Chapter Twenty-three

The next week passed in a blur of dirty diapers and laundry. Although Tess was feeling weary from lack of sleep she was overjoyed that she'd had no episodes of late. Cole and she had been spending lots of time together and a glimmer of hope fluttered in her chest whenever he was around.

Cole was leaving for his office in the city the next day. It wasn't something she was looking forward to but it was only for two days. She'd miss him in the bed next to her at night, it was a shock how quickly they'd fallen back in love and into a routine. Between looking after Freddy and taking turns sleeping, they'd spent their free time in bed together and picnicking by the lake. It felt like before, only better because now they had Freddy.

Cole hadn't told his parents about their rekindled romance just yet. He wanted to, he was excited to plan their wedding. Tess had been the one that wanted him to wait. She knew he didn't understand why but she needed his family to know she was okay first. She felt obligated to prove she wasn't some head case that got pregnant on purpose so she could steal the family money. Cole's father hadn't even bothered to meet Freddy yet so she assumed he didn't approve of Freddy. Maybe Freddy was guilty by association in Cole's father's eyes. So much for the baby meaning so much to him and his heritage. Tess had been to dinner most nights, but he'd been a no show. So the time just didn't feel right for her to make an announcement about their future plans.

Besides, sneaking around together was part of the fun. It was all very exciting, sneaking kisses and holding hands under the dinner table. It reminded her of when she was the maid, no one knew about their secret relationship back then either. His mother used to invite Marigold over all the time, flaunting her under Coles' nose, hoping he would suddenly realize how gorgeous she was and that he must have her. She'd never seen this first hand of course but Cole would tell her all about it and they would laugh at his mother's attempts while they lay in bed at night. This time, there was no issue of Marigold although Tess wondered if Mrs. Washington would still rather Marigold and Cole end up together. Tess shook the thought from her head. Mrs. Washington had been nothing but lovely to her since the very first day she'd met her.

Tess looked in on Freddy who was sleeping soundly in his room. Cole would be here soon to spend the day with them. They were thinking of going for a drive to see the sights. She hadn't really done much since she got here, other than having a baby of course.

She crept back out of Freddy's room and into the shower. She left the door of the bathroom open a touch, should the baby cry, she wanted to ensure she'd hear him. Twisting the faucet taps, she waited until the room was filled with steam before she stepped into the stream of water. The pain in her back eased as the hot water stung her skin. Lathering the soap into her skin, she massaged her neck as she went. She wasn't as fit as she'd been before the baby and found simple things took more energy and effort while she was recovering. Resting her head on the glass she relaxed as the water ran over her shoulders, down her back and then splashed at her feet.

It was so relaxing. She stood like that with her eyes shut, enjoying five minutes to herself. When she heard Cole calling out.

"I'll be out in a second." She called back.

Patting dry her body, she dipped her head, flicking water across the bathroom. Rolling her hair into a towel turban she tucked it into the back. She stepped into some clean underwear and pulled on her robe. Strolling casually out into the bedroom, she saw Cole standing at the door, a grin plastered from ear to ear. Until he got a good look at her, then his smile dropped.

"Where's Freddy?" He asked with a frown on his face.

"Shh... He's still asleep. I wanted to grab a quick shower before you got here." She tipped her head over and rubbed at her hair with the towel.

"No... Tess." He grabbed her arm and pulled her up to look at him. "Freddy isn't in his room." Coles skin turned pale.

"What? What do you mean he isn't in there?" She dropped her towel and took off down the hall to the room next to hers. Running to the crib, she let out a scream. "Where is he?"

They ran through the house, checking every room, throwing open every door and checking in every cupboard. They ran towards the door that led out of the house when Cole reached out and grabbed her with both hands. "Think Tess. Think. What did you do with him?"

Tess fell to the floor sobbing and screaming, I don't know, I don't know." Over and over. Cole took off out the door and Tess heard the sounds of him calling Freddy's name as he checked the boundary.

You've done it now. You've lost Freddy. What did you do with him? You're the worst mother ever.

Shut up brain.

Shut up!

Shut up!

SHUT UP!

Cole ran back into the house, his phone in his hand.

"What are you doing? Who are you calling?" Tess asked between sobs.

"The police." He said simply and dialled the number.

Tess didn't know what to do. As far as her memory could recall, Freddy had been in his room, she stepped into the shower, the front door was locked so no one could have... "How did you get inside?" She asked Cole as she stood up from the floor. She had a new determination. She knew she wasn't insane. This was solvable.

"The front door was unlocked. Why?"

"The door was locked. I know the door was locked. You have to believe me, I'm not crazy. For God sake Cole." Tess was desperate, she clung to his shirt, her knuckles turning white and her nails dug into her palms.

Cole shrugged away and stalked towards the kitchen. "Hello, my infant son is missing." Cole paused while he listened to the person on the other end. "Just over a month old." He continued. "This is Cole Washington. Head to the white guest house at the Washington ranch." He hung up the phone.

"Someone's stolen, Freddy. I know he was in that cot and I know I double-checked the door before I showered. I'm positive!" Tess followed Cole as he stalked around the apartment double-checking every room. He made his way back to the kitchen and methodically worked his way along and checked every cabinet door, he opened and closed the oven.

"Why the hell are you checking the oven? What do you think I am?" Tess shrieked.

He continued like that. Storming around, looking behind sofa's and televisions and anything but sitting still. When they heard the sound of sirens Cole dashed outside, followed closely by Tess.

Cole hardly let the officers pull up before he was rattling off all the details he knew.

Two of the officers charged into the house and looked around while one checked the grounds and the other interviewed her and Cole. Not that she was much help. Her nonstop sobbing seemed to irritate the cop more than help him work out what had happened to Freddy. Regardless of the attitude that radiated from him, he scribbled down everything he could understand on his pocket notepad. Suddenly Cole took off across the grass and the policeman stopped writing. She raised her hand to shield the light from her eyes. The silhouette of a woman, carrying what looked like a baby came closer into view.

"That your baby?" The detective asked and pointed his pencil in the general direction of the approaching figure.

Tess didn't wait long enough to answer, she dashed across the grass. Her flannelette robe flapping behind her like some sort of demented mommy superhero. Only in this case, she was the opposite of a hero, an anti-hero, a mommy who lost her baby. There isn't even a name for that. And there shouldn't be, because it shouldn't happen. She was a crazed, shitty mom who was running across a ranch, flashing her granny panties and non-matching bra to everyone in the general vicinity.

As she grew closer she saw Cole and his mother with Freddy and they were in a deep discussion. Mrs. Washington looked shocked. She was pulling the 'clutching of the pearls' look. Cole practically snatched Freddy from her and charged towards Tess, only he didn't stop when he reached her, he marched right past her and up to the police, mumbled a few words and continued on into the house.

Tess followed along as quickly as her legs would allow. She still had bare feet from the shower so she needed to watch where she stepped. Mrs. Washington waddled along behind, getting left further and further behind. It wasn't like she was a plump old lady. On the contrary, she could easily pass for being in her late 40's, her skin was practically wrinkle-free. Her svelte body would be the envy of many a younger woman. In fact, the only clue to her age was the gray of her hair and her attitude. She acted like a woman much older than she appeared. However, Tess did feel guilty running off and leaving her to plod along on her own. But Freddy came first. She had to get to her baby.

By the time Tess made it back to the house, the police were already in their vehicle and the driver tipped his hat as he started the engine. Tess smiled although she felt like doing anything but smile. They must be judging her, how could they not? She was judging herself after all. They probably thought she was on drugs or something. Maybe I should be.

Cole placed Freddy back in his crib and towered over him protectively. She stood in the doorway of the room and watched them until Coles mother rushed in.

"What was that all about Cole? Why were there law enforcement officers on our property? For goodness sake, what will the neighbors say?" She tittered on.

"What's going on Tess?" Cole turned to her, ignoring his mother's questions. In a second all eyes were focused on her. Boring into her skin, waiting. But she had no answers. Not for them and not for the voice in her head that screamed at her. Defiance bubbled up inside of her. How dare Cole just accuse her of neglect when it was his mother who had Freddy.

Her hands flew to her hips, "How dare you? Why are you asking me? Your mother had him."

"What's the problem Cole? Tell me what's going on." His mother soothed.

"How did you get Freddy?" He snapped.

Mrs. Washington looked from him to Tess and back again. "Well, Tess brought him over this morning. She asked me to watch him while she took a showe—"

"You lying cow, I did no such thing." Tess spat out.

Cole stepped between the two women like a bouncer in a night club, ready to break up a punch up.

"Tess! I won't allow you to speak to my mother like that."

Mrs. Washington looked at her shoes and appeared to be sniffing back tears. "I... I just tried to help... you said..." She stopped then and let out a wail that sounded like a wolf howling at the moon.

"Oh for God sake." Tess rolled her eyes. "She's faking. There aren't even any tears."

"Tess please." Mrs. Washington begged. "Don't be like this. You need help."

Shaking her head Tess scoffed at her performance. Her eyes sought out Coles but he avoided eye contact. He shook his head, from side to side and looked like a broken man. His shoulder's slumped and he wouldn't lift his gaze from the floor. The awkward silence drifted across the room and shrouded them all in uncertainty.

Eventually, Tess sighed, a deep heavy exhale of breath that came out as shudders. Mrs. Washington looked so confused and she wasn't the only one. The whole situation didn't make sense and snapping at someone else wouldn't solve anything. What if Cole's mom was telling the truth? What motivation would she have to lie?

Maybe she's not lying.

Maybe you're insane.

Crazy Tess. There's a ring to it.

Shut up!

Shut up!

SHUT UP!

"Mrs. Washington... I'm sorry. I'm just so frightened and logic isn't working for me at the moment. I shouldn't have lashed out at you. It's not your fault I just... I just don't know."

Coles mother nodded in understanding. "I know Tess. It must be terrifying."

"Tess I think it's time we got someone out here to take a look at you." Cole interrupted them. He hesitated for a second and then walked over to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "I won't be here tomorrow. Will you organize the doctor to come while I'm gone, mother?"

"Of course dear." She whispered. "I think I might leave you alone for now, I'm sure you have a lot to work out. I'll be up at the house if you need me." She scurried to the door, where she stopped and turned back to them. "We just want the best for you love. Everything will be fine, you'll see." She mustered a smile and then she was gone.

"You alright?" Cole asked, he scooped over and kissed the top of her head. "What happened?"

How would she explain this to him when she didn't know how to explain it to herself?

"I... I don't know. I guess I'm confused." She stuttered. It was the best she could do. But he seemed satisfied. Like he was relieved she was finally taking responsibility.

"I really shouldn't put this business off tomorrow. An entire company of people are flying in from Nashville to discuss an extremely important proposition. But at the end of the day Tess, you and Freddy are my priority." He pulled out his phone and started tapping away. He typed really fast for a man with such large hands.

Reaching out, she rested her hand on top of his, in a silent demand for him to stop texting. "Cole, we don't know anything yet. Go and attend to business and your mother and I will give you a full report when you return. It's only one night after all." She reassured him.

He stared up at her, taking in her features, frowning he said: "Are you sure?"

"Men! They never listen. It will be fine. I promise." She stood there urging him to hold her, she sent out silent thoughts, hoping he would pick them up through some form of mental telepathy.

He lifted her chin up so their eyes met. "Just one night. I'll be back first thing the next day. This doesn't change anything between us alright? It's you and me against the world gorgeous."

Her heart did a flip at the use of the word gorgeous. She lost their child and he still liked her. How? "You, me and Freddy don't forget." She said with a smile.

"How could I forget Freddy?" He asked, then realizing what he'd said he stuttered through an apology, "I... I don't mean like... I just—"

"I know, it's okay. Hopefully, this doctor will sort things out."

His shoulders relaxed. "Come here," he said and dragged her to him. "I'm going to stay here all day and all night tonight is that alright?"

She waggled her eyebrows at him, in an attempt to lighten the mood. "I don't know if I can trust you not to take advantage of me in my weakened state."

"Tess," He frowned, still serious and brooding. "Don't even joke about it."

"Who's joking? Can I trust you not to touch me or not?" She asked with a laugh, letting him know, that no matter what was happening to her, it wasn't going to break her spirit.

After a few seconds, a smile pulled at the corners of his lips. "Absolutely not." He smiled. "I intend to ravish you from head to toe and back again."

"Great, in that case, you can stay." She said and turned on her heel, and sashayed all the way to the kitchen. Aware of Cole's eyes drilling into her back she swayed her hips more than strictly necessary.

Cole caught the hint and followed her, she watched him, watching her ass bounce gently up and down as she went. She put an extra bounce in her step just for him. She switched on the kettle and dug through the cupboards.

"What are you looking for?" Cole asked.

"A thermos and maybe a picnic basket or something. I thought we could go for a short picnic with Freddy down by the lake."

"You sure you're feeling up to it? It's been a draining day already."

Stopping her hunt she looked up at him through glistening eyes. "For goodness sakes Cole, I'm not an invalid."

"I know; I was just thinking something more...intimate." He narrowed his eyes and gave a sly smile.

Heat rose in her cheeks and her hand flew to cover her mouth. "What do you mean intimate?"

"I'm thinking you can stay in this sexy flannel robe, I can strip down to my shirt and underwear and we could eat popcorn and watch movies." He was beaming now as if he'd just revealed the secret to world peace.

"Sooo... pretty much you wanna Netflix and chill?" She raised her eyebrows at him and tried really hard to look serious.

"Yes." He pulled out his phone.

"I've heard about guys like you." She teased.

Cole held his phone to his ear, waiting for someone to answer. She went and got the television set up while she waited for him. From the other room, she heard him say "Yeah it's Cole. Can we get some caffeine-free soda and a couple of T.V dinners sent to the guest house? Oh and popcorn, a ridiculous amount of popcorn. Thanks."

A few seconds later he came around the door, sweeping her up in his arms. "So what are we watching?"

"Want to watch every season of The Bachelor, ever?" Her eyes shone with enthusiasm.

He looked disappointed. "No. I can't say I do, but if that's what's going to keep you happy, bring on bachie and his broads."

"Or we could watch another Denzel movie." She let her shoulders droop and tried to give her best, 'poor me' face.

"Awesome, I want to watch The Equalizer again." With all the enthusiasm of a five-year-old holding the world's biggest lollipop he snatched the remote and flicked through the movies.

"Again?" She groaned. "For a businessman who is usually run off his feet with building multi-million-dollar companies, you sure waste a lot of time watching Denzel movies."

He glared at her, his eyes practically bugging out of his head. "Blasphemy, woman! Watching Denzel is never a waste of time. You hear me?"

She couldn't help but laugh. "Fine! The Equalizer it is. But I get to pick the next movie."

Rolling his eyes, he said, "So looks like I'll be watching Grease or Dirty Dancing tonight then."

"Maybe I'll choose Beaches, just to prove you wrong. I love Bette Middler."

She jumped up on the lounge and tucked her feet up under her. Patting the spot next to her she invited Cole to sit down.

He didn't hesitate and flopped down on the sofa next to her.

"Hey, aren't you forgetting something?" She yanked at his trousers. "You don't look nearly as comfortable as you promised."

"I'll refrain from stripping until the popcorn arrives. How does that sound? Or would you prefer I answer the door half-dressed?"

"You never know; it might give the maid a thrill. It sure thrilled me when I was the maid." She giggled.

"So it doesn't thrill you now?" He arched one perfectly thick, sexy eyebrow at her and she practically heard the sizzle of electricity between them.

"Not at all. No effect on me what so ever Mr. Washington." She said and tilted her nose in the air.

Cole crept right up so he was pressed up against her. "How about now?" He asked, his breath on her neck.

"Nothing she gulped." She kept her eyes on the ceiling.

He leaned in and kissing her shoulder where her gown had slipped down. He traced a tiny heart shape with his tongue and blew gently on it. Tess's breath shuddered and impure thoughts ran through her mind.

What would he do if she jumped up and straddled him right here? She wondered.

Before she could find out there was a little cry from Freddy's room and a tapping at the front door almost simultaneously.

"I'll get the door, you get the baby," Cole said as he jumped up and dashed to the front door.

Tess dragged Freddy's little bouncy seat out into the sitting room, then returned to the nursery to pick up the baby. She reached in and touched his face and ran her finger over his soft skin. Her little boy blinked up at her and she was sure by the look in his eye, he recognized her.

"Hey baby, it's your mama. Mama's here." She cooed quietly. She was aware of Cole as he approached the door, she looked up to see him rush past carrying enough food to feed twenty of them. His pants hung low on his hips and he looked relaxed. Happy even. "That's your daddy, running around like a chook." She said to the baby. His eyes twinkled and a gurgle escaped his lips.

"Cole, Freddy is trying to talk." She called, as she picked him up from his crib and carried him to the sitting room. Cole sat surrounded by food, The Equalizer paused, ready on the television set, he smiled as she walked in.

"He can't talk yet Tess, he's not even five weeks old." He shook his head.

"He's my kid, Cole. He could talk underwater."

He laughed out loud. "Well, that's true."

Tess placed Freddy in his seat and they all sat around and watched TV and ate crap food, except for Freddy who stuck to milk. Hours passed in a whirl of movies, hugs and family time. When it was time for bed, Cole put Freddy down while Tess climbed into bed. It wasn't long before Cole joined her, snuggled in together like a couple of teenagers. How did he have the ability to make her heart speed up just by looking at her? A shiver ran through her and she shuddered.

"Come here." He said. His voice was husky as he pulled her into him.