PREVIOUSLY

Abandoning his control he gave into the emotions she was evoking and aggressively returned her kisses, squeezing her shoulders - her arms - as he pulled her into him, communicating more to her in his kisses than he ever could in words.

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Late March 1999 Thursday…

It was raining as Cameron and Téa hurriedly drove through the busy Llanview streets. Cameron was driving as Téa stared out the window, lost in thought. Samantha had started school on Monday and it was the school’s policy for the parents and teachers of the students to meet. Samantha had arranged for her parents to meet her teachers after school on Thursday. They were probably going to be late, only because Téa caught a last minute arraignment. Téa felt bad about that, but happy to be included in the meeting.
This week had gone by fast and Téa had asked Carlotta to help her with her upcoming wedding’s arrangements. Carlotta had proven to be a Godsend in this area because between work, Todd, and Samantha, Téa had been swamped.
“Téa?”
“Umm?” she noticed the car had stopped.
“We’re here,” said Cameron smiling at her. He wore a business suit underneath his rain jacket. His hair was wet because he didn’t have an umbrella.
“Sorry. I was just thinking…” said Téa coming back into the moment.
“About?” asked Cameron.
“Oh. My upcoming wedding,” answered Téa.
Cameron swallowed, “I’m sure…it will be nice.”
“Yeah,” said Téa.
“Ready to get wet again?” he asked.
She nodded her head and they got out of the car, running into the school.
Samantha was waiting in the lobby with the school’s principal. She couldn’t help but giggle at her rain-soaked parents.
Cameron and Téa tried to shake themselves off.
“Hi Samantha,” said Téa grinning.
“Hey Sam,” said Cameron.
“Haven’t you two heard of a thing called an umbrella?” asked Sam kiddingly.
“Hey you…!” said Cam placing his wet hand on her head and messing up her hair.
“Dad! Quit!” she exclaimed.
Téa looked up at the principal, “You’d think a lawyer and a businessman would think to bring an umbrella.”
The principal, a man, smiled, “Samantha is lucky to have such a combination for parents, Mrs. Alton. By the way, I’m Mr. Edwards, the school’s principal.” He held out his hand.
There was an awkward silence. Téa returned the handshake.
“Ah, Mr. Edwards…Samantha’s father and I…aren’t married…” said Téa.
“Oh,” said Mr. Edwards.
“I’m Téa Delgado, Samantha’s mother,” finished Téa.
“And I’m Cameron Alton, Sam’s father,” said Cameron offering his hands, “And Samantha’s mother and I – Téa – we’re friends.”
“I see,” said Mr. Edwards.
Samantha gave shot her mother a smile Téa knew all too well, “I’m glad you came.”
“Me too,” said Téa.
They walked down the hall and got to a classroom, going inside.
“Ms. Oaks is Samantha’s social studies teacher,” said the principal, making introductions.
Ms. Oaks appeared to a pleasant older lady. She smiled at them and they all exchanged handshakes.
“Samantha’s really excited about class. We’re putting on a mock trial this semester,” said Ms. Oaks.
Samantha took Téa’s hand, “I get to be the prosecuting attorney. Just like you.”
Cameron smiled at how Téa and Samantha interacted with each other. Téa was good for Samantha. She had taken the pain away of Susan’s death. Téa was a breath of fresh air – for both of them.
“You know, it’s not easy being a lawyer,” said Téa lightly, looking into her daughter’s eyes – reflections of own…
“Right,” said Samantha grinning at her mother.
“Ms. Delgado, you’re a lawyer?” asked Ms. Oaks.
“I’m a local ADA,” said Téa.
“Like mother, like daughter, huh?” remarked Cameron full of pride, smiling at both of them. Letting them both warm up his heart.
Cameron and Téa met the rest of Samantha’s teachers. They all appeared to be nice and Téa was so happy to be a part of Samantha’s life. After the meeting, Cameron and Samantha dropped Téa off at her home after making arrangements to spend time together over the weekend.
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Llanview General That Afternoon…

Todd walked into Susannah’s office. He wore a suit underneath his raincoat and his hair was wet.
“It’s good to see you Todd. Even though you are wet. Have you heard of an umbrella?” asked Susannah grinning at the sight Todd made.
Todd rolled his eyes, “A…what?”
“Right. How’s Téa?” asked Susannah.
“Look, Susannah, I gotta tell you something but you gotta promise not to tell anyone,” said Todd pacing Susannah’s office.
“Sure. It’s called doctor – patient confidentially,” replied Susannah.
“Téa’s pregnant,” said Todd turning to face Susannah.”
“You work fast Todd. Congratulations,” said Susannah warmly.
“Thanks,” said Todd, wrinkling his brow.
“Aren’t you happy?” asked Susannah.
“Yeah – but I’m worried too,” said Todd.
“About what?” asked Susannah.
“Susannah – she sees a lot of that Alton guy because of her girl – Samantha – and my blood boils to see them together…” started Todd, “She’s mine. Not his.”
“I see,” said Susannah, “Does Téa act differently toward you? Standoffish?” “No. I mean…No,” said Todd closing his eyes, thinking of her, “She still looks at me like she does. She still makes me laugh. And it’s still pretty incredible between us…”
“Then why are you jealous Todd? Sounds to me like Téa’s committed to the relationship,” remarked Susannah.
“Because she’s attractive. Because other men look at her…with that longing in their eyes,” said Todd firmly.
“Todd, she can’t do anything about that,” said Susannah, “Let me guess – this Alton guy – he bothers you?”
“Yeah. Alton bothers me. I don’t want to feel this way but I do,” said Todd in an exasperated tone of voice.
“You know how you fight jealously Todd?” asked Susannah.
“How?” asked Todd.
“Love. Trust in that love. Believing in that love,” said Susannah.
“Are you saying I don’t love her?” asked Todd raising his tone of voice.
“No, Todd. What I’m saying is this – the love you have for Téa is new to you and you don’t know what to do with it. Stop feeling it and start using it – whenever you see them together and you get a pang of jealously think of the love you have and feel for her. Think of the trust between you. Think of the love you both have for the baby. Think of anything else but jealously,” instructed Susannah.
“That’s a tall order,” said Todd letting her words sink in.
“You’re a tall man,” replied Susannah, “Listen Todd, jealously will put you dangerously close to that line I know you don’t want to cross.”
Todd nodded his head, “It all ready has.”
“Then do something about it before it does something about you,” said Susannah.
“I pay you good money and you give me this advice?” said Todd crossing his arms.
“Yeah. You’ve got the tools Todd. Only you can make them work,” said Susannah.
Todd walked out. He moved through the hospital in a trot making his way to the door. He paused to watch the rain come down. Then, just as quickly, he trotted out to his car and got in shoving the keys into his ignition. But he couldn’t start the car. Instead, he just slammed his head into the steering wheel. Now he knew what it must have been like for her all those months ago with Blair. He just had to get past this. He had to! He promised he wouldn’t leave her again and he met it. But he would do just that if he thought for one minute he would cross the line. No! He was going to be here for her and their baby. No matter what! Jealously be damned! He looked up and took a breath. Téa had invited Roseanne and Cris over for dinner and he had to be there. All though he wasn’t looking forward to it, he was going to be damned if he was going to let a little jealously screw this up for him now.
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The Manning Estate…

Todd quietly walked in the door and snuck into the dinning room. He observed Téa putting the finishing touches on the table. He walked up behind her and placed his arms around her waist.
“Did you know your hair’s a little wet?” he said savoring the way she felt in his arms.
“Yep. I forgot an umbrella,” said Téa.
“Me too. But it’s ok for me to forget,” said Todd, “You can’t be catching some cold now that you’re pregnant.”
“No, I suppose that wouldn’t be good,” said Téa returning his sexy grin.
Just then the doorbell rang.
“It’s probably Roseanne and Cris.”
“O.k. I’ll be…as good…as I can be,” he replied slightly frowning.
“Just promise me you’ll use silverware and I’ll be happy,” whispered Téa.
“You’re suppose to use silverware with this stuff?” asked Todd as he grinned at her and kissed her delicate mouth.
The doorbell rang again.
He reluctantly broke off the kiss and answered the door, silently escorting Roseanne and Cris inside.
Cris leaned over and whispered in Roseanne’s ear, “You sure this was a good idea?”
“As good as it gets,” whispered Roseanne back.
Téa smiled as Roseanne and Cris walked in.
“Ah, just throw your coats anywhere,” said Todd.
Roseanne and Cris threw them on the couch. They sat down at the table next to each other and across from Todd and Téa.
The dinner table was full of authentic Spanish food. Carnitas, quesdillas, and burritos, just to a name a few items.
“Did you make all this?” asked Cris throwing food on his plate.
“I…ah…had it catered…” said Téa.
Todd threw some food on his plate too.
“So…you cheated?” asked Roseanne.
“Not necessarily. I did what was practical. I got out of work late and then I had a parent – teacher conference to go to at Samantha’s school,” explained Téa.
Todd bit his tongue and ate a piece of his dinner with his fingers.
“You know, my mom speaks highly of Samantha,” remarked Cris eating some of his beans.
“So Téa, when do I get to meet your daughter?” asked Roseanne sipping her drink.
“When are you going to stop spitting on Téa in public?” asked Todd chewing his food.
Téa turned to Todd, “Roseanne apologized for that.”
“Sorry Junior,” said Todd.
“Yeah,” replied Roseanne sipping her drink.
“Maybe this weekend. Samantha and I are going over Carlotta’s this weekend to work on wedding plans. You’re more than welcome to join us.”
Roseanne let a quick smile escape her lips.
Todd looked over at Téa, “So – ah – how’s it going? You’re ah…keeping it small right?” he shyly asked.
Téa bit her lip and smiled at him, “Ah…what do you think if we ask Starr to be the ah, flower girl?”
Todd’s face lit up, “You know Starr…likes that stuff.”
“Good. I’ll let you ask her,” said Téa sipping her drink.
“Me? Why me? That’s a girlie thing!” exclaimed Todd.
“Chalk it up to a father – daughter bonding activity,” said Téa.
“Whatever,” said Todd.
Roseanne looked at Cris and they broke out in laughter.
“What’s so funny?” demanded Todd and Téa in unison.
“You two…” replied Roseanne.
The dinner continued with very little else said, but Roseanne noted that she had reached a place within herself…that had come to some peace with Téa.
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Late, That evening…

Roseanne and Cris had left. Todd had kicked Téa out of the bedroom temporarily while he tried his best to create a romantic atmosphere. Téa sat on the couch in the living room watching reruns of [The Paper Chase,] thinking of how much fun she had meeting Samantha’s teachers today. She was also touched – moved even – by Samantha’s enthusiasm in being selected as the prosecuting attorney in her social studies class mock trial. She was also impressed with Samantha’s black and white still life in her art class. Samantha’s style clearly reminded her of Anton’s style. And when it came time to part, the warm hug and tender heartfelt kiss she received on her cheek from her daughter just melted her heart.
“I love you…Mom…”
Téa swallowed, still moved by the presence of her young daughter in her life, “I love you too… Samantha…”
“Hey, Téa!” came a voice.
She turned around. He held a single red rose. His head was slightly turned down but his eyes were looking directly at her. His hair was neatly groomed and his face softly glowed from a fresh shave. His collar was unbuttoned revealing the hint of his chest hair.
Téa stood up finding his eyes, “Do you know how incredibly sexy you look right now?”
Todd nodded his head, ‘no’, “Ah, Delgado…you’re the only one – ever – whoever said that word to me – and meant it,” he choked.
Slowly, she walked over to him standing before him.
“I need you Todd. I need you in my life…” she whispered.
Slowly, he turned his face up, looking deeply into her eyes. He took his hand and placed Téa’s hand in it, gently opening her palm and placing the flower in it.
“I’m working on this jealously thing, you know,” he said inching closer to her.
“Todd, I know. I know this much…Oh Todd, I need you in my life so much right now. Promise me – you won’t leave. My baby needs a father…” she said a million emotions flooding through her, overwhelmed for once by the thought of her pregnancy.
“And my baby needs a mother, Delgado. Promise me – you’ll never leave me…” he said with equal passion.
She nodded her head ‘yes’ and they melted into a deep, passionate kiss, Téa grasping her rose and Todd placing his hands on her waist. Their kisses became deep, opened mouthed…he pulled her tightly into him, savoring every sensation she was arousing.
“Todd…you can be awfully romantic when you want to be…” she whispered into his ear as he nibbled on her neck.
“You make it…you, ah…inspire me…” whispered Todd, “You know Téa…” he said, parting from her, just enough to look into her eyes, “Sometimes it gets all confused – sometimes, I just get overwhelmed – I’ve never really felt…I’ve never really wanted… I never thought it was possible to feel like this…” “I don’t want you to think right now…I want you to feel – feel what’s between us – Todd, look for what…maybe I should say this…” she said lost in his eyes.
“What?” he asked equally lost in her eyes.
“I never felt like this before. I never thought it was possible to love a man like I love you…” whispered Téa caught up in the moment between them, “You’re the only one for me Todd.”
Todd let out a deep breath and leaned over picking her up in his arms, stumbling up the stairs, enjoying her teasing kisses on his neck as he walked into their bedroom. Gently, he placed her on the bed and leaned over her. He looked around the room, waving his arm, her eyes following his. “I think it’s a mushy night,” he whispered.
Burning candles adorned the room, with red roses strategically placed on their dressers and on their bed.
“Wow, Todd. It’s really…it’s really romantic…” she whispered.
He stood over her and unbuttoned his shirt, letting it just drape over his shoulders as he paused, drinking her in. She did the same, unbuttoning her shirt, letting it just hang over her shoulders, revealing her bra. He sat down on the bed, next to her horizontal body, drinking in her form, her features. Slowly, he placed his hand on her neck, tracing her collarbone, going lower to her bra, flicking the snap in the front with his thumb, parting it, and tenderly caressing her slowly enlarging breasts. He teased her nipples gently, realizing they might be very tender. She closed her eyes savoring his touch, reacting to him. Then he went lower to her waistline, rubbing back and forth, slowly leaning into her – watching her eyes react to him. His hand slid into her unbuttoned pants and he began to rub her erotic hair – his lips trembling. And then he could feel her hands on his chest, softly going back and forth sending intense bursts of pleasure throughout his body. He felt his shirt slide off his arms and he withdrew his hand, letting his shirt fall to the floor. He lay down next to her, pulling her into him, overtaking her mouth with his – reaching for the zipper on her pants – undoing it with schoolboy passion. He could feel her hands exploring his body and he liked it all too much. Her lips on his neck – the fire burning through him – a desire to possess her and an overwhelming desire to have her. He got up and slid the rest of her clothes off her and then he stood over her, slowly removing his clothes, dreamily teasing her in his gaze. She reached up for him and again their mouths met in a mutual hot, searing passionate kiss.
“Oh Téa…Oh, Téa…” he whispered as her hands explored his body. Waves of intense electricity shot though his body and his lips claimed her neck – sucking, teasing, and licking her – lost in the swirling sensations she evoked in him. He could feel her fondling him…teasing him…and he knew he was dripping on her – pulsing with life – pulsing to feel her – desiring nothing but the ultimate possession – her body and soul. He rolled on top of her, his muscles shaking.
“I’ve…gone…and done it again…” he whispered.
“What you’ve gone and done…” she whispered, “Is teased my body into a fever for you.”
He hovered inches above her, his eyes lost in hers and then with a suddenness, he took her and claimed her – lost, so lost within her… Her nails scratched his chest but it only increased the rhythm between them. And her fingers rested on his nipples as she aggressively teased him. “You’re mine Todd. Promise me - you’ll never abandon me…” And with that he brought himself to climax, feeling her quaking body underneath him – their mutual cries of ecstasy, loud and fierce. He collapsed on top of her and quickly rolled off so as not to hurt her. He placed his hand on her hip, pulling her into him, “You o.k? Junior O.k?” She smiled a sexy grin at him, “We’re fine.”
“Good,” he replied holding her close.
The Mannings fell asleep in each other’s arms.

TO BE CONTINUED

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