Chapter 228

Its been days since he left the bungalow.

 He left Point Pleasant that morning as if the hounds of hell were yapping at his heels, rode his bike relentlessly until he the road took him to Mystic island. As luck would have it, he found a little bungalow looking out over the lagoon. It was a far cry from the upper class hotel rooms he were used to but it fitted his mood perfectly. Hidden away from nosey people, small and intimate, easy to keep clean, what more did he want anyway? He wanted to lick his wounds not fun in the sun.

 Easy to keep  clean? Gmmfff..he flicked a disinterested look across the small room. Pizza boxes, Chinese left over, and mountains of empty booze bottles were everywhere. Maybe it was time to clean up a bit, he might just break his fucking neck trying to clamper over the shit in his drunken stupor.

Arggh what the hell..one more day wont kill him...

Grabbing his always present pen and notebook he stared at his work in progress.

I was walking on a wire

Looking down, there was no net

Now, I’m standing at your door .Me and my last cigarette.....

Talking bout cigarettes..the lighter flicked to life, taking a deep breath he savoured the nicotine filled pleasure.

Scrunching his eyes trying to keep the smoke from burning them even more, his fingers stroked the strings of the guitar. A song came to life and he felt the familiar warmth of accomplishment nesting deep inside his soul. Words came tumbling into his tortured mind and he discarded the guitar, grabbing at the pen again...

Yeah we’ve been through this before

Too late the cover up my tracks

Damn the fool who begs for more

I’l take my past and paint it black

Now this circus has left town

This clown has got to get his feet back on the ground.

I’m learning how to fall

Learning how to take a hit

Had to walk before I crawled

It was winner take it all

Now I’m learning how to fall

Yeah, I got the hang of it.

As the ink flowed from the pen so did the festering wound in his soul, cleansing him as the words poured out one by one.

I was flying through the clouds

Pucker up, it’s time to kiss the ground...

Scraping his chair backwards, he stood up, opening the door, staring over the water. He felt lighter, not completely healed but it has begun...the puss was working its way out and he could breathe again. The dark sludge was exposed and transferred onto pure, white paper...its wasn’t his pain anymore. It was time to let go...the sting chafed at a raw nerve but Jon forced it to the background...I might have taken the blow but fucker I aint gonna stay down without a fight.

Another emotion bloomed to life and a certain pair of shining dark eyes swam into view. His baby....his heart and soul....suddenly the sky seemed a bit bluer. She was waiting..how long has it been? God too long!

Words came rushing towards him, playing it over in his mind he made his way towards the shower , giving his thoughts free reign.

Time to get clean and grab something to eat because God knows the leftovers might just land him in hospital.

Rubbing over his growling stomach he snorted.

“Yeah, yeah hold ya horses. Need to clean up first.”

He dragged a hand across the stubble on his face. MAN! He really let himself slip this past week! A shower would have to do for now, he’ll have to grab a blade from the shops after he had breakfast....

Raiding the local supermarket Jon felt the need to make himself a hearty dinner, steak, a nice thick, mature steak with all the trimmings...Bursting open the door of the intimate little bungalow, he unpacked his findings, blowing the stubborn strands out of his eyes.

An hour later he was settled at the table, the freshly grilled steak wafted into his nostrils. The aroma of sweet wine and a blend of freshly prepared food brought a mighty growl from his stomach.

“Damn! I’m hungry!”

Before long the food lay half eaten on the plate, the wine bottle almost empty and his fingers scribbling excitedly over a new piece of paper. The words flowed out, coming to life in his mind, the dark, loving eyes of Megan the force behind the sudden inspiration.

Slipping another chunk of steak into his mouth, he slouched back , his feet propping on the table next to his glass. His eyes flew eagerly over the lines, the familiar warmth spread in his belly...he had to go back..she had to hear this....and soon.

You know your favourite old pair of shoes

The ones with the holes in the toe you won’t lose

Your favourite record thats all scratched and used

But still love to play it when your feeling blue

That faded rose thats all dried out

Those Bukowski poems we couldn’t live without

Your highschool pictures when you had wild hair...

The vision of the young, innocent girl balancing a huge tray in her two small hands came to mind..Long wild curls framing her face...lanky legs with  ass hugging shorts....Oh man!

Oh, you better believe there’s just one thing you need

Cant you see....

Its just me baby

Its just me baby

If there’s just one thing that you should keep

In your book of dreams

It’s just me baby....

Just like a shadow 10 feet tall

Standing right behind you should you fall

Ill be the one to hold you up to walk

When this wicked world makes us wanna crawl

And if your waves should ever break at sea

I’ll be here waiting, I’m that sandy beach

I’m that same old dog, scratching all the fleas

I’ll be by your side, you can count on me....

As if coming out of a slumber, he mind rocketed to life...all he needs is her...her gorgeous eyes, those lips curled into a smile, her welcoming arms taking all the pain away...it was her he needed all along..not some bungalow and loneliness eating at your gut! In his blind fury he had pushed her love away...when she was there for him he couldn’t accept the pillar of strength that was her unconditional love....Oh baby girl! What have I done?!

Tomorrow will be a brand new start, his ass is heading home to his Megan and his kids.

Chapter 227

Megan stared down at her sleeping baby, snuggled so contently in her arms. Her heart was heavy with longing. Its been more than a week and no news or even a phone call from Jon. Uncertainty ate at her..Was he ok? Is he coming back..is he coming back to her and their children or was he cutting the ties?

A tiny prayer shot up to the Big Man above.

Please keep him safe, bring him back to me soon....

The shrill ringing of the phone jolt her heart to a quicker beat.

Was it Jon? It had to be Jon!

“Megan hello.”

“Hello Megan.”

Oh Lord in heaven what does she want now?!

“Carol...Do you want to speak to Jon? He’s not here.”

No need to beat around the bush.

“Actually I want to talk to you.”

Hope flickered to live.

“Did he call you? Is he ok?” She gulped back the tears. Maybe he made peace with his mother and left a message with her.

“What do you mean, did he call me? What is going on Megan?”

All hopes crashed into a heap.

“He left the day of the fall out. I haven’t heard from him since.”

“Oh my God! Did you call him? What if something happened to him?
Oh Lord...I’ll never forgive myself. “ Silence buzzed through the telephone line for a few moments.

“I think Jon wants to be alone for awhile. He needs to get his mind straight, he’ll be back.”

Chewing at her words she decided against calling her son. He always was the wild one in the family and he did always hide away from the world when things got too much. How well Megan knew him!

“I guess you’re right...but please let me know when he comes back.”

“I will.”

“Now the reason I called is...I hoped that you would meet with me over a cup of coffee. I miss the kids and would love to see them and well...uumm..we need to talk you and I.”

It was on the tip of Megan’s tongue to decline but she was her children’s grandmother and it wasn’t fair to keep the kids from her.

“It would be lovely, thank Carol.”

“Is it possible for you to meet me this afternoon?”

Discussing the time and place, Megan ended the conversation.

~~

Jaden was out of the car in a flash, meeting John halfway up the driveway.

“Hello Grandpa!”

“Hello big boy!”

Ruffling through his son’s mirror image hair he offered.

“Grandma made you some cupcakes . Why don’t you run and taste it and let me know if its safe to eat it ok?”

“yeaaahhhh!”

Megan was still fiddling with the seatbelt, trying to loosen the car seat when John stuck his head in the car.

“You need some help with this little missy?”

Smiling at the friendly face, she was struck by the resemblance and older version but still, soul full eyes like Jon.

“That would be great, she grows by the inches every day. When Jon comes back she might be walking already.”

The laughter stuck in her throat as her words sunk in.

“He’ll be back Sweetheart, way before our little princess can even manage to smile properly!”

Making sure the car was locked she noticed John waiting for her. There was something on his mind she could tell.

“Megan I know this is a lot to ask but please give Carol a chance. She might be my wife and I love her and it might even sound biased but Im not blind to her faults and what she had done was terrible but she is suffering and she knows she has to start with you before Jon would even think of expecting her back into his live....your lives. I promise you she will never interfere in any aspect of your lives..I’ll make sure of that.”

Megan mustered a gentle smile.

“I think its time we all set this behind us and come together as a family. Jon loves his mom, he will never be able to live without her and I’m more than prepared to forgive and forget. I love Jon that much..I’ll do anything for him. Besides he is a serious momma’s boy, he’ll just have to forgive her, wont he?”

John threw his head back and laughed.

“Thats so true....lets hope Jon sees it that way too. Let’s go.”
Pressing in the small of her back, he accompanied her into the Bongiovi house.

Chapter 226

Richie heard her heartbreaking sobs as he neared the big tree. Her face was buried in her hands, her slim shoulders shaking as her sorrow surfaced. He reached her the moment Jon’s bike roared to life, pausing her sobbing for a moment as her tear streaked face watched as he made his way towards the gate.

“He’s going...he’s leaving us....” somewhere deep inside she was still hoping that he might change his mind but the loud roar of the bike made it final.

“Oh Sweetheart..I’m sorry.” He pulled her into his arms.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have done it like I did? Do you think he is angry with me for telling him that way?” Uncertainty wavered in her dark eyes.

“Noooo honey. He is hurting real fucking bad right now. His own mother betrayed his trust, the baby he forced himself to love isn’t his, the woman who denied him his time with you and Jaden was lying about the kid, making a fucking fool out of him. I think he needs some time to work through this and get his mindset straight..he’ll be back soon. He loves you Meg..like he has never loved anyone. I know its hard but give him time to work this out, ok?”

Her sobs had subsided, silent tears coasted down her cheeks. She was a heart wrenching sight. He had hoped that the heartbreak would be over but little did he know. Fuck he could even imagine Jon’s shock, first Dorothea’s betrayal and then his mother..HIS OWN DAMN MOTHER!

He could still hear Jon’s parting words ringing in his ears before he made his way towards Megan.

“I gotta go...I need to fucking go man. I’m losing my mind and for Meg and the kids’ sake I need to get my shit together and if I need to lose it, rather it be on my own. You’ll keep my baby safe wont you Rich? I love her man...keep her safe. I’ll be back.”

Jon had clung to him for a few moments, slapped his back and swung onto the bike. His brother was hurting, the always present light in his eyes were now dull.

“Be safe bro’.”

~~

Gripping the handles tighter, Jon felt the bike surge forward as if a wild animal merged with the metal, spurring it on even further.

It was getting dark and he needed to get a place to lay down his throbbing head.

A sign flashed passed..Welcome to Point pleasant.

“Just what I need. A bunch of pricks having fun in the sun.” Jon snorted.

Slowing his bike down he focused on the bright neon signs...Just what I need.

Cutting the engine off, he dragged the helmet up and over his face and made his way towards the store.

A bottle of Jack Daniels gripped firmly in his hands and a new pack of smokes later, he swung back onto his steel horse. He was spotted by a few ladies and he needed to get the fuck out of there. Jon Bon Jovi the rock star wasn’t in the mood, in fact he was sure his charm was somewhere in Redbank or anywhere between here and God knows where. He sure as hell wasn’t going to look for it so better keep a low profile before he was splashed all over the damn tabloids.

Riding slowly through the streets, he heard the call of the waves.

Parking the bike somewhat inconspicuous he grabbed his lifeline and strolled towards the glistening, rolling waves. Toeing off the heavy boots, he fell backwards onto the sand, resting on one elbow, digging his toes into the sand. The cool liquid slithered down his throat warming his belly. The stars were shining brightly now, Megan would have loved to be here, staring at the stars searching for all the signs she so eagerly showed him on so many occasions.

His mind drifted back to the afternoon. He wasn’t really sure what hurt the most, his mother’s betrayal or the knowledge that Jesse was never his baby. All the sacrifices he had gone through to assure Dorothea and the baby’s safety and for what only to get his guts ripped out and fed to him?

Taking another swig he felt his head spinning...damn he should have bought another damn Jack. This one won’t last through the
night.....

Jon woke up with a start. Hooolly fuck! Someone was hammering its way through his brain....sunlight burst through his eyelids and he ..OUCH!!

Shivering he struggled into a sitting position, patting next to him until his hand curled around an empty packet of cigarettes.

SHIT!

Jostling through his backpack, he thanked the gods as he slid the shades over his throbbing eyes. Gathering his scattered socks and boots he struggled his way through the sand towards his trusted horse.

Time to hit the road and hope to God he loses the demons in the process before the fuckers swallow him whole.

Chapter 225

Megan glowered at Dorothea, her voice cold.

“I took the liberty to ask the servants to get all your personal items together. Robert assured me he would be so kind as to take you back to your place. Just be assured that Jon will no longer be paying for you rent. Your days of backstabbing the Bongiovis are over.”

Dorothea only sobbed louder. Megan felt a moment’s pity for her but force it to the background. She deserved to be punished….

Meeting Robert’s stare, he nodded and turned on his heel, accompanying Dorothea and their child.

A chair scraped.

“I think we better take our leave to. It’s been fun Sweetheart. I’m just sorry so many people had to get hurt but I’m relieved that the truth won in the end.” John left a soft kiss atop Megan’s head and gathered her for a quick sympathetic hug.

Carol couldn’t bring herself to stare into her daughter- in law’s eyes. Regret and shame rode her bare back and embarrassed tears refused to subside.

Megan accompanied them to the car, there were no words. Everyone’s minds were still replaying the shocking exposure.

Staring worriedly at the direction Jon had staggered to, she sighed and turned back only to find her mother gathering the kids.

“I’m going to take them with us for the night.”

“Thanks mom, daddy.”

She needed some time alone with him, she was concerned that he might erupt in front of the kids and was thankful that her mother had summed up the situation and took her own initiative.

It only took a few minutes to get their overnight bag readyand not too long after that she and Richie were the only ones left.

Dark eyes brimming with tears she begged for an answer.

“What now Rich? What do I do now?”

A big hand squeezed gently.

“Take a walk down there and give him time. He’ll talk if he’s ready. Just be there….thats all he needs right now.”

Richie and his pearls of wisdom always amazed her. He knew Jon’s ins and outs...what to do, say or react whenever the situation called for it.

She made her way slowly towards him. He didn’t notice her or at least didn’t acknowledge it.

Staring at the flowing water, the elements seemed to have picked up on Jon’s mood , mimicking it, she watched as his shirt plastered against his frame. He statuesque figure just stood there..staring, his hands buried deep in his jean pockets, his hair belting against his face.

Shuffling in between his back and the bark of the big old tree, her hands joined his in his pockets. He didn’t make a single move or utter any sound but he didn’t push her away either so she eased into him and decided to stay there, feeling the heat of his body radiating through his shirt, seeping into her rigid muscles.

Turning her face she closed her eyes, settling against his back, hearing the slow heartbeat drumming into her ears.

Their surroundings were so serene, their bodies sapping energy from each other and somehow it felt right....

“Meg....I need some time to think.”

Megan’s eyes flew open, rejection hit her hard in the stomach. She untangled herself from him and swallowed at the tears threatening to overwhelm her. He turned around, the utter despair and lifelessness of his beautiful eyes shocked her to the core.

She nodded and turned but a hand gripped hers and brought her forcefully back into his arms.

“Its not you baby....I just..I need to be by myself for a while...hit the road ya know....”

Sniffing at his warm scent she blinked at the tears but it refused to settle so it spilled into his shirt.

“I understand...take all the time you need as long as you come back to me when this is all over...I’ll be waiting...I love you Jon.”

Lifting her face she sealed his decision with a soft kiss on the lips and stepped away. Not feeling strong enough to meet his eyes, she focused on the river, her heart screamed at her to beg him to stay..her mind told her to set him free..give him time to heal.

Jon gazed at her for a few moments before he turned and walked away....

Chapter 224

Dorothea saw the fury and hatred building up in Jon’s eyes and took a step backwards. This Jon she didn’t know and she didn’t care to know him either.

The wild look on his face belied the toneless whisper of his voice.

“Is this true? Was I really such a fuckin fool, that I didn’t even saw this coming?”

“Jon..I…I…” Dorothea’s eyes shifted towards Carol, her finger pointing accusingly.

“She made me do it…she practically forced me! I’m so sorry Jon..I didn’t want to but she wanted Megan out of your life and that was the only way how.”

Carol’s face lost all expression for a moment.

“Don’t you put this on me you lying cow! I never told you to get pregnant by another man and make my son’s life hell!”

“So what did you do then?” John’ s eyebrows flicked heavenwards.

Richie swore softly under his breath.

“Fuck me! So she was involved….hell!”

John and Richie’s eyes met for a moment.

So this was what the old timer wanted to tell me..well damn!

“Carol.”

She jerked at the coldness of her husband’s voice.

“How do you know about  this?”

“I smelled a rat and sad to say I had to find out that it was you and Dorothea. Richie and I have been sniffing at this shit heap for months, it only came together a few days ago….sorry son but I had to be sure who were behind this and how it all slotted together.”

As if in a bad dream, Jon closed his eyes for a moment. How in God’s name could this be? Was he such a fucking fool?! His mother and Dorothea?!

Carol made her way towards him, realizing her intent he whipped a hand up, stopping her.

“No mother…don’t you come near me. I want to know all of this right now. I seemed to have been the idiot of this fucking game of yours…Richie, my dad, Megan..EVERYONE knew except me! You have ten minutes before I throw you all out…better make it count.”

Jon slid into a chair, his insides were mush, his heart shuddering, trying to pump the cold, thick blood through his veins. He  was dying inside.

“I didn’t want to Jon…your mother..”

“Oh for fuck’s sake Dorothea, one more lying word out of your mouth and I will fucking slap you, you hear?! I want the TRUTH!” he grabbed her shoulders and shook violently, the clatter of her teeth brought him back to his senses.

Blue eyes rested on each and every person on the patio. His voice was raspy and low, controlled..too controlled.

“Son, I’m ashamed to tell you this but I thought Megan wasn’t the right women for you. I knew you and Dorothea loved each other and I wanted you two together and I know you two would have gotten married someday. Then Megan came back into your life with her son..your son. I was afraid that she was using you for an easy way out…I thought I did you a favour and I guess for that stupid mistake I’ll have to live with for the rest of my life. Dorothea is right, I came up with this stupid idea of her getting pregnant. But I meant from you Jon..not some other man. I thought that you might marry her then. Everything catapulted into a royal mess when Megan announced that she was pregnant. I felt sorry for Dorothea because I suggested this…for that I’m so sorry..sorry for..”

“Playing God? Is that what you wanted to say mother? How in the name of God could you ever think that you could manipulate my life like this? Who gave you the damn right anyway?! I wont forgive you for this..EVER. You can go now. I’ve heard enough.”

Carol advanced closer but her husband’s steely grip prevented her to.

He dismissed his mother and turned his fury towards the trembling Dorothea.

“Now tell me your fucking lame excuse. So you made me drunk, we had sex and then what?” his face was an ugly distortion of disgust.

“Actually…we didn’t.”

Jon leaned forward, hope flickered in the stormy blue.

“We didn’t..what? Had sex?”

Dorothea stared at the tiles at her feet, she shook her head.

A tiny cry slipped from Megan’s lips. Richie hugged her to him, his face lit with relief.

“There you go baby girl….the truth is out..finally.” Megan nodded.

Jon’s face rested for a mere second on his wife’s beautiful face. The situation slammed into him…all the lies..the sacrifices..the hurt ..the agony….DOROTHEA!

“You were too drunk and when we finally got to..that moment..you called me Megan. Even in your drunken state she was all you ever wanted. You woke up and assumed what might have happened and then everything spiraled out of control.”

“Spiralled out of control?! HOLY FUCK! You fucked up my whole damn life! Do you know how I hated myself for not wanting that baby in the beginning? When you almost lost him I blamed myself! I vowed to support you in anyway possible. My wife took you into our home. Do you even comprehend what she had to put up with, her husband’s pregnant lover staying in her house?! All the days and nights we missed together so I can be with you! I don’t think you will ever know the damage you’ve caused. Then there is Jesse, the child I thought was mine. How could you be so damn cruel?! Letting me fall in love with him, knowing full well he isn’t mine?! FUCK YOU DOROTHEA! I’ve never known that someone can be so heartless.  I almost missed MY child’s birth because of you! You have an hour to get your shit off my property. I don’t want to see your face EVER again. You wont come near me or my family. Do we understand each other?”

Dorothea was sobbing her heart out.

 “Ahem..Dorothea there is the matter of Jon almost missing Ashley’s birth….”

Richie stepped forward.

“Stop your blabbering and come out with it woman. You switched off his phone didn’t you?” Richie smirked at her flabbergasted face.

“Yy….yeee..yess Jon. I’m so sorry…I’m sorry. Please forgive me?”

“Yeah I’m on to you …better spit it out.”

“Sorry..fresh out. Get your stuff and go.”

Jon could feel the desire to choke her with his bare hands boiling inside him…just one hard squeeze and….

An eery silence fell over the remaining party.

Jon stood up, hands buried in his pockets he stepped off the patio in the direction of the river.

Richie’s grip tightened slightly.

“Give him a minute, darlin’.”

Megan heeded the gentle tug at her arm, staring at the lone figure, shoulders slumping. She was sure she felt her heart break at that moment.

Chapter 223

A tomblike silence swept over the party. All eyes turned towards Megan and then Dorothea.

“What the hell is going on here Megan?” Jon’s eyes glittered like shards of ice, his grip on Jesse in his arms seemed like a desperate cling to prevent the baby from slipping from his numb hands.

Jon’s eyes fixed on the stranger next to Megan..or was he?
Memories flashed through his mind and it froze in time as he remembered the same face in Dorothea’s hospital room a mere few months back.

“Could someone please enlighten us all?” Carol’s demanding voice whipped through the air.

“Seeing as everyone are in a state of shock, let me start. I’m Robert...Robert Downing....” he opened his mouth to continue but Dorothea’s venomous hiss silenced him.

“DON’T A BELIEVE A WORD HE SAYS!! HE IS A LIAR!”

She was standing now, her fists clenched and her body swaying slightly from shock.

Jon heard her near hysterical shout and sided next to her.
Something had to be wrong?! Why would Megan do this?! Touching Dorothea’s shoulder, she turned and stared at him with teary eyes.

“Please Jon make this stop! Tell him to go away! “

“Jon....” Megan called out to him, his incredible blue eyes swung her way...but it was the message in them that cringed her insides.

Handing the baby back to his mom, did he turn and gathered the shaking Dorothea in his arms. His face shot up, fury pulled at his lips, turning it almost in a sneer.

“I don’t know what the FUCK is going on here but I suggest YOU get your ass off my property before I remove you my fucking self and as for you my wife....we need a talk...NOW.”

Megan’s sarcastic laugh grinded at everyone’s oversensitive nerves, clapping her hands she slowly made her way towards Jon.

“Bravo Dorothea...once again..the perfect actress! Robert is going nowhere Jon. He is here to tell it all and to expose her for the conniving bitch she really is.”

“I’m sorry Dorothea, but you didn’t keep to our arrangement. I
warned you, didn’t I?” There was nothing but disdain burning in his eyes.

“I just needed time....that’s all.” Her voice was soft and childlike.

Shock jerked at Jon’s frame and he stepped from her.

“What did you just say?” his eyes threatened to swallow his face.

“Jon...please listen....” She held her hand out, but he stared at it in disgust.

Dorothea knew she was in a corner, no more delaying it now.
Turning towards Megan , every word was accentuated as she bit it out.

“I never knew what made you so damn special. I had him first! I loved him, I would have given him everything...and then you had to show up with your fucking brat and everything changed.”

No one saw it coming, they just heard the sound as flesh met flash violently.

Gasps could be heard and suddenly Richie was next to her, his hand a slight reminder in the small of her back.

“I don’t care WHAT you think of me..but my kids you WILL treat with respect. You will never call my son a brat do you hear me?! I could kill you with my bare hands right now. I welcomed you into my heart and my home. It killed me seeing Jon with you, seeing your growing stomach, the constant reminder of your night with him but I handled it...but not anymore ...its done..FINISHED! I’m claiming our lives back and you are out the door!”

“You take the word of a stranger above mine?! You don’t even have proof! “

“Proof?” Robert fumbled in his pocket and extracted a paper to
Dorothea’s greatest horror.

“What is that?”

“The proof you wanted my dear. I told you before. I know you, I know how you think...”

She yanked it out of his hands, her eyes flew over the printed letters.

“But how? When?”

“Darling you forgot a little something..I am a lawyer. I had this nasty feeling that you might play these kind people longer than you made me to believe. So I got a court order and I did the test. There it is, for all to see.. he is mine. ”

He stopped in front of Carol, holding his arms out. She obeyed.

Jon didn’t know if this was a cruel joke or some fucked up dream but as soon as he felt the coolness of the paternity test touch his fingers, he knew...irrevocably.

Jesse wasn’t his son! Past months flashed through his mind and he felt fury clawing from deep within, fighting its way towards the surface.

Chapter 222

Megan lay in bed , her eyes aglow with love as she saw Jon and his daughter shared some quiet time together. Standing only in a pair of boxer’s her held the little girl in his arms, chatting softly to her while staring out at the break of day.  Big, baby eyes stared at the now familiar face and voice, while her hand curled trustingly around a finger.

Jon had taken to fatherhood with a newborn like a duck to water, never complained when Megan needed a much needed break, always ready and willing to step in.  She could still remember the moment when she realised that her father had confessed and begged Jon’s forgiveness. Jon was pale and so quiet that she felt panic building up inside her as she watched pain and regret flashed in his gorgeous, stormy eyes.

Her relief was immeasurable when he finally spoke and vowed that he would make up for it even though he couldn’t change the past.....

Jon turned slightly and gave her an eyeful of a strong, manly back, sloping into a neat , muscled waist. Somewhere deep inside a hunger started a slow, lazy twirl in the pit of her stomach and swirled into a maelstrom of want and need.  Its been almost six weeks..almost and damn she couldn’t deny it any longer. She needed to feel his warmth enveloping her, his sure, strong strokes as he possessed her fully. Her body was yearning for the release only his loving could bring....

“I think we better wake mommy up don’t you? You need your feed and we have so much to do before everyone arrives. Daddy is going to enjoy showing you and your new little brother to everyone...yes I am...”

A soft kiss landed on Ashley’s forehead.

The mention of Jesse doused the warm fuzziness in her stomach.

Today was the day....Oh God, could she go ahead with it?

Jon heard the soft sigh coming from the bed and turned towards her.
“Well, well mommy is awake. “

Slipping onto the bed , he deposited the little eager bundle next to her mom.

“Someone is a bit hungry there mom. “ he chuckled as her little face dug into Megan’s bosom, sniffing appreciatively at the milk supply.
Megan slipped a breast from the nightie and smiled as her daughter latched liked a greedy puppy.

Jon stared at the two women in his life for a few moments. There was something so strong between a mother and child, an invisible thread no one can see but anyone can feel....God doesn’t she look gorgeous? So ripe....his eyes focused on the lusciousness of her breasts and gulped as he felt a stirring in his boxers.

Megan felt the sizzle crackling in the air and met his dark , hungry pools. They were both on edge, they craved each other’s touch but Jon refused to gave in and insisted her body needed time. Looking at him right at this moment she could see he was thinking otherwise.

His hand snaked out, trimming along the edge of her breast, taking care not to disturb the infant feeding so contently. His eyes captured hers conveying silently the battle raging inside him. Megan licked at her lips and smiled as the simple gesture drew a throaty groan from his lips.

“God in heaven baby....”

His hand tightened in her hair, pulling her slightly forwards to taste the pink, wet lips. His tongue tantalized them open, flicking inside he searched for its mate.

The warmth hitched a few notches, threatening to explode inside her with the merest touch and taste from Jon.

Both adults were brought back to reality as the little bundle between the squirmed.

“Oh shit! Sorry Sweetheart. Daddy wasn’t thinking....” his blue eyes swung towards Megan’s face, sending her delightful promises that woke every damn butterfly in her core.

~~~

Megan took a quick glance at the scrumptious snacks before she went in search for her arriving guests. By the sound of Richie’s voice it had to be her parents.

“Meg! Oh...Oh shit here you are.”

Grabbing her by the shoulders, he managed t steady her.

“Whoa there Sambora! “

“I didn’t see ya ok? Hmmm..is that?”

Now it was Megan’s turn to grab him by the shoulders, trying to steer him from the kitchen, no such luck. The big guy noticed the snacks.

Sighing dramatically she threw her hands up in the air as he lifted her effortlessly and carried her back into the kitchen. Giggles filled the air as the staff saw Megan’s predicament.

“Hey just one..ONE you hear..RICHIE!!!!!”

He ducked playfully as she swiped at him.

Grabbing one last snack he took her hand.

“Ok lets go.”

“Why thank you sir. I was just waiting for you permission.”

He could only chuckle as her batting eyelids.

“Lets go greet the guests.”

“Running away from me Meg?”

“Richie please not now? Ok?”

He pulled slightly at her hand.

“When Meg? When are you going to say something? You’re fucking killing me with the suspense.”

She gave him a once over.

“You look healthy as a horse, stop whining like a baby.”

“Then tell me...”

She swung around, stepping a few inches closer to his ear.

“Soon Richie..very soon. Just be careful what you wish for...”

She turned and walked out onto the patio.

One guest after the other arrived and soon the air was filled with voices and laughter, just as Megan wanted it.

Each grandma was boasting with a baby on their laps. Dorothea sat next to Carol, deep in conversation, a festering sore of disgust simmer inside her as she watched the deceitful bitch chatted away, not noticing Megan watching her as her eyes sought Jon across the patio. Jon must have felt her eyes on him and he turned and smile at Dorothea and his mother.

“Well hello people!”

Megan spun around, her smile was blinding.

“Jason! You made it!”

A happy, sun tanned Jason with his beautiful fiancé met the curious faces.

Richie uttered a low wolf whistle.

“Shit Jason, buddy! You told us she was good lookin’ you never mentioned the word stunning!”

Jon sauntered over, taking her hand in his, he gallantly placed a kiss on her hand. She smiled somewhat nervously, a little flustered from all the male attention.

“Dont you mind them. They have this rock star curse. They cant help themselves when they see a beautiful woman. Ok Shoooooo you two...the lady cant breathe.” Megan quipped.

“Let me introduce you before they devour you... People this is
Jasmine, Jason’s fiancé.”

Drinks were introduced and soon the girl felt at ease with her surroundings. Jason smiled at her constantly, winking lovingly at her. Megan smiled. He had found his mate......

Her mind took another turn as she checked the time on her watch.

She took a deep breath and prayed ..prayed that this wouldn’t backfire in her face. As if fate had it, she heard the scrunching of a car’s tyre on the gravel.

Jon looked up in surprise.

“Are you expecting someone baby?”

“Ye.....”

Clearing her throat she nodded.

She stood up, her knees were close to folding and leaving her in a heap on the tiles.

Richie’s eyes narrowed as he watched her sudden paleness.

“Dont push it.” Her eyes seemed to warn. Richie nodded and sauntered towards Jon. Something told him shit was going to hit the fan soon.

Megan disappeared for a while and reappeared with a stranger by her side.

A hush fell over the party as Dorothea’s gasped whipped through the air. Megan flashed her brightest smile, her eyes burning coldly on the woman’s shocked face.

“Everyone I want you to meet Jesse’s real daddy...”