I've Loved You Before

Chapter 33 - Open Arms

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Lying beside you

Here in the dark

Feeling your heart beat with mine

Softly you whisper

You're so sincere

How could our love be so blind?

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Eric was covered in mud, and Sami's cheeks were red from the chilled wind as they pushed through the front door. John had Brady in his arms, bundled up in his jacket although the weather was warmer than it had been. Originally the plan had been for them all to go to Eric's softball practice together, but Marlena was getting over a head cold and John had decided that another afternoon of rest would be good for her. She'd fussed and attempted to argue, but when John had whispered in her ear that she could read a novel in the bath, she'd stopped, staring up at him with wide eyes. He could tell the idea sounded wonderful to her. So he'd said, "Take a hot bubble bath. Read a book, and rest. Put in lots of bubbles. When we get home later, we'll all relax. I'll make a fire on the back porch and we can make smores..."

She'd looked up at him with wide hazel eyes, whispering his name softly, "John."

"I'll imagine your heated pink skin while I'm coaching," he'd said roughly. "And tonight after the twins are asleep... maybe a little kissing."

She'd softly breathed, "Okay," and the way her eyes had softened let him know that she wouldn't resist. She would spend the afternoon relaxing, and John had felt the tension drain away. He cared about her more than he ever had before. It felt stronger every day, and Marlena was the type who pushed herself too hard. He would take care of her, because she deserved that, and because he wanted to.

They were nearing the end of March, which John was grateful for. It would allow him to work on more projects outside. Things he'd avoided in the winter because of the possibility of paint fumes, or sawdust in the house. He wanted to replace the windows upstairs, which would then open up more bedrooms, and possibly a master suite. In his mind it was a space he was creating for Marlena and himself, although they hadn't spoken of the future. Marlena had mentioned once, a few weeks earlier, that maybe she needed to finally start looking for a place for her and the twins, now that things had settled down. He'd promptly talked her out of it. He was feeling guilty about it though, and felt like they would need to discuss it. If she wanted to go, he couldn't keep her there, even if it made him the happiest man on the planet.

Marlena came down the hallway with her hair piled in a messy bun on top of her head while wearing John's Salem PD sweatshirt and his overlarge sweatpants. He couldn't help smiling as he imagined her rummaging through his drawers to find them. He almost groaned aloud realizing that her bath had been in his tub. Of course it had. His tub had spa jets. Clenching his fist at his side, he could imagine the slick feel of her soap covered skin under his palm. He didn't have to be there with her. His imagination was active and alert enough to torture him all evening.

"Hey, Doc," he said roughly, setting down the bag he kept the extra bats in. Immediately Brady started looking around until his eyes landed on the woman he was looking for. The small boy started huffing excitedly, and kicking his legs, trying to get to her, which caused John to laugh. "Hold old there little man. Hold on!"

Sami laughed, shrugging out of her coat, "He wants Mama! That's funny how hyper he gets."

Brady's voice got louder, expressing his displeasure at not being immediately delivered to the person he wanted, and his arms flapped as Marlena approached him with a smile, "How's my boy?"