Chapter 231

Megan slipped into the bedroom, the soft click finalized the thought that she and Jon were now alone. The smell of fresh manly flesh
and steam coming from the bedroom confirmed his recent activity.

He was standing on the patio, staring into nothingness, his body leaning comfortably on the railing. Hearing her soft footsteps behind him, he turned around. His eyes seemed so aloof and Megan felt a sudden shudder of uncertainty.

“I prepared a warm bath for you. Why don’t you hop in before it gets cold.” Was he dismissing her? Was he trying to stall the inevitable?

“Ok, thanks.”

She expected him to follow her but he didn’t. Not in the mood to soak, she washed herself and hopped out the bath. He was still on the patio, this time he had the guitar in his fingers, strumming lightly until she heard a song taking form.

One foot was resting on a chair, the guitar resting on his knee.
Slipping her robe over her shoulders, tying the knot, she inched closer as his soft voice drifted towards her.

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....

Tears streamed down her face. The words were so personal, so touching. Her soul were touched by the words....

His eyes kept her captive, his voice washed over her tightly coiled nerves.

The notes died down and as if in slow motion she saw him put the guitar down. Not able to hide her emotions anymore she rushed into his open arms.

“I wrote it for you honey...my promise that I will never leave you alone again..from now on I’ll be there no matter what.”

His hands glided over the satin while her hands stroked his naked back. Awareness flared between them and Jon stepped back, lacing her fingers in his, he pulled her onto his lap.

“We need to talk before I lose it, cause baby I need you so badly right now.”

Shifting a bit to get settled on his lap, she heard the hopeless growl and felt the twitch underneath her butt.

Taking hold of her knees he commanded her to sit still.

“I owe you and apology and a thank you.”

“You do?” she was intrigued.

“I need to thank you for a couple of things actually. Firstly for exposing the conniving snake I entertained in our house.”

Stroking the tenseness of his shoulders with open palms, she whispered.

“I did it for all of us...”

Her hands were so soothing against the coolness of his skin...he swallowed and continued unloading the heavy package that’s been haunting his soul.

“I have to apologise before I can thank you again..” he laughed softly. It sounded like music to her ears.

“Baby..I cannot tell you the pain I felt when I realised Jesse wasn’t mine...and how Dorothea played me for a fucking fool but to learn that my mother was involved in all of this...fuck it baby...it hit hard..really hard. I was so lost in my own pain and self pity that I ran away and left my family behind..I left you ...I didn’t except the support and love you tried to offer me and I ran away and for that I need to apologise...I’m so sorry baby....”

Holding his face in her hands, she placed soft kiss after the other on his lips.

“It’s ok...you are here now...I’m so happy to have you back. I thought you might be upset with me...”

“Upset..with you? No honey..no! You gave us our lives back, how could I ever be upset with you? Now for the other thank you....thank you for waiting for me, thank you for being my wife, my pillar of strength ....thank you for loving me baby. I didn’t see it at first but in the end all roads lead to you..always you.”

This time he initiated the kiss. The kiss was a blend of longing, love and burning, an untameable fire stoking from his core and rushing to the surface.

Megan felt a rush of blood to her head, grabbing his shoulders, she steadied herself.

Pulling slightly from him, she begged.

“Are we done with the talking yet? I need you to love me ....”

Jon pushed her off his lap just long enough so he could sweep her up in his arms and made his way towards their bed.

Chapter 230

Jon fired thunderbolts Richie’s way but couldn’t help but smirk. The old dog’s eyes are sharp, he had to admit. Pulling his shirt just a bit more, he gave his out of control hard on a chance to subside before his son asked him things he wasn’t ready to explain yet.

Megan didn’t even have to look, she knew that subtle pull on his shirt, she swallowed down her heart which seemed to almost leap from her throat. He wants to play twister and he is so randy? Hell maybe this could turn out major fun for her and a deadly tease for Jon.....

Swinging out of his jacket, he rubbed his hands.

“Let the games begin sweet thing. Jonny’s gonna show you a thing or two.”

“Not if I show you a thing or two first.”

Ok....he was speechless. Gaping at her as she swung her ass his way, he knew he had lost before this had ever started. How could any man withstand his lady’s dangerous charms.

Damn! It felt good to be home and he felt so loved at that moment.

“You’re fu...screwed bro’. Just so you know.” Richie winked.

A few spins later, Megan and Jon found themselves thoroughly rubbed up against each other. Megan was sure her jeans were soaking wet between her thighs and Jon was sure his hard on was there to stay.

“Ok mom...right hand green.”

Oh goodie....She thought, zooming in on the deliciousness that was his ass.

Making sure her hand rubbed his ass and give it a quick squeeze before her hand found its mark on the green spot. She smiled at his gasp. Told ya I’m gonna show you a thing or two cowboy....

Megan turned her head and let her cheek rest on the tight swell of his ass...heaven!

“Baby..play fair now.” His growl warned her.

“You just do what you’re told....” Megan stuck out her tongue.

Standing spread beneath her and she over him, he chuckled as he realised how close he was to her soft, full mounds....arching slightly he swayed to and thro...perking her nipples until they stabbed his back.

Oh shiiiiiiiiiitt..Megan’s breasts contracted as he teased.

Looking around she made sure Jaden wasn’t staring wide eyed at them. Richie..bless his soul... was keeping him busy.

Going in for the kill..Jon smirked.

Stretching a bit forward he turned his head and nipped her inner thigh.

“Oh God! Jooo............look what you did!!”

Megan had caved in, hitting her opposite knee on the mat.

“Aaaaaaaaawww mom! What did you do?!” His mom was so good with this game!

“She couldn’t keep up buddy. That’s all! So I’m the ruling champ of the household...”

Just for good measure she reached in and gave him a good solid bite on the ass.

Jon yelped in pain and hit the carpet unceremoniously.

“That’s what you get for cheating!”

“Ok kids play nice now, no fighting!” Richie joined in.

The evening was spent laughing, Jaden showing off his new guitar skills, to Jon greatest joy.

The baby monitor came to live as a little someone started getting fussy.

“Ooh it miss Muffet’s feeding time.”

“I’m coming with you. I need to say hi to daddy’s girl.”

Going up the stairs, Jon’s hand captured hers.

Closing the door behind her, Megan couldn’t wait to show Jon how much she had grown in the last week but he had something else in mind.

“Ah ah...come say hi to me first.”

He swung her around, pulling her a bit roughly into his awaiting arms.

“Oh fuck baby this feels good.”

Megan just told herself to breath. At last, he was here, with her..he had come back to her.

Pushing his face into her air, he breathed her fresh, flowery scent.

“I have so much to tell you...”

“Shhhhhhhhhhh..not now..I just want to feel you, breath you....” he begged.

Megan obeyed, she wanted it too, so much it hurt.

Cupping her face in his hands, he swooped in for a slow loving kiss. He poured all his love into that one kiss, showing her how much he missed her, how much he wanted and needed her. Megan hung onto him, her body swaying into his hard frame. Tongues fought a fiery battle of love, lust and longing.

Ashley’s fussing grew louder and when she finally started a pitiful cry, did Jon release her. His body was shaking, his blue eyes swimming in unshed tears.

“I love you baby..God knows I love you.....Lets get this little missy her fill...My she has healthy lungs!” Jon laughed as she was screaming now. Her little face scrunched up in anger.

Picking the little squirming body up,he was taken aback by the stunning blue eyes of his baby girl.

“She has my eyes!” he stared in wonder.

“Yes, she does and her daddy’s voice too, by the sound of it.”

“Hey! I don’t sound like that..do I? No it cant be..Bon Jovi would have been history loonng ago,,sorry honey but daddy doesn’t sound like you...” Handing her over to her mother, his attention shifted to the bared breast and its rosy pink partner.

Jon felt his hair stood on end, blood was rushing through his veins so violently he was sure her heard it whooshing in his ears.

“How long is this gonna take?” he cleared his throat.

“Not too long.” Her eyes were filled with erotic promises.

Backing towards the door, he smirked.

“I think I’m gonna tuck the little man in...and say goodnight to Rich.”

He didn’t trust himself in here with her like that and she knew it.

Tonight she wont be alone again..he would be there.

Finally.

Chapter 229

Shutting the newly cleaned bungalow door behind him he closed another chapter in his life.

As every mile rolled passed, he felt the excited flutter growing stronger in the pit of his stomach.

I’m coming home baby...I’m coming home to you...his heartbeat seemed to chant. Just a few hours and she would be in his arms, her sweet curves melting to him. Oh Sweet lord! His groin was tightening at the thought.

The sun set low in the sky as he turned into Navesink river road. Pulling up to the house he killed the roaring bike and smiled as he heard the loud laughter of the people he loved more than life itself.

Jaden was laughing so loudly, Richie’s roaring laughter brought a broad smile to his face but it was the sweet giggling that send shivers down his spine.

Grabbing his backpack and his trusted guitar he shouldered his way through the door. The laughter led him to the lounge and there he found them, a jumble of limbs and bodies straining to keep their poses.

“You do the honours champ and you better make it a good one this time.” Richie crooked his neck to look at Megan, winking at her.

Jaden hopped forward and bend down to flicked the little spinner.

“Oh I wanna see this!” Jaden quipped.

No one saw the man leaning against the door frame.

“Right hand..RED!”

Richie groaned as he stretched his lanky frame over Megan’s tiny one. Dammit why did he agreed to this?! His body was crooked and in angles he never knew was possible!

“You better keep you weight off me big guy. You’re gonna crush me!” Megan squeaked as she saw Richie’s strategy.

All his concentration went askew and he tumble all over her.

“Richiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiieeeeeeeeeeee!”

Jaden almost snapped his back, he laughed so hard. Their expressions of horror and disappointment looked outrageously funny.

The whole thing collapsed and Richie sprawled out over Megan. All you could see were big hazelnut eyes and hands clutching at the huge shoulders.

“Aaawww shit..sorry darling”. I’m not good at this!”

He knifed off her and pulled her to a sitting position. Hitting his ass on the carpet next to her he gave her a once over with mischievous sparks in his eyes.

“You ok?” He grinned at her.

“Welll..just! Geesh you’re heavy and clumsy!” She brushed over dramatically at her forehead.

“Clumsy! Well!!” he feigned a shocked look.

“Well if the lady says you’re clumsy, you’re clumsy asshole.”

All heads whipped towards the familiar voice.

“DADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!”

Jaden bounced towards him and threw himself in his arms.

“You’re back!! We missed you!”

“Yeah I’m back. I missed you too sport! You’ll never know how much.” The last was aimed at the stunned woman staring at him.

“Welcome back bro’! Its really good to see you. You look good my man.”

Richie hugged him, leaving the boy crushed between them.

“Thanx my brother. I feel good.”

Megan couldn’t get herself to move. He looked so good, sparkling blue eyes, a little shadow of scruff darkening his chin. His hair framed his strong face and from where she sat she smelled his mixture of spice and a tinge of sweat drifting her way...The jeans seemed a bit loose, the only sign of what he had gone through the past week. But God Almighty he looked handsome as ever! Maybe even more so....

He read the hunger in her unnatural shiny eyes. His gut gripped for a moment. She looked like a flower after the first spring rain..so fresh and gorgeously fragile.

“So do I get to play twister with the champ or what?” why was his voice so hoarse?

“Yeaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!! Mom, dad  gonna kick your butt!”

Jaden’s piercing voice brought her out of her hypnotic state.

“He’s gonna what?! Oh so know you guys are ganging up against me?! Bring it on cowboy..show me what you got.”

A shiver rippled down Jon’s spine. Oh fuck! Why did she had to say it like that? His starved body won’t be able to withstand such a sexy slip of the tongue.

“This I gotta see.” Richie snorted, thank God for Jaden’s innocence. He didn’t see the strange bulge in his daddy’s pants!

Ducking closely to Jonny’s ear he taunted.

“Down cowboy..down.”

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....