Chapter 265

They spent the Fourth in Denver. Richie set up the stroller and they found a spot to watch the parade. Occasionally, a fan would spot them and stop to say hello and ask for an autograph or a picture or both. The first time they were approached, Richie flicked a glance at Tori. She smiled, squeezed his hand, and stepped aside, even offered to take the picture. The fans all oohed and ahhed over Stevie, but none of them even tried to take his picture. She guessed that they’d extended Jon’s preference not to share pictures of his kids to them.

Their room was on the top floor of the hotel and had a balcony where they sat and watched the fireworks from all over the city light the night sky against the backdrop of the mountains.

“Are you sorry we didn’t stay in Jersey or rush a little more to get home for the parties?” Tori asked. After all, it was his holiday more than hers – hers was the first. She was still getting used to it, but she understood his lifetime of traditions and memories surrounding the day.

He shook his head. “Not really. It would have been fun, but right now, this….us….is more important.”

“You’re sure?”

“As sure as I am that I love you.” The baby cried. “And you Peanut.” He picked Stevie up, changed his diaper and handed him to his mother.


Tori heaved a sigh of relief when the car turned into the driveway and passed through the gates. “Home at last.” Climbing out of the car she stretched, snickering when she noticed Richie doing the same. She was reaching into the back seat to undo Stevie’s car seat, when the door opened behind her.

“Oh Mrs. Tori, I’m so glad you’re home!” Rosa came rushing out. Richie had called her the day before to let her know approximately when they would be home. “Ai! And the bambino! Hola mijo!”

Before Tori could blink, Rosa had taken the carrier from her hands and was disappearing into the house, a running flow of Spanish drifting back to them. “His name is Stephen!” She called after them.

Richie chuckled. “He’s going to be bilingual by the time he’s three.”

“Welcome home. Need some help?” Cathy appeared in the doorway.

“Thanks Cathy. It’s good to be home.” Tori grabbed a couple bags and started inside.

Between the three of them, they had the car unloaded very quickly. After a quick check on the baby, who was still being regaled by whatever stories Rosa was telling, Tori set about unpacking. She started with their clothes, collecting the laundry, and putting away the clean ones. In their closet, she couldn’t resist trying on some of her pre-pregnancy pants. Her jeans wouldn’t quite fit, but they were close. Another couple weeks, with the help of their gym ought to do it.

She hadn’t seen Richie since they’d carried everything upstairs. After getting the washing machine started – she was surprised to find a box of Ivory Snow on the shelf, Cathy had just smiled, shrugged, and told her they’d been optimistic – she went searching for him. She found him in Stevie’s room. He’d laid out the clothes, stocked the change table and was arranging the toys and mementos they’d been given around the room.

Hearing her, he glanced up. “I put the bassinet in the livingroom since we have the cradle in our room. I didn’t know how you wanted his clothes organized, so I just set them out for you.”

She nodded and set to work. “Thanks.”

His arms wrapped around her from behind and he pulled her close, nuzzling his spot under her ear. “No, thank you. For coming home. I love you.”

Suddenly, a baby’s cry echoed around the room. Glancing around, Tori realized it was coming from the monitor that was sitting on the dresser. She was to find out that there were several monitors all over the house, all set to the same frequency.

“Mrs. Tori, Mr. Stephen’s hungry.” Rosa’s voice came through.

Richie released her and followed her downstairs. “After you feed him, would you, maybe, do something for me? If you're not too tired that is. If you are, it can wait.”

He was being so careful with her, he was hesitant to ask her for anything. But she knew him so well, and was so used to his first request whenever they returned home after being away, that he didn’t need to put it into words. She chuckled. “I think I can find enough energy to make you some cookies.”

He grinned. “Thanks angel.”


That evening after dinner, they were sitting in the livingroom and Tori was once again feeding the baby. She studied Richie for a moment. “Since I made you cookies, will you do something for me?”

His response was instant. “Anything.”

“Play for us.”

Nodding, he stood and headed for the studio, returning with an acoustic guitar. Sitting once again, he flexed his fingers and began to play. At the sound of the first few chords, Stevie stopped sucking and shifted his head slightly as though listening. Ater about thirty seconds he resumed eating. When Richie stopped, so did his son, a frown creasing the tiny brow. When Richie started a new song, Stevie went back to eating. Tori smiled to herself, fascinated at this connection.

Richie noticed her expression. “What?”

Her smile widened and she explained what had happened. “I guess he likes your playing too.”

He grinned. “Well, he is our child. An appreciation of music is in the genes.”


The next day, Richie picked up his keys, hesitated, and went in search of his wife. She was in the kitchen, talking to Rosa. “I’m going to get Ava.” He met her gaze, held it, and waited for her response.

Tori debated for a moment, then stood. “If Rosa will keep an ear out for Peanut, I’ll go with you.” Rosa nodded and waved at her to go.

Expecting her answer, he nodded and followed her out to the car, opening the door for her before rounding the hood and sliding in behind the wheel.

At Heather’s they found Ava packed and ready…and disappointed that they’d come alone. “Where’s Peanut?”

“He’s at home with Rosa.” Tori answered.

“And he’s going to want to eat soon, so we need to get back. Have you got everything Bean?” That wasn’t exactly the truth, since Tori had fed the baby not long before they left, but he knew the situation wasn’t comfortable for her and wanted to get them out of there as soon as possible. While Richie carried out her suitcase, Ava ran back upstairs for a game she’d forgotten.

“How long can we have her?” Tori asked Heather.

Heather shrugged. “Whatever she – and you - want. We don’t have anything planned for the summer, but I’ll let you know if anything comes up. You can let me know if you need a break.”

Richie was surprised, but Tori wasn’t. She’d hoped that Heather’s apparent attitude change was for real. She still wasn’t sure, but if she was trying, Tori would do what she could to encourage her. “Thanks Heather. We appreciate it.”


Back at the house, the family settled into a routine. Safe and secure in the cocoon of their little world, the wounds slowly began to heal.