Complications Minor Chapter 20 (of 20)
Nov. 6th, 2008 03:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
misssara11Title: Complications Minor
A Blackpool/Secret Diary of a Call Girl crossover with just a hint of Keen Eddie
Rating: M
Paring: Peter Carlisle/Hannah Baxter
Spoilers: All of Blackpool and S1 of Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Summary: It's a simple arrangement. Right?
Chapter Summary: Hannah has some news for Peter. Peter meets the family. And the future is discussed.
All chapters can be found here.
AN:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
swankkat and kalleah made this whole thing better. To see what caused Peter's concern click here. And I'd like to thank all of you who've read and an extra thanks to those who commented (some on every chapter)! I glad you all liked it.
Hannah checked her calendar and then her watch. This was a routine she had been doing for the past half-hour. Peter was going to be there any minute. She still jumped when he knocked on the door.
He breezed past her, carrying what was going to be their dinner. She followed behind. He rambled as he unpacked the bags he’d brought in.
“Hello, my love. I’ve brought a variety: a bit of Chinese, curry, that vile sushi you seem to love so much, and the cheap lager I love so much.”
She bit her nail and then just blurted it out. “Peter, I’m late.”
“How are you late? I came over here. Did you forget an appointment?” He looked up and saw her expression. “Oh. That kind of late. Are you sure?”
“I haven’t done a test yet, but I’ve never been late.”
He sat down. She sat beside him. She looked at him as he stared into space. “But we were careful.” Now he did turn to her.
“We were not always careful.” There had been quite a few times they got swept up in the moment and forwent the condom. When she was Hannah and not Belle, those were the sort of things she didn’t always think about.
“Yeah. I guess we haven’t been. I thought you were on birth control.”
“I am but nothing's one hundred percent. Besides, you know I’ve been having some troubles with cramps and things with the pills they switched me to a few weeks ago.”
“Is it… It is mine, right?”
She looked him dead on. “You don’t know how much I wish I could say yes without any doubt.”
“Right.” He stood and walked out the door. Hannah put her head in her hands and cried. There was a knock on the door ten minutes later. She ignored it until there was a soft, “Hannah, it’s me. Open up.”
She wiped away her tears and opened the door to Peter. He walked back in carrying another bag. He took out a bottle of water and handed it to her.
“In case you are, beer and champagne may not be the best choices. And you might need this.” He set a box in front of her.
“A pregnancy test.” She read the label but didn’t touch it.
“You said you hadn’t taken one. Do you want to…?”
She placed a hand near his and drew figures on the counter’s surface. “Peter, if this comes out positive, what are we going to do?”
He took her hand properly. “As far as I’m concerned, that boy or girl is mine and we will raise him or her together.”
“We wouldn’t have to.”
“That baby was made out of love, Hannah. Our love. I wouldn’t dare destroy that and I hope you wouldn’t either.”
“But it’s not that simple. I’d certainly have to quit my work. Everything would change.”
He rubbed her arm. “I know it would, but Hannah, we’ll make it work. I’ll support you if I have to. We’ll both have to make adjustments but we’ll do it together. I will never abandon you. So, how about it?” He pushed the box she’d let be towards her.
She knew everything he said he was true. And there really wasn’t anyone else she’d rather have by her side during all of it.
She decided.
“Not yet. If this does change everything, I want to have one more night the way it was. Can we just pretend for the moment that this isn’t happening and find out in the morning?”
“Of course. Whatever you want.” He pulled her into his arms and she melted into him. He pulled back a few minutes later. “Dinner’s getting cold. Think you can eat?”
She nodded mutely and let him usher her to a chair. They ate and then moved to the sofa to watch television; both acting like nothing else was on their minds. Eventually, Hannah stood and led Peter to bed.
He made love to her with infinite gentleness and with protection in place. She felt cherished and safe, two things she didn’t think she’d ever needed; but most of all she felt loved, something she sometimes thought she didn’t deserve.
“Hold me tonight?” she asked as he got back into bed after cleaning up.
He wrapped his arms around her, “I’m not going anywhere. Promise.”
The next morning she woke before Peter and slipped out of bed. After putting on her dressing gown, she picked up the box and went to the bathroom, sitting down on the lip of the bathtub.
That was where Peter found her twenty minutes later. He had slipped on pyjama bottoms, she noted as he knelt in front of her and placed his hands on her knees.
“You okay?” He reached up and brushed a thumb across her cheek. Hannah nodded. She really didn’t know what else to say. “I’m going in late to work,” he announced.
“You don’t have to do that, Peter.”
“There is no way I’m letting you go through this alone. So, do your thing.”
She stood and stared at him. She could tell he wasn’t budging. “Peter, you know I have to pee on a stick to take the test, right?”
His eyes widened. “Right, you can do that bit on your own.”
“Thanks.” She smiled for the first time that morning.
When she finished up, she found him sitting one of the chairs in the bedroom. She climbed into his lap and burrowed her head into the crook of his neck. He rubbed her back.
“How long do we have?”
“A few minutes.” She wrapped her arms around him and he did the same to her. He then gave her a squeeze and started to rock her.
She lifted her head some time later. “I think it’s ready.”
He grabbed her hand before she could take a step. “I love you. No matter what.”
She smiled at him. “I love you, too. Come on.” They walked to the loo together. Hannah picked up the stick and the box. Peter peeked over her shoulder. They looked back and forth between the two items and then Hannah set them down.
“So, I guess that’s it then.”
“I guess so,” he agreed.
“Coffee?”
“Sure.”
She set about making the coffee while he took a seat at the table. After she made up the mugs and brought them to the table, Peter asked the same thing she’d been pondering. “Now what?”
“I’ll go to the doctor to be sure but yeah, it’s looking like I’m not pregnant.” She took a long drink. “What are you thinking?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure.”
“Would this have been something you would want?”
“I’ve never been in a position to find out before. I wasn’t married long enough for it to be an issue and Natalie’s kids were all but grown. I guess I never thought about it. I don’t think I’d be opposed but I certainly am not actively seeking it either. What about you?”
“I never wanted kids. I’m too selfish. I’d have to quit working because not many want an escort who’s up the duff , at least ones I would want to work with, and then I’d have to work on getting my figure back, losing my client list in the process due to being out for nearly a year. But now… I guess I’m like you. It wouldn’t be the end of world but it’s not my first, second or even third choice. Breakfast?”
“I’ll help.” They moved about her kitchen. “I’ve not even been around children all that much. I try not to be, though it can’t be that hard.”
“You should spend time with Ollie, my nephew.” They both laughed. Then she turned to him, serious. “I could arrange that, you know.”
“Arrange what?” he asked, his mouth full of Marmite covered toast.
“Meeting my nephew. My family actually. I want you to meet my family. You are a very important part of my life. It’s time they get used to the fact.” They sat down to eat properly.
He smiled at her. “Yeah, I’ll do that.” He continued to grin at her.
She started to squirm in her seat. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“That was a grown up relationship moment you had just then.”
Hannah sat up straighter and smiled. “Yes it was. Do me a favour? Don’t judge me on my family.”
“Oh Hannah, don’t be silly. Of course I’m going to!”
She laughed and tossed a piece of fried egg at him.
Later that day, a trip to the doctor confirmed the results from that morning. She was not pregnant. She was surprised to find a small part of her was a bit disappointed but the majority of her sighed in relief. She met Peter for lunch. After she told him the news, he still seemed worried.
“What’s going on then? It’s not anything serious is it?” Peter took her hand, concern etched on his face.
“Nope. Fit as a fiddle. The doctor said it was a combination of stress and the new pills. He said I would have just as been as likely to be early as late. The medication should level off soon and until then, we have to be sure to be careful or abstain. I some how managed to not laugh at that part.”
“We could try it. Abstinence.” He burst out laughing. “Sorry. I tried.”
Hannah’s mobile rang. “Hello? Hi Mum.” She and her mother chatted for a few minutes before she was asked to Sunday dinner. “Hey Mum, can I bring someone?”
“Of course, dear. Who? Is it Ben? I could make those potatoes he likes.” Her mother knew every thing Ben liked and tended to spoil him when he came.
“No. I’m bringing my boyfriend. You’re going to meet Peter.” She took his hand across the table.
“Well, it’s about time. Is there anything I should avoid making? Allergies? Dislikes?”
“No, well, except for mushrooms. I think you’ll find Peter Carlisle is the least picky eater you will ever meet.” They finished up their call and she turned her attention back to Peter. “So, are you free on Sunday?”
“I’m afraid not. I have to have dinner with my girlfriend’s family. I’m meeting them for the first time.”
“Poor you. Sounds ghastly.”
“Yeah, I think I’ll need massive amounts of consoling afterwards. You free for that?”
“Now, my sister and mother will give us both disappointed looks for reasons we’ll never comprehend quite often. Patrick, my brother-in-law, will be painfully polite and agree with anything Jackie says when asked. The baby will mostly drool. And my dad, who’s the only opinion I truly care about, will love you simply because you’re important to me.”
They were in the back of a cab turning onto Hannah’s parents’ street. Peter took her hand. “Will he really be won over that easily?”
“Most likely not, but I didn’t want to freak you out anymore than was necessary.”
“I work for the most famous police department in the world and this scares me.”
She brushed the side of his face with her free hand. “Aw.” Then she pinched his cheek. “Suck it up. We’re here.”
“Your compassion. It overwhelms.”
All the introductions were pleasant, though Hannah could see her mum and sister were looking for anything to use as ammunition in the future. They sat down to eat without incident, however.
“Mrs. Baxter, everything tastes wonderful.” Peter was trying.
“Thank you, Peter. I’m sure it’s more than what you get from Hannah’s cooker.”
She wasn’t going to rise to the bait. “Actually, Mum, Peter’s been teaching me to cook a little. Very little, but still.”
He smiled at her. “Well, I don’t know a lot of recipes but she’s not too bad at it.”
Her mum seemed surprised but pleased. “You’re learning to cook? I could never get you in the kitchen when you were younger for more than a snack.”
“Yeah, well, I think it helps that I fancy my teacher now.” She could tell her mother had been won over. Hannah had a feeling it was because Peter had got her to try something she’d spent most of her life resisting, Even if it wasn’t, she wasn’t going to complain.
Things went smoothly after that. Hannah had noticed her sister was uncharacteristically quiet but wasn’t about to complain about it. She knew things were too good to be true when Jackie set down her drink and fixed Peter with a hard stare.
“Hannah tells us you’re a DI at Scotland Yard.”
Peter smiled easily. “That’s correct.”
“Isn’t that a bit dangerous?”
Hannah didn’t like where this could be going. “Jackie…”
“No, it’s fine.” Peter placed a hand on her arm. “In some aspects it is but anything can be dangerous. Besides, if it weren’t for me and my co-workers, the streets wouldn’t be safe for you and your family. I sleep very well at night knowing I’m helping put away villainy and scum.”
Hannah suppressed her laugh but not her grin. No one had dared stand their ground with Jackie in years. There was a perverse pleasure in seeing her sister gobsmacked. Even her brother-in-law was smirking but wiped it away with his napkin when his wife turned to him.
The rest of the meal went by without incident. After clearing the table, Hannah followed her father out while he went for a smoke break. He finished rolling a cigarette and went to hand it over to her. She shook her head.
“I keep forgetting you quit. Making the rest of us look bad. Is that the reason why?” He nodded indoors where Peter was helping with the dishes.
“No, but he prefers me a non-smoker. I quit after we met but long before we started dating. Actually, I quit before I even knew he wanted a non-smoker.” She watched her foot trail a pebble across the ground. “I love him, Daddy.”
“Does he feel the same?”
She looked up and smiled. “Yes. I have no doubt about that. So, what do you think?”
He took a puff and slowly let out the smoke. “I think, youngest, that you haven’t been this happy in years. And he must be pretty special if you dared bring him here. From what I’ve seen of you two together today, he treats you like the lady I know you are. He put your sister in her place. I like him for that alone.”
“So, you do like him?”
He lifted an arm and she folded into him. “Yes. I do.” They stood there for a few minutes. “But he’ll never be good enough for you.”
She laughed. “Yeah, right. If anything, I don’t deserve him.”
As their cab pulled up, her mum shoved a cookbook into Hannah’s hands and loaded both of them up with the traditional leftovers.
“Mum, I make scrambled eggs. I don’t think I’m ready for this.”
“Well, take a peek. It’s something to strive for. And Peter, I do hope you come again. You’d be most welcome.”
He kissed her mother’s cheek. “I’d like that. Thank you.” They said their goodbyes and were on their way.
Peter wrapped his arm around Hannah’s shoulder. “Did I pass the test?”
She kissed his cheek and nuzzled her nose against his neck. “With flying colours.”
“I’m glad. But I should be honest, there’s really only one Baxter’s opinion I truly care about.” He kissed the top of her head.
“You have nothing to worry about there.”
As the weeks went on, Hannah found she was truly happy and that that came from being with Peter. They still had their occasional problems, which she found out was normal (she shuddered at the word) in a relationship. They had tiffs and they then made up for them in spectacular fashion.
This all led her to do some serious thinking about her life. And one day she told him as much. “Peter, I’ve been pondering.”
He was propped up on some pillows in her bed, going over case files. He was wearing his glasses, a t-shirt and pyjama bottoms. His hair was still damp from the torrential downpour he’d been caught in on the way over.
Hannah had a cancelled in-call who said he’d pay anyway. She didn’t bother to change her lingerie as she had a feeling Peter would like it and called him to come over for the night. The rain caught him unexpectedly and they thought it easier to just change for bed. He thought nothing of her lounging in her dressing gown.
He looked up from his file. “What about?”
“A career change.”
“Really?” He took off his glasses. “Is this because of what happened a few weeks ago?”
“Partially.”
“While I can’t say I’m disappointed in this turn of events, you aren’t doing this for me, right? I don’t want you to make a major decision like this only because it’s something that I want.”
She sat by his feet. “You’re only a very very small part of this. I’m just… I’m getting burnt out. And there’s the safety issue and other things. I don’t think I could do it for much longer.”
“You know I’ll support whatever you decide.”
She put her head in her hands. “But I can’t quit full stop. I can’t afford to. And what would I do?”
Peter sat up and rubbed her arm, “You’re clever. You’ll think of something. Use your degree or go back to school for something else. Become that secretary you tell everyone you are.”
“I don’t want to work in an office.” She was whinging and she knew it. She also didn’t care.
He pulled her into his arms. “It will work out. I’ll help in any way.”
“I know.” She tilted her head back to kiss him, ready to change the mood. “But I haven’t quit yet. So, there’s still a chance for last-minute cancellations and I’m stuck wearing something like this.” She stood and dropped her robe.
Her bra and panties were a light fleshly pink with black details. The cups of the bra had scrolling black design and the rest was trimmed with black lace. The knickers continued the black on pink artwork in the front and back. However, the detail she knew would grab the attention of the man on the bed was the silk ribbons tied at her hips holding them up.
“Well aren’t those just clever. You would never know those were on, they’re so sheer until you see that bit at the top.” He pointed to her stockings.
She turned so that her back was to him. “That and the seams running down the backs,” she threw over her shoulder.
“Wahey, look at that!” He pulled her into the bed.
Much later, as they lay in tangled sheets, Hannah was almost lulled to sleep by the steady rhythm of stroking on her back that Peter was doing when he suddenly sat up.
“I’ve just had a marvellous idea.”
Hannah pulled herself up from where she’d been dumped on the mattress. “That’s wonderful. Could you not do it so suddenly next time?”
“Hmm? Oh, sorry.” He helped her the rest of the way upright. “You majored in English, right?”
“And economics. Why?”
“And you love to read.”
“Yes.”
“Become a writer!”
“Don’t be daft.”
He took her hands in his. “Seriously. Write what you know. Tell your story. It will fly off the shelves. I’m sure people can’t make up some of what you’ve seen.”
She looked up at him through her lashes. “You really think I could?” He nodded. “It’s not going to happen over night though. I’m going to have to wean myself away from prostitution and most likely will have to get a regular day job.”
“So do it. You like a challenge. Or are you too cowardly?” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
“Oh, those are fighting words, Carlisle.”
“Bring it on, Baxter.” They wrestled around on the bed for a bit.
After he let her win, she rested her chin on her fist and propped herself on his stomach. “I wouldn’t just break into this whole thing. Some people never do. Maybe I should start small. A blog, for practise. But who would read it besides you and Ben?”
“Monty and he can get the word out. Say, ‘Have you seen that blog written by that ex-prossie? And that boyfriend of hers seems like a real stand up chap.’ It would get out there.”
She smiled a Cheshire cat grin. “I’m going to be a writer!” She really thought it could work.
“Yes you are. And you could still use Belle as your nom de plume!” He pulled her up to kiss her. She rolled off of him a bit later. “But Hannah, I do have a concern about this job change.”
Hannah furrowed her brow. This course of action was his idea. “What’s that?”
Peter picked up her knickers from the folds of the sheets. Both sides had been undone in his slow seductive act of undressing her. But as soon as they were off, he pounced on her and the discarded clothing got tangled into the bed clothes as the two of them made good use of the bed. “Will you still be buying these fancy underthings or will that come to an end?” She groaned and smacked him with a pillow. “What? This is a valid issue!”
“I’ll tell you what, when the time comes, you and I will go through my entire Belle wardrobe and some of the Hannah side. Whatever you like, I’ll be sure keep.”
“Hmm. This could take some serious effort. Long, long nights will be dedicated to this. I may have to put my other cases on hold.”
His first attempt at an investigation dissolved into a playful tussle but they didn’t take things any further, choosing instead to just cuddle until they drifted off.
The next day was decidedly a lazy one as neither one of them had anything to do. The weather was an about face from the day before by being warm and sunny. After a long walk and brunch at an outdoor café, they returned to Hannah’s.
They had opened the doors to the balcony to let the fresh air in. They were both reading; Hannah, a book she’d bought on their holiday and Peter, his files. She had her legs thrown over his lap and would occasionally drag her bare foot down the inside of his arm. He would give her a stern look over his glasses before breaking into a grin and tickling the bottoms of her feet. She would settle her legs back onto his denim clad lap and they would turn back to what they were doing.
When she finished her chapter, Hannah set down her book and studied the man she loved. While her insecurities were waning, there was still a question she had to ask. “Peter, where do you see us, our relationship, going?”
He closed the folder he was reading and took off his glasses. “Where did this come from?” She shrugged. “I don’t know, Hannah. I know I’m in love with you and that when I look into my future, I see you. What that entails has yet to be seen. Maybe we’ll live apart or together. Maybe we’ll make more of a commitment to each other. I just don’t know. I do know I want to be with you, whatever that means. How about you?”
“I think you put it perfectly. Though, I may never want to marry you. I have always been anti-marriage for myself.” She wanted to be as honest with him as possible.
“My experience with it hasn’t been the best either.”
“If I do change my mind, you’ll be the first to know, though. “
He picked up her hand and kissed it. “Glad to hear it.”
She pulled him on top of her. “I love you.”
And, for now, that was enough for the both of them.
A Blackpool/Secret Diary of a Call Girl crossover with just a hint of Keen Eddie
Rating: M
Paring: Peter Carlisle/Hannah Baxter
Spoilers: All of Blackpool and S1 of Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Summary: It's a simple arrangement. Right?
Chapter Summary: Hannah has some news for Peter. Peter meets the family. And the future is discussed.
All chapters can be found here.
AN:
swankkat and kalleah made this whole thing better. To see what caused Peter's concern click here. And I'd like to thank all of you who've read and an extra thanks to those who commented (some on every chapter)! I glad you all liked it.Hannah checked her calendar and then her watch. This was a routine she had been doing for the past half-hour. Peter was going to be there any minute. She still jumped when he knocked on the door.
He breezed past her, carrying what was going to be their dinner. She followed behind. He rambled as he unpacked the bags he’d brought in.
“Hello, my love. I’ve brought a variety: a bit of Chinese, curry, that vile sushi you seem to love so much, and the cheap lager I love so much.”
She bit her nail and then just blurted it out. “Peter, I’m late.”
“How are you late? I came over here. Did you forget an appointment?” He looked up and saw her expression. “Oh. That kind of late. Are you sure?”
“I haven’t done a test yet, but I’ve never been late.”
He sat down. She sat beside him. She looked at him as he stared into space. “But we were careful.” Now he did turn to her.
“We were not always careful.” There had been quite a few times they got swept up in the moment and forwent the condom. When she was Hannah and not Belle, those were the sort of things she didn’t always think about.
“Yeah. I guess we haven’t been. I thought you were on birth control.”
“I am but nothing's one hundred percent. Besides, you know I’ve been having some troubles with cramps and things with the pills they switched me to a few weeks ago.”
“Is it… It is mine, right?”
She looked him dead on. “You don’t know how much I wish I could say yes without any doubt.”
“Right.” He stood and walked out the door. Hannah put her head in her hands and cried. There was a knock on the door ten minutes later. She ignored it until there was a soft, “Hannah, it’s me. Open up.”
She wiped away her tears and opened the door to Peter. He walked back in carrying another bag. He took out a bottle of water and handed it to her.
“In case you are, beer and champagne may not be the best choices. And you might need this.” He set a box in front of her.
“A pregnancy test.” She read the label but didn’t touch it.
“You said you hadn’t taken one. Do you want to…?”
She placed a hand near his and drew figures on the counter’s surface. “Peter, if this comes out positive, what are we going to do?”
He took her hand properly. “As far as I’m concerned, that boy or girl is mine and we will raise him or her together.”
“We wouldn’t have to.”
“That baby was made out of love, Hannah. Our love. I wouldn’t dare destroy that and I hope you wouldn’t either.”
“But it’s not that simple. I’d certainly have to quit my work. Everything would change.”
He rubbed her arm. “I know it would, but Hannah, we’ll make it work. I’ll support you if I have to. We’ll both have to make adjustments but we’ll do it together. I will never abandon you. So, how about it?” He pushed the box she’d let be towards her.
She knew everything he said he was true. And there really wasn’t anyone else she’d rather have by her side during all of it.
She decided.
“Not yet. If this does change everything, I want to have one more night the way it was. Can we just pretend for the moment that this isn’t happening and find out in the morning?”
“Of course. Whatever you want.” He pulled her into his arms and she melted into him. He pulled back a few minutes later. “Dinner’s getting cold. Think you can eat?”
She nodded mutely and let him usher her to a chair. They ate and then moved to the sofa to watch television; both acting like nothing else was on their minds. Eventually, Hannah stood and led Peter to bed.
He made love to her with infinite gentleness and with protection in place. She felt cherished and safe, two things she didn’t think she’d ever needed; but most of all she felt loved, something she sometimes thought she didn’t deserve.
“Hold me tonight?” she asked as he got back into bed after cleaning up.
He wrapped his arms around her, “I’m not going anywhere. Promise.”
The next morning she woke before Peter and slipped out of bed. After putting on her dressing gown, she picked up the box and went to the bathroom, sitting down on the lip of the bathtub.
That was where Peter found her twenty minutes later. He had slipped on pyjama bottoms, she noted as he knelt in front of her and placed his hands on her knees.
“You okay?” He reached up and brushed a thumb across her cheek. Hannah nodded. She really didn’t know what else to say. “I’m going in late to work,” he announced.
“You don’t have to do that, Peter.”
“There is no way I’m letting you go through this alone. So, do your thing.”
She stood and stared at him. She could tell he wasn’t budging. “Peter, you know I have to pee on a stick to take the test, right?”
His eyes widened. “Right, you can do that bit on your own.”
“Thanks.” She smiled for the first time that morning.
When she finished up, she found him sitting one of the chairs in the bedroom. She climbed into his lap and burrowed her head into the crook of his neck. He rubbed her back.
“How long do we have?”
“A few minutes.” She wrapped her arms around him and he did the same to her. He then gave her a squeeze and started to rock her.
She lifted her head some time later. “I think it’s ready.”
He grabbed her hand before she could take a step. “I love you. No matter what.”
She smiled at him. “I love you, too. Come on.” They walked to the loo together. Hannah picked up the stick and the box. Peter peeked over her shoulder. They looked back and forth between the two items and then Hannah set them down.
“So, I guess that’s it then.”
“I guess so,” he agreed.
“Coffee?”
“Sure.”
She set about making the coffee while he took a seat at the table. After she made up the mugs and brought them to the table, Peter asked the same thing she’d been pondering. “Now what?”
“I’ll go to the doctor to be sure but yeah, it’s looking like I’m not pregnant.” She took a long drink. “What are you thinking?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure.”
“Would this have been something you would want?”
“I’ve never been in a position to find out before. I wasn’t married long enough for it to be an issue and Natalie’s kids were all but grown. I guess I never thought about it. I don’t think I’d be opposed but I certainly am not actively seeking it either. What about you?”
“I never wanted kids. I’m too selfish. I’d have to quit working because not many want an escort who’s up the duff , at least ones I would want to work with, and then I’d have to work on getting my figure back, losing my client list in the process due to being out for nearly a year. But now… I guess I’m like you. It wouldn’t be the end of world but it’s not my first, second or even third choice. Breakfast?”
“I’ll help.” They moved about her kitchen. “I’ve not even been around children all that much. I try not to be, though it can’t be that hard.”
“You should spend time with Ollie, my nephew.” They both laughed. Then she turned to him, serious. “I could arrange that, you know.”
“Arrange what?” he asked, his mouth full of Marmite covered toast.
“Meeting my nephew. My family actually. I want you to meet my family. You are a very important part of my life. It’s time they get used to the fact.” They sat down to eat properly.
He smiled at her. “Yeah, I’ll do that.” He continued to grin at her.
She started to squirm in her seat. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
“That was a grown up relationship moment you had just then.”
Hannah sat up straighter and smiled. “Yes it was. Do me a favour? Don’t judge me on my family.”
“Oh Hannah, don’t be silly. Of course I’m going to!”
She laughed and tossed a piece of fried egg at him.
Later that day, a trip to the doctor confirmed the results from that morning. She was not pregnant. She was surprised to find a small part of her was a bit disappointed but the majority of her sighed in relief. She met Peter for lunch. After she told him the news, he still seemed worried.
“What’s going on then? It’s not anything serious is it?” Peter took her hand, concern etched on his face.
“Nope. Fit as a fiddle. The doctor said it was a combination of stress and the new pills. He said I would have just as been as likely to be early as late. The medication should level off soon and until then, we have to be sure to be careful or abstain. I some how managed to not laugh at that part.”
“We could try it. Abstinence.” He burst out laughing. “Sorry. I tried.”
Hannah’s mobile rang. “Hello? Hi Mum.” She and her mother chatted for a few minutes before she was asked to Sunday dinner. “Hey Mum, can I bring someone?”
“Of course, dear. Who? Is it Ben? I could make those potatoes he likes.” Her mother knew every thing Ben liked and tended to spoil him when he came.
“No. I’m bringing my boyfriend. You’re going to meet Peter.” She took his hand across the table.
“Well, it’s about time. Is there anything I should avoid making? Allergies? Dislikes?”
“No, well, except for mushrooms. I think you’ll find Peter Carlisle is the least picky eater you will ever meet.” They finished up their call and she turned her attention back to Peter. “So, are you free on Sunday?”
“I’m afraid not. I have to have dinner with my girlfriend’s family. I’m meeting them for the first time.”
“Poor you. Sounds ghastly.”
“Yeah, I think I’ll need massive amounts of consoling afterwards. You free for that?”
“Now, my sister and mother will give us both disappointed looks for reasons we’ll never comprehend quite often. Patrick, my brother-in-law, will be painfully polite and agree with anything Jackie says when asked. The baby will mostly drool. And my dad, who’s the only opinion I truly care about, will love you simply because you’re important to me.”
They were in the back of a cab turning onto Hannah’s parents’ street. Peter took her hand. “Will he really be won over that easily?”
“Most likely not, but I didn’t want to freak you out anymore than was necessary.”
“I work for the most famous police department in the world and this scares me.”
She brushed the side of his face with her free hand. “Aw.” Then she pinched his cheek. “Suck it up. We’re here.”
“Your compassion. It overwhelms.”
All the introductions were pleasant, though Hannah could see her mum and sister were looking for anything to use as ammunition in the future. They sat down to eat without incident, however.
“Mrs. Baxter, everything tastes wonderful.” Peter was trying.
“Thank you, Peter. I’m sure it’s more than what you get from Hannah’s cooker.”
She wasn’t going to rise to the bait. “Actually, Mum, Peter’s been teaching me to cook a little. Very little, but still.”
He smiled at her. “Well, I don’t know a lot of recipes but she’s not too bad at it.”
Her mum seemed surprised but pleased. “You’re learning to cook? I could never get you in the kitchen when you were younger for more than a snack.”
“Yeah, well, I think it helps that I fancy my teacher now.” She could tell her mother had been won over. Hannah had a feeling it was because Peter had got her to try something she’d spent most of her life resisting, Even if it wasn’t, she wasn’t going to complain.
Things went smoothly after that. Hannah had noticed her sister was uncharacteristically quiet but wasn’t about to complain about it. She knew things were too good to be true when Jackie set down her drink and fixed Peter with a hard stare.
“Hannah tells us you’re a DI at Scotland Yard.”
Peter smiled easily. “That’s correct.”
“Isn’t that a bit dangerous?”
Hannah didn’t like where this could be going. “Jackie…”
“No, it’s fine.” Peter placed a hand on her arm. “In some aspects it is but anything can be dangerous. Besides, if it weren’t for me and my co-workers, the streets wouldn’t be safe for you and your family. I sleep very well at night knowing I’m helping put away villainy and scum.”
Hannah suppressed her laugh but not her grin. No one had dared stand their ground with Jackie in years. There was a perverse pleasure in seeing her sister gobsmacked. Even her brother-in-law was smirking but wiped it away with his napkin when his wife turned to him.
The rest of the meal went by without incident. After clearing the table, Hannah followed her father out while he went for a smoke break. He finished rolling a cigarette and went to hand it over to her. She shook her head.
“I keep forgetting you quit. Making the rest of us look bad. Is that the reason why?” He nodded indoors where Peter was helping with the dishes.
“No, but he prefers me a non-smoker. I quit after we met but long before we started dating. Actually, I quit before I even knew he wanted a non-smoker.” She watched her foot trail a pebble across the ground. “I love him, Daddy.”
“Does he feel the same?”
She looked up and smiled. “Yes. I have no doubt about that. So, what do you think?”
He took a puff and slowly let out the smoke. “I think, youngest, that you haven’t been this happy in years. And he must be pretty special if you dared bring him here. From what I’ve seen of you two together today, he treats you like the lady I know you are. He put your sister in her place. I like him for that alone.”
“So, you do like him?”
He lifted an arm and she folded into him. “Yes. I do.” They stood there for a few minutes. “But he’ll never be good enough for you.”
She laughed. “Yeah, right. If anything, I don’t deserve him.”
As their cab pulled up, her mum shoved a cookbook into Hannah’s hands and loaded both of them up with the traditional leftovers.
“Mum, I make scrambled eggs. I don’t think I’m ready for this.”
“Well, take a peek. It’s something to strive for. And Peter, I do hope you come again. You’d be most welcome.”
He kissed her mother’s cheek. “I’d like that. Thank you.” They said their goodbyes and were on their way.
Peter wrapped his arm around Hannah’s shoulder. “Did I pass the test?”
She kissed his cheek and nuzzled her nose against his neck. “With flying colours.”
“I’m glad. But I should be honest, there’s really only one Baxter’s opinion I truly care about.” He kissed the top of her head.
“You have nothing to worry about there.”
As the weeks went on, Hannah found she was truly happy and that that came from being with Peter. They still had their occasional problems, which she found out was normal (she shuddered at the word) in a relationship. They had tiffs and they then made up for them in spectacular fashion.
This all led her to do some serious thinking about her life. And one day she told him as much. “Peter, I’ve been pondering.”
He was propped up on some pillows in her bed, going over case files. He was wearing his glasses, a t-shirt and pyjama bottoms. His hair was still damp from the torrential downpour he’d been caught in on the way over.
Hannah had a cancelled in-call who said he’d pay anyway. She didn’t bother to change her lingerie as she had a feeling Peter would like it and called him to come over for the night. The rain caught him unexpectedly and they thought it easier to just change for bed. He thought nothing of her lounging in her dressing gown.
He looked up from his file. “What about?”
“A career change.”
“Really?” He took off his glasses. “Is this because of what happened a few weeks ago?”
“Partially.”
“While I can’t say I’m disappointed in this turn of events, you aren’t doing this for me, right? I don’t want you to make a major decision like this only because it’s something that I want.”
She sat by his feet. “You’re only a very very small part of this. I’m just… I’m getting burnt out. And there’s the safety issue and other things. I don’t think I could do it for much longer.”
“You know I’ll support whatever you decide.”
She put her head in her hands. “But I can’t quit full stop. I can’t afford to. And what would I do?”
Peter sat up and rubbed her arm, “You’re clever. You’ll think of something. Use your degree or go back to school for something else. Become that secretary you tell everyone you are.”
“I don’t want to work in an office.” She was whinging and she knew it. She also didn’t care.
He pulled her into his arms. “It will work out. I’ll help in any way.”
“I know.” She tilted her head back to kiss him, ready to change the mood. “But I haven’t quit yet. So, there’s still a chance for last-minute cancellations and I’m stuck wearing something like this.” She stood and dropped her robe.
Her bra and panties were a light fleshly pink with black details. The cups of the bra had scrolling black design and the rest was trimmed with black lace. The knickers continued the black on pink artwork in the front and back. However, the detail she knew would grab the attention of the man on the bed was the silk ribbons tied at her hips holding them up.
“Well aren’t those just clever. You would never know those were on, they’re so sheer until you see that bit at the top.” He pointed to her stockings.
She turned so that her back was to him. “That and the seams running down the backs,” she threw over her shoulder.
“Wahey, look at that!” He pulled her into the bed.
Much later, as they lay in tangled sheets, Hannah was almost lulled to sleep by the steady rhythm of stroking on her back that Peter was doing when he suddenly sat up.
“I’ve just had a marvellous idea.”
Hannah pulled herself up from where she’d been dumped on the mattress. “That’s wonderful. Could you not do it so suddenly next time?”
“Hmm? Oh, sorry.” He helped her the rest of the way upright. “You majored in English, right?”
“And economics. Why?”
“And you love to read.”
“Yes.”
“Become a writer!”
“Don’t be daft.”
He took her hands in his. “Seriously. Write what you know. Tell your story. It will fly off the shelves. I’m sure people can’t make up some of what you’ve seen.”
She looked up at him through her lashes. “You really think I could?” He nodded. “It’s not going to happen over night though. I’m going to have to wean myself away from prostitution and most likely will have to get a regular day job.”
“So do it. You like a challenge. Or are you too cowardly?” He waggled his eyebrows at her.
“Oh, those are fighting words, Carlisle.”
“Bring it on, Baxter.” They wrestled around on the bed for a bit.
After he let her win, she rested her chin on her fist and propped herself on his stomach. “I wouldn’t just break into this whole thing. Some people never do. Maybe I should start small. A blog, for practise. But who would read it besides you and Ben?”
“Monty and he can get the word out. Say, ‘Have you seen that blog written by that ex-prossie? And that boyfriend of hers seems like a real stand up chap.’ It would get out there.”
She smiled a Cheshire cat grin. “I’m going to be a writer!” She really thought it could work.
“Yes you are. And you could still use Belle as your nom de plume!” He pulled her up to kiss her. She rolled off of him a bit later. “But Hannah, I do have a concern about this job change.”
Hannah furrowed her brow. This course of action was his idea. “What’s that?”
Peter picked up her knickers from the folds of the sheets. Both sides had been undone in his slow seductive act of undressing her. But as soon as they were off, he pounced on her and the discarded clothing got tangled into the bed clothes as the two of them made good use of the bed. “Will you still be buying these fancy underthings or will that come to an end?” She groaned and smacked him with a pillow. “What? This is a valid issue!”
“I’ll tell you what, when the time comes, you and I will go through my entire Belle wardrobe and some of the Hannah side. Whatever you like, I’ll be sure keep.”
“Hmm. This could take some serious effort. Long, long nights will be dedicated to this. I may have to put my other cases on hold.”
His first attempt at an investigation dissolved into a playful tussle but they didn’t take things any further, choosing instead to just cuddle until they drifted off.
The next day was decidedly a lazy one as neither one of them had anything to do. The weather was an about face from the day before by being warm and sunny. After a long walk and brunch at an outdoor café, they returned to Hannah’s.
They had opened the doors to the balcony to let the fresh air in. They were both reading; Hannah, a book she’d bought on their holiday and Peter, his files. She had her legs thrown over his lap and would occasionally drag her bare foot down the inside of his arm. He would give her a stern look over his glasses before breaking into a grin and tickling the bottoms of her feet. She would settle her legs back onto his denim clad lap and they would turn back to what they were doing.
When she finished her chapter, Hannah set down her book and studied the man she loved. While her insecurities were waning, there was still a question she had to ask. “Peter, where do you see us, our relationship, going?”
He closed the folder he was reading and took off his glasses. “Where did this come from?” She shrugged. “I don’t know, Hannah. I know I’m in love with you and that when I look into my future, I see you. What that entails has yet to be seen. Maybe we’ll live apart or together. Maybe we’ll make more of a commitment to each other. I just don’t know. I do know I want to be with you, whatever that means. How about you?”
“I think you put it perfectly. Though, I may never want to marry you. I have always been anti-marriage for myself.” She wanted to be as honest with him as possible.
“My experience with it hasn’t been the best either.”
“If I do change my mind, you’ll be the first to know, though. “
He picked up her hand and kissed it. “Glad to hear it.”
She pulled him on top of her. “I love you.”
And, for now, that was enough for the both of them.
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Date: 2009-02-22 07:06 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-02-23 03:09 pm (UTC)