard. "It's fucking amazing she's alive. This is going to take a long time for her to get over, isn't it?"

Bud continued to look at his hands. "Seen a lot of that shit. I don=t know what to do either. I think she just needs someone to listen sometimes." He rolled his shoulders and leaned back. "Fuck if I know."

"But you where there when I wasn't. Thanks. That's a real friend."

"You ain't been too bad either, Hockey Puck. Steeler Training Camp, ball games, the football game last Sunday." His eyes cut to me. "Been a good friend too

RILEY

We carried glasses and laughed, handing the wrong drinks to the guys who just rolled their eyes and switched. Darcy sat on the floor at Bud's feet, and I snuggled close to John.

"We need to start packing soon too, Bud." She looked up at him.

"Yeah, yeah. I know. Maybe we can just get rid of everything. Start over."

I laughed at the grimace on Darcy's face. "Hell, no. I spend a lifetime collecting this stuff."

Her head dropped to his knee. "But we'll get rid of some. Giving some to Riles. I'll have a garage sale; put the better pieces in the paper."

"We'll take it." I knew he'd cave.

"Isn't it amazing the crap you collect? I think the garbage man hates us!" I giggled.

"Oh, he's gonna kill us." Bud grunted as Darce slapped his knee and grinned.

It was getting late, and I wondered who would be the first to call it a night. John turned to me, his eyes deep in mine. I smiled, wanting nothing more than to be alone with him.

"Early morning tomorrow, we're gonna hit the sack," John said and we stood. "Thanks for the cake, the gifts, hell for spending this last night with us."

"Did you think we wouldn't?" Darcy said, climbing to her feet, her arm snaked around Bud. "You two sleep well. I'd promise to wake you early, but I know she'll be up before the sun." She chuckled then said softly. "Happy Birthday, John."

"Yeah, welcome to the over the hill club," Bud grinned.

JOHN

I didn't feel like I was over the hill. Pretty sore from all the hauling we did, but not all that bad for forty. Of course the alcohol helped numb some of it, ay. The aches, and the turning forty part, that is.

We walked arm in arm to the guest room. I liked those high heels. Her head was just at the right height to kiss, smell her hair, brush my lips over it. That's when I realized, it wasn't the booze that made me feel good. It was Riles.

I tried not to think about her past. Tried to avoid ever talking about it. Maybe Bud was right. Maybe sometimes she just needed to get it out. And I started to figure that maybe this move was the best thing in the world for us. We'd be together, pretty much alone most of the time. Things would be fairly hectic in the beginning, just getting settled in. But come winter, it would be quiet.

I'd been such a selfish prick. So fucking amazed at how great she made me feel, how unbelievable it was to have her. It was time to change that. As I closed the door behind us, watched her turn up to me, I made a silent vow. No more ignoring it. When she was down, I'd start finding the way to her, start getting her to talk. Help her through it. Maybe try to give her back what she gives me. Worrying isn't enough. I'd find her when she's lost. Bring her home.

But right that moment, she was perfect, happy, smiling at me, her dark eyes glowing. Making me feel so good. So fucking good. I took her in my arms and felt her life, pumping right into me.

I kissed her, loving her mouth with mine. Walking behind, kissed her neck, feeling her shiver. I ran my hands around her, hugged her close, lowering my face to her bare shoulder. Sucked a kiss there. I liked that sweater, too.

"I love you, baby."

"John, I more than love you," she said. "If that's possible."

"It is." I slid the sweater over her head, undid her bra and reached around, taking her tender, soft breasts into my hands, kissing the top of her head. I turned her around and looked down into that sweet face, then mouthed a tight, hard nipple.

What is it about the feel of a woman in your arms? The sensations of warmth and mother. The flavor of a breast is sweet, tugs at my own stomach. Riles has wonderful breasts, pretty fucking substantial for such a tiny thing. I'm one lucky man, for sure. There's not one part of her body that doesn't excite the hell out of me. But right there, in those hot fucking black high heels, her nipples in my mouth, I can only say I was in heaven.

I scooped her up like a baby, laying her on the bed, kneeling between those gorgeous legs. I slid the shoes off, tossing them over my shoulders with a silly grin, eyebrows bobbing and she laughed. Now there's I sound I adore. Infectious, contagious, the sound of her joy. I unzipped that sweet little skirt, dragged it off and tossed it over my shoulders, then took a good long look at her panties. Riles isn't usually into sexy panties, but these were something! A black lace thong.

"Happy birthday, John."

"Damn!" I slid the delicate fabric from her carefully. Didn't want to ruin them, hell, I was hoping to see them again. I lifted her ankles over my shoulders and tickled her foot. While she was giggling, I went for her pussy. Jesus, the sweetness of it, the warmth. The flavor of real love.

We made love like newlyweds, like playful friends, like a normal happy couple. I swear, I never expected what was to come. I had no idea what hides behind her heart, the terrible things that torment her. Fuck.

RILEY

I woke with a start, unsure where I was. My mind was screaming at me. It's was like there were a hundred people inside my head, all shouting at once, all saying something different. Punishing. Demanding. And all my own voice. This happens. Often. And I can't stand it, makes me want to jump out of my skin. Makes me feel not in control. This is the reason I sleep so little.

I silently slid out of the bed, well practiced at not disturbing John. I took the overnight bag to the bathroom and dressed in jeans, a tee shirt and soft tennis shoes. Then I paced the kitchen in the dark for nearly an hour. It was 2:30. The house was quiet. I knew what I had to do. No one would be the wiser. John's jacket was hung over the chair. I took the Jeep keys and slipped out the side door. The door that never squeaks.

I sat behind the wheel for a long time. Wishing I could avoid what I needed to do. Knowing I had no choice. If I wanted my life with John to be full, promising, honest, I had to face the hell. And I had to do it before we left the house forever. I started the engine and drove home.

JOHN

I heard the engine. My Jeep. Jumped up, looked around. Holy fuck. My heart raced, I dressed as fast as I could, ran down the hall and knocked, trying not to be too loud but loud enough to wake them.

Bud opened the door, pulling a pair of sweat pants up his hips. "What?"

"I need your keys, man. Riles just took off in the Jeep." I must have looked crazy. I swallowed hard, ran my hand through my hair. "Where the fuck did she go? What the hell?"

"Hey," Bud walked out of the bedroom, taking my elbow and leading me to the kitchen. Darcy followed close behind, tying her robe tight. He pointed to a chair.

What the fuck? Did he think I was just gonna wait? Setting aside the fact that the worst driver on earth was out on the streets, I was really concerned about where the hell she was heading.

"Sit." He said and dragged a chair out for himself. Darce started coffee. Man, I felt like I was in Twilight Zone. Bud's face was getting really hard. I sat.

"Where the hell is she going?"

"You know." Bud leaned, elbows on the table, his eyes serious. "We all know where she's going, John. Ya gotta let her do this. Give her time. Just a little."

Darcy sat and held my hand. "She needs to face the shit, hon."

"Alone? No fucking way." I was up again, pacing the room. Wondering where the hell Bud put his car keys.

"And what are ya gonna do when you get there?" He asked.

I stopped dead in my tracks. "Don't know. Something. Anything."

"What?"

I dropped into the chair, my head in my hands. Why the fuck was I so bad at this? At facing the shit, as Darcy called it. I looked into Bud's face. "Tell me what to do, man. You've been able to get her through this. What do I do?"

Bud took a deep breath, leaned back and crossed his arms over his chest. "In a little while, you go over there. And you listen. Don't talk. Just listen." Another deep breath. "Don't try to fix it, John. Ya can't. Just listen." Again he leaned toward me, spoke quietly. "It ain't pretty. It's gonna kill you to hear. But she needs to talk it out."

I blinked. Glanced at Darce. Holy fuck. "You know? You know what happened?"

"Some of it, John. Be strong." Her eyes were sad and she had my hand in hers again.

Twenty minutes later, Bud drove me to the house. There it was, my Jeep. I got out and he left. Every light was on, every room bright. The front door wide opened. I found her standing in the middle of the kitchen.

"Baby?" I said softly, not wanting to startle her. She turned to me, looked at me like she didn't know me for a minute then blinked back a tear. I took a step closer. Took a deep breath. "Riley, tell me what happened here. I want to know."

RILEY

And I wanted to tell him, but what would he think of me? This was the man I more than loved. Could I even begin to risk that? I shook my head, tried to brush past him but he took me into his arms and held me close. "Tell me, baby. Please." He lowered his face to my level. "Please."

I just looked into his beautiful eyes; saw his fear, bubbling there.

"I want to know," he whispered.

"No, John. You don't."

He gripped my arms tight, holding me like I'd drown, like he'd sink with me. "Yes. I do, baby. Tell me."

JOHN

She blinked, stood there for a long time looking into my eyes. Then slowly sighed, took my hand and led me down to the family room. I steadied myself, prepared for anything, turned, my hands gripped both of hers. So small, cold, her fingers shaking.

"In here," she said, so calm it was frightening. "He stood me in front of all his friends. Told them I was the worst woman he'd ever had. The worst lay on earth." She gulped, "then he offered me to anyone who'd be willing, to prove his point." Her eyes penetrated me, daring me to react. I didn't. "Several of them did."

Jesus fucking Christ, my heart lurched. Holy fuck! But I stayed calm, ran my hand down her face. She led me to the living room. Again looked up at me, and again I held her hands.

"On Christmas morning, in front of my whole family, he announced that I was not good. So there would be no gifts for me again that year."

Hand in hand, we went upstairs, to the spare bedroom that held nothing but old things since I'd moved in. "This," she said. "This was our bedroom, John." Fuck, she sounded like a voice-over for some mother fucking documentary. "Here, he raped me. I know, if you're married, you can't really call it rape, right? But how can a person who's supposed to love you, do that to you?" She sighed, so fucking calm, I was starting to panic. Jesus, was she losing it?

"He told me that if it didn't hurt, if I didn't cry, it wasn't good." She continued. "So he hurt me, fucked me anyway he could to make me bleed, to make me cry."

"How?" What the fuck! Why was I asking that? Hell, I knew why. Because of what Bud said. Because she needed to do this and I needed to be strong. To help her get through the shit.

Her eyes were wet, but sharp, clear. "Anyway he could hurt me, John. Every way. Mostly," she choked back a sob, regained control and cleared her throat. "In the back."

My heart threatened to leap right out of my throat. I drew in a long breath, let it out slowly. Nodded as easily as I could. By this point I gotta admit, I was becoming numb. It was too much, too painful to hear. God sakes, what must it have been like to live through? How hard was it for her to carry all this inside for so long?

I followed her down the stairs, to the landing and she pointed to the carpet, the place she'd said her nephew had spilled grape juice. The stain was permanent. "He'd beaten me, thrown me down the steps. I bled here, thought I'd never see the morning. I thought I was going to die."

I started to shake. Swallowed like a thousand times then realized it wasn't over yet. There was more. I followed her to the garage. Riley stood in the center of the space, alone. I'd thumped down on the step.

"John," she said softly. "Once he locked me in here, left me all night. It was winter, I was bleeding. I managed to crawl across and open the door." She knelt at my feet, placed her hand on my cheek. "My neighbor found me in the street the next morning. He thought I was hit by a car. The ambulance took me to the hospital. That was the first time I ever filed a police report. Gary left me the very next day."

I blinked, tears were covering my face. My Riley. Jesus fucking Christ.

"Six months later, I crossed the portal into this world." Her lips touched mine, a soft brush, like a whisper. "To you."

Riley stood straight, looked down at me. "I'm so sorry, John."

Before I knew it, I was holding her. It was time for me to talk. "You got nothing to me sorry about. Nothing, baby. Fuck, I love you so much." I looked into her sweet tears, ran my thumbs under her eyes. "You realize, you were the victim, don't you?"

She nodded.

"And you realize that I'll never hurt you, Riley. Never."

"Yes."

Cradling her deep in my arms, as close to my heart as I could I whispered, "It's over, baby."

"Not yet, I need to do one more thing, John."

We went back into the house, turned off all the lights except the hall light at the front door. She stood, silent for a long moment. "I want to pray for this house. Pray that all the terrible things that happened here will disappear. That the next couple who lives here will be happy." And she closed her eyes.

I did too, standing beside her, trying to focus. Trying to comprehend how a woman who'd been through so fucking much could wish only the best for perfect strangers. Amazed at her ability to even think about the next couple to live there. Astounded at her strength. The conviction of her faith, her spirituality. Finally my head cleared and I prayed with her, prayed for the house, for those new people. Then I took it a step further. I prayed for our new house, our new life. For her.

"Now," Riley sighed. "Now it's over."

***

Back at Bud and Darcy's, the kitchen light was on, the coffee cups were still warm and I smiled, imagining them waiting up, worried like parents, scrambling to get back to bed before we entered. It was 4:15.

RILEY

Sounds insane, but I felt different. New. Capable. We were both exhausted. Just took off our clothes and slid under the sheets. I snuggled close to him. The first man I ever loved like this. The first man ever worthy of such love. He kissed my lips, taking me into his heart, and I thought mine would burst. Knowing everything he knew, he still loved me, still wanted me.

It was like being lost in a wonderful place, warm and safe. His marvelous hands caressed me as though I was precious, special. His mouth took my breasts and loved them, blessed them with his gentle touch, his complete adoration. And as he covered me with his body, tenderly opening my legs with his knees, I believed for the first time, that I deserved this. Deserved to be happy.

Entering me, he whispered his love, kissed my face, his hands on my cheeks, his eyes in mine. Sisters, there is nothing like this on earth. I was alive, for the first time in too many years to count. When he came close, he pressed his palms on my hips, bringing me closer and closer to my own climax, asking me to come for him. To trust him forever.

***

Funny, even after all I'd been through, all the packing, the partying; at 6:00 I wasn't the least bit tired. Before anyone was awake, I pulled on John's tee shirt and went to the kitchen to start coffee. Letting Sophie out of her crate, I took her outside, watching her little butt roll under her gait, listening to her snort and sniff till she'd chosen the perfect place to pee. She ambled up to me and I knelt in front of her. I smiled, then we had us a little discussion.

"Sophie, you are going to be good for Aunt Darcy and Uncle Bud, right?"

Snort.

"No chewing furniture, no accidents in the house. And you're going to stay out of Aunt Darcy's garden, you hear?"

Snuffle.

"Now, don't be bothering Uncle Bud. I know how you love men and we all love Uncle Bud, but I'm just not too sure he likes you all that much, Soph. Just give him time though."

"Uff!"

"Good girl," I picked up her leash and lead her back to the kitchen.

"Don't be thinking I'm gonna talk to her like that every morning."

I jumped, it was Bud. I smiled as he lifted my chin, looked deep into my eyes. "You okay, Riles?"

I kissed his cheek. My big Brother, always taking care of me. "I'm better than okay," I said with a grin. "I'm wonderful. Coffee?"

He nodded. "Good. That's good." He sat at the table and reached for the newspaper.

Darcy strolled in, wearing her favorite silk robe, dropping a kiss on Bud's head, then one on mine.

"Uff!"

She knelt and kissed Sophie's head too.

"Jesus," Bud turned to me. "Don't be thinking I'm doing that every morning either."

I chuckled at the pup as she walked over and sat under Bud's chair.

"Hey!" Darcy laughed. "Another woman after my man."

Smiling, I took my coffee and went to find John. He was in the shower. I joined him. We dressed and gathered our little overnight bag together. Darcy drove Bud in her Caddy. Sophie rode with us in the Jeep, cuddled on my lap, as I continued to lecture her about proper guest behavior, petting and nuzzling her. Having enough of me, she curled on John's lap and he chuckled.

"Bud's going to have his hands full with this house guest."

The movers were there at seven sharp. John and Bud did their overseeing like good foremen. Darcy and I just watched, avoiding looking into each other's face. I knew I'd lose it, that the floodgates would open and all hell break loose if I even felt her start. Leaving Darcy was going to be so hard. She'd been so much to me. My Sister. My confidant. How much I'd miss her sense of humor, her smile, her laugh. Her absolute love and friendship. I bit my lip and tried to smile a lot.

As the huge truck pulled out, we watched Bud help John load his Craftsmen chest and Harley onto the trailer we were hauling. They secured everything nice and tight. Then walked over to us.

"That's all of it," John announced then just stood there. We all just stood there. Then I did it. Looked into Darcy's eyes and started to cry. We held each other tight, sobbing like babies, laughing, and gasping.

"Call from the road, call when you get there. Call every fucking day," she said, running a sleeve under her eyes.

"You sound like him," I teased, nodding to Bud, searching for Kleenex in my purse.

Bud was silent, hands in his pockets.

"Thanks, man. Thanks for everything." John reached out. Bud stepped close, took John's hand then tugged, grasping him tight in his arm. The embrace lasted a second longer than any of us expected. Loud thuds followed as the men grunted and separated.

John climbed into the car and Bud opened my door for me. "Don't let her drive," he shouted.

John chuckled. "Not a chance."

Another uncomfortable moment. John started the ignition and I looked up at Bud. "Bye," I said, blinking back tears.

"Bye, baby." He brushed a sweet kiss on my cheek, stood then went around the car to join Darcy, who was handing John an envelope.

"Later. Call!"

As we drove away, I twisted around and watched them wave. John's eyes were glued to the rear view mirror. His hand reached for mine and he kissed the palm tenderly. "Vermont or bust," he said softly, and I smiled.

At a red light, he ripped the edge of the envelope. Looked at the contents and grinned.

"What is it?" I asked. He handed it to me.

Inside was an airplane ticket, Burlington to Pittsburgh. A hotel reservation at the Pittsburgh Hilton. And two tickets to a January 9th Penguins game. There was a note.

I'm asking for a visit with the sweetest man I know, John. Love you, Sweetness.

I tucked everything back into the envelope and leaned over for a kiss. "Another woman after my man," I teased.

I settled back for the long ride. Vermont or bust.