My Fair Ladies

Always

Disclaimer: We are aware that Winter's behavior in this book is not favourable. His behavior and actions are 100% for this work of fiction. We do not condone hateful speech or actions regarding him or to his fans, nor do we believe he would ever behave like this canonically. This book is for entertainment and does not reflect our feelings about Winter or any other character. Please be kind to one another. – Will and Claire

TW: mention or insinuation of child loss/ miscarriage

The 11th of February 2025

Winter made his way down the corridor wringing his hands. His eyes shifting from side to side slightly as he turned the corner into the office. "Oh. Autumn." Not looking up from her work as she spoke. "Is there something I can do for you Winter?" He shifted his weight uncomfortably on his feet. As his brow furrowed, he could feel the beads of perspiration form on his forehead. "Where's Marjorie?" She stood and finally looked at him. "She has the day off."

Winter's eyes turned toward the floor as he wrung his hands. Autumn narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "Winter, are you going to tell me what it is sometime today?" His eyes shot up as he took a sharp breath in and coughed as the breath hit the back of his throat. "Um, Autumn, it ... it's" She moved closer to him. "Is something wrong in the room?" He backed up slightly as if trying to distance himself from her. "Sara's gone into labor." He blurted it out so fast it took her a moment to process what he had said.

"Go" He shuffled his feet but still stood in the doorway. "Aut ... I" She grabbed the handle on the door and looked at him. "Sara needs you. Just go." She shut the door behind her and moved past him before heading down the corridor. Her mind battled itself as she moved. Her legs felt a bit like she was walking through cement. She turned the corner and nearly ran straight into Deliah. "Deliah. Sorry. Would you go cover the toddler room, please? Winter's had to go for the day." She didn't wait for a response. She turned on her heels and pulled her phone from her pocket as she walked back to the office. She typed a message quickly into the phone. "Reece meet me in the office."

As she stepped into the office, she started to gather her things. Just as she shoved her arms through the sleeves of her coat, the blonde appeared in the doorway. "Oh good you're here. I need to leave. Deliah is covering in the toddler room. You will need to stay in the office for the remainder of the day." He raised an eyebrow at her questioningly. "Everything is fine. I just need to go."

As she pulled the red jag into the drive, she saw the little Peugeot sitting there. She was unsure if she had hoped she would be home or if she had hoped she would be out. She walked to the door with her key in her hand. Unlocked it and left herself in. She could hear the brunette in the lounge but went straight to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine before joining her. "Oh! Beautiful what are you do ... oh we've got wine at ten in the morning." She sat her book down and shifted toward Autumn as the brunette sat down. "What's happened beautiful?" The brunette looked at her and rolled her eyes. "Wow that bad, huh? Did you have an argument with Reece? Or Mia? I can't see you coming home for a fight with a parent." The brunette shifted uncomfortably. "Marjorie!" She hadn't meant to shout and softened her tone before speaking again. "Sunshine can we please put a pin in it for now? I just want to sit here, drink my wine, and be with you."

Marjorie lifted her arm inviting the brunette into her embrace, and Autumn tucked herself under the brunette's arm with her wine still in hand. The tension in her body started to melt away and the tears began to fall in hot streams down her face. Marjorie noticed the jagged breaths of her sobs, so she pulled her in a little tighter rubbing circles lazily on her back. They just sat for over an hour in silence before the brunette spoke. "Sara's gone into labor." Marjorie took a deep breath and left out an almost inaudible sigh as she exhaled. She took the now empty glass from the brunette and sat it on the end table before pulling her fully onto her lap. The brunette nuzzled into her neck not wanting to make eye contact. "I thought I would be okay. I mean we knew it was coming, but when he came to the office... when he came to say... I couldn't breathe.  I felt like I was suffocating...my whole body was heavy. I just needed out of there. I needed to be here. I needed to be with you.

Marjorie shifted slightly pulling the brunette in closer but remaining silent. Her mind went back to the day in the bar. She had promised her then to just sit in silence and somehow it seemed like that was what she needed again. Just her presence without any of the words. She held her there like that stroking her hair and letting her fingertips lazily trace shapes on the brunette's back. They sat there as Autumn moved through all the emotions. She cried. She laughed. She cried again. "Marjorie, do you remember the night I came to you? That night I was so broken, but there was part of me that was relieved when he walked out. I just didn't see us making it. I would have fought for it and us but both of us probably would have ended up bitter. Maybe we would've hated each other. I don't hate him. He just ... he ... just..."

"Reminds you of what you lost?  It's ok beautiful you don't have to say anything. We can just sit here. Do you want more wine? Are you hungry? I can order something or go out and get something." The brunette shook her head. "No just you. You're all I need." After that neither spoke again. They moved through the day in silence seemingly knowing what the other wanted or needed.

Marjorie had ordered takeaway after all, but neither of them really ate much. As they settled back onto the sofa and into each other's arms, the doorbell sounded. Marjorie stood to answer the door. She figured it would be Reece or maybe even Viv. When she opened the door, she was surprised to find him stood there. "I don't know. I don't think it is a good time." He stepped into the foyer. It was different from the last time he had stood here. Maybe that was Marjorie's influence. "I just want to speak to her. Just for a moment. I promise Marjorie I am not here to upset her. I just..." Autumn came through toward them. "It's okay my love. Can you give us a moment?"

As Marjorie left the room, Autumn looked back to him. "She won't stay away long. What is it?" He shuffled uncomfortably on his feet. "Aut, I have a son and ... when I held him, I realized how awful I was to you. I was awful. I behaved abhorrently. I am actually surprised Marjorie didn't take the bat to me that day. I would have deserved it. What if ... what if I do that to him? Or to Sara? What if I hurt them because I don't know how to deal with my own... emotions."

She looked into his eyes. "Wint you would never do that. You will love your son, and you will be a good father because that is who you are. You don't have it in you to be less. I am happy for you. It might not seem it, but I am. I am just sad for me at the same time." He nodded. "I better get back to them." He looked as the kitchen door creaked open. Marjorie peeked around the door just as he shut the door behind him. "You okay beautiful?" She handed her the refilled wine glass. "I am. I think he just needed a little friendly reassurance." Marjorie raised her eyebrows but didn't push. As they walked up the stairs, Autumn turned toward her. "Thank you...for today. You didn't push. You always seem to know exactly what I need. Even when I don't."

As they lay in the bed, Marjorie started to doze. Autumn could feel her breath go deep and even but wasn't sure if she was fully gone.

"Marjorie?"

"Mmmhmm?"

"I love you."

She lazily responded, "I love you too."

Autumn tangled herself in and placed her head on Marjorie's chest listening to her heartbeat. Her memories flooded her once more and she began to sob.

"I've got you beautiful. I will always have you."

Their eyes fluttered shut and their breathing became deep and even. Just as she drifted off Marjorie muttered one more word.

"Always."