PREVIOUSLY

“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.

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April 1999 Noon Sunday The Alton Estate…

Blair Cramer and Samantha Alton sat side by side on the living room couch in Samantha’s new home. They had their feet on the coffee table and were enjoying each other’s company. All though Blair couldn’t stand Téa Delgado, she had come to enjoy Samantha’s company a lot – and her father’s, Cameron Alton. Currently, Samantha’s father was in his study working. The TV was on and they were watching a music channel. Starr was taking a nap on the love seat adjacent to the couch, totally oblivious to the noise Samantha and Blair were making. “That dude’s nose ring is so gross…” giggled Samantha. “Oh – C’Mon – it’s cute!” giggled Blair back. “Oh – Look! That girl’s gown…” said Samantha pausing, ‘It reminds me of the one my Mom picked out.” Blair and Samantha got serious. “Téa’s wearing white again, huh?” asked Blair civilly. “Yeah,” said Samantha, “It’s…eloquent.” “You know, this will be their third wedding…” said Blair. “Really?” asked Samantha, “You know my Mom hasn’t really talked about the other marriages to Todd before.” “That’s not surprising,” said Blair. “You were married to him before my Mom. Did she…break up your marriage to Todd?” asked Samantha intently studying Blair’s face. Blair opened her mouth and paused, “Ah…maybe. Without realizing it.” “Huh? I don’t get that,” said Samantha honestly. “I think…Todd and I wanted it to work out but…the circumstances were off…” said Blair thoughtfully. “How did my Mom come into the picture?” asked Samantha. “O.k….here’s the nutshell version. Todd and I were married and happy. Todd went to Ireland and didn’t come back. I thought he was dead so I started seeing another guy. Todd wasn’t really dead and came back from Ireland only to discover I was expecting a baby with the other guy…Patrick. Todd and I fought. Starr got sick and we called a truce. Starr got better but then I got sick. Really sick. My Aunt Dorian tried to get custody of Starr away from Todd while I was in the hospital. Todd and I got divorced while I was sleeping. Enter Téa Delgado. Todd paid his lawyer five million dollars to marry him and provide him with an instant family so he’d look good for the courts,” said Blair all in one breath. Samantha swallowed, “So Todd and my Mom didn’t love each other?” “Does that sound like love to you?” asked Blair. There was an awkward silence. “My Mom loves him now. And he loves her…” said Samantha matter-of-factly. Blair found Samantha’s eyes, “Are you sure they love each other? Are you sure Téa Delgado – your biological mother - who gave you up for adoption – loves you?” Samantha got upset, “Téa loves me. I know it in here,” she said placing her hand over her heart in a gesture remincesent of her father, “Blair, I like you and all but don’t knock my Mother. Not in front of me.” Blair became contrite, “No. You’re right. I’ll be honest. I don’t like Téa. I probably never will but I know Téa doesn’t speak badly of me in front of Starr. I’d be pissed if she did. So…out of respect for that and for you – I promise … I’ll refrain from speaking about your Mom…like that.” “Look Blair…” started Samantha. “I was wrong Samantha. I really like you and I’d be stupid…to ruin our friendship,” added Blair. “We’re cool Blair. I like you too,” said Samantha, “You make me laugh over stupid stuff.” “It’s a talent…” mumbled Blair. “So what about my Dad? You like my Dad?” asked Samantha. “He’s a nice guy. He laughs at my jokes too,” Blair said lightly trying to mask her feelings, “You think he likes me?” “Yeah – I think he likes you. He’s the shy type though,” added Samantha, “Thinks most everybody likes him for his money –not for him – or his heart.” “So…I gotta convince your Dad I’m after his body and not his money, huh?” giggled Blair. Samantha feigned shock, “Blair! My Dad – Have sex? I can’t imagine it!” They peeled with laughter. Cameron walked in smiling with his hands in his pockets, “And just what are you two giggling at?” Samantha and Blair looked as if they’d been busted. “You. You’re a workaholic, Dad…” said Samantha trying to cover up. “Oh,” he said wrinkling his brow. “Cam, lighten up will ya?” said Blair smiling at him. Cameron let out a small smile, “Well, you know…I gotta admit…” “What Dad?” asked Samantha. “It feels good. Being here with all you guys – it’s like…we’re a family…a big family…almost…” he said. Blair raised an eyebrow herself. “Dad grew up as an only kid and his parents were too busy making money to pay attention to him. That’s why he’s always bugging me. Wants to make sure I get enough attention,” explained Samantha lightly. Blair found Cameron’s eyes, “You’ve got a good heart…Cam.” Cameron just shyly grinned and nodded his head.

That Afternoon… Llanfair…

Todd paced Viki’s den while she sat down on the couch looking at him. “So where’s Téa?” asked Viki. “She went to do wedding things with Carlotta and Samantha…it’s a chick thing…” said Todd. “Nervous about something Todd?” asked Viki. “I’m always nervous. You know me and Delgado always manage to say I do but the rest of the wedding day goes pretty lousy…” said Todd, “Besides…there’s more going on than you think.” “Todd, do you have a secret?” asked Viki. He paused to look at her, “Who? Me?” “Guilty. Don’t worry. I don’t want to know,” said Viki. “Good. ‘cos I’m not going to tell you yet…” said Todd grinning, “I just want things to go right for Delgado and me…for once…” “Todd, has something happened to make you think it won’t?” asked Viki. “Oh – Vic – C’Mon! I’m Todd Manning. Everytime I think “Hey-I-can-be-happy” something screws it up. You know…Téa’s wicked insecure about us…always thinking I might leave…and she’s got that stupid white night Camerrrron just foaming at the mouth…waiting in the wings…” rambled Todd. “Téa? Insecure? Really? She appears very confident and secure in her feelings about you…” observed Viki. Todd grunted, “You know Delgado didn’t grow up like – well, she didn’t grow up easy. She’s convinced that if she likes… if she allows herself to love someone they’ll leave her…and I don’t necessarily have a good track record in that department.” “So…your coming back and Samantha’s presence in her life….gives her hope?” asked Viki. “I guess so. I didn’t think that hard about it,” said Todd, “All I know…is I want her Viki. She makes me laugh. She makes me believe in myself. She’ s chin up – chest out – she’s not afraid to look into my eyes – she’s not afraid of my touch…she’s fearless…” said Todd passionately. Viki smiled at him, “Therapy has done wonders for you.” “Whatever,” said Todd, “She was there for me when I needed her. So now – now I want to be there for her. All the time.” “You realize six months ago you couldn’t tell me stuff like this…” said Viki. “Rodd could – and there’s Rodd floating around here,” said Todd pointing to his head. “Is that your secret Todd? Rodd’s loose up there? I promise – I won’t tell…” said Viki grinning. Todd just smiled at her.

St. Matthew’s Church…

Téa, Carlotta, and Samantha sat side by side in the front pew facing the altar. An altar boy was lighting the candles. A faint odor of incense drifted in the air. “So, how’s Starr? Blair?” asked Téa politely. “Starr’s excited about the wedding. She said…she was sad about the last one…she remembered how pretty you looked,” said Samantha playing with her hands and looking at Téa, “Something about a tape…” “Oh,” said Téa. “Well, this one will be different,” said Carlotta, “For one – not all of Llanview will be there.” “Amen to that,” said Téa. Samantha found Téa’s eyes, “Do you love Todd? And does he love you?” Téa let out a breath, “That’s a loaded question. Of course we love each other. You’ve seen us together…how can you doubt?” asked Téa sincerely. “Yeah…you’re right. He’s crazy about you,” said Samantha, “It’s just that Blair said it didn’t start out as love…” Téa swallowed, “Ah, Blair. She’s right, Samantha. When Todd and I first said “I do” we weren’t in love with each other. We didn’t want to fall in love with each other. But before we knew it – understood it – we were. We weren’t expecting it. Samantha, Todd’s and mine relationship is complicated. It’s not what you read in a romance novel. I can’t even begin to explain it to you.” “So, will I know what love is when I find it?” asked Samantha. Carlotta wistfully smiled. Téa put her arm around her daughter’s shoulder and pulled Samantha into her, “Don’t rush it kiddo. You’re only twelve.” Samantha hugged Téa and Carlotta joined in. With big, round, sincere, haunting eyes, Samantha said, “Well, I know I love you. And I don’t want you to leave like my first Mom.” “Oh God…” muttered Téa, flashes of her own voice rang through her head, “I swear to you Samantha – I will never leave you of my own violation.” There was a moment of silence between them. “You guys are depressing,” said Carlotta. They all started laughing through their tears.

That Evening, Rodi’s…

It was early evening. Cameron sauntered in and found Anton’s table. “Thanks for meeting me Anton,” said Cameron. The two men awkwardly looked at each other. Anton leaned back in his chair, hands in his pockets, a beer and a half-eaten burger in front of him. “Where is Samantha?” asked Anton. “Home. Doing homework for her math class she put off all weekend. She’ll be fine,” said Cameron. A waiter came by and took Cameron’s order. He got a hamburger and a beer. “It sounded urgent,” remarked Anton. Cameron took a breath, “It’s not really but I need to talk to someone – about Téa – and you’re the only guy I know…” Anton smirked, “Me? You sure you want to talk to me?” Cameron leaned back in his chair taking a breath, “Yeah. You’ve known her longer.” “O.k.,” said Anton. “I’m in love with her,” said Cameron matter-of-factly. “Oh,” said Anton making a face, “I was wondering how long it would take for you to admit it to yourself.” “Yeah…well, I realize she probably doesn’t feel the same way about me that I do about her…” said Cameron, “And I try to be…I don’t know – cool around her but everytime she’s with me or Samantha she just gets under my skin and I can’t fight it anymore…” “Téa has a way of getting under a man’s skin,” said Anton sipping his beer, “I know. She does it without trying. She is oblivious to how attractive she is – physically and emotionally.” “She seems almost insecure about it,” remarked Cameron. The waiter returned with Cameron’s food and beer. “Téa’s early years were not easy. She grew up the only girl in a house full of men,” said Anton. “What about her mother?” asked Cameron. “Téa’s mother left. Without saying goodbye,” replied Anton. He took a bite of his burger. Cameron let out another breath, “It couldn’t have been that bad. All I know is that Samantha adores her. And so do I. She looks at my heart – not my money – we connect as parents – her smile makes me smile and do you know how many people mistake us a couple? It’s uncanny!” “Téa has changed Cameron. There was a time not so long ago…she would be attracted to you because of your money,” said Anton. “That’s not the Téa I know,” said Cameron sipping his beer. “Téa’s not as nice as you think,” added Anton. “She says that as well,” said Cameron, “Is that why she’s attracted to Manning? Because she thinks she’s not nice? A bad girl has to be with a bad guy?” “You do not approve of Todd either?” asked Anton. “I worry about her. And Samantha. Todd Manning is a convicted rapist with a history of violence,” said Cameron taking a bite of his burger. “I do not know Todd that well but that aspect of his personality does worry me…” added Anton, “Have you addressed your concerns with her?” “I told her…as the mother of my child, I would respect her judgment. And Samantha does appear to like him. His daughter, Starr, adores him…” said Cameron. “Maybe children – maybe a sense of family – something Téa gives him – is his saving grace…” added Anton. “Maybe. But I won’t let him…hurt her,” added Cameron, “And I don’t know how I can sit by and watch them exchange vows.” “You better figure it out. If you tell Téa how you feel you probably will alienate her…” said Anton. Just then Todd walked in, sauntered up to the bar and talked to the waiter. Cameron and Anton intently watched. Todd turned around, walked over to their table and took a seat joining them. He picked up a toothpick and started picking his teeth. “I can just imagine what you two were talking about,” said Todd. “What?” asked Anton. “Who?” asked Cameron. “Téa – that’s who…” said Todd continuing to pick his teeth. “Téa. Right. Where is she anyway? She was looking a bit tired when she dropped off Samantha,” remarked Cameron. “Téa’s taking a nap while I…pick up dinner. We’re doing take out…” said Todd. Anton took a sip of his beer, “I have noticed that Téa gets tired easily these days…” “It’s nothing,” said Todd, “She’s fine…” “If she’s sick…” started Cameron. “Téa’s fine…look you two…” said Todd stopping to pick his teeth, “Me and Téa are getting married here again and you better put all those romantic notions of Téa out of your head.” “Insecure, Manning?” asked Cameron. “Don’t think for one moment I’m not on to you two. Téa’s my chick. Not yours,” said Todd. He leaned over and took a pickle out of Cameron’s plate. “You are insecure,” said Cameron, “Why?” “Whatever. Téa’s MY woman and I can take care of my woman,” said Todd firmly. “Or what?” asked Cameron. “I’ll do anything to protect…my family,” said Todd, “Remember that.” “Like resort to violence?” asked Cameron. Todd made a face, “That would ruin all my therapy.” He reached over Anton’s plate and took a french fry. “Your table manners are disgusting. I can’t imagine Téa would find them attractive,” noted Cameron. “You’d be surprised what Delgado finds attractive about me,” said Todd. A waiter delivered to Todd a brown bag. Todd gave the waiter a few bucks and stood up. “See ya at my wedding…” said Todd walking out. Cameron and Anton just stared at each other.

Later that evening, The Manning Estate…

Todd walked in and lay the take out on the living room table. He turned on TV and sat down in front of the couch. Téa walked into the living room yawning, wearing an old football jersey of Todd’s. “How are you doing?” asked Todd. “Now, I’m hungry…” said Téa sitting down next to him in front of the couch. “I saw those two clowns, Alton and Anton at Rodi’s,” said Todd. He opened up the styrofoam containers revealing burgers and fries. “Todd, Cameron and Anton are nice guys,” said Téa. “Right. Open wide,” said Todd teasing her with a fry. Téa went to bite it but Todd pulled it away and laughed. Téa frowned. “So, everything all planned? All we gotta say is I do?” asked Todd. He fed her the fry. Téa nodded her head, “Yep. All we have to say is I do.” Todd grinned at her, “I do.” Téa laughed, “I do too.” He put the food aside and reached for her hand twirling her engagement ring on her finger, finding her eyes. It was silently intense between them. Todd dropped his hand to her tummy and pulled her into a kiss. “This time – you’re gonna stay Mrs. Manning,” he said coming up for air. Téa smiled at him, “That’s the plan. Now shut up and kiss me.” He did just that.

TO BE CONTINUED

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