Falling Under (chapter 3)
Title: Falling Under
Author: Hargieteam42 & untapdtreasure
Genre: AU/Romance/Smut
Pairing: Bobby Goren & Alex Eames
Summary: AU-Goren & Eames meet while Eames is still in the academy. A planned one-night stand leads to an attraction that neither can run from and leads to more than they ever bargained for.
A/N: This was indeed co-authored with Hargieteam42. We hope that you enjoy this piece and come back eagerly awaiting more because there is more. We'd love to give as shout-out to our wonderfuly beta, Vicky!
falling under:
01 // 02 // 03 // 04 // epilogue
Chapter 3
Bobby bent down, getting a better look at him. "What does he feel like?" he asked softly, unable to tear his eyes away from the small baby.
"He feels soft and smooth, like a baby is supposed to feel." She looked up at him. "Touch your son, Bobby. He won't break."
Bobby hesitantly slipped his hand inside the incubator, stroking Max's arm. He instantly fell in love. His eyes lifted, meeting hers. "We created...him." He was still amazed at that.
She nodded. "He has your nose," she grinned, gently stroking his little button nose. "Your lips too."
Bobby watched her mesmerized. He knew in that instant that she could've never really given him up after looking at him. "He's...got your chin though..." He wanted so badly to hold that tiny body against his broad chest and never let him go.
"He's absolutely perfect, Bobby. He's ours." Max turned his face toward the sound of her voice. She swallowed hard and ran a finger along his cheek. He tried to follow her finger, rooting for it.
The head nursed watched this and nodded. "That one is fighter...and those are the signs we're looking for. He needs to nurse...breast milk is best for him, especially being premature. I'm going to go find his doctor and see if we can't let you try to get him to latch on." She met Alex's eyes, “You did plan to breastfeed, right?"
She nodded. "Yeah..." Her eyes returned to the small little being in the incubator. "I knew you were going to make it," she murmured softly.
Bobby's eyes lit up. "They're going to let you hold him." He knew that would be the best medicine for her.
She glanced up at him, happy to see how enthralled he was with Max. His eyes were alight with love and happiness and it truly hit her how much this little boy meant to him. "Bobby," she murmured softly.
Bobby's eyes locked on hers and he smiled. "Thank you so much..." he breathed softly. There weren’t enough words to express what becoming a father had done for him, to him. He wanted to make the world a better place for their son, and he'd do anything to accomplish this. And he wanted to do it all with her by his side.
She reached over the incubator and took his hand. "I should be thanking you for everything. You've been so incredible to me." It was true. Without him, she probably would have fallen apart and had he not been there when she started having complications, she was sure she would have lost the baby.
Bobby squeezed her hand. "I love you, Alex..." He leaned forward, kissing her gently. He returned his attention back to Max. "He's the most beautiful baby that I've ever seen...and he's ours."
The nurse came back then and asked them to step back. She wheeled the heated crib to a private space where she could nurse him. Alex had situated herself, breathlessly anticipating holding her child for the first time. The nurse lifted the tiny child and placed him in her arms.
Fascinated, Bobby watched the tiny baby eagerly root around until his mouth found its destination. He failed at his first attempt to latch. Bobby swallowed hard. He said softly, "He's going to try again..." He was a fighter after all.
"He's like you," she said, looking up at him, a smile lifting her lips. "You're incorrigible sometimes," she told him, her eyes dancing. It took him two more tries before he latched on and began suckling. "See, I knew you could do it," she murmured, her fingers gently stroking the smooth skin on his arm.
Bobby reached out, touching the baby's small cheek. "I...I've never seen anything more beautiful.”
She blushed a little and returned her gaze to the nursing child. The nurse had left the two of them alone to bond with their newborn son. Alex gently smoothed down his dark brown curls. "You're going to be big and strong one day. You'll play baseball and you won't even have to take steroids. Your dad and I are going to be in the stands and we're going to say 'that's our boy'."
Bobby added softly, "And we'll be the proudest parents there." He kissed the baby's tiny head.
She bent and pressed her lips to his forehead. "My baby," she smiled softly. After a while she gently burped him. Max kept his eyes on her the whole time, transfixed by her face.
Bobby smiled. "And he takes after me. He knows a good looking woman when he meets one." He rubbed Alex's knee gently, watching his blossoming family come together.
"Do you want to hold him?" She inquired, finally pulling her eyes off his adorable little face to look up at Bobby. She knew he must be aching to hold him. After all, he'd been so adamant about her having the baby and not giving him away.
Bobby's eyes lit up as he eagerly reached for him. He wanted to hold him and never let him go. "I...just don't want to hurt him."
"You won't," she assured him, gently placing him in his hands. It was amazing how much tinier he looked resting in his father's arms. Seeing the undying love and affection that shone in his face, she was convinced that she'd absolutely done the right thing in giving him a second chance and letting him back into her life. It was the best decision she'd ever made.
Bobby pulled the baby forward, pressing his lips against the baby's cheek. He breathed him in slowly. "He barely weighs anything..." He smiled down at Alex. "You did good, Mom."
"You did too," she replied, pulling the gown back up before moving to stand beside him and watch as Max dozed peacefully. "He's a fighter. I knew he would be."
Bobby laid his palm against her pale cheek. "With a Mommy like you, he was destined to be a fighter. I was serious, Alex...about the academy."
She nodded. "I want to stay home with him for a little while before I rush back into things. I don’t even want to go into that now." She laid her head on his shoulder. "You know, there are some things we have to talk about.”
Bobby waited for her to continue.
“I want to know your side of the family too..." She told him after several quiet minutes
Bobby stiffened. "I...All I've got is my mother." He didn't meet her eyes then. "And...you won't be meeting her."
She pulled away and looked at him in shock. "Bobby, I know it's not exactly ideal, but if we're going to be a family, I want things to be all right with both sides." She tried to hide how much his words stung her.
Bobby looked up then. He knew she misunderstood. It wasn't because he was ashamed of her that he didn't want her to meet his mother. It was because he was afraid of what his mother would do to Alex and their son. He met her eyes. "Can we talk about this...when we're alone?" he asked softly.
She nodded quietly and moved away, folding her arms over her chest. "I'm going to-uh- get something to drink. I'll be back in a few."
Bobby sighed softly, looking down at Max. "I'll get her to understand, tiny man. ‘I just want to protect you both” He sat down in the rocking chair and held him close. He quietly hummed to him.
Instead of returning to the nursery, Alex returned to her room, curled up and cried. What was it he was hiding from her? Did he not trust her enough to be honest with her? Maybe love wasn’t enough. If he was going to keep things from her then she wasn't entirely sure she could be with him.
Bobby grew worried when fifteen minutes past without her return. He helped the nurses get Max comfortable and reluctantly returned to her room in search of her. He eased the door open. "Alex?" He saw her on the bed, her back to him. He saw her shoulders shaking slightly. His heart broke. "What's the matter, sweetheart?" He was sitting on the edge of her bed now, touching her shoulder gently.
She moved away from him. "Nothing," she snapped. It felt like her heart was breaking all over, only this time it was much worse, because he'd promised her a family and happiness.
Bobby turned his back on her then. "This is about my mother, isn't it?"
"It's about you hiding things from me, Bobby. You talk about making me your wife, and all but you won't even let me meet your mother. I know I said I'd wait, but damn it, Bobby. Or did you just plan on not telling her at all?"
Bobby turned to face her, sadness in his eyes. "My Mom is sick, Alex...something I don't expect anyone to understand." No one ever did. He stood, moving toward the door.
She rolled over. "Don't you dare walk out that door, Robert Goren," she warned. "We're not done talking and you're not going to just leave me here."
Bobby turned to her, fire burning in his eyes. "Remember that night I came over after visiting her with a busted lip?"
"Yes." He'd been off that day and not even looking at the pictures of Max had pulled him out of his funk.
"She gave it to me." He looked away. "She's...got a mental disease, Schizophrenia...Alex, and sometimes she doesn't know what she's doing."
"Come here," she murmured, patting the bed. "We can work this out, if you stay." This could make or break their relationship. If he walked out right now, they were going to have some problems.
Bobby's feet were leaden as he made his way back to the bed and sat down heavily. "If she hurt you or him, I'd never forgive myself."
"Just as long as I know what we're getting into, then we can face it together and we'll be all right." She gently tugged him down and laid her head on his chest. "We're a family now, remember? You promised me..." her voice trailed off at the end. Now that she had her son and a man she loved, she didn't want to give them up.
Bobby's arms slid around her small frame. He buried his face in her hair and sighed softly. "I just need you to know that...she's not going to be like your mom. She can be so sweet and loving, and then...she just changes over the smallest thing. That time..., I know it sounds silly, but that was all because I put her drink in the wrong place..."
She caressed his cheek. "I know...,” He arched his eyebrow at her, “Okay, I don’t know, but that doesn't change how I feel about you. It's going to be hard, but I'm willing to do it. I mean, you have to put up with my family’s quirks. We’ll deal!"
Bobby swallowed hard. " Alex, I wasn't trying to keep things from you. I just wanted to protect you."
"I can take care of myself." She gently pulled him down and kissed him, allowing her feelings for him take over. Alex wanted to kiss away his fear and pain.
Bobby searched her eyes as the kiss ended. "Of that I have no doubt, Alexandra Eames...that I have no doubt at all." He kissed her again. "You need to rest..."
She closed her eyes and snuggled in close to him. "Stay here?" she asked sleepily, exhaustion truly starting to set in.
Bobby assured her softly, "If you wake up and I'm not here...it’s because I couldn't stay away from our beautiful son."
Alex and Max were in the hospital for about week before they were released to go home. By that time, the study had been converted to a bedroom. She made a note to thank them her dad and brother for their help as well as have a good talk with them about Bobby and the whole situation.
Arriving at the apartment, Bobby sat all their bags down, kissing her cheek. "I'll just go get the rest of it...and be right back." He ushered her to the couch with the baby in her arms. "Just sit...and relax. I'll get anything you need when I get back."
She sat down on the couch and talked softly to Max. He smiled at the sound of her voice. He'd gained almost a pound over the week of his birth. He was functioning well and thriving.
Bobby came in, loaded down with everything they'd gotten at the hospital plus gifts and flowers for both Alex and Max. He dropped some of it onto the kitchen table and hurried to their side. "Do you need anything?"
She grinned. "I'm fine, Bobby. So is Max. We're not going to suddenly disappear or something if you're gone for a few minutes. Will we, Max?" She murmured to the baby. After a moment, she laid him on one of his blankets, surrounded him in pillows, and walked into the kitchen. "Are you all right with this arrangement?" she asked softly.
Bobby looked up from sorting through baby gifts. He smiled and nodded. "Very." He needed to be there. He could get closer to Alex and help take care of his son too. "You?"
She smiled and nodded. They hadn't really touched a whole lot since the day she'd first gone into the hospital. He'd stayed in the bed with her, holding her while she slept. After the second day, the focus had been shifted to Max as his bed was moved into her room allowing them to bond with their son. Things were changing in their lives, and she wanted it all to move in the right direction. She wanted them to end up together and happy.
Bobby stepped forward, holding out his arms. "Come here, sweetheart..."
She stepped into his arms and wrapped hers around his waist. They stood that way until Max started fussing. "Dinner time," she murmured. She could feel it in her breasts too.
The day passed with them talking to each other and to Max. Bobby had set up the bassinet in her room before she went to bed. She laid in bed that night, feeling cold. Missing Bobby’s warmth, she made her way down the hall to his room. Biting her lip, she raised her hand to knock but decided not to.
Bobby,seated in the living room, saw her standing at the door that was now his room. "Alex?" he asked softly, getting up. "Is everything okay? Is Max...is the baby okay?"
She started. "I didn't see you there," she mumbled. "Max is fine." She shook her head. "I was... I was just making sure you're al-all right."
Bobby reached out, rubbing her arm. "You're freezing." He slid his hand about her waist, pulling her close. "Do you need me to find another blanket?"
"Come to bed with me?" she asked. "I need you there..."
Bobby's eyes closed and kissed her hair. "Are...are you sure that's what you want?" He didn't want to push her before she was ready and he sure didn't want her to do anything because she felt he needed it or wanted it.
"I don't just what I want, but what I need it. When you were there with me in the hospital it was the best I'd felt in a long time. I miss it. I miss you."
Bobby nodded slowly. "I'll just turn off the light...and be right there." He kissed her forehead, stroking both her cheeks gently before pulling away.
She waited for him in the hallway. Alex slipped her hand in his and brought him down the hall to her room. "Well, at least that room will eventually be able to be turned into his nursery," she joked.
Bobby smiled as he pulled off his t-shirt and slipped under the covers with her. "Well, it might win me some brownie points with the folks too."
"Mom isn't upset with you. She's glad you came back and are in our lives. Dad is just... well, he's a dad. You'll understand when you have a daughter." She rolled over on her side and tugged him to her until they were spooning.
Bobby smiled. He kissed her shoulder and whispered, "Are we having another baby?"
"In a year or two, I'd like to start thinking about it," she replied, giving his hand a squeeze. She had a feeling that they'd be together for the long haul.
Bobby held her tighter. He took a shaky breath as he closed his eyes. "I love you."
She had yet to say it back to him since he came back. Rolling over in his arms, she framed his face with her hands. "And I love you, Robert Goren." She kissed his lips chastely.
He drew her back to him with a slow and languid kiss. He felt heat rush to his groin. He pulled hips back so that she couldn't feel his arousal. He whispered, "I've waited for so long to hear you say that again."
She brushed her lips against his. "I just needed time," she explained. "I never stopped loving you, Bobby. Not for one second."
Bobby pulled back, searching her eyes. "I would've waited forever..."
She smiled slightly. "I wouldn't have made you wait that long." Alex snuggled into him and dozed off.
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Liz adjusted Alex's dress and met her eyes. "You sure you want to do this?" They'd all come to adore Bobby, but this was her little sister's happiness they were talking about.
She couldn't keep the smile from her face. "Of course. I'm positive about this, Liz."
Their gazes met in the mirror and Liz smiled at the happiness she saw there. "I'm glad Dad finally came around... I suppose it didn't hurt that Bobby came and asked permission to marry you."
"I still can't believe he did that." Alex chuckled.
"Well, he loves you. He wants to do right by you."
Alex nodded slowly. "Is it time yet?"
Liz glanced at her watch. "About five minutes..." She hugged Alex and said quietly. "I'll just go see if Daddy is ready."
She took a deep breath and stared into the mirror. It had been over a year since Max had been born and they had finally decided it was time to get married. Now the time had come and the butterflies were fluttering wildly in her stomach.
John knocked softly on the door. "Lexi..."
She turned to face her dad. "Yeah, I'm ready." Alex moved over to him and hugged him tightly.
John kissed her cheek and took her in. "My baby girl...with a baby of her own and getting married..." He tilted his head, remembering her as a little girl. He had hoped that it would come the other way around for her. "He's waiting in the church..."
She smiled. "I can't tell you how much this means to me, Dad. Everything is perfect, everyone is happy." She grabbed her bouquet and slipped her arm through his and they made their way to the church.
John lowered her veil and laid his one free hand over hers and said soflty, "You've made me realize that things aren't always black and white."
"I'm glad. Bobby's always wanted your respect, Dad. I hope you realize that he's an amazing man." Taking a deep breath, she gently squeezed his arm, waiting for their cue to go in.
John cleared his throat, swallowing back his tears as the music cued up and he started walking her down the aisle.
Bobby looked out at their guests. His side and her side was filled with loved ones and friends. His heart soared as he bent to pick up Max. He met his mother’s eyes on the front row of his side. He beamed proudly as she blew him a kiss.
After settling Max on his hip, he leaned close to his ear and said softly, "Here comes your Mommy, and she's so beautiful..." His eyes teared up as he stepped to John to take Alex's hand. John then picked up Max and stood on Bobby's side. Max was the best man, after all. He met her eyes under the veil and whispered, "You look beautiful.”
She simply smiled, not trusting her voice to be steady. They reached the alter and waited for the priest. He began the traditional wedding rites, but they'd written their own vows. It all seemed to blur together and before long, he was removing the veil from in front of her face and kissing her.
Bobby's hands slid down her sides, pulling her as close as the law would allow in front of all those people. He pulled back. "Mrs. Robert Goren..."
She smirked. "You'd better behave, Mister, we still have a while before you're getting any of that."
They walked back down the aisle as a married couple. "I love you, Bobby. This is my dream come true." They were standing out in the lobby waiting to greet their guests personally.
Bobby couldn't wait to get this part over with. He didn't like huge crowds and he wanted to get her all to himself. After the reception, he was ushering her into the car. "Are you sure you're okay with getting out of the city and leaving Max with your sister?"
"Liz is a great babysitter. As much as I love my son, I want this to be about us," she told him, kissing him softly. "Just you and me," she told him, smiling coyly.
Bobby pushed her into the back of the waiting limo. He said softly, "I'll have a hard time keeping my hands off of you...before we get there."
She moved into the side seat and pulled him with her, kissing him again, deepening it this time. "I don't mind," she murmured between kisses.
Bobby smiled against her lips. "You wouldn't..." he teased her bottom lip with his lips. He slid his hand up her calf and past her knee.
She shifted closer to him. "Bobby," she whimpered softly against his mouth. Her body always responded to him this way, always would. Goosebumps prickled her skin as she felt the gold band brush her bare skin.
Bobby pulled back slightly, meeting her eyes. He brushed the pad of his thumb across her slightly swollen bottom lip. "I...love you so much."
"I love you too," she murmured, capturing his thumb in her mouth and sucked lightly.
His eyes fluttered close. A moan elicited from low in his throat. "This is going to be a very, very long day and night, Mrs. Goren...and there will be some sweet, sweet revenge when we reach our destination." She had locked him out of the bedroom for the last month so that their wedding night would be special. He sucked on his bottom lip as she did that thing with her tongue to the tip of his thumb. "You vixen..." he breathed, his eyes now locked on hers.
She smirked up at him and released his thumb. "C'mere." She looped her arms around his neck and began kissing him deeply. "I look forward to seeing what you have in mind, Mr. Goren." she teased, tugging on his lip playfully.
He moved his hand higher up her outer thigh. "Are you..." His eyes widened as he moved his lips to her ear. "Are you wearing any panties?"
Author: Hargieteam42 & untapdtreasure
Genre: AU/Romance/Smut
Pairing: Bobby Goren & Alex Eames
Summary: AU-Goren & Eames meet while Eames is still in the academy. A planned one-night stand leads to an attraction that neither can run from and leads to more than they ever bargained for.
A/N: This was indeed co-authored with Hargieteam42. We hope that you enjoy this piece and come back eagerly awaiting more because there is more. We'd love to give as shout-out to our wonderfuly beta, Vicky!
falling under:
01 // 02 // 03 // 04 // epilogue
Chapter 3
Bobby bent down, getting a better look at him. "What does he feel like?" he asked softly, unable to tear his eyes away from the small baby.
"He feels soft and smooth, like a baby is supposed to feel." She looked up at him. "Touch your son, Bobby. He won't break."
Bobby hesitantly slipped his hand inside the incubator, stroking Max's arm. He instantly fell in love. His eyes lifted, meeting hers. "We created...him." He was still amazed at that.
She nodded. "He has your nose," she grinned, gently stroking his little button nose. "Your lips too."
Bobby watched her mesmerized. He knew in that instant that she could've never really given him up after looking at him. "He's...got your chin though..." He wanted so badly to hold that tiny body against his broad chest and never let him go.
"He's absolutely perfect, Bobby. He's ours." Max turned his face toward the sound of her voice. She swallowed hard and ran a finger along his cheek. He tried to follow her finger, rooting for it.
The head nursed watched this and nodded. "That one is fighter...and those are the signs we're looking for. He needs to nurse...breast milk is best for him, especially being premature. I'm going to go find his doctor and see if we can't let you try to get him to latch on." She met Alex's eyes, “You did plan to breastfeed, right?"
She nodded. "Yeah..." Her eyes returned to the small little being in the incubator. "I knew you were going to make it," she murmured softly.
Bobby's eyes lit up. "They're going to let you hold him." He knew that would be the best medicine for her.
She glanced up at him, happy to see how enthralled he was with Max. His eyes were alight with love and happiness and it truly hit her how much this little boy meant to him. "Bobby," she murmured softly.
Bobby's eyes locked on hers and he smiled. "Thank you so much..." he breathed softly. There weren’t enough words to express what becoming a father had done for him, to him. He wanted to make the world a better place for their son, and he'd do anything to accomplish this. And he wanted to do it all with her by his side.
She reached over the incubator and took his hand. "I should be thanking you for everything. You've been so incredible to me." It was true. Without him, she probably would have fallen apart and had he not been there when she started having complications, she was sure she would have lost the baby.
Bobby squeezed her hand. "I love you, Alex..." He leaned forward, kissing her gently. He returned his attention back to Max. "He's the most beautiful baby that I've ever seen...and he's ours."
The nurse came back then and asked them to step back. She wheeled the heated crib to a private space where she could nurse him. Alex had situated herself, breathlessly anticipating holding her child for the first time. The nurse lifted the tiny child and placed him in her arms.
Fascinated, Bobby watched the tiny baby eagerly root around until his mouth found its destination. He failed at his first attempt to latch. Bobby swallowed hard. He said softly, "He's going to try again..." He was a fighter after all.
"He's like you," she said, looking up at him, a smile lifting her lips. "You're incorrigible sometimes," she told him, her eyes dancing. It took him two more tries before he latched on and began suckling. "See, I knew you could do it," she murmured, her fingers gently stroking the smooth skin on his arm.
Bobby reached out, touching the baby's small cheek. "I...I've never seen anything more beautiful.”
She blushed a little and returned her gaze to the nursing child. The nurse had left the two of them alone to bond with their newborn son. Alex gently smoothed down his dark brown curls. "You're going to be big and strong one day. You'll play baseball and you won't even have to take steroids. Your dad and I are going to be in the stands and we're going to say 'that's our boy'."
Bobby added softly, "And we'll be the proudest parents there." He kissed the baby's tiny head.
She bent and pressed her lips to his forehead. "My baby," she smiled softly. After a while she gently burped him. Max kept his eyes on her the whole time, transfixed by her face.
Bobby smiled. "And he takes after me. He knows a good looking woman when he meets one." He rubbed Alex's knee gently, watching his blossoming family come together.
"Do you want to hold him?" She inquired, finally pulling her eyes off his adorable little face to look up at Bobby. She knew he must be aching to hold him. After all, he'd been so adamant about her having the baby and not giving him away.
Bobby's eyes lit up as he eagerly reached for him. He wanted to hold him and never let him go. "I...just don't want to hurt him."
"You won't," she assured him, gently placing him in his hands. It was amazing how much tinier he looked resting in his father's arms. Seeing the undying love and affection that shone in his face, she was convinced that she'd absolutely done the right thing in giving him a second chance and letting him back into her life. It was the best decision she'd ever made.
Bobby pulled the baby forward, pressing his lips against the baby's cheek. He breathed him in slowly. "He barely weighs anything..." He smiled down at Alex. "You did good, Mom."
"You did too," she replied, pulling the gown back up before moving to stand beside him and watch as Max dozed peacefully. "He's a fighter. I knew he would be."
Bobby laid his palm against her pale cheek. "With a Mommy like you, he was destined to be a fighter. I was serious, Alex...about the academy."
She nodded. "I want to stay home with him for a little while before I rush back into things. I don’t even want to go into that now." She laid her head on his shoulder. "You know, there are some things we have to talk about.”
Bobby waited for her to continue.
“I want to know your side of the family too..." She told him after several quiet minutes
Bobby stiffened. "I...All I've got is my mother." He didn't meet her eyes then. "And...you won't be meeting her."
She pulled away and looked at him in shock. "Bobby, I know it's not exactly ideal, but if we're going to be a family, I want things to be all right with both sides." She tried to hide how much his words stung her.
Bobby looked up then. He knew she misunderstood. It wasn't because he was ashamed of her that he didn't want her to meet his mother. It was because he was afraid of what his mother would do to Alex and their son. He met her eyes. "Can we talk about this...when we're alone?" he asked softly.
She nodded quietly and moved away, folding her arms over her chest. "I'm going to-uh- get something to drink. I'll be back in a few."
Bobby sighed softly, looking down at Max. "I'll get her to understand, tiny man. ‘I just want to protect you both” He sat down in the rocking chair and held him close. He quietly hummed to him.
Instead of returning to the nursery, Alex returned to her room, curled up and cried. What was it he was hiding from her? Did he not trust her enough to be honest with her? Maybe love wasn’t enough. If he was going to keep things from her then she wasn't entirely sure she could be with him.
Bobby grew worried when fifteen minutes past without her return. He helped the nurses get Max comfortable and reluctantly returned to her room in search of her. He eased the door open. "Alex?" He saw her on the bed, her back to him. He saw her shoulders shaking slightly. His heart broke. "What's the matter, sweetheart?" He was sitting on the edge of her bed now, touching her shoulder gently.
She moved away from him. "Nothing," she snapped. It felt like her heart was breaking all over, only this time it was much worse, because he'd promised her a family and happiness.
Bobby turned his back on her then. "This is about my mother, isn't it?"
"It's about you hiding things from me, Bobby. You talk about making me your wife, and all but you won't even let me meet your mother. I know I said I'd wait, but damn it, Bobby. Or did you just plan on not telling her at all?"
Bobby turned to face her, sadness in his eyes. "My Mom is sick, Alex...something I don't expect anyone to understand." No one ever did. He stood, moving toward the door.
She rolled over. "Don't you dare walk out that door, Robert Goren," she warned. "We're not done talking and you're not going to just leave me here."
Bobby turned to her, fire burning in his eyes. "Remember that night I came over after visiting her with a busted lip?"
"Yes." He'd been off that day and not even looking at the pictures of Max had pulled him out of his funk.
"She gave it to me." He looked away. "She's...got a mental disease, Schizophrenia...Alex, and sometimes she doesn't know what she's doing."
"Come here," she murmured, patting the bed. "We can work this out, if you stay." This could make or break their relationship. If he walked out right now, they were going to have some problems.
Bobby's feet were leaden as he made his way back to the bed and sat down heavily. "If she hurt you or him, I'd never forgive myself."
"Just as long as I know what we're getting into, then we can face it together and we'll be all right." She gently tugged him down and laid her head on his chest. "We're a family now, remember? You promised me..." her voice trailed off at the end. Now that she had her son and a man she loved, she didn't want to give them up.
Bobby's arms slid around her small frame. He buried his face in her hair and sighed softly. "I just need you to know that...she's not going to be like your mom. She can be so sweet and loving, and then...she just changes over the smallest thing. That time..., I know it sounds silly, but that was all because I put her drink in the wrong place..."
She caressed his cheek. "I know...,” He arched his eyebrow at her, “Okay, I don’t know, but that doesn't change how I feel about you. It's going to be hard, but I'm willing to do it. I mean, you have to put up with my family’s quirks. We’ll deal!"
Bobby swallowed hard. " Alex, I wasn't trying to keep things from you. I just wanted to protect you."
"I can take care of myself." She gently pulled him down and kissed him, allowing her feelings for him take over. Alex wanted to kiss away his fear and pain.
Bobby searched her eyes as the kiss ended. "Of that I have no doubt, Alexandra Eames...that I have no doubt at all." He kissed her again. "You need to rest..."
She closed her eyes and snuggled in close to him. "Stay here?" she asked sleepily, exhaustion truly starting to set in.
Bobby assured her softly, "If you wake up and I'm not here...it’s because I couldn't stay away from our beautiful son."
Alex and Max were in the hospital for about week before they were released to go home. By that time, the study had been converted to a bedroom. She made a note to thank them her dad and brother for their help as well as have a good talk with them about Bobby and the whole situation.
Arriving at the apartment, Bobby sat all their bags down, kissing her cheek. "I'll just go get the rest of it...and be right back." He ushered her to the couch with the baby in her arms. "Just sit...and relax. I'll get anything you need when I get back."
She sat down on the couch and talked softly to Max. He smiled at the sound of her voice. He'd gained almost a pound over the week of his birth. He was functioning well and thriving.
Bobby came in, loaded down with everything they'd gotten at the hospital plus gifts and flowers for both Alex and Max. He dropped some of it onto the kitchen table and hurried to their side. "Do you need anything?"
She grinned. "I'm fine, Bobby. So is Max. We're not going to suddenly disappear or something if you're gone for a few minutes. Will we, Max?" She murmured to the baby. After a moment, she laid him on one of his blankets, surrounded him in pillows, and walked into the kitchen. "Are you all right with this arrangement?" she asked softly.
Bobby looked up from sorting through baby gifts. He smiled and nodded. "Very." He needed to be there. He could get closer to Alex and help take care of his son too. "You?"
She smiled and nodded. They hadn't really touched a whole lot since the day she'd first gone into the hospital. He'd stayed in the bed with her, holding her while she slept. After the second day, the focus had been shifted to Max as his bed was moved into her room allowing them to bond with their son. Things were changing in their lives, and she wanted it all to move in the right direction. She wanted them to end up together and happy.
Bobby stepped forward, holding out his arms. "Come here, sweetheart..."
She stepped into his arms and wrapped hers around his waist. They stood that way until Max started fussing. "Dinner time," she murmured. She could feel it in her breasts too.
The day passed with them talking to each other and to Max. Bobby had set up the bassinet in her room before she went to bed. She laid in bed that night, feeling cold. Missing Bobby’s warmth, she made her way down the hall to his room. Biting her lip, she raised her hand to knock but decided not to.
Bobby,seated in the living room, saw her standing at the door that was now his room. "Alex?" he asked softly, getting up. "Is everything okay? Is Max...is the baby okay?"
She started. "I didn't see you there," she mumbled. "Max is fine." She shook her head. "I was... I was just making sure you're al-all right."
Bobby reached out, rubbing her arm. "You're freezing." He slid his hand about her waist, pulling her close. "Do you need me to find another blanket?"
"Come to bed with me?" she asked. "I need you there..."
Bobby's eyes closed and kissed her hair. "Are...are you sure that's what you want?" He didn't want to push her before she was ready and he sure didn't want her to do anything because she felt he needed it or wanted it.
"I don't just what I want, but what I need it. When you were there with me in the hospital it was the best I'd felt in a long time. I miss it. I miss you."
Bobby nodded slowly. "I'll just turn off the light...and be right there." He kissed her forehead, stroking both her cheeks gently before pulling away.
She waited for him in the hallway. Alex slipped her hand in his and brought him down the hall to her room. "Well, at least that room will eventually be able to be turned into his nursery," she joked.
Bobby smiled as he pulled off his t-shirt and slipped under the covers with her. "Well, it might win me some brownie points with the folks too."
"Mom isn't upset with you. She's glad you came back and are in our lives. Dad is just... well, he's a dad. You'll understand when you have a daughter." She rolled over on her side and tugged him to her until they were spooning.
Bobby smiled. He kissed her shoulder and whispered, "Are we having another baby?"
"In a year or two, I'd like to start thinking about it," she replied, giving his hand a squeeze. She had a feeling that they'd be together for the long haul.
Bobby held her tighter. He took a shaky breath as he closed his eyes. "I love you."
She had yet to say it back to him since he came back. Rolling over in his arms, she framed his face with her hands. "And I love you, Robert Goren." She kissed his lips chastely.
He drew her back to him with a slow and languid kiss. He felt heat rush to his groin. He pulled hips back so that she couldn't feel his arousal. He whispered, "I've waited for so long to hear you say that again."
She brushed her lips against his. "I just needed time," she explained. "I never stopped loving you, Bobby. Not for one second."
Bobby pulled back, searching her eyes. "I would've waited forever..."
She smiled slightly. "I wouldn't have made you wait that long." Alex snuggled into him and dozed off.
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Liz adjusted Alex's dress and met her eyes. "You sure you want to do this?" They'd all come to adore Bobby, but this was her little sister's happiness they were talking about.
She couldn't keep the smile from her face. "Of course. I'm positive about this, Liz."
Their gazes met in the mirror and Liz smiled at the happiness she saw there. "I'm glad Dad finally came around... I suppose it didn't hurt that Bobby came and asked permission to marry you."
"I still can't believe he did that." Alex chuckled.
"Well, he loves you. He wants to do right by you."
Alex nodded slowly. "Is it time yet?"
Liz glanced at her watch. "About five minutes..." She hugged Alex and said quietly. "I'll just go see if Daddy is ready."
She took a deep breath and stared into the mirror. It had been over a year since Max had been born and they had finally decided it was time to get married. Now the time had come and the butterflies were fluttering wildly in her stomach.
John knocked softly on the door. "Lexi..."
She turned to face her dad. "Yeah, I'm ready." Alex moved over to him and hugged him tightly.
John kissed her cheek and took her in. "My baby girl...with a baby of her own and getting married..." He tilted his head, remembering her as a little girl. He had hoped that it would come the other way around for her. "He's waiting in the church..."
She smiled. "I can't tell you how much this means to me, Dad. Everything is perfect, everyone is happy." She grabbed her bouquet and slipped her arm through his and they made their way to the church.
John lowered her veil and laid his one free hand over hers and said soflty, "You've made me realize that things aren't always black and white."
"I'm glad. Bobby's always wanted your respect, Dad. I hope you realize that he's an amazing man." Taking a deep breath, she gently squeezed his arm, waiting for their cue to go in.
John cleared his throat, swallowing back his tears as the music cued up and he started walking her down the aisle.
Bobby looked out at their guests. His side and her side was filled with loved ones and friends. His heart soared as he bent to pick up Max. He met his mother’s eyes on the front row of his side. He beamed proudly as she blew him a kiss.
After settling Max on his hip, he leaned close to his ear and said softly, "Here comes your Mommy, and she's so beautiful..." His eyes teared up as he stepped to John to take Alex's hand. John then picked up Max and stood on Bobby's side. Max was the best man, after all. He met her eyes under the veil and whispered, "You look beautiful.”
She simply smiled, not trusting her voice to be steady. They reached the alter and waited for the priest. He began the traditional wedding rites, but they'd written their own vows. It all seemed to blur together and before long, he was removing the veil from in front of her face and kissing her.
Bobby's hands slid down her sides, pulling her as close as the law would allow in front of all those people. He pulled back. "Mrs. Robert Goren..."
She smirked. "You'd better behave, Mister, we still have a while before you're getting any of that."
They walked back down the aisle as a married couple. "I love you, Bobby. This is my dream come true." They were standing out in the lobby waiting to greet their guests personally.
Bobby couldn't wait to get this part over with. He didn't like huge crowds and he wanted to get her all to himself. After the reception, he was ushering her into the car. "Are you sure you're okay with getting out of the city and leaving Max with your sister?"
"Liz is a great babysitter. As much as I love my son, I want this to be about us," she told him, kissing him softly. "Just you and me," she told him, smiling coyly.
Bobby pushed her into the back of the waiting limo. He said softly, "I'll have a hard time keeping my hands off of you...before we get there."
She moved into the side seat and pulled him with her, kissing him again, deepening it this time. "I don't mind," she murmured between kisses.
Bobby smiled against her lips. "You wouldn't..." he teased her bottom lip with his lips. He slid his hand up her calf and past her knee.
She shifted closer to him. "Bobby," she whimpered softly against his mouth. Her body always responded to him this way, always would. Goosebumps prickled her skin as she felt the gold band brush her bare skin.
Bobby pulled back slightly, meeting her eyes. He brushed the pad of his thumb across her slightly swollen bottom lip. "I...love you so much."
"I love you too," she murmured, capturing his thumb in her mouth and sucked lightly.
His eyes fluttered close. A moan elicited from low in his throat. "This is going to be a very, very long day and night, Mrs. Goren...and there will be some sweet, sweet revenge when we reach our destination." She had locked him out of the bedroom for the last month so that their wedding night would be special. He sucked on his bottom lip as she did that thing with her tongue to the tip of his thumb. "You vixen..." he breathed, his eyes now locked on hers.
She smirked up at him and released his thumb. "C'mere." She looped her arms around his neck and began kissing him deeply. "I look forward to seeing what you have in mind, Mr. Goren." she teased, tugging on his lip playfully.
He moved his hand higher up her outer thigh. "Are you..." His eyes widened as he moved his lips to her ear. "Are you wearing any panties?"