Reunited

Reunited

After leaving Sleeplyside Trixie and Regan's family find them to find out what really happened between Trixie and Jim

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Sleeplyside on the Hudson, New York City
 Present day.
17th of Aug.
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"Manor House Stables, Dan Mangan speaking."
"Hey Dan it's Sheila, good news I've found them."
"Where are they?"
"Sioux City, your uncle owns a horse farm called RB Circle."
"Is Trixie with him?"
"Yes Trixie is with him, I have to tell you that they are married and have been for over three years, they have a two year old daughter named Isabelle and another child on the way."
With a huge smile on his face Dan replied, "Thanks that's great news. Okay I'm going to fly out as soon as I can, can you meet me?"
"Sure can, call me with the details and I'll be there."
"Thanks Sheila." Hanging up the phone Dan cursed, "Damn you Jim."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
RB Circle, Sioux City Present day.
17th of Aug.
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"Goo mornin Daddy."
Thirty three year old William Daniel Regan gazed fondly at his two year old daughter Isabelle Rose Regan, as she toddled over to him on unsteady legs, she held her mother's hand tightly in her tiny hand tearing his gaze from his daughter to his wife of three years as he asked, "And how are my two beautiful ladies today?"
Twenty four year old Trixie smiled up at her husband as she said, "We're great."
Regan looked at her in concern as he took in flushed face asking, "Any morning sickness Love?"
"Just a bit but Lightfoot gave me some stuff and it seems to be working."
Relief flooded through Regan's body, she had a rough time carrying Isabelle and he didn't what her to go through that again, they had nearly lost their child, Trixie had been confine to complete bed rest for the last two months, after slipping on ice slicked steps, they were lucky that the birth was normal but he still held onto his fear that something could happen to her and the baby.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sleeplyside,
Present day
17th of Aug.
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Packing his bags after booking his flight calling out when he heard someone knocking, "It's open."
Twenty five year old Martin Belden and his twenty seven year old brother Brian walked into his room saying, "Hey Dan, Bri and I were wondering if you wanted to join us at the lake." Glancing about when he spotted the bags he asked, "Going somewhere?"
Dan grunted, "Yeah."
"Where?"
Looking up at his blond headed friend as he said, "Sioux City."
"What there?"
Tried of the games everyone was playing since his uncle took off after Trixie, Dan snapped, "What is this? Twenty questions? Since when do I answer to you?"
Brian who had quietly entered the room behind his younger brother watched as Dan vented, Brian knew that Dan and Regan were the only ones who had believed that his sister was innocent of Jim's claims, claims that he himself were starting to doubt. He had been watching Jim rather closely in the last few months and noticed that he was acting like he did while he dated Trixie, he calmly asked, "Where are they Dan?"
Surprised Dan frowned as he asked, "Why do you care? She left because of you and the others. Then not long after my only family member took off after phone call to parts unknown."
Brian flinched, he didn't need to be reminded of his part in making his baby sister leave home, he remembered quite clearly the hurtful words he had yelled at her six year ago, then the shattered look on her face afterwards, he regretted them everyday since, he repeated, "Where are they?"
Mart slumped onto Dan's bed as he watched his brother and friend battle it out not with words but with looks, words no longer worked anymore, they had lost their sister because of the hurtful words that had be flung about six years ago. Mart remembered everyone but Dan and Regan refusing to speak to her two weeks after her graduation she had upped left without a word, they didn't know if she went to college or what, three months after she left town Regan had handed in his notice to Mr. Wheeler then left the next day after receiving a phone call, a call they all believed to be from Trixie.
Mart asked, "Can you at least tell us if Regan and Trix are together?"
Dan nodded slowly as he said, "They are together, in fact they are married with a child and another on the way."
Mart felt relieved as much as he missed his sister he had worried that she was all alone, he knew that his sister could take care of herself she had proven that over the years, he was just glad that she had someone who loved and believed in her with her.
Brian nodded, he wasn't all that surprised at the news, he knew that Trixie had cared deeply for the older man. Honey had told him that they had spent alot of time together when they headed off to college, "So Regan chased after her then. Jim was right then after all."
Brian missed the flash of anger that crossed over Dan's face but Mart didn't, he hoped to avoid a fight by laying a hand onto Dan's arm asking, "Dan what do you know about that day that we don't?"
Closing his eyes Dan breathed deeply before he said, "You would have known if you let her explain but you took his word over your own sister's, you didn't even give her a chance in hell to explain her side of the story, you just ignored her, so tell me why I should tell you? It's been over six years and you're only showing an interest now."
Mart felt his eyes widen as he suddenly remembered a scene he had walked in on while visiting his brother at college, "He was the one cheating wasn't he? Not Trix, it was her who caught him. If I remember correctly Jilly was visiting that summer wasn't she?"
Nodding Dan sat down heavily on his bed as he said, "The night of the party things were tense between Trix and Jim, Jilly was flirting like mad with him right in front of Trix, Jim did nothing to stop her, it was after the party that she knew for sure what she had suspected for awhile, everyone had left already. Trix had stayed behind hoping to talk to Jim but he and Jilly had disappeared, she looked for him but when she couldn't find him she left, Uncle Bill and I didn't feel right in letting her walk home by her self so we walked with her to your driveway, on the way we heard someone giggling then a loud splash, we all headed over to checked it out, at first we thought it was Bobby, Larry and Terry going for a late night swim, only to find Jim and Jilly skinning dipped in the lake, they didn't see us, we walked Trix home, she was rather quieted and subdued but I don't think she was at all that surprised by it. Uncle Bill told me later that when Trixie went up to break up with him the following morning, she found them in bed together. When she left, she went to the stables, that where Uncle Bill found her, he found her crying in Susie stall, he was comforting her when Jim and Honey walked in and you know what happened afterwards, that jerk accused Trixie of cheating on him, not even admitting that he was the who was cheating on Trix, he let her take the blame for everything, when she tried to explain her side of the story no one would listen to her so she stopped trying. When everyone refused to even talk to her, she only had Uncle Bill and myself who believed in her but she was banned from seeing him or me so she had no one. Uncle Bill sneaked over to see her graduate, the day she left I know that he made her promise to call him if she needed anything, I know that he really loved her, so I don't blame Trix or him for taking off like they did. I just hate the way they left, they didn't leave a word in how to get in touch with them."
Wiping his eyes of tears, Brian groaned, "God. That phone call he received the day before he left that was Trixie wasn't it?"
"I think so."
"Those trips you been going on, you been looking for them?"
"Yes, I never stopped. I had a friend helping me out as well. I was hoping that they hadn't left the country. I know that Trix talked about heading over to Europe."
Brian said, "I'm coming with you."
Jumping to his feet Mart piped up, "Me too."
Dan nodded since he knew it was useless to fight with them once their mind was made up, so he said, "Fine be really to leave in two hours. I'll book two more seats for you."
From the door way the guys heard, "Don't bother, I'll have Tony ready the plane for you."
"Mr. Wheeler?"
Matthew Wheeler tiredly ran his hand though his thick red hair saying, "It has come to my attention that Jim has been lying the whole time, a certain young lady stepped forward and told me everything, her part in it. Dan I think this belongs to you." Walking over to the three young men handing Dan an envelope saying, "Jilly gave me this saying that she swiped it the day Regan left."
Stunned Dan glanced at the bold writing as he asked, "Why now after all this time?"
Smiling tiredly he explained, "You know those new horses we are buying for Jim's school?" At their nods he said, "They have been trained by a certain red-headed groom and his wife."
Dan breathed, "Regan and Trixie?"
"The one and the same."
Mart asked, "Then they would know that we're coming."
"Yes they do, in fact I just received an email from them inviting all of us to come and join them for their fourth wedding anniversary."
Brian asked, "Does moms and Dad know?"
"I had your parents join me for a coffee and told them what Jilly told me, they're packing right this minute, so is Honey and Diana, so I suggest that you boys hurry up and pack so we can leave."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sioux City
Present day
18th of Aug.
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Watching his wife as she checked and rechecked the food again, he knew that she was extremely nervous about seeing her family after six long years so was he actually, he softy said, "It's time, Angel is Bella ready?"
Trixie straighten up on of chairs as she replied, "She playing with Simba, Jana keeping an eye on her."
Moving to his wife's side, Regan gathered her into his arms saying, "It going to be alright, we'll get through this together, we knew that this time was a long time coming, it time for them to met Bella and to mend some of those bridges and maybe build some new ones as well."
Kissing her forehead Regan heard her say, "I hope so, I've missed them."
"Oh love, I know you have and I have no doubts that they have missed their princess as well." Giving Trixie one last hug he said, "We better get moving baby or we'll be late."
With great reluctance Regan released Trix with a lingering look that was filled with love and desire leaning in for a quick kiss then said, "C'mon love lets gather up our daughter and go to the airport to met your family."
Smiling up at her husband Trixie said, "How is it you know exactly what to say to cheer me up?"
Tapping her on her nose he said, "That's easy love it's because I happen to love you with all my heart and you know that I'd never lie to you."
"I love you William Daniel Regan." Smiling cheekily before she dashed out the door yelling, "Last one out is a rotten egg."
Chuckling Regan followed his wife out the door, it never creased to amazed him how fast she could switch her moods even when she was younger, it was just one of the many things he loved about her. Spying Jana Peters talking to Josh Clake, he called out, "Jana, we're heading out now, keep an eye on things for us."
Jana flicked her black ponytail over her shoulder her dark eyes shining as she sung out,  "Righto boss."
Shaking his head he called back, "See you two later, if you leave before we get back, can you put Simba into the house for us?"
"Will do, now go already. You're gonna be late."
Waving Regan walked over to the ranch van joining Trixie and their daughter, getting behind the wheel he smiled at Trix as he asked, "Are my girls ready to go?"
"Vroom, vroom daddy we going vroom, vroom."
Looking over at his shoulder at his daughter who was happily kicking her feet as her blue eyes twinkled, "That's right baby girl."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Present day
The Wheeler's private plane
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Helen Belden sat beside her husband clutching his hand as she stared out the window she blocked out the others while she focused on her only daughter who she had missed over the six years she had been gone, when Matthew Wheeler told them that Trixie was innocent of what she was accursed of, she felt like the world had settle on her shoulders along with everyone else, they had missed out on nearly seven years out of her and Regan's life, Helen couldn't quite believe that her baby girl was married and had a child of her own with another on the way.
Looking worriedly over at his wife Peter squeeze her in comfort, he knew that she was worried that their daughter would never forgive them for not believing her, not being there when she really needed them, closing his eyes he bought forth the last image of his princess, sighing when he opened his eyes again wishing that he was just having a horrible nightmare, groaning when his eyes fell on the gaunt face of his oldest son who was glaring at Jim.
Peter wasn't totally sure why Matt insisted that Jim come with them, unless it was to toss him out of the plane without a parachute. Peter hoped that the Wheelers warned his daughter that their son was with them.
Tearing his eyes away from the younger man Peter smiled at the memory from that morning. . .
"Peter, Helen please have a seat, Coffee?"
Once seat Peter said, "Matt what is it? You sounded worried over the phone."
Matthew looked at his long time friend, unsure on how to tell them what his son had done to their family, he had torn apart a close knit family with his lies, because of his lies the Belden had lost their only daughter, his only daughter had lost her best friend, Dan had lost his only living relative all because his so called honorable son had lied and cheated.
"I am worried, it's has come to my attention that we have done a great injustice to Trixie."
"What!"
Closing his eyes he said, "Trixie was innocent. Jim lied, it wasn't Trixie who cheated, she had walked in on Jim and Jilly the morning after the party, Honey and Jim only witnessed Regan comforting her, here a letter explaining everything, Regan had written it before he left. He also states that Trixie, Dan and he has seen Jim and Jilly skinny dipping in the lake after the party."
Confused Helen asked, "Why wasn't this brought to our attention before now?"
"I only got this letter this morning and it seems that the new horses we were buying are from Regan and Trixie."
"They're together?"
Nodding Matt told them, "They were married nearly four years ago they have a two and half year old daughter and another on the way."
Peter demanded, "Where are they?"
"Sioux City. I need to also tell you that I received an email from them inviting us to join them to celebrate their wedding anniversary."
Slowly a smile spread across Peter's face as he exclaimed, "I'm a grandfather wow."
As he came back to the present with his smile still in place as he squeezed his wife's hand affectionately.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sioux City Airport
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clutching her husband's hand in a tight grip as she stood on her toes searching for any familiar faces, "Do you see them Regan?"
With his daughter perched on his arm and holding Trixie's hand in his other hand, with his height advantage he was able to see more of the room than his petite wife could, spotting two familiar faces in the crowd, "I can see Dan and Brian." Regan moved towards the two calling out, "Dan, Brian."
Hearing his name being called Dan turned smiling when he saw his uncle making his way towards him, "Uncle Bill, Trixie, it great to see you two again, and who is this pretty little thing?"
With a chuckle Regan said, "Dan this is your cousin Isabelle, Bella do you remember me telling you about your cousin Dan."
Nodding as she laid her head on her father's shoulder staring wide eyed at the people gathering about them, smiling shyly at them, she whispered, "Daddy that's grandmoms, mommy tole me that she looks lik her."
Trixie looked over at her mother to see what her reaction was, shocked to see tears flowing freely, licking her dry lips as she was unsure on what she was to do, she really wanted to throw herself into her parent's arms but held back she wasn't sure if her parents would welcome her with open arms, looking over at her daughter asking her, "Would you like to met your grandparents and uncles Princess?"
Reaching out with her tiny chubby arms as she nodded causing her curly reddish blond hair to bounce, wrapping her arms and legs about her mother.
Settling her daughter into a comfortable position Trixie moved closer to her family stopping in front of her mother Trixie smiled shyly at her as she said, "Moms I'd like you to met Isabelle Rose Regan, my daughter. Bella this is your grandmoms."
Helen smiled at her daughter first as she held out her arms saying, "It's a pleasure to met you Isabelle may I have a hug?"
Nodding shyly Bella leant towards her grandmoms, Trixie watched as her mother and daughter hugged for the first time, swallowing about the large lump in her throat as her father swept her into his arms as he cried, "I've missed you baby girl."
Resting her head of his shoulder, she shivered as she smelt the familiar scent of her father, "I've missed you too daddy."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Regan nodded at the others when his gaze fell onto Jim, pulling Dan closer asking in a hush tone, "What in the hell is he here for?"
Shrugging Dan replied, "I have no idea, though I did like Mr. Belden idea."
"What was that?"
"He said that he would like to see Jim sky diving without a parachute."
Regan smiled as he glanced over at the younger man before saying, "I'd like to see that as well."
With a chuckle Dan watched as Mr. Belden released his daughter only to fill his arms with his granddaughter without taking his eyes off the scene he told his uncle, "They regret what happened they all do."
"I'm glad that they are willing to come out here, they've missed out on so much of Trix and Bella's lives."
Nodding Dan asked, "Did she know that you were leaving Sleepyside to find her?"
Looking over at his nephew Regan said, "No, it wasn't till I received that call from her telling me where she was, she didn't know that I handed in my notice and planned on joining her. I'm just sorry that it's taken this long to see everyone again."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Smiling Matthew Wheeler glanced over at his daughter who was standing beside Brian, he knew that she had missed her best friend, in fact everyone missed her and Regan, Manor House never felt the same once they had left, he watched as Trixie was passed from one person to the next, grinning at her when she appeared in front of him, "Missed you Trix, it's not the same without you stirring up trouble."
Looking up she smiled as she said, "I work behind the scenes now Mr. Wheeler I'm a Forensic Psychologist, horse trainer and mother and wife now."
Grinning Matt wrapped his arms about her when he felt something move between them, stunned he pulled back so he could see the slight swell, moving one of his hands, laying his palm on her stomach smiling as he called out, "Peter you have to feel this, your grand baby is awake."
Trixie smiled as nearly everyone but two people crowd about her to feel her stomach, smiling at her husband as he moved to stand behind her placing a hand on her shoulder as he watched that was when Trixie noticed Jim for the first time, he was standing off to one side glowering at her and Regan, bracing herself she nodded at him, "Jim how are you?"
Surprised Jim nodded back as he replied, "I'm fine."
Regan lean forward whispering, "We better head home soon love."
Nodding as she asked, "Do we have enough room in the van for everyone?"
"I spotted Raven before if we have to we could ask her if she could help us out if we don't."
"She heading over to Boston remember?"
"Damn I forgot maybe she'd let us borrow her truck till she gets back."
"Good idea. I bet she'll like that idea better than leaving it here."
Regan lifted his head up and looked about saying, "There she is, I'll just head over and ask her."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Half an hour later with Trixie behind the wheel of the van pulled up beside Regan, the Beldens had insisted on riding with her and Bella, while the others rode with Regan.
"Wow this beautiful, how did you two afford this place?" Helen asked as she stepped out of the van.
"It was a wedding present from Stan and Elli Reilly, it had been in Stan's family for centuries, when I came here they took me in after I helped them out when a con man tried to take all their money, that when I called Regan to let him know where I was. I didn't know he had planned on coming out here as well, the Reillys' took him in as well. Regan helped to get the place up and running again, they treated us as their children, their children all died in a freak accident that left Elli partly crippled. Two months after we were married Stan died, Elli stayed with us, she even got to see Bella before she died in her sleep. They left everything to Regan and I."
Jim stared about him in wonder as he listened to Trixie, he had been looking for a place to expand his school, without thinking he asked, "Have you ever thought of selling? This place is perfect for my second school."
His eyes narrowed into slits as Regan spat out, "Even if we did, we wouldn't sell to you."
Trixie laid a hand on Regan's arm to calm him, as she tried to tactfully explained, "We can't sell RB Circle ever, it's stated in the deed that it can not be sold, it's in the deed that when the last Reilly dies they give the land to the rightful owners but Stan and Elli gave it to us and made us promise never to sell and it's a promise I plan of keeping, RB Circle is for our children, just as we promised Stan and Elli."
With his face flushed Jim murmured, "Sorry."
Hoping to avoid more fighting Helen asked, "Trix dear can you show me about your home?"
Smiling she nodded as she patted Regan arm, she felt some of the tension drain off him but she knew that it could flare up at a moment notice, "Bill can you show the others to their rooms? Oh I forgot to ask, apart from our parents are there any other married couples? If not all the guys and girls will be sharing room, there a rule on RB Circle and please abide by it, this rule is as old as the hills, unless you're married there is not sleeping together sorry but that is one rule you have to abide by." At the shake of their heads Trixie smiled, "We know that it's rather old fashion rule but it's one that we both agree to when Stan and Elli took us on and since there are children here beside Bella we decided to keep that rule as well."
Dan smiled at her as he said, "It's okay Trix and if anyone breaks that rule will answer to me but seriously none of us are sleeping together that I know of. I don't mind as long as Mart and Brian don't snore."
Trixie noticed that Dan didn't include Jim name she wondered if she needed to mentioned another rule they had.
Honey stepped forward saying, "It'll be just like old times."
Trixie chuckled, "Not quite Honey. I'm sharing rooms but not with you girls." Trixie smiled as she felt Regan slide his arm about her laying his hand on her stomach.
Pulling his wife closer to his body to offer his support, he knew that as hard as it was for him it was even harder on her to see everyone again. Regan chuckled as he gently pushed her towards the house saying, "Angel go and show off our house, Jana locked Simba inside since he hasn't come to greet us."
Bobby felt something tugging his pant leg looking down he was surprised to see his niece standing beside him, at the airport she had only accepted hugs from her grandparents, crouching down till he was eye level with her, he smiled as she asked, "Unc Bobby, can I show you to your room?"
Smiling at he said, "It would be my greatest honour to have you show me to my room, who am I sharing with?" He already knew that he was rooming with Jim since Brian and Mart had refused to share a room with Jim, since finding out the truth, he didn't even want to think what would happen if Dan did, suppressing a sigh that he felt building as he glanced over at the red head, he was just as angry as his older brothers were at Jim, but he'd keep the peace for Trixie sake.
Bella pointed to the tall man who had hair like her daddy did saying, "Him, me forgot his name." Ducking her head shyly missing the look Bobby threw at the other man.
Fighting the urge to throw his arms about his niece Bobby said, "That's alright honey, we don't expect you to remember all our names, his name is Jim."
Smiling brightly Bella tottered over to Jim saying, "Me show you and Unc Bobby to your room ok?"
Jim didn't noticed that everyone grew quite as they waited for his response, crouching down Jim smiled at the little girl with her curly reddish blond hair perched wildly in a ponytail on top of her head, with her wide blue eyes twinkling, 'Just like her mother.' Jim thought, 'This could have be mine if I hadn't fucked it up. Well nothing I can do about it now, she married to Regan and they are happy even I can see that. God she looks like Trix, god I've missed her, I never realized how much I needed her as a friend nothing seems as bright as it did, and who fault is that James? Stupid fool you ruined everything, I have to fix things I need Trix in my life again she's my best friend in the world even more so than Brian was.'  Jim shook his head to clear it only to find a concerned Bella looking at him, "You okay Jimmy?"
Trixie gasp aloud when she heard her daughter call Jim, Jimmy only his mother and her had ever gotten away with calling him Jimmy.
Smiling Jim said, "Sorry kiddo my mind wandered for a bit. Shall we go and find uncle Bobby and my room?"
Nodding Bella held Jim hand as she sung out, "Unc Bobby are you reddy?"
Nodding Bobby gathered up his bags as Regan said, "Bella they are in the room across from you."
Bella tugged on Jim's hand as she answered her father, "Me know daddy, c'mon I'll show you where you're sweeping."
Stepping on the other side of Bella, Bobby offered his hand, he'd be damned if he'd let her hold Jim's hand and not his, deep down he knew it was petty but she was his only niece after all not Jim's.
Trixie smiled as they passed her saying, "You have to unlock the gates, you can't just climb over them, the latch is on the other side and out of reach of the children."
Brian frown as he asked, "You mentioned children how many are there?"
Smiling as she explained, "This is a day camp for children, Regan and I thought it would be a good idea to open a day camp for children who wished to learn to ride horses and in the weekend we offer riding lessons to adults, not many come here for that one since most already know how to ride but they do come to hired horses and ride the trails. We have a full time Vet and a part time Doctor along with a full time nurse and cook, along with part time and full time staff."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
An hour later everyone gathered about the dinner table, after saying grace, Regan stood up at the head of the table once he got everyone attention he said, "I hope you don't mind serving yourself, all meals are served buffet style, times for meals are six to nine in the morning, lunch is twelve to one and dinner is between the hours of six to seven if you which to place a special order for any meal please give Hannah and her daughter Tabatha plenty of warning or you will have what is posted on the board, on today menu is roast Chicken with all the trimmings, so feel free to help yourself, though I may suggest that Mart goes last, I still remember his love of food, I think David and Trevor may give him a run for his money though."
Blushing Mart joked, "Aw shucks Regan is that all you remember about me?"
"Nope I remember your unrelenting teasing and those great big long words you loved to use but didn't know how to spell them."
"My dear Regan I'm swooning that you even remembered me, though it is hard to forget me since you married my almost twin Beatrix."
Regan shot back, "The better twin I'd have to say."
"Oh you wound me dear sir."
Laughing Trixie glance at the two as she said, "God I've missed that. Don't encourage him Regan you'll never get him to stop otherwise. Perhaps I can interested the others in food while these two clown about."
Regan caught the gleam in his wife eye as she dished up a small plate for their daughter, moving over to her, he whispered, "I love you baby."
Tilting her head up she grinned as she whispered back, "Love you too."
Brushing his lips against Trixie's temple he said, "Go and start feeding our imp, I'll get your dinner for you."
"Thanks love my feet are getting rather sore from standing up."
"Go and sit down then and gossip, catch up with everyone."
"I will thanks sweetheart."
Smiling Regan picked up two plates before kissing her again on the cheek.
Walking to the table Trixie sat down beside her daughter who was happily banging her spoon on the table top of her highchair, smiling Trixie asked, "Hungry are we sweetheart?"
Peter watched as his only daughter interact with her own baby girl, he had so many things he wanted to tell his daughter, he also had many questions he wanted to ask her and Regan, during the day he had watched Regan and Trixie interacting and he knew beyond a doubt that they totally loved each other something he had never witness while Trix and Jim had dated. Trixie was more comfortable than she had been but then she openly expressed her love without blushing, her eyes shone brightly whenever she saw her husband, Peter wished to know this new Trixie even though he didn't like the way she left but he knew that his baby had finally found who she really was, he knew that before she left that she had been struggling with who she really was, he was thankful that Regan had followed his baby girl and giving her unconditional love and support that her family hadn't given her, a mistake he would make up to her if it took him the rest of his life, his baby had grown into a beautiful woman.
Feeling someone watching her Trixie looked up finding her father staring at her, his brown eyes fill with love and regret, smiling at him she asked, "Daddy would you like to feed Bella?"
Nodding Peter stood up and made his way over to them, laying a hand on his daughter shoulder squeezing it gently before sitting in front of his granddaughter.
Leaning over Trixie kissed her father's cheek whispering, "I missed you daddy." Before moving away she smiled at him as she said, "I love you daddy."
Peter felt his eyes well up as he glanced up at her as he told her, "I love you as well princess."
Leaning over Trixie wiped her father's cheek as a tear slipped down, smiling she asked, "Would you care to join me in a walk after dinner daddy?"
To choked up for words Peter managed to nod his head.
Regan smiled widely as he gave Peter and Trixie some privacy before joining them, once Peter started feeding Bella he joined them dropping a kiss on his daughter head as he passed, placing a plateful of food in front of his wife before sitting down next to her without a word he pointed at her plate watching her till she begun to eat before he begun to eat his own food.
Amused Trixie begun to eat swallowing she told him, "Daddy and I are going for a walk after dinner."
With a fond look and a nod Regan went back to eating his dinner, he listen to the others chat, all the while wondering how the hell he and Trixie were going to explain their actions, when another thought cleared his head of everything, just what the hell was Jim Frayne doing here? Was he hoping to get back with Trixie? Not a chance in hell. Chuckling as he looked over at the younger man, he had noticed the looks Jim had given them since arriving.
Trixie shook her head as she noticed that Regan was staring at Jim leaning over she whispered, "That green eyed monster is showing love."
Chuckling Regan looked into her bright blue eyes as he said, "I'm wondering what the hell he here for and what he has planned."
"Well if he had thoughts of getting back with me they are dashed, perish that thought baby, even if I wasn't with you, the love of my life, I wouldn't go back to him, he cheated on me. I would never trust any guy would did that to me the best he could hope for is being friends and even that would take a lot of work, you know as well as I that what hurt the most was that he lied and let everyone think it was me who cheated on him, all he had to do was speak up and all this could have been avoided but he didn't."
"I know all that but I'm still worried, why he even here? And what the hell was Matt thinking bringing him here?"
"I know and so am I." Looking up Trixie stared over at Jim and noticed the flush look as she caught him looking at them standing up she said, "I think it's time to ask him why he here, coming love?" Holding her hand out to him smiling as he said, "Sure am honey."
Matt reached over and grabbed Regan's arm as they passed saying, "Not now guys. I know you're wondering why he here but believe me it will all be explained in time but not now please?"
Frowning Trixie asked, "Why not Mr. Wheeler?"
"It will be clear to you in time but believe me he didn't think it was a good idea for him to be here and normally I'd agree but this time more is at stake than his comfort. I'll explain everything I promise but please give me another day or two."
Trixie nodded as she looked at Regan saying, "Okay, we expect an explanation in a day or two but not a day longer."
Nodding Matt smiled as he said, "Thanks."
Jim frowned as he watched his father intercept Regan and Trixie, grimly he wondered, 'When the hell is this nightmare going to be over, all I want is my life back. I should have never got involved with that bitch, she has ruined everything for me. But Jim you played a major part in your own downfall, if you had kept it in your pants and waited liked you promised, you wouldn't be in this damn mess you're in now would you?'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Forgiven
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Walking with his daughter, Peter took in the beauty that surrounded his daughter home, walking one of the many trails walking beside Trixie, he could make out the sound of water in a distance, glancing over at his daughter he took in the nature grace as she walked, she had let her naturally curly hair grow, which she had insisted on keeping short while growing up, he could still see his tomboy Trixie in the new Trixie but the new Trix and the old had blended as one. She had learnt to blend the two together and become the Trixie standing beside him, one he might not have known if she had stayed with Jim, while Jim had tried to change Trixie to be what he wanted her to be, Regan had let her be herself giving her the confidence she needed to realize her dreams and letting her be who she was without trying to control her, he was sorry that he missed the transformation among other things they had missed.
"Daddy?"
"Mmm?"
Nervously Trixie looked everywhere but at her father as she said, "I'm sorry for not getting in touch before now, both Regan and I really wanted you at our wedding but were unsure if you'd come. I know when I left for college everyone was angry at me."
Peter moved over to her saying, "I understand princess and at the time we wouldn't have come. We missed you like crazy, it wasn't the same without you, but we were still angry not with you or Regan but with everything that was going on, I didn't want to believe it but when you left there was a rumor that you were pregnant with Jim or Regan's child."
Shocked Trixie cut in saying, "I was not pregnant daddy and I never ever slept with Jim or Regan while I was living at home, the only man I've ever been with is Regan and that was after our wedding, Bella is the only child I've given birth to, that is until this one is born."
Peter sadly shook his head as he told her, "I believe you baby, before we came out here Jilly told us everything what she and Jim did to you and Regan, not sure if you know this but I was pleased when Regan left town, I knew he was going to find you, I also knew that he'd leave no stone unturned until he found you. I also knew that once he found you, you'd be safe with him, that he'd do anything and everything in his power to keep you safe, he was the only one beside Dan who believed in you, that why I wasn't surprised when Matt told us that you and Regan had married."
Trixie reached up and cupped her dad's cheek as she said, "I'm glad that you had that peace of mind. I never meant to hurt anyone by leaving like I did but Daddy I had to go, it was killing me when no one but Regan and Dan would believe me or listen to me. I hated the fact that everyone I loved turned their backs on me, so I left hoping that one day I could come back home, when Regan turned up he told me that no one ever talked about me it was like my name was taboo, he also told me that Bobby would come to talk to him about me."
Drawing Trixie into his arms as she cried, smoothing her hair as he told her, "Bobby missed you alot, we all did, he moped about the house with Reddy on his heels even Reddy missed you, Crabapple was never the same with you gone, it was like all the light and happiness had left when you left. Brian and Mart hardly ever came home during breaks, even Honey and Di, Dan was the only one who came to visit. I swear he visited every chance he got he even moved in with us for a while after Mr. Maypenny had died. You know now that I think back he wasn't even all that upset when Regan left, I should have known."
"Daddy, Dan didn't know Regan was leaving, Regan had arranged for a replacement, he couldn't leave Mr. Wheeler in the lurch like that, he told me he was planning on leaving the day I called, he was leaving to find me. I called at the insistence of Elli. When I arrived here I met Elli at the bank, and a week later she asked me where I was staying. . . .
"My dear I insist that you stay with my husband and I."
"I can't Mrs. Reilly."
"Oh hog wash, you're staying with us and that's that, living at that place you're staying at will cost you a fortune my dear. And for the last time call me Elli, you're making me feel ancient calling me Mrs. Reilly."
Grinning Trixie decided it was wise not to fight with the older lady, Trixie gave in reluctantly, "Alright but only till I find a place on my own to live in."
"No, till you go home again
Fighting the tears that threaten to fall, Trixie sadly said, "I can't go home again."
Patting Trixie's hand Elli told her, "Maybe not now you can't but one day my dear you'll know when the time is right."
Surprised Trixie nodding slowly as she realized that she was right.
"Now my dear, follow me and we'll get your things, you can tell me all about that handsome man who consumes your thoughts."
Surprised Trixie asked, "Excuse me?"
With a knowing smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes she chuckled, "My dear when you get to my age, you'll realize that it's useless to muck about, these young people who tiddy dally about instead of admitting their feelings miss out. Now promise me young lady that you'll call him when we get home or you'll lose him. He must be something special to steal your heart. Tell me what he like?"
Surprised at the rate things were moving she was rather shocked that the older lady knew that she loved Regan when she only just realized it herself, since arriving at NYU college, Trixie had felt unsettled not knowing why she had thrown herself into her classes, she asked for a transfer over to SCU after Fred Nash began stalking her, she had planned on calling Regan once she had found a place to stay and was settled, she had missed him more than she thought she would over the six months she had be gone.
Elli smiled, she knew that the young lady would call her young man and two things would happen, either Trixie will go home and join him or he'd come out here and join her, she was hoping that he'd come out here, she didn't want to lose this young lady just yet, she reminded her of her daughter, Jamie.
Half an hour later Trixie had gathered together her gear and paid her bill following Elli, still rather stunned at the pace things were moving since arriving in Sioux City.
"This way dear." Stopping in from of a battered jeep Elli climbed in saying, "Throw your stuff in the back."
Half an hour later Elli Reilly parked beside an old ford pickup truck that had seen better days.
"Here we are dear RB Circle."
Once out of the jeep Trixie slowly turned smiling her first real smile in months, "Gosh everything seems so big, it's beautiful."
Elli nodded, "It sure is this place has been in Stan's family since the year eighteen twenty's they were one of the first settlers, over the years it's grown. Now come with me I'll show where you'll sleep and the phone so you can call your man."
Blushing Trixie followed Elli into the two story ranch house at a closer look she noticed that the house was actually made out of logs asking, "Are these the original logs?"
With a chuckle Elli exclaimed, "Good heaven no, the original house was burnt down in Nineteen twenty, they rebuild the house exactly the same as the original."
"Oh."
Smiling Elli said, "Don't worry, it has all the modern gadgets, including a dish washer." Smiling at the younger girl she leant closer and whispered, "I hate doing dishes, so I wore Stan down till he got one for me. Now come on in, the day ain't getting any younger, you have a young man to call, by the way what's his name?"
Giggling Trixie follow Elli into the house saying, "His name is William Regan, everyone calls him Regan for some reason."
"Well you'll have to ask him why that is, I'm sure it a simple answer like that it suits him better, now here the phone, I'll have Gavin take your bags upstairs for you, now call him."
Moving into the small room Trixie closed the door with a sigh wondering what she was going to say how could she say something so personal over the phone? Taking a deep breath she walked over to the desk sitting down she tried to compose herself before picking up the phone, many times she had picked up the phone and begun calling before hanging up while at NYU, punching in the number that was as familiar as hers was, she held her breath as she heard the other side ring she half hoped he wasn't there and then again she wanted to hear his voice again, she nearly dropped the phone when she heard, "Bill Regan speaking."
"Regan?"
"Trixie is that you?"
"Yeah it's me."
"Thank god, where are you? I tried calling but they told me that you left and they couldn't tell me where you went since I'm not family. I've missed you."
Trixie cried, "I miss you as well Regan, I'm in Sioux City."
"I'm coming."
"No don't."
"Why not? God Trix I need to see you baby, it's so hard here now that you're gone. I need to tell you something, it's real important."
With hope flaring in her heart she ignored the first part and latched onto the last part, "What is it?"
"God, I don't wanna tell you over the phone."
She felt her chest tighten as she asked, "Is everything alright with my family?"
"They're fine, sorry for worrying you, it's about us, you and me."
Grinning she asked, "What about us Regan?"
She could tell that he was smiling without even seeing him, "You really want me to tell you over the phone?"
"Only if you want to."
Trixie heard him taking a deep breath before he blurted out, "I love you."
Trixie grinned as she told him, "I love you too."
"I'm coming to Sioux City, look out for me baby."
"I will, when you come ask in town for RB Circle I'm staying here. I'm sure the Reillys will let you stay here as well if you want."
"We'll see when I get there, I better go so I can book my flight, see you real soon baby."
"I love you."
"Love you too, bye."
"Bye."
Trixie slowly lowered the phone stunned that he returned her feeling and was even giving up everything just for her. . . .
"He arrived two days later, when he saw me he swept me up in his arms and kissed me right in the middle of the yard, the Reillys gave him a job, while I went to college, he helped to build up the place he went on trips and bought horses, he asked me to marry him on my nineteenth birthday, we had a short engagement four months later we were married by the waterfalls."
"Sounds beautiful."
"Oh daddy it was, if you like I can show you and moms where we got married tomorrow. It was also on video if you wish to watch it."
"I'd like that so would your bothers." Peter hinted at her.
"Yeah they would and Dan as well, I'm not ready to share with the others yet, do you think they would mind much if this time it was just a family trip?"
"I don't think they would mind, actually I think they'll understand. Now as much as I like this spending time with you I think the others might be starting to worry."
"Before we go, what's going on with Mr. Wheeler? Regan and I wanted to know why Jim was here and he asked us to wait a couple of days."
Frowning Peter said, "I don't know but he insisted that Jim join us but something up and has been for awhile."
Trixie tried to contain her curiosity at the first whiff of a mystery, glancing at her wrist to see what time it was, "We better hurry or Bella will be looking for me."
Concerned Peter asked, "Are you missing something?"
Smiling up at her father as she told him, "It's bath time or as Bella calls it fun time, Regan likes to call it family time since we're all in the same room."
Chuckling Peter said, "Ahh yes I remember bath time with each and everyone of you kids."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Daddy?"
Laying down the paper Regan looked at his solemn looking daughter as she tugged on her shirt while she chewed on her bottom lip, "Yes Bella?"
"Where Mommy?"
"She went for a walk with your grandfather."
"Oh she be back soon?"
Lifting her onto his lap he told her, "I'm sure mommy on her way as we speak."
Snuggling into her father Isabelle smiled sleepily at her uncle Brian who was tickling her feet as they dangled near his face, looking up Brian smiled as she fought to keep her eyes open, he asked, "Need help to put her to bed?"
Shaking his head as Bella said, "No, it's fun time, we're just waiting on mommy."
"Fun time?" Brian asked.
From the door Trixie explained, "It's what she calls bath and bed time. Sorry I was late princess didn't realize how late it was, are we ready?"
"Yup, ready daddy?"
"Sure am lets go. We'll be back soon." Standing up with Bella still in arms he moved over to Trixie then headed upstairs.
Helen watch them disappear from view then asked her husband, "How did it go?"
Nodding he said, "Tomorrow she wants to show us where she and Regan got married."
Mart who was playing with Simba on the floor asked, "All of us?"
"Just the family, she still skittish about what everyone thinks about what happened, she still thinks that we're still mad at her, it's going to take time to resolve everything."
Dan asked, "Does family mean me as well?"
"Yes Dan you're included as well. I hope everyone else understands."
Honey tried to smile as she said, "We do, though it does hurt to be excluded."
From his spot in the corner where he had been observing most of the evening, Jim quietly said "Then you'll have a small taste of what she went through, won't you then Honey? Since that what we did to her before she left but in a larger dose. We have to accept things on her terms not ours or should I say yours since I did the larger amount of damage than anyone else and it will take a miracle for them to forgive me."
Lowering his eyes Jim felt that his words had made the desired affect he wanted, he made them realize that they had to accept that it was going to take awhile for Trixie and Regan to trust them again and that they had to start with family before anyone else, he knew beyond a doubt that Trixie would forgive each and everyone even him but it wasn't going to happen overnight and Regan was going to take even longer, he wasn't as forgiving as Trix was, he knew that he may never be trusted again by either of them, it had taken a long time and a lot of talking on his part to get his parents to help him with his problem.
Dan may not like or trust Jim but he had to agree with his statement, he knew that everyone but him and Bobby, had to work things out with Trixie and Regan.
Brian nodded thoughtfully as he agreed, "Jim right. It has to be on their terms and not ours as much as I wish everything would and could be sorted out in the time we have here most of it will be but not everything, we all did a lot of damage to both of them it's just not Trixie we need to work things out with but also Regan and we need to repair what we can while we're here but it won't be all done with this one trip it will take a lot of time if we ever want to sort this out and at their pace not ours."
Peter smiled as he told them, "It may not be as bad as you think Trixie and I talked while we walked and opened up the communication lines to each other, you just have to listen to each other as long as you're both willing to work it out then it will happen."
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Upstairs Regan and Trixie finished putting their daughter to bed with a last kiss, "Sweet dreams baby girl."
Smiling sleepily at her parents as she tiredly whispered, "Night daddy, mommy."
Creeping out of the room they left the door opened a crack, pulling Trixie into their room Regan pulled her into his arms asking, "And how are you feeling beautiful?"
With a small smile she laid her head onto his chest as she replied, "Better now that I'm with you."
"Feeling rather overwhelmed are we?"
"Mmm, you can say that again."
Burying his face into Trixie's blond locks, breathing in the scent of her shampoo, he loved the scent of it.
"I promised daddy that tomorrow we'll show them where we got married, you don't mind do you?"
Lifting his  head asked, "We as in who Angel?"
"Just the family. I don't feel comfortable showing everyone just yet, maybe later before they head home."
Leaning down Regan kissed her nose before saying, "Whenever you're ready baby. Shall we make a day of it and take the jeep?"
Trixie asked worriedly, "Do you think the others would mind being left behind?"
Regan considered saying he didn't give a damn what they did or didn't mind but one look at his wife's face he smiled as he said, "We could let Johnny and Karla show them about the town and then have them ride the trails."
Tilting her head up Trixie grinned as she saw the look on his face she knew what he was thinking chuckling she hugged him tighter as she told him, "Sounds good, we better head back downstairs, I also promised to show our wedding video and pictures."
Grinning down at her as he returned her hug he could never hide anything from her, she knew how to read him like a book, she even knew everything about him, he hid nothing from her and she from him.
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
New York City
Present Day
Aug. 18th
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Tessa these two are your target."
Glancing at the photo's she pointed at the others in the photo asking, "What about them?"
"You have your orders, those and only those two, the Boss just wants those two if he thinks you're even thinking on plying your charm on him, he'll make you wish that you never tried to cross him."
Tessa sneered, "What so damn special about him?"
"You wouldn't be able to turn his head."
"There has never been no man who can resisted my charm Luis and you know it. I'd bet I could smile and crook my finger at him and he'd be on his knees begging me."
"Believe me Tessa if you tried he'd ignore you like last weeks rubbish."
"That sounds like a challenge and one I just may take you up on."
"You try and the Boss will deal with you like I said and that's a promise. Tessa a word of warning don't even try it leave him alone, cause if you don't you'll regret it."
"I don't understand why leave him out of the deal?"
"You have your orders, you don't need to understand what or why. All you're to worry about are your orders."
Tearing her eyes from the photo's as she asked, "I still say I could make him pant like a dog after a bitch in heat."
With a twinkle in his eyes he said, "Sorry sweetheart I'd lose big time, there is only one woman he pants after and that his wife."
Glancing back at the photo sneering, "She ain't nothing special."
As he walked away he called back, "Jealous?"
Chuckling when he heard her shrieked, "Of what? She ain't anything to look at, me think her man needs to have his eyes checked."
Closing the door Luis leant up against it as he remembered meeting the two from a previous meeting when he had tried his best to tear the couple apart, they couldn't tear their eyes away from each other. Luis had flirted like mad with Trixie Belden-Regan and she didn't even look twice at him, he wasn't use of any female young or old ignoring him so he had tried harder to get her attention when that failed it hit him that she totally loved her husband and no other would do for her, he even guessed that if anything were to happen to him, she would never remarry or have another relationship with another man again. Pushing away from the door Luis wondered if he'd ever find someone to love him that way.
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
RB Circle
Aug. 19th
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Stifling a yawn as she enter the kitchen, not expecting anyone else to be up at such an early hour beside Regan who was checking the horses before breakfast, Trixie nearly jumped when someone, "Good morning my dear."
"Shit. . . Oh sorry Mr. Wheeler I wasn't expecting anyone up this early."
Grinning Matthew peered over his coffee cup as he apologized, "Sorry Trixie, Regan still in bed?"
Grinning as she poured a cup of coffee as she told him, "Nope if you remember rightly Regan thinks that still being in bed at six is a sleep in, he's over at the stable checking on Chloe before we head out, she going to have her foal soon."
Nodding as he remembered Regan saying something about that before they headed to bed, "Does he expect any problems?"
Sipping her drink as she eyed the older man in front of her, noticing that he had some fine lines that wasn't there before, over the six years she had been gone he had aged, taking in the worried lines that creased his brow she asked, "Is everything alright?"
"You haven't change much have you?"
Grinning over at him as she said, "If you mean, do I still poke my nose into things that have no concerned of mine? Yeah I do but now I'm trained and licensed to do it."
Nodding Matthew smiled as he said, "I have another day to explain, all will be revealed tomorrow."
"Okay I'll wait till then, if I can help you in anyway just ask."
"You're helping by letting us stay here, before I forget shall I book a room for Miss. Trask and Tom?"
"Celia as well?" At his nod she carried on, "The guys can move over to the stable apartment and if they don't like it they can. . ."
Matt interrupted her by saying, "Trixie normally I'd agree with that arrangement but the others are really mad at Jim for this mess and I don't blame them one bit. I'm not happy about it either but it really would be better if Jim sleeps in the house."
"There something more to this than you're telling us about his being here but I'll wait as promised, okay he can sleep in the house but can't sleep in my study to many private files in there, let me talk to Regan and we'll find somewhere for him to sleep."
From the door way Regan said, "My study, it has the roll away and there nothing important in there that can't be moved into your study." Walking towards the table Regan leant down and gave Trixie a kiss and rubbed her stomach as he said, "Morning Matthew. Where are the others?"
"Sleeping in."
With a good nature growl, "Sleeping in? Wasting the day away huh?"
Shaking her head at him as he headed over to the coffee pot, "I'm guessing Bella crawled into someone's bed then?"
Just then Jim walked in cradling Bella in his arms saying, "I think someone needs to be changed."
Looking over, Regan began laughing at the pinched expression on Jim's face as he handed his daughter over to Trixie.
Trixie went to stand up when Regan eased Bella out of her grasp saying, "You stay there love, I'll change her."
Matthew watched as Regan walked out of the kitchen he looked over at Trixie as he said, "You've got him trained well."
Before she could replied a voice from the doorway cheerfully called out, "Good morning my sweet Pixie girl."
"Morning Cloud, what brings you up this early in the morning?"
"Coffee Pixie, you know that Sky still in dreamland and my coffee tastes like shit."
Chuckling Trixie replied, "You know where everything is."
Cody Wind-Cloud Walker wandered over to the coffee pot pouring a cup he leant against the sideboard eyeing the two red headed men, he knew without being told who they were.
Jim glanced over at the young man who strolled into the house like he owned it, he took in his skin was a burnish brown, his long raven black hair was in two braids that rested on his chest, he knew beyond a doubt that the young man was of Native American descent.
Cody hid his smile as he felt the intense gaze lowing his eyes till he locked onto the owner of the green orbs smiling slightly as he asked cheekily, "Like what you see?" Peter smile widen as he witness Jim's face flush in embarrassment, he was thankful for his darker skin as he watched Jim go beet red.
Trixie shook her head as she rebuked him, "Cloud behave yourself." Looking over at Jim as she told him, "Don't mind him Jim, he's nearly as bad as Mart in the teasing department."
 "Moi?"
"Yes you Cody. Oh how rude of me, please excuse me. Cody I'd like you to met Matthew Wheeler and his son Jim Frayne, Matthew, Jim this is Regan's and my great friend Cody Wind-Cloud Walker."
Nodding at them Cody drawled, "Nice to met ya."
Nodding at the darker man Jim lower his eyes wondering if he could be trusted, having had learnt that lesson the hard way when he trusted someone he thought he cared about only to have her and her father stomp all over him and his feelings.
Cody eyed his new contact as he said, "Mightily warm ain't it Red Feather?" Smirking as Jim's head flew up with his green eyes wide.
Jim couldn't help it when he yelped, "Not here, this is not the meeting place."
Surprised Trixie yelped, "You're Red Feather?
Nodding slowly Jim eyed the other man as he asked, "How much to you know Trixie?"
Looking between the two worriedly as she told him, "All I know is that Cody or Cloud-Walker was meeting an informant who code name was Red Feather with information concerning Carlo Fanz." She explained as she fiddled with her mug. Without looking at her friend she quietly rebuked, "Cody, Jim's right this isn't the time or place to discuss this, you know better than that."
Trixie eyed Jim as she noticed the smug look that flickered over his face, "Wipe that look off your face James."
Jerking his head up at the tone in her voice, he had never heard it before, his eyes widen as he stared at her, seeing a different Trixie to the one he knew before. Looking over at his father, nodding slightly at him.
Feeling the tension in the room between the two younger men, Matthew decided to ease some of it by telling Jim, "Slick or other wise known as Trixie to her friends has been running computer checks and hacking into Fanz systems for us, Zack just told me to bring Jim here to met his new contact."
Trixie smiled as she said, "Makes sense now."
 Chewing the inside of his cheek as he stared her, his father told her, "Yes I guess it does, but that not all, a week ago Jim overheard a conversion between Jilly and a girl named Tessa when he came home earlier than he was meant to, not much later Jilly left after telling me what happened." Jim saw Trixie flinch at Jilly's name.
Ignoring the last bit of Matthew statement, Trixie nodded slowly as she run off the details she knew of Tessa, "Tessa Maree Shaw, was last seen in New York, twenty six, brown hair, blue eyes, six foot tall, rumor is that no man can resist her charm, Tessa is also a master of disguises when it's called for but prefers to work without them, she works for a man who is only known as the Boss, his real name is unknown to everyone but his right hand woman who is also his mistress, Tessa also hires out her gun to the highest bidder, her only known loyalty is to the Boss and money, my contact says she heading down here."
Cody asked, "Who her target?"
"My guess would be you or James maybe Matt."
"Why not you?" Jim asked.
"I'm an unknown factor."
Surprised Jim asked, "What do you mean you're unknown?"
Cody groaned, "What part of unknown do you not understand?"
Glaring Jim muttered, "All I want to know is why doesn't he know of you."
Glaring across the table as she snapped, "I'm not saying that he doesn't know of me but to him I'm not a real treat, I don't work in the front line. I prefer working in the background, less risky that way."
Before Jim could say anymore they heard Regan returning with the others, he could make out Mart voice as he asked, "What for breakfast Bro?"
Jim heard Regan chuckle, "I see nothing has changed with you Mart still thinking about food."
As they entered the kitchen Brian replied, "Nope he still eats like a pig."
Jim felt the fight drain out of him, dropping his eyes to the table top thinking, 'Damn I've missed the joking and laughter. Will we ever be that comfortable with each other again? God I hope so.'
Walking over to the table Brian nodded at everyone as he leant down and kissed Trixie on the cheek, "Good morning sis."
"Morning Bri, Mart. Where Dan and Bobby?"
"Dan in the shower and Rob is still asleep."
Trixie nodded as she remembered that her little brother loved to sleep just like she did, "Regan where Bella?"
"Kidnapped by your folks."
Grinning Trixie sipped some of her drink as she watched her brothers stroll over to the coffee pot.
Regan frowned as he sat beside Trixie, he felt the tension as soon as he entered the room, nodding at Cody as he asked, "Where Sky?"
With a grin he said, "Where do you think Billy?"
Shaking his head as he gruffly said, "Sleeping the day away."
Leaning against the counter Brian eyed the young man he guessed that he was about his age or older, sipping his coffee closing his eyes with a sigh, "Ahh that hits the spot."
Cody nodded as he said, "It sure does, Pixie sure knows how to brew a great Java."
Mart frowned as he asked, "Pixie?"
Rolling her eyes as she explained, "Me, for some reason Cody insists on calling me Pixie."
With a gleam in his eye he teased back, "You love it my little Pixie." Before she could replied he said, "Woah I've died and gone to heaven."
Without even looking she knew that Honey and Diana had walk into the kitchen, rolling her eyes at her husband who chuckled, they were use to Cody flirting with the females, turning in her seat she saw that her parents, Bobby and Dan with Bella in his arms had joined them as well. Trixie grinned when she heard a woman say, "Cody don't you give-up?"
"Sky me love."
Ignoring him she reached over and began pouring a cup of coffee as she said, "Ignore my husband he completely harmless." Moving over to the table Sky glanced about saying, "Nice to met ya all, now let me see if I can guess who everyone is, that tall and dark brooding guy holding Bella has got to be Dan, the good looking blond has to be your almost twin Martin, beside him is Brian, oh god another who looks like you that has to be your baby brother Bobby. Oh I can see where Brian gets his looks from, he's a splitting image of your father. The two red heads has to be Jim and his father Matthew. Trixie love why didn't you tell me that Sleeplyside has some hunks?" Chuckling as she noticed that nearly all of the males in the room turned red.
Cody said, "Well Pixie I can see where you get your looks from, Mrs. Belden are you sure you're not Pixie's older sister?"
Blushing prettily Helen giggled as Trixie rolled her eyes again.
Mart frown as he watched the scene, not really sure what he was witnessing, Bobby nudged him as he whispered, "What is it will all these guys fawning over Trixie?"
Cody smirked when he overheard Bobby, "Bobby don't you know that your sister is really beautiful?"
Confused Bobby looked over at her as, he said, "I never really took any notice."
Trixie shook her head hoping that Cody would stop, she could see that Mart was getting angry, hiding her smile as she remembered that Mart loved to tease his siblings but got riled when someone else tease them, Brian hoping to defuse any fights asked, "What for breakfast sis?"
Smiling over at him as she told him, "What would you like? Hannah and Tabatha are coming in later so we're in change of the kitchen till they arrive."
Regan got to his feet saying, "We have eggs, bacon, all the mixing for pancakes."
Rubbing his hands together Mart replied, "That will do for starters."
Trixie laughed along with the others, she felt the last of the tension disappear out of the room, looking about at her family and friends she felt that everything was going to be perfectly perfect.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
TBC in Magic Moments
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Magic Moments
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once breakfast was finished and the dishes loaded into the dishwasher, Regan smiled as he told the others, "Before we head out can you guys gather your gear together? We need your rooms for more guests, you'll be staying in the apartment above the stables. Jim as you know you'll be sleeping in my study."
Jim nodded as he stood up ignoring the looks that passed over the others faces, shoving his hurt feelings aside as he asked, "Is there enough room for my gear or shall I store my things in my parents room?"
"While you're here I won't be using my study, so it would be better to keep your things in there with you."
Jim started to head out of the kitchen stopping when he realized he didn't know where Regan's study was turning he asked, "Can you show me where I'm sleeping?"
Starting up Trixie said, "I'll show on the way. Regan what time are we going?"
Smiling at his wife as he replied, "As long as it takes to get everything ready Angel."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Once everyone was piled into the jeep Regan headed towards the falls, he felt relaxed as he listened to the others chatting, he smiled as Bella giggled at something her poppa whispered to her, grinning when Trixie joked with her family, he had be worried about inviting everyone to visit.
Helen asked, "Trixie how did Regan propose to you?"
With her eyes bright Trixie remembered that day as if it was yesterday, "It was on my nineteenth birthday. . . .
Stan Reilly cheerfully called out "Happy Birthday Trixie dear."
Leaning down Trixie kissed the weather beaten cheeks before sitting down, she was surprised to find that Regan was missing from the table, since arriving they both had their meals together, picking up her mug as she asked, "Thanks Stan. Where Regan?"
Just then Regan entered in time to hear her, grinning he said, "Right here love, did you miss me?"
Blushing Trixie ducked her head as she ignored his question and said, "Good morning."
Chuckling Regan leant down and kissed her cheek, pulling back slightly he whispered, "Happy Birthday Angel."
 Looking up at him with a smile saying, "Thanks."
Sitting down beside her he asked, "Angel can you keep this afternoon free please?"
Nodding Trixie fought the urge to ask him what he had planned but she knew that he wouldn't tell her, he would and could keep secrets better than anyone she knew and no amount of pleading or begging could sway him when his mind was made up.
"I have half day today so I'll come straight home after."
With a smile Regan said, "Good."
Trixie missed the gleam in his eyes when he ducked his and began eating.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Trixie rushed out of her last class of the day towards her car not even stopping to talk to her friends just calling out, "Sorry can't stop have to get home."
"Ahh we understand Trix who can blame ya when you have that hunk waiting at home, I'd be rushing home as well."
"Store it Hannah."
"Happy Birthday Trix."
"Thanks." Privately she thought, 'It'd would be if I was with my family.'
Throwing her bag into the back of the jeep and climbing behind the wheel Trixie headed for home waving to friends who were going to the diner for their weekly gathering, she usually went with them.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Arriving home Trixie jumped out of the jeep and rushed into the house calling out, "I'm home."
Not surprised when no one answered her racing up the stairs to her room, changing quickly out of the clothes she worn into a pair of her worn jeans and a shirt, running a brush through her tangled curls once done she picked up a photo of her family smiling sadly as she traced the faces as she whispered, "I love you." Wiping her face she gently placed the frame back onto her dresser and headed out of her room and down the stairs.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~









Chapter One
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"What do you mean another agent is missing?"
"Just what I meant sir, agent Melrose is missing from the Washington sector sir."
"Is Scarecrow in charge of that sector?"
"No Doctor Smith is, then Billy Melrose."
"Never did liked that man Smith, bring Scarecrow and his lovely wife in, what her name again?"
"Amanda sir."
"Ah yes, that right lovely lady, also bring in the Hardy's."
"Hardy's sir?"
"You have heard of Fenton Hardy and his sons?"
"Yes sir I have."
"Good bring them in."
"Aye sir."
"Also bring in that Belden girl and her partner."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Twenty-six year old Frank Hardy and his twenty-five year old brother Joe Hardy, walked into their family home, greeting their mother with a smile and a kiss on the cheek, slim blond blue eyed Laura Hardy, smiled up at her son's the complete opposite of each other, with his bright blue eyes twinkling as he joked with his older brother took after her, while her first born was the splitting image of her husband of thirty years. She was proud of her men, her boys had an unexplainable bond for each other they seem to know when the other was in trouble, even though she wished that her sons had wanted to be doctors or lawyers instead of following in their father's footsteps, they were so close that they shared everything even sharing their own wedding, it didn't surprise her in the least when Frank and Joe married their long time girlfriends Melody Dunn and Julie Wong, She remembered when both boys promised to marry on the same day, she remembered the shock of the girls families when Frank and Joe propose on the same night and then insisting on having a double wedding she thanked god everyday that Carly and Julie understood and agreed to be married on the same day, after their honeymoon both newly weds bought homes next door to each other.
"Where my babies?"
Smirking Joe looked over at his brother as he said, "I see it's not us that she misses but our babies."
Frank grinned at his mother as he replied, "Joe you know what they say the reason parents have children don't you?"
With twinkling blue eyes Laura cut in saying, "So we can have grandchildren."
Shaking his head Fenton walked into the kitchen looking around the room saying, "Where are my girls?"
Looking at them in totally surprise when all he got was a burst of laughter, "What?"
Moving over to her husband as she wiped her eyes saying, "You had to be here love."
"Oh, so where are the girls we do have them today don't we?"
"Yes dad you do Mel and Julie are bringing Tessa and Carly over soon, Frank and I would have come over with them but we had to go into the office before coming here."
Sobering Frank asked his dad, "Did you hear that another agent is missing?"
"Yes Billy Melrose from the Washington sector was reporting missing, his wife last saw him that morning she was the last to see him, he never made it to the office."
Joe sagged a piece of toast as he asked, "How many does that make it now?"
"Six, Helen Archer was the first then her partner Sam Lupe when missing three days later there has been a three day gap before another agent goes missing."
"What are they doing about this?"
"They have called in Scarecrow and his partner along with Belden and her partner and us three we are to head to Washington tomorrow for a meeting."
"Belden? Isn't she a P.I from New York?"
"Ever heard of Belden-Wheeler?"
"Honey Wheeler-Masters and Trixie Belden-Regan? "
Looking over at his youngest son with a smile as he said, "One in the same."
"So she finally opened her own agency."
"She done well for herself, her and Honey are making a name for themselves since college, but how does she find the time? She a mother of how many kids now?"
Joe snorted, "Regan and her have always said that they wanted a large family six now isn't it? There the twins Jane and Helen, Danny and B.J, then there Kara and little Nick have I missed any?"
Frank shook his head saying, "I think that all of them unless she had more since we last saw her."
Laura replied, "I don't know how she did it, she so small it was bad enough carrying you two though I do wish I had a girl."
"Ahh mom you have two little girls lavish all your love on to now or you could think of Joe as your daughter with his blond curly hair of his."
Laughing at Joe's face Frank ducked as Joe punched his arm when from the doorway someone said, "Frank I can assure you Joe is all male."
Grinning Frank shot back, "Are you sure Mel? Well I'll take your word for that then."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"I'm sorry love, Honey and I need to go to Washington for this case, another agent has gone missing, Darrin left a message for Honey and I to go to Washington, wish you and kids could come with us but I'm not sure how much fun it's going to be for them or you."
Bill Regan smiled fondly at his blond angel as she packed a small suitcase saying, "Never mind Angel your mother is going to come over to help me till your father comes home."
Looking up at her husband of eight years saying, "It's to soon to leave Marty and Honey, when I called back to let Darrin know and he told me that I can bring them for the meeting."
Looking thoughtful Regan asked, "How about we leave the older kids with moms and brother’s and while you're in your meetings I'll be with them."
Frowning as she fussed over closing her case saying, "I like that idea better than leaving them behind."
Moving till he stood behind her Regan wrapped his arms about her waist saying, "Good, I like the plan better than you going on your own."
Leaning back against her husband's broad chest saying, "All we need to do is run the idea to moms."
"No need and I agree with Regan, Brian and Mart are coming to dinner tonight and they can help with them along with Bobby, go to Washington and get this sorted out with Honey and Regan then come home."
Trixie smiled over at her mother, "Thanks moms."
"No problems, with just your father and Bobby living at home, I miss cooking for a big group."
With a chuckle Regan said, "You'll get your big group with our clan Moms, if I didn't know better I'd think that the boys are Mart's with the way they eat."
At that Trixie felt the worry fall off her shoulders six weeks ago she had given birth to twins the last of the Belden-Regan family her doctor had advised her to have her tubes tied after nearly dying giving birth to them.
Ever since Regan had been hovering over her like a mother hen normally that drove her crazy but she lapped it up it reminded her of the time when she was eighteen and attacked she had clung to Regan and her mother then it wasn't that bad this time she only clung to her husband the doctors had thought she was suffering from post natal depression but it turned out that she had a fear of leaving her husband behind.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Amanda where is my cufflinks?"
"On the dressing table where you left them."
"Ahh there they are. Are you nearly ready to leave?"
"Yes I'm ready."
"Okay good everything ready for this meeting?"
"As really as we can be. Lets hope this task force can help solve this up a lot faster than the Feds can.







Random Threats
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Sleeplyside on the Hudson
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Twenty five year old Jim Frayne gathered the mail from the mailbox sorting through the letters and bills frowning when he came to an envelope bearing the name Matthew Wheeler on it in the familiar writing he was becoming to know, picking up his pace as he entered the house, moving down the hall and entered his father's study waving the letter saying, "Dad you've gotten another letter, it also has the same post marks as the others."
Matthew Wheeler looked up from his computer at his red head son saying, "Thanks Jim, I think it's time to call in my friend, this is getting to serious to ignore it's time to call in outside help."
Jim watched as his father reached for the phone and begun dialing, tapping his fingers on the desk as he waited for his friend to pick up, "Fenton Hardy please. Fent it's me Matt, I have a job for you and your sons."
Jim moving over to the window letting his father talk to his friend Fenton Hardy, smiling as he watched four month pregnant Trixie Belden leaning up against the stable door, watching her husband of three years, saddle up a horses for Dan Mangan girlfriend of three weeks, while his nephew with his arm wrapped about Sindy Taylor chatted about the latest case she had just solved with her partner and his sister Honey Wheeler, hearing a childish giggle Jim leant out the window to see what was going on, only to smile as Mart and Brian Belden swung their two and a half year old niece Donna Jo, DJ for short, between them.
Trixie was the first to marry out of Bobwhites, they had all been surprised when she begun dating Bill Regan when she turned eighteen, on her twenty-first birthday Regan had proposed to her, three months later they had married, then two months later they were expecting their first child.
He sometimes wished it was him who had married her, he always wondered if he had asked her out before he left for college would it be him in Regan place? Then he'd change his mind when he watched them together, he couldn't deny the love he saw between the two, once they started dating he use to watch them interact together, many times he saw that they would follow each other with theirs eyes or be touching each other when they were together, he hoped that one day he'd find a love like theirs.
Trixie told him later that she knew that Regan was the one for her when she was fifteen, when all the boys went off to college leaving the girls at home, once she heard he was dating other girls she knew that they were not meant to be, she begun spending time at the stable with Regan, helping him with the horses, they begun talking about what they both wanted out of life. She discovered in that time that her feelings for the older man ran deeper than being just friends, she just knew that Regan was the one for her, when she turned eighteen she admitted her feelings for the older man.
Leaning further out the window he called out, "Just what are you two doing to my god daughter?"
Twenty six year old, dark haired Brian Belden looked up as he called back, "Nothing you haven't done before, right DJ?"
DJ Regan grinned as she swung her tiny legs in the air giggling, "Come join us uck Jimmy."
Smiling down at the strawberry blond with her green eyes, that were filled with mischief, she was just like her mother according her poppa and nana.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Trixie Regan smiled at the antics of her two older brothers with her daughter, at times she wondered just who was actually the child, she had caught all three of her brothers and her parents acting like a little child, she had witness her dignify older brother Brian or Bri to his siblings and niece, playing dollies, having tea parties, catching her brother Mart playing barbies with her. DJ Regan had all the Belden men wrapped about her tiny fingers, along with many of the males who lived on Glen road, including her daddy, Regan being the worse out of all of them.
Looking up she could make out Jim and his father watching DJ out the window of Matthew's office, waving at the pair she turned her attention back to her brothers and daughter shaking her head as her daughter was tossed between the two giggling like mad.
"What is the minx up to now?" Dan Mangan glanced down from his horse Lighting, smiling widely down at his best female friend and wife to his uncle.
Looking up she replied, "I think she talked her uncles into playing catch."
With a chuckle he replied, "I hope they know that she doesn't bounce if they drop her."
"I'm sure with Regan's help they'd find out real soon if they drop her."
Smiling fondly at his friend as he said, "And you wouldn't Miss?"
Glancing up at her long time friend as she replied, "That goes without saying Danny."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Lifting his head at the sound of his daughter's giggles, smiling as he saw her being tossed between her uncles, he knew that she was safe with them that they wouldn't harm her in anyway. Tearing his gaze from his daughter over to his wife who was watching with a grin on her face and her hands on her swelling stomach, at four months she was showing more than she did with DJ, everyone thought she was carrying a boy this time but not him, he had a feeling she was with twins, they'd know if he was right in another two weeks when they did an ultra sound. He was hoping that he was right, they had both agreed to a large family and to have them while they were both young, he didn't want to retire while he still had young ones still in school, he wanted to be able to play with them and teach them about life, he also wanted to see his grandchildren when the time was right.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Matt joined his son at the window smiling as he watched his honorary granddaughter DJ being tossed between her uncles Brian and Mart. Regan and Trixie had asked him and his wife Madeleine if they would be grandparents to their children, since they only had the Belden's since Regan parents had died while he was a child of five. He had been pleased as punch to being asked, both he and Maddie spoiled DJ and always loved spending time with her, they had always thought of Trixie as another daughter, the Wheelers own Trixie a huge depth for what she had done for them, if it wasn't for her they wouldn't have the family or friends that they had now.
"Trixie was telling me that Regan hoping that he's right about her having twins, can you image that? It was bad enough when she was carrying DJ." Matt told Jim as he watched the scene outside.
"She a good mother, she has done a great job with DJ."
Matt nodded as he watched Mart set DJ onto her feet and smiled as she waved up at them calling out, "Gramps join me?"
"Be right there Munchkins."
Before leaving the room Jim asked, "Are you going to tell them?"
Chewing on his bottom lip as he stared at his son saying, "I'm not sure how to tell them."
"They have a right to know, she is their daughter after all dad."
"I know son, I know. But how do I tell them?"
Without waiting for a reply Matthew Wheeler left his office to play with his granddaughter, with his son on his heels, he heard Jim mutter, "I don't know."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Bayport
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Boys we have a case, pack some clothes and be ready to leave in an hour."
Twenty five year old Frank Hardy glanced up from the file he had been reading asking, "What this one involve and where are we heading?"
Fenton Hardy looked over at his oldest son saying, "Do you remember my friend Matthew Wheeler?" At their nods he carried on, "He has been receiving threatening letters, they are threatening to take his two year old granddaughter Donna Jo, if he doesn't do as they ask they will harm her, you can guess what they mean by that."
Twenty four year old blond hair blue eyed Joseph Hardy, Fenton's youngest son jumped up saying, "What a bunch of cowards. Come on Frank lets pack and head to?" Pausing Joe looked over at his father who told them, "Sleepyside on the Hudson just out side of New York."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Half an hour later the Hardy's were on their way to Sleepyside. Frank and Joe sat in the back reading over the files their father had given them to go over, while Fenton and their mother who had decided to join them so she could visit with her long time friend Maddie Wheeler.
Glancing over at her husband, she asked, "When did Honey have a baby Fenton?"
Without taking his eyes off the road Fenton replied, "She hasn't, the baby, Donna Jo, is their groom's baby, Bill Regan and his wife, Beatrix Belden, who prefers to be called Trixie, she a long time friend of Honey's and her brother Jim, who is the son of my friend Winthrop Frayne and his mother Katje. Win died when Jim was a child, Katje remarried a man called Rueben Jones, otherwise known as Jonesy before she died of cancer leaving behind Jim in the care of Jonesy, who then abused Jim, not long after Jim ran away in search of his only remaining family member an elderly James Frayne who passed away before he got there."
From the back, Frank while reading had been listening to his father, when his brother nudge him with his elbow pointing to the file he was reading, "Dad it says here that Trixie is a private detective as well, why isn't she involved in this?"
"She four months pregnant with their second child and since it's her daughter they'll threatening to take, we feel that she to close to the case."
Joe smiled at the picture in his hand as he said, "She is a little cutie."
Looking into the rearview mirror as he asked, "Who Trixie?"
Catching his father's eye as he said, "No her daughter DJ, have you seen what Trixie's husband looks like?"
Laura shook her head saying, "Maddie told me that Regan worships the ground Trixie walks on, and that Trixie loves her husband so much that she doesn't even look at another man, she only has eyes for her husband from the moment they started dating, they are both suited for each other that no one else measures up."
Joe piped up, "Sounds like you and dad, mom."
"You got that straight son, no other woman could take your mother's place in my eyes."
From the corner of his eyes he could see that his wife was blushing as she told him, "There better not be."
Frank and Joe were use to their parents flirting in front of them, rolling their eyes as they watched their parents with big grins.
They had overheard many comments that their parents acted just like newly weds, even after twenty six years of marriage, everyone was surprised that they didn't have any more children, they knew that their parents had tried for another child after Joe had been born but there was never any results, both boys over the years had caught their parent gazing longingly at little girls and their wistful looks in their eyes even after all the time that passed, both Frank and Joe never doubted their parents love for them, they knew that they loved them, as they loved them, totally and unconditionally.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Manor House
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that day the Hardy's pulled up in front of Manor House as they climbed out of the car Joe heard a familiar voice saying, "Uncle Bill where  Trix?"
Moving closer he heard someone reply, "She upstairs resting, why?"
"I needed to ask her something but it can wait till later."
"Anything I can help with?"
"No thanks Uncle Bill, it concerns work."
Joe smiled as he saw his long time friend, Dan Mangan, with his long black hair that was secure at the nape of his neck with a leather tie as it swayed in the breeze, Joe stepping into view as he waved at his brother saying, "Lookie what I found Frank. I thought we left him in New York with Dana."
Stepping beside his brother as Dan turned towards them, laughing, "What the hell are you two doing here?"
"Frank and I have come with our parents to visit family friends. What you doing here Dano?"
"When I'm not working, I come here and visit my uncle and his family, as well as my friends."
"So Dano how are you?"
Before he could reply, they heard a childish giggle, "Danny c'me git me plese."
Looking up, Frank smiled as he saw a tiny curly headed child from the photo, standing at the top of the staircase clutching the railing as she tried to step down onto the next step.
"DJ stop right there, I'm coming up."
Running up the stairs Dan swept his tiny cousin into his arms saying, "You know that you are not ready to climb these stairs without help Munchkins."
Moving carefully down the stairs, they were greeted with Regan who was trying to look stern but couldn't quite pull it off as he said, "Donna Jo aren't you meant be to having your nap with mommy?"
Nodding DJ told her daddy, "I was daddy, I laid on big bed with mommy and then I had to get up since I heard Danny."
Choking back his laughter, Dan watched as his uncle's shoulders began to shake as he said, "So you had to get up coz Danny here?"
Looking at her father as if he was silly replied, "Couse I had to daddy, Danny important and I hadn't seen Danny in a long time."
At the loud laughter DJ looked at him as she heard her mother saying, "You know you guys could talk louder, I don't think they heard you in Russia."
"Sorry love."
"Mommy, Danny here."
"I can see that Moonshine, now why are you down there and not up here having your nap?"
Looking up at her mother DJ told her, "But mommy Danny here, I hava see him."
"I know that Danny here and you saw him this morning miss."
"I know that mommy, he was with that icky lady and I was with uck Bri and Mart. And that icky lady was being mean." Looking at her cousin as she told him, "I don't like her Danny, she says mean things bout mommy."
Moving DJ onto his hip as he told her, "I know you don't Princess." Dan also knew that Trixie and the others didn't care much for her either, his partner Dana had made it clear that she couldn't stand Sindy Taylor either.
Regan's shoulders shook even more his daughter had made it clear that she didn't like Dan's new girlfriend quite plainly and loudly since meeting her, since then Dan didn't bring her around as often, he was glad since he had overheard her running his wife down to one of her friends who had joined them one time for a ride. Looking up he smiled up at her as he said, "You know it's unless to fight her on this don't you Angel?"
Brushing back her curls of her forehead as she said, "Yes I know, whenever Danny is around she has to be with him. Where did she get her stubborn streak from?"
Regan jokingly replied, "Heaven knows love it wasn't from you that for sure, I'm sure of that."
Poking her tongue out at him as she said, "Danny are you going to introduce your friends before they die of embarrassment."
Looking up Frank spoke up as he made out the pixie face that was framed with unruly blond curls, even if he hadn't seen the photo of her and DJ together he'd still would have known that she was DJ's mother, "Not embarrassment, just surprised that there another couple that act like our parents, we thought that no one could act like our folks. I'm Frank Hardy and this is my little brother Joe."
Dan chuckled, "You still call him that Frank?"
Rolling his eyes Joe said, "It's better than the other one that for sure."
Leaning on her elbows as she listened to the blond tease his brother, with a smile as she looked over at her husband who was staring that two with a look of bewilderment on his face, she wondered what was wrong but before she could ask, Regan asked, "Did you say Hardy?" At the blonds’ nod he asked, "Your mother wouldn't happen to be Laura would it?"
"Yeah that our mother name, why do you know her?"
Nodding slowly he replied, "Yeah I know your mother and father quite well actually or should I say I did. I met your parents when I was nine, your dad was with the NYPD at the time, you Frank were just a baby and your mother was pregnant with I guess Joe here, your mother worked at the orphanage I was staying at, your parents would take me home on weekend visits, they moved once Joe was born. I lost touch with them not long after, another family had decided to take me on but it didn't work out, three months later I was back. I think if your parents knew they would have taken me on."
"Yes, you're right we would have Wills, we even talked about it but the Samuels expressed their interest in adopting you and since we had one child and other on the way we thought it was best for the Samuels to have you since they were childless." Replied Laura as she stepped passed her sons with tears in her eyes, "It's great see you again kiddo. When Maddie told me that there was a Bill Regan working here, I didn't think it was you, since I know you only as Wills it wasn't till I saw that red head of yours that it hit me."
Dan chuckled, "You'll see more red heads real soon from this house alone there are three of them, Mr. W, uncle Bill and Jim."
A voice sounded from behind them, "Hey lame brain didn't moms teach you that it was rude to lean out of windows while to talk to people?"
Turning Joe mouth dropped opened as he saw a two male version of Trixie, smiling as the other one poked his brother saying, "Shut up Mart, you know that Trix has trouble navigating those stairs."
Rolling her eyes at her two brothers as she asked, "Pray tell what are you two doing here again? Didn't you just go home before?"
Frank looked past the two blonds shoulders as he noticed another dark headed and a red head join the group, the red head called out, "Is this a private party or can anyone join?"
Trixie called back, "You and Bri can join us Jimmy but first toss tiwnnie here into the lake for me?"
Laughing the one call Bri shot back, "Trix you have a nice strong man of your own, you don't need Jim or I to deal with Mart or Bob anymore."
Joe leant over towards Dan asking, "Is it always like this?"
Jim who had overheard his questions said, "No it usually worst, right Dan?"
"Right since Di and Honey are out shopping at the moment, we only have Trix to deal with."
"Is she always like this?" Frank asked.
"You get use to Trix. I better warn you though, Trix is special to each and everyone here for one reason or another and we are all very protected of her especially us males. Mart likes to tease the heck out of her but he never lets anyone else, they're like twins no matter how much he denies it, they have a bond just like twins do. Jim is one of hers closest male friend beside me and you don't want to let Regan hear you dissing her, even before they got together he was protected of her from us when we got a bit carried away. Brian is her big brother, Trix is the only girl in the family besides their mother.
Frank eyes widened as he saw who he guessed to be Brian helping his sister down the stairs, she looked smaller now that he saw her in full, he guessed she stood at five three with a mop of unruly blond hair that reached just below her shoulders, even from where he stood he could make out the mischievous look in her bright blue eyes, "God I think we made a wrong turn here dad."
Fenton frowned over at his oldest son asking, "What do you mean Frank?"
"Are you sure we're not in California? I seem to be surrounded by blonds and blue eyes, which also include mom and Joe."
Laughing Joe shook his head as he felt the tension ease before it felt like he could cut it with a knife, he hadn't noticed the new arrivals till Jim had called out, "Hey sis did you spend all your money in town with Di?"
Looking over at the two girls as the honey haired girl snorted, "Please this is Sleepyside you're talking about here big brother, not White Plain or New York."
Leaning against her husband Trixie called out, "You tell him Honey-girl."
"And this from the woman who hates shopping." Jim shot back.
Poking her tongue out at him as she shot back, "At least Regan gets to keep his money since I don't shop."
Pulling his wife against him as he asked, "Don't you mean our money?"
Before she could reply Bobby piped up, "Gee Regan don't tell me you believe in that hogwash, what mine is hers and what hers is hers?"
With a grin Regan replied, "Bob your sister knows how to share real well."
Mart snickered, "We'll take your word for it Regan."
Brian shook his head at his brothers as he added, "Bobby I recall a time or two when Trix gave you some of her paycheck to you to help you out."
Ducking his head in embarrassment as he said, "Aw I was just joking, I know Trix is the most selfless person around that I know, sorry sis."
Feeling sorry for her little brother she shot back with a grin, "It's okay baby brother. Okay onto another subject something I'm surprised that Martin hasn't bought up in the last fifteen minutes I sure, food."
"Beatrix I knew that you would bring it up since you are beginning to crave weird food again. I just hope it's not that real gross one again."
Jim and Dan snorted, as Brian chuckled, "What, there is something even you won't eat Mart?"
"Yes even I have some taste, that was just plain nasty and you know it Bri."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that night Trixie with her feet dangling in the water asked, "So how did you two met Danny?"
Frank who was sitting beside her glance over at the platform in the middle of the lake when he heard a squeal as one of the boys threw in Di who had came up laughing as she grabbed on to one of the guys legs and tried to pull him while calling out, "Honey push him." Tearing his eyes away from the group as he looked over at his brother who was lounging on his side with DJ curled up at his side, she had claimed Joe's lap during dinner and refused to leave, "We were on a case, he arrested us, his partner at the time told him he'd regret it."
"Was that Dana Mitchell?"
"Yes, you see she was dating one of our friends at the time and it was her father who asked us to go under cover, Dan didn't believe our story."
"Is your friend Biff Hooper? Are you two the ones who got Danny into trouble with his boss?"
"We didn't mean to, we had to get him off our backs somehow and at the time it seemed the best idea, so we gave him some false leads, Dana knew of cause, but we didn't know who we could trust at the time since we were checking into corrupt police at the time, he was a rookie and Dana wasn't all that sure about him herself."
"I remember the case it turned out the Chief was one of the major players and was trying to recruit Danny but when he saw Danny with a well known private Detective, I'm guessing it was your father?"
"Yes it was our father, dad had Dan checked out and then bought him into the plan. He actually save our father's life with his quick thinking."
Joe who had been slumbering as he listened to his brother tell Trixie how they met Dano, as he listened his mind wandered back to the meeting that was held in Mr. Wheeler office earlier in the day. . . .
"Here are the letters  I've receive so far Fent."
Fenton handed over the letters over to his son saying, "You know what to do."
Without another word Frank and Joe quickly scanned the letters and envelopes into their lap tops once done Joe nodded as he told them, "It looks like it's someone with a grudge. Matt can you make a list who may have a grudge against you?"
Frank asked, "How many people have handled these? I need to know who prints to lift and who's to ignore ."
Jim who had been standing beside the large window said, "Just dad and I, that I know of."
Without looking up from his work Joe asked, "Who else knows about the letters? And what action has been taken to protect the child?"
"Everyone but Regan and Trixie. DJ is never left alone, no strangers are allow on the premises."
"What about Dan's girlfriend wasn't she here early today?" Joe asked without looking up from his task.
Running his hand through his thick hair Jim asked, "You don't honestly think that a woman in involve in this do you?"
 Frank replied, "In this job everyone is suspect, no one is above suspicion. You learn that quick and fast during a life and death situation you may be facing down an old lady with a glock aimed at you if you make a mistake."
Joe shuddered as he heard the unspoken words his brother was saying, 'Or standing in front of your girlfriend as they had, both girls were serving time, he still couldn't believe that Callie Shaw and Vanessa Bender crossed over to the other side, both Frank and he bore the scars of that encounter, since then either of them had trusted fully again. . .
Frank paused as he looked over at his brother he knew the look on his brother face it was the same look he'd get when he remembered that fateful day.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Harworths motel
White Plains
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
"Tanya is everything set?"
"Not a prob daddy he's twisted about my finger."
"Make sure he stays like that, he's the only one who knows what I look like now and I don't what that kid ruining my plans for Wheeler. Now have you set the plan into motion?"
"Everything set Daddy."
Looking over at his daughter with a smile as he asked, "Good work Princess. When are you see him next?"
"Tomorrow, we have a lunch date."
"Good slip this to him."
Handing his daughter a folded piece of paper as he called, "Karl son, tail your sister over to Wheelers, see if you can hook up with his daughter or son."
"Sure dad it's as good as done."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Manor House
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Dan watched as Joe and Frank talked off to one side, he knew things had changed and wished that the old Frank and Joe he knew before, he wasn't sure if he liked the new ones they were more aloof, they didn't get close to anyone but family, not that he blamed them after what happened, he still couldn't get over what happened and he was there and saw it all, he still had nightmares over it, what sadden him was that they both refused to date anyone. Dana had told him that they were both asked out a lot but they both refuse, he had heard the rumors that back in his younger day Joe was major flirt and would have given him a run for his money till he met Vanessa Bender, Biff had told him not long after that Joe was going to ask Vanessa to marry him that faithful night.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Honey Wheeler watched Frank and Joe Hardy interact with the others and noticed that they didn't smile a lot and when they did it never reached their eyes, she wasn't sure which one was the cutest it was a toss up between the two. Frank being the tallest of the two by an inch took after his father with his wavy brown hair and chocolate brown eyes, she wondered what he'd look like with a real smile that lit up his face, Joe looked like their mother with blond hair and blue eyes while Frank was lean, Joe looked like he worked out by his bulk, she could see that they were close and they also shared a bond, she  had noticed that when she met them. Moving over to Dan and asked, "Dan what their story?"
Looking over at his two friends as he said, "If you're interested Honey-girl forget it."
"Why?"
Looking at her as he said, "They don't trust females at the moment and I don't really blame them."
Frowning she asked, "They're not gay are they?"
Snorting he replied, "Hell no, Joey was one of the biggest flirts there ever was, both had long times relationships. Joe was even going to ask his girlfriend to marry him."
Noticing her friend sad look as he watched the two brothers, she asked, "What happened?"
Without looking at her he told her, "You remember when I went to Bayport to visit them and Biff? Well I'll tell you the short version of what happened. Frank and Joe have this bond so strong that they nearly do everything together, even date, Frank's girlfriend Callie Shaw was jealous of the time they spent together, she gave Frank an ultimatum, he had to chose between her and Joe, he didn't need to think about it he knew right away who he was choosing no person was coming between the two, he told her that it was a no brainer who he picked, two days later Joe went missing with the help of his girlfriend Vanessa and another guy Victor Luis, Joe was found three days later beaten and near death, he managed to escape and stop his brother from being blown to bits by warning their parents about the bomb that was planted in their van. I managed to yank Frank out of the van just as he started it up, we were both hurt with parts of the van flying about Frank more so than me since I was a further away than he was. Well to cut a long story short both have swore off dating for awhile."
"Well no wonder they seem rather distant, damn what person in their right mind would give an ultimatum like that? I know what I'd say if anyone gave me one."
"Yeah me to, family is important, they'll forever."
"What are you going to do about Sindy?"
"You've been hanging around Trixie again haven't you Honey-girl?"
"We're family Dan and we care about you. Honestly Dan you can do a lot better than her Dano."
Smiling down at her as he asked, "Like you?"
Giggling as she shot back, "Couldn't do worse than me Dano I'm the best don't ya know?"
"You, Trix and Di-Di are the best, want would I do without you three in my life?"
"You'd never be without us Dano, you're stuck with the three of us, as well as the boys for the rest of your life."
Moaning as he joked, "No that's a fate worse than death Honey-girl."
Shaking her head as she said, "So what are you going to do about her?"
"Damn it didn't work did it? I had a talk to Uncle Bill earlier and we discussed some things and then I called Dana she did a check for me and there no such person."
"Damn I'm sorry Dano."
"No you're not but thanks anyway better to find out now than further down the line."
Giving her friend a big hug as she said, "She out there somewhere waiting for you, Dano."
"I know. I let your dad and Jim know and he told Mr. H."
"Come on lets join the fun."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Laura Hardy and her husband sat on the couch talking to Regan as Trixie leant against him, "How did you two met?"
Regan grinned as he wrapped his arms about his wife as he told them, "Trix was thirteen and I was twenty two when the Wheelers arrived here and hired me to train their horses and since then its been one adventure after another or should I say one heart attack after another, I'm surprised that her parents hair isn't completely grey with her mysteries."
Trix grinned as she said, "I saved your butt a few times if I remember rightly."
Kissing the top of her curls as he said, "That you did and you nearly lost me to Joan."
"God don't remind me, thank god you decided to stay here in Sleepyside with the Wheelers than work with her father."
Looking over at the Hardy’s as he winked at he said, "Well that luckily then that I decided to stay isn't it Angel?"
"Well if you hadn't you would be married to Joan instead of me."
"Say no more Hon, I want to sleep tonight without nightmares."
Laughing Trix snuggled into her husband with a sigh, "Thank god you did stay, I never want to know what it like without you in my life."
Before Regan could reply their daughter rushed over to them yelling, "Cudded time." DJ tried to climb onto the couch without much success stomping her little foot as she demanded, "Holp me up daddy."
Grinning down at his daughter as he asked, "Does my princess need holp?"
Nodding as she tried again only to get stuck half way, "Holp me daddy."
With a smile he reached down and helped his daughter up onto the couch, once up DJ scrambled into Trixie's lap as said grinned up at them saying, "Thanks daddy."
Smiling back at her saying, "Anytime princess." Wrapping his arms about his girls, as he did he glanced over at the Hardy’s and noticed the look they shared.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Early the next morning Trixie strolled slowly towards the stables where she could hear the others getting the horses ready for their annual morning ride waving at her daughter who was perched on the saddle in front of Dan on Lighting, She heard her daughter calling out, "Mommy me going riding wit Danny on horsie."
Moving over to them Trixie looked up at her daughter saying, "Have fun and remember to listen to Danny and the others."
Nodding as she told her, "I will mommy."
Trixie noticed that Frank and Joe Hardy were also saddled up and ready to ride along with the others nodding at them as she said, "Good morning everyone, enjoy your ride, wish I was coming along but as you know riding horses is off limits till this bundle of joy is born. Anyone know where Regan is?"
"Right behind you beautiful." Regan said as he snaked his arms about her expanding waist.
Glancing up and over her shoulder as she smiled up at him as she said, "So you are," Standing on her toes so she could reach she gave him a quick kiss, settling back onto her heels as she told him, "You were gone before I woke up."
Smiling down at his wife as she snuggled into his chest as he said, "I thought I'd get Moonshine ready for you and let you sleep in this morning."
"Thanks and good morning."
Mart rolled his eyes as he called out, "Please remember that we are still here?"
Trixie asked, "And why is that Martin Belden?"
As the others snicker Mart shot back, "My dear Beatrix believe me when I say it's not for the show that for sure."
Leaning against Regan's chest as she said, "Well go already, those horses aren't getting excised just standing there you know."
Snapping of a salute as he called out, "Aye, aye. Troops are ready to deploy into preserve."
Shaking her head as she watched her friends ride off into the game preserve muttering under her breath, "What a twit."
Regan chuckled as he said, "That he is, now what are we going to do with ourselves?"
"Mmm not sure."
"Have you eaten yet love?"
"No not yet my stomach was reeling with the thought of food when I woke up this morning."
Regan asked in concern, "And now?"
Hearing the worrying in his tone Trixie smiled as she told him, "It's normal remember how sick I was with DJ?"
"Doesn't mean I like seeing my Angel unwell."
"Worry wart, I'm fine love, really I feel better now so how does breakfast sound?"
"Sounds good to me love, while DJ had hers I waited so we could have breakfast together."
"Should we visit moms or cook?"
Without giving it much thought he replied, "Cook I'd like to catch up with the Hardy’s and it's closer."
With an impish grin Trixie replied, "Sounds to me that my man is lazy."
Swinging his wife into his arms as he chuckled, "Lazy huh? I'll show you lazy."
Shrieking "Put me down Regan."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Hearing laughter Laura stepped out onto the verandah grinning as she watched Regan carrying his wife in his arms as he walked towards the house, jumping when she heard, "Ahh the lovebirds are at it again I see. Don't worry Laura you get use to them that is a common sight now a days."
Grinning as she faced her long time friend as she said, "It's easy to see that they totally love one another."
"That they do. And the age difference doesn't mean a thing for them."
"How many years is there?"
"Hmm let me think, eight or nine years. Trix has always been mature for her age, she went out with a guy her age once, it didn't work out. Actually because of that boy and his father was one of the reasons they got together in the first place."
Frowning as she watched the younger couple make their way towards the house not even noticing that they had an audience watching them. Looking over at her friend she asked, "How did they help?"
With a un-lady like smirk Madeleine or Maddie as her friends called her replied, "Not in the way you might think they helped."
"Oh it sound intriguing, do go on Maddie."
"Oh no, it's not my story to tell Laurie dear."
"And whose is it?"
Maddie pointed towards the couple in question as she said, "Theirs and good luck in asking them."
"Damn, trust you to start it and leave me dangling for more. You're evil my dear."
"Oh I try I have a rep to uphold remember?"
Laughing Laura shook her head as she took a drink from her mug.
"Talking of tales how are the boys coping?"
Frowning as she stared at the group of young adults disappearing into the trees as she told her friend, "I'm worried about the both of them, more so Joe, did you know he was going to ask Vanessa to marry him? He had it all arranged the night he went missing, now I doubt either of them will take a risk like that again, they stripped my boys of everything."
Not sure what to say Maddie just shook her head as she heard Trixie and Regan troop up the stairs smiling when she heard Trixie say, "You can put me down now Regan."
"Nope I like you just where I have you."
Laura smiled at their antics saying, "Maddie do they remind you of anyone?"
With a straight face she asked, "You mean you and Fent?"
"No, I meant you and Matty boy."
Trying her hardest not to laugh at the thought of Matthew and Madeleine Wheeler acting like her and Regan.
Catching the twinkle in Trixie's eyes Maddie told her, "I'll have you know that both Matt and I have been known to let our hair down on occasion Mrs. Beatrix Belden-Regan."
Winkling her nose at her full name when she spotted Matthew and his friend Fenton Hardy deep in conversion that they missed the amused looks that passed between their wives as they sat down, "So you're saying that you used a worm to catch that big one?"
"I didn't catch the fish Joe did, I was using my favorite one and caught a boot, it just shows you that the simplest method sometimes is the best and the cheapest way to go."
With a chuckle Matt nodded as he smiled over at Trixie saying, "Good morning my dear and where is my little ray of sunshine?"
"Good morning, she is out riding with her aunt's, uncles and Danny showing Frank and Joe the sights."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Frank smiled as he watched his brother face light up in a genuine smile, he missed seeing his little brother smiling and joking about even if it was only for a little girl.
Dan who was riding beside Frank leant over and said, "It's good to see him this relax again."
"Yeah it's been tough on all of us but we're getting there slowly."
"I'm glad, I've missed hanging out with you two. How are the others?"
"They're good, Biff in New York as you know visiting Dana, Tony is now running the family business, Chet works part time there and helps his father out."
With amused grin Dan joked, "Knowing Chet he'd be eating his share of pizzas."
 Chuckling Frank nodding as he watched the swaying back of horse in front of him.
Dan watched his friend as he fell silent he wondered what Frank was thinking when Frank quietly asked, "Who do you think is behind this threat Dano?"
Looking thoughtfully at him as he said, "It could be anyone. I was thinking that if we keep on the trail of Sindy or whatever her name is we may just find some answers."
Nodding Frank kept his eyes on the brown rump in front of him as he asked, "We'll need you to find out what you can without her knowing."
With a slight smile Dan replied, "I can do that, remember I'm just as trained as you and Joe in undercover work."
Lifting his eyes Frank smiled as he said, "I know you are, but be careful there something about this case that sends off warning bells."
Frowning as he glanced over at his little cousin, Dan said, "Don't I know it, nothing can harm DJ, I'll do everything in my power to keep her safe from harm."
Frank looked over at DJ who was encased in his brother's arms giggling at something he saying to her.
Jim and Di riding on either side Joe was laughing at the antics of Joe and DJ when a gun blast rung out.
"RUN!"
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
TBC
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Back




Heartbreak.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Seventeen year old Honey Wheeler flew into the stable calling out "Regan have you seen Trix?"
Red headed Bill Regan paused in mucking out Susie shall as he shook his head frowning he asked, "No I haven't. Aren't you meant to be picking up your brother right about now?"
Surprised when mild mannered Honey Wheeler spat out, "You mean my jerk of a brother? He can go to hell for all I care."
Completely worried he asked, "Honey what happened?"
Honey cried out, "Oh Regan it was just simply awful, we met up with Brian and Mart at the main gate like we were meant to, they told us that Jim was unable to met us since he was still packing, he had an early exam that morning and had to study the night before. We went back to their apartment only to find Jim and some bimbo having sex on the couch."
Regan felt his blood boil as he asked, "What happen then Honey?"
"Trixie went rather pale then she yanked off that id bracelet he gave her and threw it at him and stalked out without a word, he blamed her, he told us that since Trix wouldn't put out, that what he called it, he had to look elsewhere, that when Brian and Mart totally lost it, they both punched him then walked out, telling him to keep away from Trixie and Crabapple Apple farm, I followed behind after slapping him, as far as I know he still there."
Swallowing his rage Regan said, "He better stay away from me and Dan as well if he knows what good for him."
"Oh no Dan going to kill him when he finds out."
Honey frowned as she saw the venomous look cross over the Grooms face as he spat out through his clenched teeth, "Jim should be more worried about me if I ever get my hands on him."
Nodding slowly Honey knew that Regan and Trixie had gotten close when all the boys left for college, she spent alot of time helping Regan with the horses, while Diana and her had gone out with their boyfriends.
"Honey stay here and look after things for me. I think I know where she maybe."
Honey called out to the retreating back of Regan, "Where?" Groaning as she slumped down onto a bale of hay, "God what a bloody mess."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Stumbling over a rock Trixie lost her footing cursing as she fell to her knees, wiping her eyes as she looked up not seeing the leafs as they swayed in the breeze as she yelled,  "Damnit, why Jim? Is that all you wanted from me? Is that why you gave me that ultimatum?" Thumping the ground as she sneered, "If you love me you'll do it, well fuck you Jim Frayne, if you really loved me you wouldn't had asked me and waited till I was ready instead of pressuring me into having sex with you."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Moving swiftly through the trees slipping through brushes bypassing the trails that took longer to get to where he called their place, it was a small clearing where there was a small pond that was fed by the creeks that surrounded the preserve.
With his heart in his throat as he pushed his way through the bushes that hid their place from view, licking his lips when he found the forlorn form of Trixie huddled under the tree where they had spent many times just talking or sitting together in quiet, enjoying spending time together.
Wincing when he heard her dull flat voice saying, "I knew you would find me."
Moving to her side Regan crouched down in front of her lifting her chin with two fingers so he could look in her eyes only to find them filled with unshed tears, her normally bright blue eyes were dull and flat with a groan he pulling her unresisting form into his arms as he told her, "I'll always find you sweetheart." All the while cursing the young red headed fool for making his Angel to cry.
Burying her face against Regan's chest as she cried, she knew that Regan would never tease her for crying like the others would.
Regan tighten his hold as he sat down and settled Trixie into his lap smoothing her with words and lightly rubbing her back he heard her murmured, "Why Regan?"
Lightly kissing the top of her unruly curls as he thought of an answer he didn't what to lie to her, he had heard the rumors that had come from the hired help about girls who had rung Manor house when Jim came home from school. Tom had told him of one call he had overheard, Miss Trask was never one to gossip had mention one such phone call she had overheard when she had entered Jim room to tell him that Trixie was there to see him. Regan later told Tom that he had never seen Marjorie so upset, "I don't know why he did what he did but he will regret it hurting you sweetheart I promise you that."
Trixie pulled just enough to look up into his green eyes she knew that he was serious, giving him a watery smile as she told him, "Don't do anything you'll regret Regan."
Giving her a quick hug as he replied, "I won't regret it sweetheart."
"I don't what you to lose your job because of me." Resting her head on his shoulder as she felt his hands rubbing her back in a calming motion.  Closing her eyes she wondered why she felt so relaxed in Regan's arms, not nervous like she did whenever Jim had given her a hug that usually ended with Jim groping her.
Feeling Trixie relax in his arms Regan smiled as he felt Trixie bury her face against his neck, her hair trickled his nose he could make out the faint smell of the shampoo she used, to him it smelt like heaven, lemon and sunshine.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nineteen year old Brian Belden and his two brothers eighteen year Mart and eight year old Bobby entered the stables spotting Honey talking with eighteen year old Dan Mangan and his girlfriend Zara Walter.
Mart looked at his friend as he asked, "Have you see her?"
Dan told them, "Uncle Bill gone after her."
Surprised Mart asked, "Why?"
Taking in the serious look on his best friend face as he said, "Trixe and Regan have spent alot of time together since we left for college, he knows where she goes to think."
"Where is that?" Brian asked.
"I'm not sure, she never told me where."
Mart cursed out aloud, "Damnit. Why did he have to hurt her?"
Dan shook his head as he said, "God know but when I get my hands on him he's gonna regret hurting her, sorry Honey I know he's your brother and all."
Waving a dismissive gesture as her hazel eyes flashed angry, "Don't bother Danno, my hands are itching to connect with his face again."
As mad as he was with Jim, Brian tried to reason with them by saying, "You know that Trix won't condone us hurting Jim, don't you?"
Mart muttered, "She too forgiving that sister ours Bri but we can't let him get away with hurting our sister, he used her, he told her that he loved her and only her and then a month later he with some floozy, just because she refuses to sleep with him."
Closing his eyes Brian muttered, "And he won't get away with hurting her, we just need to think of a way that doesn't involve in violence." With his eyes closed Brian missed the looks that the others passed between them or the smirks that his brothers and friends wore.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Not sure of his welcome Jim pushed open the door and with trepidation entered Manor house, he dreaded coming home knowing full well that he would be on the receiving end of many lectures from his parents, he also knew that the Belden's would most likely refuse to talk to him, he needed to see Trixie and make her understand that he stilled loved her, that he was just sowing some wild oats since he was waiting for her.
Jumping out of his muses when he heard a disappointed voice ask, "James Winthrop Frayne just what were you thinking?"
Looking at the normal steadfast friend of all the Bobwhites looking at him with disappointment in her blue-grey eyes, a look that was not usually directed at him at all, Marjorie Trask was Honey's former math teacher, then governess and when the Honey outgrew that stage of needing a governess Miss Trask took over the managing of the house and helping to care for him and Honey as well as being their friend. Jim hated seeing her disappointed in him, he shaking his head as he was unsure how to answer her.
"If I was you, I'd stay away from Dan and Regan till they cool down, your parents wish to speak to when they come home so please remain around the house Jim."
Shallowing heavily about the lump that was lodged in his throat Jim headed upstairs to his room without saying a word.
Marjorie clicked her tongue as she watched the young man retreat to his rooms, she knew that he was in for a hard time while he was home but she couldn't feel any sympathy for him, he was only getting what he deserved with the actions he took.
Once in his room he flopped onto his bed when he muttered, "Why should Regan care? Dan I can understand but Regan?" Running his fingers through his thick red hair as he muttered, "I think this is worth looking into."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
With regret Regan said, "We better head back and let the others know you're alright."
Lifting her head off hsi shoulder Trixie wiped her face as she said, "Thanks for being there for me Regan."
Looking into her eyes as he told her, "Anytime and anywhere Angel I'll always be there for you."
"Oh why couldn't I have you for my boyfriend? You wouldn't have cheated on me would you?"
Feeling his heart jump at her words, licking his dry lips as he carefully replied, "No I wouldn't. Jim was stupid and it's his lost, if you were my girl I'd do anything and everything to make you happy."
Sensing that Regan meant every word he said she looked into his eyes saying, "It's true isn't it?"
Confused he asked, "What true?"
"What you said and the vibes I've been getting from you, you care a great deal for me more than friends or am I'm reading more into this than what there is?"
"No, you're right I do, but I hid my feelings since you were with Jim."
"Oh god, it must had hurt like dickens when I'd come to you asking for advice about my relationship with Jim."
Shaking his head he told her, "All I ever wanted for you is to be happy and if he was the one for you then I'd be your friend and be there as your friend. Trix this might not be the right time to tell you but I love you."
Looking deep into his eyes as she reached up and cupped his cheek with her hand saying, "I'm glad Regan cuz I just happen to love you as well. I'll let you into a little secret, I'm not all that upset as everyone thinks I am. I'm more shocked than anything but he made it easier on me, I've had my doubts about Jim and I for awhile now and I had made up my mind to end it, I was going to break up with him over the weekend, I haven't been happy for along time, I love Jim as a friend but I'm not in love with him. The time we spent together made me realize that there was something missing from our relationship."
Shocked Regan losted for word could only grin as he wrapped his wrapped arms about Trixie's waist drawing her closer to him, claiming her lips in a tender kiss.
When they broke apart, Trixie whispered, "Wow that never happened with him."
Smiling widely Regan got to his feet saying, "We really better head back Angel before they send out a search party for us."
Once standing Trixie wrapped her arms about Regan saying, "I'm not sure I can act sad when all I can do is smile."
Looking down at the love of his life as he said, "I know what you mean but for now it may be wise to keep this to ourselves, I'm not ashame of you or the age differents between us but till this thing with Jim dies down."
"I understand and agree, it's just going to be hard to keep this to myself."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Honey spotted Trixie and Regan before the others did, smiling slightly as she took in the scene, chuckling quietly to herself as she thought, 'Yes! Damn I love it when I'm right.' Resisting the urge to squeal in delight, Honey felt her lips twitch when Regan glance quickly about before he pulled Trixie into his arms and kissed her.



Reunited
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sleeplyside on the Hudson, New York City
 Present day.
17th of Aug.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Hello Manor House Stable, Dan Mangan speaking."
"Hey Dan it's Sheila, good news I've found them."
"Where are they?"
"Sioux City, your uncle owns a horse farm called RB Circle."
"Is Trixie with him?"
"Yes Trixie is with him, I have to tell you that they are married and have been for over three years, they have a two year old daughter named Isabelle and another child on the way."
With a huge smile on his face Dan replied, "Thanks that's great news. Okay I'm going to fly out as soon as I can, can you meet me?"
"Sure can, call me with the details and I'll be there."
"Thanks Sheila." Hanging up the phone Dan cursed, "Damn you Jim."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
RB Circle, Sioux City Present day.
17th of Aug.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Goo mornin Daddy."
Thirty three year old William Daniel Regan gazed fondly at his two year old daughter Isabelle Rose Regan, as she toddled over to him on unsteady legs, she held her mother's hand tightly in her tiny hand tearing his gaze from his daughter to his wife of three years as he asked, "And how are my two beautiful ladies today?"
Twenty four year old Trixie smiled up at her husband as she said, "We're great."
Regan looked at her in concern as he took in flushed face asking, "Any morning sickness Love?"
"Just a bit but Lightfoot gave me some stuff and it's working."
Relief flooded through Regan's body, she had a rough time carrying Isabelle and he didn't what her to go through that again, they had nearly lost their child, Trixie had been confine to complete bed rest for two months, after slipping on ice slicked steps, they were lucky that the birth was normal but he still held onto his fear that something could happen to her and the baby.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sleeplyside,
Present day
17th of Aug.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Packing his bags after booking his flight calling out when he heard someone knocking, "It's open."
Twenty five year old Martin Belden and his twenty seven year old brother Brian walked into his room saying, "Hey Dan, Bri and I were wondering if you wanted to join us at the lake." Glancing about he asked, "Going somewhere?"
Dan grunted, "Yeah."
"Where?"
Looking up at his blond headed friend as he said, "Sioux City."
"What there?"
Tried of the games everyone was playing since his uncle took off after Trixie, Dan snapped, "What is this? Twenty questions? Since when do I answer to you?"
Brian who had quietly entered the room behind his younger brother watched as Dan vented, Brian knew that Dan and Regan were the only ones who had believed that his sister was innocent of Jim's claims, claims that he himself was starting to doubt. He had been watching Jim rather closely in the last few months and noticed that he was acting like he did while he dated Trixie, he calmly asked, "Where are they Dan?"
Surprised Dan frowned as he asked, "Why do you care? She left because of you and the others. Then not long after my only family member took off after phone call to parts unknown."
Brian flinched, he didn't need to be reminded of his part in making his baby sister leave home, he remembered quite clearly the hurtful words he had yelled at her six year ago, then the shattered look on her face afterwards, he regretted them everyday since, he repeated, "Where are they?"
Mart slumped onto Dan's bed as he watched his brother and friend battle it out not with words but with looks, words no longer worked anymore, they had lost their sister because of the hurtful words. Mart remembered everyone but Dan and Regan refusing to speak to her two weeks after her graduation she had upped left without a word, they didn't know if she went to college or what, three months after she left town Regan had handed in his notice to Mr. Wheeler then left the next day after receiving a phone call.
Mart asked, "Can you at least tell us if Regan and Trix are together?"
"They are together, in fact they are married with a child and another on the way."
Mart felt relieved as much as he missed his sister he had worried that she was all alone, he knew that his sister could take care of herself she had proven that over the years, he was just glad that she had someone who loved and believed in her.
Brian nodded, he wasn't all that surprised at the news, he knew that Trixie had cared deeply for the older man. Honey had told him that they had spent alot of time together when they headed off to college, "So Regan chased after her then. Jim was right then after all."
Brian missed the flash of anger that crossed over Dan's face but Mart didn't, he hoped to avoid a fight by laying a hand onto Dan's arm asking, "Dan what do you know about that day that we don't?"
Closing his eyes Dan breathed deeply before he said, "You would have known if you let her explain but you took his word over your own sister's, you didn't even give her a chance in hell to explain, you just ignored her, so tell me why should I tell you? It's been over six years and you're only showing an interest now."
Mart felt his eyes widen as he suddenly remembered a scene he had walked in on while visiting his brother at college, "He was the one cheating wasn't he? Not Trix, it was her who caught him. If I remember correctly Jilly was visiting that summer wasn't she?"
Nodding Dan sat down heavily on his bed as he said, "The night of the party things were tense between Trix and Jim, Jilly was flirting like mad with him right in front of Trix, Jim did nothing to stop her, it was after the party everyone had left already Trix had stayed behind hoping to talk to Jim but he and Jilly had disappeared, she looked for him but when she couldn't find him she left, Uncle Bill and I didn't feel right in letting her walk home by her self so we walked with her to your driveway, on the way we heard someone giggling then a loud splash, we all headed over to checked it out, at first we thought it was Bobby, Larry and Terry going for a late night swim, only to find Jim and Jilly skinning dipped in the lake, they didn't see us, we walked Trix home, she was rather quieted and subdued but I don't think she was at all that surprised by it. Uncle Bill told me later that when Trixie went up to break up with him, she found them in bed together. When she left, she went to the stables, that where Uncle Bill found her, he found her crying in Susie stall, he was comforting her when Jim and Honey walked in and you know what happened afterwards, that jerk accused Trixie of cheating on him, not even admitting that he was him who was cheating on Trix, he let her take the blame for everything, when she tried to explain her side of the story no one would listen to her so she stopped trying. When everyone refused to even talk to her, she only had Uncle Bill and myself who believed in her but she was banned from seeing him or me so she had no one, Uncle Bill sneaked over to see her graduate, the day she left I know that he made her promise to call him if she needed anything, I know that he really loved her, so I don't blame her or him for taking off like they did. I just hate the way they left, they didn't leave a word in how to get in touch with them."
Wiping his eyes of tears, Brian groaned, "God. That phone call was that Trixie?"
"I think so."
"Those trips you been going on, you been looking for them?"
"Yes, I never stopped. I had a friend helping me out as well. I was hoping that they didn't leave the country. I know that Trix talked about heading over to Europe."
Brian said, "I'm coming with you."
Jumping to his feet Mart piped up, "Me too."
Dan nodded since he knew it was useless to fight with them once their mind was made up, so he said, "Fine be really to leave in two hours. I'll book two more seats for you."
From the door way the guys heard, "Don't bother, I'll have Tony ready the plane for you."
"Mr. Wheeler?"
Matthew Wheeler tiredly ran his hand though his thick red hair saying, "It has come to my attention that Jim has been lying the whole time, a certain young lady stepped forward and told me everything, her part in it. Dan I think this belongs to you." Walking over to the three young men handing Dan an envelope saying, "Jilly gave me this saying that she swiped it the day Regan left."
Stunned Dan glanced at the bold writing as he asked, "Why now after all this time?"
Smiling tiredly he explained, "You know those new horses we are buying for Jim's school?" At their nods he said, "They have been trained by a certain red head groom and his wife."
Dan breathed, "Regan and Trixie?"
"The one and the same."
Mart asked, "Then they would know that we're coming."
"Yes they do, in fact I just received an email from them inviting all of us to join them for their fourth wedding anniversary."
Brian asked, "Does moms and Dad know?"
"I had your parents join me for a coffee and told them what Jilly told me, they're packing right this minute, so is Honey and Diana, so I suggest that you boys hurry up and pack so we can leave."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sioux City
Present day
18th of Aug.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Watching his wife as she checked and rechecked the food again, he knew that she was extremely nervous about seeing her family after six long years so was he actually, he softy said, "It's time, Angel is Bella ready?"
Trixie straighten up on of chairs as she replied, "She playing with Simba, Jana keeping an eye on her."
Moving to his wife's side, Regan gathered her into his arms saying, "It going to be alright, we'll get through this together, we knew that this time was a long time coming, it time for them to met Bella and to mend some bridges and maybe build some new ones."
Kissing her forehead Regan heard her say, "I hope so, I've missed them."
"Oh love, I know you have and I have no doubts that they have missed their princess as well." Giving Trixie one last hug he said, "We better get moving baby or we'll be late."
With great reluctance Regan released Trix with a lingering look that was filled with love and desire leaning in for a quick kiss then said, "C'mon love lets gather up our daughter and go to the airport to met your family."
Smiling up at her husband Trixie said, "How is it you know exactly what to say to cheer me up?"
Tapping her on her nose he said, "That's easy love it's because I happen to love you with all my heart and you know that I'd never lie to you."
"I love you William Daniel Regan." Smiling cheekily before she dashed out the door yelling, "Last one out is a rotten egg."
Chuckling Regan followed his wife out the door, it never creased to amazed him how fast she could switch her moods even when she was younger, it was just one of the many things he loved about her. Spying Jana Peters talking to Josh Clake, he called out, "Jana, we're heading out now keep an eye on things for us."
Jana flicked her black ponytail over her shoulder her dark eyes shining as she sung out,  "Righto boss."
Shaking his head he called back, "See you two later, if you leave before we get back, can you put Simba into the house for us?"
"Will do, now go already. You're gonna be late."
Waving Regan walked over to the ranch van joining Trixie and their daughter, getting behind the wheel he smiled at Trix as he asked, "Are my girls ready to go?"
"Vroom, vroom daddy we going vroom, vroom."
Looking over at his shoulder at his daughter who was happily kicking her feet as her blue eyes twinkled, "That's right baby girl."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Present day
The Wheeler's private plane
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Helen Belden sat beside her husband clutching his hand as she stared out the window she blocked out the others while she focused on her only daughter who she had missed over the six years she had been gone, when Matthew Wheeler told them that Trixie was innocent of what she was accursed of, she felt like the world had settle on her shoulders along with everyone else, they had missed out on nearly seven years out of her and Regan's life, Helen couldn't quite believe that her baby girl was married and had a child of her own with another on the way.
Looking worriedly over at his wife Peter squeeze her in comfort, he knew that she was worried that their daughter would never forgive them for not believing her, not being there when she really needed them, closing his eyes he bought forth the last image of his princess, sighing when he opened his eyes again wishing that he was just having a horrible nightmare, groaning when his eyes fell on the gaunt face of his oldest son who was glaring at Jim.
Peter wasn't totally sure why Matt insisted that Jim come with them, unless it was to toss him out of the plane without a parachute. Peter hoped that the Wheelers warned his daughter that their son was with them.
Tearing his eyes away from the younger man Peter smiled at the memory from that morning. . .
"Peter, Helen please have a seat, Coffee?"
Once seat Peter said, "Matt what is it? You sounded worried over the phone."
Matthew looked at his long time friend, unsure on how to tell them what his son had done to their family, he had torn apart a close knit family with his lies, because of his lies the Belden had lost their only daughter, his only daughter had lost her best friend, Dan had lost his only living relative all because his so called honorable son had lied and cheated.
"I am worried, it's has come to my attention that we have done a great injustice to Trixie."
"What!"
Closing his eyes he said, "Trixie was innocent. Jim lied, it wasn't Trixie who cheated, she had walked in on Jim and Jilly the morning after the party, Honey and Jim only witnessed Regan comforting her, here a letter explaining everything, Regan had written it before he left. He also states that Trixie, Dan and he has seen Jim and Jilly skinny dipping in the lake after the party."
Confused Helen asked, "Why wasn't this brought to our attention before now?"
"I only got this letter this morning and it seems that the new horses we were buying are from Regan and Trixie."
"They're together?"
Nodding Matt told them, "They were married nearly four years ago they have a two and half daughter and another on the way."
Peter demanded, "Where are they?"
"Sioux City. I need to also tell you that I received an email from them inviting us to join them to celebrate their wedding anniversary."
Slowly a smile spread across Peter's face as he exclaimed, "I'm a grandfather wow."
As he came back to the present with his smile still in place as he squeezed his wife's hand affectionately.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Sioux City Airport
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Clutching her husband's hand in a tight grip as she stood on her toes searching for any familiar faces, "Do you see them Regan?"
With his daughter perched on his arm and holding Trixie's hand in his other hand, with his height advantage he was able to see more of the room than his petite wife could, spotting two familiar face in the crowd, "I can see Dan and Brian." Regan moved towards the two calling out, "Dan, Brian."
Hearing his name being called Dan turned smiling when he saw his uncle making his way towards him, "Uncle Bill, Trixie, it great to see you two again, and who is this pretty little thing?"
With a chuckle Regan said, "Dan this is your cousin Isabelle, Bella do you remember me telling you about your cousin Dan."
Nodding as she laid her head on her father's shoulder staring wide eyed at the people gathering about them, smiling shyly at them she whispered, "Daddy that's grandmoms, mommy tole me that she looks lik her."
Trixie looked over at her mother to see what her reaction was, shocked to see tears flowing freely, licking her dry lips as she was unsure on what she was to do, she really wanted to throw herself into her parent's arms but held back she wasn't sure if her parents would welcome her with open arms, looking over at her daughter asking her, "Would you like to met your grandparents and uncles Princess?"
Reaching out with her tiny chubby arms as she nodded causing her curly reddish blond hair to bounce, wrapping her arms and legs about her mother.
Settling her daughter into a comfortable position Trixie moved closer to her family stopping in front of her mother Trixie smiled shyly at her as she said, "Moms I'd like you to met Isabelle Rose Regan, my daughter. Bella this is your grandmoms."
Helen smiled at her daughter first as she held out her arms saying, "It's a pleasure to met you Isabelle may I have a hug?"
Nodding shyly Bella leant towards her grandmoms, Trixie watched as her mother and daughter hugged for the first time, swallowing about the large lump in her throat as her father swept her into his arms as he cried, "I've missed you baby girl."
Resting her head of his shoulder, she shivered as she smelt the familiar scent of her father, "I've missed you too daddy."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Regan nodded at the others when his gaze fell onto Jim, pulling Dan closer asking in a hush tone, "What in the hell is he here for?"
Shrugging Dan replied, "I have no idea, though I did like Mr. Belden idea."
"What was that?"
"He said that he would like to see Jim sky diving without a parachute."
Regan smiled as he glanced over at the younger man before saying, "I'd like to see that as well."
With a chuckle Dan watched as Mr. Belden released his daughter only to fill his arms with his granddaughter without taking his eyes off the scene he told his uncle, "They regret what happened they all do."
"I'm glad that they are willing to come out here, they've missed out on so much of Trix and Bella's lives."
Nodding Dan asked, "Did she know that you were leaving Sleepyside to find her?"
Looking over at his nephew Regan said, "No, it wasn't till I received that call from her telling me where she was, she didn't know that I handed in my notice and planned on joining her. I'm just sorry that it's taken this long to see everyone again."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Smiling Matthew Wheeler glanced over at his daughter who was standing beside Brian, he knew that she had missed her best friend, in fact everyone missed her and Regan, Manor House never felt the same, he watched as Trixie was passed from one person to the next, grinning at her when she appeared in front of him, "Missed you Trix, it's not the same without you stirring up trouble."
Looking up she smiled as she said, "I work behind the scenes now Mr. Wheeler I'm a Forensic Psychologist, horse trainer and mother and wife now."
Grinning Matt wrapped his arms about her when he felt something move between them, stunned he pulled back so he could see the slight swell, moving one of his hands, laying his palm on her stomach smiling as he called out, "Peter you have to feel this, your grand baby is awake."
Trixie smiled as nearly everyone but two people crowd about her to feel her stomach, smiling at her husband as he moved to stand behind her placing a hand on her shoulder as he watched that was when Trixie noticed Jim for the first time, he was standing off to one side glowering at her and Regan, bracing herself she nodded at him, "Jim how are you?"
Surprised Jim nodded back as he replied, "I'm fine."
Regan lean forward whispering, "We better head home soon love."
Nodding as she asked, "Do we have enough room in the van for everyone?"
"I spotted Raven before if we have to we could ask her if she could help us out if we don't."
"She heading over to Boston remember?"
"Damn I forgot maybe she'd let us borrow her truck till she gets back."
"Good idea. I bet she'll like that idea better than leaving it here."
Regan lifted his head up and looked about saying, "There she is, I'll just head over and ask her."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Half an hour later with Trixie behind the wheel of the van pulled up beside Regan, the Beldens had insisted on riding with her and Bella, while the others rode with Regan.
"Wow this beautiful, how did you two afford this place?" Helen asked as she stepped out of the van.
"It was a wedding present from Stan and Elli Reilly, it had been in Stan's family for centuries, when I came here they took me in after I helped them out when a con man tried to take all their money that when I called Regan to let him know where I was, I didn't know he had planned on coming out here as well, the Reillys' took him in as well. Regan helped to get the place up and running again, they treated us as their children, their children all died in a freak accident that left Elli partly crippled. Two months after we were married Stan died, Elli stayed with us, she even got to see Bella before she died in her sleep. They left everything to Regan and I."
Jim stared about him in wonder as he listened to Trixie, he had been looking for a place to expand his school, without thinking he asked, "Have you ever thought of selling? This place is perfect for my second school."
His eyes narrowed into slits as Regan spat out, "Even if we did, we wouldn't sell to you."
Trixie laid a hand on Regan's arm to calm him, as she tried to tactfully explained, "We can't sell RB Circle ever, it's stated in the deed that it can not be sold, it's in the deed that when the last Reilly dies they give the land to the town but Stan and Elli gave it to us and made us promise never to sell and it's a promise I plan of keeping, RB Circle is for our children, just as we promised Stan and Elli."
With his face flushed Jim murmured, "Sorry."
Hoping to avoid more fighting Helen asked, "Trix dear can you show me about your home?"
Smiling she nodded as she patted Regan arm, she felt some of the tension drain off him but she knew that it could flare up at a moment notice, "Bill can you show the others to their rooms? Oh I forgot to ask, apart from our parents are there any other married couples? If not all the guys and girls will be sharing room, there a rule on RB Circle and please abide by it, this rule is as old as the hills, unless you're married there is not sleeping together sorry but that is one rule you have to abide by." At the shake of their heads Trixie smiled, "We know that it's rather old fashion rule but it's one that we both agree to when Stan and Elli took us on and since there are children here beside Bella we decided to keep that rule as well."
Dan smiled at her as he said, "It's okay Trix and if anyone breaks that rule will answer to me but seriously none of us are sleeping together that I know of. I don't mind as long as Mart and Brian don't snore."
Trixie noticed that Dan didn't include Jim name she wondered if she needed to mentioned another rule they had.
Honey stepped forward saying, "It'll be just like old times."
Trixie chuckled, "Not quite Honey. I'm sharing rooms but not with you girls." Trixie smiled as she felt Regan slide his arm about her laying his hand on her stomach.
Pulling his wife closer to his body to offer his support, he knew that as hard as it was for him it was even harder on her to see everyone again. Regan chuckled as he gently pushed her towards the house saying, "Angel go and show off our house, I think Jana locked Simba inside since he hasn't greeted us."
Bobby felt something tugging his pant leg looking down he was surprised to see his niece standing beside him, at the airport she had only accepted hugs from her grandparents, crouching down till he was eye level with her, he smiled as she asked, "Unc Bobby, can I show you to your room?"
Smiling at he said, "It would be my greatest honour to have you show me to my room, who am I sharing with?" He already knew that he was rooming with Jim since Brian and Mart had refused to share a room with Jim, since finding out the truth, he didn't even want to think what would happen if Dan did, suppressing a sigh that he felt building as he glanced over at the red head, he was just as angry as his older brothers were at Jim, but he'd keep the peace for Trixie.
Bella pointed to the tall man who had hair like her daddy did saying, "Him, me forgot his name." Ducking her head shyly missing the look Bobby threw at the other man.
Fighting the urge to throw his arms about his niece Bobby said, "That's alright honey, we don't expect you to remember all our names, his name is Jim."
Smiling brightly Bella tottered over to Jim saying, "Me show you and Unc Bobby to your room ok?"
Jim didn't noticed that everyone grew quite as they waited for his response, crouching down Jim smiled at the little girl with her curly reddish blond hair perched wildly in a ponytail on top of her head, with her wide blue eyes twinkling, 'Just like her mother.' Jim thought, 'This could have be mine if I hadn't fucked up. Well nothing I can do about it now she married to Regan and they are happy even I can see that. God she looks like Trix, god I've missed her, I never realized how much I needed her as a friend nothing seems as bright as it did, and who fault is that James? Stupid fool you ruined everything, I have to fix things I need Trix in my life again she's my best friend in the world even more than Brian was.'  Jim shook his head to clear it only to find a concerned Bella looking at him, "You okay Jimmy?"
Trixie gasp aloud when she heard her daughter call Jim, Jimmy only his mother and her had ever gotten away with calling him Jimmy.
Smiling Jim said, "Sorry kiddo my mind wandered for a bit. Shall we go and find uncle Bobby and my room?"
Nodding Bella held Jim hand as she sung out, "Unc Bobby are you reddy?"
Nodding Bobby gathered up his bags as Regan said, "Bella they are in the room across from you."
Bella tugged on Jim's hand as she answered her father, "Me know daddy, c'mon I'll show you where you're sweeping."
Stepping on the other side of Bella, Bobby offered his hand, he'd be damned if he'd let her hold Jim's hand and not his, deep down he knew it was petty but she was his only niece after all not Jim's.
Trixie smiled as they passed her saying, "You have to unlock the gates, you can't just climb over them, the latch is on the other side and out of reach of the children."
Brian frown as he asked, "You mentioned children how many are there?"
Smiling as she explained, "This is a day camp for children, Regan and I thought it would be a good idea to open a day camp for children who wished to learn to ride horses and in the weekend we offer riding lessons to adults, not many come here for that one since most already know how to ride but they do come to hired horses and ride the trails. We have a full time Vet and a part time Doctor along with a full time nurse and cook, along with part time and full time staff."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
An hour later everyone gathered about the dinner table, after saying grace, Regan stood up at the head of the table once he got everyone attention he said, "I hope you don't mind serving yourself, all meals are served buffet style, times for meals are six to nine in the morning, lunch is twelve to one and dinner is between the hours of six to seven if you which to place a special order for any meal please give Hannah her daughter Tabatha plenty of warning or you will have what is posted on the board, on today menu is roast Chicken with all the trimmings, so feel free to help yourself, though I may suggest that Mart goes last, I still remember his love of food, I think David and Trevor may give him a run for his money."
Blushing Mart joked, "Aw shucks Regan is that all you remember about me?"
"Nope I remember your unrelenting teasing and those great big long words you loved to use but didn't know how to spell."
"My dear Regan I'm swooning that you even remembered me, though it is hard to forget me since you married my almost twin Beatrix."
Regan shot back, "The better twin I'd have to say."
"Oh you wound me dear sir."
Laughing Trixie glance at the two as she said, "God I've missed that. Don't encourage him Regan you'll never get him to stop otherwise. Perhaps I can interested the others in food while these two clown about."
Regan caught the gleam in his wife eye as she dished up a small plate for their daughter, moving over to her, he whispered, "I love you baby."
Tilting her head up she grinned as she whispered back, "Love you too."
Brushing his lips against Trixie's temple he said, "Go and start feeding our imp, I'll get your dinner."
"Thanks love my feet are getting rather sore from standing up."
"Go and sit down then and gossip, catch up with everyone."
"I will thanks sweetheart."
Smiling Regan picked up two plates before kissing her again on the cheek.
Walking to the table Trixie sat down beside her daughter who was happily banging her spoon on the table top of her highchair, smiling Trixie asked, "Hungry are we sweetheart?"
Peter watched as his only daughter interact with her own baby girl, he had so many things he wanted to tell his daughter, he also had many questions he wanted to ask her and Regan, during the day he had watched Regan and Trixie interacting and he knew beyond a doubt that they totally loved each other something he had never witness while Trix and Jim had dated, Trixie was more comfortable than she had been but then she openly expressed her love without blushing, her eyes shone brightly whenever she saw her husband , Peter wished to know this new Trixie even though he didn't like the way she left but he knew that his baby had finally found who she really was, he knew that before she left that she had been struggling with who she really was, he was thankful that Regan had followed his baby girl and giving her unconditional love and support that her family hadn't given her, a mistake he would make up to her if it took him the rest of his life, his baby had grown into a beautiful woman.
Feeling someone watching her Trixie looked up finding her father staring at her, his brown eyes fill with love and regret, smiling at him she asked, "Daddy would you like to feed Bella?"
Nodding Peter stood up and made his way over to them, laying a hand on his daughter shoulder squeezing it gently before sitting in front of his granddaughter.
Leaning over Trixie kissed her father's cheek whispering, "I missed you daddy." Before moving away she smiled at him as she said, "I love you daddy."
Peter felt his eyes well up as he glanced up at her as he told her, "I love you as well princess."
Leaning over Trixie wiped her father's cheek as a tear slipped down, smiling she asked, "Would you care to join me in a walk after dinner daddy?"
To choked up for words Peter managed to nod his head.
Regan smiled widely as he gave Peter and Trixie some privacy before joining them, once Peter started feeding Bella he joined them dropping a kiss on his daughter head as he passed, placing a plateful of food in front of his wife before sitting down next to her without a word he pointed at her plate watching her till she begun to eat before he begun to eat his own food.
Amused Trixie begun to eat swallowing she told him, "Daddy and I are going for a walk after dinner."
With a fond look and a nod Regan went back to eating his dinner, he listen to the others chat, all the while wondering how the hell he and Trixie were going to explain their actions, when another thought cleared his head of everything, just what the hell was Jim Frayne doing here? Was he hoping to get back with Trixie? Not a chance in hell. Chuckling as he looked over at the younger man, he had noticed the looks Jim had given them since arriving.
Trixie shook her head as she noticed that Regan was staring at Jim leaning over she whispered, "That green eyed monster is showing love."
Chuckling Regan looked into her bright blue eyes as he said, "I'm wondering what the hell he here for and what he has plans."
"Well if he had thoughts of getting back with me they are dashed, perish that thought baby, even if I wasn't with you, the love of my life, I wouldn't go back to him, he cheated on me I would never trust any guy would did that to me the best he could hope for is being friends and even that would take a lot of work, you know as well as I that what hurt the most was that he lied and let everyone think it was me who cheated on him, all he had to do was speak up and all this could have been avoided but he didn't."
"I know all that but I'm still worried, why he even here? And what the hell was Matt thinking bringing him here?"
"I know and so am I." Looking up Trixie stared over at Jim and noticed the flush look as she caught him looking at them standing up she said, "I think it's time to ask him why he here, coming love?" Holding her hand out to him smiling as he said, "Sure am honey."
Matt reached over and grabbed Regan's arm as they passed saying, "Not now guys. I know you're wondering why he here but believe me it will all be explained in time but not now please?"
Frowning Trixie asked, "Why not Mr. Wheeler?"
"It will be clear to you in time but believe me he didn't think it was a good idea for him to be here and normally I'd agree but this time more is at stake than his comfort. I'll explain everything I promise but please give me another day or two."
Trixie nodded as she looked at Regan saying, "Okay, we expect an explanation in a day or two but not a day longer."
Nodding Matt smiled as he said, "Thanks."
Jim frowned as he watched his father intercept Regan and Trixie, grimly he wondered, 'When the hell is this nightmare going to be over, all I want is my life back. I should have never got involved with that bitch, she has ruined everything for me. But Jim you played a major part in your  own downfall, if you had kept it in your pants and waited liked you promised, you wouldn't be in this damn mess you're in now would you?'

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Forgiven
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
 Forgiven
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Walking with his daughter, Peter took in the beauty that surrounded his daughter home, walking one of the many trails walking beside Trixie, he could make out the sound of water in a distance, glancing over at his daughter he took in the nature grace as she walked, she had let her naturally curly hair grow, which she had insisted on keeping short while growing up, he could still see his tomboy Trixie in the new Trixie but the new Trix and the old had blended as one. She had learnt to blend the two together and become the Trixie standing beside him, one he might not have known if she had stayed with Jim, while Jim had tried to change Trixie to be what he wanted her to be, Regan had let her be herself giving her the confidence she needed to realize her dreams and letting her be who she was without trying to control her, he was sorry that he missed the transformation among other things they had missed.
"Daddy?"
"Mmm?"
Nervously Trixie looked everywhere but at her father as she said, "I'm sorry for not getting in touch before now, both Regan and I really wanted you at our wedding but were unsure if you'd come. I know when I left for college everyone was angry at me."
Peter moved over to her saying, "I understand princess and at the time we wouldn't have come. We missed you like crazy, it wasn't the same without you, but we were still angry not with you or Regan but with everything that was going on, I didn't want to believe it but when you left there was a rumor that you were pregnant with Jim or Regan's child."
Shocked Trixie cut in saying, "I was not pregnant daddy and I never ever slept with Jim or Regan while I was living at home, the only man I've ever been with is Regan and that was after our wedding, Bella is the only child I've given birth to, that is until this one is born."
Peter sadly shook his head as he told her, "I believe you baby, before we came out here Jilly told us everything what she and Jim did to you and Regan, not sure if you know this but I was pleased when Regan left town, I knew he was going to find you, I also knew that he'd leave no stone unturned until he found you. I also knew that once he found you, you'd be safe with him, that he'd do anything and everything in his power to keep you safe, he was the only one beside Dan who believed in you, that why I wasn't surprised when Matt told us that you and Regan had married."
Trixie reached up and cupped her dad's cheek as she said, "I'm glad that you had that peace of mind. I never meant to hurt anyone by leaving like I did but Daddy I had to go, it was killing me when no one but Regan and Dan would believe me or listen to me. I hated the fact that everyone I loved turned their backs on me, so I left, hoping that one day I could come back home, when Regan turned up he told me that no one ever talked about me it was like my name was taboo, he also told me that Bobby would come to talk to him about me."
Drawing Trixie into his arms as she cried, smoothing her hair as he told her, "Bobby missed you alot, we all did, he moped about the house with Reddy on his heels even Reddy missed you, Crabapple was never the same with you gone, it was like all the light and happiness had left when you left. Brian and Mart hardly ever came home during breaks, even Honey and Di, Dan was the only one who came to visit. I swear he visited every chance he got he moved in with us for a while after Mr. Maypenny had died. You know now that I think back he wasn't even all that upset when Regan left, I should have known."
"Daddy, Dan didn't know Regan was leaving, Regan had arranged for a replacement, he couldn't leave Mr. Wheeler in the lurch like that, he told me he was planning on leaving the day I called, he was leaving to find me. I called at the insistence of Elli. When I arrived here I met Elli at the bank, and a week later she asked me where I was staying. . . .
"My dear I insist that you stay with my husband and I."
"I can't Mrs. Reilly."
"Oh hog wash, you're staying with us and that's, that, living at that place will cost you a fortune my dear. And for the last time call me Elli, you're making me feel ancient calling me Mrs. Reilly."
Grinning Trixie decided it was wise not to fight with the older lady, Trixie gave in reluctantly, "Alright but only till I find a place on my own to live in."
"No, till you go home again
Fighting the tears that threaten to fall, Trixie sadly said, "I can't go home again."
Patting Trixie's hand Elli told her, "Maybe not now you can't but one day, my dear you'll know when the time is right."
Surprised Trixie nodding slowly as she realized that she was right.
"Now my dear, follow me and we'll get your things, you can tell me all about that handsome man who consumes your thoughts."
Surprised Trixie asked, "Excuse me?"
With a knowing smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes she chuckled, "My dear when you get to my age, you'll realize that it's useless to muck about, these young people who tiddy dally about instead of admitting their feelings miss out. Now promise me young lady that you'll call him when we get home or you'll lose him. He must be something special to steal your heart. Tell me what he like?"
Surprised at the rate things were moving she was rather shocked that the older lady knew that she loved Regan when she only just realized it herself, since arriving at NYU college, Trixie had felt unsettled not knowing why she had thrown herself into her classes, she asked for a transfer over to SCU after Fred Nash began stalking her, she had planned on calling Regan once she had found a place to stay and was settled, she had missed him more than she thought she would over the six months she had be gone.
Elli smiled, she knew that the young lady would call her young man and two things would happen, either Trixie will go home and join him or he'd come out here and join her, she was hoping that he'd come out here, she didn't want to lose this young lady just yet, she reminded her of her daughter, Jamie.
Half an hour later Trixie had gathered together her gear and paid her bill following Elli, still rather stunned at the pace things were moving since arriving in Sioux City.
"This way dear." Stopping in from of a battered jeep Elli climbed in saying, "Throw your stuff in the back."
Half an hour later Elli Reilly parked beside an old ford pickup truck that had seen better days.
"Here we are dear RB Circle."
Once out of the jeep Trixie slowly turned smiling her first real smile in months, "Gosh everything seems so big, it's beautiful."
Elli nodded, "It sure is this place has been in Stan's family since the year eighteen twenty's they were one of the first settlers, over the years it's grown. Now come with me I'll show where you'll sleep and the phone so you can call you man."
Blushing Trixie followed Elli into the two story ranch house at a closer look she noticed that the house was actually made out of logs asking, "Are these the original logs?"
With a chuckle Elli exclaimed, "Good heaven no, the original house was burnt down in Nineteen twenty, they rebuild the house exactly the same as the original."
"Oh."
Smiling Elli said, "Don't worry, it has all the modern gadgets, including a dish washer." Smiling at the younger girl she leant closer and whispered, "I hate doing dishes, so I wore Stan down till he got one for me. Now come on in, the day ain't getting any younger, you have a young man to call, by the way what's his name?"
Giggling Trixie  follow Elli into the house saying, "His name is William Regan, everyone calls him Regan for some reason."
"Well you'll have to ask him, I'm sure it a simple answer like that it suits him better, now here the phone, I'll have Gavin take your bags upstairs for you, now call him."
Moving into the small room Trixie closed the door with a sigh wondering what she was going to say how could she say something so personal over the phone? Taking a deep breath she walked over to the desk sitting down she tried to compose herself before picking up the phone, many times she had picked up the phone and begun calling before hanging up while at NYU, punching in the number that was as familiar as hers was, she held her breath as she heard the other side ring she half hoped he wasn't there and then again she wanted to hear his voice again, she nearly dropped the phone when she heard, "Bill Regan speaking."
"Regan?"
"Trixie is that you?"
"Yeah it's me."
"Thank god, where are you? I tried calling but they told me that you left and they couldn't tell me where you went since I'm not family. I've missed you."
Trixie cried, "I miss you as well Regan, I'm in Sioux City."
"I'm coming."
"No don't."
"Why not? God Trix I need to see you baby, it's so hard here now that you're gone. I need to tell you something, it's real important."
With hope flaring in her heart she ignored the first part and latched onto the last part, "What is it?"
"God, I don't wanna tell you over the phone."
She felt her chest tighten as she asked, "Is everything alright with my family?"
"They're fine, sorry for worrying you, it's about us, you and me."
Grinning she asked, "What about us Regan?"
She could tell that he was smiling without even seeing him, "You really want me to tell you over the phone?"
"Only if you want to."
Trixie heard him taking a deep breath before he blurted out, "I love you."
Trixie grinned as she told him, "I love you too."
"I'm coming to Sioux City, look out for me baby."
"I will when you come ask in town for RB Circle I'm staying here. I'm sure the Reillys will let you stay here as well if you want."
"We'll see when I get there, I better go so I can book my flight, see you real soon baby."
"I love you."
"Love you too, bye."
"Bye."
Trixie slowly lowered the phone stunned that he returned her feeling and was even giving up everything just for her. . . .
"He arrived two days later, when he saw me he swept me up in his arms and kissed me right in the middle of the yard, the Reillys gave him a job, while I went to college, he helped to build up the place he went on trips and bought horses, he asked me to marry him on my nineteenth birthday, we had a short engagement four months later we were married by the waterfalls."
"Sounds beautiful."
"Oh daddy it was, if you like I can show you and moms where we got married tomorrow. It was also video if you wish to watch it."
"I'd like that so would your bothers." Peter hinted at her.
"Yeah they would and Dan as well, I'm not ready to share with the others yet, do you think they would mind much if it was just a family trip this time?"
"I don't think they would mind, actually I think they'll understand. Now as much as I like this spending time with you I think the others might be starting to worry."
"Before we go, what's going on with Mr. Wheeler? Regan and I wanted to know why Jim was here and he asked us to wait a couple of days."
Frowning Peter said, "I don't know but he insisted that Jim join us but something up and has been for awhile."
Trixie tried to contain her curiosity at the first whiff of a mystery, glancing at her wrist to see what time it was, "We better hurry or Bella will be looking for me."
Concerned Peter asked, "Are you missing something?"
Smiling up at her father as she told him, "It's bath time or as Bella calls it fun time, Regan likes to call it family time since we're all in the same room."
Chuckling Peter said, "Ahh yes I remember bath time with each and everyone of you kids."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
""Daddy?"
Laying down the paper Regan looked at his solemn looking daughter as she tugged on her shirt while she chewed on her bottom lip, "Yes Bella?"
"Where Mommy?"
"She went for a walk with your grandfather."
"Oh she be back soon?"
Lifting her onto his lap he told her, "I'm sure mommy on her way as we speak."
Snuggling into her father Isabelle smiled sleepily at her uncle Brian who was tickling her feet as they dangled near his face, looking up Brian smiled as she fought to keep her eyes open, he asked, "Need help to put her to bed?"
Shaking his head as Bella said, "No, it's fun time, we're just waiting on mommy."
"Fun time?" Brian asked.
From the door Trixie explained, "It's what she calls bath and bed time. Sorry I was late princess didn't realize how late it was, are we ready?"
"Yup, ready daddy?"
"Sure am lets go. We'll be back soon." Standing up with Bella still in arms he moved over to Trixie then headed upstairs.
Helen watch them disappear from view then asked her husband, "How did it go?"
Nodding he said, "Tomorrow she wants to show us where her and Regan got married."
Mart who was playing with Simba asked, "All of us?"
"Just the family, she still skittish about what everyone thinks, she still thinks that we're still mad at her, it's going to take time to resolve everything."
Dan asked, "Does family mean me as well?"
"Yes Dan you're included as well. I hope everyone understands."
Honey tried to smile as she said, "We do, though it does hurt to be excluded."
From his spot in the corner where he had been observing most of the evening, Jim quietly said "Then you'll have a small taste of what she went through, won't you then Honey? Since that what we did to her before she left but a larger dose. We have to accept things on her terms not ours or should I say yours since I did the larger damage than anyone else and it will take a miracle for them to forgive me."
Lowering his eyes Jim felt that his words had made the desired affect he wanted, he made them realize that they had to accept that it was going to take awhile for Trixie and Regan to trust them again and that they had to start with family, he knew beyond a doubt that Trixie would forgive each and everyone even him but it wasn't going to happen overnight and Regan was going to take even longer he wasn't as forgiving as Trix was, he knew that he may never be trusted again by either of them, it had taken a long time and a lot of talking on his part to get his parents to help him with his problem.
Dan may not like or trust Jim but he had to agree with his statement, he knew that everyone but him and Bobby, had to work things out with Trixie and Regan.
Brian nodded thoughtfully as he agreed, "Jim right it has to be on their terms not ours as much as I wish everything would be sorted out in the time we have here most of it will be but not everything, we all did alot of damage and we need to repair what we can while we're here."
Peter smiled as he told them, "It may not be as bad as you think Trixie and I talked while we walked and opened up the communication lines to each other, you just have to listen to each other as long as you're both willing to work it out then it will happen."
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Upstairs Regan and Trixie just putting their daughter to bed with a last kiss, "Sweet dreams baby girl."
Smiling sleepily at her parents as she tiredly whispered, "Night daddy, mommy."
Creeping out of the room they left the door opened a crack, pulling Trixie into their room Regan pulled her into his arm asking, "And how are you feeling beautiful?"
With a small smile she laid her head onto his chest as she replied, "Better now that I'm with you."
"Feeling rather overwhelmed are we?"
"Mmm, you can say that again."
Burying his face into Trixie's blond locks, breathing in the scent  of her shampoo, he loved the scent of it.
"I promised daddy that tomorrow we'll show them where we got married, you don't mind do you?"
Lifting his  head asked, "We as in who Angel?"
"Just the family. I don't feel comfortable showing everyone just yet, maybe later before they head home."
Leaning down Regan kissed her nose before saying, "Whenever you're ready baby. Shall we make a day of it and take the jeep?"
Trixie asked worriedly, "Do you think the others would mind being left behind?"
Regan considered saying he didn't give a damn what they did or didn't mind but one look at his wife's face he smiled as he said, "We could let Johnny and Karla show them about the town and then have them ride the trails."
Tilting her head up Trixie grinned as she saw the look on his face she knew what he was thinking chuckling she hugged him tight as she told him, "Sounds good, we better head back downstairs, I also promised to show our wedding video and pictures."
Grinning down at her as he returned her hug he could never hide anything from her, she knew how to read him like a book, she even knew everything about him, he hid nothing from her.
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
New York City
Present Day
Aug. 18th
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"Tessa these two are your target."
Glancing at the photo's she pointed at the others asking, "What about them?"
"You have your orders, those and only those two, the Boss just wants those two if he thinks you're even thinking on plying your charm on him, he'll break your arm."
Tessa sneered, "What so damn special about him?"
"You wouldn't be able to turn his head."
"There has never been no man who can resisted my charm Luis and you know it, I'd bet I could smile and crook my finger at him and he'd be on his knees begging me."
"Believe me Tessa if you tried he'd ignore you."
"That sounds like a challenge and one I just may take you up on."
"You try and the Boss will break your arm and that's a promise."
"I don't understand why leave him out of the deal?"
"You have your orders, you don't need to understand what or why that is all you're to worry about is your orders."
Tearing her eyes from the photo's as she asked, "I still say I could make him
pant like a dog after a bitch in heat."
With a twinkle in his eyes he said, "Not him there is only one woman he pants after and that his wife."
Glancing back at the photo sneering, "She ain't nothing special."
As he walked away he called back, "Jealous?"
Chuckling when he heard her shrieked, "Of what? She ain't anything to look at, me think her man needs to have his eyes checked."
Closing the door Luis leant up against it as he remembered meeting the two, they couldn't tear their eyes away from each other. Luis had flirted like mad with Trixie Belden-Regan and she didn't even look twice at him, he wasn't use of any female young or old ignoring him so he had tried harder to get her attention when that failed it hit him that she totally loved her husband and no other would do her, he even guessed that if anything were to happen to him she would never remarry again. Pushing away from the door Luis wondered if he'd ever find someone to love him that way.
 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
RB Circle
Aug. 19th
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Stifling a yawn as she enter the kitchen, not expecting anyone else to be up at such an early hour beside Regan who was checking the horses before breakfast, Trixie nearly jumped when someone, "Good morning my dear."
"Shit. . . Oh sorry Mr. Wheeler I wasn't expecting anyone up this early."
Grinning Matthew peered over his coffee cup as he apologized, "Sorry Trixie, Regan still in bed?"
Grinning as she poured a cup of coffee as she told him, "Nope if you remember rightly Regan thinks that still being in bed at six is a sleep in, he's over at the stable checking on Chloe before we head out, she going to have her foal soon."
Nodding as he remembered Regan saying something about that before they headed to bed, "Does he expect any problems?"
Sipping her drink as she eyed the older man in front of her, noticing that he had some fine lines that wasn't there before, over the six years she had been gone he had aged, taking in the worried lines that creased his brow she asked, "Is everything alright?"
"You haven't change much have you?"
Grinning over at him as she said, "If you mean, do I still poke my nose into things that have no concerned of mine? Yeah I do but now I'm trained and licensed to do it."
Nodding Matthew smiled as he said, "I have another day to explain, all will be revealed tomorrow."
"Okay I'll wait till then, if I can help you in anyway just ask."
"You're helping by letting us stay here, before I forget shall I book a room for Miss. Trask and Tom?"
"Celia as well?" At his nod she carried on, "The  guys can move over to the stable apartment and if they don't like it they can. . ."
Matt interrupted her by saying, "Trixie normally I'd agree with that arrangement but the others are really mad at Jim for this mess and I don't blame them one bit but it might be better if Jim sleeps in the house."
"There something more to this than you're telling us but I'll wait as promised, okay he can't sleep in my study to many private files in there, let me talk to Regan and we'll find somewhere for him to sleep."
From the door way Regan said, "My study, it has the roll away and there nothing important in there." Walking towards the table Regan leant down and gave Trixie a kiss and rubbed her stomach as he said, "Morning Matthew. Where are the others?"
"Sleeping in."
With a good nature growl, "Sleeping in? Wasting the day away huh?"
Shaking her head at him as he headed over to the coffee pot, "I'm guessing Bella crawled into someone's bed then?"
Just then Jim walked in cradling Bella in his arms saying, "I think someone needs to be changed."
Looking over, Regan began laughing at the pinched expression on Jim's face as he handed his daughter over to Trixie.
Trixie went to stand up when Regan eased Bella out of her grasp saying, "You stay there love, I'll change her."
Matthew watched as Regan walked out of the kitchen he looked over at Trixie as he said, "You've got him trained well."
With her eyes trained on the door as a voice said, "Good morning my sweet Pixie girl."
"Morning Cloud, what brings you up this early in the morning?"
"Coffee Pixie, you know that Sky still in dreamland and my coffee tastes like shit."
Chuckling Trixie replied, "You know where everything is."
Cody Wind-Cloud Walker wandered over to the coffee pot pouring a cup he leant against the sideboard eyeing the two red headed men, he knew without being told who they were.
Jim glanced over at the young man who strolled into the house like he owned it, he took in his skin was a burnish brown, his long raven black hair was in two braids that rested on his chest, he knew beyond a doubt that the young man was of Native American descent.
Cody hid his smile as he felt  the intense gaze lowing his eyes till he locked onto the owner of the green orbs smiling slightly as he asked cheekily, "Like what you see?" Peter smile widen as he witness Jim's face flush in embarrassment, he was thankful for his darker skin as he watched Jim go beet red.
Trixie shook her head as she rebuked him, "Cloud behave yourself." Looking over at Jim as she told him, "Don't mind him Jim, he's nearly as bad as Mart in the teasing department."
 "Moi?"
"Yes you Cody. Oh how rude of me, please excuse me Cody I'd like you to met Matthew Wheeler and his son Jim Frayne, Matthew, Jim this is Regan's and my great friend Cody Wind-Cloud Walker."
Nodding at them Cody drawled, "Nice to met ya."
Nodding at the darker man Jim lower his eyes wondering if he could trusted, having had learnt that lesson the hard way when he trusted someone he thought he cared about only to have her and her father stomp all over him and his feelings.
Cody eyed his new contact as he said, "Mightily warm ain't it Red Feather?" Smirking as Jim's head flew up with his green eyes wide.
Jim couldn't help it when he yelped, "Not here, this is not the meeting place."
Surprised Trixie yelped, "You're Red Feather?
Nodding slowly Jim eyed the other man as he asked, "How much to you know Trixie?"
Looking between the two worriedly as she told him, "All I know is that Cody or Cloud-Walker was meeting an informant who code name was Red Feather with information concerning Carlo Fanz." She explained as she fiddled with her mug. Without looking at her friend she quietly said, "Cody, Jim's right this isn't the time or place to discuss this, you know better than that."
Trixie eyed Jim as she noticed the smug look that flickered over his face, "Wipe that look off your face James."
Jerking his head up at the tone in her voice, he had never heard before, his eyes widen as he stared at her, seeing a different Trixie to the one he knew before. Looking over at his father, nodding slightly at him.
Feeling the tension in the room between the two younger men, Matthew decided to ease some of it by telling Jim, "Slick or other wise known as Trixie to her friends has been running computer checks and hacking into Fanz systems for us, Zack just told me to bring Jim here to met his new contact."
Trixie smiled as she said, "Makes sense now."
 Chewing the inside of his cheek as he stared her, his father told her, "Yes I guess it does, but that not all, a week ago Jim overheard a conversion between Jilly and a girl named Tessa when he came home, not much later Jilly left after telling me what happened." Jim saw her flinch at Jilly's name.
Ignoring the last bit of Matthew statement, Trixie nodded slowly as she run off the details she knew of Tessa, "Tessa Maree Shaw, was last seen in New York, twenty six, brown hair, blue eyes, six foot tall, rumor is that no man can resist her charm, Tessa is also a master of disguises when it's called for but prefers work without them, she works for a man who is only known as the Boss, his real name is unknown only his right hand woman who is also his mistress, Tessa also hires out her gun to the highest bidder, her only known loyalty is to the Boss and money, my contact says she heading down here."
Cody asked, "Who her target?"
"My guess would be you or James maybe Matt."
"Why not you?" Jim asked.
"I'm an unknown factor."
Surprised Jim asked, "What do you mean you're unknown?"
Cody groaned, "What part of unknown do you not understand?"
Glaring Jim muttered, "All I want to know is why doesn't he know of you."
Glaring across the table as she snapped, "I don't work in the front line. I prefer working in the background, less risky that way."
Before Jim could say anymore they heard Regan returning with the others, he could make out Mart voice as he asked, "What for breakfast Bro?"
Jim heard Regan chuckle, "I see nothing has changed with you Mart still thinking about food."
As they entered the kitchen Brian replied, "Nope he still eats like a pig."
Jim felt the fight drain out of him, dropping his eyes to the table top thinking, 'Damn I've missed the joking and laughter. Will we ever be that comfortable with each other again? God I hope so.'
Walking over to the table Brian nodded at everyone as he leant down and kissed Trixie on the cheek, "Good morning sis."
"Morning Bri, Mart. Where Dan and Bobby?"
"Dan in the shower and Rob is still asleep."
Trixie nodded as she remembered that her little brother loved to sleep just like she did, "Regan where Bella?"
"Kidnapped by your folks."
Grinning Trixie sipped some of her drink as she watched her brothers stroll over to the coffee pot.
Regan frowned as he sat beside Trixie, he felt the tension as soon as he entered the room, nodding at Cody as he asked, "Where Sky?"
With a grin he said, "Where do you think Billy?"
Shaking his head as he gruffly said, "Sleeping the day away."
Leaning against the counter Brian eyed the young man he guessed that he was about his age or older, sipping his coffee closing his eyes with a sigh, "Ahh that hits the spot."
Cody nodded as he said, "It sure does, Pixie sure knows how to brew a great Java."
Mart frowned as he asked, "Pixie?"
Rolling her eyes as she explained, "Me, for some reason Cody insists on calling me Pixie."
With a gleam in his eye he teased back, "You love it my little Pixie." Before she could replied he said, "Woah I've died and gone to heaven."
Without even looking she knew that Honey and Diana had walk into the kitchen, rolling her eyes at her husband who chuckled, they were use to Cody flirting with the females, turning in her seat she saw that her parents, Bobby and Dan with Bella in his arms had joined them as well. Trixie grinned when she heard a woman say, "Cody don't you give-up?"
"Sky me love."
Ignoring him she reached over and began pouring a cup of coffee as she said, "Ignore my husband he completely harmless." Moving over to the table Sky glanced about saying, "Nice to met ya all, now let me see if I can guess who everyone is, that tall and dark brooding guy holding Bella has to be Dan, the good looking blond has to be your almost twin Martin, beside him is Brian, oh god another who looks like you that has to be your baby brother Bobby. Oh I can see where Brian gets his looks from, he's a splitting image of your father. The two red heads has to be Jim and his father Matthew. Trixie love why didn't you tell me that Sleeplyside has some hunks?" Chuckling as she noticed that nearly all of the males in the room turned red.
Cody said, "Well Pixie I can see where you get your looks from, Mrs. Belden are you sure you're not Pixie's older sister?"
Blushing prettily Helen as Trixie rolled her eyes again.
Mart frown as he watched the scene, not really sure what he was witnessing, Bobby nudged him as he whispered, "What is it will all these guys fawning over Trixie?"
Cody smirked when he overheard Bobby, "Bobby don't you know that your sister is really beautiful?"
Confused Bobby looked over at her as, he said, "I never really took any notice."
Trixie shook her head hoping that Cody would stop, she could see that Mart was getting angry, hiding her smile as she remembered that Mart loved to tease his siblings but got riled when someone else tease them, Brian hoping to defuse any fights asked, "What for breakfast sis?"
Smiling over at him as she told him, "What would you like? Hannah and Tabatha are coming in later so we're in change of the kitchen till they arrive."
Regan got to his feet saying, "We have eggs, bacon, all the mixing for pancakes."
Rubbing his hands together Mart replied, "That will do for starters."
Trixie laughed along with the others, she felt the last of the tension disappear out of the room, looking about at her family and friends she felt that everything was going to be perfectly perfect.