HAZY SHADE OF WINTER - PART TWENTY ONE

PREVIOUSLY

“Just hold me,” she said, “Please? Let me know you won’t leave me…”
He nodded his head and snuggled her next to him, “I won’t leave you. I want to do the right thing Téa – only I don’t know what that is…”
“You’re doing it…” she whispered into his ear.
He wished he could stop her from trembling.

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March 1999

Téa had slept late. It had been a rough night. She had tossed and turned. Todd had even woken up once, only to find her softly sobbing in his arms. He had done his best to reassure her, but when she voiced her fears that she was afraid of loosing him over the recent events, he just held her tighter, kissing her tears away. She was asleep when the alarm clock went off and he turned it off – thinking she needed her sleep. An hour later, the phone rang. Hank was looking for Téa. They had a working breakfast before court and she wasn’t there. Todd assured Hank that she would be at the courthouse and hung up. He didn’t like Hank’s voice on the phone. He sounded too condensensing…
Téa was upset she had slept through her breakfast – more at herself than Todd. They hurriedly showered, got dressed, and drove to the courthouse.
They made their way to the courtroom but Hank stopped them before the door.
“Sorry I’m late Hank. I…I…had a rough night…” mumbled Téa. Todd stood beside her crossing his arms. Hank and Todd exchanged sneers.
“Well, I suppose… I’d rather my ADA see this from me…” said Hank. He pulled a newspaper out from under his arm and held it up.
Todd and Téa’s mouth dropped.
“The Manning marriage that wasn’t. Judge disbarred!” exclaimed Todd. He grabbed the paper out of Hank’s hand. Téa threw her briefcase on a bench and read over Todd’s shoulder.
“Todd…did you know…?” muttered Téa.
“No!” exclaimed Todd, “You’re not my wife?!”
Téa’s eyes became dark, “We’re not married?” she muttered.
Todd found her eyes and intently looked into them, “As far as I’m concerned you are my wife. If I have to take you down the hall, I’ll remarry you today.”
They became desperately lost in each other’s eyes, looking for mutual reassurance of their love.
“Todd…don’t leave me…” she mouthed.
“I’m not leaving you…” he mouthed back. He looked at the paper, “Blair. This is Blair’s byline,” he sneered.
Samantha and Cameron walked up. Hank looked genuinely surprised to look at Samantha. Samantha walked up to Téa and gave her a warm, affectionate hug.
Téa let out a breath, “Boy, I needed that right now…” whispered Téa.
Todd folded the paper so Samantha wouldn’t see.
“Good morning Mom,” said Samantha softly.
Cameron stood in front of Téa stoically.
“Ah, Téa?” questioned Hank trying hard to keep his bearing.
Téa looked up, bit her lip, and turned to face Hank, “Hank, this is my…daughter, Samantha. And that’s her father, Cameron Alton. My boss, the DA, Hank Gannon.”
Cameron and Hank shook hands.
“Hello Mr. Gannon,” said Samantha politely.
“Hello, Samantha,” said Hank.
“Ah, Téa, can I talk to you for a minute? Privately?” asked Cameron.
“Sure,” replied Téa.
“Téa, keep it quick,” said Hank, “You’ve got ten minutes.” He went inside.
Cameron and Téa stepped out of earshot of Todd and Samantha.
Samantha looked at Todd very intently. Todd crossed his arms and raised and eyebrow.
“So, ah, kid, what do you think of Téa?” asked Todd finally.
“She’s cool. You can call me Samantha,” said Samantha crossing her arms.
“Oh. Well, call me Todd, Samantha,” said Todd trying to keep a smirk off of his face.
“So Todd, do you love my Mom?” asked Samantha point blank.
“Not only do you look like Delgado, you sound like her too,” chuckled Todd.
“What does that mean? And why didn’t you answer my question?” asked Samantha very seriously.
“Yes, I love your Mom. Very much. How do you like those apples?” asked Todd smirking.
“Oh,” said Samantha.
“So, Samantha – I think we got something in common. Just to set the record straight – your Dad is your Dad. I know I’m not your Dad. Look – what I’m trying to say is Téa and my daughter, Starr, get along so well ‘cos they’re friends first – so maybe we can try that friends first thing too – you think?” suggested Todd.
Samantha cracked a smile and held out her hand, “O.k., Todd, Friends.”
“Friends,” said Todd shaking her hand.

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When they were out of earshot, Cam held up a folded newspaper, “I saw today ’s headline. Is it true?”
Téa briefly looked at the ground and then back at Cam, “I don’t know. I don’t trust Blair Cramer. Todd and I need to research it.”
“Look, Samantha hasn’t seen the headline but I’m not going to purposely keep it from her either. If she sees it, she sees it,” said Cam.
“I agree,” said Téa.
There was a pause and Cameron looked intently into her eyes.
“Look, what is between you and Blair Cramer? Todd Manning? I mean – I don ’t know either one of you very well but I know this – you made a good first impression on me when I met you. I think you’re honest – maybe too honest – a bit noble – you’re an ADA – I know you can be unselfish – you gave a generous donation to that ALS benefit – and Samantha clearly adores you.
But Samantha knows Blair too – and Samantha likes Blair. Whatever is between you and Blair – I don’t want it effecting Samantha. I will not allow either of you to use Samantha as a pawn in a war – a war that might possibility be over a man,” said Cameron frankly.
“I’m not all that – I’m not as honest, or as noble, or as unselfish as you think I am but I know this – I would never use my daughter, NEVER,” said Téa firmly, “It’s a long story – Blair and I – and I’m due in court in five minutes but I assure you – now – I would never use Samantha.”
Cameron took a step towards her, softening his facial expression, “I think you don’t give yourself enough credit. Look, I’m sorry. I…believe you. I believe what you say about Samantha. I…Samantha’s my life…” he muttered.
“Well, when time permits, I guess we should get to know each other Cam. I’ d like to know what the father of my daughter is like,” said Téa lightly.
“And I’d like to get to know Samantha’s mother as well,” said Cameron.
They turned around and joined Todd and Samantha.
“You guys go into court and find a seat. I need to talk to Todd quickly,” said Téa smiling.
Cameron nodded his head and escorted Samantha inside.
“You know, that kid not only looks like you but she’s got your spunk as well,” said Todd.
“That’s good,” said Téa lightly, “Are you going to check out that article?” “Yeah. I’ve got a lot to do today,” said Todd intently, “When can I see you again?”
“Tonight? After work? Come by my apartment. I’ll have a key made for you today,” said Téa.
He smiled at that.
“Todd, I…” paused Téa.
“What?” he asked.
“I really want to be married to you,” said Téa.
“I really want to be married to you too Téa,” replied Todd, “Don’t worry o.k. If we’re not married, we’ll just get remarried again. I’ll fix everything. I promise.”
He leaned in next to her and they shared a tender kiss before parting ways.

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Carlotta’s Diner…

Todd flew into Carlotta’s diner and waltzed up to Carlotta behind the bar.
Carlotta crossed her arms. The breakfast crowd had cleared out and only a few customers remained.
“Where’s Junior?” demanded Todd.
“Who’s Junior and what’s going on?” asked Carlotta.
“Roseanne, that’s who – Téa’s sister,” said Todd with contempt.
“You know?” whispered Carlotta.
“Yeah – Junior broke the news last night before…” Todd stopped himself.
“Before what?” demanded Carlotta.
“Before Téa’s daughter showed up,” finished Todd.
“Marisa?” muttered Carlotta genuinely surprised.
“No – Samantha. Junior got all pissy with Téa for keeping secrets – spit on Téa – and left…” explained Todd.
“Roseanne spit on Téa?” exclaimed Carlotta in shock.
“Yeah – in front of her daughter. Now, answer the question. Where’s Roseanne?” demanded Todd.
Carlotta looked at the clock, “Probably at school in her biology class.
Where’s Téa now?” asked Carlotta.
“In court!” said Todd flying out as quickly as he flew in.
Carlotta stumbled backward, putting a hand over her mouth. This had to be a lot for Téa to handle all at once.

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Llanview University…

Todd waited patiently outside the classroom. The bell rang. Thankfully, Roseanne was one of the last ones out of class. He grabbed her arm and pulled her into a quiet corner.
“Let go of me!” demanded Roseanne.
“No,” said Todd squeezing her arm, “What you did last night was pretty shitty – spitting on Téa in front of her daughter.”
“She deserved it,” said Roseanne.
Todd got in Roseanne’s face, “You – You don’t know nothing. I will not tolerate you treating Téa the way you did the other night.”
“What are you going to do?” muttered Roseanne wincing from the pain from Todd’s strong grip.
“This is not just about you Roseanne. It’s about Téa too. We’ve got something in common Junior. I grew up not knowing my sister either. Here’s my advice. If you don’t want anything to do with Téa get out of town. If you decide to stay in town – then be good to your sister. She deserves a little happiness in her life,” said Todd firmly.
“You’re hurting me,” said Roseanne.
Todd let go of her arm, “Don’t ever spit – on your sister again.” He turned around and walked out.

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Llanview General…

“Susannah!” bellowed Todd walking into his therapist’s office.
Susannah looked up from her desk, “Something wrong Todd?”
“I’m going to kill my ex-wife!” said Todd pacing Susannah’s office.
“Oh, don’t do that. I just filed my report with Judge Child and relieved Viki of her legal guardianship. You can begin supervised visits with Starr now and once the court is satisfied you’ll be given full custody back,” explained Susannah.
“Wait – supervised visits? When?” questioned Todd.
“Have your lawyer contact the court and arrange it,” said Susannah, “Now will you stop pacing? I thought this would be good news for you.”
Todd stopped, crossed his arms, and looked right at Susannah, “It is. Kinda. A lot happened this weekend Susannah.”
“Oh? What?” she asked.
“Téa and I had this big romantic girly thing weekend. We decided to try and have a kid. Big thing, you know. Then Téa tells me she had a kid twelve years ago and gave it up for adoption. No big deal right? Then we get home – Roseanne, Téa’s niece is there – only Roseanne drops this bombshell on us – Téa’s really her sister – so they do the long lost sister reunion when wham! This kid Téa had twelve years ago shows up with her adopted Dad and wants Téa to be her Mom for real. Roseanne gets pissed and spits on Téa in front of the kid before leaving which really pisses me off…Then this morning I read an article in my own damn newspaper written by my…whatever ex-wife saying my marriage to my current wife isn’t legit… Téa’s in shock and she’s got this fear I’m gonna leave her which I’m not. Anyway, I go check this out and I’m pissed to find out Blair’s right – my marriage isn’t legit so now I gotta marry Téa again…!” said Todd all in one breath. “That’s a mouthful Todd,” said Susannah, “Sounds like a big weekend.”
“Susannah – what am I going to do? I’m not really married to Téa!” exclaimed Todd.
“Todd, that’s simple. Ask her to marry you – again,” said Susannah.
“Susannah – this is going to be our third time. I want to marry this woman for real. I don’t want to make a habit of marrying her once a year!” exclaimed Todd, “Look – the first time was a little disappointing for Téa you know – since it was a city hall thing. The second time she got the music, the gown, the thing in her face, and the honeymoon from hell. What do I do this time?”
“Why don’t you ask Téa what kind of wedding she’d like Todd?” suggested Susannah.
Todd went to run his fingers through his hair but it was too short, “Yeah…I can do that…but I’m still gonna’ kill Blair!”
“Is that how you really feel Todd?” asked Susannah.
“What I feel is angry Susannah. Very angry. At Blair. At Roseanne. At Anton. At Alton…” started Todd.
“Wait. Who is Anton and Alton?” asked Susannah.
“Anton is Samantha’s biological father and “Cammmeron” Alton is her adopted father – and I’m afraid…” Todd paused.
“Of? What? What are you afraid of?” asked Susannah.
“Now that Téa’s single, he might try to…go after her…and she’d fall for him – ‘cos he’s the Dad. Look, it took me a long time to get over Blair… ‘cos we had Shorty… a kid – that’s a…whatever…that can’t be broken – no matter how hard you try. I know. Shorty ties me and Blair together – just like Samantha ties Téa to…him,” said Todd voicing his fears.
“Yeah, Todd, a child is a strong bond between two people. But so is love. It’s just as powerful. You know what love is. Why don’t you take it out for a drive – see where you go…with Téa,” said Susannah putting it into perspective.
Todd wrinkled his brow, “Oh. I’m still angry Susannah.”
“So go blow off some steam. Go swimming. Go boxing. Allow your body to vent – in a constructive way – not a destructive way,” added Susannah.
“Right….” said Todd crossing his arms.

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The Courthouse…

“This court is adjourned for lunch. We will reconvene at one!” said the judge banging his gavel.
The courtroom began to hum with life. Téa and Hank sat at the table going over notes. Cameron and Samantha approached Téa’s table.
Téa exchanged warm smiles with Samantha and Cameron.
“You were great,” said Samantha. The pride in her voice obvious.
Hank tried hard not to stare.
“Thanks,” said Téa smiling.
“Well, we’ve got to go. Samantha’s only allowed to skip one school day a semester,” said Cam jokingly.
Samantha gave her Dad ‘a look.’
“So, when can I see you again?” asked Téa.
“This weekend,” said Cameron, “We’ll fly in on Saturday morning.”
“Remember Téa – you’re the on-call ADA this weekend,” said Hank.
“So I can’t go too far,” replied Téa.
“It doesn’t matter to me,” said Samantha.
“Good,” said Téa. She got up and exchanged a hug with her daughter, “Hopefully but then, Todd and I will have our house. I love you.”
“I love you too,” said Samantha.
Téa broke from the embrace and stood awkwardly in front of Cameron.
“Ah…” started Téa.
“Well…” began Cameron. He awkwardly held out his hand.
They made faces at each other and Téa held out her arms. They exchanged an awkward hug, “Thank you…” whispered Téa.
“Your welcome,” said Cameron.
Samantha smiled at her parents.
Téa looked longingly down the courtroom walkway as she watched Cameron and Samantha leave. They waved goodbye and walked out.
Téa brushed off a tear that had fallen down her cheek.

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The Sun…

Kelly and Blair were debating headlines. Blair stood in back of the desk and Kelly in front of it.
“I don’t care that our circulation figures are through the roof,” said Kelly, “I will not allow headlines like that again!”
“Integrity will get you nowhere in the newspaper business Kelly,” said Blair sarcastically.
Kelly sneered at Blair.
Todd flew in the office taking Kelly and Blair by surprise, “But having no integrity will get you fired,” Todd said walking up to Kelly and sneering at Blair.
“Todd…” started Blair.
“You’re fired Blair. I will not have my own damn newspaper printing garbage like you printed today,” said Todd trying his best to hold back.
“Are you well Todd? The shrink say you’re cured?” teased Blair.
“Yep. In fact, my lawyer will call yours to arrange for Téa and I to have a supervised visit with Shorty…” goaded Todd.
“What?” muttered Blair in surprise, “You really are sane?”
“Yep.”
“Screw you Todd. I won’t let you’re – what is she? Mistress? Lover? Latina Fling? Anywhere near my daughter. She’s got her own daughter she can be a mother too now – or didn’t she tell you about Samantha?” shot back Blair.
“What?” muttered Kelly in surprise.
Todd clenched his fists, “I know about Samantha but you’ll call her mother Téa. Her name is Téa. And that’s what you’ll call her. Are you so stupid Blair to think Téa and I won’t get married again?”
“I suppose not. But you can’t fire me. After all, “Te-aaa” has the controlling interest and since she’s not your wife you can’t play the ‘what’ s-hers-is-mine’ game,” shot back Blair.
“You want me to call Téa RIGHT now so she can fire you RIGHT now?” asked Todd sarcastically, “You don’t think…my Latina Lover…as you so rudely referred to my WIFE – won’t?”
Blair put her hands on her hips, “Don’t do this Todd.”
“Did you give Téa and I a chance to say that before you printed that article?” said Todd.
“Todd… I could make life hell for you,” said Blair softly.
Todd rolled his eyes, “Get out of my office Blair.”
“You’ll regret this Todd,” said Blair walking out.
Kelly looked at Todd totally surprised, “What’s going on here Todd?”
“It’s a long story,” said Todd, “You any good Kelly?”
“Ah, I’m learning…” muttered Kelly.
“Good. Run your headline. I’m going to buy a house,” said Todd, “And a ring.” He walked out.

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Téa’s Apartment
That night…

Téa opened the door and let Todd in. The kitchen light was on, but dim. Candles burned in the living room. Loreena McKinnett played softly in the background. They smiled at each other as Todd walked in.
“It’s kinda dark in here,” commented Todd as he sat down on the couch.
“I was just thinking Todd,” said Téa sitting down next to him, “How did your day go.”
“Busy. You see Roseanne today?” asked Todd turning to look at her. He lightly rubbed her shoulder.
“No,” she replied, “Why do you ask?”
“I had a conversation with her today. She won’t spit on you anymore,” he replied.
“Roseanne’s not my main worry,” said Téa.
“I know. After Roseanne, I went and saw Blair…” started Todd.
“Blair knows Samantha and Cameron,” said Téa playing with her hands.
“I know. She’s probably after Alton’s money,” remarked Todd, “I fired her today.”
Téa grew concerned, “Was that a good idea Todd? Samantha…”
“Samantha’s a sharp kid. She’s not going to let Blair come between you.
Starr doesn’t let Blair come between you,” observed Todd.
“Yeah,” whispered Téa finding his eyes, “You’re right. Cameron and Samantha left for Boston this afternoon. They’ll be back this weekend.”
“Well, Alton seems a decent guy. Soon, Samantha will be here and you can see her whenever you want. And she can stay with us in our new house…” said Todd smiling.
Téa’s face lit up, “Really? You bought us a house? Where? What’s it like?”
“It’s big and close to Viki’s. We could call it Manning Manor or something like that. We gotta wait a week to move in though…something about a title search,” explained Todd.
“Just the thought of a house – for our family…” beamed Téa.
“So, you got morning sickness yet?” asked Todd lightly touching her tummy.
Téa’s face lit up and she giggled, “It’s too soon for that Todd.”
“Not soon enough for me,” said Todd leaning over giving her a desire filled kiss. She eagerly returned it. He broke the kiss and they nuzzled. His eyes found hers.
“I’m scared too Téa…” “Why?” she asked, their foreheads touching.
“Now that you’re single…” started Todd.
“So, are you going to do something about that?” she asked, her voice shaking.
“Yeah,” said Todd breaking their intimate embrace. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a box. Téa swallowed. He handed it to her and got down on one knee before her.
She opened the box. A gorgeous diamond engagement ring glared back at her.
“Now, I know you all ready got a diamond from me – but you don’t wear it and well – that one was just for appearances – this one is for real. Marry me, Téa. Again. For real. This time,” he said, his voice shaking, his eyes lost in hers.
“Yes,” she whispered.
Todd reached for the box and took the ring out of it. He gently reached for her hand and slid the ring on her finger.
“It’s official. We’re engaged. Again,” said Todd smiling at her.
“We never did have long engagements,” remarked Téa.
“So, ah what kind of wedding do you want? City hall again?” asked Todd sliding back on the couch next to her.
“No. Too sterile,” said Téa.
Todd gently positioned Téa so she lay down on the couch, her head in his lap, “Another shin-dig at the country club?” asked Todd.
“No. I don’t want all of Llanview there again,” said Téa playing with the new ring on her hand.
“Then what?” asked Todd as he began to play with her bangs.
“How about something inbetween? Just our family and close friends – Viki, Sam, Starr, Samantha, Carlotta, Roseanne if she wants… In a church. Let’s get married by a priest Todd. You can’t get any more legit than that. I am Catholic, you know…” suggested Téa.
“Yeah, sure…whatever. I just want you to be happy Téa,” said Todd leaning over kissing her. He allowed the kiss to grow deep between them, tasting her delicious mouth – teasing her with his tongue. He could feel the electricity beginning to pulse through his body as her hand wrapped around his neck. His tongue explored every inch of her and he began to explore her neck, passionately kissing and sucking on her. He could feel her unbuttoning his shirt and her hands caressing his bare chest. It turned him on - the way she touched him and he didn’t want to stop kissing, licking, and sucking her neck…
“Oh, Todd…” she whispered with an edge of pain in her voice.
He bolted up and stared at her neck, “Are you all right? Does it hurt?” He looked genuinely distressed.
Her eyes found his, “Not really…it tingles…there’s a mark, isn’t there?”
Todd nodded his head, “Yeah – I left a mark – I didn’t mean too – I got – carried away…” he felt a knot in his stomach. But he had enjoyed himself all too much!
“It’s all right. It happens…” she said trying to make him feel better.
“I don’t…want to hurt you…” he muttered.
She leaned up, teasing his lips with hers, “I don’t want you to worry about it. Right now, more than anything, I want my fiancé to pick me up in his arms and take me into my bedroom and make love to me.” Her voice was smooth and reassuring.
He did exactly that.

TO BE CONTINUED

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