HAVEN FOR A HEART

Author's Note: I don't own any of the characters from Law & Order Criminal Intent. The other characters in this story, Charli Donovan, Harris Donovan, Jacob & Maggie Reilly (and any others who may appear in later chapters) are my creation.

I would like to dedicate this story to my sister, spookycc, who has inspired me, encouraged me and betaed for me – as well as being the best friend/sister a person could ask for. Thanks for the title, sis!

This takes place after Untethered and Bobby has returned to work at Major Case.

Chapter 1

Detective Robert Goren walked into Reilly's Pub with his partner, Alexandra Eames. Jacob Reilly looked up from where he was waiting on a table, calling 'hello' to them as he indicated a table for them to sit at. Jacob's niece, Charli Donovan, was behind the bar clearing the cash register from the previous evening. She looked up upon hearing her uncle's voice and felt the color drain from her face. She hadn't seen Bobby in almost 12 weeks and wasn't certain she was ready for the encounter now. There was too much between them – and most of it he was uncomfortable with.

"Hey, Charli – pour me a draft, will ya?" Martin Hawley, a daily customer, requested as he took a stool at the bar. Setting the receipts under a glass to keep them from blowing away, she reached for a glass and poured the beer with the expertise of a master bartender. She felt Bobby's gaze on her as she worked but she refused to acknowledge his presence. She was too embarrassed to face him. "Thanks, Toots," Martin smiled and Charli retrieved her paperwork to disappear into the back office.

"How've you been, Jacob?" Bobby asked his old friend.

"I should be asking you that. Maggie's been worrying herself sick over you. She wants you to come for dinner one night so she can see how you're doing," Jacob invited.

"I've been busy. There's been a lot to do between work and settling up my mother's affairs," Bobby explained, his gaze straying to the hallway Charli had just taken. "I – is Charli working here?"

"Just helping out like always," Jacob replied. "She's looking for a new teaching position but still doing my books."

"A new position? What happened? I thought St. Gregory's loved her," Alex joined the conversation. Jacob had been Alex's father's partner for a time. It had been a coincidence that the two detectives had found they had a mutual friend.

"St. Gregory's students love her – the church, however, has a negative view on unwed mother's teaching," Jacob stated, his distain for the powers that be evident in his voice. "That girl loves teaching – loves her students and she's being ostracized for bringing a miracle into this world."

"Charli's pregnant?" Alex was pleased for the younger woman.

"What? How?" Bobby asked and realized the silliness of the question when Jacob and Eames both looked at him as if he were a child. "I – I know how she got pregnant what I mean is – she's not supposed to be able to have children. There was an accident when she was 20 - the doctors told her she'd never be able to conceive," he explained to his partner.

"It took her three trips to an OB and several home pregnancy tests before she was able to accept it herself," Jacob replied with a warm smile.

"And the father?" Bobby wanted to know.

"She's not involved with anyone and she hasn't said who the father is. Told me that it's her baby and her choice," the older man was obviously proud of the woman he loved more like a daughter. "She's a hard-headed, independent young lady."

"That she is," Bobby agreed, thoughtfully.

"But I think that there's more to the story than she's saying," Jacob glanced down the hallway to the office door. "Somebody's been giving her a hard time – she's been on edge but won't tell me what's going on."

"Do you think the baby's father might be involved?" Eames questioned.

"I thought so at first, but Charli's been insistent that he wouldn't do such a thing," Jacob replied, glancing down the hallway to the office.

Charli carried a bag of groceries along the sidewalk towards her apartment, unaware that she was being watched. She pushed in the security code and shifted the bag so that she could maneuver the door open. When someone held the door from behind, she turned to thank them only to find Bobby. He took the bag from her and motioned for her to continue into the building. She did so, silently, uncertain as to why he would be there.

"You didn't come say 'hello' today when Eames and I came by for lunch," Bobby stated almost as if he read her thoughts. Digging her key out the pocket of her blue jeans, Charli unlocked the door of her apartment and pushed it open. Switching on a light, she tossed her key on the kitchen counter.

"We haven't talked in three months – I doubted you'd want to see me," she replied softly, busying herself with emptying the bag he had set on the kitchen table.

"Jacob said that you've been having some problems," Bobby waited for her reaction. "He – he thinks that someone is harassing you."

"Jacob likes to try to mother me – I'm fine, Bobby," she hoped that she sounded calmer than she felt.

"He said that you've been getting letters – gifts. There's hang up calls at the bar and he's pretty sure that you're getting them here at home," Bobby continued. "Let me help you, Charli, please."

"It's nothing, Bobby – it's somebody that Harris hired to frighten me into coming home," she began.

"Do you have these letters and gifts?"

"Jacob insisted that I hang on to them, just in case," Charli said on a sigh, realizing that she was out of danger for the moment.

"Can I see them, please?" he requested, his tone was gentle, his brown eyes studying her pretty face.

"I don't want to be a bother, really, it's nothing," she shook her head, her long auburn hair falling over shoulders. She knew Bobby well enough to know that he wasn't going to give up without seeing the items he'd requested. "Fine – I'll get them," she said on a sigh, going into the living room. Bobby watched her as she retrieved a shoebox from the closet. Returning to where he stood, she handed him the box and returned to her task of putting away the groceries.

Sitting at the kitchen table, Bobby opened the box and took out a stack of letters – 12 in all. He read them in the order she received them, slowly before moving on to the next. Charli poured two glasses of iced tea, setting one in front of Bobby, who thanked her absently as he concentrated. Finished with the letters, he moved on to the gifts the box contained – a silver rope chain with a puffed heart locket, a diamond tennis bracelet and a crystal dolphin. Replacing all of the items back in the box, he took a long swallow of the tea before asking:

"You don't think it's the baby's father?"

Charli's eyes widened at the question but she steeled herself to remain calm. How had he found out? Jacob – she realized, her uncle was so thrilled at the prospect of a new baby joining the family.

"No – I know it's not him," she replied with a certainty that drew Bobby's curiosity. "You don't think it's Harris?" Harris Donovan was Charli's father – a violent, domineering man who used intimidation and beatings to get his daughters to do what he wanted.

"No, this isn't Harris. This is a man who's obsessed with you – in his mind, he feels that you belong to him – he believes that you and he are involved in a rather intense, intimate relationship," Bobby explained, indicating the contents of the box with his left index finger. "The gifts are his – his way of showing possession – in his world you're completely his."

"You're serious?" Charli set her glass on the counter. "You think this is someone who's infatuated with me?"

"Not infatuated – obsessed. There's a difference. This man is delusional, Charli – it could be someone that you know – or someone that you've bumped into on the street. Anything that shakes his belief – might make him violent," he told her. Picking up his glass, he studied her over the rim as he took another sip.

"I'm not the type of woman anyone would obsess over," Charli said, growing uncomfortable under his scrutiny.

"Why not?" Bobby set his glass down. "You're intelligent, funny – drop dead beautiful."

"I'm none of those things – That would be Trisha's claim to fame," she spoke softly.

"We'll need to agree to disagree on that," Bobby said, his dislike of Charli's oldest sister no secret. The woman was vain, malicious and vindictive – he didn't find her the least bit attractive. "And apparently, your friend agrees with me. After all, he's not stalking Trisha."

"Lucky me," she grumbled, turning to retrieve her glass.

"Did you plan on telling me?" Bobby asked softly, causing Charli to turn to face him. "That you're pregnant," he clarified.

"It wasn't your concern," she replied, setting her glass back down to stick her trembling hands in the pockets of her jeans.

"It's not? You didn't think I'd want to know that I'm going to be a father?" he questioned matter-of-factly, rising to his feet. At 6'4", he towered over her 5'3" frame.

"Jacob didn't tell you that because I haven't told anyone who the father is," she challenged him.

"Jacob didn't have to tell me anymore than you did. I know," Bobby's deep voice was certain and Charli heard an underlying anger in his words.

"How can you be so sure?" Charli wanted to know, aware of the heat of him in the mere inch that separated their bodies.

"You're 29 years old – and you were a virgin the first time we were together," he reminded her. "Somehow I doubt that you'd fall into bed with another man within days of sleeping with me," he reached out to smooth a strand of hair away from her cheek. "Especially considering the fact that I forced you." The pain was evident in his smooth voice.

Charli was saved from responding by the phone ringing drew and it drew Bobby's attention. He took a step back to allow her room to move by him but she didn't seem anxious to answer it. He raised a curious eyebrow and she shook her head.

"May I?" he asked, walking to retrieve the handset. Nodding her consent, she watched as he pressed the 'talk' button. "Hello?" there was a pause before he asked: "Is someone there? If you've gone to the trouble of calling, you can at least talk to me. Anytime you call, I'll be the one answering. Charli doesn't want to talk to you anymore – so either you talk to me or you need to stop bothering." Shrugging, he disconnected the call and looked to Charli: "He hung up."

"But he's not going to give up that easily, is he?"

"No. I think it would be best if you packed some clothes and come stay with me for a few days – at least until we see what this is going to do to your friend," Bobby made it sound like a suggestion but Charli knew he wouldn't take 'no' for an answer.

"I'd rather not," she had never been afraid to speak her mind with Bobby. "If you think I need to have supervision, I'll go stay with Jacob and Maggie."

"That's not a good idea – if this guy decides to get violent, do you really want to put either of them in the middle?" he countered and Charli knew he was right. While Jacob was still a vital, healthy man, he was in his early 70's and Maggie's health was not at its best.

"No, of course not," she was quick to agree. "But staying with you isn't a much better alternative," she told him. Mistaking her reasons, Bobby replied:

"I want to help you out here, Charli. I'm not going to do anything to hurt you. It'll be safer for you and the baby if you stay with me. No strings attached."

"Bobby -."

"If you don't want to stay with me, I'll crash on your couch," he insisted and Charli knew there wasn't going to be anyway to convince him that she was fine alone. "It's up to you."

Giving in, she packed a small suitcase and collected several books from the living room to take along while Bobby waited patiently for her. She had missed him, but she hadn't realized how much until he'd walked into the bar earlier that day. She knew that she had to maintain a distance from him though, in order to save her heart from any further pain. She saw that he had the shoebox securely under his arm and she was grateful to see it leaving her apartment. Taking the suitcase from her, Bobby followed her out of the building.

"D – did you get your vitamins off the counter?" he asked, not having seen her pack them.

"Yes," she assured him. She had placed them in her purse while he had thumbed through the books she had set on the counter.

"Do you have morning sickness?" he pulled open the back door of his SUV, setting the shoebox and suitcase on the backseat. Taking the books from Charli, he set them on the floor, waiting for her to respond.

"It's sporadic now," she didn't want to discuss her pregnancy with him. "I need to be careful about what I eat for dinner, otherwise I'll be sick during the night."

"The baby's healthy? You're OK?" he pulled open the passenger door for her, helping her in with a gentle hand on her elbow.

"The baby's fine," she replied softly, not elaborating further.

They drove to Bobby's apartment in virtual silence, Charli watching the darkness pass through the window. She knew that Bobby's mind must be whirling with the news of her pregnancy – she still had trouble comprehending it at times. A severe beating from her father when she was 20 had left her with internal injuries and scarring that doctors had told her would make it impossible for her to ever conceive a child. The night he'd shown up at her apartment, Bobby had never thought to use a condom any of the 4 times he had made love to Charli and the fact that she was a virgin and unable to conceive had made birth control a mute point.

Arriving at the apartment, Bobby carried her suitcase into the bedroom before returning to where she had waited in the living room.

"You know where everything is so make yourself at home. Feel free to help yourself to anything you want and if you need something you can't find, just let me know," he was saying. She stood looking out the window and Bobby came to a standstill, watching her. He had known her for almost 15 years and they had developed a friendship that Bobby had come to cherish. Despite a 16-year age difference, the two had more in common than anyone else Bobby knew. Watching her where she stood, Bobby sensed a sadness in her and hated that he was the cause. "I'll crash on the couch," he broke into her thoughts, wanting to fill the silence between them. "You take the bed."

"There's no way you'd ever be comfortable on the couch," she shook off her melancholy, turning to face him. "I'll be fine out here."

"You're pregnant," he reminded her needlessly. "You'll be more comfortable in the bed."

"I can change my mind and go home, Bobby. I'm here voluntarily and I volunteer for the couch."

"Yes, ma'am," he knew better than to argue with her when she made up her mind – and at least she was standing up to him, which meant that she wasn't as angry with him as he might believe. "Jacob said that you lost your job when the powers that be found out you're pregnant," he broached the subject carefully.

"Devoted Catholics are very sensitive about women with low morals teaching their children," she replied softly, running a hand through her long, wavy hair.

"Low morals? Is that what they said?" This seemed to get a reaction out of the detective. "You're by far the most upstanding, moral person I've ever known – what right do they have to judge you?"

"The school board made their decision based on facts provided from an anonymous caller and the church stood by that decision," Charli shrugged. "I'll be fine until the baby is born. My insurance will cover all the medical expenses and between doing Jacob's books and some part-time secretarial work, I'm making a little more than I was at the school."

"But you shouldn't have to be working. You should be taking care of yourself and the baby," Bobby studied her. Uncomfortable under his scrutiny, Charli walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water.

"Millions of pregnant women work, Bobby. As long as I feel fine and there's no complications, I can work right up until the baby's born," she had her back to him as she ran the cold water before filling her glass. "This is my baby – I'm responsible for whatever I choose to do."

"It's my baby, too," Bobby had followed her into the kitchen and leaned back against the counter. "I want to be involved – I want to be a father to our child."

Turning to face him, Charli mimicked his position, leaning back against the opposite counter. He was so certain that he had fathered her child – and he wasn't upset by the prospect of an unplanned, unwanted pregnancy. Sipping at the cold water, she met his gaze saying:

"If that's what you want – but right now it's pretty much in my ballpark."

"I can come to the doctor with you, get you pickles and ice cream," he smiled, grateful that she hadn't turned him down flat.

"How about raisinettes and shrimp toast?" she countered and Bobby laughed.

"That's doable."

"And right now, I'm thinking that we should be thinking about dinner," she laid a hand on her stomach. "I'm getting hungry."

They searched the contents of Bobby's kitchen and decided to call for Chinese. Charli couldn't help but smile when she heard him order double shrimp toast. Locating a piece of paper and a pen, she began making a grocery list. If she was going to be staying there, she was going to have to make herself at home. Peeking over her shoulder, Bobby read what she was writing and asked her to add coffee to the list.

The tension seemed to ease a bit and Charli was happy for that. Bobby had been her friend for too many years for her to lose him. The fact that he wasn't in love with her was her problem, not his – and she should have known better than to think that he'd ever find her sexually attractive. The fact that he had regretted what had happened between them was proof of that. He had been going through a rough time and had needed comfort – she was just the most accessible woman at that moment and she had pushed the situation farther than he'd intended for it to go.

"Did Jacob tell you that the bar's been sold?" she asked when they sat across the table from each other, eating their Chinese feast. "They're having trouble finding a buyer for the house – but once they do, he and Maggie plan on traveling."

"I can't believe the house hasn't sold – it's a gorgeous old place," Bobby reached for his beer.

"I'd love to have it myself, but it's too much to take on right now," she replied absently, helping herself to another piece of shrimp toast. "How's Alex been?" she asked after his partner.

"She's good – dating a nice guy – Paul Bradley. She's rather excited that you're pregnant -," he began and Charli shot him a questioning look. "She doesn't know that I'm the father – and I didn't tell Jacob, either."

"I – I didn't tell anyone because it was my decision to keep the baby. You've spent you're entire life being responsible for situations that you had no control over – you're mother, Frank - I knew that you wouldn't want a baby with me and I don't plan on becoming one of those responsibilities," she explained, knowing he misunderstood her reaction. The fact that he hadn't said anything to her uncle or his partner was an indication to Charli that he was hesitant to reveal their 'one night stand'. "I'm not ashamed that you're the father, Bobby – I just never wanted you to think that I tried to trap you or lied to you about not being able to have children," she broke off, blushing softly at the memory of his body against hers – the feel of him inside her.

"I know you didn't lie about that – I was at the hospital with you after Harris beat you, remember?" he reminded her. "I know what the doctors told you."

Realizing what he said was true, it explained his lack of concern for protection – he knew that she couldn't get pregnant. Setting her fork on her plate, she pushed her half-eaten dinner away having suddenly lost her appetite. Some small part of her had wanted to believe that Bobby had wanted to have a baby with her but she had to let go of that dream.

"Are you alright?" he asked, thinking that she was becoming ill from the food.

"I'm fine – I just don't want to overdue it. The morning sickness isn't pleasant," she said, getting away from the table to carry her plate to the sink.

"I said something that upset you," he persisted, following her with is own plate. "Didn't I?"

"It's nothing, Bobby – my moods jump all over the place. You could say good morning and I'll cry," she tried to tease, turning to face him. Her pregnancy had actually been progressing without much discomfort at all but she had been doing considerable reading – one of the many things she and Bobby had in common. At the moment, she was glad that she could use one of the many side effects that she'd read about as a cover.

"We're going to be in close quarters until we catch your friend. We've been friends for a long time and we've always been honest with each other. Please let's not start lying to each other now – especially not now," he set his plate in the sink. "What did I say?"

"Please, don't – I'm tired and this man, if you're certain it's not Harris, has me shaken up," she explained.

"What did I say, Chuck?" he knew her – knew that he had said something that had hurt her.

"It's nothing," she would have moved around him, but Bobby placed his hands on the counter on either side of her, blocking her exit. "I'm not going to discuss this with you, please, let me go." Her voice was soft and her gaze studied a button on his shirt.

"I know you better than anyone. You can tell me anything," Bobby's own tone was barely a whisper but she heard the huskiness. Laying her hands on his chest, she pushed at him but Bobby didn't budge. She felt the heat of him through the material of his dress shirt, his tie and suit jacket having been discarded when they'd arrived at the apartment. Looking up at him helplessly, she felt the tears burn her green eyes and she repeated:

"Please, let me go."

"Are you afraid of me?" Bobby asked and Charli saw the pain in his eyes. "I swear I'll never hurt you like that again."

"I'm not afraid of you," she assured him. "I know that you won't – that you don't -," she broke off and Bobby took a step back, allowing her to move away from him. Charli walked away from him and his gaze followed her as she hurried into the bathroom, closing the door behind her.

He knocked on the door, turning the knob and pushing it open. Charli was on the floor in front of the toilet, having lost the contents of her stomach. Kneeling behind her, Bobby gathered her hair in his right hand while his left hand slid around her to support her while she vomited again. Embarrassed, she would have tried to stand up but Bobby pulled her back against his chest and she felt his hand on her slightly rounded stomach.

"I'm sorry," he spoke against her temple. "I didn't mean to upset you."

"I probably shouldn't have eaten as much shrimp toast as I did," she replied, reluctant to leave the warmth of his arms. "I really need to be careful what I eat." She shifted away from him and Bobby rose to his feet, holding out his hand to help her up. She allowed him to help her, turning to rinse her mouth while Bobby flushed the toilet. "Not exactly what you planned on doing tonight," she tried to lighten the mood, splashing water on her face.

"Nothing that I can't handle," he shrugged. "Just another way I can try to help – I'll hold your hair whenever you need me to," he smiled at her, studying her reflection in the mirror.

"That should be just about over – I hope," she reached for a towel to dry her face and hands.

Returning to the kitchen, they cleaned up falling into an easy conversation. Settling in the living room, Bobby picked up the books that Charli had brought with her. One was a murder mystery, another was a biography and the third was a book on pregnancy. Selecting that one, Bobby set the others on the end table and began reading while Charli called Jacob to tell him where she would be staying. She set the phone back in the charger once the call was over. Bobby glanced up at her and she said:

"Maggie's insisting that we come for dinner tomorrow night – She's been very worried about you."

"That'll be a good opportunity to tell them – about me," he added, almost hesitantly, waiting for her reaction.

"I – if that's what you want," she agreed, reaching for one of the books and settling on the opposite end of the sofa. Curling her feet beneath her she found her place and they fell silent. Bobby read a few more pages, turning his attention to Charli, studying her unnoticed for a few moments before he asked:

"Y – you're about 3 months along?" He had counted the days in his head from the night he had come to her. He had been standing in the middle of Times Square – on suspension from his job, waiting for a psych evaluation and, having written off his brother and unable to find his nephew, had found himself totally alone. As he stood there feeling helpless, the only person he wanted to see had been Charli.

When his mother had died, Charli had been the first person he called. She had come to Carmel Ridge in an effort to comfort him and had stayed with him, as a friend, taking care of him, helping him make funeral arrangements and overseeing the little details Bobby had been too preoccupied to think about. When he'd gone undercover at Tates Prison, getting himself admitted to the Mental Observation Unit in order to protect his nephew, Donny he had wound up being hospitalized from the brutality he'd suffered. He had asked Eames to call her for him – and Charli had, again, been there for him.

On the night he'd last seen Frank, he had felt lost and at his wits end. Fearing that he truly may be going insane, he had called her, asking if he could see her. Without concern for the lateness of the hour, Charli had welcomed him in – listened to him for almost two hours, offering him her friendship and warmth. A warmth Bobby took advantage of in his weakness – and Charli hadn't refused him – allowing him to use her body out of pity. Something Bobby regretted the following morning, leaving Charli knowing he'd carry the guilt of what he'd done to her with him forever.

"Yes," she nodded.

"When do you go back to the doctor?"

"Next week."

"I'd like to go with you," he told her. It was a simple statement and she knew that he was leaving it her decision whether she allowed it or not.

Alex was already at her desk when Bobby arrived the following morning. For the first time in three months, his mood seemed on a more even keel than she had seen since his mother's death. He had kept to himself and had been unusually withdrawn. In the years that they had been partners, she had learned that he talked little about himself or his family but when he had returned there was a sadness that was deep-rooted and troubling to those around him. Alex had stood by her partner, and would continue to do so, but he was unwilling to share his thoughts and feelings with her. She knew that he had learned at an early age to depend only on himself – and old habits were hard to break.

"Good morning," he said, sitting across from her. "Sorry I'm late."

"Good morning," she smiled at him. "You seem to be in a better humor today."

"I am," he agreed. "I – I dropped some things down at forensics on my way in. I – I talked to Charli last night and Jacob was right. She seems to have found herself a stalker."

"The baby's father?"

"No," Bobby shook his head. "Not the baby's father – this man is someone who's developed a fantasy life – a relationship with her that's totally in his mind. He's sent her gifts, letters – there've been phone calls. I'm sure that he follows her," he held Alex's gaze as he spoke. "He needs to know her every move."

"You think she's in danger." It was a statement, not a question.

"She could be – especially now that he's seen her with me," Bobby added. "I asked that the lab call me if they find any prints or DNA on the items I dropped off."

"You'll have to let the Captain know what you're up to," Alex pointed out.

"Considering that she's Harris Donovan's daughter, I'm sure that there won't be a problem." Despite Goren's dislike for the man, the fact that he was a well-respected city councilman with connections to the Governor and Mayor, anything concerning his family would warrant Major Case involvement.

"So did she tell you anything about the baby's father?"

"As a matter of fact, she did," Bobby knew that Alex was curious to the child's paternity. Charli had only had one serious boyfriend and they had broken up almost a year earlier when she had found him cheating on her. "It's someone that she's known for a long time – they're best of friends. He – they crossed the line one night and she made the decision to keep the baby without telling him."

"Best friends who became lovers? That could be a double-edged sword. How long since she's seen him?" she was curious.

"Until yesterday? Three months."

"Do you know him?" Her curiosity was getting the better of her.

"Better than anyone," he replied, reaching for a file on his desk.

"Does she plan on telling him?" Eames wanted to know. "Bobby?" Alex studied her partner as he focused on the paperwork in front of him. "Bobby?" she repeated. "You?" The thought alone left her speechless but at the same time, the thought that he'd have a family of his own – a chance for a stable home life warmed her. He and Charli had been friends for years and if anyone could hold their own against Bobby, Charli definitely could. The woman was almost as intelligent as Alex's partner and incredibly independent.

End Chapter 1

cifan70, cluck73 and Lozzie - thank you for your kind words and support. You ladies are the best.

This is my first attempt at a fanfic – please let me know what you think. This story is also posted at fanfiction.net.

ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS CAN BE FOUND:

CHAPTER 2 - PAGE 1
CHAPTER 3 - PAGE 4
CHAPTER 4 - PAGE 6
CHAPTER 5 - PAGE 12
CHAPTER 6A - PAGE 27
CHAPTER 6B - PAGE 43

This seems like a winner. Please keep posting!

Excellent! Keep your story flowing.

Thank you all! Your encouragement means a great deal to me.

If it hadn't been for spook this would still be sitting on my laptop since I would never have the courage to share it with anyone. Chapter 2's in the works and should be up soon.

Great job so far Judy! Your encouraging me to finish off my fic that's been collecting dust the past several months.

'Course, you may not like the ending........

Thanks TennesseeCIFan - I appreciate the input.

Your story is your work and you can put any ending on it that you want - (as long as Bobby and Alex don't get married to each other or die) - I'll be fine. I try to stay away from the B/A shippy stuff (it scares me).

You should know me better than that!!!

Besides, if you read between the lines of my current work in progress, you will see I have other plans for our handsome detective.

::shudders at the thought of B/A together::

So, is it done yet? No? OK, I'll be patient.
::humming::

Is it done now? OK, I'll wait.
::humming::

Is it done now? OK, OK, I'll leave you alone. Sheesh!

Seriously, Judy, I LOVED it! (can you tell?) I almost didn't read it because I have a story in my head about the woman in Bobby's life (a nurse, they've been married 15 years and have 3 kids--oh, and her name is Annie O'Reilly ), and I didn't think I could handle "the other woman". But I love Charli, and I can't wait to see what happens--both with her stalker and with the baby! So, HURRY!!!! But don't let me rush you.

Three kids? Wow! Now, you really got me into it. So... when are you gonna post that story here? I want to know how Bobby handles 3 precious angels.

And, Judyg, are you done yet? Tsk! Charli better give birth on the next chapter! Your first chapter is a success!

Chapter 2 is in the hands of my reliable, wonderful sis spook for proofing and editing. As soon as I have a thumbs up from her, it'll be posted here and at ff.net.

THANK YOU so much for the support. I'm having so much fun. I've never had the nerve to do anything like this before and everyone has been so kind.

Annie O'Reilly (we seem to lean toward Irish girls) and they've been married 15 years - now I feel like Bobby might be cheating on his 'wife' with Charli.



Thanks LdynPnk - this has been such a relief. I was so worried no one would like it - you all are good for an ego boost.

Interesting that we both thought of Irish girls for him. The name O'Reilly actually came from the movie Return to Me--its the name of the restaurant that Minnie Driver's grandfather and uncle own. Its in Chicago, but an Irish-Italian restaurant sounds like a place that Bobby would frequent.

I can't wait for the next chapter. I started to read one by Spook, too, but ran out break time. I'll try to pick it up tomorrow. Can't wait to get my tax return and get internet at home! Internet, DVDs. Now if someone would just deliver all my food, I would never need to leave my apartment again!

We would have missed a great story if this was just left sitting on your laptop, lil Sis!

KUDOS! Great work!

You sound like me. I told her I was in Bobby withdrawl waiting for the next chapter. I may have to read it a dozen times before she posts the next chapter. I repeat, Judy, I love it but you already know that, twice from me, well now 3 times.



I agree. Great story. I think between the 2 of us, we talked her into posting it, more you than me but I think I may have helped. I think she has a winner here.

If you get the chance read all of spook's fics - they are the best. She's a natural and has the characters down perfectly. I love reading her stories.

If I could sit home and watch VDO, get highspeed internet (not an option just yet for me) and never have to leave the house again - I'd be in heaven.

I'm hoping to have the next chapter posted tomorrow sometime.



::blushes:: thanks for the compliment. This has been a great experience, I just hope I don't let everyone down with the next chapter.



You and spook were definitely my deciding factors. I was very uncertain that I had the ability to write a good grocery list, let alone something people would ever want to read.

If it wasn't for you and spook, I never would have had the courage to do this. You have no idea what a big step this is for me. Thank you both.

It will be up later today/early this evening. Thank you for being so interested.

Thanks again to spook for being my beta and offering improvements.

Chapter 2

Bobby had dropped Charli at Jacob's on his way to the station, with specific instructions not to leave until he came back to get her. Knowing that Jacob was retired NYPD and kept a gun on the premises for protection was the only reason he was agreeable to letting her out of his sight. Sitting in the office, she found that she was having trouble concentrating. Bobby had taken her book on pregnancy to bed with him and she knew he had read well into the night. Rather than being angry with her, he had been kind and concerned, reminding her to take her prenatal vitamin after they'd eaten. He had kept his hand on her lower back when they'd walked to his SUV and she was aware of Jacob's curiosity when they'd walked into the bar together.

Making certain that she still had his cell phone number, Bobby had left her with strict instructions to call him if she needed him. Promising to be back for lunch, he spoke with Jacob for several minutes before leaving for work, pausing at the door to meet her gaze for a moment. Charli smiled across at him shyly and he gave her a wink before leaving.

"You OK?" her uncle's voice broke into her thoughts. Looking up from the ledgers she was working on, she removed her glasses, smiling at the older man.

"I'm fine," she assured him.

"I'm glad you told Bobby what's going on," Jacob stated. "He'll catch this bastard and the two of you can take care of that baby you made together – and each other. Did you think I didn't know?" he asked in response to her startled look.

"Did Bobby tell you?"

"No – I know you – and I know him. You didn't see him almost choke on his tongue yesterday when I told him you were pregnant," Jacob smiled at the memory.

"I wish you hadn't," Charli studied her uncle.

"He had a right to know," came the soft reply. "The man's been through hell for the better part of his life – he deserves to be a father to that child and that child deserves to know what a fine man his father is." Jacob rarely interfered with Charli's life but it was obvious he felt strongly about Bobby. "And you can't tell me that you aren't in love with him." The latter was said as a challenge.

"But what sort of life do you expect for any of us when he doesn't love me back?" she countered, not denying what she knew to be true. "I grew up in a house like that – I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

"You're underestimating yourself and Bobby," Jacob came around the desk, leaning down to kiss the top of her head. "Maggie said that dinner will be around 6 and before you even ask, she said that you can bring a tossed salad to go with the pasta."

Bobby came to find her when he and Alex arrived for lunch, insisting that she join them. Knowing that to refuse would raise questions, she walked with Bobby into the dining area, aware of his protective hand on the small of her back. Alex smiled when Charli reached the table, rising to hug the younger woman warmly. Charli returned her hug, thanking her when Alex said:

"Congratulations – I think you'll make a wonderful mother."

Bobby sat alongside Charli and the three fell into an easy conversation as Charli and Alex caught up on the last few months. Bobby was watching the people come and go in the bar and Charli knew he was looking for her 'friend' as Bobby had taken to calling him. She laid her hand on the table while she talked to Alex and was more than a little startled when Bobby laid his over hers. Rather than pulling away, she tried to remain calm, realizing that he was doing it for show – for the benefit of whoever might be watching them.

She caught Alex's soft smile as the older woman saw the gesture and Charli knew that Alex was aware of the paternity of her child. The fact that Bobby had begun telling people surprised her – she had been waiting for the explosion, the anger, but it hadn't come. He had been accepting, so certain that it was his child that Charli felt guilty for not having told him on her own. Moving her hand beneath his, she turned hers so that she could entwine her fingers with his.

"I'll pick you up around 4:30," Bobby said, glancing at the clock on the wall.

"Maggie wants us for dinner around 6," Charli told him. "I need to bring a tossed salad."

"We can stop by the store on the way home," he rose to his feet, holding his hand out to help her up.

Alex laid a hand on her slightly swollen belly, asking:

"How far along are you?"

"T – three months," Charli replied, aware of Bobby standing close by.

"It's going to be a big baby if you're already showing," Alex smiled. "But then again, look at his father." She glanced up at her partner before kissing Charli's cheek. "I'll see you soon. We'll have to get together – have a girl's day."

"I'd like that," Charli agreed. Alex moved to the door and Charli expected Bobby to follow. To her surprise, he remained behind.

"Don't overdo it," he told Charli in a low voice.

"I'm fine – sitting behind a desk is no big challenge," she told him. "If anything I should be taking a walk."

"Not without me. Nowhere without me," he warned her, raising a long finger to make his point. "We'll go after dinner if you want."

"OK," she smiled up at him, looking forward to any time spent with him. He studied her face for a moment before he lowered his mouth to hers, kissing her ever so softly. It was a kiss simply meant to be seen but Charli felt a warmth in her lower stomach.

"I'll see you later," he whispered before joining Alex at the door.



"Maggie, you still make the best sauce I've ever tasted," Bobby complimented Charli's aunt as he carried his plate to the sink.

"You're good for my ego, Robert," Maggie smiled up at him. "I don't understand how you haven't got yourself a wife of your own."

"I might be working on it, Maggie," he teased, kissing her cheek as he set his plate on the counter and pushed the sleeves of his brown Henley T-shirt to his elbows. "I'll wash."

"So, what do you think about our Charli?"

"You first," Bobby ran the water to get it hot.

"I know how shocked she was when she finally accepted that she was pregnant – but at the same time, I know how happy she is," Maggie said, covering the salad bowl with plastic wrap.

"Has she told you who the father is?" Bobby asked, rinsing several plates of leftover sauce.

"No – she wouldn't tell me," Maggie placed the bowl in the refrigerator, turning to look at Bobby. "She was quick to assure me that she was – is deeply in love with the baby's father. But he had regretted what had happened – and she didn't want him being forced into something he didn't want."

"What if he – what if it's something he wants more than he ever imagined?" he asked softly, turning off the water to face her.

"I would think that that baby would be very blessed," she studied him thoughtfully from where she stood, a gentle smile of realization turning up the corners of her mouth. "And so would his parents."

Bobby kept good to his word and he and Charli walked several blocks upon returning to his apartment. He held her hand as they walked and they talked about her late brother Jimmy, who had been one of Bobby's childhood friends. He had followed in Jacob's footsteps to become a police officer. Killed in the line of duty when Charli was 21, she and Bobby had grieved his loss together, their own friendship growing and deepening. Releasing her hand to open a shop door for an elderly woman, Bobby slid his arm around her shoulders as they continued on their way.

Watching from a safe distance, Dresden's temper blazed at the sight of Goren touching Charli. The kiss in the bar earlier had angered him, but a public display such as this was unforgivable. She belonged to him, not Goren. The child she was carrying was his – was she trying to convince Goren otherwise? He'd have to make certain that they both knew to whom Charli belonged.

Arriving back at Bobby's apartment, he drew her to a halt several yards from the door and she followed his gaze to the box wrapped in brown paper that sat in front of the door. Bobby looked down at her and saw the color drain from her pretty face.

"He knows I'm here," her voice was barely a whisper, as if she had truly believed the packages would stop when she had come to stay with Bobby.

"He's been following us, Charli. He knows every move you make," came Bobby's gentle response. He needed her to realize the seriousness of the situation. Although she believed the man to be harmless, Bobby feared what he might be capable of. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he retrieved his cell phone and, flipping it open, he pressed a button before lifting it to his ear.

When Charli began to walk towards the apartment, Bobby laid a hand on her arm, stilling her movements with a shake of his head as he spoke into the phone. She listened as he spoke with Captain Ross, explaining the size and shape of the box. When she heard the words 'bomb squad' she looked up at him, her eyes reflecting the disbelief that she felt. Bobby honestly thought this man was capable of such violence? Closing the cell phone to disconnect the call, Bobby said:

"Captain Ross is sending a retrieval team for the box."

"This is insane, Bobby," she stated, running a shaky hand through her auburn hair. "You don't honestly think there's a bomb in that box?"

"Based on his behavior to date, no," he replied, laying a hand on her back. "But I'm not prepared to take that chance. Not with you and the baby," he added with a soft smile that made Charli feel extremely special at that moment.

While waiting for the retrieval team, Bobby made sure the surrounding apartments were empty, just to be safe. Charli stood by the landing, certain that she had to be dreaming. When two men climbed the stairs dressed in protective suits proclaiming "Bomb Squad", she was forced to admit she was wide-awake. Bobby spoke with the two officers before ushering Charli downstairs and outside.

"Miss Donovan," Captain Danny Ross approached as Bobby directed her into the Major Case Squad Room. "I'm Captain Ross," he introduced himself.

"Captain," Charli shook his extended hand, returning his smile weakly.

"I want to assure you that we'll do everything in our power to catch this guy," he told her. Meeting Bobby's gaze, the Captain said: "Anything you need, Detective, by order of the Commissioner."

"Thank you, Captain," Bobby replied, laying a hand on the small of Charli's back. He looked down at her, saying: "You need to sit down, let's go in here," he indicated an interview room.

"Can I bring you anything, Miss Donovan? Something to drink?" Danny Ross offered, aware of whom her father was. The Commissioner had been insistent that he be notified of any details to do with the case.

"I'm fine, Captain, but thank you," Charli was aware that Ross and Bobby had not gotten along prior to Bobby's suspension but Ross seemed to be making an effort, as was Bobby.

Seated at the table in the interview room, Charli watched Bobby as he left her briefly to walk to his desk and retrieve a tablet. Returning to the room, he closed the door and sat down across from her, sliding the tablet and an ink pen towards her. Charli looked up at him in askance as he requested:

"Can you write down a list of people you've met since - since my mother's funeral?"

"But you said this could be someone that I don't even know," she replied, even as she picked up the ink pen.

"I know, it could be ….. I think we need to start working on the process of elimination," he told her, his head tipping to the side slightly as he spoke. "If we talk to the people you have met -," Bobby broke off when his cell phone rang. Reaching into his jacket pocket, he retrieved the phone and flipped it open. "Goren." He listened to the person on the other end before asking: "Can you have someone bring the box up here? Thank you."

The box sat on the table and Charli stood by the door, not wanting anything to do with it. Although the box had been x-rayed and proven to be harmless, the sight of it sickened Charli. The fact that there had been no fingerprints found only served to heighten Charli's discomfort. Besides being unbalanced, the man was careful enough not to leave any evidence.

Bobby had read the letter that had been on top of the box, not telling Charli its contents, but she could tell by the tightening of his jaw that he was angered by what he read.

Reaching into the box, Bobby retrieved a negligee on his pinky and held it up for her to see. The material was non-existent and the design bordered on the edge of obscene. Bobby knew it was something that Charli would never have chosen for herself.

"Y – you're supposed to wear this for him the next time you're together," Bobby kept his tone level but Charli heard the tension in his deep voice.

"Oh, my God," she moaned. "It's awful," she shook her head. Next he brought out a black velvet box, opening it to reveal a diamond engagement ring. It was several carats and one of the gaudiest pieces of jewelry Charli had ever seen. Bobby studied it with a knowing smile and said:

"If it's not big enough he'll buy you another."

"They make bigger ones?" Charli couldn't help but chuckle at Bobby's teasing wink. He knew Charli well enough to know that she had no use for revealing clothing or jewelry simply meant to draw attention. "Why is he doing this?" she asked with a sigh.

"Because in his mind -," Bobby began.

"I belong to him," Charli finished. "But why me? And don't you dare tell me I'm mesmerizing or enchanting or whatever else it is you think. I'm a third grade school teacher who could disappear quiet easily into a crowd without being noticed."

"We'll have to do what we can to find out," he told her softly. "He knows you and I are – together. We're going to have to piss him off. If he thinks we're lovers he'll start to make mistakes –," Bobby met her gaze across the room. "When we're in public we'll need to act like we're deeply, madly in love. As far as anyone knows, Eames, Jacob, Maggie – we're a couple starting a family." Charli began to shake her head, disliking the idea of lying. Misunderstanding her hesitance, Bobby was quick to assure her: "In public only, Charli – I swear I'll never hurt you like that again." She heard the shame in his voice and saw the pain in his soft brown eyes.

"I – I don't know why you think you did something to hurt me, Bobby," her voice was almost a whisper. "I d-didn't try to stop you – I wanted what happened. You're the one who decided you made a mistake the next morning," she reminded him. "You're the one who hasn't spoken to me in three months." Without giving him a chance to respond, she walked towards the door and pulled it open. Remaining where he was, Bobby pondered her words, his mind wandering back to the night of his mother's funeral.

Bobby had known that Charli would be there for him without question. His brother had been a secondary thought and nowhere to be found. Charli had arrived at Carmel Ridge and stayed with him while he made arrangements for the funeral parlor to collect his mother. She had packed up Frances' belongings while Bobby had called Alex and told her that he wouldn't be into work for a while and she had driven him home, leaving his SUV at the hospital to be picked up later. They had talked for hours and Bobby had told her about Mark Brady, uncertain as to what her reaction would be. Rather than expressing curiosity or suggesting he find out, she simply accepted the news and never told anyone.

He had leaned in to kiss her, wanting to tell her how much he appreciated her friendship. But when his lips touched hers and he felt her warmth against him, he gave in to the desire to deepen the kiss. Charli had responded to him, parting her lips beneath his and allowing his tongue to possess her mouth. He had needed her that night – he had wanted her like no other woman he had ever known. Despite their age difference, they had always 'gotten each other', as she called it. Somewhere in the fog, he had found a voice of reason, telling him to stop before things went too far and ruined their friendship. Breaking the kiss, he apologized:

"I shouldn't have done that – I'm sorry." Charli had assured him it was fine – that she understood he was grieving and he was seeking comfort. Although she had maintained differently, Bobby knew he had hurt her feelings and it had only served to add to the guilt that dogged him always.

The night of his last exchange with Frank, though, he hadn't been as strong. When he had shown up at her apartment, they had sat and talked in the semi-darkness. Bobby had sat on the sofa and she had taken a seat on the end table facing him. Charli listened to him, never judging him, simply accepting him for who he was – knowing that each decision he'd made, every choice, was part of what made him the unique person he was.

She had gone into the kitchen to get a drink. She felt him behind her before she heard him. For a large man, he moved with a grace and stealth that was surprising. Standing with her back to him, she felt the warmth of his body as he came to stand close behind her. He leaned in and she felt his breath on her cheek and turned her head slightly. Bobby's mouth touched hers lightly, waiting for her rejection. When he met none, he turned her into his arms, pulling her against his larger body. Charli came up on her tiptoes, winding her arms around his neck to respond to him.

He had been unable to satisfy his desire for her – he'd made love to her several times during the night. Although she had gone to him willingly each time, he still felt that he had forced her – which she had stayed with him out of pity. He'd woken in the morning to find her sleeping soundly in his arms and her innocence only added to his guilt.

Shaking off the memory, Bobby replaced the contents back into the box, making a mental note to visit jewelers the next day in an effort to locate the man who purchased the diamond ring. He located Charli at his desk, speaking with Captain Ross. The older man was asking after her father and Charli, through years of experience, easily sidestepped the question by simply stating they were both busy and saw little of each other.

"Would you mind locking this in your office for the night?" Bobby asked the Captain, handing him the box. "There – there's an expensive engagement ring in there," Bobby explained. "I want to follow-up with some jewelry stores tomorrow to see if anyone might remember Charli's friend."

"I'll lock it in my desk," Ross took the box from him. "Do you want a protective unit assigned to your apartment?"

"That's not necessary," Charli began but Bobby seemed to contemplate the idea for a second before saying:

"He might - it wouldn't be a bad idea but if he sees a black and white, he might go into hiding and it will make it harder to catch him." Following the detective's reasoning, Ross nodded his agreement but reiterated:

"Whatever you need, Detective, all you have to do is let me know."

"Thank you, Captain," Bobby slid his arm around Charli's waist, directing her out of the squad room.


They drove back to Bobby's apartment in almost virtual silence. Charli's mind was spinning and she wanted only to wake up from this nightmare. She had never been the woman to attract adoring throngs of men. She had always been the smart one, the quiet one but never the pretty one. Why any man would be enthralled with her was beyond her comprehension.

Entering the apartment, Charli kicked off her shoes:

"I'm going to take a shower," she said and continued along the hallway without waiting for a response.

Retrieving a beer from the refrigerator, Bobby went into the living room to continue reading the book on pregnancy. He could hear the shower running and lifted the mouth of the bottle to his lips, taking a short swallow. Setting the bottle down, he opened the book to the place he had left off the previous night. He heard the water shut off and the sounds of Charli moving around for several minutes before the door opened and she walked into the bedroom, with only a towel wrapped around her.

He tilted his head to the side to get a better view, his gaze moving over her long auburn hair, damp and falling to her waist. Turning to close the door, Charli's green eyes fell on his face and she froze for a moment, mesmerized by the heat she saw in his eyes. His gaze moved up her body, slowly, until his eyes met hers and she blushed hotly when he smiled in a way that made her knees weak. She closed the door, almost reluctantly and dressed in flannel pajama bottoms and an oversized T-shirt.

Shaken by the silent exchange, she padded barefoot into the living room, pulling her hair into a ponytail. Marking his place in the book, Bobby closed it and set it on the end table. He had removed his shoes and socks while she was in the shower and his long legs were stretched out on the coffee table. Charli found herself wondering how a man could be so attractive simply sitting on the sofa. To her surprise, he helped her make up the couch and offered her the bed yet again.

"I'm fine with the couch, Bobby," she assured him, accepting the pillow he held out to her.

"I'll see you in the morning," he smiled down at her, leaning in to drop a gentle kiss on her forehead.


Ross was waiting for Goren and Eames late the following morning, his gaze moving over his two best detectives. He was receiving pressure from the Commissioner to move the investigation along and bring it to a swift, unpublicized close. City Councilman Donovan was insistent that his daughter not be drug into the spotlight and the Commissioner was quick to inform Captain Ross of the same. At first, the Captain thought it had be fatherly concern for the young woman, but after giving the matter more careful consideration he found himself of the opinion that Donovan was reluctant to have people learn his daughter was an unwed expectant mother.

"Detectives – in my office!" Ross called to them. Bobby met Alex's gaze as if they both knew what to expect. Setting his leather binder on his desk, Goren followed behind his partner, closing the door behind him. "How'd you make out with the jewelers?"

"No luck," Alex responded. "The ring wasn't bought anywhere local. At least two of the stores we stopped at think it may be a European design – I'm going to do some internet research."

"I've been instructed for this to be kept out of the press," Ross looked from Eames to Goren. "I wasn't told why and I don't like not knowing when two of my detectives are involved. I'm getting a feeling that Councilman Donovan may be more worried about his reputation than the safety of his daughter," the Captain stated his opinion and didn't have to wait long for a response.

"Harris Donovan is a self-centered, abusive ass," came Bobby's scathing reply. "He's a waste of air."

"Never having met the man, I have to say I'm beginning to agree," Ross's gaze met Goren's. "You do what you need to do to keep that young woman safe regardless of what we've been told. I won't stand by and allow a mother and her child be put in danger for anyone's political aspirations."

"Thank you, Captain," Bobby seemed a bit uncomfortable at the truce he and Ross seemed to have found but he was man enough to accept it at face value. "I – I'm going to call Charli and check on her," he excused himself, leaving Alex alone with Ross.

"How long have they known each other?" Ross turned to the senior detective. Alex looked after Bobby before meeting the Captain's gaze.

"About 15 years, I think."

"And she came to him with this, not her father?"

"Charli hasn't seen her father in almost 10 years," Alex revealed. "The man used to beat her on a regular basis. He leaves her alone, she doesn't go public about his abuse." She watched Ross's reaction to this news and knew the man had a low tolerance for men who abused their children.

"Do I need to worry about how your partner will deal with this situation?"

"My partner will do whatever he needs to do to protect Charli and their baby," Alex replied softly, scratching the side of her nose, afraid she had overstepped her bounds by speaking on Bobby's behalf, but certain that the Captain needed to know the depth of Bobby's involvement. Danny Ross's eyes widened in shock and Alex did her best to hide her smile. "Don't worry – he'll be fine."


The next few days passed without any real incident, each mirroring the day before in that Bobby took her to work, met her for lunch with Eames and came to take her home. On the days she had to leave the bar to work at the attorney's office down the block, Jacob would escort her and see her safely inside, leaving her with strict instructions to wait for Bobby's arrival. Each morning, Charli woke before Bobby, putting on a pot of coffee before she showered and dressed.

Whenever they were in public, having lunch with Eames or simply walking down the street, Bobby was openly affectionate, holding her hand, keeping an arm around her waist or shoulders and kissing her without shame. Charli welcomed his touch and responded to him shyly whenever he kissed her. Alone in his apartment, though, he returned to the 'big brother' she had known for years. They would talk for hours, watch movies or even play a game but he didn't touch her other than a brush of a hand on her arm or a kiss on the forehead.

Even though it was Saturday, Charli was still up early. She made the coffee, even though she didn't drink it, knowing that Bobby enjoyed it. She headed into the bathroom, showering before creeping into the bedroom as quietly as possible to retrieve her clothes. Her gaze strayed to Bobby where he slept on his stomach, his head turned to the side on the pillow. Her heart ached with the love she felt for him and she turned her attention to finding a pair of socks. She was unaware of Bobby's half opened eyes, watching her movements before she snuck out of the room.

"What do you want to do today?" Bobby asked, sitting across the kitchen table from her.

"You don't have to spend the day with me," she shook her head. "I'm sure that you have something else you'd rather be doing."

"The day is yours," he replied. "We can go to the park, take in a movie -," he trailed off, reaching for his mug of coffee. He had been touched by her thoughtfulness each morning, something as simple as making a pot of coffee, since she had never fallen into the habit of drinking it.

"Can we stop by the bookstore?" she asked uncertainly.

"Sure – anything you want," he smiled across at her.

"And maybe a – store if it's not too much trouble," she added. "I – I need to find some clothes that fit a little better." She had had a very hard time fastening her jeans that morning and they were uncomfortable on her stomach. "I think Alex is right – he's going to be a big baby," she smiled self-consciously, aware of his eyes on her swollen belly.

"She," Bobby said absently, resting his chin on his palm, his elbow on the table.

"Excuse me?" she met his gaze across the table.

"She's going to be a big baby," he replied. "I want a little girl – one that looks just like her mommy," he smiled at her and she flushed softly. "Pretty green eyes and auburn hair."

"I've been hoping for a boy," she told him.

"Don't curse the poor kid," he teased, carrying his coffee mug to the sink.

"I happen to think his father's a very attractive man," she spoke softly. She took her orange juice glass to the sink and turned to leave the room. Before she could move away though, Bobby took a gentle hold of her wrist. Looking up at him, Charli's gaze met his and Bobby studied her face for several moments before releasing her.

"Let me grab my shoes and we can head out," he told her simply, but she heard a slight huskiness in his voice.

They spent almost an hour in a bookstore. Dresden sat outside watching the door wondering how anyone could spend that much time in a store that sold nothing but books. They had walked into the store laughing at something Goren had said to her and his arm was draped across her shoulders. He had walked by the large glass window and had seen them standing close looking at the same book – she looked so tiny next to the large detective. All Dresden wanted was to protect her – why did she want to make him jealous? She belonged to him – she knew that she did. The sooner Goren realized it the better for all of them.

After the bookstore, they walked into a clothing store. Charli was certain that Bobby would find something to amuse himself while she shopped, but to her surprise, he stayed by her side. She selected several pairs of jeans and some blouses and Bobby took them from her so that she could look through a rack of dresses. Neither of them noticed the woman going into the dressing room who was intently interested in their closeness. Her cold brown gaze despising that Charli smiled up at Goren as if he were the only person in existence.

Once they had finished shopping, they had lunch at a small restaurant and Charli couldn't remember the last time she had felt so relaxed.

Sipping her iced tea, she asked:

"Do you still want to go to the doctor with me this week?"

"Of course I do," he agreed easily. "When?"

"Tuesday – we need to be there by 2:00."

"I'll pick you up around 1:30," he said. Looking down at the table for a moment he asked simply: "Well?"

"Well, what?" Charli met his gaze across the table.

"Why haven't you asked me?"

"About?" she looked across at him curiously.

"Brady – what I've done about learning the truth," he replied.

"Unless you want to tell me, it's none of my business," Charli told him. "And to be honest, it doesn't matter – Mark Brady or William Goren. You are who you are, based on your life experiences and the choices you've made," Charli told him with a sincerity that brought a soft smile to his full lips. "You're warm, intelligent and good – in spite of the life you were forced to lead you are the most caring, decent person I've ever met."

"It doesn't matter who might be your baby's grandfather?"

"Does it bother you that Harris Donovan is going to be this baby's grandfather? Do you think that I'll be abusive – or that this baby might somehow grow up to be the monster my father is?" she countered.

"Of course not," Bobby replied, studying her.

"Then as long as I know what kind of man my baby's father is, I'm content," Charli said. "And I hope you know that no matter what might happens, I'm still here – I don't ever want to lose your friendship."

"Never," he confirmed. "I – I decided not to find out – for now. Growing up with Bill Goren as my father left enough emotional baggage – I don't know how I'd handle finding out Brady was my father." Reaching across the table, Charli laid her hand on his and their gazes met and locked.

"You could never be like either of them, Bobby – if you were, I wouldn't be carrying your baby," her tone was soft and Bobby's smile caused a familiar heat in the pit of her stomach.

The rest of the day passed like a dream for Charli, Bobby's good humor and open affection made her feel special – attractive. He played the part of the attentive lover well – and Charli decided that she'd enjoy his kisses. Since he was trying to draw out her admirer, he was taking every opportunity to kiss her and she responded to each one, which only served to cause Bobby's lips to linger on hers.

Her cell phone ringing drew her attention and she dug it out of her purse, checking the number before she answered. Aware of Bobby's curiosity, she said:

"It's a friend from St. Gregory's," before answering the phone. "Hi, Janice." The two women spoke while Bobby parked the SUV and got out to come around to the passenger side. Only hearing one side of the conversation, Bobby was still able to ascertain that Charli's friend was curious about Charli's whereabouts. "I've been staying with a good friend for a few days," she was saying as she opened the passenger door while Bobby was retrieving the bags from the back of the SUV. "No – you don't know him," she reached out a hand to take some bags, but Bobby shook his head. "I'm not discussing this with you," whatever the other woman said had caused Charli to blush and Bobby was certain it was a sexual innuendo. "I made my decision, Janice – I have no intention of changing my mind," Bobby heard the change in her tone – a coolness before she said: "I need to hang up now. If you want to call me fine but I'm not having this conversation with you ever again."

"Everything OK?" Bobby studied her.

"Janice – she's been very good to me but she's got an odd take on my having this baby," she shook her head.

"Like what?"

"She thinks that the fact that I'm not married is a sin and that God will find a way to punish me. How can she think that?" she looked up at Bobby. "The fact that I'm pregnant is a miracle in itself," she laid a protective hand on her stomach. "I'm sorry – I think she means well but -," she broke off with a shrug.

"If she upsets you like that, don't talk to her," Bobby suggested.

"I know – but she's gone out of her way to make friends. I don't think she has very many."

"And you need to be nice to everybody?" he smiled down at her, handing Charli his keys to unlock the door of his apartment as they walked along the hallway.

She unlocked the apartment door and pushed it open, reaching inside to switch on a light. Before she took a step inside, she became aware of an envelope lying on the floor where it had been slid beneath the door. Bobby set the bags on the sofa and retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket, carefully picking up the envelope by its corner. He carried it into the kitchen and laid it on the kitchen table to slice it open with his pocketknife.

Charli watched him work, realizing not for the first time how detailed and methodical he was when he worked. Very careful not to touch the paper anymore than possible, he withdrew the letter and opened it, reading it silently before Charli asked:

"What is it? What does it say?"

"It's explicit – recollections of what you've done to each other. Descriptions of your sexual - escapades," he explained. "He's absolutely thrilled that you're pregnant with his baby – that's the reason for the engagement ring. He thinks you should get married as soon as possible – He doesn't like that you're spending so much time with me – he's seen us together and he's not pleased."

"This is unbelievable. I am not the sort of woman that a man – wants like this," she shook her head. "How in the world did he find me?" she spoke absently, almost to herself.

"This all started after my mother's funeral?" he asked, leaning back against the counter to watch her.

"A day or two after," she nodded. Bobby considered her words before asking:

"You weren't seeing anyone before?"

"No – the last man I went out with was Daniel and we know how that turned out," Daniel Larkin had been a man from the same mold as Harris Donovan, cold and controlling. They had dated for several months before Charli had walked in on him in bed with her sister Trisha.

"What about anyone new at the school or the bar?" Bobby was looking at all the possibilities, running a hand over his stubbled chin.

"Janice Fletcher is the only new person at the school and people come and go from the bar all the time," Charli replied. "What if it's someone random? What if he just picked me out of a crowd?"

"Then that will make him even more unpredictable," he replied honestly. "Which means we have to be even more careful – You may have to give up your hours at the attorney's office."

"He hasn't tried to make personal contact, Bobby. He leaves the boxes when I'm not around – if I answer the phone he hangs up."

"That was when you were alone – now that you're with me, things are going to escalate. The lingerie – the engagement ring – the letter detailing your sexual encounters," he indicated the paper with a wave of his left hand. "He's staking his claim – trying to tell me that you're his and he's not going to share. Trust me – he's going to start acting out. He'll make contact – make sure that you notice him," Bobby was so certain and Charli knew that he was more experienced in such matters than she was.

She simply nodded her acceptance of what he decided and went to the refrigerator for a bottle of water, asking him if he wanted anything over her shoulder. Shaking his head 'no', he headed into the living room. Charli retrieved the bags from where Bobby had left them and carried them into the bedroom. She returned to the living room wearing flannel pajama bottoms and an oversized T-shirt.

A scrabble game that they had begun the night before sat on the coffee table and Charli studied the board before settling on the floor. Bobby sat on the sofa, knowing that she preferred the floor. They picked up the game where they had left off the previous evening and Charli enjoyed Bobby's teasing as he disputed a word. Locating a dictionary, Charli found the word in question and handed him the book. Acknowledging she was, in fact, correct, Bobby counted up her points and wrote them on the score pad. Charli felt that she'd won a small victory and couldn't hide the smile as she selected letters from the box.

"There's no need to gloat," Bobby smiled at her pleasure, her smiles coming more frequently since they'd had lunch.

"It's not everyday that I manage to teach you something," she pointed out.

"You'd be surprised," came his soft reply and Charli looked up at him, flushing at the warmth in his eyes. Focusing his attention back on the game, Bobby managed to win, but just barely and he enjoyed the challenge. She was the most intelligent person he'd ever known and although she could be teaching college level courses, she had always chosen to work with children – feeling that was where she could make the greatest difference.

Cleaning up the game, Charli set the lid on the box and rose from the floor. As she was about to walk into the kitchen, Bobby took hold of her wrist, drawing her back to stand in front of him. Sitting forward, he slid his hands beneath the hem of her shirt and he rolled the waistband of her pajama bottoms to mid-hip. His right hand raised her T-shirt to just below her breasts, revealing her slightly swollen belly and his left hand moved caressingly over her stomach. Charli looked down at him and he held her gaze for a brief moment before he pressed his lips just above her belly button.

He heard her sharp intake of breath and his hands held her hips gently, holding her before him as he rained kisses over the skin he'd exposed. She rested her hands on the sides of his head and tangled her fingers in his short hair. She felt his tongue taste her skin and she whispered his name softly, needing him to stop before she embarrassed herself again. She knew he didn't want her – he had made that clear when he'd told her that he'd made a mistake – that he'd been wrong to make love to her. Her lack of experience had disappointed him and she'd been ashamed of her inability to please him.

He drew her down onto his lap and slid his hand to the back of her head, drawing her mouth to his. Charli pushed at his shoulders to free herself and Bobby released her mouth, but held her where she was. He looked up at her, his voice slightly husky when he said:

"You're the most beautiful woman I've ever known. I want to make love to you, Charli – but only if it's what you want. I'm well aware that you can do a hell of a lot better than me – that nothing would've ever happened between us if you hadn't – felt sorry for me that night," he broke off when she laid a finger on his lips.

"I stayed with you because I wanted to – I knew that you needed someone – anyone would've done but I was - available. I'm just sorry that I – I wasn't able to satisfy you - that you were sorry that you -," she broke off, blushing and embarrassed and certain she was babbling.

"I was with you because you were the one person I wanted – I made love to you four times – I couldn't get enough of you," he brushed a stray strand of hair away from her cheek. "How could you think that you didn't satisfy me?"

"You ap – apologized for what happened," she reminded him, studying the stubble on his chin. "You were sorry that we -."

"I hurt you – you were a virgin, Charli and I was too caught up in wanting you that I didn't realize it until I had hurt you," he placed a finger under her chin and tipped her head up, bending his head to catch her gaze. "I – I've never been any woman's first before – and I've never, ever – not used a condom."

"I wasn't supposed to be able to have children – there wasn't any reason for you to think -," she began but it was Bobby's turn to shush her with a finger on her lips.

"I have always used protection, Charli, it didn't matter to me if the woman in question was using another form of birth control – but with you, I didn't because – I didn't want anything between us," he spoke softly and she blushed hotly but she didn't look away.

She laid a gentle hand on his cheek and held his gaze before she lowered her mouth to his. Bobby remained passive, allowing her to take the lead briefly before his tongue stroked her lips apart. His tongue possessed her mouth and his left hand smoothed over her stomach before slipping under her shirt to cup her breast, his right arm supporting her back. Charli responded to his kiss, her tongue stroking shyly over his while her fingers undid several buttons of his shirt before she slid her hands inside to caress his hair-roughened chest.

Somewhere in the distance, Charli heard the telephone ringing and she broke the kiss whispering:

"Your phone."

"I don't care," he growled, attempting to pull her mouth back to his. When she shook her head, he swore under his breath and reached for the handset. Holding her gaze, he pushed the 'talk' button and then the 'off' button and set it back on the end table.

"Bobby – it could have been important," she scolded but he simply smiled, saying:

"Nothing's more important than you." He slid her off his lap and rose to his feet, taking her hand to lead her into the bedroom. Turning to face her, Bobby cupped her face in his hands to kiss her softly, asking: "Are you sure about this?"

"Please," she replied allowing him to lead the way into the bedroom, the door closing firmly behind them.

Charli's hand moved over his chest, her fingers tangling in the nest of hair. Kissing his jaw, she snuggled into his warmth and closed her eyes, certain that she'd wake to find she'd dreamt everything. Bobby held her, lying awake as his mind went over the letters and gifts that she'd received. He reached for the phone on the nightstand, answering it before it could ring a third time, not wanting to disturb Charli.

"Hello," he kept his voice as low as possible.

"Bobby – it's me," Alex said, unnecessarily. "Do you know where Charli is?" Bobby knew his partner well enough to hear the concern in her voice.

"She's here with me," even as he spoke his arm tightened in an unconsciously protective gesture. "Why? What's wrong?"


End Chapter 2

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