One Last Time- a Dean Winchester love story (sequel to One More Night)

Chapter 4

On my way back from taking Gracie to daycare I got a call from Christine.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Hello, beautiful. Got any plans today?" Christine asked.

"Aside from picking up Mary Grace later, no. I take it you heard." I didn't need to specify.

"I may have overheard Dean having a bro moment with Sam. You hear all kinds of things at the bunker. So I was thinking that we should go get something to eat. Maybe burgers and shakes." Christine told me.

"You had me at eat." I replied.

Christine laughed. "I'll be by to pick you up in a few, doll face. I'm going to tell Sam it's a girl emergency. He won't ask any questions that way."

"Oh, I know. That's the only way I could get him to leave earlier. He wanted me to talk about my feelings."

"He means well. He can't help it that he's not me."

Now it was my turn to laugh. "Exactly. I'll see you soon."

We shared a quick goodbye and I hung up. The rest of my drive home was spent singing along to the radio.

I was at home maybe an hour when Christine pulled up in my old car. Crowley bought me a new SUV with all the latest safety features. He wouldn't have me driving my daughter around in that blue death trap, as he called it. It's almost like he cares, almost.

Christine didn't ask any questions until we were done eating, thankfully.

"So, you gonna fill me in?" Christine asked after finishing her last french fry.

"There's not much to fill in. We'd been arguing since he got back, nothing new there. I'd been considering it for a while. Honestly, it's not what I wanted to happen. I just can't deal with it anymore." I replied.

Christine nodded. "I wouldn't have made it as long as you have."

"I've tried so hard to look past it. I love him to pieces but I'm tired of sharing him."

"I'm sorry it happened. But, I understand why you did it." Christine told me.

"This is the first time I've been single in over five years. It's so weird." I said after standing up and pushing my chair in.

"I've completely forgotten what that feels like." Christine lead the way back to her car.

"I'm not sure if I like it."

"Hey, you can do this. You're one of the toughest bitches I know." Chris smiled at me from the driver's side.

"Thanks. I just don't know how long it'll last." I leaned my head back against the headrest.

"Well, if you got out more I'm sure a hot guy would sweep you off your feet. Prince Charming isn't gonna burst into your living room, babe."

I laughed. "That's not what I meant. I am definitely not ready for that. I just always end up back with Dean. Every time something happens I go right back to him. Jesus, I sound like a love-sick teenager."

Christine glanced away from the road quickly. "Just a wee bit."

I groaned and put a hand over my stomach.

"You okay there?" Chris asked.

"I think so. Just a little nauseated. Probably just the grease from the burgers." I answered.

"Are you sure about that?"

"Oh shit. No, there's no way." I replied.

"Well as often as you and Dean bump uglies..." Christine trailed off.

"No. We always use protection." I thought for a moment. "Except for that one time I met him at the motel."

"Well, it's a good thing Gracie wants a little brother or sister."

"She's not getting one, because I'm not pregnant. It's probably just a stomach bug." I said, trying to convince myself as much as her.

"How about Sam and I take Gracie for a day or two? I might have heard something about the Barnum and Bailey circus being in Omaha for the week. She'd love it." Christine offered.

"I'm sure she would, but I really don't want to break her out of her routine." I reasoned.

"Leah, let me ask you a question. Do you feel like taking care of a five year old right now?" Christine asked.

"Well, not really. But she's my kid and I have to."

"That's what aunts and uncles are for. Sam and I will take great care of her. We always have before."

I sighed. "Okay. I'll let her know when I pick her up."

"Awesome. I can't wait to tell Sam."

A few hours later I was driving back from the local daycare with Gracie strapped in the backseat.

"So, I may have a surprise for you." I told her as I glanced into the rear view mirror.

Her face lit up. "What is it?!"

"How do you feel about the circus?" I asked her. She's never been to one but she loves animals and watching gymnastics so I think she'll love it.

"Is that like the zoo that daddy took me to?" She asked quickly.

"Sort of. Only there will be other acts besides the animals." I answered.

"When are we going?" She sounded very excited.

"I'm not going on this trip, sweetie. Sam and Christine are taking you." I told her.

She grinned. "That means we're going to McDonald's!"

I laughed as I pulled into our driveway. Sam and Chris were already there. Or at least their car is. Sam has a spare key so I'm sure Christine is raiding my kitchen for pizza bagels.

When I walked into my house Christine was elbow deep in my freezer.

"You knew I was coming and you didn't buy pizza bagels?" She asked, sounding mock offended.

Sam chuckled as Gracie climbed up on the couch next to him.

"Well, you do know that we prefer pizza rolls in this house, right?" I asked.

"You're so wrong." Christine replied.

I shook my head before going upstairs to pack an overnight bag for Gracie. Which besides clothes included her stuffed bunny that Dean bought her when she was a baby. She can never sleep without it. I added a couple of her favorite books in too. She loves it when Sam reads to her.

I handed Christine the packed Disney Princess backpack. "I'll get you some money. I know she'll want to buy at least one thing, especially if it's purple."

"No ma'am. This is on us." Chris stepped closer and lowered her voice. "Besides, it's not like we earned the money anyway." She winked at me before stepping away.

"Ready to go?" Sam asked Gracie.

"Just a sec." She replied holding up her small index finger.

Gracie ran over to me and wrapped her arms around my legs. I got down on my knees so I'd be on her level. I hugged her tightly for a few moments before pulling away.

"Be good for Sam and Chris, okay?" I asked.

"What are you talking about? I'm always good." Gracie replied with a grin.

"Sure you are. I love you."

"I love you too, mommy." She said before kissing my cheek.

Gracie waved from the backseat of Sam's car until it disappeared from sight.

I sighed as I plopped down on my couch, looking up at the ceiling. I guess I might as well do it now and get it over with.

"Crowley? Would you mind terribly helping with something?" I asked my empty house.

When I glanced back at the arm chair my father was seated in it. "What is it now?" He asked, feigning annoyance.