Getting up to answer the door, Judy grinned broadly thinking Kali must have forgotten her key. As she opened the door, she had a wicked grin in place, anticipating seeing Kali and Jake on the other side. But Taker seemed as surprised to see her as she was to see him!
"What do you want? OH, you are here to see your son! Come on in!" She stepped away from the door, letting him close it behind him. She was still angry over the fight between him and her cousin!
Sitting down on the couch,and crossing her arms, she watched the big man come forward slowly. She had crossed her legs and was swinging one leg in agitation.
Taker watched her, sensing he hostility. "I think it's time we talked!" He said quietly. He knew the minute Judy opened the door, that Kali had set this up.
"Talk! About what? You owe me and my cousind an apology!" She said angrily. Her eyes shooting blue sparks at him.
"Judy! OK! Alright! I apologize! I'll apologize to your cousin next time I see him!" This wasn't going well! But dammit, they needed to talk!
Judy wasn't so sure he meant it, but was somewhat mollified. Looking at him, sullenly, she grudgingly accepted his apology!
"We can't go on like this! We need to talk! Please! I love you! Won't you at least give this a try?" Taker was baring his soul to her! She agreed with him! They did need to talk! Sighing, she lifted sad blue eyes to his equally sad green ones.
"OK! You're right! Where do we start? Where do we try and wade through this mess?" She asked softly! She held his eyes!
"Do you care for me at all?" He asked, closely watching her while
waiting for an answer.
Her whole body seemed to sag as though in defeat! God help her, she did! "Yes! I do! God help me, I love you!" She said, barely above a whisper! She looked at him with eyes filled with love and torment.
Taker got up, pulling her to her feet and into his embrace. His kiss was gentle, yet filled with all the love in his big body! His kiss told her just how much he did love her! As long as she cared, they would manage to figure something out.
The sudden, urgent knock at the door startled them both, making them jump apart guiltily. Judy rushed over to answer it. Just as she started to open the door, a distraught Kane pushed it aside, shoving Judy against the wall. He was carrying Kali and she was unconscience. The whole left side of her face was swollen and already turning blue.
Jake quietly entered the room, standing next to his cousin. Two fights in two nights!
"What the hell happened? Is she OK?" Judy asked anxiously, watching as Kane gently laid Kali's still body on the sofa. Judy went to the bathroom, returning with a cool damp washcloth. Handing it to Kane, she watched as he tenderly wiped her face.
"He swung at me, but she got between us. He loves her, doesn't he?" Jake asked quietly after Judy came back to stand beside him, watching as the big man tenderly cared for the woman.
"I think he does, yes!" Judy said softly.
"I'll see you later!" Jake left, going back to his and Judy's suite! He had a hint of a smile on his sexy, full lips.
"Kane is she gonna be ok?" Judy asked, distressed by the state her friend was in. She was all but wringing her hands.
Taker leaned against the wall arms, and ankles crossed, watching Kane's tender ministrations. He would be a good husband and step-father! He would be good with CJ Smiling to himself, he took Judy by the arm leading her to the door. "Kane, if you need us, we'll be in my room."
Kane barely glanced up as they left. He folded the washcloth and laid it across her forehead. He briskly rubbed her wrists, attempting to revive her.
"Taker, I don't think that..." Judy protested, only to be cut off by the big man at her side.
"That's exactly what they do need! Kane will take care of her, and I happen to know he has some experience with babies, being an uncle three times. So he can take care of CJ too!" Taker had her by the arm and was all but dragging her down the hall! In minutes, they were in his room!
He didn't let go of her till they were at the sofa! Then and only then did he let her go! And that was to sit her down on it! Taker walked over to the complimentary bar, and poured her a shot of whiskey over ice and got himself a cold beer. Handing her the glass, Taker sat down on the oak table in front of her!
"OK! Now lets talk! Kali and Kane will be fine. If I know Kane, he'll end up spending the night and by tomorrow they'll be engaged." Taker took a sip of his beer waiting for her to start.
"Where do you want me to start?" Judy asked, suddenly very nervous. Taking a sip of her whiskey, she found herself unable to meet his eyes!
"How bout when you disappeared!" He watched her closely, wondering at her nervousness!
Taking a ragged breath, and another sip of her drink, she finally
looked up at Taker.
"Well, after your son was born, your actions hurt. I understand why you did it, but it still hurt! Brian and I were friends! That morning, when you couldn't leave my cabin fast enough, I called Brian, needing to talk to somebody! He came up, and provided me with a shoulder to cry on! I told him everything! Even about you spending the night with me!" Judy stopped talking, remembered pain filling her eyes. Pain caused by Taker's hasty departure, and subsequent actions, then by Brian's ultimate betrayal.
"Anyway, some few weeks after that, Brian and I started seeing each other. We'd been together a very short time when I saw him off at the airport. That last time I saw you! Then a few weeks later, Kali came to visit me! She said you were watching CJ! Anyway, I had a miscarriage right after she got there! If she hadn't been there, I would have bled to death, so badly was I hemorrhaging! I was about 14 weeks along! The child I lost was a little girl! It was your child! I made Kali promise not to tell you, because you wouldn't believe that you were the father! She didn't want to do it, but I made her promise me! When I was discharged, I went back to my cabin, stayed there a few days, then went to my grand-mother's house. She lives in Cherokee, North Carolina on the reservation. As I pulled up in front of her house, Jake came out on the porch. But when I got out of my Jeep and started up to the house, I fainted.I had started to hemorrhage again. Jake carried me inside and my grand-mother sent him to get my aunt. They took care of me! I went back there to heal, physically and emotionally. But, Taker, don't doubt for an instant, that you were not the father of my baby! She was conceived that last night we spent together! No one else fathered my child!" Tears shimmered in her eyes! She was defiant, hurt and hopelessly in love with this man! All these emotions were clearly visible for him to see!
Taker got up, walking around the room! He ran a hand over his face! "Damn! And you didn't tell me? Why, Judy?" He wanted to know. This came
as a shock, to say the least!
"What? Why, what! I miscarried, i didn't have an abortion! I lost the baby through no fault of my own! The doctor said it was probably caused by stress! And God knows I had been under a great deal of strain! When I needed you, when we needed to talk, you disappeared on me! But I don't blame you for the reasons behind your actions! After all, you had Kali and CJ to think about!" She finished softly!
Taker sat back down on the table in front of her! He didn't know what the hell to say! "Judy! I'm sorry! I had no idea!" Tears glistened in his eyes! The big man took her hands in his, his head bowed. "I don't know what to say!"
Judy felt the tremor in his huge hands, hands that were strong, hands that could be extremely gentle! Looking at his hands, she knew only that she wanted to put all of the bad stuff behind her and maybe they could start all over! Lifting her eyes to meet his, she smiled softly at him. Going over to him, Judy hugged him tightly.
"Taker, you didn't know! But I want you to know this! I love you! I always have! I want to put all this behind us and maybe we can start all over! If that's what you want!" She said softly against his thick neck.
Taker's arms went around her, pulling her tightly to him. He buried his face in the curve of her neck and shoulder, tears falling unnoticed. His lips found her soft neck! They found that spot just behind her ear. Moaning softly, she gently sucked on the tender flesh of his thickly muscled neck. As his hands pulled her even closer, then slid over her behind, Taker scooped her up, sitting her on his lap. His lips mover to her cheek. Turning her head slightly, her lips sought out and found his. Hers soft and willing, his hungry and demanding! Taker got up, carrying her to the bedroom.
****************
Moaning softly, Kali turned her head, wondering why she was so dizzy. As she opened her eyes, she met Kane's hazel eyes. He was deeply embaressed by what happened.
"Kane! What happened?" Sitting up gingerly, she placed a hand to her head as a wave of dizziness washed over her.
Kane helped her sit up, then sat down beside her, keeping an arm around her! "Kali, I hit you. I didn't mean to. I was swinging at that guy you were with! But you stepped between us, just as I swung at him. I'm so sorry!" Kane said humbly. He couldn't meet her eyes.
"You hit me? Why on earth would you want to punch out Jake?" Kali was confused, either from the blow or by his sudden interest, she didn't know which.
"Because you were with that guy! It pissed me off!" Kane said,
remembering the sudden anger he felt seeing her walking across the parking lot with that guy.
"But he's Judy's cousin! He was just taking me to dinner! It didn't mean anything! Kane were you jealous of Jake?" She asked confused as she looked up into Kane's tormented, hazel eyes.
"Yes! I guess I was!" Kane said simply.
"Momma! Momma!" CJ toddled over to her, looking curiously at the big man sitting next to his mother.
Laughing softly, she leaned over picking up her son. The little boy's blue eyes never left Kane. As soon as Kali picked him up, CJ lunged at Kane. He caught the child instinctively. The toddler had totally captivated the big man!
Kali watched as he played with CJ, as he got up getting a diaper from the table and changed him expertly, then giving him a bottle. Kali was amazed. As Kane got the baby to sleep, she went to take a shower.
As she dried off later, Kali had no idea what to put on! A night gown? Or a sleep shirt? Kali opted for the sleep shirt. Pulling the Pooh-Bear shirt on, she combed the snarls out of her hair, then looked at her face! Gawd! The whole left side of her face was swollen and bruised. Her eye was already turning black. She hated to think about how she would look in the morning! With a disgusted snort, she put on a pair of socks, then re-joined Kane. He had put the baby to bed. CJ would sleep till 8:30 or 9:00, then be good to go till about 2:00 or 2:30.
Kane eyed her appreciatively. She had blossomed since the birth of CJ. The night shirt she was wearing couldn't hide her generous bosom and gently flaring hips. Desire darkened his eyes as he looked upon her natural beauty.
"Kali, can you ever forgive me?" He asked, his voice low and husky.
Kali sat down next to him, drawing one leg up under her. She laid her arm along the back of the sofa, then turned to face him. "Kane, I can forgive you anything. I love you, and have acted like a fool! It's me that asks your forgiveness! Will you ever be able to forgive me?" Kali said with feeling, the love she felt for him, shining in her eyes.
As his answer, Kane leaned forward taking her face gently in his hands. With the lightest of kisses, his lips moved from her bruised cheek to her willing lips. The kiss full of promise, full of love, full of passion. She responded instantly. All the longing, all the love, all the promise of their future together, was put into that one kiss.
Kane did indeed spend the night! He and Taker had two more days off before they had a show in San Fransisco, and he intended to make the most of it. The next day, Kali, CJ and Kane disappeared for two hours. When they came back to the hotel, the happy couple had a surprise for everyone.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Chapter Thirty-Two~~~Judy
Judy and Taker talked well into the night. They had settled many of their problems, but still had a few more to try and work out. After spending the night together, he assumed they would be staying together during the rest of the time he was in Vegas, but she had other plans!
Judy had told Jake that she would be staying only a few days. He was going to stay the whole week! She had paid for the room in advance, but now with the damages cause by the fight Taker and Jake had, they would have to be paid, too. She couldn't wait to get back home.
After breakfast, Judy said she was going back to her suite!
"No, stay with me, please!" He murmured huskily, nuzzling her neck!
His arms were wrapped around her, pulling her back against his rock hard body. Her sexy sensuous smile, told him that she was willing! Keeping his arms around her, and continuing to do what he was doing with his mouth, Taker slowly walked backwards to the bed. He pulled her down with him. Slowly, he removed her clothes, then his own. Once they were both naked, he covered her body with his own, becoming one with her!
Jake had gone back up to the suite after having breakfast. He had
forgotten his newest batch of designs, and had to go get them. His cousin hadn't come back last night, so he assumed she had spent the night with Taker. He hoped both women got what they wanted from these two men! They both certainly deserved it!
After closing the door behind him, Jake started in to his room, when the door to Judy's bedroom suddenly opened! She had her bags packed and carried them over, sitting them down by the door!
"You going someplace?" Jake asked, eyeing the bags curiously.
"I'm going home!" She said quietly, meeting his black eyes!
Nodding, understanding the unspoken reasoning. "Did the big man take the news well, or is he going to want to fight again!" Jake asked, rubbing the side of his face, remembering the last time he "met" that gentleman.
"He took it ok! But he doesn't know I'm leaving!" She said calmly.
Jake merely nodded, watching as she looked around, checking to see if she left anything. Finally satisfied, Judy hugged her cousin, and said she'd see him when he came home! Within the hour, she was on the plane, heading home.
Later that afternoon, about an hour before the plane landed, Taker knocked on the door to her suite. Jake opened the door, not at all surprised to see the big man.
"Come on in!" And stepped back to let the big man in!
Taker eyed him warily. He still found it hard to believe that him and Judy were cousins. They didn't look anything alike! Taker walked over to the sofa, looking around for Judy, as he sat down.
"Is ahm, is Judy here?" He felt uncomfortable with the big Indian! The man was tough as they come and had one hell of a punch!
"She went home!" Jake said calmly, studying the other man! This
announcement surprised him.
"Why? When did she leave?" Taker asked quietly.
"She left about three hours ago. She wanted to get home and re-open her shop!" Jake watched as Taker considered what he'd been told!
"Why didn't she call me?" Taker asked meeting the other man's eyes.
"Now that, I can't tell you!" Jake said quietly, looking back at Taker.
"OH! I want to apologize for the other night! I didn't know you two were related." Taker said sincerely, though somewhat distracted.
Jake accepted graciously. He watched as the big man nervously rubbed a hand over his face, he watched as he chewed the inside of his lip, and knew that Taker was in love with his cousin. With a slight shake of his head, he almost felt sorry for the big guy. Judy could be a handful at times.
"She loves you, but went through hell! She came out here just to tell you! She loves you very much! And she would kill me if she knew I was telling you this!" Jake said quietly.
Taker dropped his head, tears filling his eyes as he remembered the conversation he'd had with her. Taker got up and left, mumbling some excuse to Jake.
**************
Kali and Kane had been gone for a couple of hours when they finally returned. They had gone shopping! He had felt like spending some money. And spend it, he did! Kali and CJ wouldn't have to buy any clothes for a year or more. Just as she thought she was going to drop with exhaustion, Kane made one more stop.
"This will be the last stop, I promise! Come on!" Kane smiled secretly, taking her hand as they walked into the most exclusive jewelry store Vegas had.
Kali's eyes got bigger and bigger, as they walked inside. Never had she expected anything like this. Kane walked over to the engagement rings. As he told the woman what he wanted, Kali was speechless. As the sale lady sat down a tray of the most expensive rings the store had to offer, Kane picked out one, then turned to Kali.
He got down on one knee, looking at Kali. "Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" The hazel eyes sparkled, shining with love for her. His smile of pure happiness lit up his whole face.
Kali was so surprised, tears streaming down her face. "Yes! Yes I'll marry you!" Then threw herself into his arms.
The sales lady beamed at the happy couple! Nothing did the heart as good, as seeing two young people so obviously in love.
Kane got to his feet, then stepped back slightly. He had picked a three and a half carat pear-shaped solitaire. The flawless diamond was set in platinum. Never had she seen anything as beautiful as that ring! Kane slipped the ring on her trembling hand. Kali was shedding tears of happiness.
CJ didn't know what to think of his mother crying! He touched her
damp face with a timid finger, a look of childish concern on his little face.
"Momma sad?" He asked, looking at her, then at Kane, looking like he wanted to cry too.
"No, honey! Momma's happy! Momma's very happy!" She said laughing
through the tears. Kali and Kane kissed, holding the squirming toddler between them.
When they got back to the hotel, Kali put her son down for a nap, then called Judy's room, wanting to share the happy news with her friend. Jake told her that Judy had gone home. They talked a few minutes more then she hung up. Kane wrapped his massive arms around her and carried her to the bed, sealing the engagement with a long bout of lovemaking.
*************
Judy stood by the baggage claim area waiting for her bags. Surprisingly there were very few people waiting. "Finally!" She thought, reaching for her bag. As she turned to leave, a familiar voice stopped her!
"How you doing, Babe!" Brian's husky voice halted her departure.
"I'm good! How bout you?" She asked politely, meeting the man's steady gaze!
"OH! Keeping busy!" He said, his eyes sweeping over her trim body. She'd lost weight. Funny he never noticed how high her cheekbones were, before.
"You leaving or just getting back?" She asked, more than ready to go home!
"I just got in! Judy, come have a cup of coffee with me. I'd like for us to talk!" He said, not wanting to let her leave! Her voice still worked on his senses! All he could think of was their last night together!
Judy reluctantly agreed! "Ok! You can buy me dinner!" She said, smiling slightly at the man she had considered a friend.
Grinning hugely, Brian took her bag in one hand, and her arm in the other. He lead her through the crowded airport, and out to his truck. Opening the door for her, he put their bags in the backseat, then went around to get in. The air had a decided nip to it, so he didn't hesitate in getting the truck started.
As they made their way to the interstate, Brian was heading into
Knoxville. They were going to a restaurant he knew she liked. A short time later, they were pulling into the parking lot.
They chatted in a friendly manner while waiting for their meals to arrive. Sipping at their iced teas, Judy felt uncomfortable there with him, yet wanted to hear what he had to say! This, too, was part of the healing process!
As they ate their salads, Brian apologized for how they separated. "I'm sorry!"
"Don't worry about it, Brian! We never should have gotten involved. We made better friends, than lovers!" She said softly, meeting his eyes honestly. Finally, tired of pushing her salad around the plate, she pushed plate and all away from her. She took out her cigarettes and lit one up.
Brian accepted what she said, hating to admit she was right! He loved her, but knew she still loved his cousin! Looking down as he lifted his glass, Brian felt the loss deeply. He knew he had lost a good friend and nothing he could say would change that!
"Have you seen Taker lately?" He had to ask!
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I saw him just yesterday!" She then
explained about the convention and the WWF having a show there!
Nodding his head, he lifted eyes filled with regret and reluctant
acceptance. Regret for what might have been, and acceptance of her decision.
Sooner than he wanted, they were once again in his truck. This time he was taking her home, possibly for the last time.
Taker and Kane drove to the airport that night, after the show, lost in their own little worlds. Kane had proposed and Kali had accepted! But he was having to leave her behind, while they made their way to North Carolina.
Taker was thinking about the distance he would be from Judy's cabin. With an autograph session scheduled for the next day, as well as personal appearances, then the next night a house show, Taker would be in the area long enough to see her. Besides, they had two days off after the show.
With that secretive, satisfied smile, Taker pulled up in front of the airport, parking the car in the marked location for rentals. Kane and Taker got their bags out of the back and went inside just minutes before their flight was called.
Judy had decided to re-open her shop by the end of the week! Tomorrow, she would go in and clean up, then check her inks. The new designs she had drawn up, would be placed with her others.
After putting her bags away, she went into the kitchen starting a pot of coffee. Going back to the bedroom, she changed into an over-sized t-shirt and sweats. She would wait till later to unpack.
After pouring herself a cup of coffee, she went out on the deck to enjoy the late afternoon air. The temperature had dipped and it promised to be chilly later on. The trees were at their best! All aflame in their autumn beauty! She loved this time of year!
Jake had brought in a supply of kindling and logs for the fireplace, before they had gone to Vegas. He had insisted on driving his old truck to the airport, instead of her Jeep. He said it was unlikely anybody would look twice at his old beat up chevy, but her Jeep might get stolen or vandalized.
Sitting down in the chair, propping her feet up on the bottom rail, she looked out over the view in front of her, then sighed in satisfaction, very happy to be home.
Maybe Jake was right! Maybe she should have told Taker she was leaving! AAAHHHH! Well! Too late for that now! But he would have tried to talk her in to staying.
Brian had been a surprise! She hadn't expected to see him! He had been the one mistake she had made in all this. She still loved him to death, as far as his wrestling ability was concerned, but found it hard to forget what he'd done to her.
She had been honest from the beginning, about the way she felt! And, she thought he had been! Right up till she turned on that bedroom light and saw him in bed with that blonde bitch! That was when it hit her! That was when she could have kicked her ownstayed friends!
Going inside after the sun went down, Judy locked up for the night, and was debating building a fire, when the phone rang. She went to her bedroom before picking up the extension.
"Hello!" She said softly, her voice low and sexy. She opened a drawer, removing an old flannel gown, then sat down on the foot of the bed removing her shoes.
"Judy! Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" Taker's husky voice sent shivers racing along her nerve endings. Her heart skipped a beat, then raced away at the sound of his voice!
"I was afraid you'd try talking me into staying!" She said candidly.
"Would you have stayed if I asked you to?" He asked, his sensuous voice making her weak kneed.
"Probably! But I needed to come home! Where are you?" She whispered into the receiver. Her velvety soft voice had the same effect on him, as his did on her! It brought back memories of their last night together. Of their bodies entwined in passions grip! Of their mingled sweat! Of their shared passion!
"We're in Asheville! Will you come here?" He asked.
"Tonight! You want me to come there tonight?" She asked surprised by his request.
"Yes! Tonight! I'll have a limo pick you up!" Hoping to convince her to join him!
"I don't know if I can get a flight out on such short notice! What hotel are you staying at?" I'll come as soon as I can get a flight out!" She said excitedly, beginning to look forward to seeing him again.
"Ok, then! I'll see you soon!" And after giving her the name of the
hotel, they hung up.
Judy called the airport, and lucked up! A flight was leaving within two hours. Dressing quickly, she grabbed the unpacked bag and left the cabin, once again on her way to the airport.
**************
Kane talked to Kali for over an hour that night. She would be returning to Reno in two days time, and by then, he would have some time off.
"I miss you!" She whispered softly. The soft look in her eyes and on her face absolutely made her glow.
She smiled at the sense of urgency she heard in his voice. Yet she had to admit, she was as anxious for the wedding to take place, as he was. She was ready to finally make this man her own! After a few more minutes, and promises to meet at the airport in two days, they hung up.
*************
Taker was as good as his word. Not only had he sent a limo to pick her up, but he came along, too! He watched as she walked down the boarding ramp. When she saw him, she waved. His sensuous smile made her heart race. Within minutes, Taker was pulling her into his arms, and kissing her. The kiss was scorching in it's intensity, rich with promise, and full of passion!
"Don't you ever disappear without a word again! Promise me!" Taker demanded, nuzzling her neck. Her arms wrapped tightly around his waist.
Laughing softly, she looked up at the man, eyes sparkling brightly, "I promise!" Then kissed him with such enthusiasm, it took his breath away.