Tom and I walked hand-in-hand around the grounds while we waited for our room to be prepared. We'd left Jackson in the care of one of the staff and couldn't help but laugh as he led her on an adventure to show Sarah his new present.

Clinging to Tom's arm, I leaned into him as we walked, grateful for this time alone. It had been too long since we'd held each other like this.

"Thank you" I looked up at him and whispered.

"For what?"

"Just for being here," I said softly and leaned my head on his shoulder.

"Honestly, I thought you might have been upset" he replied with a small laugh. With an awful impression of my higher-pitched voice, he mimicked, "You shouldn't have bought a new ticket. It was such a waste of money. Your flight in was just tomorrow anyway"

"I do not sound like that" I protested.

"Oh you definitely do," he laughed some more before returning to his mocking voice, "'We could have spent it on something useful instead'"

I poked his face with my index finger then pouted, "Well if I did say that, I'd be right"

"Yeah, you would be" he agreed and started to say something else but didn't. I could tell he had a lot on his mind and at least some of it was worry for me.

We took a few steps in silence before I returned to rest my head on his side once more, "I've missed you"

"I've missed you too, baby"

=^..^=

"What's over there?" Tom asked after we'd walked a good distance from the main house. It was easy to forget how vast the property was since we spent all our time in just a small section.

"The family cemetery," I replied.

A grass-covered wall and iron fence separated it from the rest of the property and was one of the few places my parents didn't need to warn me to avoid as a kid.

"That's interesting" he commented.

It was a pretty nonexistent concept where he'd grown up. Even here, it was only more popular among richer, older families.

"We say it's a family cemetery but it's just my grandparents and uncle buried there" I explained.

I guess Matty would join them soon enough.

The thought crossed my mind and the place suddenly felt haunting. I couldn't imagine my brother lying in there.

My lips suddenly felt dry and my skin turned pale as I stared at the flimsy iron gate that was supposed to separate the living from the dead.

"Are you okay?" Tom asked after taking one look at my distraught face.

I shook my head. "Can we go?" I asked.

"Sure, yeah of course"

=^..^=

We found ourselves walking the pier by the lake where I'd been only a few hours earlier. So much had happened since that afternoon that it felt like much more time had passed.

"I can't believe you grew up here" he commented while taking in the scenery. "I grew up in the city so I barely had room to roam"

With the setting sun over the horizon, the calm water, and the trees in the background, it really was a picturesque day.

"Yeah well don't let it fool you" I responded, "It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows"

"You never talk about your childhood"

"There's nothing to talk about" I replied.

There was a lot to talk about. So many things that happened in the year after my family discovered my meds. So many things that happened in the years before that made me hide who I was in the first place. So much I'd tried to forget and might have succeeded if I hadn't come back here.

"We should figure out where we're going next," I tried changing the subject, "How do you feel about Seychelles?"

Tom's arm slowly dropped off my shoulder but instead, took both my hands in his.

"Ruth, um--" he paused, "I've been thinking and I think it would be a mistake to leave now"

"What are you talking about?" My grip on his hands loosened.

"We shouldn't leave" he explained, "You'll end up regretting it if you miss your brother's funeral"

"No, it's fine," I shook my head confused why he was bringing this up now, "I already said Matty wouldn't have cared about the funeral. He just wanted me to reconcile with my family, that's all"

"Then let's do that" Tom replied.

"They don't want me here," I argued, "Even if I stay for the funeral, I can't stay here"

"I don't think that's true. Your parents at least want you to stay"

"Why are you on their side here?" I let my hand fall away from his.

"I'm not, I'm on your side. I always am"

"You certainly don't sound like it" I frowned.

"I just think it's in your best interest to give them another chance"

"What did my mother say to you--" I stared intently at him, "before I walked in"

Tom raised his shoulder slightly in the same way he always did when he was getting defensive.

"I confronted her about her treatment of you and she apologized" he answered simply.

I shook my head in frustration.

"I know I just got here but she strikes me as genuine," he continued once again taking her side, "She wants a relationship with you"

"You don't know her" I took a step backward, "You don't know what she's done"

"Baby," he said softly as I stepped away.

"How about we get through dinner first," I said finally before folding my hands and withdrawing from the conversation, "I'm cold, can we go back inside?"

"Fine" he replied.

Unlike Matty, Tom knew not to press an issue that we were on opposing sides of. Instead, he changed the subject by suggesting we take Jackson to explore the city soon. He reasoned our son should see more of his mother's country.

It was a good idea.

=^..^=

Dinner started uncomfortably quietly. My mother had had us say grace but after that, there was very little conversation to be had.

The kids had had their dinner earlier and so they weren't present at the table which was probably for the best.

Rebecca was also noticeably absent. She'd left with Carly after the celebration but was now on her way back home.

As for those at the table, it irked me the way Aaron and Leah's eyes would repeatedly shift from their foods to examine Tom and me. The worst of it came from Leah who seemed unable to take her eyes off Tom.

I had wanted to say something but didn't want to be seen as throwing the first punch so I let things be.

The first bit of conversation would come several minutes into the meal when Jess asked the question.

"How did you two meet?"

I turned to Tom, apprehension clear on my face, unsure of what to say.

"A friend of a friend," Tom answered simply as if reading my mind. "Not very exciting, I know, but every day since has been more magical than I could have ever dreamed."

Tom placed his hand over mine and gave it a light squeeze. I looked up at him and smiled.

I blushed when my gaze shifted back across the room and I found my family quietly watching our interaction. I looked forward to the day when our affection wouldn't warrant any raised eyebrows.

"How did you two meet?" Tom had asked in return but we were interrupted by the sound of high heels hitting the marble floor.

"We're in here, Rebecca" my mother called out without wasting a moment.

I took a few more bites of my food in the time it took the footsteps to grow louder until my sister made her appearance, fashionably late as always.

"Hi Mama, hi daddy" She entered with a beaming smile. There was a light in her eyes that I hadn't seen that morning. "Tom, oh my God, hi! When did you get here?" She turned her attention to my husband with a look of surprise.

"There's no need to pretend" I shot her a look of my own, "I know this is your doing?"

"Oh, whatever do you mean?" She replied coyly.

"I told her, sorry" Tom revealed with an apologetic expression.

"Fine, busted" she shrugged, "We're all so very happy to have you here"

"Happy to be here" Tom replied in kind.

"Well, if anyone needs me, I'll be upstairs" she announced, "I need a good lie down"

"Why don't you join us?" My mother asked her.

"I'm not hungry" she replied quickly.

"Are you sure?" I asked. I hadn't seen her eat anything all day, even during the celebration. That morning, she'd opted for coffee as well. I didn't want to worry, but I did.

"Yes, I'm sure" she laughed. "I'm just tired"

"Well, okay" I let it go. I wasn't one to press an issue either and she was a grown woman after all.

"I'd like to have a nice meal with all my children" My mother spoke again and this time Rebecca obliged her but not without making clear her displeasure.

She retrieved a clean plate from where they were stacked near the buffet and dished herself the tiniest portion of food before taking a place at the table.

"Thank you," My mother said to her before turning to address the rest of us, "It warms my heart to see all my children sitting together. It is just unfortunate that it took the death of your brother for it to happen"

My attention was drawn to my father who sat slumped in his chair, only taking occasional bites of his meal.

"I'd like for all of us to welcome Ruth's partner, Tom" Mum continued, "He's a part of the family and we're very happy to have him here with us. I just wish it could have been for a better occasion"

Rebecca whooped and clapped, causing me to chuckle at the absurdity of her actions and the slow halt when no one joined her.

"Thank you" Tom offered while placing down his utensils and wiping his lips with a napkin, "I look forward to getting to know my wife's family"

"Tsk" I heard the sound leave Leah's lips but did my best to ignore it.

"As you say, it's unfortunate the opportunity only arose at a time like this," Tom continued, "I met Matty a few times and he always struck me as a kind soul. I know how much my wife adored her brother so it truly is a sad occasion."

My mother nodded her approval.

"Thank you for coming," My mother said graciously and it caused me to wonder whether there was truly hope for a relationship between us.

"Of course"

A few minutes after we settled back into our meal, Aaron found his way into the conversation. "So, Tom, what do you do for a living?"

Tom cleared his throat, adjusting slightly in his seat. "I work in sales."

Aaron's raised eyebrow indicated he was expecting more than a vague response.

"We serve as middlemen between equipment manufacturers and international oil companies," Tom elaborated, offering a small smile. "It's not very glamorous, but it keeps the lights on," he chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"So, I assume money's not an issue?" Aaron asked nonchalantly.

Tom paused for a moment before regaining his smile. "No, money's not an issue."

"It's just, you know," Aaron spoke while he worked at cutting the steak on his plate, "some may see an introduction at this point and misconstrue your intentions. You know how it is," he added, his attention briefly shifting from the piece of steak to me and my husband.

"My intentions are to see my wife reunited with her family," Tom replied without pause.

"Tom," I said softly. Even if it would prove my point, I didn't want my husband involved in our petty conflict.

"Admirable," Aaron replied. "But you do know why there was a divide in the first place, right? Do you even know who you went and married?"

"Stop it," my mother turned to my brother.

"What are you trying to say to me?" Tom asked.

"I'm just wondering if you know all the details," Aaron shrugged. "That's all."

"About my wife?" Tom asked. "What do you think you know about her?"

I hated this. I hated how it made me feel. I was always the topic of discussion. Everyone had their issues, but as long as I was in the room, we never talked about anything else. I wanted to give them something else to talk about.

"While we're on the topic of discovery," I jumped in, "Jess, did you know that Aaron got a girl pregnant? I think she had to have an abortion, didn't she, big brother?"

I stared at him and watched him lose his smile, but even then, I wasn't done yet.

"Huge scandal," I turned back to Jess. "Our parents had to make it all go away. Mum, do you remember that?" I smiled as the room fell silent.

My mother let out an exasperated sigh but said nothing.

"Ugh," Rebecca groaned, "You all are killing my buzz. Can I go now?"

"I am aware," Jess replied before giving me a disapproving glare. "There are no secrets between us."

"Poor girl," I continued. "Wasn't she only sixteen? That must have been so hard for her. I wonder how she's doing now."

"I was eighteen," Aaron said quickly.

"Almost nineteen, though," I took a sip from my glass and realized I'd barely touched my food amid the riveting conversation.

"I'm out of here," Rebecca announced before standing. "You all suck," she said as she walked out of the room.

"I think I've lost my appetite," I made a show of pushing the plate away from me. "Goodnight, Mum, Dad."

I heard Tom's chair shift a moment after mine did, and his voice followed. "The meal was very nice, thank you."

"You're very welcome." My mother replied

With no more words, Tom and I exited the dining room, allowing the rest of the family to enjoy their meal without us.

=^..^=

As I bathed Jackson that evening, I replayed the recent events in my head.

It seemed impossible for my family to sit together and have a civil moment together. That part I didn't mind. I had given up on getting along with Aaron and Leah. What bothered me was the fact that Tom was taking a more patient approach with them.

What did it matter that they were my family? Other than Matty and Rebecca, I hadn't considered them my family for many years.

"Mummy" Jackson's shaky voice brought me back to reality.

'Sorry, baby" I said quickly as I realized I'd been standing there unmoving, staring into nothing, "Have you washed everywhere?"

He nodded proudly.

"Your armpits?" I asked and he nodded again, "Good job. Okay, go ahead and  rinse thoroughly"

The time was coming when I wouldn't have to supervise him anymore and it was coming quickly. It seemed like only yesterday that he was a baby. It was fascinating how children grew so quickly. You blink and suddenly they don't need you anymore.

As he rinsed the shampoo out of his hair, I watched him with adoration. I couldn't understand how some parents couldn't love their children to the best of their ability. I thought back to my mother and wondered if it was truly 'better late than never'.

'Can I give her another chance?' I asked myself as I passed Jackson a towel to dry himself.

He wrapped it around himself and hurried out of the bathroom and into the large bedroom where his father sat on the bed with his laptop.

'Don't run" I called after my son before shaking my head and following after him.

"Hey, champ" Tom turned his attention to the unruly boy and smiled.

"Jackson, come here" I called out.

I pinched his cheek as he returned to me with a pout. He was dripping water everywhere even when I'd specifically warned him against that.

I led him to the adjoining bedroom where he would sleep, allowing Tom and me some time alone. There, I dried him properly before helping him get dressed.

"Alright, in bed, young man," I said finally after he finished getting dressed.

"Can I have my game?" he asked innocently.

"No, that's enough of that"

"Please, mummy"

"In bed, now," I said again.

He pouted and stumbled over towards the large bed that he had all to himself.

I tucked him in before leaning in and kissing his forehead gently like I always did. It had been a hectic day, but he'd handled it wonderfully. For several lengths of time, I'd left him to his own devices and despite being so young, he'd handled it like a grown-up.

My perfect little man.

"Good night, baby"

"Good night, mummy"

"Sleep" I ran my fingers through his hair one last time before heading back towards the door.

I was grateful to my mother for giving us these two rooms. To be more accurate, it was a bedroom and adjoining study that had been converted into a second bedroom which suited us perfectly.

Jackson needed his independence and I needed time alone with Tom. Time alone that I had already begun to fantasize about as I turned the lights off in Jackson's room and left quietly.

There would be time later to talk about how we were to deal with my family. For now, I only wanted one thing.

I saw Tom still sitting on the bed, typing away with a serious expression. His many successes had allowed me to stay home and spend my entire time looking after my son and our home. He was my perfect man.

"Is he asleep?" Tom asked without looking away from the screen.

I pulled my dress straps off my shoulder and let my dress fall to the floor.

"Tom," I said his name softly.

He turned and found me clad in nothing but my underwear and his eyes widened.

Slowly and seductively, I walked around the bed to my husband and carefully lifted the computer off his lap. He watched my every move. I walked over and placed the laptop on the table, stopping briefly so he could drink me in, especially my butt which I knew he loved so much.

Slowly, I walked back to him, leaned in, and whispered in his ear, "I want you"

After which, I went to work on his shirt buttons. I undid the buttons one by one until his hairy chest came into view.

Tom took charge and tossed the shirt aside before pulling me on top of him and kissing me deeply. I moaned and this time I didn't have to worry about my parents hearing.

I went to work on his belt buckle, after which we tore the rest of the clothes off each other. It had been too long. My body almost physically ached for his.

His hands found my breast and played with them as we kissed while mine adventured much lower on his body.

"Jackson--" Tom started to say but the thought had already crossed my mind.

"I'll be quiet" I interrupted and went back to kissing him.

We flipped around and now I had my back to the bed. With this new development, Tom's hand took their cue from mine and found their way between my legs. I shivered as I felt his fingers explore inside me.

I could barely contain myself and the moan that left my lips.

Tom shushed me and I giggled, "Sorry"

It was going to be a long night.

=^..^=

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Hi, sorry this took so long. I wrote a very different chapter before deciding I wanted to take the story a different route and scrapped it. Anyway, thanks a lot for reading!