BREAKING AND ENTERING ^{© 2003-2007}

By Lessa and Takara Soong

Chapter Nine

Rose’s flight was due in Monday afternoon. Sabrin and Lyssa went to the airport to meet her plane just after noon so they could get there on time. Rose Berry was almost the last person to disembark from her plane. She was carrying a rather large carry on and seemed to be struggling with it. Sabrin rushed forward to help his mother only to have her throw her arms around him and hug him tightly.

“Oh, son, I’ve missed you so much,” she smiled, clutching Sabrin to her. “Now, tell me where is the woman who is carrying my grandbabies?” she asked, turning to look for Lyssa.

Sabrin pulled Lyssa closer and wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Here she is mom. Lyssa Page, my mother, Rose Berry.” Sabrin said, grinning at his mom.

Rose looked at Lyssa and smiled. "Let me get a good look at the woman who has captured my Sabrin’s heart."

"Sabrin’s told me so much about you," Lyssa smiled. "I'm so happy to finally meet you."

Rose embraced Lyssa and, while they hugged, told Lyssa, "Thank you for bringing such joy to my Sabrin. That makes me very happy."

"I love him very much," Lyssa replied.

"I can see that. I can see the love in both of your eyes." Rose turned to Sabrin. "So are we going to stay at the airport all day or are we going?" she teased.

Sabrin carried his mother's bags as the two ladies talked. Rose had many questions for Lyssa about her pregnancy. Once they arrived at the apartment they gave Rose a quick tour. Rose was very impressed. She could tell from the well stocked kitchen, lack of take out boxes and the organization of the supplies that Lyssa certainly knew her way around which already made her very different from Niki. Rose liked that. She had always thought of eating at restaurants as a treat - not something you do every night.

Lyssa told Sabrin and his mother about the plans she had to go shopping with her own mother. Lyssa would visit with her parents before everyone met back at the apartment for dinner later. Sabrin needed time alone with his mother, so he kissed her goodbye and told her to be careful. Once Lyssa was gone, Sabrin told his mother of a simple plan he had for his proposal. Rose was eager to help.

Lyssa and her mother did quite a lot of walking during their shopping trip before meeting up with her father once his business meeting had finished. Lyssa dropped them off by car at their hotel so they could freshen up while she drove back with groceries she had picked up along with other purchases. The doorman sent a man with her to help her carry up her things. Lyssa unlocked the door to the apartment and found a string of odd things lying on the floor. She tipped the man who had helped her, left the packages inside the door and went to retrieve the first item on the floor. It was a picture of her and Sabrin taken in Denver. It had been laying ten feet in front of the doorway. Two feet from that was the jersey Lyssa had bought Sabrin for the beer tour. Two feet from that was a flier from the tour. Leading towards the bedroom she shared with Sabrin, the items continued. Next was a picture of Sonny. Lyssa had no idea where this had come from. After that was her ticket stub from her first flight to meet Sabrin in New York, then the book she had given him about being a father. This was right outside the closed door to the bedroom. She opened the door to see a bouquet of roses on the little table just a bit from their bed. There was also a note and a suspicious looking box at the base of the vase. She picked up the note first. “All those things have led me to one conclusion. I want to marry you, Lyssa Page.” Tears were running down her face as she opened the tiny box.

"It belonged to my great-grandmother."

Lyssa turned to see Sabrin standing behind her smiling.

"It's beautiful," Lyssa managed to say as the tears continued to stream down her face.

"You haven't answered yet." Sabrin took the ring out of the box, dropped to one knee and took Lyssa's hand. "I love you more than anything, Lyssa. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"

"I love you so much. Yes! Yes, I'll marry you!"

Sabrin slid the ring onto Lyssa's finger and kissed her hand. He stood up and took Lyssa in his arms. They kissed passionately. They heard a noise behind them and turned to see Rose, Aaron and Ruth standing in the doorway with big smiles on their faces.

"So everyone knew about this except me?" she said with mock indignation. Sabrin just smiled innocently and kissed her again. The group moved into the living room where hugs and kisses abounded.

Lyssa cooked dinner for everyone, but found herself staring at the beautiful ring on her finger. It was a platinum setting with three stones. Sabrin had told her that when his great-grandfather had given it to his great-grandmother, he had said the first of the two smaller stones was for the past, the second for the present and the large stone in the center was for the future. Sabrin told Lyssa that he could not have put it better.

"I'm so glad to see my Nana's ring in use. I'm very glad it has been given to a woman who will make my son happy." Rose Berry came up and put a hand on Lyssa's arm. She smiled with joy.

"It’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I swear to you I will never cause you to regret allowing me to wear it," Lyssa vowed.

Rose grinned. "Any woman who can get my son going to Temple every week has my complete confidence."

“He seemed very eager to be involved in Temple now. Each time we’ve gone it’s put him in a wonderful mood. I love going with him. It gives us such a feeling of peace.” Lyssa looked thoughtful, but Rose just looked touched. It was so good to see a woman in her son’s life that she could care for. Rose looked down at Lyssa’s expanding waist. This was a blessing too.

Sabrin set the table while Lyssa finished preparing dinner. Aaron, Ruth and Rose were sitting together on the couch getting to know each other. Sabrin could not help but smile at the sight of his mother and Lyssa's parents talking and enjoying themselves. His mother had never said it, but he knew she had not liked Niki's parents but then he had not been too fond of them either. When Sabrin finished, he helped Lyssa bring the food to the table. Everything looked and smelled delicious.

"Rose, you’re in for a treat," Ruth smiled. "Our Lyssa is such a wonderful cook." Lyssa blushed at her mother's comment.

"I'm looking forward to trying everything. I could tell from just looking at the kitchen that you know your way around," she told Lyssa. "It was so nice not to see a bunch of take-out boxes in there." Sabrin smiled at her mother's obvious dig against Niki.

As they savored the meal, compliments from everyone were made on how delicious everything was. Lyssa was especially pleased Rose had enjoyed everything. After dinner, Lyssa started to clear away the dishes.

"You sit down and rest," Rose told her. "You worked so hard on this incredible meal, you deserve to relax with your parents. Sabrin and I will take care of the dishes."

Lyssa sat on the couch and tried to concentrate on talking about the evening but she had a hard time taking her eyes off the incredible ring on her finger.

In the kitchen, Rose and Sabrin were rinsing and loading the dishes into the dishwasher.

"That was a wonderful meal. Such a beautiful woman on the inside and out," Rose opined. "I can see from the way you look at her how much you love her. And she loves you. I can see it in her eyes too. It is so obvious to me that she is the one you were meant to be with. I am so happy for you, son."

Sabrin hugged his mother. "Thanks mom. I’m so glad you like Lyssa and her parents. I know you haven't always approved-"

"Sabrin, the past is the past. You don't worry about how I felt about certain people in the past. You concentrate on your present and future with Lyssa, okay?"

Sabrin smiled, hugging his mother once again. "I will," he promised. "I love you, mom."

"I love you. And I am so damned happy that I finally get to be a grandmother." Her face shone as she handed Sabrin a dish. He shook his head at her but smiled.

When Sabrin and his mother returned to the rest of the group, the conversation was on names for the babies.

"I think this is a little early to be thinking about this. We don't even know the sex of the babies yet," Lyssa was saying. It did not seem to have an effect on her parents.

Sabrin sat down next to Lyssa, sliding an arm about her shoulders. He kissed her temple as Rose sat down with the Pages and joined in the debate of a boy name.

"Give up, Lyssa. We get final say no matter what. Let them have their fun," Sabrin told her. She sighed and nodded.

Sabrin and Lyssa sat back and listened to the different names being discussed. The only time they entered the conversation was to voice their dislike for a name being debated. Otherwise, they snuggled together and enjoyed the wonderful interaction occurring between the three parents. The conversation eventually turned to the next day's events. Everyone was looking forward to seeing Sabrin on stage the next evening. Plans were made for the Pages to come over for an early dinner with Lyssa and Rose and then, after the play, everyone would go out for a snack. Ruth and Rose made plans for what they wanted Sabrin and Lyssa to do with them during the day while Aaron was in another of his meetings. It was around midnight when a cab was hailed to take Ruth and Aaron back to their hotel. Rose said good night and headed to her bedroom leaving Sabrin and Lyssa alone for the first time since he had proposed. He picked up Lyssa's left hand and kissed it tenderly.

"This ring looks perfect on your finger," he smiled.

"What changed your mind about marriage?" Lyssa asked.

"You did. When we had that talk in the kitchen a while ago, it got me thinking. I thought of the reasons I had always given myself for not wanting to get married and none of them applied to us. I couldn't think of a single reason why we shouldn't get married but, at the same time, I could think of hundreds of reasons why we should. The clincher was how much I loved the idea of you being Lyssa Berry."

"It does sound wonderful, doesn't it. Sabrin and Lyssa Berry," she kissed Sabrin. "Let's go to bed." She took Sabrin’s hand and headed for their bedroom.

Sabrin wrapped her up in his arms as soon as their door was closed behind them. He kissed her tenderly on the cheek, but Lyssa grabbed his face and turned to kiss his lips. Her tongue slipped into his mouth, dueling with his. Passion flared. He walked her to the bed without breaking their kiss. His hands fumbled for the buttons of her blouse as she reached for the belt at his waist. Her bra soon followed her blouse and she dispensed with her skirt while Sabrin almost ripped himself out of his clothing. They came together in a desperate embrace.

"Your mother is just a wall away. We're going to have to be quiet," Lyssa warned.

"I'll try to remember that, but I make no promises," he told her as he brought his mouth down to reclaim hers.

They made their way to the bed breaking their kiss for only a moment as they lay down on the bed. Their passion for each other was intensifying with each touch of a hand and gentle caress sweeping over their bodies. Sabrin slowly moved his kisses down following the nape of her neck and then down her chest. He played with the nipple of her breast with his fingers, gently kneading it while he licked, sucked and teased her other nipple before taking her breast in his mouth. As Lyssa moaned, Sabrin turned his attention to her other breast causing Lyssa to moan even more. Sabrin moved up to reclaim Lyssa's mouth again while he penetrated her.

With her pregnancy further along, the positions in their lovemaking were changing. Sabrin did not want to press too heavily on her womb. But nothing could stop their passion for one another. He kept his thrusts at a slower pace so as to not hurt her and to keep their fire burning at a lower, more controllable temperature. His hand still fondled her breast and his mouth kissed her deeply. Lyssa moaned with pleasure and ran her hands over his body, teasing his nipples as he had teased hers. He moaned into their kiss, but tried to keep it as quiet as possible. He felt his pique approaching and hastened his pace, Lyssa let out a stifled cry of climax as he exploded within her. He feared his expression of satisfaction had been too loud and this was confirmed a moment later when they both heard his mother turn on a radio in her room.

Lyssa started to giggle as Sabrin moved next to her.

"Well, she heard. My mother heard us making love." Sabrin was a little embarrassed at this thought. "You think that's funny." Lyssa could only nod her head as her giggles had turned to laughter.

"I'm pregnant, Sabrin. I think she knows we've made love before," Lyssa laughed. Her laugh was so infectious that soon Sabrin found himself laughing too. As they calmed down, Sabrin kissed Lyssa on the forehead.

"I'm still going to have a hard time looking at her tomorrow. God, at my age and I'm still embarrassed that my mother knows I have sex."

Lyssa burst out laughing again. Sabrin began to kiss Lyssa. She let out little laughs between his kisses until she was completely engrossed in the passionate embrace of her lover.

They could not help but feel their desire growing again. Lyssa rolled Sabrin over on his back so she could take control of this encounter. She drew a line down the center of his body with kisses and seductive nips and licks. It still shocked him how quickly she could cause him to recover his erection or how long she could get him to maintain one.

"Ah," he cried hoarsely as she brought her mouth to the head of his penis. 

Earlier, he had worried his mother’s presence would nullify Lyssa’s arousing effect on him. He laughed to himself now. ~ I doubt a hurricane could cause her to not turn me on. ~ Lyssa would always be able to push him further, faster and harder in their sex life than any other woman he had ever known, it seemed.

She kissed the tip of his penis before running her tongue along the underside of the head. Sabrin was doing his best to stifle his moans but it was a losing battle. Lyssa gently fondled his balls as she moved her mouth expertly up and down his shaft. She removed her mouth from his penis and took one of his balls in her mouth while continuing to pump his shaft with her hand. His moans were becoming louder. Lyssa moved up his body to silence him by reclaiming his lips as she lowered herself onto his stiff rod.

Sabrin let his hand roam over her perfect breasts with great pleasure as Lyssa began to move over him. He loved the feel of her behind moving off and then slowly back on his body, pumping his rock hard shaft in the process. He lifted his head to take one breast into his mouth. She moaned herself as he sucked and swirled his tongue around the nipple in his mouth.

Lyssa was forced to pull his mouth away from her breast so she could reach behind her and stroke his balls. Sabrin was sure his eyes were going to roll back in his head. With his mouth free again, he had nothing to stop the moans that escaped his lips in waves.

Lyssa leaned forward to reclaim his mouth as she continued to pump on his shaft. His hands cupped her breasts as he playfully squeezed them. Lyssa's motions were becoming quicker and quicker until her back arched and her orgasm overpowered her. She kept her motions going, bringing Sabrin to the brink. He turned his head so the pillow would muffle his cries of ecstasy as he came within Lyssa. Lyssa slowed herself before collapsing onto Sabrin’s chest. They continued to kiss as Lyssa moved next to Sabrin so they could cuddle in each other's arms. They lay quietly, kissing tenderly while Sabrin gently caressed Lyssa's arm. After a few minutes, the radio in Rose's room turned off. The lovers smiled at each other and said good night.

The next morning, Sabrin came stumbling out of the bedroom, having left Lyssa to get more sleep. She had been ill twice in the middle of the night, so she was still worn out. He had gotten up to help her the first time, but had not heard her until it was over the second time.

Right now, all he could think about was coffee. He even imagined he could smell coffee. He entered the kitchen to see his mother sitting peacefully at the table, reading the morning paper.

"Mom, how long have you been up?" he asked, surprised.

"An hour or so. I heard you moving about again, so I made sure there was coffee for you." Rose gave her son a look that told him he had been a bad boy and mom knew about it.

"I-I ah, I-,"

"Had very loud sex with your pregnant intended, yes I know. I heard. Both times," she half scolded and half teased him. Sabrin gulped and turned five different shades of red. Rose enjoyed every shade.

Sabrin got a mug from the cupboard and poured himself a cup of coffee before joining his mother at the table.

"I'm sorry we kept you up, mom." Sabrin was still embarrassed. "It won't happen again."

"A little quieter is all I ask," Rose smiled. "Now would you like some breakfast?"

Rose and Sabrin talked about Lyssa as Rose made him an omelet. Sabrin was so happy his mother really liked Lyssa. She made a few comments about how much better Lyssa was for him than Niki. Soon they heard footsteps coming towards the kitchen. Sabrin got up to kiss Lyssa.

"Rose, I hope we didn’t keep you up last night," Lyssa sounded apologetic.

"Keep me up? Of course not, I didn't hear a thing. Slept like a baby," she smiled.

Lyssa smiled at her, but it was obvious to Sabrin that she did not believe a word of it. Rose insisted on making Lyssa something for breakfast too, but all she wanted was rye toast with butter and a glass of milk.

"Mornings are not the worst time of day for me, but they aren't the best either," Lyssa explained.

"Well, with two babies in there, you can count your blessings that it is not twenty-four hours a day that you're sick, dear."

"I do," Lyssa assured her with a grin. "Sabrin does to, I'm sure. It’s not a pretty sight seeing me like that and keeping your dinner. He's been a trooper though. Always has that washcloth ready." Lyssa reached over and gave Sabrin’s hand an affectionate squeeze. He returned her smile.

"I have to take care of my babies. All three of you."

Lyssa sat down and slowly ate her toast. The three discussed the plans for the day. Both Rose and Ruth wanted to go look at baby things with Sabrin and Lyssa as well as find something nice to wear for the play that evening. Lyssa needed something too, as most of the dresses she had were not fitting her expanding waistline. Once breakfast dishes were taken care of and everyone was dressed and ready, they took a taxi to the hotel to pick up Ruth Page before heading to Bloomingdale’s for the start of the shopping expedition. Thankfully for Sabrin, both Rose and Ruth found something to wear quickly. Lyssa was not having as much luck. She was having problems finding something that fit her everywhere. Sabrin convinced the two mothers they should start looking at the baby things while he and Lyssa looked for a dress. When she finally found one that fit she had a new worry.

"Does this dress make me look too pregnant?" she asked Sabrin.

"You look absolutely beautiful, Lyssa," Sabrin answered.

"But when I stand sideways like this I look so pregnant."

"Yes, you do," he beamed. "You look so beautiful, Lyssa." He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist placing his hands on the curving bulge that was showing.

"If you think for one minute that I want you to not look pregnant, you're very wrong. I'm so excited about your current state. Your beautiful body seems to change daily and I love undressing it and seeing what’s changed today. You get sexier and more precious to me with each passing day. If you get as big as a house it will mean nothing to me but that you are growing with my children inside you. I love you, all of you." Sabrin told her with certainty.

"What about the ugly stretch marks that this pregnancy is going to leave me with?" Lyssa asked, turning to face him.

He gave a small, slightly insulted laugh. "You think I'm so wrapped up in the Hollywood image that I will trade you in on an unmarked model after their birth. Every mark your body bares will be from bringing our children into the world. I will cherish each one as I cherish you and the lives you carry, now stop worrying and go buy that outfit." He gave her a playful pat on the ass and then a light pinch, causing her to squeal. He laughed and turned her towards the closest cashier with a smile.

Women - they need constant reassurance.

Lyssa turned back to Sabrin and gave him a quick kiss before changing back into her clothes. After she bought the dress, they went off to find their respective mothers in the baby department. They had a number of beautiful cribs and other baby furniture they wanted the couple to see. Sabrin and Lyssa did their best to talk their mothers out of most of the things they wanted to buy by convincing them there was still a lot of time to buy everything they need. But the future grandmothers still felt the need to purchase two special outfits for their grandbabies. Using Lyssa's pregnancy as an excuse, Sabrin convinced the ladies it was time to stop for lunch as a way to get them out of the baby department.

"I truly don't understand your reluctance to let two eager future grandmothers start earning that title by practicing spoiling our grandbabies." Rose was giving her son a very disapproving look over her turkey sandwich.

Sabrin and Lyssa exchanged glances. "Mom, you’ll have plenty of time to spoil the kids rotten, but you don't have to buy it all now. They haven't even started to kick Lyssa yet."

Lyssa tilted her head to the side and placed a protective hand over her womb. "Well, that isn't exactly an accurate statement, dearest." Sabrin looked at her with shock.

"You’ve felt something?" he asked, going white for some unknown reason. Both grandmothers to be had their hands over their mouths and were gasping with delight.

"Just a fluttering of sorts, but I’m pretty sure it’s not stomach trouble. It’s a very strange feeling but I like it." Lyssa grinned with joy. Sabrin still looked about to faint.

They finished their lunch and started to walk to Ruth's hotel. The two future grandmothers had decided to have a rest at the hotel to give Sabrin and Lyssa some time alone. They would meet them at the apartment later with Aaron for dinner before going to the theatre. Sabrin had been a little quiet since lunch and Lyssa was a little worried. When they arrived back at the apartment, Lyssa led Sabrin to the couch for a talk.

"Are you okay? You've been so pale and quiet since lunch," Lyssa asked.

"When you said you could feel a flutter it changed things. It made it seem more real," he tried to explain.

"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" Lyssa whispered, as if she were afraid of what the answer might be.

"No, Lyssa, no!" Sabrin pulled her into his arms. "No second thoughts. I love you so much," he said before kissing her tenderly. "And our babies. I think it’s just hitting me what an awesome responsibility this will be. I find myself examining my life and wondering how my children will view it and me." He seemed slightly unsure of himself as he said this.

"Why do you have doubts? What do you regret?" she asked sounding offended on his behalf.

"Lyssa, I'm an actor. It’s not as though I have invented something or built things or have worked my way up to CEO of some corporation."

Lyssa shifted to grab his face and held it in her hands.

"No, you've done nothing of importance. You have just entertained millions, helped to bring a very special cyborg to life and brought joy to countless people. I think your children will respect you greatly for what you have done in your life," Lyssa told him. She brought her face to his to kiss him hard before standing and running to the bedroom. Sabrin laughed as he chased her. He grabbed Lyssa around the waist and they fell on the bed laughing. He straddled Lyssa, making sure he did not put any weight on her body, and held her arms over her head before he leaned to kiss her. He let go of Lyssa's wrists and they wrapped their arms around each other tightly, kissing passionately.

Sabrin had rolled over on his side and pulled her with him a moment later. His fingers were just working on the buttons of her blouse when there was a buzz over the intercom sounding visitors. Sabrin and Lyssa sighed.

"No sex for the horny," Lyssa joked.

Sabrin rolled his eyes at her. "Come on, sexy pregnant woman. Time to greet the lovemaking spoilers. It’s too bad too. There would have been no radio playing to dictate our rhythm." Sabrin grinned at his awful joke as he helped Lyssa to her feet.

"Oh, you are getting so bad."

Sabrin stuck his tongue out at her as she giggled.

As Sabrin went to greet their visitors, Lyssa remained in the bedroom, adjusting her clothes and re-buttoning the buttons Sabrin had undone. It was only a few minutes before Rose, Ruth and Aaron entered the apartment. They were already dressed for the evening. Sabrin left a short time later for the theatre.

"Lyssa, you go get ready for the evening. We are taking you out for dinner tonight," her father informed her. Lyssa knew there was no arguing with her father when he had his mind made up so she went to the bathroom to check her hair and re-do her make-up before heading to the bedroom to change into her new dress. When Lyssa rejoined the group, her father smiled and kissed her cheek.

"What a lucky man I am. I get to have dinner with three beautiful women," he smiled.

The dinner was very nice and they spoke mostly about the play with Rose telling the group a little about the other plays Sabrin had appeared in.

They arrived at the theatre a half hour before curtain time. Aaron and Ruth went to get some wine for Rose and themselves while Lyssa went to freshen up in the ladies room. Rose was not alone for long as she was soon approached by a woman who was obviously a fan of Sabrin’s.

"Excuse me, Mrs. Berry?" the woman asked. "I am such a huge fan of your son. He is such an amazing actor."

"Well, thank you. I'm very proud of him," Rose smiled. She was somewhat used to fans approaching her like this.

When Lyssa returned to the lobby, she saw the woman who was talking to Rose and instantly recognized her as the woman who had been responsible for her trip to the hospital in Chicago. When the woman saw Lyssa her eyes went wide.

"Oh no, here comes trouble," the woman told Rose. Rose looked confused as she could only see Lyssa coming towards her with a worried look on her face. When Lyssa had arrived, the woman spoke to her angrily.

"Don't you think you've done enough to him already? Now you're going to harass his mother too?" the woman seethed at Lyssa. “My god, you’ve gotten fat.”

"Don't you talk to Lyssa like that," Rose snapped at the woman. She turned to Lyssa and asked, "do you know this woman?" Rose knew about Lyssa's trip to the hospital so Lyssa told Rose this was the woman who had pushed her.

"Lyssa dear, I think it is time we go to our seats. You go get your parents. I'll be okay." When Lyssa left, Rose turned to the woman. "I want you to stay away from my family. Lyssa is the best thing that has ever happened to my son so leave them be."

Lyssa, Aaron and Ruth rejoined Rose as the woman looked dumbstruck at the foursome but her jaw absolutely dropped when she overheard Rose speaking to Lyssa.

"Are you okay? You know stress isn't good for the babies. If you want to leave you know Sabrin will understand."

Lyssa smiled. "Seeing Sabrin on stage is exactly what I need right now." The four then entered the seating area and took their seats.

During the intermission, Lyssa went to the bathroom feeling better, but having a bit of a flutter in her stomach. Lyssa stood over the sink hoping she would not lose the dinner she had so enjoyed.

"Okay, you two. Settle down in there. We want to hear Daddy sing, now don't we?"

"I can't believe it. It is true?"

Lyssa turned from the sink to face the owner of the voice behind her. Before she turned, Lyssa knew she would be facing that crazy fan again.

"What's true?" Lyssa asked.

"You're pregnant?" The woman sounded sick at the thought. "With Sabrin’s child?"

"That’s none of your business." Lyssa told her as she drew a damp paper towel across her forehead, still trying to sooth herself. Something about this stunned the woman.

"Oh my God! What the hell is that?" she was pointing at Lyssa’s left hand. Lyssa looked, realizing she was pointing at the engagement ring Sabrin had given her.

"It’s a ring. Surely, you've seen a ring before?" Lyssa said, sarcastically.

"Is it an engagement ring? He doesn't like marriage. He's not going to marry you. He was with Niki for fourteen years and he never married her. He won't marry you. I bet the kid is not even his. It’s that guy you were with before in Chicago. It’s his kid and you’re trying to trap Sabrin." The woman seemed to be losing it again and Lyssa began to fear for her safety.

"Once again, our private life is none of your business so just leave us alone," Lyssa told the woman as she threw the paper towel in the garbage and started to walk to the door.

"One day you'll thank me for this, Sabrin," the woman muttered under her breath as she kicked Lyssa's feet out from under her. Lyssa fell forward hard on the floor.

"Now fucking leave him alone," the woman told Lyssa before leaving her in the ladies room.

Lyssa lay on the floor in so much pain she could not call out for help. She was able to sit up and wrapped her arms around her stomach as the tears streamed down her face. After a few minutes, two women entered the ladies room and saw Lyssa on the floor.

"Oh my God! Are you okay?" one woman asked. Lyssa was only able to shake her head no. The other woman had noticed a small amount of blood on the floor of the bathroom and pulled out her cell phone to call 911. "Are you pregnant?" she asked. Lyssa again could only nod her head yes. "Are you here with anyone?" she asked next. Lyssa nodded her head yes and reached in to her purse and gave the woman her ticket stub. "I'll let them know you're in trouble. Don't worry, an ambulance is on the way." The woman rushed out of the bathroom to let security know what was happening and then she went to the row on Lyssa's ticket. The woman asked Rose if the woman who was sitting next to her was a member of her party and, when Rose said yes, she quickly told them what she knew. After they thanked the woman for her help, Ruth and Aaron rushed to the ladies room while Rose went to the stage door demanding to talk to her son. They quickly led Rose to Sabrin and, as soon as she said the word ambulance, Sabrin was rushing out of his dressing room, through the stage door and running through the crowded theatre. When he reached the lobby area, he could see the ambulance attendants outside getting ready to put the stretcher Lyssa was on inside. He ran to the ambulance getting there before they closed the doors and called out Lyssa's name. One of the attendants allowed Sabrin into the back of the ambulance with him while the other drove them to the hospital.

As Lyssa's parents held each other, Aaron reached out to draw Rose closer by holding out a hand. Ruth saw what her husband had done and turned to fully face Rose and take her into a commiserating embrace. Tears ran down the faces of both Ruth and Rose.

"Why don't we sit down, ladies?" Aaron suggested. Aaron directed the women to a bench in the lobby nearby and instructed the weak kneed females to sit.

"It’s okay, Mrs. Berry. I took care of that bitch for you," said a voice, interrupting the prayer the trio was lifting to God.

"What?" Aaron roared as he turned to face the ‘fan’ angrily.

"She’s trying to trick him into marrying her. That’s not his kid she’s carrying. It’s that guy’ she was with in Chicago. Stupid bitch! I’m not going to let her trap him. That slut won't bother- ah!"

Aaron grabbed the crazy woman's arm. Adrenaline raced through his veins, brought on by his rage. The woman tried to pull free, but Aaron's grip was like iron. "Someone call the police! This woman tried to kill my daughter!" Aaron shouted with fury.

The woman turned her stunned and shaken face to Rose, looking at her with pleading eyes.

"Mrs. Berry, I did it for Sabrin! I saved him from that lying sl-"

This slur was cut off by Rose slapping the woman across the face - hard.

"You insane bitch. If you caused a miscarriage or harmed Lyssa, I will do everything in my power to see you behind bars for the rest of your life!" Rose screamed at her.

Two security guards were rushing across the carpet to take charge of the situation. The police had been near when the ambulance had arrived, so they came almost at once. After initial statements were taken and an officer was left to collect witnesses who may have seen the crazy fan fleeing the bathroom, the woman was taken to jail.

After the police had taken their statements, an officer drove Rose, Ruth and Aaron to the hospital Lyssa had been taken to. They rushed into the emergency room and spoke to a nurse who directed them to have a seat in the waiting room. An hour later, one of Sabrin’s co-stars entered the emergency room and approached Rose.

"Have you heard any news?" she asked.

"No, not yet," Rose replied.

"Everyone wanted to come to offer their support but we thought that might be too overwhelming. Please let Sabrin and Lyssa know we are all praying for them."

"I will. Thank you, dear."

"I brought Sabrin’s clothes from his dressing room. Thought he might want to change out of that costume," she said as she handed Rose a bag.

"Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness. I know they will both appreciate it," Rose replied.

Shortly after the actress left, Sabrin came out to the waiting room looking for the three worried parents. They all rushed to Sabrin wanting to know how Lyssa was.

"They've moved Lyssa to the obstetrics ward. They want to keep her at least overnight for observation. They've stopped the bleeding and run some tests. They don't think Lyssa is in immediate danger of miscarrying but they want to keep her here until they’re certain. If nothing happens overnight then everything should be fine."

"Can we see her?" Aaron asked.

"The doctor said you could come in for a few minutes but they want Lyssa to rest." Sabrin led them to the room on the fifth floor that Lyssa was in.

Sabrin gulped again when he saw Lyssa in the bed, looking so pale and frightened. He was not sure if he should, but he came over to her, kissed her gently and excused himself to step outside. His mother had given him the bag with his clothes. His cell phone was in there too. Sabrin went where a call was permitted and hit a number he had stored in his phone weeks ago. Sonny answered on the third ring.

“Oh God of the Earth - I can’t leave now,” Sonny told Sabrin once he had explained what had happened. “I’m in the middle of a big deal...My poor sweet Honey.” Sonny sounded very near tears, he was so torn up about not being able to be there for Lyssa when she needed her loved ones around her.

“I’m sorry, Sonny. I didn’t call to make you feel bad. I-I’m not sure why I called now. I just felt you should know, since you were there the first time this woman attacked Lyssa and you called me.” Sabrin mentally berated himself for doing this to Sonny. It was only Tuesday, it only made sense that the man would be busy.

Sonny was silent for a full minute. “Sabrin, I am so glad that you and Lyssa found each other and I am so honored that you thought to call me. Please give my Honey all my love. I’m going to come this weekend as soon as the clock strikes 5:00 Friday. Please, don’t feel bad about calling me. I’m so grateful that you did.”

When Sabrin ended that call, he hung his head. It was strange to think that another man loved Lyssa that much, but was absolutely no threat to Sabrin and his relationship to Lyssa. But then Sonny was a very unique man, and one that Sabrin was thankful they had in their life. He sighed at having upset the kind hearted man and headed back towards Lyssa’s room to let her know that Sonny would be here late Friday.

When Sabrin returned to the room after changing, he found a nurse was busy shooing Ruth, Aaron and Rose out. Sabrin hugged each of them before they left and then pulled a chair over to Lyssa's bed. He took her hand.

She smiled weakly at Sabrin. "We seem to be making a habit of this, don't we."

"Lyssa, when this happened the first time I told you that I would understand if you didn't want to see me anymore..." he started to say. Lyssa placed her finger gently over his lips to quiet him.

"I'm not going to let some crazy woman ruin my life. I love you, Sabrin. I need you now more than ever and the babies need you."

Sabrin leaned over and kissed Lyssa tenderly.

"It's my fault, Lyssa. I've always been so damned concerned about keeping my...our private life private. Maybe if I had said something-"

"Sabrin, please stop it. It isn't your fault. There's nothing you could have done."

"But there is something I can do. I'm supposed to be interviewed about the play on Thursday for a local morning show. I was going to cancel it but I’m going to see if they will tape something at the apartment instead."

"Tape something at the apartment?" Lyssa repeated, stunned.

"Yes. I don’t want to do the interview without you. I think it’s time to speak out about what’s happened. And I want everyone to see that we are together and I’ve never been happier. If that doesn’t convince that psycho, or anyone else like her, to stop, I don’t know what will."

Lyssa's eyes went wide. She knew this was quite a departure from Sabrin’s preferred line of thinking. 

Lyssa gave his hand a weak squeeze. "You're a private man," she reminded him.

"And look what it got me. I could have lost you, the babies or all of you. We'll talk more about this tomorrow. You need to rest. I'm not going anywhere," Sabrin told her as he squeezed her hand.

"I do feel a little tired," she said before drifting off to sleep. It was a restless night for both of them. Lyssa woke up a number of times from nightmares. Sabrin comforted her each time and then would softly sing her back to sleep. There were also a couple of times when doctors or nurses would come in to check the fetal monitors hooked up to Lyssa and would inadvertently wake them as well. The next morning, Dr. Simmons came in to see Lyssa.

"They took very good care of you for me, Lyssa," he smiled. "I've gone over all of the tests and the readings from the fetal monitor with the attending physician and I'm happy to say the babies are not in any imminent danger."

Sabrin and Lyssa both let out audible sighs of relief at this news.

The doctor continued, "I will have you released from the hospital on the following conditions. I want you to get lots of bed rest, no exerting yourself. Is there someone who can stay with you while Sabrin’s working?"

"My mother's visiting. I'm sure she'll want to stay longer to help."

"Good. Now, we have an appointment scheduled for Tuesday. I'll see you then but if you have any questions or concerns, call me."

The couple thanked the doctor and promised to do as he had instructed to the letter.

"I hate to put your mother out-" Lyssa began.

"Put her out? She'll be beside herself with joy. She loves being needed. She'll find a hundred ways to make this whole thing all her fault. You just watch." Sabrin wrapped Lyssa in his arms and kissed her temple until she turned her head to receive a kiss on the lips.

When the parents arrived later that morning, Lyssa got to see just how right Sabrin was. Rose was delighted to be asked to stay. Ruth and Aaron were upset they would have to be leaving in two days due to work commitments.

"I’m happy to stay and take care of you, Lyssa. If it weren't for me that terrible woman wouldn’t have even touched you. I should have had her removed or I should have come with you to the restroom. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me for being such a fool."

Sabrin and Lyssa exchanged glances before they both tried to convince Rose she had not been to blame.

Lyssa was allowed to leave the hospital within an hour. They all went back to the apartment where everyone fussed over Lyssa to the point that it was driving her crazy. Sabrin had checked the answering machine and was relieved there was a message from the play's director telling him his understudy would go on for him for both performances that day and asked that Sabrin let him know how much time he needed before returning. There was a story buried in one of the papers that mentioned a woman had been attacked at the play and that another woman had been arrested as well as another story about Sabrin’s sudden departure from the play due to a family emergency but they did not make the connection between the two events. After a while, Rose and Ruth went to the kitchen to prepare a nice lunch for everyone. Aaron soon joined them in the kitchen to give Sabrin and Lyssa a little time alone. Sabrin sat next to Lyssa on the couch and wrapped his arms around her.

"I forgot to tell you, I called Sonny. He'll be here Friday night. He was upset that he couldn't be here sooner," Sabrin told her.

"He doesn't need to come. We only have the one extra room, Sabrin."

"We'll pay for his room, Lyssa. He wanted to come and you know damn well that you want to see him. You miss him."

Lyssa grinned and snuggled into Sabrin’s shoulder.

"You're right. I do miss him. Thank you for calling him."

"Anything for you, my love. Anything for you."

After a wonderful lunch, the mothers insisted Lyssa lay down and sleep while they cleaned up. Sabrin was told to call the director to inform him that he would be returning to work tomorrow, despite his resistance.

"Aaron and I are here until Thursday and your mother is very capable too. You go back to work. We'll take care of Lyssa while you’re earning a living," Ruth told him politely, but firmly. Rose and Aaron nodded their agreement.

Sabrin was told to go sleep as well, a short time after that. The parents knew he had spent the whole night at Lyssa's bedside with little sleep. It was time for him to catch up.

Sabrin had made one more call before he agreed to lie down. He spoke with the segment producer at WNBC regarding the interview the next day. After being told what had happened, the station agreed to tape the interview at their apartment so Lyssa would not have to exert herself in any way. They would be in and out of the apartment as quickly as possible. Sabrin then went to the bedroom, got undressed and slid into the bed next to Lyssa. He wrapped his arms around her as Lyssa cuddled up to him in her sleep. Sabrin would have been the only one surprised at how quickly he fell asleep but he always found it so comforting having Lyssa in his arms.

The evening was quiet for the pair. Lyssa's parents went back to their hotel and were instructed by Rose to go out for a nice relaxing dinner as she would take care of everything. Aaron vetoed that idea and insisted he would watch the couple and allow Ruth and Rose to go out for dinner. The women, although different ages, had seemed to click from the first moment and Aaron liked that. It had taken a bit, but he managed to shoo the women out and had a light dinner ready for Sabrin and Lyssa when the couple woke. Sabrin got up first and this suited the older man.

Aaron sat with Sabrin at the kitchen table and spoke with him.

"I know that you were not directly responsible for what happened, but Lyssa...is this kind of thing going to happen to her often? If the possibility exists, perhaps she should come back to Illinois with us until the babies are born."

"I am taking steps that I hope will make sure this type of thing doesn't happen again," Sabrin finally responded. "I would be a liar though if I said your suggestion hasn't come to mind. I don't think you could convince Lyssa to go back to Illinois though."

"Do you want me to go?" Lyssa questioned. She sat at the table next to Sabrin and took his hand.

"No, I don't want you to go but-" Sabrin answered.

"Good that settles it because I wouldn't go anyway," Lyssa interrupted Sabrin. "Daddy, there are crazy people everywhere and Illinois certainly isn't safer than New York. Remember the first run in I had with that woman was in Chicago. She lives in Illinois. I know you're worried but my place is here with Sabrin. Besides I know my doctor would not allow it - it would be much too stressful for me to be apart from the man I love." Lyssa kissed Sabrin gently on the cheek.

"Okay, it was just an idea," Aaron conceded. "You know that I only spoke out of concern." He turned to Sabrin. "I want you to know that I do trust you completely with my daughter's happiness and safety."

"Thank you, Aaron. I hope I can live up to that trust."

Her father then brought Lyssa some of the leftover vegetable soup and a sandwich he had made special for her. The mothers returned shortly after the three had retired to the living room and were watching an old John Wayne movie.

The two women motioned for Lyssa to join them and Rose led them into her bedroom, carrying a bag. Ruth also had a bag in her hand.

"I hope you two didn't go baby shopping again," Lyssa said teasingly, looking accusingly at her mother and then to Rose.

"Not exactly, dear. Here," Rose handed her a box. When Lyssa opened it, she was not sure what she was looking at.

"It’s a stun gun, dear. I want you to carry it with you every time you leave the house. Whether you're alone or not."

Lyssa was shocked. She turned to her mother.

"I found these. You can also keep them in your purse. It’s a personal alarm keychain and pepper spray."

"I don't know what to say," Lyssa stammered.

"Say you promise you will do what we ask and keep these with you," her mother instructed. Lyssa could see the determined look on both her mother and Rose's faces and knew there would be no sense in arguing with them.

"Okay," Lyssa sighed. "I promise I'll take them with me whenever I go out." She hugged them both.

"Lyssa, we realize you’re not comfortable yet with this but please humor us. You know we only bought those for you because we love you and want to make sure you and the babies are safe," Rose told her.

"I know you both want what's best. I really appreciate your concern and I love you both," Lyssa smiled broadly. ~ Given the option of a stun gun or going to Illinois, I'll take the stun gun, ~ she thought to herself. The women then went out to the living room to join Sabrin and Aaron.

"Oh True Grit. One of my favorites," Ruth exclaimed as they sat to watch the rest of the movie.

The couple went to bed early that night. The interviewer and camera crew from "Good Morning, New York" were coming at ten the next day. The segment was to air on Friday morning. Sabrin and Lyssa were forbidden to make love for the next week to give the small tear Lyssa had sustained in the attack, time to heal. They lay in bed talking instead. Lyssa told Sabrin of the gifts the mothers had given her and he was very pleased, though surprised to the point where he laughed loudly at first.

"I just hope you don't have cause to use them, but if you do, use them well. After the babies are born and you’re able, I want you to take some self-defense courses. I will too, so I can protect you. This is not going to happen again, Lyssa. If I can stop it, it will not happen again.”

Lyssa wrapped her arms around Sabrin and held him close. "I have never blamed you for this, or the last time this fruit loop attacked me. I love you. I know you didn't want this to happen. We're going to have to be more careful, but I think it will be all right. Tomorrow...will be interesting."

They fell asleep in each other arms still tired from the events of the past twenty-four hours. The next morning Sabrin and Lyssa were both feeling much better. Rose looked a little tired though when they came out to the kitchen.

"Mom, didn't you sleep well?" Sabrin asked.

"I had a little trouble falling asleep at first. It was too quiet," she smiled and began to prepare breakfast. After breakfast, Sabrin helped Rose clean up and then joined Lyssa in getting ready for the interview.

The crew from Good Morning, New York arrived on schedule and did not take long to set up. As they were setting up, the woman who was going to conduct the interview, Alison Mesley spoke with them about it. When everything was set up, Sabrin and Lyssa took their places next to each other on the couch while Alison sat opposite on a chair to read a quick introduction for the story. Sabrin took Lyssa's hand in his and gave her an encouraging smile while Alison introduced them. They spoke to Sabrin for a few minutes about the play before moving to discuss the recent events.

"The lovely lady sitting next to you is your fiancée, Lyssa Page. When did you and Lyssa meet, Sabrin?"

"We met in August when we both attended a convention in Denver but we didn't get together until January."

"And the two of you recently became engaged, I understand."

"That’s correct. One of the best days of my life was when Lyssa agreed to marry me."

"Lyssa, I understand you’re pregnant?"

"Yes, I am. I'm a little over two and a half months along. We’re expecting twins in October," Lyssa smiled.

"Many New Yorkers have heard or read about a woman who was attacked in the restroom at a performance of your play ‘From the Balcony’ but most do not know that it was Lyssa who was the victim of this assault. What happened?"

"A woman who claims to be a fan of Sabrin’s assaulted me. She was hoping to cause a miscarriage. She blames me for ending a prior relationship that Sabrin had been in and had somehow thought that if I lost the babies Sabrin would return to his ex."

"This was not your first run in with this woman, was it?"

"No, the first time was in Chicago, where I used to live. She confronted me outside of a restaurant where I’d been having lunch with a friend. She was being verbally abusive and when we tried to walk away, she pulled at me. I was off balance and fell, hitting my head on the sidewalk."

"This woman has been responsible for Lyssa being taken to the hospital twice. I thank God Lyssa and the babies were fine both times," Sabrin added.

The interviewer looked dismayed. "You mean you were already pregnant the last time this woman attacked you, Lyssa?"

"Yes, that is actually when I found out," Lyssa admitted, reluctantly.

"It’s a dangerous time for celebrities and their families," the interviewer offered.

"That’s so true. Lyssa was attacked by this woman, my mother was harassed and Lyssa's parents, too. When you hear in the media what some celebrities have lived through because of a stalker...” Sabrin added, shaking his head.

"We’re able to talk about this. John Lennon, Gianni Versace, Rebecca Schaeffer...they weren’t so lucky," Lyssa gripped Sabrin’s hand tighter.

"Of course, the vast majority of fans are wonderful. It's an infinitesimal number of people that take things too far but the problem is identifying them," Sabrin commented.

"In many ways, Sabrin is so lucky regarding his fan base," Lyssa interjected. "There are so many misconceptions about sci-fi fans in general, and Spacers in particular, but the vast majority are decent, hard working people. I don't know if the woman who attacked me considers herself a Spacer, or a Berry-picker or what but she is certainly atypical of any fan I’ve ever met."

The interview continued for another fifteen minutes before wrapping things up. Once all of the crew and equipment were gone Sabrin wrapped his arms around Lyssa and kissed her.

"You did great," he whispered in her ear.

I hope you don't mind what I said about the fans," she said with a worried look in her eyes.

"No, love. You're a fan too...how could I argue with that?" He hugged her again. Rose came over to add her agreement that the interview went well. She also told Sabrin that the police department had called and they needed Lyssa to file charges officially, or they would have to release the woman who had attacked her.

"Do you feel up to going now, Lyssa?" Sabrin asked.

"I don't want her released, so yes."

Since Rose was going to add her statement to Lyssa's, Sabrin drove both women to the police precinct and waited with them until Sergeant Edwards was free to take their statements. The three were led into a room and seated after twenty minutes of waiting. It may have been longer, but Lyssa's stomach began troubling her and since they did not want some woman vomiting on their floor, the process was sped along.

It did not take long to file the charges against the woman. Sergeant Edwards let Lyssa know that someone from the DA's office would likely be in touch soon. He informed them that the woman had been taken to Bellevue for a psych work-up as she had been rather incoherent when she had been brought in for booking. It was less than an hour later when they left the police station to return home.

Sabrin reluctantly went to the theatre for that evening's performance after Lyssa and Rose convinced him it was where he should be. Shortly after he left, Ruth and Aaron arrived to help out with things at the apartment. Aaron brought some beautiful flowers for Lyssa and a package of her favorite childhood treat - Peppermint Patties.

The three parents insisted Lyssa sit and watch TV and allow them to wait on her hand and foot. Lyssa's parents left after the dinner dishes were cleaned up that evening. A plate of food had been set aside for Sabrin. Rose joined Lyssa in the living room to watch some television until Sabrin opened the door. Rose jumped to her feet, motioned for Lyssa to remain seated and went to hug her son. Sabrin came over to sit with Lyssa while Rose went to warm his dinner.

"How was the play this evening?" Lyssa asked.

Sabrin chuckled. "I don't think my understudy likes stepping into my shoes very much. He said his name got booed yesterday when they announced he was going on for me. Must have been some fans there last night. I still want to know why they are so keen on seeing an aging Jewish man with a big nose who used to play a cyborg with half a brain?"

Lyssa grinned and gave his hand a squeeze. "Your nose is just fine, thank you very much." She leaned in to whisper into his ear. "When you go down on me and tongue me, it hits just right to give me an added thrill," she told him with a suggestive smile.

Sabrin laughed and kissed Lyssa. "Maybe I can give you a thrill later,"

Lyssa smiled as Rose came out of the kitchen with Sabrin’s dinner.

"Come eat, Sabrin," Rose instructed. Sabrin kissed Lyssa before heading to the table. After eating, Sabrin cleaned up his dishes while Rose sat with Lyssa on the couch.

"You are quite the miracle worker," Rose quietly told Lyssa. "This visit is the first time I have ever seen my Sabrin help clean without complaining."

Lyssa could not help but laugh and soon Rose joined her. Sabrin came out of the kitchen eyeing the two women suspiciously.

"I hope this laughter isn't at my expense," he commented which caused Lyssa and Rose to laugh even more. He held out his hand to Lyssa. "Time for you to go to bed."

"Yes, you need your rest, Lyssa," Rose agreed. "I'm going to stay up for a little while to watch a movie. Good night."

Sabrin and Lyssa said good night to Rose and headed to their bedroom.

"Were you really talking about sleep?" Lyssa asked as soon as the door was closed. Sabrin took her into his arms and kissed her tenderly.

"I would love to say no, but you know that your doctor said no sex for a while. He was painfully detailed as to what he meant. But once he gives you leave to have sex again, I'm going to be using more than my nose to bring you pleasure." He could not help but kiss her hungrily.

"Something about knowing you can't have sex makes it harder to not think about, doesn't it?" she asked during a pause in kissing.

Sabrin sighed sadly. "I can wait. It won't kill me. I'll be in absolute misery, but I'll live." He gave her a sad puppy dog look, at which she laughed.

"You're an old man, isn't this much sex bad for you at your old age?" she teased.

"Well, whippersnapper, if I can get it up, I'm not too old." He tickled her side with a finger and chased her to the bed as she moved to escape his silly assault.

Lyssa was very excited when Sonny arrived on Friday. Sonny stayed at a nearby hotel for the weekend but spent almost every waking moment at the apartment. Lyssa had not been sure what Rose would think of her very outgoing best friend but, once she found out Sonny was gay, she did not have a problem with Lyssa's friend being a man. Lyssa was actually more surprised than Sabrin at how well Rose and Sonny got along. On Saturday, Sonny escorted Rose when they went to Temple and on Sunday Sonny took Rose to lunch so Sabrin and Lyssa could be alone for a little while before he had to leave for the theatre. Lyssa soon discovered exactly how much Sonny had influenced Rose when, the day after he left, she called Lyssa to breakfast addressing her as Honeybunch which caused Sabrin to laugh himself to tears.

The day of the doctor's appointment finally arrived. The doctor performed a complete examination, including an internal exam and an ultrasound, before giving Lyssa a clean bill of health. He told the relieved parents-to-be that the babies were strong and had suffered no ill effects from the attack on Lyssa. He also told Lyssa she could resume her normal activities, including sexual relations. He also instructed her to be sure to rest should she become tired.

With the doctor's approval, Rose made plans to return home. Wednesday morning, Sabrin and Lyssa drove her to the airport. There was a tearful good bye, but Rose promised to return the moment Lyssa needed her again and maybe even before.

"I cannot tell you how happy I will be the day you become my daughter. I love you already. I feel so blessed. When we went to Temple, I had so many things to thank God for and so little to ask for other than your safety. I will thank Him every night for the rest of my life for bringing you to my son. I have never seen him happier." Rose held both of Lyssa's hands in hers as she spoke these words. Before she was done, tears were streaming down both her and Lyssa's faces. Lyssa pulled her hands away and threw them around the other woman.

"I have more than I ever dreamed possible. I am the one who is blessed to be a part of your family. I'm going to miss you."

Sabrin was hard pressed not to let a tear or two slip from his own eyes. His mother was correct, he was very happy. Never happier.

When he and Lyssa returned home, he convinced her she needed a relaxing bath.

"Will you have time to join me?" Lyssa asked between kisses.

"I wish I could. Oh damn, I wish I could," he responded.

"You better go now or you won't be performing today, at least not at the theatre," she smirked.

"You'll be okay by yourself?" he asked.

"Of course I will be. If anyone tries anything, I'm packin' my Panther," she smiled.

"My mother could have stayed longer if-" he started to say.

"Sabrin, I refuse to live in fear. I want things back to normal. I've missed having you all to myself."

"You're sure."

"Of course. Besides, ever since the interview ran most of the neighborhood people have been like personal bodyguards every time I go out," she laughed. "If any stranger approaches me on the street or in a store, a half dozen people come rushing over."

"Okay. I'll come home as quickly as possible." Sabrin kissed Lyssa before heading to the theatre for the matinee performance.

Lyssa did go out to a local store she enjoyed, but other than that, she remained in. She wanted to spend soon time with him before Sabrin went to bed, so Lyssa took a late nap to ensure she could stay awake for him. But she overslept.

Sabrin entered the quiet apartment late that evening. He correctly guessed where Lyssa was, but checked to make sure. He quickly ate the dinner she had made for him, deciding he would need the energy.

Lyssa was having an incredible dream. Sabrin had come home and was making love to her. He was between her legs, letting his tongue and wonderful nose give her tremendous pleasure. It took her several minutes to realize this was not a dream. A hand moved over her outer thigh and up under the dress she was wearing. His hand found a breast and kneaded it gently. He knew how much more sensitive her breasts were now. Lyssa opened her legs for him just a bit more and breathed his name. Sabrin never took his tongue away for a minute, except to say, "I missed tasting you."

Lyssa found his voice and the words he had said very exciting.

Lyssa moaned gently as he licked and sucked her clit while moving his fingers in and out of her. Lyssa reached for Sabrin and pulled him up to kiss him fiercely. She sat up enough that he was able to unzip her dress and slip it off her shoulders slowly sliding it off her body. Lyssa removed the last of her clothing and grabbed Sabrin, pulling him to her. She could feel his erection pressing against her.

"Screw the foreplay," she whispered in his ear. "I need to feel you inside me now."

Sabrin complied with her ‘request’ penetrating Lyssa.

It had seemed like forever since he had been inside her. It felt like coming home to finally be there again. He lowered himself down carefully to kiss her without pressing on her womb. Lyssa ran her hands through his hair as she moaned into his mouth.

In a week at the most, this position would be impossible. Sabrin had no trouble delighting in it now.

He thrust slowly into her. It seemed she had gotten deliciously tighter since the last time they had made love. She squeezed him tightly and it was all he could do to not shout with ecstasy every time he pushed into her. He moved to take her now ample breast into his mouth. They had gotten bigger and sexier, if that was possible. Her appreciative moans as he rolled his tongue over her right nipple were ripping his calm from him. He felt the peak approaching and could not resist. Lyssa arched her back, throwing back her head in orgasm. Sabrin let his head fall as his own orgasm ripped through him.

Sabrin moved next to Lyssa, kissing her and stroking her face. He gently ran his hand down her neck before caressing her cleavage. He ran his fingertips lightly over her breasts and nipples. His hand lowered to her stomach carefully touching her protruding belly. Lyssa moaned at his gentle touch and slid her hand down to stroke Sabrin’s penis. He lowered his hand further caressing the soft flesh of her thighs before reaching the wetness between her legs. He massaged her clit while thrusting two fingers in and out. Lyssa was now pumping Sabrin’s growing erection. Their kiss only broke for their moans.

Lyssa pulled herself away from him with great effort. He reluctantly let his fingers slide out of her with a look of disappointment. She gave him a wicked smile and turned her body so that her feet rested on her pillow. She wrapped her arm around Sabrin’s thigh and rolled him over on his side. He was getting the idea quickly, but was delayed by his reaction to the sensation of her lips enveloping his hardening erection. She lifted one leg in order to give him access to her and he helped by placing her leg over him. The taste of his own cum on her clit was exciting to him. Her mouthing his balls was also very exciting. His fingers found their way back into her vagina as his mouth sucked eagerly at her clit. Each of her penis-stifled moans pushed him further. Each of his caused her to try and take him deeper.

Lyssa's mouth moved firmly up and down on Sabrin’s stiff shaft while she fondled his balls in her fingers. She moved her lips to the head of his penis and gently blew on the tip before wrapping her lips around it again and running her tongue along the underside while her hand pumped his shaft firmly.

Sabrin was doing his best to concentrate on his task at mouth. He continued to suck and tongue Lyssa's clit while his fingers went in and out of her soaking wet vagina. As he felt Lyssa's body reacting, he switched so his tongue was now darting in and out of her wetness while he massaged her clit with his fingers. Lyssa moaned as she pumped Sabrin and was quickly cumming. Sabrin licked and sucked every drop of her nectar. Lyssa was taking Sabrin back to her mouth just as he climaxed spraying his cum on her face before she got her mouth back to collect the rest. After licking every drop off each other, they sat up facing each other. Sabrin ran his finger over Lyssa's face, wiping up his seed. She reached for his finger and licked and sucked it clean. He continued to feed Lyssa until she was completely clean. She licked her lips and smiled.

"Sated?" he asked with an amused tone. She nodded happily. Sabrin kissed her forehead and pulled her down beside him as he lay back down. "I love sleeping naked with you." He held her tightly and ran his hands over her body. He stopped when he came to her womb. He let his hand rest there for a moment, thinking about the precious lives that were contained within. Lyssa had an effect on him on so many levels. She turned him on like he was nineteen years old with his first serious girlfriend, she made him happier than a pig in slop. She caused him to want to go to Temple again and love it. She even had made him want a family and to marry. He had never slept naked before Lyssa and never dreamt he would be here trying to see if he could feel the tiny lives move within the body of the woman he loved more than himself. Just as Sabrin and Lyssa were falling asleep, Sabrin was sure he had felt a tiny movement from one of his babies. He slipped into dreams with a very content expression on his handsome face. Lyssa too felt loved and protected.

Chapter Ten

Life was going well for Sabrin and Lyssa. The play was still going on before packed houses every performance and there was talk of Sabrin being nominated for a Tony Award. None of that was as important to Sabrin as Lyssa's continued blooming. He loved wrapping his arms around Lyssa to measure her expanding waistline. He looked forward much more than Lyssa did to the day when his hands would not be able to touch each other.

It was late May when Sabrin received a call from his lawyer in LA about the sale of the house having gone through and the money being divided between him and Niki. The lawyer had sent Niki her check and would have Sabrin’s money deposited into his account after lawyer's fees were deducted. Sabrin was relieved that his last tie to Niki had now been severed.

It was a few days later that Sabrin was contacted by a friend inviting him to the New York premiere of his latest film. The event was occurring on a Monday so Sabrin had agreed. When the evening of May 19 finally came Lyssa was feeling very tired but insisted Sabrin attend so he reluctantly went.

He missed Lyssa terribly, but the movie, a thriller, was wonderful. The press was all over the place when the movie let out, as usual, so he put on his best happy actor's face and waited his turn. Just before the crew from Entertainment Tonight was to reach him, an arm slipped through his. Sabrin turned to see Niki Edger smiling up at him from his elbow.

"Hi, handsome. Here alone?" she asked, with an innocent grin.

"I-I...what do you want, Niki?" he asked, making it clear her comment was not pleasing.

"I just wanted to say hi. I was assuming that your new young squeeze would be with you and I wanted to meet her. Am I too late? Is it past her bedtime or did she leave you for Elijah Wood?"

Before Sabrin could grind his teeth and answer, the interviewer from ET called to him and the camera was on. With Niki still hanging possessively on his arm, Sabrin told the camera how much he had enjoyed the film.

"You mean, we. It was a wonderful film, quite innovative. Sabrin always loves to come to John's films. They have been good friends for years." Niki told the camera. Sabrin cringed, but she was right, and there was nothing there to contradict.

As the crew finally passed them, Sabrin pulled his arm from Niki's, but she seemed nonplused.

“I guess you think that was funny. I’m not with you anymore, Niki. I’m with someone else and I’m happy,” he told her sternly.

“You don’t look happy, you look alone and lonely. I miss you,” she told him running her hand over his chest and looking at this part of his body admiringly.

“I don’t miss you.”

“Don’t you? I would never have let you go to one of these boring things alone if you wanted me to go. I know that you didn’t always want me there, but if you asked, I went.” She was right, on both counts. “Why are you alone now? Did she break it off or did she just not give a damn that it wasn’t good for your image to come here alone?”

"Niki, just go please," he told her as he walked over to the reception next door.

"Oh, Sabrin, we are both going to the reception so why can't we walk together?" she smiled as she strode next to him and smiled for the paparazzi.

"Because we aren't together," he answered as he kept walking. When he arrived at the reception he made sure to put as much distance between himself and Niki as he could. He met up with his friend John and sat with him at his table to have a drink and discuss the film. What Sabrin did not realize until after a photographer thanked him for the great shot of him and his date was that Niki had positioned herself at the table next to Sabrin. Sabrin said good night to John and left the reception. Niki smiled at John and mouthed "he's tired" before following Sabrin to the door. Once he was outside Sabrin hailed a taxi.

"Can we share?" Niki asked. Sabrin cringed.

"Take it. I'll walk," he replied. He waited until Niki was in the taxi and it had pulled away before trying to hail another. A few minutes later he was back at the apartment. It was after 1:00 a.m. when Sabrin crawled into bed next to Lyssa. Lyssa woke up and smiled at Sabrin.

"Did you have a good time?" she asked. Sabrin nodded his head and then kissed Lyssa good night. He pulled her close and fell asleep. Lyssa had a problem falling back to sleep though as the smell of a woman's fragrance was emanating from Sabrin.

Lyssa finally went to sleep, thinking that smell was very familiar.

The couple decided to do a little shopping the following day. Sabrin wanted to put the unpleasantness of last night behind him and focus fully on his family. They had bagels at a little shop for breakfast and then headed to a boutique to look at baby clothes. They had a ball looking through, and picking out little things for the twins. Lyssa also found some maternity clothes since she was really showing now.

They had a late lunch before heading back to the apartment with all their new purchases. They fell into bed to cuddle and kiss.

"Oh, I should have brought my suit with us. It needs to be cleaned," Sabrin said, pulling out of a kiss for a second.

"I can take care of that for you while you’re out," she offered with a grin.

"Working on that good wife award even before we're married?" he teased.

"Maybe..." she said with a grin and pulled him back into the kiss. After Sabrin left for the theatre, Lyssa went into his closet to retrieve the suit. The strong scent of that perfume hit her again. The smell turned her stomach, but it also triggered a memory. This was something she had smelled before and it had also been on Sabrin then.

Lyssa found an old plastic dry cleaners bag and wrapped the suit up in it. She made sure her stun gun was in her purse and headed out to the cleaners. It was around 7:30 when Lyssa arrived, but this place stayed open until 8:00. The elderly woman that was behind the counter was watching television when Lyssa came in. She seemed reluctant to leave her chair, but did. Lyssa handed over the suit and asked the woman to make sure the foul odor was removed. "You’re Mr. Berry's lady, right?" the woman asked. "I like Mr. Berry. He's always nice when he comes in. He was at that movie premiere last night, wasn’t he?" Just then the woman looked over at the television in time to see the segment of Entertainment Tonight, as they covered the premiere. "Oh, look," the woman said. Lyssa looked over and watched with her as Sabrin’s friend, John was spoken to and then a host of other celebrities. One of the last interviewed was Sabrin, with Niki hanging all over him. Lyssa felt like she had just been punched in the stomach. She could not breath. Niki looked wonderful and just clung to Sabrin. The memory of the scent on Sabrin’s suit finally made sense - it was Niki's scent.

Lyssa left the dry cleaners and began to walk quickly back to the apartment. She rushed passed the doorman to the elevator.

"Ms Page, are you okay?" he called out but Lyssa did not answer as the elevator doors quickly closed.

She fumbled with the keys trying to let herself in when she heard a voice behind her. She grabbed her stun gun and turned to face the voice. It was the very surprised doorman.

"I'm sorry, Ms Page. I didn't mean to startle you. I just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm sorry. I'm fine. Thank you for you concern but I'm fine," she responded as she put the stun gun away and continued to fumble with the keys. The doorman reached for them and unlocked the door for her, opening it slightly before handing the keys back to her.

"If you need anything, please let me know," he said concerned.

"Thank you for everything," Lyssa said as she entered the apartment and closed the door behind her. She rushed to the computer and turned it on. The answering machine was flashing and she went to listen to the messages as the computer was coming on. There were messages from Rose, her mother and Sonny all talking about the television coverage of the movie premiere. She ignored them all and sat down at the computer calling up first the Entertainment Tonight web site to see their coverage again. Lyssa then went to the official web site of the movie to see more coverage of the premiere and the reception only to see image after image of Sabrin and Niki together and smiling. She surfed the net and found some more sites only to be bombarded by more images. Lyssa was stunned. She got up from the computer and sat on the couch staring at the images still visible on the computer monitor until the screensaver came on.

The phone rang, but Lyssa did not move. The machine came on again, but Lyssa did not move. Sabrin called, Lyssa moved. She ripped the phone cord out of the wall and threw the phone across the room hard enough to destroy the unit and leave a nasty mark on the wall. It was very broken, but it was no longer ringing.

Sabrin got home at 10:30 on the dot. The room was dark with the exception of the light coming from the computer screen. Confused, Sabrin went to turn it off, but when he moved the mouse, the screensaver popped off and he was confronted with a page full of pictures from last night and Niki.

"Lyssa!" he called, frozen inside to his soul. "Lyssa!" He called again, tearing towards their bedroom, intending to head for her closet and make sure her clothes were still there. He almost tripped over the ripped out phone. His eyes went wide with terror. "Lyssa!" He cried, racing through the doorway and turning on the light by the wall switch. She was sitting there in the chair that sat by the table where he had left her engagement ring.

"Did you really think no one would see, Sabrin?" she asked with venom. "Well, you're a bigger fool them I am. Everyone saw. The phone was ringing off the hook with people wanting to know what you were doing out with her!"

Sabrin came slowly over to Lyssa. She was shaking with rage. "Lyssa, I didn't tell you, because-" her hand smacking him across the face cut short his sentence.

"I don't want to hear any lame excuse. You've played me for a fool, but you will not have the last laugh. These babies are yours and you will support them. I will have a lawyer contact you with the address to send your checks. Good bye!" She rose from the chair and it was at that moment that Sabrin noted her bags were packed and at her side. This absolutely could not be happening.

"Lyssa, please don't leave. Let me tell you what happened...what didn't happen. Please, Lyssa, I love YOU, not her!" Sabrin pleaded.

"Are you sure about that?" Lyssa said coldly.

"Yes, Lyssa, please! Hear me out!" Sabrin moved the bags as far away from Lyssa as he could put them and stood in front of her. "Please!"

"I'm listening," her tone had not changed as she sat back in the chair.

"She was just there. I didn't know she was going to be there," he started.

"Just like I was just there?" she asked.

"No! She and I weren't together. It was all Niki's doing. I didn't know she was there until just before they put the camera on me. I-I couldn't push her away on camera", he said.

"Why? Oh, could it be that it wouldn't look good to the fans to see you pull away from her. Is the public's perception of you more important than me? Even if I believed that, how do you explain all of the pictures of the two of you walking together, sitting at the table with your friend. Oh wait, I know...you didn't know she was there. Lyssa's stupid enough to believe that, isn't she," Lyssa seethed.

"Lyssa, please, nothing happened. I only want you!" Sabrin pleaded.

Lyssa stood up but Sabrin blocked her from getting her bags. She picked up the overnight bag next to her and her purse and walked out the door. She turned back to look at Sabrin. She slid the ring off her finger and placed it on the table next to the door. Sabrin watched with a stunned look on his face.

"I'll send for the rest of my things tomorrow," she stated.

"Please, Lyssa, no. I love you," he said as the tears streamed down his cheeks.

"You're an even better actor than I thought," she said as she walked out the door.

It took Sabrin three minutes to realize that the annoying sound he kept hearing was his cell phone. He had turned it off while he was at the theatre, but as he rolled over the bed trying to decide what to do, he must have inadvertently turned it back on. He sat up and looked at the readout. It was his mother. With a mournful sigh, he hit to answer the call.

"Hi, Mom." he said. His voice had no life to it.

"What the hell is going on there, Sabrin?" she asked him, with irritation. "I've been calling for hours! Why didn't Lyssa answer the phone before?" she asked.

"She's gone," he said, tonelessly.

"Gone where? It's late there, isn't it? You let her go out at night alone, Sabrin?"

"No, she didn’t go out, she left. She saw pictures from the premiere I attended Monday night. Niki appeared out of the blue and wouldn’t leave me alone. The cameras were flashing and she was hanging on my arm and telling me that she missed me. I told her to leave me alone, but she kept appearing. Lyssa wouldn’t believe that it was not a planned meeting and she left me.”

“Oh, God in heaven. God of this Earth! Where did she go?” Rose asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t even know what time it is or how long ago she left. I can’t live without her, mom. I can’t do it. I should’ve told her what happened. I have no idea why I didn’t. I hate Niki and I just wanted to forget about her being there.”

“You never said you hated her before,” his mother reminded him.

“Maybe I didn’t before, but I sure as hell do now! She planned this, mom. She had to have. She knew I’d come to the premiere and if Lyssa had come I bet she would have waited until she left me for a second and then would have made her move.”

“Son, what are you going to do?”

“I’m going to get her back, or die trying,” he said with conviction.

When he hung up from talking to his mother Sabrin knew he would need a very important ally if he were going to have a chance in getting Lyssa back. He hit the speed dial on his cell to call Sonny.

"Hello?" Sonny answered.

"Sonny, it's Sabrin. I need to talk to you about Lyssa. Has she called you?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few seconds before Sonny responded. "No, she hasn't but I've seen the reports and pictures from that movie premiere. I take it she's gone."

"Yes. I don't know where she is. Sonny, it's not how it looked, I swear to God. You know I love Lyssa more than anything. You know it."

"Tell me what happened," Sonny replied.

Sabrin told Sonny what had happened and waited for him to respond. It seemed like forever to Sabrin before Sonny spoke.

"You really think Niki planned this to hurt Lyssa?" Sonny questioned.

"I'm sure of it. Sonny, I need your help. If Lyssa calls you, please help me. I have to get her back. My life is nothing without her. Please."

"If she calls me, I'll do what I can to help," he sighed.

The next call Sabrin made was to the credit card companies. He hoped Lyssa used one of their joint credit cards to pay for wherever she was. He got lucky on the second call. There had been a charge made that evening at the Hilton Times Square. Now he had to figure out a way to convince Lyssa to come back to him.

Sabrin was physically tired, but he could not sleep in this bed without Lyssa. He refused to do that. Everything in the apartment reminded him of her, so he found himself leaving. He knew there was a bar that many of the actors from the local Broadway shows frequented, so he headed there. He was hoping for a light crowd, but was disappointed to realize that a new show had opened that night off Broadway and had sold out, so the cast was here with the press celebrating. It was a smaller show, so they did not have a huge budget for the normal opening night blockbuster, but the turnout had still been impressive. Sabrin went to the bar and tried to stay out of the way. He ordered his typical depression drink, Scotch on the rocks, only as depressed as he was he ordered a double.

“You’re here and alone again. Or at least, you were.”

Rage ran thought Sabrin as he realized who was talking and that it was to him. He turned to furiously face Niki who had appeared at his elbow as though she had materialized there.

“What the hell do you want now?” he roared.

“Tut, tut. Not so loud, Sabrin. You’ll draw attention to yourself. You know how you hate that. You and your private life,” she sneered.

“You are a bitch, Niki. I don’t know why I stayed with you as long as I did,” he told her, his face inches from hers.

“Calm down, darling. Here come the cameras,” she smirked.

Sabrin glared at her and turned away. He took a deep breath to collect himself and just happened to look towards the floor. God must be into comedy, Sabrin decided, because as he looked, a huge roach went ambling under his stool, trying to stay in the shadow. Knowing how much Niki hated roaches, Sabrin bent down and picked it up. Waiting until the camera was turning on them, Sabrin held the roach by the wings and placed it in front of Niki’s face. She let go of a wild scream, spilled her drink down the front of her dress and even got some in her hair. Sabrin dropped the roach into her lap and almost died laughing as she ran out of the bar. The bartender knew she had not paid for her drink yet, so he started to run after her. The cameraman followed the action, so Sabrin threw down a twenty dollar bill, upended his drink and made for the back door.

Sabrin walked to the twenty-four hour convenience store a few blocks from the apartment to buy a six pack of beer. He felt the emptiness of the apartment as soon as he entered. He turned the lights on hoping the apartment would be back to normal and this had all been a nightmare. When he saw the telephone still on the floor, he picked it up and put it and the beer on the table in front of the couch. He made his way to the bedroom and opened a dresser drawer where he and Lyssa had put the few baby clothes they had bought earlier that day. He also took the picture of Lyssa that had gotten him through so many tough days before. He laid the clothes out on the coffee table along with Lyssa's picture and the engagement ring that was no longer on her finger. He sat back staring at his collection and drank one and then another of the beer he had purchased. He picked up the picture of Lyssa, laid back on the couch, pressing it against his heart and fell asleep.

Lyssa had checked into the Hilton Times Square. It was the same hotel her parents had stayed at and the only place she could think of to tell the taxi driver to take her. She lay on the bed in her room staring at the ceiling trying to figure out what to do. She reached for the phone a few times but could not decide who to call. She did not want to talk to her parents but she knew they would be worried. She thought of calling one of the rabbis at the Temple but decided against that. Finally she picked up the phone and called the only person she knew she could talk to about this - Sonny. The phone rang once before Sonny answered it.

"Sonny, I hope I’m not interrupting anything?"

"No, Honey, I've been waiting for your call. How are you doing?" he asked.

"Waiting for my call?" Lyssa responded confused.

"Sabrin called me. He told me you left him. Talk to me, Honey," Sonny encouraged.

Lyssa told him about seeing the report on ET at the dry cleaners of all places, and how humiliated she had been. Then finding out from that answering machine that everyone else knew too. The final blow had been seeing all of the shots on the different web sites. It had just been too much. She had packed her bags and waited, at a boiling point, for Sabrin to return. He had seemed upset and tried to convince her it had all been an act, but Lyssa was not buying it.

“Honey, my love. I know you would have preferred that he push her away or toss a drink in her face, but his career is not only important to him for him, it is what he will use to support you and those sweet little babies. Before, it was only his own foot that he would be shooting, now he would have put you all on the line. Maybe he was not being a heartless bastard, maybe he was trying to be a responsible future husband and father.”

Lyssa was stunned. She had not even considered that for a second. “But he looked happy to be with her,” she objected.

“Did he? He was smiling but did it reach his eyes? After I talked to Sabrin, I went to that ET site. You can see it, Lyssa. He did not want to be there with her. She is holding on to him, but he is not holding on to her. If you look hard enough, I think you can even see that he was mad.”

“No,” she whispered.

“Honey?” Sonny asked.

“I’m just not sure. Have a made a terrible mistake?”

“He should have told you when he got home, Honey. Find out why he didn’t. If you want to wait until morning, that’s fine, but you need to know. If he is a heartless bastard, you will come live with me. I’ll even marry you if you want, but I ain’t giving up my nightlife.”

Despite herself, Lyssa found herself laughing. Sonny always knew what to say. “I love you, Sonny,” she told him.

“And I love you, but you love him more.”

After hanging up with Sonny, Lyssa stared at the phone for a moment before picking it up and starting to dial the apartment. She had almost finished dialing when she remembered that she had pulled the phone out of the wall so she hung up. She knew she would not be able to sleep so she picked up her bag and headed to the front desk to check out. She took a taxi to the apartment and hesitated for only a moment before entering the building. When she reached the door, she quietly unlocked it and stepped inside. She could see Sabrin lying on the couch. She frowned when she saw the two empty beer cans on the floor until she got closer and saw the neat arrangement of the baby clothes and ring on the coffee table. She could not help but smile when she saw the picture he was clutching to his chest. Lyssa quietly picked up the empty beer cans and the remainder of the six pack and took them to the kitchen. She bumped the computer as she came back and discovered it was still on. She went back to the ET site and looked again.

~ Sonny was right. ~ She had seen the smile on his face but now she could see the anger in his eyes. ~ How could I have been so blind? ~ She shut down the computer and swiveled the chair so she could look at Sabrin, banging the back of the chair into the desk. The noise jarred Sabrin from his sleep causing him to bolt upright on the couch. He turned to the direction of the noise and saw Lyssa sitting at the desk.

“Lyssa! My God, you came back for your bags, didn’t you?” he asked, carefully placing the beloved picture on the table and trying to stretch without looking like he was. The couch was not the best place for him to have slept.

“I came to talk,” she told him.

Sabrin got to his feet so quickly that he nearly fell as a wave of dizziness swept over him. He stopped to grab his head and to regain his balance. Lyssa rushed to his side, feeling terribly guilty. The evidence before her was overwhelming. This man had not done anything wrong, except for not telling her what had happened. She took hold of his arm, trying to help him steady himself. He brought his hands away from his face and looked into her eyes, desperate hope shining in his.

“Why didn’t you tell me she was there?” Lyssa asked him. Her tone was calm. It was just a question. Sabrin’s face displayed intense guilt, but he tentatively reached for her fingers. He let go of the breath he had been holding when she did not pull away.

“I didn’t want to think about her. I kept telling her to leave me alone, that I wasn’t with her anymore, but she kept finding ways to be in pictures with me. It was like some bad dream and I just didn’t want to think about it. I was so wrong not to tell you. I swear to you that will never happen again.” He looked very pained as he opened his mouth to continue. “So, I have to tell you that I saw her again.”

“What?” Lyssa said, with a shocked gasp. She pulled her hand away from Sabrin’s.

“No, not like that! I swear! I went to a bar to get drunk out of my mind. It was a bar that actors frequent, there was a celebration going on for the opening of this small play so there was some media coverage. Niki must have thought I would go to try and get some face time. She knows about the bar, so I think she has been camping out there to trap me. I swear, I didn’t know she would be there!”

“What happened,” Lyssa demanded.

With a worried expression, his face lowered, Sabrin said. “I wasn’t very nice to her.”

“What did you do?”

“I-I sort of threw a roach at her right when a camera was turning to face us. She screamed,” he admitted. But Lyssa could tell that was not the end of the story.

“And?”

“Well, she kind of spilled her drink when I showed her the roach and then when I dropped it in her lap, she screamed again and ran out of the bar without paying her tab. While the bartender ran after her and the cameras were on her, I slipped out the back and came home. I swear!”

Lyssa covered her mouth, but it did not help. She was laughing too hard for a full body cast to hide in seconds.

Lyssa could not stop laughing over what Sabrin had done. Sabrin quickly moved to take her hand again. Lyssa leaned her head back against the couch while she caught her breath.

"I'll never keep anything from you again, Lyssa. Forgive me?" he asked, his eyes pleading for her to come back.

"On one condition," she replied.

"Anything," he answered quickly.

"You'll forgive me too. I really over-reacted and I'm so sorry."

Sabrin moved closer to Lyssa and kissed her tenderly.

"I'm so glad you're back. I'm nothing without you,” he whispered in her ear before kissing her again. "I love you."

"I love you too."

Sabrin picked up the ring from the coffee table and took hold of Lyssa's left hand. "Lyssa Page, will you marry me?" he asked.

"Yes," she smiled back as Sabrin slid the ring back on her finger. Lyssa stared at the ring and then looked at Sabrin and started to laugh. "You threw a roach at her?" Sabrin took her in his arms and they both sat back and laughed.

"I was very angry with her. She was trying to drive us apart and it was working," he said with an unsure expression.

"Are you saying you think that was her intention?"

"Yes. The very first thing she said to me was a comment intended to mean she thinks you’re too young for me. She made slurs about you not being with me. She was just plain unpleasant to be around. She told me that she missed me. I told her I didn't miss her and that was an understatement."

Lyssa caressed his cheek and smiled at him. "One more thing, why did you lay down here? It seems like you intended to sleep here, this couch is too small for you."

"The bed was too empty without you. I didn't want to sleep there if you weren't there. I couldn't. I just couldn't."

Lyssa pulled his face to hers and kissed him. "You're not going to have to do that, unless you keep things from me again. Now, let’s go to bed. I'm exhausted and you are about dead."

"No argument there. I am. And still a little drunk. I love you," he said, once he got to his feet and caught up with her.

"And I love you, now to sleep."

After they had crawled into bed, Sabrin wrapped his arms around Lyssa pulling her as close to him as he could. They shared another tender kiss before falling asleep.

It was just after 9:00 a.m. when Lyssa was awakened by the ringing sound that seemed to be coming from the end of the bed. She sat up to see Sabrin’s cell phone at the foot of the bed. She reached for the phone and answered.

"Lyssa!"

Lyssa recognized Rose's voice instantly. "Good morning, Rose."

"Thank you God. You're home, Lyssa," Rose cried.

"Yes, I am. Right where I belong," she smiled as she looked down at the still sleeping Sabrin. "Sabrin’s still sleeping. Would you like me to wake him-"

"No, no" Rose interrupted. "I want to talk with you. I am so happy to be talking with you."

"I'm sorry I worried you," Lyssa whispered, slipping out of the bed and out of the room. "I over-reacted and flew off the handle."

"No, I think I understand, dear. The timing of this could not have been worse. We women are very emotional at this time. I was furious with Sabrin when I saw those pictures. But I have the unfortunate advantage of having known Niki. When I spoke with Sabrin, I could just see her evil little plot. Had you been there, it may have been akin to what happened at the play."

"You think Niki would have attacked me?" Lyssa gasped.

"Well, maybe not, but I'm not sure. In my view, she clung to Sabrin for his money. Her only hobby was shopping and it was rarely for him. I'm so glad you're nothing like her. And I'm so glad you came back."

"So am I, Rose. So am I."

Lyssa was just getting out of the shower when Sabrin knocked on the door.

"There is a man out here who had too much to drink last night and needs to get in there, please," he pleaded. Lyssa wrapped herself up in a towel and opened the door. Sabrin rushed in, kissed her on the nose and raced in. Lyssa chuckled and went to get dressed.

Lyssa walked to the bedroom realizing that to get dressed she would have to unpack first. She could not help but grin when she discovered the bathroom had actually been Sabrin’s second priority. He had unpacked all of her things making sure each item was exactly where it had been and had put the bags away. She sat at the end of the bed for a moment and sighed.

"You don't mind that I unpacked your things, do you? Sabrin asked.

Lyssa smiled. "Of course not. Thank you for doing it for me."

Sabrin walked over and stood in front of Lyssa and pulled her up by the towel. "You don't have to great dressed right away," he told Lyssa before he kissed the nape of her neck.

"You have a matinee today," she reminded him.

"We have the time," he said before kissing her hard on the mouth. He let go of the towel and wrapped his arms around Lyssa.

The towel quickly hit the floor. Sabrin kissed her and ran his hands over her body. Her pregnancy had advanced to the point were it meant that sex was a little different now. Grinning with an idea, Sabrin plucked the towel from the floor, wrapped it back around her and took her hand. He was only dressed in a pair of shorts as he led her out of their bedroom and into the kitchen.

"I hope the idea of sex in the kitchen doesn't bother you," he said.

"The only thing about sex that could bother me is if I wasn't getting any or if it wasn't with you. What did you have in mind?" Lyssa asked with a grin.

Before answering, he pulled her over and kissed her tenderly. "I love you," he told her, with a happy sigh. "Okay, I was thinking that the counters in here are the perfect height. If you leaned back, the babies wouldn't be in the way and...well, you get the idea."

She giggled. "Yes, I do. Sounds great. Get me a pillow from the bedroom to sit on?" she asked. Sabrin nodded and raced to comply. When he returned, Lyssa was pulling a chair up to the island in the center of the kitchen and was just about to climb on to it.

"Whoa there, woman. Just what do you think you're doing?" Sabrin asked, racing to her side and grabbing her arm with care.

"I was getting ready, silly."

"Don't climb on something without me being here to make sure you don't fall, Lyssa. I have almost lost you too many times already," Sabrin pleaded.

She smiled at him. "Okay. Help me up." He shook his head at her with a sigh, but did so. As soon as Lyssa was seated comfortably, Sabrin sat down on the chair and grinned at her.

"I need a snack first," he said with an evil grin, and parted her legs. He eyed his target with hungry eyes.

He gently caressed Lyssa's inner thighs with his hands before lowering his head between her legs. He gently parted the labia with his fingers and ran his tongue over Lyssa's clit. He could feel it hardening in his mouth as he sucked on it. He inserted his fingers and began to thrust them in and out as he continued licking and sucking on Lyssa's clit. Her moans were like music to Sabrin’s ears. He removed his fingers from Lyssa, replacing them with his tongue. He massaged her clit while his tongue darted in and out of Lyssa's wet vagina. Lyssa cried out as her orgasm ran through her body. Sabrin stood up and thrust his erection deeply into Lyssa causing her to gasp in delight.

Lyssa wanted to hold him, but she had to lean back to keep her balance, but Sabrin could touch her. He slid his hands over the creamy skin of her outer thighs until he could reach her sexy ass. He gripped it gently and continued his thrust, making sure not to move too roughly. He watched her face closely for any indication of discomfort, but Lyssa was moaning with desire at almost every thrust.

She threw her head forward, crying out with release. Sabrin held her shoulders and found himself slipping over the edge as well.

Sabrin helped Lyssa sit up and wrapped his arms around her. He kissed her tenderly.

"Who says I don't know my way around the kitchen?" he smiled.

Lyssa laughed. "I'll never think that again." Sabrin helped her down from the counter. They looked at the clock in the kitchen and both frowned as they saw that Sabrin was going to have to leave for the theatre shortly.

"Your mother called this morning when you were still asleep," Lyssa mentioned to Sabrin as they walked to the bedroom to get dressed. "We had a nice talk. She’s such a great lady."

"I bet she was very relieved to hear your voice. I think she would have killed me if-" Lyssa stopped him from finishing his sentence by kissing him.

"So you called Sonny last night. Smart move," Lyssa complimented him.

"I always knew you were marrying me for my brains," he joked.

"Well, actually, I'm marrying you for your body," she teased.

"As soon as we get settled in LA, will you help me pick out a car for Sonny?" Sabrin asked.

"I think the boxers he stole from you were enough, but I agree that we owe him quite a bit."

Sabrin turned back, looked her deeply in the eyes and shook his head. "No, Lyssa. I owe that man everything for giving me back my world. You’re everything to me. You're my beginning and ending. Everything in my life now is because of or for you." Sabrin pulled her close again and kissed her forehead, feeling tears run down his face. "You're everything...everything."

Lyssa pulled free and wiped his tears away. "You're pretty damn important to me too. I'm so sorry I over-reacted. I was so sure my world had just collapsed around me."

Sabrin kissed her to stop any further apology.

"I think we need to agree to put that behind us and never think about it again. It’s a waste of time and it would make Niki way too happy."

"AH! Don't say her name in my home. That name is forbidden in my home," Lyssa commanded.

"Your home?" Sabrin questioned with amusement.

"Yes, my home," she repeated, poking him in the chest and grinning.

"Aye, Captain," Sabrin teased and pulled her into the bedroom so he could play while he got dressed.

After Sabrin left for the theatre, Lyssa looked around the apartment trying to decide what to do first. She decided the first thing she would do was get a new phone. She grabbed her purse before heading out, checking to make sure she had everything she needed. She looked at her stun gun and thought ~ Bagheera, I hope I never need to use you but I'm glad you're here ~ as she put the Panther model back into her purse. When she reached the lobby, the doorman greeted her warmly.

"Good afternoon, Ms Page. I'm glad to see you're feeling better today," he smiled.

"Thank you. I feel wonderful. I'm so sorry about pulling my stun gun on you-" she said before he interrupted.

"No need to apologize. With everything you've been through, I was glad to see you have such quick reflexes."

Lyssa found a replacement phone at one store and then browsed at a baby boutique, looking at some of the beautiful cribs that were on display. She started to walk home but decided to stop at her favorite deli for a snack. It was such a beautiful day she decided to eat at one of the tables they had set up outside. Lyssa was surprised when a woman suddenly sat across from her at the table.

"You're Lyssa, aren't you. I recognize you from some pictures I saw once. Do you know who I am?" she asked Lyssa.

"Yes, Niki, I know who you are," she replied.

“I’m sorry Sabrin was so late getting back Monday night. There was just so much to talk about between us.” Niki’s smile was not the least bit apologetic, but then Lyssa knew her words were a lie.

“I’m sure there was. Such as, did you get your check from the sale of the house and who gets the living room sofa - things like that. There are so many details to go through after a break-up,” Lyssa agreed and took a bite of potato salad. Looking down, Lyssa realized her protruding belly was hidden by the table and Niki could see no evidence of her pregnancy. She decided to wait and see how far this woman went, but from under the table, Lyssa pulled the stun gun out of her purse and put it in what was left of her lap.

“There were so many old friends there that night. I know all of his friends. We were together for a very long time.”

“Fourteen years. Yes, I know.” Lyssa did her best to look bored. “You may as well get up, Niki. You tried to drive a wedge between us, but we saw through your ploy. Sabrin and I are together and we’re staying together for good.” Lyssa stared straight in Niki’s eyes, waiting with her hand on the stun gun.

“He told me we were staying together too. I’ll get him back. He’s left before and he always came back to me,” Niki stressed, glaring at Lyssa.

Lyssa pulled out the first of her trump cards. Slowly, she lifted her left hand from her lap and lowered her right hand to the stun gun. Resting her elbow on the table and her hand against her chin, Lyssa said, “Not this time, I’m afraid.”

It took Niki’s eyes only a fraction of a second to lock on to the ring on Lyssa’s hand. The redhead jumped to her feet and reached out to grab Lyssa’s hand. Niki had a strong grip and Lyssa could not pull away. She locked on to the stun gun, with her finger on the trigger, but gave Niki a chance to release her.

“It’s a fake! He refuses to marry!” Niki almost threw Lyssa’s hand back.

Bringing the stun gun into view, Lyssa slowly got to her feet. “He changed his mind.”

Niki staggered backwards as though the visual evidence of Lyssa’s pregnancy had struck her like a blow.

"You're-you're pregnant," Niki gasped.

"He's changed his mind about a lot of things," Lyssa smirked. "Sabrin is very excited about the babies."

"Babies?" Niki repeated.

"We're having twins," Lyssa stated.

"That son of a bitch!" Niki seethed. The anger in Niki's face scared Lyssa but she did her best to not show she was frightened. Niki started to take a step closer to Lyssa when she suddenly noticed the presence of another person. It was Parker Jackson, the owner of Lyssa's favorite market.

"Good afternoon, Lyssa. I'm glad I saw you here. We just got in some fresh strawberries today. I've picked out the best ones and put them aside for you," he smiled.

"Thank you. You are so good to me," Lyssa told him, beaming.

"Anything for my favorite customer. May I escort you to the store?" he asked.

"I would be honored," Lyssa smiled. She turned to look at the still stunned woman. "Goodbye, Niki." Lyssa left Niki at the table and crossed the street to the market.

"I'm going to have my son walk you home, Lyssa. I didn't like the way that woman was looking at you," her protective grocer told her.

“Then I’d say you have one hell of an eye. I didn’t much care for the way she was looking at me either. Thank you so much for coming to my rescue.” Lyssa gave the man’s arm an affectionate squeeze causing him to blush with pride.

“Any time, Lyssa. It was my pleasure.”

After returning home to put away the purchases she had made at the grocery, which had been kindly carried for her by Parker’s son, Lyssa rested until it was nearly time for Sabrin’s evening performance. She called a taxi since Sabrin had the car, and went to the theater. The producer felt so bad about the attack on Lyssa that he had told her, should she wish, she was always welcome to attend as many of the future shows as she liked. He had reserved a seat for her and it was hers anytime she wanted it. Lyssa had called ahead, just to be polite.

She arrived a little early, but refrained from going backstage, even though the producer offered to take her to Sabrin’s dressing room. She did not want to distract him and Lyssa doubted she would be able to keep her mouth shut about running into Niki. That was exactly what he did not need to hear right before a performance and Lyssa decided she had been the cause for him to miss too many performances already.

Seeing Sabrin on stage and hearing his sexy tenor singing voice was just what Lyssa needed to relax and cheer her up. The loud noise also seemed to calm the babies who must have been reacting to her tension and had been kicking vigorously. It was also possible they too enjoyed daddy’s singing.

Sabrin was delighted to know Lyssa was in the audience. Vowing to keep her mouth shut, she went backstage during intermission. As Lyssa entered the dressing room, Sabrin turned in his chair and paused from touching up his make-up and smiled. Lyssa sat in a chair next to him and kissed him carefully.

"Your performance is brilliant as usual," she gushed.

"You'd say that if I sucked out there," he laughed.

"Well, that is something you will never know because you will never suck on stage," she retorted.

"How was your day today, my love?" he asked.

"I got us a new phone and saw some really beautiful cribs. Parker Jackson had put aside some wonderful strawberries for us so I picked up a few things at the market too," she told him.

"Did you carry all of those things yourself? he asked concerned.

"No. Parker had his son carry everything for me. He's a sweet man," she commented.

"He's been great, hasn't he? Wait, should I be jealous?" Sabrin teased.

"Hmmm...he is a very handsome man and I do have a thing for older men..." she teased back.

"Did anything else happen today?" he asked.

"We can talk about everything when we get home. I should get back to my seat if I'm going to enjoy the rest of the show. There is this guy...when he sings it makes me so hot. Damn, I wish I could remember his name," she continued her teasing.

Lyssa kissed Sabrin before heading back to her seat.

After the show, Lyssa made her way backstage again and was greeted by many of the other actors as she headed to Sabrin’s dressing room. All of them knew about the attack on her and wanted to be sure she was feeling all right. The lovely young actress who played Juliet told Lyssa she was all Sabrin ever talked about and how he always had a glitter in his eyes as he did. Lyssa was beaming with giddy happiness when two hands touched her shoulders. Lyssa turned and looked into the sparkling blue eyes that she loved.

“Hi, beautiful,” Sabrin told her, pulling her into his arms for a polite hug.

“Hi, handsome.”

Sabrin led her back to his dressing room and watched her glow as all his fellow actors waved at her and wished her well.

Lyssa decided to wait until they arrived home before telling Sabrin about Niki. He was livid, but Lyssa assured him that she had her stun gun in her lap and that Parker had seen what was going on and had come to her rescue.

“I think we are shopping only at his store when we’re in New York. I wonder if he’d like to take his wife to see the play?” Sabrin pondered.

“Tickets to the play would be a nice thank you. That and just a face to face thanks from both of us would be more than enough. He is a good hearted man, but modest.”

Sabrin sighed. “It’s worse than being Batman’s girlfriend. I keep putting you in danger.” He looked very ashamed and worried. Lyssa took his hands in hers and smiled at him.

“I think she was in more danger than I was. Parker wasn’t pleased with her and he’s a big man. If Niki hadn’t let go of my hand when she had, she would’ve been picking herself up off the ground after getting over being very stunned.

"I still wish you didn't need to carry that," Sabrin said of the stun gun.

"I know. Bagheera does make me feel a little safer but I always feel safest with you."

"Bagheera? You've named your stun gun?" Sabrin laughed. "Why Bagheera?"

"I loved Disney's The Jungle Book when I was a kid and the panther’s name was Bagheera so... Are you prepared for all the kids' programs you'll be watching - Barney, Teletubbies, Mister Rogers and Sesame Street. You do know your Muppets, don't you?" Lyssa laughed.

"I'm going to need your help with some of those. You think it will impress our children to see their daddy on Sesame Street? Maybe I could try to get a spot on it,” he mused.

"I'm sure our children will be impressed no matter what show they see you on," Lyssa teased. "Now if you want to really impress them, you'll have to get a picture of you and Elmo."

"Elmo?" he asked.

"The furry red monster from Sesame Street. It would appear that we have a lot of work to do to get you Muppet literate," she laughed.

"You're not going to make me watch this stuff now, are you?" he asked with a groan.

"I may go get a bunch of the videos for us to watch together Monday. You'll love it. The Teletubbies are like space alien babies. And they live in a house that looks like a landed flying saucer." Lyssa kissed Sabrin as he glared at her with extreme distaste. Lyssa laughed and he shook his head at her.

"You're an evil woman."

"I know. Isn't that one of the things you love about me?" she asked, tilting her head to the side and looking innocently at him.

"Well, okay, you got me there. Yes, I love it when you're evil. But mostly in the bedroom," he said with a suggestive grin.

“You're such a sweet talker. I guess we can wait a while before watching Teletubbies," she laughed.

"Thank you!" Sabrin leaned over and kissed Lyssa. He took Lyssa's hand and led her to the bedroom. Lyssa reached out and squeezed his butt firmly as he walked in front of her. He turned and wrapped his arms around Lyssa as best he could, kissing her.

Lyssa gave him a guilty grin. "I can't help it. You have a sexy ass. I'm surprised when we walk down the street, women don't stop us just to grab your buns. Hell, the fact no one ever stops the scenes you are in during the play to squeeze that sexy butt of yours continues to astound me."

"You know flattery with get you everywhere," he told her.

"I just want it to get me taken to bed," she said with a grin.

Sabrin grinned and carefully lowered Lyssa to their bed. He joined her there, drawing her into his arms and kissing her tenderly.

Both Sabrin and Lyssa were very excited about her doctor's appointment. The doctor was going to perform another ultrasound and they would be finding out the sex of the babies. They sat anxiously in the exam room waiting. The doctor did his usual exam of Lyssa and then the ultrasound machine was hooked up. The doctor let the proud soon-to-be parents know they were expecting a boy and a girl. Sabrin and Lyssa were absolutely thrilled.