Chapter 54

On the drive home Richie was quiet and distracted. Tori left him alone for awhile, then finally tried to get him to talk.

“What’cha thinking about?”

He sighed and raked a hand through his hair. “Ava.”

“Ava in particular, or your girls growing up in general?”

He shot her a look. “You’re annoying, you know that?”

Her chuckle echoed around the interior of the Hummer. “Why? Because I know how your mind works?”

He wrinkled his nose at her, which only made her laugh harder. “Brat.”

“Don’t worry Daddy. Both of your girls will be just fine.”

“I’m not worried about Sweetpea - much.  If any guy tries any shit with her, she’ll kick his ass.” His lips twisted. “She reminds me a lot of Stephanie already.”

Tori couldn’t argue the point. Jon always tried to say that Stephanie’s independent attitude and self-preservation skills came from Dorothea, but he was only half right. The other half was pure Bongiovi.

“You don’t have to worry about Ava either. She’s a very smart girl. She’s not impulsive. She tends to think things through very carefully before she jumps in to something.”

“I know, I know. And I know that she talks to you when she’s not sure or needs advice. But I’m going to worry. I can’t help it. She’s my baby girl.”

And Daddy’s a big softie. And no matter what he said now, she knew he was going to have the same worries when Lauren hit the teenage years. “You’ll survive. I’ll help you.”

When they reached the house, Richie parked in front of the door instead of going into the garage. At Tori’s raised brow, he just grunted. “Tyler will need a ride home.”

She had the feeling he meant sooner rather than later.

Inside, the found Ava and Tyler on the couch watching TV, Zachary asleep in his bassinet on the floor.

“Happy New Year. How’d it go?” Tori asked. “Did Zachary take the bottle okay?”

“Happy New Year. He fought it at first, but I managed to talk him into it.” Ava grinned. “I played him a little of Daddy’s music. Worked like a charm.”

Tori laughed. “For some reason babies seem to like it.”

“Babes of all ages like it.” Richie smirked.

“Maybe I should become a musician.” Tyler quipped, earning a swat and an eyeroll from his girlfriend. “What?”

“You’d have to learn to play an instrument first and you can’t sing.” Ava retorted.

“What? No musical ability?” Tori looked shocked. “That’s it. You can’t be part of this family.”

“I’ll learn!” Tyler promised.

When Richie and Tyler had left, Tori eyed Ava. “How did it really go?”

Ava didn’t pretend she didn’t know what her stepmother was referring to – and it wasn’t the babysitting. “Pretty good actually. Sweetpea loved him. She wanted him to read her bed time story. And he built a skyscraper with Peanut.” She frowned.  “He was uncomfortable with Chickpea though.”

“Men often are. They just don’t know how to handle babies that small. They’re afraid they’ll hurt them. They get better the more they’re around them.” Tori assured her. “So....there’s potential there?”

“Maybe. We’ll see.” Ava shrugged. “Anyway, I’m tired. Going to bed. Nite.”

“Nite Bean and thanks for babysitting.”

Richie returned to find everyone upstairs in their rooms. Locking the door, he shut off all the lights and followed.

Tori was just finishing feeding Zachary when Richie walked into the room. She’d taken off her dress and bra, but still wore her panties and garters.

His body stirred at the sight. Down boy. You still have a few weeks to wait. Watching her bend to put the baby back in his cradle and reach for the nipple cream didn’t help calm his libido. Without even being aware of moving, he found himself beside her. He reached out and took the tube of cream from her hand. At her raised brows, he gestured for her to lie down.

Tori read the expression in her husband’s eyes and obligingly stretched out, raising her arms to rest them above her head, a smirk curving her lips.

Her pose did nothing to ease the hardening of his body. But even knowing he couldn’t do what he really wanted to do to her, he couldn’t resist. Sitting on the side of the bed, he squeezed some cream onto his fingers and gently rubbed it into her nipple, gritting his teeth when it hardened at his touch.

Moaning softly, Tori closed her eyes and arched her back as his hand moved to her other breast. God how she wished they could take their play to its logical conclusion!  Her libido seemed to be recovering faster this time, but her body wasn’t keeping up. She’d just have to be satisfied with half a loaf.

The sounds she was making – not to mention the undulations of her body - were driving him crazy! Lowering his body over hers, he braced himself on his elbows and bent to capture her lips with his.

Senses rapidly deserting her with every nibble, every lick, every thrust of his tongue, Tori lowered her arms to clench her hands in the silk of his shirt. Before her control vanished completely, she forced her mind to concentrate long enough to tell her fingers to find a way through the offending material that separated her skin from his. Buttons slipped rapidly from their moorings beneath her determined hands.

Richie sucked in a ragged breath, his muscles twitching as her nails scraped lightly over his chest and stomach. When she reached his waist, undoing his pants and reaching inside, he couldn’t find the will to stop her. Her fingers wrapped around him and all he could do was flex his hips, sliding his length along her skin.

Finally, on the verge of going over the edge, he pulled her hand away and broke the kiss, trailing open mouth kisses over her cheek and down her neck. He kept his lips pressed against her skin as he slid down her body, cruising over the swollen mounds of her breasts, dropping light kisses on the sensitive tips. He kissed, licked and nipped his way over her stomach, taking his time in an unconscious effort to show her he didn’t care that it wasn’t flat anymore, she was still beautiful to him.

When he reached her garter belt, he skipped over it, spreading her legs apart to nuzzle the warm skin of her inner thigh and groan. “Why do you torture me with these?”

It took a minute for her pleasure fogged brain to process the question. She reached down to slide her fingers into his hair and chuckled breathlessly. “Because I know you like them. I don’t even really think about it. When I get dressed to go out with you, I automatically reach for the stockings.”

The idea that doing things to please him was second nature to her just about pushed him over the edge. Clinging to control, determined to return the favour, he lifted his head slightly to press his mouth to her clit, biting it lightly through her panties.

“Richie please!”

The urgency in her voice sparked an answering need deep inside him. Rising to his knees, he stripped off his shirt and set to work on her garters and stockings. Once he had her completely naked, he settle between her legs again, sliding his shoulders under her thighs, his hands came around her hips, his fingers holding back her swollen folds, opening her to...whatever he wanted.

One long, slow lick only served to whet his appetite. “Sweet. So sweet.”

Tori’s eyes drifted shut and her back arched as he feasted. Her breath came in pants and her heart pounded as he licked and kissed her hot moist flesh. When his lips closed around her clit and suckled, she cried out, the wave of pleasure overwhelming her. “Richie!”

He didn’t stop. Alternating a calloused fingertip with his smoother tongue, he rubbed and flicked, prolonging her orgasm. Without warning, she crested again. And still he continued. Her hands fisted in the sheet beneath her as she fought to breathe. “Jesus.”

When she came a third time, Richie decided she’d had enough...for now. Releasing her, he rolled onto his back, threw his arm over his eyes and fought back his own arousal.

Tori let her gaze roam over the masculine form lying beside her while she waited to regain her breath. She watched a shudder shake his body and felt guilty, knowing he was suffering. When she could move she set about easing his pain. She reached into the drawer of her bed side table and pulled out a container. Scooping out some lotion she turned back to Richie – or more specifically, to his erection standing tall and strong through his opened pants. She circled his shaft with one hand, rubbing in lotion as she stroked him up and down.

Releasing him, Tori went to work on removing the rest of his clothes. Glancing up, she saw a frown crease his brow. “What’s wrong?”

“What did you put on me?” One hand reached down to touch himself, then rubbed the lotion between his fingers.

She grinned. “Feeling a little heat?”

“Mmmhmm.” His hips shifted.

“It’s just that warming lube you used on me.” Tori crawled up until she could reach his lips. “I added a little flavoured lotion to it.” Her lips grazed his.

“Yeah?” His interest perked up even more. “What flavour?”

“Chocolate of course. My sweet tooth is acting up.”

“Angel.....I hate to rush you, but....” Richie shifted his hips restlessly.

Tori bent to worry a male nipple with the tip of her tongue. “A little uncomfortable?”

“A little.”

“Well, we’ll have to see what we can do to make you more....comfortable.” With a low chuckle she kissed, licked and sucked her way down his torso. When she reached his waist, she spread his thighs so that she could lie in between. Ignoring his aching shaft for the moment – what’s a little torture between lovers – she focused on his sac. She took first one ball, then the other into her mouth, sucking hard. The tip of her tongue rubbed the sensitive spot behind them grinning when his back arched and his hands clutched the sheet.

“Angel....please!”

The growled words were almost indecipherable, but the urgent need was loud and clear. His erection bobbed in front of her eager for attention. Starting at the very base, she ran the flat of her tongue along his entire length, following the big vein that pulsed on the underside. When she reached the tip, she stopped then started at the base again, licking him like an ice cream cone, over and over, savouring his flavour. Opening her mouth wide, she swallowed as much of him as she could, increasing her suction as she slowly released him, the tip coming free with an audible pop.

She stifled her giggle and continued to play. The sounds he was making warned her to get on with it. So she brought her hands into play. One wrapped around his erection and began to pump, using a slight twisting motion. The other cupped his sac, stretching the soft skin then reaching beneath to rub the spot that drove him crazy. At the same time she alternated licking and sucking the throbbing tip, and blew lightly on it.

“Fuck angel!” He was breathing like a racehorse, his entire body tensed, fighting to hold back his climax. Finally, he couldn’t hold back anymore and he grabbed her head and pulled her down over him, exploding in her mouth.

Tori sucked and swallowed, pushing the magic spot with her finger to make sure nothing was left inside him. When she was sure he was empty, she pulled up the blankets and settled into her favourite spot curled into his side.  

As wonderful as the past hour or so had been, she still felt a little....less than completely satisfied. But there would be no cure for that for a few more weeks. And then he’d better be ready, because I’m going to wear him out!

Richie blew out a breath and hugged her closer, kissing her forehead. “Love you.”

“Love you too.”

Chapter 53

“Shit!” Tori swore as she hung up the phone.

“What’s the matter T-Mom?” Ava sailed into the room and dropped onto the couch.

“The babysitter I had lined up for tonight just cancelled on me. She’s sick.” And the chances of finding someone else at this late date – especially on New Year’s Eve – were slim to none. Joan had gone back to New Jersey and she refused to ask either Rosa or Cathy to give up their holiday.

“Which party are you going to?”

“Down at the Hilton. They’re doing a silent auction for Stand Up for a Cure and your dad gave them a signed guitar.” With a mental shrug and internal sigh, she silently accepted that she’d be staying home – alone – this year. Richie needed to be there. This sucks! She’d been looking forward to getting dressed up and spending some time with adult company for a few hours.

She picked up the book she’d been reading to Lauren and tried to refocus on Cinderella’s predicament. They were having a little girl time while the boys were down the hall in the studio having a guitar lesson.

“I can babysit.” Ava offered.

“Don’t you have plans with Tyler?” From what Tori gathered, Ava and Tyler had managed to work through their last tiff and were getting along well.

Ava shrugged. “We were just going out for dinner and a movie. We can order in food and watch a movie here. Can’t we?”

“Sure, but...I don’t want you to change your plans for me. You deserve to go out and have some fun.”

“So do you. It’s fine. Besides,” she grinned at her stepmother, “Who’s going to convince Zachary to take the bottle if I’m not here? You know my siblings won’t take it from anyone else but me – at least at this age.”

Tori smiled, but a shadow darkened her eyes at the thought of the one person he’d taken a bottle for. Forcing the memory aside, she considered the teenager beside her. “Are you sure?”

“Yes. It’s fine. You go out and have fun with Dad – or at least go out with Dad.  I’ll call Tyler to come here and we’ll stay with the squirts.” At her stepmother’s probing look, she shrugged. “Tyler’s an only child. He’s never been around squirts.”

“Ah, I see.” And she did. Suddenly, small hands pushed against her, and a loud screech announced displeasure.

“Okay, okay Sweetpea, calm down. We’ll get back to the story.” Tori picked up the book again. Princesses and evil sisters indeed!

“Jesus Christ Tori!” Richie stepped into the dressing room and just about choked.

“What?” Tori adjusted the neckline of her gown.

“That’s not helping.”

“Why do I have the feeling that we’ve had this conversation before?”

“Because you keep wearing dresses like that when we go out.”

Tori shrugged, but a smirk tugged at her lips. “Just trying to fit in at a Hollywood party.”

“You’re barely fitting into that dress!”

“Do you think it’s too tight?” She surveyed her reflection in the mirror. The pink silk set off her creamy skin perfectly and the loose fitting sheath hid her still rounded belly. Of course the low neckline that revealed the tops of her swollen breasts tended to draw the eye away from such minor imperfections anyway.

“Nothing there to be tight.”

His grumble made her grin and confirmed her suspicion of what he objected to. She walked closer to smooth the lapels of his jacket and straighten the collar of his shirt. Fighting to keep her expression neutral, she trailed a fingernail down his chest, revealed tonight since he wasn’t wearing a tie. “Don’t you like the way I look?”

Aware of the minefield surrounding that question, he chose his words carefully. “I love the way you look.” He lifted a hand and let a calloused fingertip roam the exposed flesh he couldn’t take his eyes off of, smirking in satisfaction when her nipples hardened at his touch. Apparently she was feeling the effects of their enforced drought too.  “And so will every other man who sees these tonight.”

“But you’re the only one who gets to touch them. Well, you and Zachary.”  

Richie chuckled and dropped a kiss on her lips. “Come on you big tease, or we’re going to be late.”

Tori stepped back and turned towards the door, tossing a smouldering glance at him over her shoulder. “Not teasing. Promising. Later. If you play your cards right.”

He groaned, but his body reacted to her taunt. “Brat.”

“Honey, I swear half the room hated to see you walk in the door...and the other half thanked God you did.”

Tori turned at the distinctive voice and laughed. “I’m not sure whether that’s a good thing or bad.”

“I’ll let you know when I decide which half I’m in.” Cher turned to Richie. “Damn baby, if I’d known that was the result of having your babies, I would have kept you around.”

“Don’t let him snow you. It’s the Bongiovi genes.” Tony informed her as he joined the group. “Hi sis.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek, then shook Richie’s hand. “You let her out looking like that?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“No.” Tori and Cher answered in unison.

Richie sighed, but nodded his understanding. “There ya go.”

Cher glanced around and sobered. “I heard about what happened.  Everybody doing okay?”

“I’ll be better when they catch the crazy bitch, but yeah, we’re okay. Thanks.” Tori assured her.

“What’s this world coming to? I mean, there’s so much hate and insanity out there.” Cher shook her head sadly.

“But there are still some bright spots.” Tori pointed out. “I saw Chaz on Dancing With the Stars. He did a great job.”

“And despite what my parents tried to tell me, ballroom dancing ain’t easy.” Richie added.

“You actually tried it?” Tony grinned.

“Like I had a choice?” Richie grimaced.

Cher patted his shoulder consolingly. “Well Chaz says he had a blast. I just wish people would just accept and not judge.”

They all nodded in agreement.

 

A little while later, they ran into Heather and Jack.

“I’m so glad you found the baby.” Heather gave Tori a hug.

“Thanks.”

“Ava says Lauren’s having jealousy issues.”

“Yeah. She doesn’t like sharing Daddy’s attention.” Tori grimaced.

“Speaking of Daddy’s girls’ how did you get Ava to change her plans and agree to stay home and babysit?”

“I didn’t. She offered.” She paused. “Tyler has never been around children.”

“Oh.” Heather’s eyes widened, then she squeezed them shut. “I’m not ready for this! She’s only fifteen!!”

Jack and Richie exchanged glances and shrugged.

“Um...one of you want to fill her father in?” Richie looked at his wife. “Or do I not really want to know?”

Tori hestitated, then shrugged. “She’s testing Tyler.....as potential father material.”

“But...but.....she’s only FIFTEEN!!” Richie looked like he wanted to throw up.

“Honey, relax.” Tori rubbed his back. “She’s not thinking about starting a family right away. But she’s growing up. She’s starting to think about the future and what qualities are important for the man in her life to have.”

Richie grimaced.

“It’ll be okay. She’s got a good head on her shoulders.” Tori glanced back and forth between Heather and Richie. “Both of you...relax! She’s a smart girl!” She nudged Richie. “Trust me.”

Belatedly, he remembered the conversation he’d overheard between his wife and his oldest daughter regarding this exact subject. As Ava’s questions and Tori’s answers replayed in his head, he calmed – a little – and knew he could do just that – trust his wife to help guide his daughter  -  both of them - through the minefields of learning about men and relationships.  

As much as she was enjoying an evening out, Tori was glad when midnight arrived. She was tired and ready to go home.

Chapter 52

Christmas morning started early at Casa Sambora.  Zachary wanted breakfast at six and Tori knew that Stevie wouldn’t be too far behind him, so she decided it would just be easier to stay up. At least this way she could enjoy a leisurely shower before the demands on her time started. 

She was just finishing brushing her teeth when the door opened, admitting a sleep rumpled, bare chested Richie. The sight of him made her wonder if crawling back into bed with him wouldn’t have been a better idea than getting up.

“You didn’t have to get up yet. You can go back to sleep if you want.” She offered after she’d rinsed her mouth.

Scratching his chest, he yawned and shook his head. “Not much point. Prince Charming and his evil sister will be up soon and then no one will get to sleep. I’ll just grab a quick shower and get started on breakfast. Or do you want me to stuff the turkey first?”

“Did you just call your youngest daughter evil?”

“Are you going to deny that she can be?”

“No, I’m just surprised that you would admit it.”

He sighed. “Some things you just can’t over look.”

As she turned towards him chuckling, he pulled her into his arms. “Merry Christmas angel.”

“Merry Christmas honey.” She stretched up on tiptoe to kiss him then wrapped both arms around his waist and hugged him, nestling her body close to his, resting her head on his chest.

“Can we try something today?” He asked, rubbing her back.

“What?”

“Can we maybe try not to think of crazy fans and threats against us and just focus on having a nice, happy, family Christmas?”

She leaned back to smile up at him. “I think that sounds like a great idea! I think we all could use that.”

“Good.” He gave her a squeezed. “I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

“Okay. I’ll take Zachary with me.”

Half an hour later, a bleary eyed Ava half stumbled into the kitchen and headed straight for the coffee pot, an excited Stevie beside her, chattering nonstop.

“I hope the big blue one is for me, and the pink one is for you or maybe ‘Oren. The green one is for Nana and the yellow one is for Mama and the purple one is for Daddy and the other blue one is for Zacky. And der’s lots and lots and I can’t wait to open dem, but Mama said we have to have bekfast first.” He looked at his parents and smiled. “Hi Mama, hi Daddy. It Mismas!”

“Hi Peanut. Yes, it’s Christmas.” Tori had to smile at his youthful enthusiasm.

“What do you want for breakfast Peanut?” Richie spoke from where he was looking into the fridge. “Pancakes or scrambled eggs?”

“Scambled eggs pease.”

Coffee in hand, Ava slumped onto a stool at the counter across from where Tori was peeling potatoes, and groaned. “Merry Christmas. Doesn’t anyone in this house sleep past dawn anymore?”

“Not on Christmas Day. Not when there’s little ones in the house. Merry Christmas everyone.” Joan answered as she joined them, Lauren in her arms.  She set the toddler in her high chair and leaned over to whisper to her granddaughter. “But if we wear them out enough opening presents we can all take a nap later.”

Half an hour later, the family trooped into the living room. Joan settled into her favourite armchair, Tori on the couch with Zachary and Richie cross legged on the floor, Lauren on one knee, Stevie on the other. Ava acted as elf and distributed the presents.

Very quickly, the room was buried in a sea of brightly coloured ribbon and paper – which of course Lauren found much more entertaining than what was inside. Stevie, on the other hand, was super excited about everything he got, including clothes. Every time he opened a gift, he would jump off his father’s knee and run to show first his mother, then his grandmother and finally Ava, completing the circle back to Richie, almost tripping over Taffy in the process.

Tori looked around as she took pictures and felt a wave of emotion sweep over her. She would have liked to blame it in residual hormones, but she couldn’t be sure. All she knew is how much she loved her family and how blessed she felt to have them in her life.  

Her too perceptive mother-in-law had been watching her as she moved around the edges of the room with the camera. Having some idea of what was going through Tori’s head, Joan reached out to take her hand and gave it a squeeze. Tori squeezed back, gave her a watery smile and resumed her seat on the couch, bending to take a ribbon away from Taffy before she choked on it. A high pitched voice had her sitting up quickly and staring towards the group in the middle of the floor.

“Elmo loves to rock and roll!”

Despite her daughter’s obvious delight with her new toy, as evidenced by her gleeful laughter, Tori groaned. “Who gave her that?”

Richie picked up the tag. “Uncle Matt.”

“Of course he did. Brat.” Tori growled. “Well wait until he sees what we got Rocco.”

Wincing as his daughter banged on Elmo’s bongos beside him, Richie had to agree. “Yeah. I don’t feel guilty anymore about sending him that pop tunes keyboard thing.”

Taffy had been stealthily creepy up on the furry creature that always made her see red – in more ways than one. She had reached her goal and was about to sink her teeth into him when he was snatched away from her and meaningless – to her – words screeched at her in a scolding tone had her slinking back to her place by the couch.

Tori reached down to pet her. “Nice try. Maybe next time you’ll get him.”

After cleaning up the living room – with Joan and Ava’s help – Tori headed into the kitchen to continue preparations for dinner. She was putting together a light lunch for everyone when her sons’ voices reached her.

“Mama! Zacky hungy!” Stevie shouted to be heard over his brother’s cries.

“Okay. I’m coming!”  

As she sat feeding the baby, she had to smile at the scene in front of her. Richie was lying on his stomach on the floor helping Stevie put together a new toy while Lauren sat on his back like she was riding him and bouncing up and down.

“I...think...this...goes....like....this.” The pauses between each word were caused by the need to take a breath since the air was being pushed out of his lungs with each of his daughter’s bounces.

“Honey, are you okay?”

“Uh....huh. Now...I....know...how...a.....boun..cy...cast..le...feels!”

Tori chuckled. “Well, you are comfortable to relax on.” She just grinned at the look he shot her.

After a huge dinner, the family was once again spread out around the living room relaxing. Joan was in her favourite chair, Ava in a similar one texting her friends, and Stevie and Lauren were on the floor playing with new toys. Tori sat at the end of the couch, Taffy at her feet, while Richie stretched out with his head in her lap and Zachary sleeping on his chest.

Tori sifted her fingers through her husband’s hair absently and stared almost blindly at the TV, her brain fighting a post turkey stupor. Richie was likewise half dozing. Neither one paid much attention to Lauren getting up and walking around the coffee table. She stood beside them for a moment, then suddenly reached out and slapped Zachary on the back.

His little face scrunched up and he began to cry.

“LAUREN VICTORIA SAMBORA!”  Tori scolded while Richie worked to calm the baby and make sure he was alright. “That’s a bad girl!”

A low growl was the only warning they got before Taffy moved in and gently nudged Lauren back from the couch.....and onto her butt.

The bottom lip came out and started to quiver. Large brown eyes filled with tears. She glanced hopefully towards her father, but he was preoccupied with the baby and didn’t look her way so she started to sob.

Richie sighed and started to reach for her.

“Don’t.” Joan advised. “She’s not hurt and she needs to learn. What she wants most right now is your attention, so you need to deny it to her when she does something like that.” She smiled gently at him. “I know it’s hard for you, but it really is in her best interest – and Zachary’s until he’s big enough to defend himself.”

“I know.” Richie acknowledged. “Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

Later that night, after the kids were in bed and Joan had retired to her room, Richie met Tori in the hallway. “Hot tub?”

“Mmm. That sounds like a great idea.”

“You get the towels, I’ll get the tub ready.”

“Do you want your trunks?”

Richie met her eyes and smirked. “I don’t really think that’s necessary....do you?”

The shiver that ran down her spine had nothing to do with the thought of the cool air on bare skin, and everything to do with the look in his eyes. “No.”

“So, do you like your gift?” Richie murmured into his wife’s ear, large hands rubbing the tension of the day out of her shoulders.

“Mmm. It’s beautiful.” She’d gotten many gifts, but she knew which one he was referring to.  He’d taken a few of her favourite pictures of the kids and had them transferred to canvas, forming a huge collage for the wall of the office. She turned her head to kiss him. “I love it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad you like it.” It had taken him awhile to accept that, unlike his previous experience with the female half of the species, jewellery was not the way to this woman’s heart – family was. Since he felt the same way, finding gifts she’d appreciate wasn’t all that difficult. The truth was, he got as much enjoyment out of find them as she did in receiving them.

Leaning back against his firm chest, she let the heat – both from the water and from him – soothe and relax her. She closed her eyes and trusted him to keep her from drowning.

“It was a nice day today, wasn’t it?” He anchored her to him with and arm around her waist.

“Mmmmm.”

Feeling her go slack against him, Richie smiled wryly. This wasn’t what he’d had in mind when he’d suggested the hot tub, but between having a baby, dealing with a nutjob and Christmas, it really wasn’t surprising that she was so tired. He touched his lips to her temple and settled into his job as caretaker – at least until Zachary woke up and wanted food.

Chapter 51

Three days before Christmas found Tori running some last minute errands. Stevie insisted that he wanted to pick out a present for Zachary himself, and there were always a few groceries to pick up. She took Zachary with her, but left Lauren at home with Richie – three were just too much for her to juggle unless she wanted to put Rob, the bodyguard, to work – and Lauren would rather be with her Daddy anyway.

They were in the baby section of the toy store wandering the aisles – the third such store – in search of something that Stevie thought his baby brother would like. Tori had originally tried to steer him towards clothes, but he insisted on a toy.

“Look Peanut, how about this?” She held up a lullaby gloworm that had pre-programmed lullabies or you could record your own.

“Nuh uh.” Stevie shook his head.

Tori actually thought it was great, so she held onto it and made a mental note to get Richie to provide the lullabies. “Do you see anything you like?”  She hoped so because at the rate they were going they wouldn’t get home in time for Christmas let alone dinner. He couldn’t tell her what he wanted, but he sure knew what he didn’t want. She blamed that trait on his father.

“Fishies!” Stevie blurted out.

“Fish? Where?”

“Der!” He pointed.

Tori lifted down the object he indicated. It looked like a small aquarium with the fish moving around. It could be attached to the side of a crib or the handle of his carrier or anywhere within the baby’s sight. “You think Zachary would like this?”

“Uh huh.” Stevie nodded decisively. “I can get for Zacky? For Mismas?”

 “Yes you can.”

The next stop – and thankfully the last on her list – was the grocery store.  As they passed the cookies, Tori noticed Stevie scanning the shelves. “Do you want some cookies?”

Stevie nodded. “Pease.”

“What kind do you want?”

“Mama’s cookies.”

Tori chuckled. “You mean you want me to make some when we get home?”

“Uh huh. Pease. Daddy ate dem all.”

“He does that a lot doesn’t he?”

“Uh huh. He like Cookie Monster, but he not blue.”

Hearing a muffled snicker, Tori glanced at Rob, who just grinned and winked at her. She smiled. “Richie likes homemade cookies.”

“So I gather.  Like father like son?”

Tori nodded. “Very much so. In a lot of ways.”

“Your daughter’s  more like you?”

“Unfortunately, yes....but if you tell anyone I admitted that, I’ll deny it.”

Rob laughed. “She sure is something. Maybe she’ll out grow out of it?”

Tori groaned at his hopeful, but not convinced tone. “I’m already dreading the teenage years.”

“Oh, it probably won’t be that bad.  You’re mother survived it didn’t she?”

“Yeah, but her natural hair colour didn’t.”

“From what my wife tells me, they can do wonders with hair dye these days.”

“Gee, thanks.”

Shopping done, they headed back to the car. Tori fastened Zachary’s carrier into its base while Rob helped Stevie into his booster seat. Her hands full of bags, she rounded the end of the SUV to load them into the back. As she stepped back to open the door, she heard the squeal of tires on pavement from down the row of vehicles to her right. A second later she found herself lying in the cargo area, Rob on top of her. The grind of metal on metal gave her some idea of what had happened.

Rob sprang up, looking in the direction the speeding car had taken after bouncing off the van parked beside them. Fishing his phone out of his pocket, he started dialling.

“Who are you calling?” Tori asked as she regained her feet, her heart pounding.

“Mike. Yeah, it’s Rob. I’ve got a plate for you to check out.” While he recited plate and vehicle information to Mike he crouched to examine the damage done to the van beside them. “The driver just tried to take out Tori in a parking lot.”

“Is she okay?”

Rob glanced at Tori. “I think I probably scared the crap out of her, and she might have a couple bruises from her landing, but otherwise she’s fine.”

“Was it Jasmine?” Mike asked his operative.

“I can’t say for sure, I didn’t get a good look at the driver.”

“What’s your gut say?”  They’d both been in the business long enough to have developed sharp instincts.

“That it was either her or someone she got to do it for her.”

“I agree. That makes the most sense. I’ll check this out and let you know what I find.”

“Right. Later.” Hanging up, he studied Tori’s face. “You are alright aren’t you?”

“Yeah I’m fine.”

“Mama! What happened?”

“Somebody was driving too fast.  They lost control and hit the van beside us.  We’re okay.” Tori assured her son.

On the way back to the house, Tori glanced at Rob. “My husband doesn’t need to know about this. It will only upset him.”

“But it will be even worse if he finds out about it from someone else. And he’s bound to find out about it sooner or later.”

“Later works for me.”

“It’s your call, but do you really want to do that....to him?”

Tori sighed and grimaced out the window. She knew what he meant....and she also knew he was right. Still didn’t mean she had to like it.

Back at the house, Tori was in the kitchen putting away the groceries when Richie came in. The look on his face warned her he already knew.

“What’s Peanut talking about somebody side swiping the van next to you at the grocery store?”

“I was putting the bags in the back of the SUV when I heard squealing tires. Rob knocked me out of the way and an out of control car hit the van next to us.”  She hoped that by keeping her tone matter of fact it would help keep him calm. “I wasn’t hurt. Everything is fine.”

His grunt spoke volumes about his opinion of that platitude.  Rob’s entrance redirected his attention. “Was it her?”

“I can’t be sure, I didn’t get a good look at the driver, but....”

“But you think it was.”

“Yeah, I do. It makes the most sense.”

“Why do you say that?” Tori asked.

“Partly because the odds of it being a random occurrence when the woman who’s trying to tear your family apart is on the loose are so huge even Vegas wouldn’t touch it, and partly because you are her most likely target.” Rob shifted his gaze back and forth between the couple standing opposite him. “Her goal is to marry Richie and create a family with him. In her delusional mind, you are the only thing standing in the way of that.”

Richie paced a few steps and raked a hand through is hair. “So what do we do now?”

“Same as we’ve been doing. You guys don’t go anywhere without a guard and we keep vigilant. Sooner or later she’s going to make a mistake and we’ll get her.”

Tori hoped he was right and it couldn’t happen soon enough for her.  She hated feeling like a prisoner.

Chapter 50

“So what now?” Karin asked after Tori had brought her up to date.

“Now we wait and hope the police can find her. The FBI has been notified and they’re watching all the airports, train stations and ports.”

Karin could hear the strain in her friend’s voice. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m frustrated as hell!” Tori sighed. “Sorry. It’s just...”

“I know.  You thought it was over. Now....”

“And to add insult to injury, now Richie’s insisting on bodyguards wherever the kids and I go.”

Karin winced, knowing how well that would be going over. “He’s just trying to keep you safe.”

“I know, and I appreciate it.  Doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“But you are going along with it.” It was almost more of a warning that she’d better than a comment.

“Yes mother, I am.” Tori assured her. “Yeesh. You’re worse than my actual mother.”

“Yeah, well sometimes you need to be saved from yourself Miss Independent-I-Can-Take-Care-Of-Myself-I-Don’t-Need-Anyone.  You have a husband to share your life with and who loves you and will do anything to keep you safe and happy. Tori, you need to let him. It’s part of being married. Now, are you going to co-operate or do I have to send David back to harass you?”

Tori smiled wryly. She could always count on Karin to be brutally honest with her – whether she wanted to hear it or not. “I surrender! Keep Shirley there with you and the baby. How is little Josh?”

“Growing like a weed and being spoiled rotten by his big sisters.”

Tori thought of Ava who was spending even more time with them than usual, and most of it with Zachary. “Yeah, they tend to do that.” Then she thought of Lauren. “Well, the older ones anyway.”

“Lauren still jealous?”

“Most of the time she just ignores him. He can being screaming for his dinner right next to her and she won’t even look at him.”

“What about when you hold him?”

“Nothing. Doesn’t faze her at all. Joan either. But when Richie picks him up?  Look out.”

“Daddy’s little girl doesn’t like sharing his attention?”

“Not at all. She’ll try to crawl into his lap or scream and carry on...anything to get his attention. This morning she grabbed Zachary by the foot and tried to pull him out of Richie’s arms. Luckily, she wasn’t strong enough to pull him far, and Richie’s reflexes were quick enough to hang onto him.”

“Ooh boy. What did Richie do?”

“It startled him enough that he spoke sternly to her, reprimanding her for being mean and reminded her she needed to be gentle with the baby.”

“And how did she react to that?”

Remembering, Tori snorted and shook her head. “Put on the best show of a wounded child you’ve ever seen.  The bottom lip came out in a big pout, then started to quiver. Then the tears started. First just two running down her cheeks, then she started to sob. I swear, the way she carried on you’d swear she’d been beaten.”

“And did Richie cave?” She knew how fathers were in the face of their little girls’ tears.

“I thought he was going to, but he didn’t. I think it just about killed him not to though.”

“How long did it take her to get over it?”

“About two minutes. The dog came in and took off with her Elmo again and she had to chase after her.”

Karin chuckled. “And how is Peanut dealing with all this?”

“He has got to be the most laid back kid I’ve ever seen. Nothing seems to bother him. When the baby cries and I’m not in the room, he comes to get me, then goes back to his toys. When Lauren knocks over his blocks – which she does every time he gets them piled up – or the dog jumps on his puzzle, scattering the pieces, he just sighs and gives me a long suffering look.”  

“He’s a good boy.”

“Yes he is. But he’s so calm and quiet, sometimes I have to remind myself to make sure he gets his fair share of the attention, especially with Lauren’s antics.”

“She really is something.”

“Yep. I’m trying not to think what she’s going to be like when she hits the terrible twos.”  Tori shuddered at the thought.

“Never a dull moment in the Sambora household.”

“Nope.”

“Christmas ought to be fun for you this year.”

“Yeah. Luckily Joan’s here to help.”

Karin snorted. “This is me you’re talking to. Don’t try to act like you don’t have everything all done and ready. I know you better than that.”

“Well....I do still have a few things to pick up, but yeah, most of it’s done.”

“You know......I really do hate you sometimes.”

Tori leaned her head back and laughed. “No you don’t. Be nice or I won’t send your presents.”

“You wouldn’t do that. You love my family too much.”

“Don’t tell Shirley that!”

After putting Stevie and Lauren to bed, Tori returned to the living room. Joan was ensconced in a large comfortable armchair, her knitting in her lap while she watched T.V.  Richie was sitting on the end of the couch, his reading glasses perched on the end of his nose, book in his hands. Zachary was in his bassinet at his father’s feet.

Tori bent to adjust the baby’s blanket, then curled up next to her husband, leaning her head to rest against his shoulder and her hands loosely circling his arm.

Warm chocolate eyes shifted to meet hers, one dark brow lifted in inquiry. “Something wrong?”

“No.” She assured him. “Just....a hormone wave.”

He studied her face. “Are you sure that’s all it is?”

“Mmmmhmmm.” She lifted her face to smile at him. “I’m fine.”

“Angel, don’t lie to me.”

Tori grimaced. “Sometimes I wish you didn’t know me so well.”

They both ignored Joan’s snicker.

“Come on, spill. What’s bothering you?” Experience told him letting her bottle it up and stew would only end up hurting them both.

“You mean besides the fact that the whackjob who kidnapped our son is running free out there somewhere?”

He wasn’t going to take the bait. “Yeah. Besides that.”

Tori sighed. “It’s just.....I thought we finally had our fairy tale ending.” Her eyes filled. “And it’s all being ripped apart by one nutjob.”

Richie set aside his book and wrapped both his arms around his wife. “She’s only going to rip it apart if we let her.” Long fingers lifted her chin until their eyes met. “Our family is safe and strong.  And no one is going to change that. I.....we....won’t let them. I promise you angel. She’ll be found and she’ll get what she deserves. But no matter what she does, she’ll never come between us. You are my wife. You – and the kids - are my life. And I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe and happy. I love you.”

Tori sniffed and ignored the tears running down her cheeks. “I love you too.”

He wiped away her tears and kissed her. When their lips parted, Tori tucked her head under his chin and he held her close. Glancing at his mother, he saw her nod in approval.