Chapter 8

Friday morning Tori came out of the bathroom to find Richie gone and Lauren’s raised voice coming through the monitor announcing that she was up and wanted out. Before she could do more than throw on a pair of sweats, the cries subsided. Curious, she crossed the hall to find Ava changing Lauren’s diaper.

“Morning girls. Thanks Bean.”

“Morning. No problem. I’ll take her downstairs.”

Tori’s swollen, painful breasts thanked her.

As they entered the kitchen Richie looked up from the griddle where he was frying French toast. “There’s my girls.”

The mere sight of her husband in jeans and a t-shirt that was tight enough to clearly define his pecs was enough to stir her libido at the best of times. Add in hormones and it was like a lightning bolt to her core. As she moved closer to greet him, his scent filled her nose and all her senses went on full alert. Damn! Here we go again. “Morning honey.”

“Morning angel.” He bent to kiss her and felt her hand slip under the hem of his shirt to rake her nails lightly across his lower back. Lifting his head slightly, he searched her eyes. “Hungry?”

They both knew he wasn’t talking about food. Tori grimaced. “Starving. Unfortunately it’s too...busy...around here for me to appease my hunger.”

“Trust me angel, I’ll find a way.” He assured her. “But in the mean time, start with this.” He flipped the toast off the grill onto a plate and handed it to her.

When she set it down on the table and forked a slice onto Stevie’s plate he frowned at it in confusion. “What’s the matter Peanut? You like French toast.”

“Uh huh. But Nana making eggs.”

“I was boiling eggs for you to decorate.” Joan explained as she handed Ava the rice cereal she’d made for Lauren.

“Oh. Okay.” As soon as his mother finished cutting it up and adding syrup, he dug in. “Dis rewy good Daddy.”

“Thanks Peanut.” Richie ruffled his hair as he took his seat beside his son. After preparing his own toast, he handed the syrup to Tori, a small smile curving his lips. He was surprised to see her wrinkle her nose and set it aside.

Instead, she rose and headed to cupboards and fridge, returning with ketchup and mustard. They all watched in various degrees of horror and disgust as she covered her toast with the condiments.

“Oh angel...that’s just.....” Richie shuddered and couldn’t put it into words.

“Gross!” Ava finished for him.

“Do you want some relish to go with that dear?” Joan asked, her lips twitching.

“Ew! That would be gross.” Tori shook her head. Her fork froze halfway to her mouth as she realized what she’d done. All she could do was hope that Ava chalked it up to some strange Canadian thing or residual cravings from when she carried Lauren. She really needed to get it together before Heather and Jack arrived for Easter dinner on Sunday if she was going to keep her condition under wraps for a few more weeks. “So, let’s go over the plan for today.”

The morning was taken up with egg decorating, followed by baths for everyone. It was a good thing that the dye washed off, since both Stevie and Lauren decided their family members needed some decorating too. Luckily, Ava liked red and purple streaks in her hair.

By the time the little ones were finally ready for their afternoon nap, Tori was ready for one too  and preferably not alone. She was restless and her nerves were jumpy –especially when she got close to her husband.  Joan gave her a considering glance as they climbed the stairs, Richie carrying Lauren, and Joan holding Stevie’s hand.

“Why don’t you lie down for awhile too Tori? I’m going to, but I’ll keep an ear out for these two.”

When she hesitated, Richie added his voice to his mother’s. “That sounds like a good idea angel. Ava’s busy watching TV and texting her friends and there’s nothing that needs to be done for a couple hours or so. You should rest.”

“Maybe I will. But let’s get these guys down first.”

Tori tucked Stevie in and Richie settled Lauren. When they met up in the hallway again, Richie took her hand and towed her into their bedroom, closing the door behind them. After a moment’s consideration he flicked the lock.

“What are you doing?” One elegant brow crooked.

His response was to frame her face with his hands and lower his mouth to hers, kissing her gently, thoroughly and with rising passion.

“Mmmmm....Rich....Richi...Richie!” She finally succeeded in breaking the kiss, but only for brief seconds. “Your....mother...and...mmmm...the kids...mmmmm.”

“Ava’s downstairs, the rest are all asleep. Relax angel. I told you I’d find a way.” He swept away any further protest along with her senses with an even deeper kiss.

While her mouth was occupied with his, his hands skimmed down the sides of her body until his fingertips could slip under the waistband of her sweatpants, easing them and her panties over her hips and allowing them to slip down to puddle around her ankles.

Gripping her hip with one hand, Richie cupped her between her legs with the other. Tori inhaled sharply, her gasp swallowed by their kiss, as a long finger slid along her humid flesh, found her entrance and penetrated as deep as it could go. That touch was all it took to bring her percolating passions to the boiling point...instantly. The addition of a second finger sent her over the edge, the fingers clenched in his hair the only thing keeping her upright.

And Richie didn’t let her senses calm down. A third finger joined the first two and slowly stroked her still pulsing channel. Tori kicked out of the material binding her ankles and spread her legs further, giving him more access. Breaking the kiss, she leaned her head on his shoulder and panted. “Jesus Richie.”

“Want me to stop?”

“Want me to do your vasectomy right here, right now...with my bare hands?”

He winced. “But then I wouldn’t be of much use to you for awhile.”

“True, but I bet you’d be more uncomfortable than I....would. Mmmm.” She shifted against his hand. “Dammit Richie, stop teasing!”

His low chuckle was like fuel for her fire. He was tempted to torture her a little more, but he reminded himself of her condition and what had brought this on in the first place. It was his job as her husband to help her as much as he could. “Yes dear.”

The heel of his hand ground against her clit while his fingers massaged. Tori threw her head back and closed her eyes. “Mmmm. Oh God! Mmmm. Richie!”

Richie bent to recapture her lips and swallow her scream as tremors once again racked her body. When she could open her eyes and look at him again he raised a brow. “Enough?”

Tori shook her head. “I want the real thing.”

“Kneel on the edge of the bed.” He nodded towards the bed behind her and released her. As she moved to comply he followed her, hands reaching for his belt.

Tori turned down the covers, climbed onto the bed and curled over her knees, finding the best position to minimize any painful jolting of her breasts. She let out a breath at the touch of his hands on her hips and the broad head of his erection nuzzling her core, relieved that he wasn’t going to make her wait. As he pushed forward, she pushed back, groaning at the feel of him stretching her.

Swivelling his hips, Richie began to thrust gently. “Is this what you want?”

“Mmmm. Yes.”

As seconds turned into minutes, Richie thought about his guitars, counting each one in his head and trying to remember the last time each of them had been restrung, moving on to chord progressions of a song he and Jon had been playing around with, and where he should hide the eggs on Sunday....anything to distract him from succumbing to the lure of her pulsing flesh clenching around him. Her cries of ecstasy were harder to ignore.

“Mmm...yes...Richie...yes!” Tori panted.

“More?” The word was forced out between gritted teeth.

“Mmmm..yes...but...harder, Richie please!”

Sweat made his hands slip on her hips, so he tightened his grip, pushing and pulling in sync with the movement of his hips to intensify each thrust. The increased sensation almost made him lose it ,but he was determined to hold on and make her lose it first.

Luckily, her needs were so strong, her body was more interested in orgasms than breathing, and it wasn’t long before she was once again squeezing his shaft and crying out her pleasure. This time he couldn’t hold back and let go, exploding inside her, his hands flying out to brace himself on the bed so that he didn’t collapse on her.

When he could move, he half lifted, half dragged her up to lie on the pillow. “You okay?”

“Mmmmm. I needed that sooo much. Thank you.”

“That’s what I’m here for.”

Tori didn’t have the energy to frown, but she wondered how she was going to handle the urges when he was back on the road.

Chapter 7

The next day after lunch Richie watched his son run around the kitchen and shook his head. “Ah, the resiliency of youth. Looks like he’s feeling better.”

Tori nodded as she caught the toddler to finish cleaning remnants of his meal from his hands and mouth. “Yes. And Lauren’s ear infection seems to be better too.” She glanced at the clock. “I need to go shopping.”

Swallowing the rest of his coffee, he nodded. “I’ll wrangle him into his car seat, if you want to get Lauren ready.”

Tori agreed and ten minutes later they drove through the gates.

“Mama?” Stevie tugged on his mother’s pants.

“Mmmm?” Tori answered absently as she studied the jewellery in the case in front of her.

“What doing?”

“I’m looking for a present for your sister.”

“Oh.” He thought about that for a moment. “Bean? Seetpea?”

“Bean.” She sat Lauren on the case and smiled at the clerk.

“Oh. Missmas pesent?”

“No, not Christmas, Easter.” At his confused look, she smiled. “Bunny, not Ho Ho.”

“Oooooh.” He stretched up on his toes. “I see?”

Holding Lauren with one hand, Tori reached down and lifted him onto the case. “What’s Daddy doing?” They’d separated in the large store, the men going in one direction, the girls in another.

“Choppin.”

“What for?”

“Pesent.”

“For who?”

“You.”

“Yeah? What’d he buy?”

Stevie’s blue eyes widened. “Mama! I no tell, it a prize!”

“Victoria Sambora! I’m shocked at you!” Richie managed to sound scandalized having come up behind them in time to hear the end of their conversation.

“What?”

“Pumping our son for information.”

Tori just shrugged and winked at the sales clerk. “It was worth a try.”

“I no tell Daddy.”

“I know you didn’t Peanut. You’re a good boy, better behaved than your mother.”

Throughout the conversation the sales clerk had been glancing back and forth between the children and their parents. “Wow. You’ve got a real mix and match.”

Tori smiled affectionately at her children. “Yeah.”

“What her mean Mama?”

“She means that you look like Daddy, but have my eyes and Lauren looks like me but has Daddy’s eyes.”

The sound of her father’s voice distracted Lauren from the shiny bracelets under the glass and she held her arms out to him commandingly, squealing indignantly when he didn’t respond immediately.

“And Mommy’s temper.” Richie added.

Stevie shook his head. “Nuh uh. Tunca Jon.”

Tori grinned. “Mommy doesn’t have a temper does she?” Stevie shook his head. Tori hugged him. “That’s my boy!”

Lauren got louder. Tori winced and handed her to Richie. “Take her please before she screams.”

As soon as she was in her father’s arms, Lauren quieted. She leaned against him with a contented sigh...and promptly drooled all over him.

The clerk handed him a tissue. “Daddy’s girl?”

Richie nodded and kissed the baby’s head. “This week anyway.” He glanced at his watch. “You just about ready angel? We don’t have much time before Ma’s flight comes in.”

“Nana tomin?” Stevie asked his father.

“Yep.”

“Yay!” He clapped his hands together. “When Bean tomin home?”

“I’ll pick her up after I pick up Nana.”

“Hurry Mama! We gotta go!”

“Okay, okay.” She decided on a bracelet made of fine gold chain interspersed with synthetic sapphires, paid for it and they headed home.

“Hi T-Mom!” Ava breezed into the livingroom. “Where’s my favourite squirts?”

“Bean!” Stevie yelled and ran to hug her.

Lauren laughed from her seat on the floor where she was playing with blocks and held out her arms to her big sister.

“What did she call you?” Richie asked his wife quietly.

Tori just shrugged. “As long as she isn’t calling me the evil step-mother, I really don’t care.” Taking a deep breath, she stood to greet her all too perceptive mother-in-law and hoped that maybe this time she could keep her condition a secret for a few weeks. “Hi Joan. Nice to see you. How was your flight?”

“Hi Tori. Good to see you too. Flight was fine thanks.” Joan hugged her daughter-in-law then held her at arms length to study her. “You look tired.”

Tori and Richie exchanged a look. “Yeah, Stevie’s had the flu and Lauren had an ear infection and she’s teething. They’ve been up a lot in the night.”

“Mmmhmm. That’ll happen. Well, Ava and I are here now. We’ll help and you can get some rest.” Joan winked at her and moved to cuddle her youngest two grandchildren.  

“What about me? I help.” Richie frowned.

“Oh, I think you’ve done enough, don’t you?” Joan retorted without turning around.

Tori snorted softly and shook her head.  “She’s like a blood hound.”

Richie chuckled, ignoring his reddening face and rubbed her back. “Are we telling Ava?”

“Not yet please. Give me a couple more weeks.”

“Okay. Let me know when I can share.”

She studied his face. “You’re really happy about this aren’t you?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “Now I won’t have to listen to your brother and Shirley lord it over me that they have more than I do.”

“Unless Karin has twins.”

He looked horrified. “Has she said something to you? Does she think she might?”

“No. Her ultrasound isn’t until next week.”

“Whew! Don’t spoil my few minutes of peace angel.”

Chapter 6

Richie walked in to find his family in the living room on the floor, working on a puzzle. Well, Tori was helping Stevie put the puzzle together and trying to keep Lauren from eating the pieces.

“Eww Sweetpea, don’t eat the pieces please. They yucky!”

Lauren didn’t think so and started to fuss when the cardboard square was taken away.

“Here babes, why don’t you try this instead.” Richie leaned down and handed her a teething cookie.

“What you bing me Daddy?” Stevie jumped up from his seat on the floor and ran to his father’s side.

“Well, let’s see.” He rummaged through a bag. “How about some M&Ms?”

“YAY! Tank you Daddy!” Taking the bag he sat back down to finish the puzzle.

“You’re welcome buddy.” Richie watched Tori open the chocolate for Stevie and play with puzzle pieces, avoiding his gaze. “Guess he’s feeling better.”

Tori nodded, but still wouldn’t look at him. Guilt surrounded her like a blanket. “Yeah.”

“I got something for you too – well, for all of us I guess.” He motioned towards the dining room.

Tori followed him knowing she needed to apologize but not knowing how to start. As he set items from the bag he carried on the table her guilt increased to the point of tears.

“I saw this new book of designs for your egg decorating, and picked up some more dye. I hope I got the right colours. And they had these cool plastic eggs to fill with candy. They look like Faberge eggs. Do you like them?” Glancing at her, he saw the tears running down her cheeks. “Angel?”

“Richie, I...” She dragged in a ragged breath. “Before....I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. You do a great job of minimizing the time you’re away and making the most of your trips home during a tour. I never should have said what I did. I don’t know why I did. It’s not true. I know I hurt you and I’m sorry.” She started to sob. “I would never knowingly hurt you. I love you so much.”

Richie held out his arms and wrapped them carefully around her when she stepped close. “Sssh, angel. I know. It’s okay. I love you too.” That only made her cry harder. “Hey now.” He pulled out a chair, sat, and pulled her onto his lap. “Angel, we’ve been through this before. I know how hard the mood swings are on you. Plus you’re tired from looking after sick kids and coping with morning sickness. It’s no wonder you’re a little...testy.”

“But I shouldn’t be taking it out on you. You don’t deserve it. You’re on the road, away from us for weeks and this is how I treat you when you come home.” She shook her head in self disgust.

He rubbed her back and pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “It’s okay angel. It’s only temporary.” A long finger under her chin lifted her face to his. He touched his lips to hers. “We’ll survive it.”

“Thank you.”

They sat in silence for a few minutes, then, with a jerk, Richie looked at his watch. “When am I supposed to pick up Bean?”

“Tomorrow, on your way back from picking up your mother at the airport. She was going to come yesterday, but with the little ones sick she didn’t want to take the chance of catching anything.” She smiled. “Big spring dance coming up and she wants to be at her best. Which reminds me. I need to go shopping tomorrow. I haven’t got her Easter gift yet.”

“If the little ones are feeling better, we’ll all go.” He had a gift he needed to get too.

“’OREN NO! GET OFF! MAMA!”

Stevie’s shout, followed by the baby’s angry shriek had them rushing into the living room.  One sweeping glance was all it took to assess the situation. Apparently Lauren hadn’t been satisfied with watching while she ate her cookie and had decided to help her brother with his puzzle.....by tearing it apart. 

Richie picked her up and moved her out of reach. “No no Sweetpea. Don’t tear apart Stevie’s puzzle.”

“Mama!”

“It’s okay Peanut. Mama will help you put it back together.” Tori sat down and began to sort out the pieces once again.  

“Bad girl!” Stevie wasn’t ready to let it go.

“She’s just a baby, Stevie, she doesn’t know any better.”

 “Hmpf!”

Both parents smothered a smile at his indignant snort.

Dinner was another meal that started out peaceful enough, but ended in a battle. Lauren liked her strained peas and peaches well enough, but wasn’t having anything to do with her bottle. No way, no how.  But she wanted milk. She screamed and cried for it.  So much so that Tori’s body reacted predictably.

“Uh...angel?” Richie wasn’t sure what to say, so he just gestured towards her shirt. “I think you’re...leaking.”

Tori grimaced. “I know.” She handed Lauren over to him and plucked the damp fabric away from her breasts. “Take her please while I go change.”

“Need any help?” He waggled his eyebrows. 

“Yes, see if you can charm her into taking the bottle.” She grinned at his pout.  “Do that and I’ll see if I can find a suitable reward.”

“Okay! Come on Sweetpea, be a good girl for Daddy. Have some milk.”

Tori left him to it and went to clean up.

When the kids were finally in bed asleep, they settled onto the couch to watch T.V. When Tori grimaced and shifted position, adjusting the cold compresses on her breasts, Richie winced in sympathy.

“Pretty sore, huh?”

“Mmm.” But what bothered her most was not being able to snuggle close to him like she usually did. She wanted that connection with him tonight, especially after her earlier behaviour. Unfortunately, even the lightest pressure on her breasts hurt. Her mind searched for some position that would be tolerable....and came up with another way to connect with him.

Richie’s attention was diverted from the screen by his wife’s movements as her hands pushed his knees apart and she sank to the floor between them. When her quick fingers unbuttoned his shirt and spread the sides wide, he raised a questioning brow.

“What are you doing?

 “You got Sweetpea to drink her bottle. I owe you a reward.”

“You don’t owe me anything.” He could have bitten off his tongue. You’re about to get a blow job, idiot. Shut up!

“Yes, I do. For that...and for this afternoon.”

“You don’t have to.” His conscience wouldn’t let him stay silent. He didn’t want her doing it out of guilt.

“I know. I want to.” She leaned up to kiss him, bracing herself with her hands on his chest. Leaning back slightly she gave him a push. “So just lean back and enjoy it.”

“Yes dear.” An anticipatory smile curved his full lips.

Tori settled in to do what she hadn’t been able to do in a long time – explore her husband’s body to her heart’s content. She started with his chest. Attentive fingers roamed the broad expanse, noting an increase in the firmness of the pads of muscle under the sprinkling of hair. Obviously he’d been spending some of his off time in the gym. Leaning forward, she set her mouth to his warm skin, licking and kissing her way from collarbone to waist, pausing to suckle the flat nipples.

Richie clenched his hands against the urge to pull her closer. As much as he hungered for her, the craving to let her lavish her love and attention on him was stronger. It had been too long since he’d been able to bask in that. His erection agreed. It was pushing so hard against the zipper of his jeans he was sure it was going to poke a hole right through denim and metal!

In fact, when Tori opened his pants, the swollen tip had escaped the confines of his underwear to peek out from the waistband. A gentle fingertip rubbed lightly. “Well hello there. Do you want to come out and play?” As if in response, the hard shaft bucked. A very Bongiovi smirk kicked up one corner of her mouth. “Okay then.” Gripping both jeans and underwear, she tugged. “Lift up your hips babe.”

Offending cloth out of the way, Tori let her fingers trail up and down his length while she debated her best course of action. Richie watched her and felt sweat gather on his upper lip and along his spine. It only got worse when she bent and the flat of her tongue along the big vein on the underside of his shaft.....slowly.

“Mmmm...tasty.” She purred and went back for more.

Richie was helpless to do anything but watch and sweat as she devoured him. The teasing flick of her tongue around the ridge and over the crest, almost made him explode right then and there. As it was, several drops of fluid escaped his control and oozed from the slit at his very tip and were quickly scooped up by her tongue. When she blew lightly he thought he was going to jump out of his skin. He growled, both at her actions and her knowing grin.

While her mouth savoured, her hands roamed and played, stroking his length, cupping his sac, rolling the large spheres against each other then gently stretching the soft skin. His breathing became harsh and fast, especially when she opened her lips wider and took him inside, and one one finger searched out the sensitive patch behind his balls and rubbed.

“Fuck angel!” His groan was guttural.

Her low chuckle vibrated along the pillar of flesh imbedded in her hot mouth. Unable to help himself, his hands threaded through her curls to cup her head and guide her rise and fall. The suction was enough to tantalize, but not enough to bring matters to a head...so to speak.

Richie took the sweet torture as long as he could, then tugged. “Enough angel, please! You’re killing me!” He was panting now and his voice was almost unrecognizable. “Either come up here and sit in my lap....or finish it.”

Tori looked up, studied the hungry expression in his hot, dark eyes and relented. She increased the strength of her suction, pushed up with her finger and braced herself for the eruption. It wasn’t long in coming, his groan and throttled shout as he flooded her throat assuring her of his pleasure and she drank deeply.

When he was completely drained, Tori resumed her seat beside him and picked up the remote. He reached for her hand, laced their fingers together and squeezed. Speech was beyond him at the moment.

She squeezed back. “You’re welcome. I love you too.”

Chapter 5

That night, the kids slept a little better, only waking up once, but Tori didn’t sleep well. Despite sports bra and cold compresses, her breasts ached with the lightest touch and the slightest movement. Even pumping again and feeding Lauren at bedtime hadn’t helped much. Weaning was definitely the worst part of motherhood.

By the next morning she was tired, sore and cranky. Throwing up her toenails before breakfast didn’t help her mood any either. The thought of all the preparations she needed to do for Easter made her want to sit down and cry....or scream.

After lunch, while the kids were napping, Tori went searching for her husband and found him in the studio restringing a guitar. “Honey, will you come reach the egg decorating supplies for me please so that I can see if we have everything we need? ” They were on a high shelf that she couldn’t reach on her own.

“Sure angel. I’ll be right there.”

Ten minutes later, he found her in the dining room, decorating supplies spread out on the table in front of her.

He frowned. “I thought you wanted me to get that stuff down for you.”

“I got them down myself.”

“I told you I’d get them.”

“I didn’t know how long you were going to be. I wanted to look at it while the kids are sleeping.”

“You couldn’t wait five minutes? You could have hurt yourself.”

She shrugged. “I’ve had to learn to do a lot of things on my own.”

Richie stared at her, stung by her tone and the meaning behind her words. Don’t react. She’s tired and doesn’t mean it. Without a word he turned to leave the room.

The demon inside her wouldn’t let it go and she followed him into the living room. “Where are you going? Aren’t you going to help with this?”

“I’ve got some errands to run.”

“What, another damn guitar? Is that more important than doing something fun for your children?”

“No, it’s not, and that’s not fair Tori. You know I love our children, and would do anything for them. I’ll be back in plenty of time to do whatever you want me to do. But right now I have to go out.” Before I say something I’ll regret later. He continued towards the front door, picking up his car keys in the foyer.

“That’s right Richie. Leave. You’re good at that.” She heard the words coming out of her mouth, but she couldn’t believe she was saying them.

Richie closed his eyes. Don’t react. She doesn’t mean it. She’s tired and hormonal. Don’t react. Don’t react! FUCK THAT!  He stopped. “I’m doing the best I can Tori. I’m sorry if that’s not good enough for you.”

The quiet closing of the door behind him might as well have been a canon firing. Tori stared at the wooden panel, stunned, horrified at her own words. Bursting into tears, she collapsed onto the couch.

Rosa stood in the doorway of the kitchen, her heart going out to the sobbing woman. She remembered what it was like to be overwhelmed by lack of sleep and hormones. Luckily it seemed Richie was smart enough to just walk away rather than fight. Hopefully he wouldn’t take her words to heart. She returned to the kitchen to make Tori a cup of tea.

The touch of her son’s small hand on her face had Tori opening her eyes.

“Mama?”

“Hi Peanut. Did you just wake up?”

He nodded, his expression solemn. “Mama ok?  Why you crying?”

She pulled him onto her lap and hugged him. “Oh, I’m just tired sweetie. I’m okay.”

Thankfully, that seemed to satisfy the toddler. “Where Daddy?”

“He had to go to the store. He’ll be back in a little while.” I hope.

“Oh.” He thought about that for a minute. “He bing me somepin?”

“I don’t know. You’ll have to wait and see.”

“Okay. You do puzzle wif me? Pease?”

“Sure. You go pick one out and I’ll help you put it together.”

“Okay!” Stevie slid off her lap and ran down the hall to the toy room.

“He must be feeling better.” Rosa observed entering the room with a cup which she handed to Tori. “I made you cup of tea. Will help you feel better.”

Tori smiled wryly. “Thanks. Got anything that will keep me from running off at the mouth? God knows I can’t seem to stop myself.” God she hated being so unable to control herself! 

Rosa patted her shoulder. “It’ll be okay. He knows you don’t mean it.”

“I hope you’re right Rosa.”

Richie picked up what he needed plus a couple treats for the kids and then just drove around. He was torn between wanting to go home and wanting to avoid this Linda Blair version of his wife. With a sigh he raked his hand through his hair. He knew she didn’t mean what she said. She was tired after dealing with sick kids, plus the morning sickness, and her hormones were all over the map. But knowing didn’t make hearing the words sting any less.

He loved his wife, he really did, with every fibre of his being. And they made beautiful, incredible children together. But her Bongiovi temperament didn’t deal well with the hormones that inevitably took over every woman’s body and personality during pregnancy. The lack of control went so against the grain it made her irritability worse.  He didn’t know which was harder for him, watching her struggle with it and taking the brunt of her temper, or seeing the guilt eating her up after she spewed at him.

Finding himself on the shore, he found a place to park and shut off the engine, rolling down his window to let the soothing movements and sound of the waves and the light breeze blow away the last of his tension.

On the positive side, pregnancy hormones were temporary. Of course she hadn’t come completely off the roller coaster from Lauren’s birth before starting on the next one. He grimaced. She was right. The timing sucked. But he couldn’t begrudge the end result. Another baby!

Besides, it wasn’t like he wasn’t used to dealing with the temper. He’d managed to work side by side with her brother for thirty years without any scars. Thankfully, he didn’t have to try to cope with both siblings having Bongiovi hissy fits at the same time.....very often.

To be fair, Tori normally controlled her temper very well – much better than Jon did. If she cut loose, the person on the receiving end usually deserved it. And he knew she cut him a lot of slack. He was far from perfect, but she loved him anyway. That knowledge had brought him through many tough times and kept him going. For what she brought to his life, he would gladly put up with a few months of mood swings and occasional explosions. Plus, he was going to be on tour for the worst part of this one.

After one more look at the peaceful scene in front of him, he started the car and headed home. Pulling into the garage he killed the engine and sat for a moment before taking a deep breath, picking up his purchases and heading inside to see whether Mr. Hyde was still in residence or if Dr. Jekyll had returned.

Chapter 4

Tori found her men busy mixing pancake batter. “Careful Peanut. Don’t fall.” He was kneeling on a stool watching his father.

“Okay Mama. I heping Daddy. Want booberries?”

She ran a hand through his silky dark hair and smiled. “Blueberries sound great. Do you want apple juice or orange?”

“Appo. Pease.”

“Daddy?”

“Do we have any cranberry?”

“I think so.” Tori poured the requested juices, set out butter and syrup and the required dishes. She moved to Richie’s side to watch him finesse the griddle, wrinkling her nose at the smell of the bacon cooking.

His arm slid around her waist and pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her temple. “How are you feeling? Is the bacon too much?”

She shook her head and leaned against him, her arm slipping around his waist. “No, I’m fine.” Rising up on tiptoe, she kissed him. “I love you.”

“I love you too angel.”

“Mama okay?”

“Yes, Mommy’s okay now. My tummy was just a little upset.” She assured him.

Tori was cutting up a pancake for Stevie when the baby’s cries filled the room from the monitor on the counter.

“’Oren wake.” Stevie informed them.

“Yes she is. Do you think I should go get her?”

Stevie nodded solemnly. “Uh huh. Her loud.” As if to prove his point, the volume of Lauren’s cries increased dramatically, to the point of screaming. Both males winced.

“I’m coming Sweetpea, I’m coming.” Tori slid off the stool and rushed to soothe the savage beast. “Morning sweetie.” Lauren’s cries subsided to whimpers at the sound of her mother’s voice. “How are you feeling today?” The baby held her arms up commandingly. “Ok. Do you want some breakfast?” Tori picked her up, wincing when the baby came into contact with her breasts. They were full and sensitive, but she knew she wasn’t going to get any relief for a little while. A quick diaper change and the girls headed downstairs to the kitchen.

“Morning Sweetpea.” Richie bent to kiss his daughter as Tori settled her in her high chair.

The baby’s whimpers paused and she grinned at him and clapped her hands against his face. He laughed and kissed her hands, blowing on them, making noises, until she giggled.  

Rosa smiled at the scene of a family having breakfast, father and son eating pancakes and bacon, mother dry toast and tea while feeding the baby rice cereal and stewed fruit. It was a peaceful, Norman Rockwell type picture....until Tori tried to give Lauren a bottle.

Unhappy cries rent the air as small hands pushed the offending bottle away and tugged on her mother’s shirt.

“I know Sweetpea, but come on, take the bottle for Mommy.” Tori cajoled, wincing as the small, thrashing head hit her engorged breast. “I’m sorry, but it’s the bottle or nothing.”

Lauren screamed in outrage and pulled harder on her mother’s shirt.

Between Lauren’s wiggling, and the effect of her cries, Tori was in agony. She finally couldn’t take it anymore and plunked their daughter in her father’s arms. “You try.”  She stepped out of the baby’s line of sight.

“Ssshhh Sweetpea. Calm down, it’s okay.” Richie hummed and rocked the baby until her cries subsided. “Okay, let’s try this again.” Lauren frowned, shook her head and pushed the bottle away, but Richie persisted. “I know it’s not what you want, but it’s better than nothing.” With a frustrated sigh, Lauren finally gave in.

Tori waited only until she saw Lauren start to settle down, then left the room in search of her breast pump and some desperately needed relief. The next few weeks were going to be hell!

After lunch they settled onto the living room couch for story time. Richie held Stevie on his lap while Tori sat beside him and held Lauren. It was a Dr. Seuss extravaganza afternoon, starting with One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, and moving on to Cat in The Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, and Horton Hears a Who.

“What are you doing Peanut?” Tori asked, watching him bouncing on his father’s leg.

“Hoppin on pop!”

His parents laughed and Richie gave him a hug.

Cathy came in a little while later to find both kids sleeping and the adults dozing. She reached out to touch Richie’s shoulder, startling him awake. “Why don’t you and Tori go have a nap? The kids’ will be down for a couple hours at least and I’ll keep an ear out for them. You guys need some rest too.”

Richie sighed and rubbed a hand over his face. “Thanks. That sounds like a great idea.” He shrugged the shoulder Tori was leaning against. “Angel? Let’s go upstairs, put the kids down and have a nap.”      

“Mmmm?”

“Come on.” Richie chuckled. “We all need a nap.”

Tori blinked and sighed. “Maybe for a few minutes.”

They settled the kids in their beds and headed for their own. Richie closed the door and immediately started undoing his shirt. Tori headed straight for the bed. “Aren’t you going to get undressed?  Might as well get comfortable.”

Considering the fullness of her breasts, comfortable was a relative term, but he had a point and she changed direction to the closet. When she came out in her nightshirt she found Richie naked, sitting on the side of the bed. He crooked his finger at her. When she reached him he pulled her between his knees and sliding his hands under the hem of her shirt, lifted it up and off, dropping it to the floor. His brows rose in surprise at the sports bra she was wearing.

Tori smiled wryly. “Sexy isn’t it?”

“Can you actually sleep in that?” It looked tight. “It doesn’t look very comfortable.”

“Better than without it.”

“They really hurt huh?” He raised his hands and cupped her breasts tentatively, gently stroking the sides with his thumbs.

Tori winced, grasped his wrists and pulled his hands down to her ribcage. “Yes, so you’re going to have to practice hands off for awhile.” She bit her lip against a smile when he pouted. “Sorry.”

“For how long?”

“You sound like a little boy who just had his favourite toys taken away.” She chuckled, running her fingers through his hair.

“Uh huh, and when do I get them back?”

“Depending on how much pain I can take, a week or two.”

He sighed heavily. “I guess I can wait.” Long fingers slipped between her thighs to trace her sensitive flesh. “I’ll just have to find something else to play with.”

“Oh!” Her eyes closed and her head tipped back as a teasing finger found her opening and delved deep.

Richie moved his finger slowly in and out and watched the expressions of pleasure crossing her face. “God I’ve missed you!”  

Taking a shuddering breath, Tori gripped his shoulders and shifted her legs until she was straddling him. She knew exactly what he meant. As much as she needed sleep, she needed this – needed him – more. “Richie please!”

“Not yet.” He didn’t pretend not to know what she wanted. “Let me make you come this way first.” That way he could watch her, and let her climb the peak more than once. Plus, she was tight from her abstinence and he was hard enough to crack walnuts and a preliminary orgasm would help her accept him easier. He slid a second finger alongside the first.

The feelings incited by his stroking fingers were too good to even think about making him stop, so she didn’t bother to argue. Instead, she tightened her grip on his shoulders and rode his fingers, locking her gaze with his. Their time apart, his scent, his touch, his...nearness...all combined to create a wave of pleasure that quickly overwhelmed her.

Tori rested her forehead on his shoulder and waited for her shudders to subside. Still breathing heavily, she lifted her head and kissed him. While her tongue explored his mouth, savouring his familiar flavour, one hand coasted down his chest and stomach to wrap around his swollen shaft.....and squeezed. She raised her head until their lips were barely brushing. “Can I have this now?”

Richie closed his eyes as she stroked him. “If you keep that up I’ll be done before I even get inside you.”

“Then come inside me.” She ran the tip of her tongue along his bottom lip. “And I mean that both ways.”

Before he could react, she braced her knees on the bed beside his hips, pushed his hand aside, positioned him at her entrance and sank down. Despite her recent orgasm, she was tight. He gripped her hips to support her and slow her down. “Easy babe, slow down.”

“Don’t want to.” She panted and rotated her hips, easing the fit and absorbing more of his length. “Can’t. I need you. Now.”  When the last inch breached her, she cried out.

Richie held her still. “Are you okay?”

The look she gave him heated his blood and hardened him even more. “Mmmm. Much better. And I’m about to be ecstatic...very soon.” She started to rock against him, her eyes closing to better focus on the sensations.

Richie watched her. The emotions crossing her face, the undulations of her body, and had to remind himself repeatedly not to crush her against him like he wanted to. Instead, he ran his hands up and down her back and over her hips. He buried the fingers of one hand in her hair and tugged until her head dropped back, baring her throat to him. Setting his mouth to her skin, he kissed and licked the slender column, nuzzling the sensitive spot under her ear and nipping her ear lobe.

Tori threaded her hands in his hair and dragged his mouth to meet hers. As their tongues duelled and played, she changed her movements, raising and lowering herself on him. She kept her rhythm slow and gentle – her tender breasts just wouldn’t let her go for the hard driving tempo she really wanted.  Even with the slower pace, she had to ensure she kept space between them. The barest brush against his chest sent pain shooting through her engorged mounds.

For  long minutes the only sounds in the room were soft moans, and harsh breathing.  But as much as they both wanted to make it last, between hormones and being apart, their bodies conspired against them.

When the wave crashed, Tori tore her mouth from his. “Richie!”

He was too caught up in his own tsunami to do anything more than groan. His hips bucked against her, pumping out his release. Finally empty, his head dropped to her shoulder. “Fuck baby!”

Tori chuckled breathlessly. “I missed you too.”

Richie lifted his head to stare into her eyes. One large hand smoothed her hair back from her face. “I love you angel.” He touched his lips to hers.

“I love you too.” Boneless, muscles totally relaxed, she slipped to his side and shifted up the bed until she reached the pillows. “Come here and keep me warm.”

“Yes dear.”

Chapter 3

Richie entered their bedroom and immediately heard the unmistakeable sounds of someone being sick. He walked over to stand in the doorway to the bathroom and saw Tori on her knees bent over the toilet and quickly moved to hold her hair and brace her head. “Looks like you’ve caught Peanut’s flu.”

She shook her head, but was too busy emptying her stomach to correct his assumption. When the spasms finally stopped she sat up and sighed.

Richie handed her a glass of water to rinse her mouth, helped her to her feet and reached for her toothbrush. “How are you feeling? Headache? Fever?”

“It’s not the flu.” She insisted. “My internal clock’s just off a little.” 

“Of course. You always throw up for no reason.” He put a hand on her forehead, and was surprised to find it cool. “Hmm. No fever. If it’s not the flu, what is it? Something you ate?”

She shook her head again, but with her toothbrush in her mouth she couldn’t speak. She hadn’t mentioned anything earlier because they were busy with sick kids and she’d been distracted until her body reminded her. She gestured with her hand for him to wait a minute.

Richie leaned against the vanity and waited for her to finish brushing her teeth. Two prescription bottles sitting on the counter caught his eye. Curious, he picked them up. Iron and.....  His gaze jerked back to his wife, his eyes wide. He’d seen these particular prescriptions in this house only twice before.  “Seriously? Are you shitting me? You’re joking right?”

Tori spit out a mouthful of toothpaste and gave him a withering look. “Does it look like I’m joking?”

“Seriously? You’re pregnant?” He was stunned.

“Seriously. I’m pregnant.”

“But...when? How? I mean, we’ve been careful.”

“Six weeks, so that means not the last time you were home, but the time before that. And I guess there was a condom malfunction.” She reached for the glass to rinse her mouth again. The expression on her husband’s face had her frowning and turning to face him, a finger raised in warning. “You let that smirk out and I will hurt you.”

“I’m sorry, it’s just that for someone who was so afraid she wouldn’t be able to get pregnant, you seem to be pretty fertile – at least where the pirate’s concerned.”

Tori glared at him, swatted his chest, blew out an exasperated breath and pushed by him to stalk back to the bed.

 Chuckling, Richie turned off the bathroom light and followed her. “So what did Dr. Crandall say?”

"After congratulating us on our fertility at our age, and offering to give us a refresher course in birth control, she said everything looks fine.” She glowered at him. “It’s not funny.”

He climbed in beside her and gathered her into his arms, still fighting to keep a straight face. “I’m sorry sweetheart. It’s just...such a surprise.”

“No shit!”

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “How are you feeling?”

“I have a toddler with the flu, a teething eight month old with an ear infection and morning sickness. How do you think I feel?”

Richie stroked her arm and back soothingly and remained silent. Looks like the hormones are arriving early this time.

After several minutes Tori sighed. “Sorry. I don’t mean to take it out on you.”

“It’s okay. I understand. You’re tired.” Long fingers traced her spine. When he spoke again, his voice was hesitant. “Are you....okay...with having another baby? I know we agreed that our family was complete after Lauren was born.” He’d have half a dozen if she was willing, but he wouldn’t push a child on her if she really didn’t want it. That wasn’t fair to anyone, least of all the child.

Tori rolled further onto him, folded her hands on his chest and rested her chin on them so that she could see his face. “Would I have chosen for this to happen? No. The timing sucks. But now that it has happened....” She sighed. “Of course I will love this child and raise it to the best of my ability.” When he pursed his lips at her and lifted his head, she lifted hers to meet him. Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss. When it ended she warned him, “But after this one of us is getting fixed!”

Richie chuckled. “Yes dear.”  

They managed to get about four hours of uninterrupted sleep. In fact, they were so deeply asleep that they didn’t hear the rattling of the doorknob or the sound of small feet approaching the bed, then circling around it.

“DADDY!”

Richie and Tori both jerked awake, their hearts pounding.  Richie blinked. “What’s up Peanut?”

“I hungy.” Stevie looked across his father’s chest to smile at his mother. “Hi Mama.”

“Hi Peanut.” Tori yawned. “You feeling better this morning?”

“Tummy no hurt. I hungy.”

Richie glanced at the clock. “Rosa’s probably already downstairs. She’ll make you some breakfast.”

“No! Daddy make! Pease?”   

Tori chuckled and rolled carefully off of her husband and hoped that her stomach wouldn’t revolt. No such luck. Apparently the baby didn’t appreciate being startled awake by his or her big brother. In danger of making a mess, she bolted for the bathroom.

“Mama sick?” Stevie had followed her and now stood beside her patting her back.

“Mommy’s tummy is just a little upset. She’ll be okay in a little while.” Richie assured his son. “Let’s go get breakfast started and let her rest. What do you want to eat? Eggs? Pancakes?”

Tori groaned. “Keep it something easy on his stomach Rich until we see if he can keep it down.”

“Okay.” He reached down to stroke her hair. “Are you going to come downstairs or do you want to lay down again?”

“I’ll come downstairs in a few minutes.”

“Okay. Come on Peanut, let’s go make some breakfast.”

 “Okay Daddy.” He took his father’s hand and together they left Tori to her morning routine.

"Hola Mister Richie! Is good to have you home.” Rosa greeted him.

“Thanks Rosa. It’s good to be home.”

“Buenos dias mijo. How are you feeling today?”

“Benos dees Rosa. I hungy. Daddy gonna make beakfast.” Stevie informed her. A frown wrinkled the small brow. “Mama sick.”

Rosa looked at Richie, who grimaced. “Poor nina. She’s had a rough few days with little ones sick and....everything. Is good you home to help.”

He chuckled. “Does anything happen in this house that you’re not aware of?” Rosa just laughed. As the matriarch of a large family, anything dealing with children – both born and unborn – was second nature to her. Richie sobered. “Thank you for being here for her...for all of us. I don’t know what we’d do without you.”

Rosa blushed and waved her hand. “Is nothing. I enjoy taking care of family. Now, I go start laundry while you make breakfast for little man. What are you making?”

“Pancakes!” Stevie answered.

“Pancakes it is.” Richie agreed.

Rosa was putting soap in the washing machine when Tori entered with Richie’s laundry.

“Morning Rosa.”

“Buenos dias Mrs. Tori. How are you feeling?”

Tori smiled wryly. “Nothing that a few months and a good night’s sleep won’t cure.”

Rosa smiled. “Mister Richie is making pancakes. I make you some toast and nice cup of tea.”

“Thanks Rosa. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Rosa just clucked at her and shooed her towards the kitchen.