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Post by Jen on Jun 27, 2003 11:31:03 GMT -5
Love of My Life by Parisgal3 (Jen) 68 Chapters Gus and Harley
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Post by Jen on Jun 27, 2003 11:31:23 GMT -5
Harley looked up from her coffee as Rick entered the door of Company with a crying Jude in his arms. Harley got up and went over to comfort her youngest son.
“How’s he feeling, Rick?”
“I think he just has an ear infection. Dr. Parker will probably give you a prescription for him. What time is your appointment?”
“Four o’clock. What time do you have to be at the hospital?”
“Oh about 10 minutes ago, so I better go. I don’t want to lose the job I just got healthy enough to get back.” Rick said as he kissed Jude on the forehead and gave Harley a peck on the cheek.
Harley took Jude, who had calmed down a little over to Gus and Zach who were playing with Zach’s fire truck.
“Hey, little man. How you feeling?” Gus asked the fussy child. “Honey, I better go if I’m gonna be at the airport on time to pick up Eden.”
“Okay.”
“I wanna go with Gus”
“Well, buddy that’s up to mommy.”
Harley looked over Zach and mouthed, “Are you sure?” and got a smiling nod back from Gus.
“Okay. You can go, but you have to be good. And wear your jacket and hat and gloves. And don’t let go of Gus’s hand okay?
“Yay!” Zach replied as he reached for his coat.
Gus looked out the window and noticed the snowfall. “Hey Zach…do you think it’s snowing out?”
“Yeah”, Zach replied without looking up from his truck.
Gus zipped up Zach’s coat and said, “You wanna make a bet? If it’s snowing when we go outside, we’ll listen to that kid CD you love so much. But if it’s not snowing, we get to listen to my music.”
Harley overheard the bet, looked out the window at the snow that was falling without an end in sight and smiled at Gus. Zach jumped down off the stool and ran his truck on the floor in between the tables.
Harley pulled Gus by the collar of his jacket, “You know…I think you really like that kids CD.”
“I gotta tell you. I’ve had this tune in my head all morning and I can’t think of the stupid words, so I figured, hey, make Zach happy and at least figure out the words to this song.”
“Aww….you’re just a big kid yourself”, Harley teased as she kissed him.
“I can be very adult when I want to be baby.” He kissed Harley hungrily, but quickly since he could feel Buzz’s eyes boring holes into the back of his neck. Although Buzz had warmed up to Gus considerably in the last few months, he still was worried about another man breaking his daughter’s heart. “Okay Zach, let’s go”
Zach jumped onto Gus’s back and they headed out the door. To Gus’s surprise, the door opened before he could reach for it. Standing in front of him was none other than Phillip Spaulding.
“Daddy!” Zach exclaimed.
“Hey Zach. Aitoro. Where are you two off to?” Phillip asked with disdain in his voice.
“Um, we’re going to the airport to pick up my sister.”
“Oh the troublemaker?”
“Phillip..” Harley interrupted, “Don’t start. Gus, you forgot your cell phone.”
Phillip let out a disapproving sigh.
“Zach, say goodbye to Daddy and keep your hat on.” Harley kissed her son one last time and kissed Gus. “See you in a little bit.”
“Okay, should we just go home, or should we come back here?”
“Well, I’m meeting Blake here after Jude’s appointment so why don’t you guys just come back here. We can get dinner here. I’m sure Eden wouldn’t mind missing out on my cooking.”
“Okay, then. You ready Zacheroo?” Gus asked as they left Company.
“What’s wrong with Jude?” Philip asked.
“Oh he just has an ear infection. He’ll be fine.”
“Eden is coming to town?”
“Yes, she’s staying with us for a few days and spending Thanksgiving with her brother.”
“Harley. She is a murderer. I do not want her around Zach. It’s bad enough she’s practically his step-aunt from Chicago. She doesn’t need to be in the same house.”
“Phillip- do not start this again. You lost the first time. You wouldn’t win the second time either. And she isn’t his step anything.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? You sound disappointed”
“Forget about it.” Harley turned away from Phillip and turned her attention to her father. “Dad. I’m taking Jude to the doctor’s now. Blake is supposed to be meeting me here so if she gets here before I get back, tell her to wait for me, ok?
“Sure. No problem. That’s my job. Take orders and pass along messages.” Buzz sighed as he cleaned the bar top.
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Post by Jen on Jun 27, 2003 11:32:02 GMT -5
Buzz was refilling Blake’s coffee cup when Harley walked in the door to Company with Jude in her arms.
“Blake, hey, I’m sorry, but I had to go pick up Jude’s medicine too.”
“Don’t worry about it, how’s he doing? Ear infection?”
“Yea, we got him medicine and he’s not crying and miserable, so it must be working.”
“That’s good. So what’s up? You sounded desperate on the phone to talk to me. Do you have some gossip? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong….well, not really.”
“Harley, what are you talking about? Is it Gus, or Phillip again?”
“It’s always Phillip...but no…it’s Gus. Actually it’s me and Gus and our relationship.”
“What about it? Did something happen?”
“No, that’s the problem. I love him. I know he loves me, but we’re not going anywhere. You know?”
“You mean like on a vacation?? I don’t get what you’re saying here.”
“No, like our relationship isn’t moving forward very much. I mean, when the Phillip mess happened, Gus had mentioned marriage a few times, and of course, I always freaked out, because, well, because I’m me, but ever since we got Zach back and Gus moved back in, he hasn’t even mentioned the “M” word and I’m starting to wonder if he wants to or not.”
“Do you want to? I mean, do you want him to bring it up? Do you want to marry him?”
“Yes I do.”
“Wow…I have to say, I’m a little surprised. I mean, you’re not marriage’s biggest fan.”
“I know…and after Phillip, I swore I would never put myself in a position to get hurt like that again. But Gus is different. I’m not worried at all about him hurting me like everyone else has. He has proven time and time again that he loves me and the kids and will do anything for us. I just don’t know if he wants to commit to a marriage.”
“Okay, wait a second…let me get this straight. You love Gus. Gus loves you. Gus loves your kids. You want to marry Gus. But you don’t know if he wants to marry you? Is that all right, so far?”
“Yes.”
“Okay, so what’s the problem? Just ask him.”
“What? You make it sound so easy…just ask him…like just jump off a bridge.”
“Why not Harley? You love him, you know he loves you, what do you think is gonna happen? Maybe he thinks you don’t want to get married. Don’t you guys talk at all?”
“Yes, we talk, but we’ve both avoided the subject, I guess….”
Blake smiled.
“What? What are you smiling at?”
“You. You’re so happy. So in love with this guy. I don’t ever remember seeing you like this with anyone else.”
“I don’t know if I’ve ever felt this way before. I mean, I loved Mallet and I did love Phillip, but I didn’t know who I was with them. With Phillip I was always trying to be more than I am. Trying to act like I belonged in that class. And with Mallet…I was so young. Neither on of us was ready for that commitment. He certainly wasn’t. But, When I’m with Gus I feel like I can be exactly who I am. I can laugh, I can cry. I can have a tantrum and yell and scream at him without worrying about messing things up. From the first day I met Gus, it’s like I became a new person. He made me a better cop, a better person. I feel like I’m finally at a point in my life where I can trust myself, and trust Gus. “
“Sounds like you know what you want. Now you have to find out what he wants. Ask him, Harley.”
Harley looked up and saw Gus, Eden & Zach walk in the door. “Shh…he’s here.” “Hey guys. Hi Eden.”
“Harley.” Eden replied.
“Hey Honey…how’s little Jude doing?” Gus asked as he kissed Harley, then Jude.
“Ear infection, like we thought, the doctor gave us some medicine, so he’s feeling a little better.”
“Oh that’s good. Maybe he’ll sleep tonight. Hi Blake.”
“Hello Gus, how are you?” Blake asked mischievously.
“I’m doing wonderfully, Blake. Thank you for asking. You remember my sister, Eden.”
“Of course. Hello. Welcome back to Springfield.”
“Yeah, right. So uh Harley, where’s Frank and your dad and the whole Cooper clan?” Eden asked.
“Someone asking for me?” Frank asked after he came through the door followed by Susan and Marina.
“Frank…long time no see.”
“Hello Eden. Welcome back.”
“Hey Sus…” Gus said as he gave her a hug, then he took the sleeping Jude from Harley so she could hug her daughter.
“How was your trip, sweetie?”
“It was great. It was really nice to see Dylan, Bridget & Peter again. And spend some time out there. Dylan said to tell everyone hello.”
“Oh Susan…this is my sister, Eden. She’s going to be spending Thanksgiving with us and staying a few days. Eden, this is Susan, Harley’s daughter.” Gus introduced the two strangers.
“Hi.” Susan replied.
“Harley’s daughter? God what are you, like 16??” Eden asked curiously.
“17 actually.” Susan replied.
Harley interrupted, “I had Susan when I was 16. It’s a long story.”
An awkward silence overcame the group.
Gus broke the silence first, “Zach, come here buddy, show Mommy what we did while we were waiting for Eden.”
“Gus showed me how to tie my shoes.” Zach said proudly.
“He did?? Let me see.” Harley encouraged.
Zach went through all the correct motions to tie his shoe…the whole time saying the little rhyme Gus taught him.
“Wow. Look at that. That’s great. You learned that fast.” Harley said proudly, as Zach beamed at the compliment.
“He’s a quick learner. We had some free time while we were waiting for Eden, so we bonded a little and I taught him.”
Harley’s heart softened like always at the sight of Gus and her kids growing closer.
“Mom, can I go to the movies with Marina?” Susan asked.
“Well, we were going to have dinner, but go ahead. I want you home by midnight…at the latest.”
“Thanks Mom,” Susan said kissing her mother, “Bye Gus,” she said as she punched his arm. “Zach, come here…gimme a kiss. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
Harley looked at Blake after her daughter and niece left and sighed. “We never get to see her anymore. She’s so busy. The joys of having a teenager.”
Blake laughed, “Are you kidding me? I would be ecstatic if my kids weren’t home a lot. Well, I better go. Ross is making dinner tonight, so there will be a huge mess waiting for me at home. Harley- remember what I said and call me later, ok. See you guys.”
“Ok, bye Blake” Harley answered as Blake left.
Gus slid into the booth next to Harley, put Jude in a high chair and invited Eden to sit down with them.
After a dinner of Buzz burgers and fries, Gus and Harley were ready to take the boys home. “Eden, we’re gonna head home.”
“Oh well, I thought I’d maybe hang out here for a while, maybe Frank will show me the sights of Springfield.”
Gus and Harley looked at each other confused. Gus said, “Okay, well, you know how to get to Harley’s. We’ll see you later. C’mon Zach, get your coat on.”
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Post by Jen on Jun 27, 2003 11:32:47 GMT -5
Harley and Gus were laying on the couch, doing everything but watching TV when Susan came home from the movies.
"Hey Sus…how was the movie?" Harley asked.
"It was good. It’s quiet. Are the boys asleep? Where’s Eden?" Susan replied.
Gus answered, "Jude’s asleep, Zach is watching a video in our room and Eden is God knows where."
"Is she with Uncle Frank? Did you guys see the looks she was giving him? She wants him bad."
Gus and Harley looked at each other in surprise. Gus spoke first, "What? Eden likes Frank?"
"Yeah, it’s obvious. Didn’t you see how she was hanging on his every word? And I mean, I love him, but we all know Uncle Frank isn’t the most interesting person in the world. Have you guys been together too long to remember what those looks are all about?"
Harley laughed, "No, it’s just, I don’t think Frank is Eden’s type. Of course, I don’t really know her, what do you think Gus?"
"I don’t know…I don’t think he’s her type. He’s too….well, low-key for her…who knows, maybe she’ll spice him up a little. Get him off of our backs," Gus teased.
"Oh come on, Frank and Dad have gotten better, you have to admit. At least they don’t give me that look of disapproval when we’re together anymore."
"No I know, they have gotten better. They’ve stopped the death threats anyway." Gus said as the door sprung open.
"Hey guys," Eden said as she entered the house.
Gus, Harley and Susan looked up and then at each other.
"Hello Eden. How was your evening?" Harley asked.
"It was fine. Frank had to go to work, so I just checked out this place on my own…I was looking for a place to get a good drink, but all I could find was that bar the Santoses own. Those animals aren’t going to get any of my hard earned money." Eden answered.
"Eden, please. Don’t start. And what hard earned money? Where do you get all this money?" Gus asked.
Eden was silent for a while, and was saved from having to make up an answer to tell her brother when Zach came down the stairs.
"Mommy, I’m done watching the movie. Gus, will you read me a story?" Zach asked sleepily.
Gus got up off the couch, picked Zach up and headed upstairs with him, "What book should we read tonight Zach?"
Eden watched her brother with the child in amazement, "I can’t believe Nicky is playing house."
"He’s great with Zach and Jude. They adore him. I wouldn’t say he’s playing house though." Harley said defensively.
"No, I mean, it wasn’t like an insult. He’s just different than I expected him to be. Nicky was always the tough guy who was independent and was his own person."
"He is his own person, Eden. He’s a wonderful person. It’s a shame you missed him becoming that person."
"I guess it is. You must be good for him. He seems very happy."
"We are. I’m glad you finally realize that."
"Yeah, well, he’s my brother. I didn’t, I don’t want him to get hurt. I guess I’m a little protective of him. And I guess I’m a little jealous. I’ve never had to compete with anyone for Nicky’s attention."
"We don’t have to compete Eden. I don’t want to come between you and Gus. I know how much you mean to him. I just hope you realize how much he means to me."
"Yeah, well, I think I’m beginning to understand…I think I’m gonna head to bed. Good night Harley. Good night Susan."
"You can stay in the guest room. It’s the first door on the left. The bathroom is the first on the right. Let me know if you need anything. Night"
"Thanks Harley."
After Eden got upstairs, Susan looked at her mother curiously. "What was that about? She was being nice."
Harley laughed, "I don’t know, but I hope she meant what she said. I don’t want her to cause any problems for Gus."
"She never answered him you know. Where she does she get all her money. Do you know?"
"Nope, I don’t, but I don’t think it’s good. I’m going upstairs to say goodnight to the boys. We’ll probably go to bed, so good night sweetie."
"Night Mom." Susan said as Harley started up the stairs.
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Post by Jen on Jun 27, 2003 11:33:14 GMT -5
Harley’s heart melted as she looked into the boys’ room and saw Gus lying on Zach’s bed reading Dr. Seuss quietly so they wouldn’t wake Jude. Gus had his arm around Zach, whose head was on Gus’s chest while he watched carefully that Gus didn’t skip any words. Harley stood in the doorway admiring the scene in front of her. She loved watching Gus with her children. He would make such a good father…someday.
Gus finished the book and Zach asked quietly, “Gus, can we play basketball tomorrow?”
Gus looked up and saw Harley, “Well, we’ll have to see. Maybe if it’s not snowing we can shoot a few hoops.”
As Harley started into the room, Eden came out of the bathroom and stood at the doorway of the boys’ room watching the little family in front of her.
“Hey- what are you still doing up mister?? Are you trying to get Gus to read you another story even though it’s way after your bedtime? It’s time to go to sleep.”
“Okay Mommy,” Zach replied as Harley tucked him in. “Mommy, why do I have two daddies?”
Gus and Harley’s eyes met as they each tried to come up with an explanation. Eden heard the question from the hall and listened closely for the answer. Harley answered first, “Because you are a very lucky boy, that’s why. Now go to sleep.” She kissed him good night and got up to leave. Eden saw her get up and quickly slipped into the guest room. Gus got out of the bed, tucked Zach in one last time and kissed him on the forehead. “Sleep tight buddy. Don’t let the bed bugs bite,” he said. With that, Zach giggled, “night,” and rolled onto his side. Gus looked into Jude’s crib to make sure he was okay, and then turned off the lamp next to Zach’s bed. He followed Harley into the hallway.
After he shut the door, he leaned against the wall, “Ouch…he sure does know how to get you right here, doesn’t he?” Gus said with his fist on his heart.
Harley looked at him lovingly, “He adores you.”
“The feeling is mutual. I’d anything for those boys and Susan. I love them so much,” Gus said, “I love you so much.”
“I love you too,” Harley replied with a deep, loving kiss. “I think it’s time we go to bed too,” she said teasing him with her lips.
He replied with a smile, “Okay…but let me check on Eden and make sure she doesn’t need anything.” He knocked on the door to the guest room and Eden appeared quickly. “Hey, I just wanted to see if you needed anything, cause, um…we’re going to bed, so…”
Eden answered with a quick peck on Gus’s cheek, “No, I’m fine. Good night.”
Before Gus could shut the door to their bedroom, Harley was busy exploring his body with her hands. He turned towards her and she pinned him against the door and began unbuttoning his shirt.
“Mmm…wait, wait…we shouldn’t,” Gus sighed as he pulled Harley’s roaming hands away from his body.
“What, why not?” Harley asked.
“Well, you know…Zach probably isn’t even asleep yet and my little sister is right next door. I don’t know…what if they need something?”
“They won’t, and that is why they make locks,” Harley answered as she turned the lock on their door. “And for the record, I’m sure your little sister knows better than to walk in on two people after they go to bed.”
“Oh, see, now why do you have to talk like that?” Gus said with a laugh.
Harley answered him with a deep kiss and continued exploring his body. It wasn’t long before Gus’s paranoia was gone and their clothes were shed.
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Post by Jen on Jun 27, 2003 11:33:37 GMT -5
Harley and Gus laid entwined basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking. Seeing Gus today with Zach was all she needed to know for sure that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with this man. The man who gave up so much to be with her and her children. He gave up his quest for revenge, he gave up his lifelong protection of his sister, and he gave up that nasty smoking habit. Harley chuckled to herself as she thought how much nicer it was to kiss a mouth that tasted only of Gus and not an ashtray. Harley’s laugh startled Gus out of the peaceful silence.
“What’s so funny?” he asked as he kissed the top of her head.
Harley replied, untruthfully, “No, it’s nothing. I was just thinking how much fun it would have been to see Phillip’s head explode when Zach asked why he had two daddies.” She rolled onto her side to face Gus, who had a smile on his face.
“Yeah, about that…you know I love those kids, but I think we need to have a talk with them about me. I mean, not with Susan because she’s old enough to understand, or Jude I guess cause he’s too young to understand, so I guess just with Zach. Because, you know, he has a father. I know that and no matter what a jerk Phillip is, or how much he dumps Zach for his other kids, he is Zach’s father, and I would never want to take his place. So I think that maybe we should explain to Zach who I am to him, in his life.”
“What exactly are you to them?” Harley asked, hoping Gus would give some indication as to where he stood in the relationship.
Gus hesitated a bit, “Someone who loves them and their mother very much and would do anything to protect them.”
A good answer, Harley thought, but not the one she was hoping to hear. Harley shook off the disappointment she felt and kissed Gus. Gus pulled her closer to him and they both fell silent, each thinking of different things. After a few minutes, when Harley was about to fall asleep, Gus leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I’ll be right back.”
“Where are you going?” Harley asked.
“I just have to do something,” he said and he grabbed his robe off the back of the door and put it on. He leaned down and kissed Harley, “Don’t fall asleep on me, okay?”
“Ok,” Harley replied as he left the room and shut the door quietly.
After about five minutes of waiting for Gus to return, Harley’s eyelids closed and she drifted off to sleep. A kiss on the cheek from Gus woke her and she struggled to open her eyes.
“Hey, you fell asleep,” Gus said as he removed his robe.
Harley closed her eyes again and sighed, “You took too long. Where did you go?
“To the boys room,” Gus answered.
“Why?”
“Well, I went in there and I checked on Jude and I just stood there and watched him sleep, you know. I watched his chest rise and fall when he breathed, and he must have been dreaming, cause he had this mysterious little smile on his face. The same one you get when you’re asleep.” Harley smiled and Gus continued, “then I was watching Zach and I thought about what you asked me. You know what I was in their life? And I thought about it a lot while I was watching them sleep. And I decided that I wasn’t happy with the arrangement we have here.”
Harley’s eyes popped open and asked in fear, “What does that mean?”
“Hold on…so I was sitting there, looking at these two gorgeous little boys who depend on everyone for everything. And I know how important they are to you and how everything you do affects them, so everything I do affects them, so I decided I needed to ask them.”
“Ask them what?” Harley asked obviously confused.
Gus got off the bed and fell to one knee on the floor. “I needed to ask them what they would think if I asked their mother to marry me.”
Harley looked at Gus, who was holding a black velvet box, with a shocked look on her face. “What?” she asked quietly.
“Harley…I love you more than anything in this whole world. I love your children. And I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy and making sure no one ever hurts you again. I want to give you all the things you’ve never had, and things you haven’t even dreamed of yet. I want to spend every night falling asleep with you in my arms and waking up every morning to your beautiful face. Will you marry me?”
Harley was speechless and just looked at this man who was pledging his undying devotion to her and her children. Gus took the ring out the box and slipped it on Harley’s left hand ring finger. It fit perfectly. Harley looked at the gold band with a heart shaped diamond with trillion sidestones. She looked from her hand to Gus and could barely make out the words she had been wanting to say for so long, “Yes.”
Gus was shocked and didn’t know what to do, “Yes?”
“Yes. Now will you get up here and kiss me?”
Gus smiled and crawled into the bed he shared with the woman of his dreams. The woman he would move mountains for. The woman he would spend the rest of his life with.
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Post by Jen on Jun 27, 2003 11:35:47 GMT -5
Harley looked up into Gus’s deep brown eyes so full of love for her and asked him, “Well, what did they say?”
“What did who say?” Gus asked as he buried his head into Harley’s neck, showering her with kisses.
“The boys- did they approve??” Harley asked.
Gus stopped roaming Harley’s body and shrugged, “Well, Jude was still smiling and Zach was snoring, so I just took that as, ‘Yes, Gus, please marry my mother.’”
“Well I’m so glad they didn’t object.” Harley laughed as she pulled her fiancé down closer to her. “But what about Susan. You didn’t ask her.”
“Yes I did. Susan and I have been talking about this for awhile.”
“What?” Harley said, obviously shocked, “she didn’t even tell me.”
“Well, she knows when to keep a secret.”
Harley smiled, “So you’ve been thinking about this for awhile, huh?”
“Yeah, I have. A long time actually. I just didn’t know how or when I wanted to do it. But, tonight, I guess I just knew. But it still wasn’t how I wanted it.” Gus answered with a hint of regret in his voice.
“Why? How did you want it?”
“I wanted it to be perfect. You know, flowers, candles, romantic music, maybe dinner and dancing. I mean, this was my first, and only time doing this. But most of all I wanted to do it properly. I wanted to do it the old fashioned way, you know? Like I wanted to ask your father for your hand, and I wanted to get down on one knee and ask you to make me the happiest man in the world by agreeing to be my wife.”
“Well, you did get down on one knee…”
“Yeah, but in my mind, I wasn’t naked…”
“Not that I minded,” Harley joked. “I’m serious…I really wanted it to be perfect.”
Harley stopped his rambling with a kiss, “Honey, it was perfect, okay…don’t ever think otherwise. I love you so much.”
Gus gave into her kisses and completely forgot about what he was talking about. When they finally parted to catch their breath, Gus rolled off of Harley and pulled her close to him. He grabbed her left hand and brought it to his mouth. He kissed her palm, then turned her hand over and kissed the symbol of their love.
Harley looked at him lovingly, “It’s perfect, Gus.”
“I know it’s not like huge or anything, you know, like you had with Phillip…”
“Gus…you know me better than that. You think I care about that? It’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. You knew exactly what I wanted.”
“I’m sorry…I just…I wish I could give you everything like he could.”
“Phillip could give me all the diamonds in the world, but he could never give me what I needed, like you can. You give me so much more than you know.”
Gus looked over at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He took his finger and traced the profile of her nose, not forgetting the bump he loved so much. He stopped at her lips when she parted them and gently bit his finger. Soon, his tongue replaced his finger in her mouth and they kissed so passionately, it was like nothing else in the world mattered. This time their lovemaking was slow and tender. Gus concentrated on satisfying Harley’s every desire and she eagerly accepted what he was giving. They were so in sync with each other it was hard to tell where one body ended and the other began.
“Why can’t we just stay here forever? Make love all day and never have to leave this bed?” Harley asked.
“Well, for starters, Phillip and Rick would be knocking down the door and have us both arrested for starving the children.” Gus answered and got a quiet laugh back from Harley. “Plus, babe, you know…I’m not like a superhero. You gotta give me a break every now and then.”
“You’re my superhero.” Harley assured him as she snuggled into his body. “When did you first realize you wanted to marry me?”
“I think it was that day at the station, you know when I gave up my vendetta. When I asked you what I had to live for if not for revenge. At my worst moment, you were there to comfort me and you gave me a reason to live, Harley. I knew that day that you were the reason I was born. To love you and make you happy. But do you want to know about the day I bought the ring?”
“Tell me about it.” Harley answered.
“Okay, well do you remember when you went to Chicago to look for Eden? And you went to St. Anne’s? Well, I was going to go to Chicago to try to find her too. And then Frank told me that you were looking for the pictures, and that you were going to the convent, so I rushed to Chicago, right, and went to St. Anne’s and we must have just missed each other, cause Sister Catherine told me you had just left and I went chasing after you, obviously, I couldn’t find you, so I went back and she told me you were going to go to some police stations, and that’s how I ended up at that diner, and got that cop, Sal, to give me Eden’s address. So I’m running through Chicago trying to get to Eden’s before you, okay. So I’m running down this street, and all of a sudden there’s like this flash of light, so I look over to my right and I saw this ring in a store window. The sun must have hit it just right to blind me just long enough to get me to look at. So I see this ring, and I think, ‘Wow, that’s beautiful’, so I look up at the name of the store, and I knew I had to get the ring and that it ws meant to go on your finger. You know what the name of the store was?”
“What?” Harley asked,
“ Diamonds on Cooper. I was running down Cooper Avenue and that was the name of the store. So I knew, you know, I just knew, so as eager as I was to catch up to you, I couldn’t not buy this ring, so I went in and got it and I vowed that one day I would put it on your finger and we would be together and happy.”
“Are you kidding me? That was the name of the jewelry store? Gus…” Harley stopped, then chuckled, mostly to herself.
“What’s so funny?”
“I was just thinking about a conversation I had with Blake this afternoon.” Harley answered. “I was telling her that I wanted to marry you, but I wasn’t sure if that’s what you wanted..”
“What? How many times have I mentioned marriage? I’ve been dying to ask you since we got Zach back, but I didn’t want to rush you, because I know how you feel about the “m” word.” Gus said, both surprised at what she had revealed and utterly giddy that she had wanted the same thing he did.
“ Felt, Gus, and you’re right, I never wanted to get married again, at least not for love, because I always go hurt, but this time is different. This time it’s you, and you are the one person I trust completely. The one person I know will never hurt me like I have been hurt before. And it took me a long time to get here, but I don’t regret a second of it, because I cannot imagine being happier than I am right at this very moment.”
“Hey Gus…remember what you said about asking my dad…I think you should.” Harley said.
“What. Now? After the fact?” Gus asked, puzzled.
“No, well, yeah, I guess, but why don’t you ask him tomorrow and we can just not tell anyone until after you ask him, and then he, and everyone will think you didn’t ask until like tomorrow night or something. That way, you score big time with Dad.”
“That’s not a bad idea, actually.” Gus replied.
“Does that mean I have to take off the ring though?” Harley said, with a whiny voice.
Gus laughed at her, “Yes, but not until the morning.”
“Good.” Harley said as they both settled into each other’s arms and fell asleep.
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Post by Jen on Jun 29, 2003 19:22:44 GMT -5
When morning finally came, Harley opened her eyes to the bright morning sun. She looked to her right and saw that Gus was still asleep. She looked at the clock on the other side of her and saw it read 9:15 am. “15 more minutes,” she mumbled as she snuggled in closer to Gus. She was so glad he never tried that stupid “hug and roll” trick, he liked to cuddle. So did Harley. She loved having his warm body as close to hers as possible. She felt so safe in his arms.
25 minutes later, Jude’s quiet whimpering through the baby monitor woke Harley. She unwillingly lifted Gus’s arm off of her and crawled out of bed to throw some clothes on. She gave Gus, who was still sleeping deeply, a quick kiss before leaving the room. Before she got out of the door, she remembered she still had her ring on and remembering their plan, took it off and placed it back in the black velvet box sitting on Gus’s nightstand. She wished she never had to take it off, but she knew her dad would love Gus asking his permission…she just hoped her father had grown to like Gus enough that he wouldn’t strangle him the minute the word “marry” got out of his mouth. Jude’s crying brought her back to reality and she went to get him.
“Jude…what’s wrong sweetie?” Harley whispered to her fussy son. “Come on, let’s go downstairs and get you some breakfast so we don’t wake your brother,” Harley said as she looked at her older son still sleeping soundly.
As Harley made her way downstairs, she saw Eden sitting on the couch watching the parade. “Good morning, Eden. You’re up early.”
“Yeah, well I went to be early…I can’t even remember the last time I was in bed before midnight,” Eden replied with a chuckle.
Harley laughed too as she placed Jude in the playpen and went to the front door to get the newspaper. When she reentered the house, she saw Eden over by Jude’s playpen, “Oops, you dropped your puppy. Here you go. What does a puppy say?”
Jude, obviously amused, replied, “mamamama.”
Harley said quickly, “He doesn’t know too many words yet. But I’m sure it won’t be long till he’s running his mouth like his brother and sister. Do you want some breakfast?”
Harley picked up Jude from the playpen and started into the kitchen. She put Jude in his highchair and placed a bowl of Cheerios in front of him. “Umm…I’m not much of a cook,” Harley said with a laugh, “but we have cereal and bread. Well, actually, we just have Cheerios. That’s the only thing Gus and the boys eat, so anything else I buy usually goes stale before Susan and I can finish it.”
“Actually, coffee would be good for me.” Eden replied.
“Sure. Let me get a pot started,” Harley said as she rummaged through her cupboards.
“So Nicky eats breakfast? He never would eat breakfast when we were kids.” Eden asked.
“Yeah, well, he usually only eats with the boys. When we don’t eat with them he usually has a Snickers or something for breakfast.”
“Nicky loves his candy bars…always has.”
“Yeah, if those years of smoking don’t kill him, the sugar will.”
“Hey- I need all that sugar to keep up with you,” Gus joked as he entered the kitchen and gave his sister a kiss on the cheek. He sneaked some Cheerios from Jude’s bowl and made some funny faces at the baby before joining Harley at the sink. “Are you gonna try to cook breakfast? You trying to kill Eden?” he asked.
“Hey, my cooking has kept you solid, hasn’t it?” Harley joked as she pinched his sides.
“It’s all that take-out food we have to get,” he replied as he lifted Harley onto the counter and they kissed playfully.
“Good morning,” Gus said with a deep kiss.
“Very good,” Harley agreed, succumbing to Gus’s kisses.
“Zach was still sleeping when I went in their room, so I just left him up there. He was up late last night and if he doesn’t sleep tonight, at least Phillip will have to deal with it.” Gus said.
They continued kissing, unaware of anyone else in the room.
“Ugh…are they at it again?” Susan asked as she entered the kitchen.
“Yeah, it’s a good thing I didn’t eat, I would have thrown up by now,” Eden replied, then put her attention back to the small-town paper in her hands.
“Good morning sweetie.” Harley said as she jumped off the counter and got some coffee mugs out of the cupboard.
“Gus…” Susan said signaling him to join her in the living room.
“What’s up Sus?” Gus asked when they got out of the kitchen.
“I was up in your room looking for one of mom’s shirts and I saw a ring box on the nightstand. With the ring still in it. I wouldn’t leave that out if I were you.” Susan answered.
“Oh,” Gus said, playing dumb, “thanks Sus…I forgot about that. I guess I should keep it hidden.”
“So are you going to ask her?”
“Yes…I will…there’s just some things I have to do first.”
“Like what? You have the ring. You know she doesn’t need or probably want a big to-do about it. She probably just wants you to do it.”
“I know, I just…” Gus said, before being interrupted by Zach jumping down the steps. “Hey buddy…you finally wake up?”
“Yeah,” Zach said, rubbing his eyes. “Can we play basketball?”
“You don’t forget anything do you kiddo? How ‘bout we go get some breakfast first?” Gus answered as he threw Zach over his shoulder and carried him into the kitchen.
“There he is,” Harley exclaimed as Gus and Zach came into the kitchen. “Do you want some Cheerios?”
“Then can we go play, Gus?” Zach said, his eyes pleading.
“Yes, Zach, then we can play.” Gus said, pleasing Zach to no end. “This kid is obviously a Cooper. He’s as stubborn as you are.”
Gus got up from the table and went back over to the sink where Harley was doing the dishes from yesterday’s breakfast. “Susan saw the ring on the nightstand,” he whispered in her ear, “she asked me when I was going to ask you.”
“What did you tell her,” Harley asked as she turned to face Gus.
“I told her there was something I had to do first. She didn’t like my answer” Gus replied.
“Well, then she’ll like my answer to your question. At least that’s one less person we have to deal with.” Harley said with a sigh.
“What do you think Buzz will say?” Gus asked, dreading the conversation he would have with Buzz later that day.
“I don’t know. You never know with Dad. But he has warmed up to you. Maybe you’ll catch him on a good day,” Harley said with a wink, walking away from Gus to gather up the boys’ cereal bowls.
“All right, Zach, let’s go get you dressed, then we can play some ball.” Gus said as Zach followed him upstairs.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:18:39 GMT -5
As Eden and Susan took Zach into the firehouse, Gus grabbed Harley’s arm, gently pushed her up against the cold brick and kissed her deeply.
“What was that for?” she asked quietly.
“Well, you know, it just might be a few hours before I get to kiss you again. Especially if I don’t want Buzz to cut my tongue out.” Gus said jokingly.
Harley looked into his deep, brown eyes and kissed him passionately keeping her eyes open. She never knew how intense an open-eyed kiss could be until she met Gus. Harley always got lost in those eyes that said more about the man in front of her than any words ever could. They sparkled when he was happy, grew big when he was surprised, got darker when he was upset, and screamed when he was mad. But they always showed two emotions: love and passion. For Harley, for Susan and the boys, for Eden, and for the memory of his father. That was one of the things Harley loved most about Gus, his passion for things he loved and believed in. It’s what kept him alive. And many times, was what kept Harley going. Harley hated admitting she needed a man to be strong, but with Gus, they kept each other strong. They drank each other in as they kissed, trying not to wake the sleeping child in Gus’s arms.
“I love you, Gus.”
“I love you too, baby.” Gus replied as he kissed her one last time and they followed the others into the firehouse.
Frank and Buzz were sitting on the couch watching the football game when they all entered. Harley went over to her father and brother and gave them each a kiss on the cheek. “Happy Thanksgiving!”
Frank and Buzz grunted their replies and Harley rolled her eyes. Gus sat down on the couch next to Buzz, took Jude’s coat off and was soon enthralled in the game. Zach jumped up into his grandpa’s lap and tried to look interested in the game like the big guys.
“Zach…you see the guys in the black and gold? Those are the Steelers. They’re the good guys. We want them to win, ok?” Gus explained to the young child.
“No, no Zach, we want the guys in the blue and orange to win. The Bears. Can you say ‘Go Bears’?” Frank encouraged. Trying to get another guy on his team since Buzz was rooting for the Steelers too.
“Go Stillers!” Zach exclaimed, obviously siding with Gus.
“Haha…that’s my man Zach.” Gus said and then they all went back to the game that was back in progress.
Harley looked at the empty stares of the guys and said, “Well, I guess I’ll go into the kitchen and help get dinner ready.”
Gus turned his attention away from the game for a second and joked, “Oh honey, stick to just opening the cans, ok? We want dinner to be edible.”
Frank and Buzz nodded their heads and laughed.
“Haha…you guys are so funny…”Harley said as she knelt by the couch, “Do you want me to take him?”
“No, we’re cool…they guys will stay out here…you women go make us dinner.”
Harley looked at Eden and Susan and rolled her eyes, then the three headed off to the kitchen.
~
“Eleni!” Harley exclaimed as she, Susan and Eden entered the kitchen. She gave Eleni a hug, “What are you doing here?”
“Well, I decided at the last minute to take you all up on your offer. I got in this morning. Hi Susan!” Eleni replied as she hugged Susan.
“Well, I’m so glad you came. Eleni, this is Eden, Gus’s sister. Holly- hi- you remember Eden, right?” Harley introduced the stranger.
“Yeah, I do- hello.” Holly said, and then turned her attention back to the dishes in the sink.
“Eden- it’s nice to meet you,” Eleni said, offering her hand.
“You’re Frank’s wife?” Eden asked.
“Ex-wife,” Marina and Eleni added at the same time.
Eden shook Eleni’s hand, “Well, it’s nice to meet you too.”
“Is there anything I can help with Holly?” Harley asked.
Holly turned away from the sink and suggested, “Umm…you could stir the gravy.”
“Gee, you think I can handle that?” Harley joked.
Holly smiled and went back to checking on the huge turkey in the oven.
Harley stood over the stove, stirring her gravy slowly as Holly assigned Eden and Susan duties. Soon, all the women were worked hard getting the dinner ready.
Marina asked, clearly annoyed, “How come we have to slave away in the kitchen while the guys get to sit on their butts and watch football?”
Holly answered her, “Don’t worry- they’re on dish duty.”
Eden laughed at that, “I can’t imagine Nicky in an apron washing dishes.”
“You’d be surprised,” Harley said, “he looks pretty good in an apron.”
Eleni came over to stand by Harley and quietly asked, “So, how are things going with Gus? Fill me in- I’ve been gone awhile. I want all the details, and I mean ALL the details,” she said with a wink.
Harley smiled and wanted so badly to tell someone their latest news, but decided against it, “Things are going great. They couldn’t be better.”
“Even with sister dearest?” Eleni asked with a nod towards Eden, who was having trouble opening a can of green beans.
Harley laughed, “Yeah, she’s getting better. This is all new for her too. I don’t know, everything is just perfect. I have Gus, I have Susan, both of my boys are back with me where they belong. I couldn’t imagine anything better.”
Eleni smiled at her former sister-in-law’s happiness, but her smile was interrupted by a look of terror that had overcome Harley’s face.
“Oh my God,” Harley said, “something’s going to happen.”
“What?” Eleni asked worriedly.
“Things are great. Things are never great for me for very long. Something bad is going to happen. I can feel it.” Harley explained, desperately hoping the bad thing wasn’t her father opposing her and Gus’s engagement.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:19:17 GMT -5
When halftime came, Frank, disgusted with his team, decided to join Zach on the floor. They were building a tower of Lego’s when Gus got up to take Jude to Harley. It was time for his medicine and he was starting to get fussy. Plus, it was time for Gus to do what he had been dreading all day.
“Uh, Buzz, can I talk to you?” He asked as he returned from the kitchen.
Buzz followed him to the landing at the bottom of the stairs and looked at him, obviously confused. Gus made sure Frank was preoccupied with Zach and stood in front of Buzz wringing his hands. “So, how bout those Bears, huh?” he asked nervously.
“Gus,” Buzz interrupted, “what’s up?”
Gus let out an anxious sigh and then took a deep breath. “Buzz- Mr. Cooper- I love your daughter, Harley, I mean. I love her. I love her kids. They mean absolutely everything to me. I mean, you know, cause I’ve never really had anyone in my life besides my dad and Eden and now that I know what I’ve been missing, I don’t want to let it go. Buzz, I would like to ask Harley to marry me- and I am asking for your blessing before I do.” Gus blew out all the extra air he had inhaled before his little speech.
Buzz looked at Gus and didn’t say a word.
Gus’s brow creased with worry. “Please don’t say no, please don’t say no,” he begged Buzz silently.
“You know,” Buzz started, “When you first started…pursuing Harley, I was against it, obviously. You were so unlike anyone else she had ever been with and I thought that was a bad thing. You see, I was all for Harley and Rick settling down and life finally becoming safe for her and the boys, and you ruined all of that. You made Harley feel something she didn’t feel with Rick. She couldn’t resist that. She’s her mother’s daughter,” Buzz continued, pausing after the memory of Nadine. “I thought you being so different from Mallet and Phillip and Rick was bad, but I was comparing the wrong qualities. They could have had everything with Harley, but they screwed it up. But with you, I trust that you won’t screw up. The way I see it, you could have bailed on Harley a long time ago. Back when Marina was causing trouble and Phillip started that stupid custody battle, but you didn’t. You stuck by her, you helped her, but most importantly, you loved her constantly. That spoke volumes to me, and I know it did to Harley too. She trusts you with her life and her heart. So, so do I.”
Gus was overcome with many different emotions, pride, happiness, regret, and still some fear. “Uh, what does that mean, Buzz?”
“If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.” He answered. “Let me see it.”
“Uh, see what?”
“The ring, you did get a ring, didn’t you?” Buzz replied.
“Oh, yeah, of course I got a ring.” Gus rummaged through his pockets for the velvet box and then displayed it for Buzz, “here it is.”
Buzz looked at the ring, then at Gus. “It’s beautiful. You have good taste. She’ll love it. Are you going to ask her today?” Buzz asked.
Gus hesitated, “Yeah, probably tonight, you know, after we drop off the boys and the house is semi-quiet. Or maybe tomorrow I’ll take her out for dinner or something. I guess I don’t really know how or when yet.”
“Well, you have my blessing,” Buzz said as he put his hand out for Gus’s. Gus shook Buzz’s hand and before he knew it, Buzz was hugging him. “Take care of her.”
“I will, and thank you.” Gus could barely get the words out. He was a little choked up from Buzz’s show of emotion.
For a few brief moments, Buzz and Gus shared a quiet understanding of each other. They each knew they wanted nothing but the best for Harley. But, they were soon interrupted by Marina announcing that dinner was almost ready.
Harley came into the living room quickly, grabbed Gus’s hand and dragged him outside. When they got out into the cold, Gus asked, “Honey, what’s wrong?”
“Promise me something. Promise me you won’t leave my side for a few days, ok?” Harley said worriedly.
“What? Why?”
“Because something’s going to happen. It always does. You know, things re going great and then BAM- the ball drops. I just, I don’t want anything to happen you, so I’m not letting you out of my sight ok?”
Gus laughed at Harley’s paranoia, “Honey, you’re just being silly. Nothing bad is gonna happen. I promise. Everything is going to be perfect from now on.”
Harley looked up at him and immediately felt better, “Ok, but still, will you be careful? I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to you…”
“Ok, I will be careful. You better be careful too though, ok? I’m not ready to let you go yet.” Gus joked.
“Deal.” She said, then sealed it with a kiss and they headed back inside for their first Thanksgiving dinner together.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:20:23 GMT -5
When Harley and Gus got to the dining room, everyone else had already taken their seats. Buzz and Frank sat at either end of the table, on one side was Holly, Eden, Susan, and Marina, and on the other side were two empty seats for Gus and Harley, then Zach and Eleni. Gus and Harley sat down and Gus poured a glass of wine for Harley, then one for himself.
The table was covered with food and Zach and Frank were already sneaking pieces of turkey.
“Okay,” Buzz said, “Let’s say grace before Frank starves.”
“Dear Lord, we thank you for all you have given us. We have so much to be thankful for on this day, our health, safety, love, and each other. We ask that you bless the food before us and those who prepared it. We also ask you to bless those loved ones who cannot be with us today and those we have lost. Today, and all days, we remember Nadine, Jenna, and Joe…”
Gus, Eden, and Harley’s eyes all popped open at the mention of Joe’s name and Harley reached for Gus’s hand and squeezed it tight as Buzz finished the prayer.
“Alright, let’s eat!” Frank said excitedly, rubbing his hands together.
Buzz carved the turkey and everyone ate the big meal. While everyone was eating and talking and laughing at Buzz’s stupid jokes, Harley sat back quietly and watched her family. She had so much. Her dad, her brother and niece, her beautiful children, Gus and even Eden. She felt so peaceful and complete. It was the best feeling in the world, and she wanted to shout it from the rooftops. Gus noticed Harley was being more quiet than usual, so he leaned over and whispered in her ear.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
Harley smiled at Gus and answered, “Nothing…I was just thinking of how great things are.”
Gus smiled back at her and gave her a quick kiss before going back to his overflowing plate.
After everyone was done with the main course, Susan spoke up, “I have an idea. I know it’s corny, but why don’t we go around the table and everyone say what they are thankful for this year. Grandpa, you can start.”
Buzz was caught off-guard, “Oh, well, ok…let’s see, geesh, this is gonna be corny. I am thankful for my children. All of them, that they are all safe, healthy, and happy. My wonderful grandchildren, who, even though they’re the ones who are turning my hair gray, I love so much, and I am so glad I am able to watch them grow up. Next.”
“Hey pop, I thought Harley was the one who gave you all those gray hairs.” Frank joked.
“Oh yeah, there’s a couple in here from her too, and you, and Gus…” Buzz answered with a smile.
Holly went next, and like Buzz, was thankful for her daughter and grandchildren. Then it was Eden’s turn.
“Uh..I don’t want to go…” she whined.
“Oh come on, why should we be the only corny ones…go ahead.” Buzz insisted.
Eden hesitated, “Okay, well, obviously, I’m thankful that Nicky is back in my life, and I guess I have Harley to thank for that, so, you know, thanks,” she continued, reluctantly. “Oh, and I am thankful for hot men and dirty martinis, although not necessarily in that order.”
“Yeah, I’ll second that,” Marina said, lifting her water glass.
Frank stopped her rising arm, “No, you won’t.”
“Okay, it’s my turn,” Susan began, “I am thankful for being back here with my family and friends, my little brothers, and my mom- who is like the coolest person in the whole world, most of the time. And, I am thankful for Gus. For everything he has done for us. For loving me and the boys and for the way he loves Harley- the way she deserves to be loved. You’ve made her happier than I have ever seen her, you also made her madder than I’ve ever seen her, but, that really means a lot to me, and I know it does to her. She loves you so much, and so do I.”
Zach, who was sitting on Harley’s lap during Susan’s speech wanted to talk, “Susie love Gus and Mommy love Gus, and Zach love Gus,” he exclaimed as he jumped into Gus’s arms.
Marina, Frank and Eleni all took their turns, and then it was time for Harley to talk, “Okay, well, not to sound like a broken record, here, but I too am thankful for my kids, and that they are all safe and back where they belong. I am thankful for Dad, Frank and Marina for always being there for me, and for challenging me- constantly. And for this guy,” she continued as she put her hand on Gus’s arm, “for breaking down all the walls I put up all the time and for never giving up on me or us. For standing by me through the whole Phillip thing and doing everything to help me get him back. Thank you so much. I love you.” She finished, kissing Gus.
Buzz smiled at the scene before him, thinking about how surprised Harley would be whenever Gus decided to propose to her. While Buzz was smiling, Frank was shifting uncomfortably in his seat due to the display of affection his sister was exhibiting. She had never so openly conveyed her feelings about Gus in front of people. It made him happy to see her so happy, but that still didn’t stop him from wanting to reach down the table and separate her from Gus.
Gus had a huge smile on his face when he began talking, “Well, since I’m last, I think mine should be the best, not that Eden’s gratefulness for martinis or Marina’s for lip gloss that doesn’t come off on your glass will be easy to beat, but I’ll give it my best shot,” he joked. “I am so glad to have Eden back in my life. Even though there are times when I just want to shake you and tell you are crazy, I love you. I always have, and I always will, no matter what. I am so thankful for Harley and for what she has brought to my life. Before I met her, my life was so empty. The only thing I cared about was revenge, but Harley wouldn’t let me live that way, she gave me something to live for, someone to love. I didn’t even know what love like that was until I met her, and I wouldn’t give it up for anything.”
“Awww…isn’t that sweet,” Frank cooed, “are we done now so we can eat the pie and get back to the football game?”
“No, hold on a second Frank. I have one more thing to say,” Gus said as he got out of his chair and pushed it out of the way. He pulled a box out of his pocket and got down on one knee beside Harley.
Harley looked at him in bewilderment as he began, “Coop, you know I love you more than anything. I love your kids, I love taking care of you and making you happy. You saved my life- you gave me life. I can’t imagine living without you, and I hope I don’t ever have to. Will you marry me?”
Even though he had done the same thing only hours earlier, and she had already accepted, it didn’t stop the tears rolling down Harley’s face as Gus once again proclaimed his love for her. “Are you crazy,” she asked, “Yes. Of course I will marry you.”
Gus slipped the ring on her finger for the last time and rose to kiss her lovingly. Buzz and Susan were smiling, while the rest of the family looked on in amazement. Eden’s look went from surprised to indignant within seconds, and she quickly got up out of her seat and left the dining room. Gus let out an impatient sigh as Harley urged him to go after her. He left the room and Eleni congratulated Harley first, while the rest followed.
“Wow, grandpa, you’re pretty calm about this,” Marina observed.
“Well, he asked me before he did it, so it wasn’t really a surprise.” Buzz responded.
Frank asked, surprised, “He asked you? Today?”
“Yeah, right before dinner, he asked me for my blessing, and of course, I gave it to him. Honey, I’m very happy for you two, seriously.”
“Thanks Daddy,” Harley replied as she gave her father a kiss on the cheek.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:20:48 GMT -5
“Eden, wait,” Gus pleaded as Eden grabbed her coat out of the closet and headed for the door. “Will you wait a second? Talk to me.”
“What do you want me to say Nicky? That I’m happy for you? That I wish you and Harley the best? I can’t do that, cause I don’t. I want you with me. Back in Chicago. Not here in Hooterville playing house.”
“What are you talking about. I thought you were fine with Harley. She told me you guys actually had a civilized conversation last night. What changed, Eden?”
“You’re going to marry her. You didn’t even ask me about it.”
“Ask you? I don’t need your permission. God, you are so selfish! I love her. She means everything to me- why can’t you understand that?”
“Yeah, obviously she means more to you than I do.”
“It’s different, Eden, it’s different. You’re my sister and I love you, but I will not let you ruin the best thing that has ever happened to me. I want you in my life, but that’s up to you. If you want to be a part of my life, you have to be a part of Harley’s too. It’s your choice, Eden. So you can either walk out that door, or you can stop being such a brat for a minute and be happy for me!”
Eden shook her head as she turned and hurried out the door, slamming it behind her. Gus let out an angry grunt and sat down on the couch with his head in his hands.
“Gus,” he looked up and saw Harley, who had come to see what all the yelling was about, “what’s going on?”
“Eden’s being a selfish brat. Don’t worry about it. She’ll go for some drinks, blow off steam and be back. Or not, it doesn’t matter. I’m not going to let her ruin today or any other day for us.” He said as he pulled her down on the couch with him and kissed her softly.
“Did I surprise you?” He asked.
“Yes!” she exclaimed as she gave him a light punch in the arm, “I didn’t know you were going to do it again.”
“Well, I wasn’t planning on it, but I decided to anyways…now we have two stories to tell. And I’m not naked in this one,” he joked.
“We’re really getting married?” Harley asked.
“You bet we are. You already said yes, twice. There’s no backing out now.” Gus teased her.
“I wouldn’t dare,” she replied as she kissed him deeply.
They were interrupted by a phone ringing.
“Is that your phone?” Gus asked.
“Yeah, I wonder who that is,” Harley said as she found her phone in her purse. “Hello.”
Blake’s voice came through the phone, “Harley, it’s Blake, listen- I just talked to Cassie. Girls’ Night Out tonight, at Towers. I’ll pick you up at 7:30 sharp. Be ready.”
“Wait, Blake…tonight?” Harley asked.
“Yeah, tonight. Why not? Look, the boys are going to Phillip and Rick’s right? So you have no reason not to come- Kevin, stop throwing peas at your sister- I gotta go, I’ll see you at 7:30.” Blake said as she hung up.
“Wait..” Harley sighed and looked at Gus. “So much for our quiet night. Blake is abducting me.”
Gus pulled her close to him and breathed into her ear, “That’s okay, we have the rest of our lives.”
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:21:35 GMT -5
Later that day, after the boys were with their fathers and Harley was getting ready for her Girls’ Night Out, Susan and Marina camped out on the couch with a bowl of popcorn and a stack of movies. Gus sighed as he opened a police file and started reading. Before she even came into view, he could smell Harley’s perfume. He looked up to see her rushing down the stairs fixing her earring. He set down the file, got out of his chair and followed Harley over to the closet.
“What time is Blake picking you up?” he asked.
Harley looked at her watch and laughed, “Like five minutes ago. Will you help me with this necklace?”
She turned and faced the mirror and held back her hair. Gus stood behind her and clasped her necklace. He let his fingers linger on her neck and looked at her in the mirror. The most beautiful woman he had ever met. All this time, and he still couldn’t believe she was with him.
“You’re so cruel,” he teased as he kissed her neck.
“What? Why?” Harley asked, taken aback.
“You come down here looking all sexy and any minute you’re gonna walk out that door and leave me here,” he answered.
Harley turned towards him and locked him in a tight embrace, “I won’t be too long, I promise. After a few drinks I’ll fake a headache or something.”
“As long as you don’t try that trick when you get home,” he teased as he ran his fingers down the sides of her body, stopping at her hips and pulling her closer to him. Their mouths met in a deep kiss that was too-soon interrupted by the doorbell.
“Mmm…will you let her in? I need to get my coat.”
“Sure,” Gus said as he went to the door.
“Good evening, Blake,” he greeted the fiery red head. She was never Gus’s biggest fan, but like the rest of Harley’s family, she had warmed up considerably to Gus and liked anyone who made Harley happy.
“Gus,” Blake said with a smile, “Happy Thanksgiving.”
“Well, Happy Thanksgiving to you too, come on in.” Gus happily said.
“Well, aren’t we cheerful tonight?” Blake joked. “Let me guess- Harley’s not ready yet?”
“I’m here. I’m ready.” Harley assured her friend.
She grabbed Gus’s hand and gave him a big kiss. “Don’t miss me too much,” she breathed into his ear.
He shot her a look of desperation as she turned to the teenagers on the couch. “Girls- enjoy your movies and be good. No sneaking out while Gus isn’t looking,” she warned jokingly.
She gave Gus one last kiss, “See you later.”
“Bye ladies, have a good time,” Gus replied as they walked out the door and Harley threw him a bright smile over her shoulder.
Gus sighed heavily and went back to working on his case.
Blake and Harley walked into Towers and joined Cassie and Reva who were already at the table. The maitre de pulled out their chairs and took their drink orders.
“Hello girls- how was your Thanksgiving?” Blake asked when the waiter left.
Cassie got a sad look on her face, and Blake immediately regretted asking, “It was hard, but being with family made it much easier.”
Cassie went on and on about how RJ thought Richard would come back for Thanksgiving, while Harley sat back quietly and listened to her friend, even though she was about to burst with the news she had been holding in since Blake picked her up.
When Cassie finally finished her story, Blake looked at Harley in concern, “Are you okay? You’ve been really quiet tonight, even on the ride over. That’s so unlike you.” Blake joked.
Cassie now looked at Harley worried, “What’s wrong, sweetie?”
Harley smiled, “Nothing’s wrong. I was just waiting for things to calm down before I told you.”
“Told us what?” Reva asked curiously.
Harley smiled and replied, “That I’m getting married…again.” She laughed as she held out her left hand for the girls to see her ring.
Blake shrieked in surprise and hit Harley on the arm, “Why didn’t you tell me??”
“I wanna to tell you all at once,” Harley answered.
Cassie and Reva looked at the ring in amazement. “Harley, it’s beautiful. When did this happen?” Cassie asked.
“Well…which time?” Harley asked with a laugh.
They all looked at her confused. “What do you mean ‘which time’?” Reva asked.
“Well, he asked me last night, well, it more like this morning, and I said yes, but then he asked again at dinner after he asked my dad for his blessing.”
“Aww…” all three sighed in unison.
“How did he do it, the first time, or the second time, whatever?” Cassie asked.
“Well, to make a long story short, we were in bed, and the next thing I knew, he was on one knee with a ring box in his hand. And of course I said yes,” Harley said excitedly. “And when he asked at dinner, he just got up and knelt down and asked, well and said some other stuff too.”
“Look at her,” Blake said, “have you ever seen her so happy? And you didn’t have to be the one to bring it up.”
Harley laughed, “Yeah, I know. We talked about that. He was shocked.”
“Harley, we are so happy for you!” Cassie exclaimed as she raised her glass of wine. “To Harley-and Gus- may this be the last wedding you are the bride for.”
The girls all laughed as they clinked glasses and toasted to Harley’s happiness.
The chick flick Susan and Marina were watching was getting to Gus and he got up to leave the living room when the phone rang. He picked it up and was surprised to hear Ross on the other end.
“Gus, it’s Ross. How do you feel about crashing a party tonight?”
“Sounds like that could be fun,” Gus said mischievously.
“Okay, how about you come over here, I’m going to call Josh and Frank too, we can all meet here, and head on over to Towers.”
“I’ll be there in 15 minutes. See you soon.” Gus said as he hung up the phone, excited that he would get to spend the evening with Harley after all.
“Hey- I’m going over to Towers with Ross, Josh, and Frank. I need you two to promise me that you will stay here, and will not invite any boys over.”
“You guys are going to crash the Girls’ Night Out?” Marina asked, “Can we go too?”
“Yes, we are, and no you may not.” Gus answered with a smile as he headed upstairs to change.
Ross answered the door with Clarissa under one arm, “Hi, Gus, come on in. I just have to put her to bed. Make yourself at home, I’ll be right back. Frank and Josh are coming too, so you can let them in whenever they get here.”
“Sure,” Gus said as he looked around the living room. He got about three steps before the doorbell rang. He opened it to see Josh standing outside shivering.
“Wow, it’s cold out here,” Josh said, rubbing his hands together.
“Yeah, it is,” Gus replied, “Get in here. Uh, Ross is putting Clarissa to bed and Frank is on his way.”
Gus and Josh made small talk until the doorbell rang again. Josh got up to answer it and let Frank in the house as Ross made his way back into the living room.
“Hey Frank,” Gus greeted him.
“Hi Josh, hey Gus. Listen, about earlier…” Frank began.
“Don’t worry about it. I understand.” Gus stopped him.
“What happened earlier?” Ross asked.
“Um, I asked Harley to marry me and Frank wasn’t too thrilled with it,” Gus answered.
“You asked…did she say yes?” Ross asked.
“Yeah, she did,” Gus said with a smile.
“Hey- Congratulations, Gus,” Josh said as he grabbed Gus’s hand to shake it. “You got yourself a very special lady there. Harley’s the best.”
“Yeah, I know. Thanks.” Gus replied.
“Congratulations Gus, I was wondering how long it would take,” Ross joked as he too shook Gus’s hand. “Now we really have something to celebrate tonight,” he continued as the guys walked out of the house to surprise the girls.
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:22:03 GMT -5
“Wait a minute…so he was naked when he proposed??” Cassie asked, her eyes getting big.
Harley giggled, “Yeah.”
“Well, no wonder you said yes,” Blake added with a whistle.
Harley, Cassie, and Reva all looked at Blake shocked.
“What?? Now, come on, you guys know I love Ross, but if Gus had proposed to me naked, I would have said yes too. He’s pretty hot.”
All the girls laughed and Harley said, “Well, I certainly don’t disagree with you.”
“Look at this. Speak of the devils,” Blake said, pointing to the door where Gus, Ross, Josh and Frank were standing.
“Boys, I think these pretty ladies over here need some company.” Josh said to his partners in crime as they walked towards the table.
“What are you guys doing here?” Harley asked as she kissed Gus.
“Hey- this was Ross’s idea- all his idea!” Gus announced.
“Why don’t we go over here instead of crowding at this little table,” Ross suggested as the group made their way over to the wall with the chairs and couches.
“Excuse me,” Josh called the waiter, “can you bring some champagne over to us? We have something to celebrate!”
Harley looked at Gus surprised, “Oh so you told them?”
“Yes he did,” Josh answered as he hugged Harley tightly, “You better take good care of this one, Gus, or you’ll have to answer to me.”
“I will,” Gus answered as he pulled Harley down into his lap and kissed her cheek.
The waiter passed out champagne to everyone and Ross toasted the newly engaged couple.
“To Harley and Gus- May you two find nothing but happiness in each other-“
“May this be the last wedding of Harley’s we have to attend,” Blake inserted jokingly.
“Hey!” Harley said, acting offended, “okay…and it will be.”
“Seriously,” Ross continued, “I hope you two are very happy and that each of you has finally found the one meant for you.”
“Congratulations,” he finished as he raised his glass with the rest of the group.
Harley passed up the champagne for a kiss from Gus, “Sounds good to me.”
“Me too,” Gus replied with a huge smile.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Ross was trying to talk Gus into taking the bar exam when Frank interrupted, “Uh, Gus,” and nodded towards the door.
Eden had just came in and stopped when she saw the group. Gus looked at her and she gave him a disapproving glance and sat at the bar, “Can I have a martini, please?”
Harley saw the disappointment in Gus’s eyes and urged him, “Go talk to her.”
“Um, no, she made herself very clear earlier,” he said unconvincingly and turned his attention back to Ross.
“Come on, Gus. We could always use sharp, young lawyers,” Ross insisted.
“Look, Ross, it’s not like I haven’t thought about it, I just don’t think I’m ready to give up the chase. I like catching the criminals- I’ll leave the other stuff to you. Plus, I kinda like the partner I have now…she’s starting to grow on me,” Gus said with a wink.
“Alright, I had to try. But if you ever change your mind…”
“You’ll be one of the first to know, I promise,” Gus assured him as he glanced over at Eden again.
"Gus," Harley said, "will you just go talk to her? Please."
Gus let out a heavy sigh, got up and approached Eden at the bar. "What are you doing here?"
"What does it look like? This is the only place open that had a bar," Eden answered.
"Listen, Eden, about earlier. I meant what I said. I want you in my life, but that's up to you."
"You're really going to marry her?"
"Yes I am. She is part of my life, Eden, a very big part, and you can't have me without her. It's all or nothing this time."
"Well, I can't do that. But, if you ever change your mind and wanna come back to Chicago, you know where to find me." She replied as she got up from the bar.
"Eden, don't do this."
She kissed Gus on the cheek, "Bye Nicky," and walked out of Towers.
Gus looked at Eden walk out the door, then looked at Harley sitting there laughing with her friends. He went over to join them and he knew he made the right choice.
Harley saw the upset look on Gus's face and asked him what happened.
"She's going back to Chicago. She'll be gone by the time we get home."
"Gus..."
"No, it's ok. She made her choice. So did I," he said as he pulled Harley back into his lap and squeezed her tight.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
When the conversation had died down, Gus kissed Harley on the shoulder, “Dance with me.”
Harley nodded and stood up. “We’re going to dance,” she said as they headed to the dance floor hand in hand.
Blake jumped up as well, grabbed Ross’s hand and drug him out on the floor by Gus and Harley who were already too engrossed in each other to realize they had company.
Sometimes, it amazes me How strong the power of love can be Sometimes you just take my breath away
“Do you remember the first time we danced together?” Gus asked quietly.
“You mean out on ‘Serial Killer Highway’? Yeah, I remember.” Harley answered.
“What a disaster that weekend turned out to be,” Gus joked.
“It wasn’t all bad,” Harley insisted, “Okay…so we’ve definitely had better weekends. But I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world.”
You watch my love grow, like a child Sometimes gentle and sometimes wild
“Don’t you know you just take my breath away?” Gus whispered into Harley’s ear along with the music.
"How did I get so lucky?" Harley asked him.
"I was just asking myself the same thing," Gus replied.
Your beauty is there in all I see And when I feel your eyes on me Don’t you know you just take my breath away
"So the girls were asking me about a date," Harley hinted.
"That's a good question. Honey, whenever you want. Your every wish is my command," Gus answered.
"Oh...you know, you better be careful, I might get used to being treated like this," Harley joked.
"I don't plan on treating you any different," Gus assured her as he ran his hands through her hair and kissed her lightly on the lips.
"We're really getting married?" Harley asked in disbelief.
Gus nodded his head, "We really are."
My life is yours, my heart will be Singing for you, eternally Don't you know you just take my breath away
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Post by Jen on Apr 3, 2004 12:22:42 GMT -5
May 1st- Two days before the wedding.
A pair of dark eyes watched Harley through the window of Company as she slid into a booth across from Gus and Jude who were sharing a bowl of ice cream.
“Look at you two,” she exclaimed, “you’re both a mess. I think you’re getting more of that ice cream on your faces than in your stomachs.”
“I know,” Gus laughed as Jude shoved another spoonful of ice cream into Gus’s mouth.
“Oh, honey, guess what I got today,” he teased in a sing-songy voice.
“Hmmm….I don’t know. What?” Harley asked.
Gus dug through the stack of folders next to him on the table and opened one. He pulled out two envelopes.
“2 round-trip tickets from Springfield to Santorini, and all the final paperwork for our reservations at the resort. The Honeymoon Suite, a private balcony, and most importantly,” he paused as he covered Jude’s ears, “a big bed just waiting to be used.”
Harley laughed and leaned across the table to kiss her husband-to-be.
“So is everything ready for tomorrow night and Saturday?” Gus asked. “The church, the Beacon is ready? We have tuxes and dresses and flowers and all that other stuff, right?”
“Yes, honey, everything is ready. Will you stop worrying? You’re driving me nuts!”
“I’m sorry, but I just want everything to be perfect- I don’t want anything to go wrong.”
“Gus, really, what could possibly go wrong?” Harley asked as she was wiping off Jude’s face.
“Hey Cooper,” a husky voice appeared at the end of the booth.
Gus looked up at a man he had never seen before, and Harley knew exactly who it was before even looking up.
When she finally got the courage to look at the man, she was still in shock.
“Mallet,” she said as she looked from Mallet to Gus and back to Mallet, “what are you doing here?”
“Uh, it’s kind of a long story,” he answered.
“Oh…Oh- this is Gus and Jude- um, this is Mallet.” Harley quickly tried to introduce the two.
Gus hesitated, then extended a sticky hand to Mallet, “Gus Aitoro.”
Mallet hesitantly shook Gus’s hand, “AC Mallet,” he replied as he realized he had ice cream all over his hand.
“Yeah, I know,” Gus responded half-heartedly. “Oh- sorry about that- we got a little carried away with the ice cream.”
“Yeah. Uh, listen Cooper, can we talk?”
Harley hesitated and looked at Gus who was helping Jude get the last spoonful of ice cream into his mouth and not on his shirt.
“Yeah, I guess so,” she agreed as she stood up.
“Oh wait,” Gus stopped her. “You two stay here. We’ll go. We’ll go to Rick’s and then I’ll be back,” Gus said as he slid out of the booth with Jude. “Here, Mallet- can I call you Mallet?- you sit here and you stay and talk.”
“Okay,” Harley sputtered as she gave Jude a kiss, “be good for daddy.”
“I’ll be back in a little bit,” Gus said as he kissed Harley, then went over to the counter to wipe down Jude.
At the same time, Buzz came out of the kitchen and did a double take at the booth his daughter was sitting in.
“Is that…” Buzz asked Gus.
“Mallet? Oh yeah,” Gus answered as he glanced over at the booth.
“What is he doing here?” Buzz asked.
“I don’t know.”
“This doesn’t bother you? Two days before your wedding and Harley’s ex-husband shows up?” Buzz said with a grimace.
“What are you kidding me? Why do you think I’m leaving? I mean, it’s not like I’m worried, but I can’t stay and watch this. At least not without strangling him.” Gus said as he looked over at the booth one last time, to see Mallet touching Harley’s hand. “Okay- I gotta get out of here. I’ll see you later.”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
“So what are you doing here, Mallet?” Harley asked as she sat back down.
“I needed to see you. Look, I know we didn’t end things well, and I am so sorry about that. But I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately.”
“I was working on this case, it was a serial killer who was going around killing people who had hurt him. And one day, I finally tracked him down, and I was about to arrest him, and he turned things around on me and held me at gunpoint. And he was talking to me, asking me if I was ready to die. Asking me if I had ever hurt someone I loved and regretted it. And before he could actually kill me, my backup got there and arrested him, but he got me thinking about you.”
“Mallet…” Harley interrupted.
“No, wait, just let me finish, please.”
He continued as he reached out for Harley’s hand, “I hurt you, Cooper, I know that. And I have regretted it every day since then. But being so close to death makes you look long and hard at your life. And I didn’t like what I saw. That day I realized what I wanted, what I needed. And that’s you. And that’s why I came here. To get you back.”
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