Stay a While

Part 12

A week had passed. Katherine and the kids were back home, everything seemed to have returned to normal, only it was far from it. Lindsey hadn't seen Stevie since he left her after that night they spent together. She called in the next day and told Katherine she was sick, nothing serious, just a cold, but she didn't want to be around them while not feeling fell. Katherine didn't mind of course, besides having to order food every day, she quite enjoyed the lack of Stevie's presence. Lindsey knew that Stevie was just fine, but he understood. He wanted to see her, to talk to her, but he decided that giving her some time was for the best.

Stevie hadn't mentioned, when she expected to be back. Coming down the stairs that morning, Lindsey didn't think he'd see her moving around in the kitchen as she always would do at that time of day. Katherine had already returned to work, but Lindsey was still at home. He was his own boss after all. 

Hands in his pockets, Lindsey spent a moment just looking at Stevie. He'd missed her, wishing that they were anywhere else but his family home. He wanted to kiss her and tell her that everything he'd said was true, that he still felt all of those things. 

Checking to make sure that the kids weren't around, Lindsey finally made himself known, clearing his throat loudly. Stevie didn't know how to act, so she just said, good morning, and nothing else. As much as Lindsey had wanted to see her, he didn't think it was going to be so hard.

"Can you just stop for a second?"

"I have to have breakfast ready for Amelia and Danny, they'll be up any minute." Stevie said, her back still facing Lindsey. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, she couldn't cry.

Forgetting everything he'd promised himself not to do, Lindsey approached Stevie and embraced her from behind. Her immediate response was to push him away, but Lindsey held onto her, turning her around. He knew the tears in her eyes were his fault and he hated himself for that.

"I meant it." He whispered, catching a tear, rolling down her cheek. "We were emotional, but I meant, what I said. Stevie, I'm in-"

"No." Stevie shook her head. "No, Lindsey, you can't say that!" 

"Why not? You can't tell me how I feel." His hands left her waist and he cradled her face. "I know, you'll remind me that I'm married and that I have children. It doesn't mean that I'm happy. If I could turn back time, I would still come see you and I would still stay with you. I should, but I don't regret anything, Stevie."

She placed her hand over his and smiled weakly. "What if you're just infatuated with me? What if it passes?"

Tilting his head to one side, Lindsey leaned in and captured her lips. A gentle, lingering touch of lips. He pulled back just a little. "You feel it, I know you do. You won't admit it, but I don't need you to say it."

"You're back, Stevie!" Amelia's voice separated them, making Lindsey move away quickly. 

"Hey, baby girl." Stevie smiled, opening her arms for a hug. She glanced at Lindsey, fear reflecting in her eyes. There was a good chance that Amelia saw more than she should have. "I couldn't stay away from you too long, sweetheart." Stevie spoke to the girl again. "I was just getting ready to make you some pancakes."

"I love your pancakes." Amelia grinned widely. She ran to the kitchen table and took a seat, happily swinging her legs.

Lindsey looked at his daughter, then shifted his gaze over to Stevie, before his eyes settled on Amelia again. Suddenly feeling chocked up himself, Lindsey had to walk out.