The Link

“Is it love or you?” I asked Teegan. She laughed at my words and reached out like she wanted me to lift her out of the seat. I smiled and played with sock covered feet. “It’s love,” I admitted to her, “you just cut through all the crap.” I bent down and kissed her little toes. Teegan found it especially ticklish and tried to retract her feet in a fit of laughter. We played a little game of tug-of-war until Betty returned with the aforementioned military green duffle filled to the top. I crammed it into the trunk with our other stuff, and we headed out.

“Who is she,” Betty asked, turning her head to look at Teegan.

“She’s Stinky,” I said with as much humor as I could muster. “Actually, we call her Teegan now. And we have no idea who she is. We appointed ourselves as de facto parents.”

“She sure loves you,” Betty said with a grin. My first thought was Natalie, but somehow I knew she meant Teegan. “She showed me things. I was so weak to stay with that bastard Gerard. I have no idea when I lost myself, but she showed me my strength. Does she do that for everyone?”

“To be honest,” I replied, “we don’t know. Natalie said it was alright to show you, but I have no idea what would happen if someone like Gerard got a hold of her. We’re not even sure if it is safe to bond with her. It’s a risk,” I turned my eyes from the road and looked at Betty for a second, “a risk worth taking in your case.”

I did the best I could, explaining what had transpired to Betty. I left out some details, such as names, to protect those that helped. I had no idea how far the government, or other interested entities, might go and it would best if our friends were protected.

“So that Bruce Lee thing that Natalie did. That’s all Teegan?” Betty asked.

“Yep. It takes a toll on you, though,” I explained, “Aggression, or forcing things, drains you pretty quickly.”

“But it doesn’t effect Teegan?”

“Not that we can tell,” I replied, “we’re not even sure she’s aware of any of it.” At least, I hoped not. I had some pretty vivid visions of Natalie that a child should never share. “We’ve never even seen her cry,” I chuckled, “food is the only thing that distracts her from her happiness. She’s like an eating machine when she gets started.”

“Well, whatever she does,” Betty added, “it is something special. It’s like instant therapy. One minute life sucks and the next, the sun is shining, and the future has vivid color.” I smiled at her analogy. It is a very difficult thing to describe.

“Perfect thought,” I murmured as I nodded my head.

“That’s exactly it,” Betty agreed with a smile, “and it’s like I know you two. I mean, I trust you and Natalie. You’ve become important all in one magic moment.”

“Yep,” I said, “she does that to you. Not sure I would trust me, but since she does, others do.” Betty laughed a warm, soft laugh, almost like we were best friends. I remembered Charlie, the first person who bonded with Teegan after me. He too had total trust. I wondered if Teegan made me trustworthy or I just never had cause to exercise it in the past.

“Has she told you?” Betty smiled slyly as she asked.

“Who? Teegan?”

“No. Natalie,” she replied like I was a little slow.

“Tell me what? That she trusts me?” Betty laughed that warm laugh again. Somehow it made her more open and friendly. I couldn’t imagine how she ended up with Gerrard.

“Are you really that dense?” Betty asked. It was done sweetly and without real acquisition. It was kind of fun to verbally spar with her. I didn’t feel as outmatched.

“No,” I answered with a knowing smile, “and I haven’t told her either. I think we both know it though.”

“Think and know are two different things,” Betty continued, “the words are important, and she did just save your life.” I laughed again, which reminded me of my sore diaphragm. Gerrard did have quite a punch.

“We’re one for one on that count.”

“You’re more than good enough for her, you know,” Betty said, losing her smile. I looked back at Teegan in her car seat. She smiled at me once she noticed my attention. The little nark says to much sometimes.

“Sometimes Teegan shows too much,” I said with a small thread of where-can-I-hide.

“Sorry,” Betty said, “I have a tendency to say too much. It’s just that I know how Natalie sees you and I don’t want you to blow it.” I looked over expecting to see a grimace, but saw a large smile instead. She was both informing and teasing me. I smiled back, so she knew that I knew she was toying with me.

“Thank you,” I chuckled. It was good information to have and delivered in a less than insulting way.

It took us a little over two hours to near Bismarck. Natalie was still sound asleep as expected. I learned about Betty’s past as we traveled. She had been in the Army for three years. She worked as a diesel mechanic, pulling one tour in Afghanistan. It turned out that Gerrard was her sergeant when she returned to Fort Leonard Wood after her overseas tour. They both left service at the same time, Betty following Gerrard since he had inherited the motel from his divorced father. She had grown up in North Dakota, so it made some sense.

“It seemed like a good idea at the time,” Betty said, as she brought me up to the present.

“We’ll I’m glad we picked that motel, for your sake,” I said, watching the road signs.

“My uncle has a cabin near here,” Betty commented, looking at the same signs as I was. “He’d rent it to you on my recommendation. It’s not like he has a lot of takers this time of year.”

“How big?”

“Kitchen, great room, two bedrooms and one bath,” she looked around the car, “it’s not like you have a lot of stuff.”

“Fireplace?”

“Yes, a big woodburning one,” Betty smiled, “he will charge you for wood used, but utilities will be included.” I wasn’t going to tell her that the fireplace sold the idea. My fantasy of staying warm with Natalie had found a permanent home in my mind.

“Sounds wonderful,” I said, “how much?”

“I’ll find out,” Betty replied as she pulled out her phone. I peeked back at Teegan, her smile as lively as ever. I wondered if meeting Betty was fate or design. The coincidences were piling up, meeting exactly the right people at the right time. Granted, Tom was by choice, but Charlie, Rose, Natalie and Betty all seemed too perfect.

“Uncle Dave says 750 a month plus 150 per cord,” Betty said, “two months upfront.”

“What’s a cord?” I asked.

“About 4 x 8 feet of wood,” Betty said, “it’s got an electric furnace, so you only burn for the ambiance.” There would be a fire, that much I knew. Lots and lots of fires.

“Let’s take a look,” I said, “if it’s all you say, will take it.”

“Take the exit right after we cross the Missouri, heading North.”

The cabin was perfect for two people and one baby who wanted to hide. It was nestled in old growth forest, but only thirty minutes from Bismarck proper. Uncle Dave was an older gentleman missing most of his hair. I could see he was ecstatic that someone was interested in the cabin. I rented the place for cash, a handshake, and a promise to sign a lease when we had a chance. He piggybacked on Betty’s trust without a thought. An ideal arrangement as far as I was concerned. I hoped Natalie would agree since I just sunk the bulk of our cash into the place.

“You’ll need to stock up,” Dave said after our agreement, “when it snows out here, it can be a few days before the plows dig you out.” He showed me how the well worked and suggested we pick up some bottled water as well. I assumed the well water had a heavy flavor. The wood was piled high in one-half of a carport that was built for two vehicles. “There’s some neighbors down the road, about half a mile. The Smyth’s are good people and will help if you run into a problem.” He handed the keys over and gave his niece a kiss on her cheek before he left us there.

Betty held onto Teegan as I helped a groggy Natalie into the cabin.

“It’s wonderful,” Natalie said sleepily. She leaned on me heavily, hugging as much as needing the support. I found comfort in her reliance, adding to my self-worth.

“It has a nice fireplace,” I suggested.

“Mmmm,” Natalie hummed sensuously. I took her to the main bedroom and sat her in one of the chairs. I dug sheets and blankets out of the closet and made the bed. She didn’t struggle at all when I stripped her down to her skivvies and tucked her in. Her eyes closed as soon as she hit the pillow.

“I love you,” I whispered softly, thinking her out for the night. She smiled, and her eyes opened again. “I thought I get that out before I forget to tell you.” Tired or not, her hand had enough strength to pull my lips to hers. A soft kiss, the passion more understood than enacted.

“Me too,” Natalie whispered back, “remind me again in the morning.” We shared a smile and another quick kiss. I let her snuggle into the blankets and kissed her forehead for good measure. I left the room the happiest man alive. It was only a few words, but they meant more than any others I had ever uttered, or heard.

“Got her tucked in?” Betty asked.

“Well tucked,” I replied, unable to hide my joy.

“You told her,” Betty said, reflecting my happiness.

“None of your business,” I said, my smile answering for me. The ‘me too’ was making it hard to hold a straight face. I took Teegan from Betty’s arms and did a little dance with the one that made it all possible. Betty laughed at my silliness, and I didn’t care.

Chapter 13 – Sam

There is nothing that will squelch one’s euphoria like easy crib assembly. I think they put the word ‘easy’ on the outside so you would feel like a fool calling up the manufacturer and bawling them out. Teegan was on a blanket spread out on the floor exercising her ability to roll over and almost crawl. Betty was on a supply run. Just stuff for a few days, her contribution for our helping her escape. She was going to spend the night; then we would drop her off at her sisters, who was a good two hours away, the next day.

“I should just let you help me,” I said rhetorically to Teegan as I tried to figure out which screws were As and which ones were Bs. Teegan surprised me by moving her knees forward as if she could crawl. Unfortunately, she neglected to move her hands and went down face first in the blanket.

I began to smile at her trials, then my chin and left cheek suddenly felt as if I had dragged them along a rug. I rubbed the area with my hand, no damage, but the feeling was real. Teegan pushed herself back up on all fours and bounced her butt back and forth, seemingly unaffected by the face plant. I dropped the instructions and crawled over to my smiling girl. Her chin and cheek were slightly red, exactly where the pain had graced my face.

“Sympathy pains?” I asked Teegan, who just gave me her best laugh in reply. She liked my attention, no matter what the reason. She rocked back and forth with more enthusiasm now that she had my eye. I laid next to her, watching her exercise and her aborted attempts at crawling. She didn’t go down again and maintained her balance on all fours. She eventually gave up and laid down and rolled to her back. I played tickle the belly for a few minutes before I went back to the crib assembly.

Betty returned with six bags of groceries, more than I was expecting, enough to get us through a week or so. I checked on Natalie before we made a late lunch. She was still sleeping soundly, recovering from the stress of the aggressive bonding. I gave her a light kiss on her forehead noting how peaceful she looked. I could only hope that there was no lasting damage from such use of Teegan. For her sake and mine.

As usual, Teegan was starving. I gave up trying to dodge her ever quickening hands and learned to work with her help. If you time it right, she would grab the handle of the spoon instead of the bowl, allowing most of the food into her mouth. Betty thought the whole operation was hilarious. Teegan acted like we never fed her. Afterwards, I gave the little monster a bath that she seemed to enjoy. Hard to tell, since she was always smiling.

“Good morning,” a sleepy Natalie said as she strolled from the bedroom adding a yawn. She was back in her jeans and shirt from the morning.

“Actually, it’s night,” I responded with a smile. Betty and I were watching an old TV that could only pick up three channels. Uncle Dave had jury-rigged some makeshift digital antenna into a converter box, not wanting to absorb the monthly for satellite. It was reasonable since the cabin was expected to be empty a good portion of the year.

“Anything good on?” Natalie asked as I scooted over to make room for her on the couch. Teegan smiled in my lap and pumped her arms at Natalie’s return. Natalie bent her head down and gave Teegan a peck on the cheek. Her lips moved higher, and I received much more than a peck. Betty looked away with a blush as Natalie lingered longer than appropriate for public consumption. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the brief interlude.

“It looks like they gave up on Flagstaff,” I said when Natalie cosied into me, “not even a mention on the news.”

“Is that good or bad?” Betty asked.

“Who knows,” Natalie replied, “I doubt they’ll give up. It may just mean they weren’t fooling anyone anymore. Maybe they think we’re still there.”

“Or they know we left,” I added, shrugging my shoulders, “you hungry?” I asked Natalie.

“Mmm,” Natalie responded with a smile. For Betty’s sake, I tried not to respond to the double meaning in Natalie’s eyes. I shifted Teegan onto Natalie’s lap and stood.

“Spaghetti?” I asked. Natalie nodded, her smile and eyes holding the same promise of her desires. I moved off to make the meal. I was just adding the noodles to boiling water when I caught Betty and Natalie sharing a chuckle that I thought was at my expense. They had moved closer and were In a deep discussion that obviously pleased them both. It was nice thinking that I was, at least, a small part of the discourse. I couldn’t remember the last time two women discussed me in a positive way. I shook head. They could have been discussing hairstyles for all I knew.

Natalie called her mother while the noodles boiled. I could hear the concern in her voice as she told Rose where we were and the events that transpired. She skipped the altercation at the motel, which I thought was done to save Rose concern. I liked having a kick-ass girlfriend and would have told Rose if Natalie would have let me.

Later that night, after two bottles of wine, Betty wheeled the crib into the second bedroom. I raised my eyebrows to Natalie who returned a sultry smile. Things had been discussed between the two of them. Teegan would spend the night with Betty, leaving Natalie and me alone. Teegan was calmly lying on her back, looking up at the both of us. I reached out and caressed her tummy making her giggle.

“Are there plans I don’t know about?” I whispered to Natalie, my eyes and smile on Teegan.

“She offered,” Natalie answered, her hand softly running down my arm to Teegan’s belly, “I simply agreed. Did you want me to decline?” My eyes shifted quickly to Natalie’s in fear she thought my desires weaker than her own. Her smile instantly convinced me she was teasing. Didn’t matter, I couldn’t have her living with any doubts.

“Absolutely not,” I responded as I leaned in. My fingers wrapped in her hair at the nape of her neck as I pulled her lips to mine. The softness of her lips sent a warmth coursing through my blood. Our desire was shared, and want grew as lips parted and our tongues became intimate.

“Jeez,” Betty interrupted as she reentered the room, “way to contribute to the delinquency of a minor.” Natalie laughed into my mouth before our lips separated. “At least, let me get her out of the room and protect those innocent eyes from such debauchery.”

“Sorry,” I said, not meaning it.

“Teegan and I are going to retire,” Betty said with fake formality, “we intend to spend the night talking scandalously about the two of you.”

“Thank you,” Natalie said sincerely. I could hear the gratefulness in her tone. It was still so alien to me, the way the desire went both ways. Here was a successful woman, beautiful, with a life well above anything I had envisioned, wanting me alone. Love was such a brutal uneven thing, slanted so heavily toward me.

“Make good use of it,” Betty said without any shame, “After tomorrow, you’ll be at her mercy,” She picked up Teegan off the floor who smiled at the attention. Betty turned Teegan to us, grabbed her arm and made her wave goodnight. Teegan added a laugh to the game.

“Goodnight, sweetie,” I said, unthinking. Damn if I wasn’t getting more fatherly by the moment. Natalie tried to hide her smile at my unbidden honorific. Betty was smiling as she headed to her bedroom.

“I thought I was your sweetie,” Natalie stated, her eyes alight with humor.

“You’re one of my sweeties,” I joked back, “sometimes it’s hard to keep them all straight.” I moved closer, trying to pull her into my arms.

“Light a fire, Casanova,” Natalie said, pushing me away lightly, “I’ll be right back.” I laughed then sucked it back as I watched the cute butt slink away in those jeans. Again, she was teasing, her hips promising me things I didn’t deserve, but desperately wanted. I did what any man in my position would do; I lit a fire as instructed.

The flames were just beginning to take on a life of their own when the lights went out. I turned to find Natalie in a robe, a couple of blankets in her arms and a smile on her face. She tossed me a blanket that I instinctively knew needed to be spread out on the floor in front of the fire. She walked around the couch, flipping me the other blanket which I spread out as well. When I looked back up, Natalie had opened her robe and had dropped it off her shoulders. Underneath the robe, she wore nothing but a pair of socks that climbed nearly to her knees.

“You’re cheating,” I breathed, barely able to contain the lust that was building. She had seen the visions in my head through Teegan. I kicked off my shoes and moved forward, my hands not knowing where to touch first. She was like fine art that I couldn’t afford to touch.

“You told me something earlier,” Natalie whispered as I neared. Her robe dropping further. I ran my hand gently down the side of her neck, across her shoulder, and along the side of her perfect breast. My eyes were feverously trying to take all of her in.

A feeling of complete relief invaded my mind. It was so sudden and its meaning so apparent. I laughed at the absolutely wrong time. Natalie eye’s went wide, and she began closing her robe. A mix of anger and shame crossed her face and my heart sank.

“No,” I said quickly, almost begging “it’s not you.” Thankfully, Betty came to my rescue.

“Oh dear God!” Betty yelled from the bedroom. Natalie looked at me then at Betty’s bedroom door. I tried not to laugh, but I couldn’t help it. We could hear windows being slammed open and four letter words emanating from Betty. Natalie squinted her eyes at me, trying to understand.

“Uhm,” I stuttered, “I felt that…I mean I knew she pooped.” Natalie’s head slanted as she considered me, “it’s getting stronger,” I added, remembering the carpet burn. Betty burst through the bedroom door.

“I can’t breathe,” Betty said, gasping for breath. The smell followed her out of the room and thankfully, Natalie smiled as she lifted her finger to block her nostrils.

“I’m sorry,” I said to Natalie as I reached for the bag that contained the diapers. The real meaning of love is sacrificing everything for the target of that love. Natalie followed me into the gas chamber without a thought. Love could ask for nothing more. Together we cleaned up the sewage and wrapped Teegan in a fresh diaper after a liberal powdering. I walked outside, barefoot, and tossed the offending diaper into the trash can that was thankfully well away from the cabin.

“She loves you so much,” Natalie said quietly when we were finally alone again. My idiocy fed my doubts, filling my head with things that shouldn’t be considered. Teegan was such a powerful drug, and I knew what drugs did to people.

“Is what we have real?” I asked. I feared how much was just a fantasy imposed by a small child. I was losing what I was, not that it was worth keeping.

“It is to me,” Natalie stated, moving closer. I looked at her, my heart wanting to explode at what it saw as the most perfect women in the world. She was everything I ever wanted or would ever need. Selfishly, I ignored what could be a warped sense of reality.

“I love you,” I said with pure honesty. The robe hit the floor in the flickering shadowy flames of the fire I had seen before in a dream . A fantasy, dressed in nothing but socks, became my world. Natalie was my reality.

Chapter 14 – Sam

A blinding pain woke me from a dream I would never remember. I squinted my eyes as I sat up, quickly trying to decide what part of my brain someone just drove a nail through.

“You poor thing,” Natalie said from the other side of the room. I blinked my eyes, trying to adjust to the sudden light. The sun had obviously been up for a while.

“That has got to hurt,” Betty added. I opened one eye as Natalie scooped up Teegan in her arms. Betty moved close, her hands moving Teegan’s hair about on the back of her head, looking for an injury. I lifted my hand to the back of my head and couldn’t feel the bump I expected. “Barely a bump,” Betty continued, “sounded worse than it was I guess.” Natalie cuddled Teegan close in sympathy, kissing the back of her head, exactly where the pain was growing on mine. Where was my kiss?

I tried to stand up but lost my balance and landed on my ass before I even found my feet. Betty laughed and turned away quickly. Natalie, laughing as well, moved quickly to my side with Teegan in her arms. She pulled the blanket back over my naked body.

“Sorry,” Betty announced as she moved toward the bedroom to give me a few minutes. The humor in her tone told me she wasn’t that sorry. I suspected it was more the comedy than my physique that made her un-sorry.

“I should have woken you,” Natalie said smiling, “you looked so comfortable I didn’t want to disturb you.” A soft good morning kiss accented her words. Memories of falling asleep in front of the fire came back to me. I tried to smile at the virility I displayed the night before. I winced at the pain in the back of my head.

“She bumped her head?’ I asked.

“Yes,” Natalie said with curiosity in her voice, “she crawled under the table and tried to sit up.”

“She’s crawling?” I asked, somewhat sad I didn’t see it begin. I wasn’t sure why it was important to me.

“Yep,” Natalie replied as she sat down next to me. Teegan reached out to me in the most endearing manner. I had no choice but to take her in my arms. She wrapped her arms around my neck, her cheek against mine. The world shifted as the bond became strongly evident.

Teegan apologized. Not in words, but in feelings. I could feel her distress at the pain I felt.

“It’s okay, honey,” I whispered, “It’s not that bad.” I caressed her back as I absorbed her remorse at causing me pain. Love overwhelmed me. I was a father who could do what every father had desired since the beginning of time. I could take her pain onto myself.

Natalie, as smart as she was, searched the back of my head. I winced at the pressure. Her hand retracted quickly, and she moved slightly away in shock.

“She…she’s projecting,” Natalie stammered, “you feel her.” I nodded. I no longer cared if I was being manipulated. As far as I was concerned, I was Teegan’s father. Come hell or high water, I was there for her.

Through my child, I saw into Natalie. I could see the love she felt for me and her joy at the night before. I had never been someone’s joy before. I smiled as her fantasies became apparent. Some were better left as dreams, others…well…I could cheat as well as her. My growing smile gave me away.

“Stop,” Natalie said, her face blushing, “it’s only fair if I do it.” I now knew how she had seemed so attuned to my needs last night. I kissed Teegan’s cheek before Natalie practically tore her from my arms.

“Don’t you dare,” I warned Natalie. I was smiling with as much malevolence as I could conjure into my eyes. “Tonight is mine.” Natalie sucked in her breath and retracted her hand from Teegan’s skin.

“Tonight is many hours away,” Natalie stated. She had a hint of what I now knew. The thought of her under my passionate control was intoxicating. I wrapped one of the blankets around my waist and rose from the floor.

“Let me love you tonight,” I negotiated, “last night was my dream. Tonight will be yours.” I loved how her smile grew. I leaned forward and kissed her soft neck, then moved my lips next to her ear and whispered, “I have such devious plans.” I loved the shudder that ran visibly down her body. I walked off, wrapped in the blanket, to get dressed. I knew she was watching me leave. I just wish I had the ability to wiggle my hips like she could.

We drove Betty to her sister’s in Steele. The two-hour drive didn’t seem long enough, goodbyes demanded more time. The people who bonded with Teegan were like family. They knew intimate things about us, feelings mostly, but intimate nonetheless. We knew the same of them, causing grief at separation, siblings at heart.

I was able to get by with a quick hug and kiss on the cheek. Natalie and Betty embraced for a lot longer. They shared something stronger, a knowledge that only sisters would understand. It was understandable although we only knew her for a couple of days. Drugs are like that, instantly friendly and world changing.

Natalie raided a portion of her savings while she was in town. I was lucky to have a ten bucks in my account. She, on the other hand, had been saving for years. She had to open a local account and execute an electronic transfer to change some to cash. It was not exactly a normal transaction these days and the bank was justified in their concern. ATM limits were just too small.

I felt rather domesticated when we stopped at the small grocery store in Steele. I pushed the cart, Teegan seated happily in the back facing me as we traveled the aisles. Natalie pulled things down from the shelves, comparing prices and quality, and loaded her choices into the cart. A situation I would have gagged at a few weeks ago. That day, it felt comfortable. Daddy pushing daughter and wife making decisions. I was the muscle and Natalie the brains.

Teegan was fun to tease. I would wheel the cart close to the colorful products on the shelves, just out of her reach. She would grunt as she strained to reach for them. I would drift away if she got close, slightly frustrating her until another product caught her eye.

“Stop teasing her,” Natalie said with a smile. She meant it, though she said it in a kindly manner. I, being an obstinant male, moved Teegan close to the shelves of cereal. The boxes glowed with colorful cartoon characters begging for small hands. When she reached out this time, I let her get a hold of them as instructed. Unfortunately, I didn’t consider her strength or the domino effect.

Teegan pushed sideways in her attempt to grab a box of Cap’n Crunch. I watched in surprise as a line of different brands of cereals began tumbling off the shelves. Teegan and Natalie laughed as I ran down the aisle putting boxes back on the shelf and knocking off more in the process.

“I’ll take care of it, sir,” a young pimply faced kid said as he jogged forward.

“I don’t know him,” Natalie said with a straight face as she pushed the cart farther down the aisle. I tried and failed to put another box on the shelf before I let the kid take over.

“Sorry, my kid got a hold of them,” I said, handing one of the boxes to the kid. He rolled his eyes and put the box back on the shelf.. I turned, red-faced, and quickly caught back up to Natalie.

“Don’t know me, huh?” I questioned Natalie.

“See what happens when you tease women,” Natalie replied. She leaned down and smiled at Teegan who naturally laughed back. They traded some funny sounds before we continued.

“You just abandoned me,” I joked.

“Tease my girl and yes,” Natalie struck back, “I’ll drop you like hot potato.”

“Your girl?”

“Our girl.”

“That would make you my wife,” I bantered back. Natalie stopped, encircled my head with her hands and kissed the cockiness right out of me.

“And I don’t even need the paper to prove it,” Natalie said, before turning back to the cart. I stood there, in the middle of aisle, and watched my two girls head slowly down the aisle. Father, husband? Didn’t I already know it? A warmth surge through my body, a comfortable feeling mixed with an unknown future. I smiled at the thought of sharing the unknown with those two. I stepped forward with a purpose and relieved Natalie of the cart.

“Knock anything else off the shelves,” I scolded Teegan, “and I’ll have to spank your mother’s bottom.”

“Promises, promises,” Natalie sighed with that smile I was really beginning to love.

We left Steele and headed back toward Bismarck and our cabin. Except for perishables, we were good for a while, a few weeks if we had too. The snow probably wouldn’t arrive in force until the next month anyway.

“We can’t spend your life savings,” I observed as we traveled along 94.

“We can if we have too,” Natalie said, “what’s mine is yours.” She meant it with the best intentions. I wasn’t sure I liked the idea.

“It doesn’t feel right,” I continued, “I need to contribute.” Natalie smiled, undid her seatbelt, and laid her head in my lap.

“Then you drive and I’ll nap,” she said, closing her eyes. It wasn’t quite what I had in mind. I did like the idea of her laying there and I wasn’t going to ruin it with a silly argument. I dropped my right hand down and absently played with hair. I let it go and drove while she napped. It was an argument for a time when I wasn’t so comfortable.

Natalie made dinner that night. A chicken casserole that smelled delicious while it cooked. The smell was driving Teegan crazy, so I fed her first with Natalie’s help. We should have picked up a highchair to make it easier. I put that on my mental list for the next trip.

It was an interminable wait for Teegan to sleep. I played with her in the bath and out. I followed her around, letting her crawl between my legs as she explored the cabin. It was amazing how quickly she became fully mobile. Natalie was busy putting everything small or dangerous above waist high. Cleaning chemicals above the sink, paper towels below the sink. We were novice parents, but not completely stupid.

Finally, Teegan’s eyes got heavy. I cradled her in my arms and lightly rocked her to sleep. As a man, I would like to say it was a chore, but honestly, it had a special type of wonderful. A little life, depending on me for safety and comfort. She was so trusting and curled into me as if I had been there her whole life. I felt the love without the bond. I laid her in her crib as gently as possible.

“You are a good daddy,” Natalie whispered, her arms circling my waist from behind. The words didn’t bother me like they should. I turned in her arms to find her soft endearing smile. The kind of smile I thought I would never deserve. Her eyes weren’t shying away from mine. I promised the world with a kiss.

In the past, I had to guess what a woman wanted. The exploration was always fun, but at times frustrating when they didn’t respond as expected. That night was different. I took Natalie’s hand and led her to the fire. I deployed blankets and made her stand still as I undressed her. I don’t pretend to know all women, but with Natalie, timing was everything. I knew exactly where to touch, exactly what to kiss and nibble. I deviated to keep the caresses fresh and exciting, growing in intensity.

Natalie struggled to gain some control, soft laughter and the proper pressure melted her back to my will. The power I held to bring her joy was amazing. I could feel her body respond to me, my lips and fingers playing her like a precious instrument. Her scent, her movements, and her sounds were music to my senses. I learned things she didn’t even know she desired. My greatest joy was watching her tighten, breasts thrusting upward to the sky, as she lost all composure. I teased her as she returned to the world, my tongue turning from pleasure to ticklish torture in mere moments. I loved the laughter as she struggled with weak muscles to remove me from between her soft thighs.

“You did cheat,” Natalie sighed with a wicked smile, pulling me up her body. The sated look in her eyes was my reward. She looked so beautiful and I felt incredibly powerful. A naked woman in my arms and my only desire was to share hers. Somehow, I forgotten my own obvious arousal. “You did things…it was so beautiful,” she told me. Those words were all the orgasm I needed. Natalie thought otherwise, then proved it.

Chapter 15 – Sam

The first week in the cabin was an absolute joy. I had Natalie and Teegan all to myself. We would go for walks in the woods, something I was sure the impending winter would limit, and spend our nights in front of the fire. Teegan was crawling like she never knew any different. I felt every bump and nearly screamed when she closed her fingers in the drawer. I somehow absorbed it all. I was her personal pin cushion. Still, she learned. I knew she didn’t like me feeling pain anymore then she would have liked it herself. It did encourage me to spend more time baby proofing the cabin. There was no way I would allow her to find an exposed electrical socket.

Whether it was Teegan’s doing or not, I was deeply in love with the both of them. They had become my world, two people who mattered more than I. Most drugs would become weaker in time, destroy themselves while they destroyed the host. I felt stronger with a growing determination to see that nothing untoward would happen to lessen our family. That is what it was, a family. My family.

Natalie was equally committed. The woman could love like no other. I still had no idea what she saw in me. I just knew I had hit the jackpot. Smart, gorgeous, and so very comfortable to be around. She would smile and a rainy day became sunshine.

Except for her new found mobility, Teegan was the same happy child. Nothing ever bothered her. She was our main entertainment, her bouncing diapered butt our laughter. She was working hard trying to stand and was teething hard, which produced copious amounts of slobber. I could feel the ache in my gums as more teeth began to find air. Soft chewy things made it feel better, so I kept her well supplied.

Natalie was worried about the transfer of Teegan’s pains. The power Teegan had over me was growing, and she wondered where it would end. It grew slowly enough that I found it almost natural. I liked that I could save her from pain. I also found it efficient that I knew when she was in pain. It was like a second set of eyes.

An unexpected knock at the door surprised both of us. My first thought was of Betty or her uncle. No one else knew we were here. I ended Teegan’s crawling, picking her up protectively as Natalie peeked out the window. “A man,” she mouthed, shrugging her shoulders.

“Neighbor?” I whispered.

“Maybe,” Natalie whispered back, “it looks like he’s alone.”

“Who is it?” I called from behind the door. I tried to make it sound nonchalant like I was otherwise engaged in something that couldn’t be interrupted.

“Dr. Hank Gunderson,” the man called back, “I’m looking for Sam Donaldson and Natalie Williams.” My eyes went wide at our names. Natalie moved quickly to my side with the same apprehension.

“No one here by that name,” I said with less conviction than I should have. The knowledge of our names caught me off guard.

“What about Runnymede?” The man asked, “are you familiar with that?” He knew Rose. I immediately found Teegan’s skin with my hand. I had been avoiding direct bonding, not knowing the long term effects. In this case, fear for Rose overshadowed the risk.

Dr. Gunderson held no animosity toward us. Teegan smiled at me as I drifted into his mind. Rose trusted him, and he was alone. I felt him smile, almost sensing what I was doing. He had bonded with Teegan in the past. I let go of Tegan’s arm and opened the door.

“Sam Donaldson,” I said, holding out my free hand. Hank smiled and shook it.

“And you must be Natalie,” Hank said, holding his hand out to her. Natalie nodded, adding her smile as she shook his hand. She saw me bond and knew I thought everything was okay.

“Esmeralda!” Hank said, looking at Teegan, “You’ve grown so big.” Teegan’s mouth opened into a breathy laugh. She pumped her arms up and down with excitement. No apprehension at all.

“Esmeralda?” I asked, “is that her real name?”

“We called her Emma for short,” Hank said. He made no attempt to touch Teegan or enter further into the cabin. He was purposely trying to be non-aggressive.

“Come in,” Natalie said, her interest was as piqued as mine, “It’s starting to get cold out there. We were about to have lunch. Would you like to join us?”

“Please,” Hank replied as I closed the door, “anything without peanuts…pretty allergic to those.”

“Ham and cheese,” Natalie decided and moved toward the small kitchen that shared space with the main cabin area. We followed her to the kitchen table and took seats. Hank seemed less of a stranger having bonded with Teegan in the past.

“How is Rose doing?” I asked.

“Just fine when I left a few days ago,” Hank replied. I suspected he didn’t know about her condition. There was nothing in his tone that indicated she would be anything but fine.

“You saw my mother?” Natalie asked, immediately stopping sandwich construction to sit next to Hank. She hadn’t understood the Runnymede reference.

“Yes,” Hank responded, a little surprised at her vehemence, “I guess it was a few days after you left Flagstaff. I assure you, she was just fine.” He began again when he saw her eyes relax, “She was a very difficult woman to convince of my intentions.” He chuckled a bit, “I think the CIA could learn a thing or two about interrogations from her.” Natalie laughed, obviously relieved that Rose’s sickness hadn’t affected her overtly as of yet.

“How did you find us?” I asked, then added, “will anyone else find us?”

“I think you’re well hidden for now. They are looking for you,” Hank said, pointing at me, “not Natalie. They don’t understand Esmeralda as I do. They would have found you by now if they did.”

“Who are you?” Natalie interjected, then covered the unintentionally rude tone by rising to finish the sandwiches.

“I guess I’m her father, or something close to that,” Hank answered. I was about to say something when Natalie jumped in with a fierceness I was expecting.

“Sam’s her father!”

“I assure you,” Hank said, looking at the way Natalie was holding the butter knife. It was dripping mayonnaise on the floor as her knuckles turned white. “I did not mean in a nurturing way.” Natalie smiled at his words and placed the knife on the counter. She tore off a paper towel and proceeded to wipe the mess off the floor. I could only stare at her. I had no idea her convictions were so strong. Teegan was indeed a powerful drug.

“I meant only that I…well…” Hank paused, “I wish you two no offense.” We said nothing, which he took as our wish that he continue. “I made her, or better, my team made her.” Under the table, my hands formed fists. I am sure my face was fist-like as well. Natalie was still, not turning to look at either of us.

“I don’t mean to imply she is less human,” Hank said, looking between the two of us, “I love her as well.”

“Are you trying to tell us she’s some kind of Frankenstein,” I said. I tried not to grit my teeth as I spoke.

“No, no,” Hank tried to regain the conversation. Natalie turned slowly. I saw the same anger in her eyes when she kicked the crap out of Gerrard. I may be the father, but Natalie was the mother, all lioness.

“Please,” Hank said, standing and backing away, “she had a surrogate mother and a natural birth. She’s what we will all be in 50,000 years or so.” I relaxed my hands as his words tried to make their way through my logic centers. Natalie was obviously as confused as I was. Hank still looked concerned.

“Have either of you had adverse reactions,” Hank said, again looking quickly, back and forth, between Natalie and me, “headaches or sleepiness.”

“Nosebleeds,” I said without thinking.

“Pretty much passed out,” Natalie added, “both of us.”

“First, let me assure you I have no intention of breaking you three up,” Hank said, looking mostly at Natalie, “I’m here to explain things and make sure nothing bad happens to Esmerelda. I want her nowhere near the government as well.”

“Teegan,” Natalie said, her face softening, “we call her Teegan.”

“That’s a pretty name,” Hank said, “Teegan it is.”

“It’s better than Stinky,” Natalie said, almost laughing. Hank looked confused.

“It made sense at the time,” I defended myself, “and she was…and still is.” Hank looked at us like we were crazy. Maybe he was rethinking our ability to care for Teegan. So I took some time to give him the necessary context. By then, Natalie had brought sandwiches to the table.

“The woman in the car was Dr. Jane Forrester,” Hank said sadly, “She was the second person ever to link with Esmer…Teegan.” He shook his head slowly, “A fine obstetrician and a good friend.”

“Who was the first to link with her?” I asked.

“The surrogate, of course,” Hank smiled, “to this day Debbie thinks it is the finest thing she has ever done. She knew before the rest of us that Teegan was special. She only gave her up because it was in Teegan’s best interest. Like the rest of us, she didn’t want to lose her to…other interested parties.”

“I have a million questions,” I admitted, “maybe you should just start at the beginning and save us some time.” Natalie quickly agreed. Hank took a bite of his sandwich, complementing Natalie’s kitchen skills with a small hum of satisfaction. We waited for him to swallow.

“I’m a genetic anthropologist,” Hank began, “I specialized in breaking down ancient DNA, comparing it through the years to the DNA that exists today. A few years ago, I teamed up with a mathematician, and we postulated, using my data and his probability equations, what human DNA would look like 50,000 years from now.” Hank bit his bottom lip in a guilty manner as he watched our eyes. I was stunned, knowing what was coming. “We knew the chromosomes that needed to remain intact and the ones that could fluctuate and had been fluctuating for thousands of years. It was all on paper, well a computer simulation.”

“You played God,” I sighed, pulling Teegan closer to my chest. Hank nodded.

“The government saw the research and consulted with third parties. It was thought that knowledge of future man was of strategic importance to the country. If you know what’s coming, you know better how to keep the country, and its government, viable. There was strong military interest as well.” I nodded, hugging my child closer. I didn’t care how she came into the world.

“You can imagine the ethical boundaries that had to be crossed. The government wanted to know, but no politician would allow their name to be attached to it.” He paused for a moment and sighed, “it was decided that private funding would be used. Patriots I was told. They may have been, but they were businesspeople first.” Hank shook his head, “I was an arrogant fool – so excited that see what science would bring.”

“After many failures, Teegan was our first and only success,” Hank said, “Debbie was seven months into the pregnancy when she became aware of Teegan’s gift. It was weak at first; then it grew rapidly. Unlike us, she couldn’t turn it off, not that she wanted too.”

“We all thought Debbie was losing her mind. She described the link as a perfect bond, Teegan drawing her deeply inward. Debbie became obsessive about her care, desiring nothing but a perfect birth. The only one she initially allowed near was Dr. Forrester. That’s when we learned the link was real and could be passed through another. As you well know, it’s triggered by touch.”

“That’s changing,” I added. Hanked looked at me with surprise.

“She projects to Sam,” Natalie added. Somehow we had both come to trust Hank. It was probably Ruth’s acceptance that led to it.

“How far?” Hank asked.

“I don’t know,” I admitted.

“Sam was in here the last time,” Natalie said. She pointed to the second bedroom, “and Teegan was in there, behind a closed door.”

“Amazing,” Hank said, “is it like the normal link?”

“No,” I replied, shaking my head, “It’s only extreme things. Pain, great relief,” I chuckled, “there was one time when she pooped. I guess her tummy was tight, and the relief was so great, I felt it as well.” I tickled Teegan’s stomach, and she laughed for me, almost as if in agreement.

“May I?” Hank asked, holding out his hand toward Teegan. I could see the science behind his eyes. His curiosity was as strong as his commitment to Teegan. Natalie, who was sitting between us, took my hand with her right and nodded to me. I encircled Teegan’s foot with my palm as Natalie took Hank’s hand in her left. The perfect world emerged, and we shared.

“Whoa!” Hank said, the first to disconnect, “she has gotten so much more powerful.” His smile spanned the cabin; curiosity replaced with knowledge. Somehow, I sensed a pulse of what I could only call as love from Natalie, almost like she sent it, deliberately targeted at me. We shared a smile when I sent my own back. Natalie released my hand before things that should remain private became public. I let go of Teegan’s foot thinking I could never be any happier.

“She loves you so incredibly,” Hank said, looking at me. I wondered why I never felt it like that. I knew it and had felt her love, but not to the degree everyone else had claimed.

“He’s her father,” Natalie insisted as if it were set in stone.

“I do believe he is,” Hank agreed, “I think she chose you.”

“A poor choice,” I said, “but she’s grown on me.”

“We have a theory that the link is a survival mechanism,” Hank continued, “kind of an intellectual cuteness. Something that ensures caregivers are at their best and willing to protect and serve her needs.”

“Drugged slaves?” I asked and instantly regretted my choice of words.

“Drugs are not a bad analogy,” Hank said, his eyes finding the ceiling as he thought, “but that’s not wholly accurate. She enhances desire, be that for good or evil. If I could be so bold, and trust me when I say it, I don’t mean to be insulting.” I nodded when he paused for my consent. “you needed someone to love…and to be loved…badly.” It almost hurt to hear it. I knew it was true. I looked at Natalie expecting to see her run from the needy man who loved her so. Only her hand moved and it covered mine. “Teegan’s instincts are to be attracted to that. Food, shelter, she could get that from a catalog of people. It’s the nurturing that makes her whole. She loves you because you love her back.” Natalie smiled and nodded in agreement. I almost cried at the thought, but fathers don’t cry, so I didn’t. Fathers protect.

“How did you find us?” I asked. Suddenly aware that Teegan’s hiding place was in jeopardy.

“A little detective work,” Hank said with a wise grin, “don’t worry, the authorities and others don’t fully understand Teegan. They are looking for you and you’re well hidden behind Natalie. I was following Teegan’s trail.”

“Is that how you found Rose?”

“There were just under a hundred homes that demanded a search warrant,” Hank said, “but only one that reneged and was suddenly cleared, ” he smiled, “I have some contacts in the government who have Teegan’s best interest at heart. They tell me they are searching for you in New Mexico.”

“Santa Fe is my home,” I said, “or it was before all of this.”

“They saw no connection to your mother,” Hank said to Natalie, “you’re completely unknown to them, so I suggest all electronic transactions be in your name.”

“Someone may know of her,” I interrupted, “we had a run in with a couple of thug types just outside of Flagstaff. I think they were waiting there on the off chance we would pass through.”

“No badges?” Hank asked.

“Not government,” I replied, “wearing gloves and under instructions to get Teegan at all costs. They tried to trade Natalie for her.”

“Sam almost killed one,” Natalie said.

“You must be a lot tougher than you look,” Hank said with surprise. Natalie and I looked at each other. Hank wasn’t aware of Teegan’s other abilities.

“I’m not,” I said holding Teegan up, “she is.”

“I don’t understand.”

“When you bond with her, and you’re in need,” Natalie said, “information and the skill to use it just comes to you. It’s what causes the nose bleeds and exhaustion.”

“Natalie took down a guy twice my size,” I added, “like me, she was out for about twelve hours after. I pulled muscles I didn’t know I owned when I did it.”

“She projected this?” Hank asked.

“No, at least not yet,” I replied.

“You mean you beat up two guys with Teegan in your arms?” Hank gasped. The idea of it seemed wrong when he said it.

“You have to understand,” I clarified, “your confidence in success is all encompassing. There is no anticipation of failure. The path forward is crystal clear, and you take it without a second’s thought.”

“It takes a toll, “Natalie added, “when it’s over you feel like a rag doll.”

“Is she affected?” Hank asked, pointed at Teegan.

“It’s like it never happened,” I replied, “still the same smiling girl.” I snuggled into Teegan’s cheek and gave her a quick peck. It made her laugh. I stopped before the bond could take. Drugs should be taken in moderation. Tickling her belly was satisfying enough.

“You two ever have self-defense classes or something?” Hank continued his questioning. We both shook our heads no. “Then she must be accessing other minds. Or allowing you too. Hell, this is well beyond anything we experienced.”

“It’s more frightening to consider than experience,” I added, “It can’t be her knowledge, and it isn’t ours, so it must be our need accessing someone else. Once, she showed me the complete schematics of a Colt .45. I know nothing about guns, usually avoid the things.”

“Why would she do that?”

“I stopped a desperate kid from robbing a grocery store,” I said, shrugging my shoulders, “the kid linked in the process and suddenly he saw a better future,” I chuckled, “he thought she was an angel.”

“It must be part of her survival mechanism,” Hank pointed out, “just be aware that our minds aren’t like hers. Parents in 50,000 years would have evolved minds capable of dealing with her. Unfortunately, it is we who are the infants here.”

“Won’t the government just make more like her?” I asked.

“Not without the research,” Hank said, “we destroyed everything once she was born. The whole team, including myself, thought of her as an ‘it’, until we linked with her. It was a horrible mistake with a precious outcome. None of us will do it again.”

“Can’t they just reproduce it in time?”

“Maybe, given enough years,” Hank admitted, “I think they will have to wait until we all die off or face exposure,” he pointed to Teegan, “I believe that they have calculated that breeding her is their best chance for success.”

“She’s not a cow!” Natalie shouted, moving closer to me.

“I couldn’t agree more,” Hank said, “I’m just applying logic. What’s better than one super human? Two super humans. The math is simplistic and increases geometrically with each generation.”

“They are not turning Teegan into cattle,” I said strongly.

“They’ll never take her from us,” Natalie added. Hank smiled at our determination. He took another bite of his sandwich and grinned as he chewed.

“We were hoping you would say that,” Hank said, his mouth still chewing, “we can’t take care of her. It was a risk for me to come out here at all.” He finished chewing, “My house in Portland is under constant watch.”

“See,” Natalie said proudly. I loved how she looked, all smart and sassy. I still had trouble believing she enjoyed impressing me. She had no idea that she impressed me just by being in the room.

“138 North Packard?” I asked Hank, my smile growing to match Natalie’s.

“How in hell?”

“Dr. Forrester asked me to bring Teegan there,” I said, “Natalie thought it best not to go, too big of a risk. I was passed out in a backseat at the time, so I couldn’t argue the point.”

“Smart woman,” Hank praised, “and can make one hell of sandwich. Don’t let go of this one, Sam.” He bit deep into the second half of his ham and cheese.

“Damn smart,” I agreed. Natalie cheeks filled with the most adorable color. It was almost like she thought I didn’t see her that way.

We talked more after lunch. Hank explained some of the gene splicing techniques his team used. I listened, half understanding, as I walked around the room with Teegan crawling between my legs. She was exploring as if the conversation had nothing to do with her. Natalie seemed to be grasping more of the conversation, asking intelligent questions and nodding her head.

Hank was both proud and ashamed of what he had accomplished. He loved the science of it all, but now thought it was in a direction science should never go. There were people who thought Teegan was property. Something to be used, not nurtured.

Teegan found her diaper bag in the corner and tried unsuccessfully to unzip it. She was smart, knowing where the zipper was and how it worked. Her fingers just weren’t dextrous enough to grab the tab and drag it along. I could see her frustration, mostly in the lack of her smile. I reached down and unzipped it for her. I felt her joy wash through me. It’s hard to explain how wonderful it felt.

“She’s happy,” Natalie said from across the room. I Iooked over to Natalie as Teegan began pulling diapers from the bag. Natalie was surprised, and Hank was looking at the both of us.

“You felt that too?” I asked. Natalie nodded. “It feels pretty good.” Natalie smiled as Teegan dug deeper, trying to pull the plastic wet-wipe cylinder from the bag. You could almost see her brain working as she sat back and tried again with two hands. I sat down next to her and watched as she slowly maneuvered it out of the bag and let it roll off to the side. Removing it was her only concern. She went diving right back in and found more loose diapers to pull out.

“I’m not sure this is a good thing,” Hank commented. I felt the concern on his face was out of place. Teegan’s happiness was never a bad thing.

“It can’t be bad,” Natalie said with excitement, “I can feel her joy. She’s so happy.” I laughed. Teegan paused for a moment to laugh with me, then went back to her task.

“But it’s her happiness,” Hank argued, “can you separate it from yours? What will happen when she gets older?”

“How is it different from any other child’s smile?” I retorted.

“A smile is filtered through your eyes,” Hanks stated, “what happens if her power gets stronger? Want happens when you don’t give her what she wants?”

“She doesn’t project need, she projects feelings,” I said, not fully confident that that would not change.

“Today,” Hanks sighed, “I’m speaking of tomorrow.”

“She loves us,” Natalie insisted, “and we love her.” Hank nodded. I could see he wasn’t satisfied. The argument was speculation in the first place. Maybe he thought it a waste of time to continue it any longer. For whatever reason, he let it drop.

Chapter 16 – Sam

“I have to leave when we get back,” Hank said as we walked through the woods. The days were getting crisper as winter approached. “It was a risk coming in the first place.” Natalie and Teegan hadn’t joined us by polite design. Hank felt it was important that we talked alone. I wasn’t as sure.

“How do you know you weren’t followed?” I asked.

“There are too many of us,” Hank said, “We know they are keeping tabs on our phones. Much easier to watch our homes and track us electronically. A colleague of mine is preceding me to Chicago, a scholastic conference on Ancient Egypt,” he smiled, “my phone is with him, so they think I am as well. It won’t take me long to catch up.”

“Smart,” I admitted, “glad to see they have a few weaknesses.”

“They have to play within budgets like the rest of us,” Hank continued, “it’s Corbett that is the wild card.”

“Corbett?”

“The corporation that funded Teegan. Obviously, they don’t play by the normal rules. Their interest is solely financial.” Hank sighed as he spoke, “If I had to guess, they were behind your encounter outside of Flagstaff.”

“How much do they know about Teegan?” I asked.

“Douglas Corbett linked with Teegan,” Hank said. That it surprised me must have been evident on my face. I stopped walking and tried to think.

“And he still wants to risk her, turn her into a baby factory?” I asked incredulously.

“It is his way,” Hank nodded, “greed and power are his motivations, and as I said, Teegan improves on those. Somehow, he justifies it in his mind and sees it as best for Teegan as well. It was his linking that set Dr. Forrester’s kidnap plan into motion. Corbett thought we would agree with his future plans for Teegan.”

“Kidnap?” I said, “Doesn’t Teegan have any rights?”

“Depends on who you talk to, I guess,” Hank admitted, “In my mind, she’s a child and deserves a normal life. To others, she is an asset to be harnessed…or feared.”

“Feared?” I said shaking my head, “She’s not even a year old. Nothing but love in that girl.” I laughed when I thought of her rear explosions, “Maybe they want her secrets to chemical warfare.” I had to explain myself to Hank, but I soon had him chuckling as well. The thoughts that had been digging into my mind came forward. Hank was the only one I could speak to about it.

“Hank, I’d like some truth.” We were hopping over a small stream, less than an arm’s length wide. I steadied him when he stumbled a little, and he thanked me for keeping dry.

“What do you need to know?”

“Natalie is the smartest woman I know,” I continued, “you know she’s a lawyer. A good one I hear.”

“Yes, Rose told me.” Hank hooked his hands behind his back and patiently waited for me to continue.

“I barely graduated high school. I never really held an honest job, well not for long anyway,” I said and was surprised when Hank didn’t show any signs of disapproval. He just nodded as we walked. “I was basically a two-bit criminal,” I said to emphasize my point. Still no reaction to note, so I just let it out.

“Is Teegan making Natalie love me?” I asked, my eyes feeling heavier than they should. I waited for the answer I had suspected. Instead, I received laughter.

“Why else would she be seen with me?” I added, my anger rising in my tone.

“Sam,” Hank replied, haltingly, trying to control his laughter, “she loves you because she loves you. I’ve already told you Teegan only emphasizes what you already want.”

“Are you trying to tell me a lawyer wants a criminal,” I stated.

“I believe you said ‘was’ as criminal,” Hank said with an annoying smile.

“She’s too good for me,” I continued, “you have to see that.”

“She is that,” Hank laughed again, “but your own argument works against you.”

“How’s that?”

“If she’s so smart, how could you be a mistake?” Hank asked, “hmmm?” I wanted to smack the smile off his face. He was so sure of himself. He lost his smile and stopped walking. “You’re not planning to screw up the best thing you got going, are you?”

“It’s just…” I stumbled on my words, “I think…” It was difficult to explain my inadequacies compared to Natalie’s successes. “She’s better than I am,” I said with some exasperation.

“They usually are,” Hank said, “if they weren’t, I doubt the human race would have made as long as it has. Do you think she would feel any different if the situations were reversed?”

“I’m just afraid it’s not me,” I said, “that Teegan will wear off, and Natalie won’t like what she sees.”

“If love were only that logical,” Hank chuckled, “there’s no formula for attraction, although I do believe you need to have confidence in it. If you spend all your time thinking it will fail, it most likely will.”

“I guess you’re right,” I said, suddenly embarrassed I was having the conversation with a man I meant only a few hours ago. We started walking again.

“I must say that Teegan’s mental projections have taken me by surprise,” Hank commented.

“It’s not really thoughts, just feelings,” I clarified.

“Her gift is growing,” Hank stated, “and now I must concede I don’t know how strong it will become.” He stopped walking again and turned to me. “As she ages, I suspect some semblance of control will be gained. I see no bad intent in her, but it does make me think. The world may not be ready for her mind. What if she grows into something different from what she is today.”

“What if she’s evil,” I tacked on, nodding. It has been on my edge of my thoughts as well.

“I can’t see her as evil,” Hanks said, shaking his head, “but more self-indulgent. I’ve raised two teenagers, and they make rash decisions. Mistakes are part of growing up. Teegan’s mistakes could affect a lot of people.”

“I may not be the father she needs,” I said, thinking I knew where the conversation was going.

“Nope, I think you and Natalie are the best parents for her,” Hank said without a second thought, “I fear that today’s perfect parents may not measure up to tomorrow’s child.” He sighed, “but none of us have the luxury of a do-over.”

“Would you have created her, knowing what you know now?” I asked.

“Yes and no,” Hank said, with a sparkle in his eye, “I’ll never do it again, but I also wouldn’t want to see the world without Teegan. Strange, isn’t it. My greatest mistake is also my greatest triumph.” I nodded understanding exactly what he meant. Probably one of the few people in the world who did. There was a long silent pause as we turned back to toward the cabin. I liked how the woods smelled. The drab leafless trees had a soft haunting look about them. The world was going to sleep for a few months.

“We are going to forward contract review work to Natalie,” Hank said, “it will be through universities, places where some of us teach. It will allow us to fund you indirectly.” I stopped walking again.

“That makes me uncomfortable,” I admitted.

“Natalie said it would,” Hank said, “I spoke to her while you were in the bathroom. You know it makes sense, right.” I nodded. Of course, it made logical sense. It didn’t make ‘man’ sense.

“Is this why were taking a walk?” I asked. I was being handled.

“She makes ten times what you can make,” Hank continued, ignoring my question, “she’ll work from home, allowing you two to limit your exposure.”

“I’ll be a kept man,” I reasoned sadly.

“It would be better for her to be a kept woman?” Hank stated. I tried to see it logically. It made all the sense in the world, and I still hated it. “It’s the twenty-first century, you have a family, and Natalie has the skills. Don’t be an idiot.” His words were sharper than I expected. He smiled when I looked back at him, “By the look in her eyes when she looks at you, I don’t think she sees anything but a strong man. Let her handle the income, you’ll handle the security.”

“I guess my thinking is a little outdated,” I said quietly. The thought of living off a woman wouldn’t have bothered me a month ago. Free money had a nice ring to it. It was the desire to take care of Natalie and Teegan. I wanted to be the main reason for our success.

“Split some logs, lift the heavy things, and get over it.,” Hank said, “She needs you, you need her, and Teegan needs the both of you.”

“She is the smart one,” I said, trying to convince myself, “it would be a waste of her degree if she didn’t use it.”

“My wife works in the corporate world, pharmaceutical development,” Hank added, “she’s been earning more than me for years.”

“You got used to it?”

“Nope,” Hank said, “I learned to love it. She likes the money; I like the science. It brought a nice balance to our lives. It doesn’t matter where the money comes from, just as long as your family is not suffering for the lack of it.”

“So, is this why were taking a walk?” I asked again. This time with a sly smile.

“Yep,” Hank said, nodding his head, “Natalie isn’t going to take the work unless you say it’s okay.” I lost my smile and looked at him directly. He shrugged his shoulders, “she didn’t want it to jeopardize your relationship.”

“She really loves me,” I said. The job no longer mattered. The fact she would have thrown it away for me supplanted my juvenile thoughts.

“Yep and you don’t deserve it,” Hank returned. His smile was showing all his teeth. It was the truth, disguised by humor.

“Yes, I do,” I argued back, “I must be much better in bed than I thought.” The still woods echoed with Hank’s deep laughter.

Hank left us before the sun set. He had a long drive ahead of him since he preferred not to stop at a motel on his way to Chicago. No paper trail to follow. We were left with a number to call in case of emergency and Natalie was given a set of names and numbers to set up her new practice. I didn’t even wince when he handed them over. I smiled when Natalie looked hesitant, and that seemed to be all the discussion needed. Teegan smiled for Hank, just like she always did, though we all thought those smiles were especially for us.

We felt a little stronger knowing there was a secret set of friends watching over us, or, at least, Teegan. I looked over at my girl, absorbing her smile, and thought of how quickly she had formed her family. Natalie and I were the core, Hank and his team our extended family. So much power for such a little girl.

“What did you and Hank talk about on your walk?” Natalie asked. I wasn’t sure how to respond without sounding like a man from a previous century. She raised her eyebrows at my pause, so I just let it out.

“We talked about you wearing the pants in the family,” I said, then softened my tone. I hadn’t meant to come out so heavy, “that it was stupid to waste your degree and knowledge.” Natalie smiled and moved closer to me.

“You see us as a family?” She hadn’t heard the rest of what I said.

“Teegan sure thinks so,” I replied.

“What do you think?” Natalie continued. Her eyes were impatient, almost pleading.

“It scares the hell out of me,” I admitted, “how can you love a guy like me and throw away everything you’ve built? Yes, I see you both as my family, and I don’t want it to end.” Natalie leaned into me, over Teegan sitting in my lap. Her lips were so soft, driving passion into mine. The kiss held a promise that I returned in kind. My doubts faded into the background, almost too small to recognize.

“Don’t try to figure it out,” Natalie whispered, “somethings just are.” The second kiss was as deep as the first, this time, driven by me. It was Teegan who broke us up, grunting and laughing thinking it all a game. I put her down on the floor and let her explore. Natalie and I followed Teegan as she crawled. Natalie leaned into me, holding me close and smiling every time I looked at her. I stopped thinking and just enjoyed our family time.

“We should bring your mother up here,” I said to Natalie over dinner. Leaving Rose alone was still painful. I could see a weight enter Natalie’s eyes at the mention of it. I knew she felt the same.

“She won’t come,” Natalie responded, “she’s sure the last days would ruin my image of her.” She pushed some rice around with her fork, “I argued, but you met her. You can’t win an argument if her mind is set.”

“Maybe we shouldn’t argue,” I continued, “maybe we should demand.” I reached out and took Natalie’s hand in mine, “the thought of her being alone eats at me.”

“Demand?” Natalie smiled as she said it, “I remember demanding an increase in my allowance once. The lecture on greed was never ending. I’ve only offered suggestions since then.”

“She is ever the teacher,” I agreed. I thought deeply for a moment as Natalie softly caressed my hand. “We can guilt her into it,” I offered.

“Trick my mother?” Natalie asked with surprise.

“A little white lie,” I clarified, “tell her Teegan needs her.” My other arm was holding onto Teegan, keeping her greedy little paws out of reach from my food. She had just eaten but acted like she was starving.

“She’ll figure it out.”

“Yes. Probably,” I added, “but then she would be here.” Natalie looked away from me, thinking. “Look, I don’t know why I like her, but I do. Maybe it was Teegan, maybe not. The idea that she spends her last moments with only doctors and nurses…well it bothers me.”

“She will be angry,” Natalie argued.

“Teegan can change that,” I pointed out, “and you can blame it on me.” Natalie gave me her devious smile. The kind I expected when someone was going to let me make an idiot of myself.

“This is a beautiful place, ” Natalie said, “cozy with a nice fire and excellent people.”

“She should spend her last days with her family, not strangers.” It hurt to say it, but it was the truth.

“Are you adopting her as well?”

“She adopted me,” I replied, bouncing Teegan lightly on my knee. For a second, she gave up trying to grab my food and enjoyed my attention. “Do you think we could get Internet out here?”

“Wireless, maybe,” Natalie replied, “why?”

“I was thinking,” I answered, “I could take some online courses, you know, maybe get a degree or something.” I was looking at Teegan; afraid Natalie might think me petty trying to up my game to match her. In a sense, I was, but it was only because I wanted to feel more worthy of her.

“I see,” Natalie said, nodding her head, “my mother would never pass up a chance to tutor. She would love to help.” I looked up at Natalie. “and so would I,” she added with a smile formed for my eyes. I think she sensed my need to try and even our intellects.

“I want to improve,” I clarified, “for you and Teegan.”

“And you wonder why I love you,” Natalie responded. I loved how she looked at me. It was like I was the only one in the world. I would never deserve that look, but I would be damned if I wasn’t going to try.

Natalie spent a long time on the phone trying to convince her mother to join us. Rose saw through all our ploys almost immediately. It was my desire to seek an education that finally convinced her to come. Teaching was in her blood and overrode her ridiculous objections. Teegan’s family was complete.

Our nights alone in front of the fire were going to disappear when Rose arrived, so I decided to make the most of the two we had left. While Natalie put Teegan down for the night, I broke open a bottle of wine, started some soft music and added a few logs to the fire. With the lights off, it was as romantic as I had ever seen in any movie. I smiled at how my life had changed. Romance used to be a burger and a trip to the neighborhood bar. Now I was concerned with the ambiance of a cabin. I wanted to set a mood that reflected how I felt. Something soft and passionate, like Natalie herself.

“Well, this is nice,” Natalie said from behind me. I turned to find her standing in nothing but a t-shirt. Her smile convincing me that the t-shirt was all she had on. I stalled the lust that was filling my mind, wanting this night to move more slowly. The way she walked toward me with her hips swaying slightly fought with my planning.

“I opened some wine,” I said, pointing to bottle on the table as I watched Natalie move. I wondered if sexy was taught in law school. She would have scored high marks with the way she moved.

“I see that,” Natalie said, not slowing as she rounded the couch with sensual confidence. I was losing control of the mood. I wasn’t even sure I wanted control anymore.

“I thought…” I stammered, “your mother is coming…and, well, we won’t have nights like this often.”

“It’s lovely,” Natalie whispered as her hand wrapped around the back of my neck. My plans collapsed when her fingers sent a jolt down my spine when they combed into my hair. My blood heated, and my pants were suddenly too tight. I pulled her luxurious lips to mine and jumped right past tenderness, into pure passion. Her body collapsed into me, seemingly trying to melt into my skin. It was hard to breathe as the sensations began to course through me. So much love mixed with unbridled desire.

Natalie’s hands dropped to my belt, fumbling with the clasp. “Neither of us should wear the pants in this family,” she giggled. I laughed, as the double entendre tickled my mind. I almost fell as she stripped me of my pants. More laughter ensued as we clumsily removed the rest of each other’s clothing. It’s always so smooth in the movies, no hair getting stuck or t-shirts refusing to cooperate with the desired speed. The humor of it only enhanced our need.

Natalie’s smile was so loving as I entered her that I slowed to enjoy it. We searched each other’s eyes, memorizing the love we found there. A tear formed in the corner of her eye, so lonely and out of place. I moved forward and softly kissed it away.

“Love me more,” Natalie breathed. I did. Everything I had, I gave to her. My forehead lay on hers as our bodies moved in beautiful unison. Even our breathing synchronized as our eyes stayed locked with each other’s. Each down stroke brought bliss; each withdrawal came with it a longing to return. Time passed so wonderfully slow. When her eyes finally closed and her softness went rigid, I covered her lips with mine and lost myself with her.

“That was…intense,” I whispered between breaths.

“It was wonderful,” Natalie returned, her arms still holding me tight to her. I lifted my head up, worried I was laying too heavily. “It was perfect,” she said with her disarming smile. I took in her face for a moment and knew without a doubt, without the help of Teegan, that she loved me as much as I loved her. I was flabbergasted.

“Why do you love me so much?” I asked. Her laugh was warming. It held no admonishment, no threat to my intelligence.

“How could I not?” Natalie replied softly. Her hands held my head, not letting me look away. “A girl can go a lifetime and never know what’s in a man’s head. I know what’s in yours, I’ve seen your love for me, Teegan, and my mother. I know that you worry about your past, thinking you don’t measure up. Well, I use a different measurement, and it has nothing to do with college degrees or wealth. It’s the man you are and the man you want to be that I love. The man who will change a diaper without a thought and demand my mother is not alone. I know how you see me…and I’ve never felt so beautiful.”

“What if Teegan gave me all that?” I whispered my fear.

“I think Teegan awoke that in you,” Natalie said, her smile spreading, “she allowed me to follow my dreams as well.” She squeezed me inside of her, making me smile as I involuntarily jerked in return. She was playing with me, making me lighten up. Her legs wrapped around me and pulled me closer as if that was possible. “I love where I am and who I’m with.”

We spent half the night in front to the fire. When a chill filled the room as the last embers gave up the fight, we ran naked into our bedroom and warmed each other under the copious covers. There was no doubt of Natalie’s love, and I made sure she knew she needn’t doubt mine. Still, there was the fear in the back of my mind that it was all a fabrication of a young girl who was 50,000 years of evolution ahead of us.