Post by Shanna on Mar 14, 2005 19:07:52 GMT -5
Soulmates II... Chapter 24 (Conclusion)
Gus rolled over and pulled Harley closer to him and breathed in her scent. He loved holding her; just to know she was beside him. While he was holding her he didn’t realize she’d woken up
“Gus?”
“Yeah honey.” He replied turning his head to look at her. “Are you okay?” Pulling her hand up to his lips he kissed it, “I need you.” She rolled over as he balanced on his arm. Staring up into his eyes she looped her arms around his neck as he lowered his head and closed his mouth over hers.
Running his hand in long soft caresses he went from her shoulder to her knee as he continued to kiss her. They looked at each other for a long time and in his eyes she saw the love he had for her and she also saw in his eyes the sadness over the remembrance of this day. As their kisses got longer and deeper they felt the desire for each other. Looking at her he whispered in a ragged voice, “I love you.” Their desire took over.
As they were letting there hearts and pulses settle Harley propped up on her arm and stroked her fingers down Gus’s neck, “How do you want to spend today honey?”
“Well Uncle James wants to spend today with me and I want to do something with the whole family that’s fun but I can also remember dad… does that make sense?” he asked looking up at her.
“Yes sweetheart it does, I think your dad would like that. What do you want to do?” Harley answered.
“I want to go to take the kids to ‘our’ park and spend the day there.”<br>
She smiled, “A family picnic with everybody.” He nodded as they got up and got dressed. “I’ll get the twins dressed while you help the boys Harley.” Gus replied as he went to the nursery.
“Good morning.” He said to the babies as he went to them. “Connor, hey buddy lets get you dressed.” He said tickling him before going to the closet and then coming back. Picking the baby up he carried him to the changing table and began to change him even as Connor kicked his legs against Gus’s stomach.
“We are going to the park today so we can remember your granddad, your named after him you know?” he said talking to him as Gus dressed him. Just as he finished dressing him James came in the nursery.
“Can I hold him while you take care of Hannah?”<br>
“Sure.” He replied passing the baby to him then going to pick up Hannah and take her to the changing table. When he lay her down she started to cry.
“Oh Hannah I know… you don’t like having your diaper changed.” James walked over to the dresser and brought back her pacifier and slipped it in her mouth. Quieting down, Gus tickled her tummy so she would look at him. When she did he began to talk to her while he finished the diaper and dressed her.
“Hey my sweet girl! Are you daddy’s butterfly?” He asked even as she kicked her legs in protest and fat tears rolled down her cheeks. “Almost finished Hannah.” Gus replied then began to sing to her. Sensing his sister’s distress Connor began to whimper just as Gus picked her up and held her.
Looking over at his son he kissed away the tears and when Hannah snuggled closer he said, “See Connor she’s okay.” He stood still so Connor could see his sister then caressing both babies cheeks the men carried them downstairs.
Harley saw the guys come down and smiled at the way Connor was laying against James shoulder sucking on his fist and Hannah was laying against Gus’s heart as he held her and kissed the top of her head.
“Someone wanted daddy I see.” She remarked as she sat by him on the couch. Turning to look at Harley winked. They watched as Hannah looked at him, “Hi my beautiful butterfly.” He said smiling at her.
“Honey I can’t believe they’re 5 months old.”<br>
“I know its gone so fast.” She answered as they looked over at James.
“Is James going to be okay today?” Harley wondered. Gus nodded, “Yeah I think so; being with us and having Connor to spend time he’ll be okay.” He said just as the doorbell rang and Zach jumped up
“Ask who it is first.” Gus and Harley said in unison.
Opening the door when they heard Buzz tell Zach it was “Grandpa” He walked in along with Frank and Marina. “So are we ready to go? The food’s in my car.” Frank said. “Almost I need to finish getting the twins diaper bags and Gus and James can put them in their carriers.” She answered then went upstairs.
After James laid Connor in his carrier he looked at Gus, “Are you okay? I’m going… Amy and I will meet you at the park.” He looked over, “Yeah go ahead… Tell dad I’ll be there shortly.” He said. With a nod James and Amy left.
While Gus belted the babies Harley walked over to her father and brother. “Daddy, Frank I need you to do something for me.”
“Sure.” Buzz remarked.
“Could you take the kids on to the park so Gus and I can make a stop?” she wondered. Both Frank and Buzz glanced at Gus and understood. “Sure sis, Why don’t I transfer the food to your car since the holders for the carriers are already there and you and Gus can take my car.” He suggested then passed her his keys then went outside. She nodded as she saw her husband stand.
After getting everything and everyone loaded in the cars Harley stopped Gus from getting in their car and they watched as the car drove out of the drive way.
“We have a stop to make first sweetheart.” Harley said showing him Frank’s keys. Going to her he held her close. “I love you so much.” He said kissing her deeply then they drove to the cemetery.
Walking hand in hand they went to Joe’s marker. “Is this why James and Amy left early?” Harley asked.
“Yeah he wanted to have his time before I got here.” Gus answered just as they got to the marker.
“Hey Dad... Its Gus; Happy Birthday.” He said quietly as he knelt. “I know James stopped by to be with you today. He misses you and so do I.” He gripped Harley’s hand as she rubbed his back. “Harley’s with me dad and we’re taking the kids on a picnic --.” He said but his sentence died. She looked out over the marker and saw a man in the distance. She didn’t see him turn toward her when she began to speak. “Mr. Augustino, it’s Harley, I wanted to let you know that your family’s doing really well. Gus is an amazing father and you would be so proud of him especially if you saw him with the kids. Connor and Hannah are 5 months old and they’re growing like crazy.
The man in the distance smiled while Harley looked at Gus and they sat in silence. When he looked up she saw his eyes and she pulled him to her as he held on tight and Harley saw the man in the distance again as she spoke,
“Gus wanted to do something fun today with the kids so would remember you and all the fun times the two of you had so we are having a family picnic at the park.” She remarked. He looked at her, “We’d better go babe.” He said quietly and they stood up. She nodded and watched her husband
“Dad we have to get to the park but Harley and I will be back soon, I love you.” He said running a hand over the marker. “I love you too Mr. Augustino.” Harley replied as they began to walk to the car.
Harley didn’t know what made her look back but when she did the man in the distance was looking at her. Seeing that he had her attention the man raised his hand and waved at her. She smiled then turned and followed Gus to the car when she got in and turned to wave goodbye to the man… no one was there.