Second Chances Part 4 - The Holly and the Ivy

Second Chances Part 4 – The Holly and the Ivy by Bethhawke.

Moving back into the cabin after Symphony was released from the clinic was a relief to Hawke, but at the same time he was concerned. It had been a while since they had been a family and he wasn't sure if they would drift back into their familiar roles or even if it was what they all wanted.
Le had enjoyed staying with Dominic. He was close to his school and could visit his friends. At the cabin he was isolated and although Hawke knew he loved it he wasn't sure if it was good for the boy.

Beth was his other worry. Even before all this had happened she hadn't been completely happy and he didn't really know why. He knew she still had nightmares about her kidnap and rape and he guessed new ones would be added now, ones that he would probably suffer from too. Maybe some time together would solve their problems. Bringing in the bags he put Beth's clothes in the loft bedroom with his. They hadn't slept in the same room for a while but there was nowhere else for her and he wasn't about to suggest that either of them take the sofa; he wanted a reconciliation.


It was Dominic who suggested that the young couple might like some time alone together. He had tentatively suggested that the baby sleep in Le's room for a few nights, giving String and Beth some badly needed private time as well as the opportunity for an undisturbed night's sleep.
Le had jumped at the suggestion. He was excited at being trusted with such an important job, especially as Symphony was sleeping longer most nights.
Beth was reluctant at first, not liking the idea of her baby being out of her sight after such a dramatic separation, but had been reassured when Le told her that he would wake her up if he couldn't cope. And as Dom was staying for a few days, sleeping in the guest room next to Le's, he could help too.
In front of his family Hawke admitted that it was a good idea as both he and Beth were exhausted, both physically and emotionally. But Dom noticed that something was wrong. After agreeing, Hawke had become quiet and withdrawn and Dom suspected that he wanted to talk but was too stubborn or private to do so. As usual it was up to Dom to broach the subject when they found themselves alone on the porch steps later that day.
“You wanna talk about it String?” he asked casually, staring out at the lake.
Hawke looked at him in surprise, “Talk about what?” he asked.
“Well something has been eating at you since this morning and I figured that maybe you wanted to have a talk, man to man?” Dom chose his words with care, not wanting to give Hawke a reason to back down.
“Man to man?” Hawke responded, a little tetchily.
“Well yeah. I mean, I'm a man and so are you so anything we say is man to man,” Dom tried to lighten the situation by adding a hint of humour.
“Funny Dom. I know that's not what you meant.”
“Oh, so what did I mean then?” Dom asked the younger man in a knowing way.
“You can't trick me like that. I've known you too long!” Hawke hid a smile. In truth he did want to talk to Dom but was unsure how to begin. He sighed deeply and turned his face away from his friend. He knew that he could talk to Dom about almost anything, but sometimes the generation gap made it a little difficult. He recalled a conversation a while ago when he had admitted to Dom that he sometimes wanted to talk but was unsure if Dom would react as a friend or a father. Dom's emotional response had been to tell Hawke that he only had to ask, so Hawke took the bull by the horns and asked.
“Dom, I need some fatherly advice. You feel up to listening?”
“Of course. You know you only need to ask.”
“I know. It's just...well...dammit it's embarrassing!”
“More embarrassing than the talks we had when you were a teenager and starting to notice girls?” Dom asked him with a grin.
Hawke grinned back, “Yep, it's right up there with those talks,” he admitted, the look on his face speaking volumes about how he felt about it.
“Just spit it out kid.”
Hawke took a deep breath and tried to put his fears into words. “I...I don't know if Beth still wants me,” he said quickly.
“Of course she wants you, you're the father of her child.”
Hawke sighed and tried again, “I know she wants me as her child's father, I'm just not sure that she wants me.”
He pleaded silently that Dom would understand what he was trying, so badly, to say.
When he met up with Beth again, and they had got over his initial misunderstanding about who was the father of the child she was expecting, it had seemed as though their relationship would continue where they had left off, seven months previously.
But it never got past the occasional kiss when they thought Le wasn't looking and after the baby was born she had moved into the guest room and any pretence at intimacy was gone.
Hawke knew she needed time after the baby was born, but even after the doctor had given the all clear for them to resume 'normal relations', Beth had still kept her distance.
And now it had become a habit to act that way.
It had been 13 months since they had made love, in fact the last time was probably when the baby had been conceived. Hawke suspected that the only reason Beth was going to sleep in his bed was because she was too embarrassed to kick Dom out of the guest room.
“Oh come on kid, she loves you. Has she ever given you any indication that she doesn't?”
Hawke sighed. Dom hadn't seen much of Beth lately and when he had she was usually looking after the baby. If he'd seen her alone with him he would realise how different she was acting. Dom had often been amused and sometimes embarrassed by the way Beth was always touching him, but that didn't happen any more.
“Yes Dom, every minute we're together,” Hawke admitted.
“But she's been through a lot these last couple of weeks, you both have. Give it time.”
“I have given it time! It's not just the last few weeks it's since she came back 6 months ago.”
Dom finally started to understand what his young friend was trying to say, “You mean you and her haven't........for 6 months?” he sounded surprised, knowing how close and passionate the couple had been before.
“More like 13,” Hawke muttered under his breath.
“What was that?” Dom hadn't quite heard what he had said.
In a louder voice Hawke repeated what he had said, “13 months! We were apart for 7, back together for 6. That's 13 long hard months and I want her, I need her but I don't know if she wants me. I don't know how to broach the subject. Since Symphony got back she has taken up all her attention.” The emotions he had tried to keep under control for the last couple of weeks were rising to the surface making him say things he wouldn't normally say, “And after the way I attacked her I wouldn't blame her if she never wanted to see me again.” he hung his head, looking at his bandaged hand, still ashamed of the way he had acted.
“She forgave you String. There was no excuse for what you did but she knew she had goaded you and was prepared to accept the consequences. And there's nothing to stop her from moving back to her apartment, but she hasn't. Doesn't that say something?”
Hawke shrugged, “I guess.”
“You talked at the clinic didn't you, before Symphony.....went missing? I thought you'd sorted things out.”
“So did I,” he sighed and shrugged his shoulders again, “Look I'm sorry Dom, I shouldn't have said anything. It's my problem.”
“Yes it is but I think you're making a fuss out of nothing. If you still want my advice I'll give it. You'll only ignore it if you don't like it anyway.”
Hawke gave a rueful smile. He knew Dom was right, “Well I can't ignore it if I don't know what it is.”
“True. My advice, for what it's worth, is to take her to your room and tell her exactly what you have just told me. I'm pretty sure I know where it'll lead.”
“That's your advice?” Hawke wondered if it could really be that simple.
“That's my advice. You gonna take it?”
“I can't think of anything better, so yes, I'll take it. Want the details in the morning,” he added with a wicked grin.
Dom pushed him in the direction of the door, “There are some things I don't need to know. Now get inside.”


Le was in the kitchen getting a drink of milk and fixing a bottle in case Symphony woke in the night.
“String, Beth gave me a message for you.”
“Where is she?” Hawke asked, looking around.
“Bath. She said could you take up a bottle of wine or if you prefer you can have coffee. I'm sure that's what she said, but you never drink coffee at bedtime. You want the wine?” Le opened the fridge door, took out a chilled bottle of white wine and handed it to his uncle who was trying hard to hide a grin. Beth had suggested coffee at bedtime! Maybe she did want him after all.
He took the wine from Le and opened it. They needed to relax so tonight it would be wine. Tucking the bottle under his arm he picked up two glasses and said good night to Le.
“Don't wake us unless you have a problem with Symphony. Beth needs to catch up on some sleep.”
“Okay. Night Uncle String.”
“Night Half-Pint.”


When he had built the extra bedrooms Hawke had also enclosed the loft bedroom, giving him more privacy. He quietly closed the door behind him and looked through the open bathroom door.
Beth was lying in a hot bubble bath, the bubbles up to her neck. She looked up when she heard him.
“Brought the wine?” he lifted the bottle to show her. “Well pour it then!”
He poured the wine and placed a glass on the edge of the bath for her. She took a sip, then looked him in the eyes, “Well, what are you waiting for?”
“Uh?”
“Get in.”
“Oh,” he didn't need asking twice as he quickly stripped off his clothes and sat down in the space she made behind her. She leaned back against him and sighed deeply.
They lay quietly in the bath just sipping the chilled wine. It was Beth who broke the silence.
“This is nice. I could just fall asleep now.”
“Why don't you. I'll make sure you don't drown,” Hawke tightened his arms around her as if to emphasis the point.
“You don't get out of it that easily,” was her cryptic reply.
“What...?”
“Oh come on String, you've been twitchy all day. If I didn't know you better I'd say you were nervous.”
He had just taken a sip of wine and almost choked on it, dribbling cold wine onto her neck,“But you do know me better, don't you?” He finally realised that he had got it all wrong. She did want him and was now setting out to seduce him. Well who was he to argue? He moved her wet hair to one side, licked up the spilt wine and nibbled at her warm damp neck.
She relaxed in his arms, letting his mouth work magic over her neck and shoulders.
“The water's getting cool. Shall we get out now?” she suggested.
They climbed out of the bath and quickly dried themselves before moving naked to the bed.


Lying down, arms wrapped around each other, they both realised how much they had missed this. It wasn't just the sex, it was being close, knowing the person you love is with you. Their lips met and it was as if the last thirteen months hadn't happened. Instincts and memories controlled their movements as their passion was ignited.
Time had no meaning but they both knew this first time was going to be quick. But it didn't matter, they had the rest of their lives ahead of them to make love.
A few minutes of foreplay was all that was needed before he entered her, thrusting fast and hard, meeting both their needs. As their orgasms approached they tore their lips apart and bit down on sweat soaked necks to stop their cries from sounding.


Hawke awoke early the next morning and looked across at Beth sleeping peacefully next to him. He knew if he stayed where he was he would have to wake her and she needed her sleep, so he slipped out of bed and into the shower.
As he was getting dried he heard Symphony crying and had an urge to see his children. His children! Seven months ago it was just him and Dom and now he had Beth, Le and Symphony as well. He couldn't quite believe his luck but decided not to dwell on it knowing that his thoughts would turn dark if he did. All he needed now was to find St. John and his family would be complete.


Wrapping a towel around his waist he crept downstairs and knocked on Le's door.
“Come in,” Le called. He had just started to feed Symphony, holding her securely on his lap.
“Hey Le. Hey Symphony,” he dropped a kiss on each of their heads.
“Did she wake you?” Le wanted to know.
“No, I was already up. She sleep through the night?”
“Yeah. All night!” Le announced proudly, “You're getting a big girl aren't you?” he smiled down at her, “Uncle String have you noticed her hair is the same colour as mine?”
“I had,” he wondered where this was leading as Le sounded a bit nervous.
“Well.......it's like she's a real sister, looking a bit like me. I told the kids at school that I had a baby sister. Is that okay?”
“Is that what you want?”
“Oh yes, if it's okay with you and Beth.”
“It is. Beth and I talked about this after she met you. She accepts that we are a package deal, you and me,” he hesitated then continued cautiously, “Look, I know things have been hard lately but I think we're over the worst. Do you understand what's been wrong with Beth?”
“Sort of. Marella explained and I think I understand.”
“If you have any questions I want you to ask me or Marella.”
“Okay,” Le looked over String's shoulder, “Morning Dom.” Dominic had appeared in the doorway looking tired.
“What's all this noise about? It's not morning yet is it?”
Hawke grinned at him, “Yes it is you lazy coot. You want coffee?”
Dom yawned, “Only if you're making it.”
“Yeah, I'm making. You want anything Half-Pint?”
Le shook his head, “Not yet, I'll get something when Symphony's finished.”


Dom followed Hawke into the kitchen.
“Well?” he asked the younger man.
“Well what?” Hawke replied, feigning innocence.
“Did you talk with Beth?” he asked impatiently.
“We didn't get around to talking.”
“Oh String!” Dom sounded disappointed. He was so sure they would sort things out.
“We did make up though and actions speak louder than words,” Hawke grinned, “but you said you didn't want details.”
Dom rolled his eyes, “You will talk though?”
“Yes, we'll talk. But can I at least wait until she wakes up?”


When the coffee was ready Dom returned to his room and Hawke took two cups upstairs.
Beth was awake and sitting up in bed.
“Morning,” Hawke dropped a kiss on her cheek before handing her a cup, “sleep well?”
“Better than I have in a long time. Thanks,” she indicated the coffee, taking a sip, “you been up long?”
Hawke let the towel fall to the floor and slipped between the sheets, “Not long. I went down to see Le and Symphony.”
“She okay?” Beth asked, worry creeping into her voice.
“Fine,” he quickly assured her, not wanting her to go downstairs yet, “Le is feeding her.”
She breathed a sigh of relief, “Sorry String, I guess it'll take a while for me to stop worrying.”
He finished his coffee and pulled her close, “Take as long as you need. We'll all be here for you.”
“I know,” she returned his embrace breathing in the scent of him, “you smell good, you showered,”
she accused him, “you could have waited for me!”
“Well it looked like you were going to sleep all day, so I went ahead without you,” Hawke teased, then continued more seriously, “you feel up to having Christmas yet?” It was an unspoken agreement that Christmas was cancelled until Symphony was back
Beth nodded, “It's not fair on Le to delay any longer, did you bring everything from Dom's? I wasn't really paying attention.”
This time it was Hawke's turn to nod. Symphony had been in hospital since her rescue and Beth hadn't left her side. All the love and bonding that she had been unable to feel after the birth was happening now and Hawke was delighted. He knew how hard it was on her to leave Symphony with Le the night before but it was a start, and she was only downstairs if Beth felt the need to see her.
“I brought all the presents and Dom and I will go out and find a tree. Just as soon as he wakes up properly,” Hawke grinned.
“How is he doing?”
“Better. It hit him hard but he knows that it's for the best. I'm not sure he'll see Holly again.”
Beth sighed, “I feel bad for him but you're right, it's best she's gone.”
Hawke sighed too, not wanting to talk about Holly any more. He pushed the covers aside and started to get out of bed.
“String?” Beth's tone stopped him and he turned back to her, “don't go yet.”
“What's wrong?”
“I.... well.......are we okay?”
“After last night? You bet we are!”
“String!”
“Sorry. You had me worried you know. I thought you were going to leave me. I even confided in Dom and now he's waiting for updates on how we're doing. He was very disappointed when I told him we hadn't talked yet,” he grinned slyly at her as his meaning was made clear.
Beth blushed, “I guess we'd better talk then. I don't think I could face him if you told him we'd put it off any longer.”
Hawke laughed, “Yeah, I can just imagine the look on his face if we spend all morning up here then tell him we still haven't talked.”
Beth reached for him, pulling him back down to lie next to her, “Can we talk and kiss at the same time?” she asked her mouth seeking out his.
He mumbled against her lips, “We can try,” before returning her kiss.