To have and to Hold

Return of the wicked step-mother

As the weeks progressed, Rachel started to slowly adapt and settle into her new lifestyle and status as Adam's wife. Not that it was particularly hard, as he made very little demands on her time, and they had managed to settle into some sort of agreeable routine which they more or less got on with their lives as they had done previously,

Rachel spending her time at the Woman's Refuge, being able to give more of her time to the place, now she had given up her job at the supermarket.

At the same time, and with Adam's encouragement, she was looking through several College's to find the course where she could study for her degree in sociology.

Adam as usual was busy with his business, which meant he was usually first out in the morning, and last in by the late evening, When they did catch time together over a late night coffee, or in his case a whiskey, they exchanged amiable and pleasant conversation about their day and how it had been.

Rachel was usually in bed before Adam, who always had some business matter to sort out in his study, or working on his laptop until late into the night. But when he eventually did come to bed, most times he and Rachel would end up making love, even if it was the early hours of the morning.

All her earlier fears and concerns on that aspect of their relationship had disappeared, and Rachel was a little surprised how easily she found herself giving herself to him and enjoying it.

She didn't think that it showed, and as far as she was concerned, she was still the same person, and nothing had really changed.

But as she sat with Jean in her office one afternoon having a coffee break, Rachel happened to casually mentioned to Jean that Adam would be going away for a few days on a business trip.

"I guess you will be missing him then?" Jean remarked with a small smile, but there was a keen look in her eye as she studied Rachel's response.

Rachel shrugged as she stared into her coffee cup, "Well I don't think I am going to pine away thinking about him, if that's what your implying" she chuckled

"No, maybe not, pine away, but I imagine you will miss him still," Jean agreed, "I have to say, I had my concerns about you agreeing to marrying Adam Maxwell, but it seems they were unfounded. I actually think you are all the better for it in some ways, and I don't mean financial wise either," she added with a sly smile

Rachel looked up at her friend, "What way do you mean?" she asked with honest curiosity, unsure of what she was getting at.

Jean's eyes narrowed thoughtfully as she thought on Rachel's question, "Well at first I was worried you and Adam would have problems; due to what happened in your past, and the fact you find it hard to trust anyone, especially men. And to be honest his reputation made think he could be a bit unfeeling towards his fellow human beings. So I was unsure how you would deal with each other once you got married," she started to explain,

"But well, since you have been married, I have noticed that dark shadow that always seemed to be always hanging over you in the background has slowly vanished. Some mornings when you come in here, I have never seen you look happier, it's like your are positively glowing, and you have a little spring in your step. Whatever he is doing, it must be good." she grinned, "I guess being in love really agrees with you"

Rachel just stared at Jean, little stunned at her assumption, she couldn't understand what made Jean even think that she was in love with Adam?. She had it so wrong, it wasn't like that at all; was it?.

Rachel decided it was best to laugh it of, shaking her head, "Honestly Jean, I think your imagination is running away with you, I am not in love with Adam, and neither is he with me," she replied,