Written June 17th - July 22nd 08 Part Four

Chloe Mitchell!!

A few days had past since Cane had visited Marcus at the police station, he was now on his way back to Australia to face the consequences there. Chloe on the other hand...

It was early on the Tuesday when the phone rang. Lily was still stretched out in Cane's bed clinging to the warmth the sheets still held of him as he was now finishing up his shower. The ringing telephone had Lily cracking an eye open.

Cane from the open bathroom door said, "sweetheart would you mind grabbing that, I'll be out in a minute."

"Sure," Lily said grabbing the receiver on the fourth ring. "Hello?" She looked up and caught Cane's inquiring gaze in the doorway. "Yes, just one moment please." Lily put her hand over the mouth of the receiver. "It's for you. It's the doctor who is treating Chloe." Her gaze appeared guarded as she handed him the phone. "I'll just give you some privacy," she said starting to rise.
Cane put a hand on her arm and shook his head no as he spoke into the phone. Lily sat back down and waited.

"Yes, this is Cane Ashby. You got the test results back? ... I see ..." Cane sat down on the bed beside Lily as he listened to the doctor explain everything to him. "I understand ... Yes, thank you for letting me know ... I have no choice but to agree with him, don't I? ... Thanks for everything ... Good Bye." Cane hung up the phone and stared at it for a moment.

Lily touched his arm with her soft fingertips and said, "is everything ok?"

Cane looked over at her with the largest grin spreading across his face as it all finally sunk in. "Chloe is not having my baby. In fact she is not having anyones baby - thank God." Cane gripped Lily's shoulders taking in her confused expression. "Lily, Chloe Mitchell was never pregnant. I told the doctors everything that I knew about what happened to me except for when I was blacked out and I told them how upset I was about how I couldn't remember if anything had happened between us and when they brought her in they ran a full range of tests on her - including a full exam and they found no evidence of any form of sexual activity - for quite some time."

Lily was speechless. Cane squeezed her arms in relief. "Lily, I am so relieved. The thought that I had betrayed you in any way was devastating to me. I am just so glad that I have some proof to fill the blacked out periods."

The relief that Lily was feeling mirrored Cane's. Subconsciously her hand slid to her stomach, cradling her secret. "But - but you said yourself that she showed you a positive pregnancy test. How did she fake that too?"

"Well, it was the psychologist that provided the answer to that. He said it could have been a false positive but he also said that after talking to her and observing her for the past few days..." Cane looked away for a moment before he continued. "He found that her delusional state was so severe that he felt she may have convinced her body that she was really and truly pregnant."

"Wow, so what does this mean then?"

Cane's look grew distant as he tried to control the anger he felt at the injustice he now faced. "It means that he has recommended to the judge that she is unfit to stand trial. She is being taken to the State Institution later today to be held and treated there for an undisclosed length of time."

"What? After what she did to you!" Lily stood breaking Cane's hold on her arms and she began to pace, clearly agitated. "She deserves to be punished, punished severely."

Cane came up behind Lily and wrapped his strong arms around her staying her aggavated movements. His lips moved in her hair with his soothing words, "I know baby, I know. I am frustrated by this to but the decision has been taken out of our hands. I can only hope that she never gets out of there."

Lily collapsed back against his muscular chest. "I hope so to..."

Later that night...

They were awakened from sleep by the shrill ringing of the phone in the quiet of a slumbering house. It was after midnight when Cane groggy with sleep answered the phone. "Lo." But it was the words that he heard next that brought him fully awake. Sitting up in the bed Lily watched as his back and shoulders tensed with what he heard. "Thank you for calling me ... If there is anything else ... We'll be in touch ..."

Lily sat up clutching the sheet to her naked breasts. "Cane, what is it?"

Cane looked over his shoulder at her as he turned to tell her the news. "You're not going to believe this but that was the detective that worked on my case. He just came from the scene of an accident a few hours out of town." Cane took in Lily's scared expression and figured out the course of her thoughts. He cupped her cheek in his large palm and said, "oh no, sweetheart I know what your thinking and it has nothing to do with our families."

"Then who?" Lily said on a shaky whisper.

"It's Chloe Mitchell. She's dead. She is at the morgue as we speak." Cane explained to Lily how the vehicle transporting Chloe had lost control on the highway exploding into flames. The driver escaped but because Chloe was restrained in the back - she didn't stand a chance. Cane wrapped Lily in his arms as tears of relief and guilt for feeling relieved slid unchecked down her cheeks.

"Sweetheart," he said softly - his lips moving at her temple. "She will never hurt us or anyone else for that matter again..."

Take Me Away!!

It was over a week after Chloe's demise and things were slowly getting back to normal. Although both of their families insisted that they take some time off to relax and spend together.

It was on a day that shone bright with the warmth of the sun where things were set in motion...
Lily stared thoughtfully out the window, gazing at the beautiful garden on the Chancellor Estate that was in full bloom when she felt the warmth of Cane's familiar strong hands slide around her waist to hold her gently to him...

"What are you thinking?" Cane asked as he nuzzled her neck.

Lily smiled softly as she tilted her head to allow him easier access to her sensitive skin. She let out a sigh as she said, "oh, I was just thinking that I would love for you to be able to take me away somewhere..." Lily turned in his arms and the morning light reflected off her engagement ring. An idea immediately starting to take shape in Cane's mind. His mouth sought hers and he skimmed his tongue along her bottom lip, gently drawing it into his mouth - eliciting a moan from deep in her throat.

He let them get carried away for a moment before regrettably breaking the kiss. Breathing harder he said, "Miss Winters. I think that can be arranged. I have some details to work out and some calls to make but I guarantee if all goes as planned you will have the time of your life." Unable to resist, Cane pressed his lips to hers once more. "I'll see you later."

"Don't I get a hint of what you are planning?" Lily asked bemused.

"Wait and see..." Cane said waving as he left the room.

That was ok, Lily thought as her hand came to rest on her stomach. Cane Ashby wasn't the only one who could keep a secret or give a surprise. Lily had gone to her latest doctors appointment only the day before. She had been so worried after what had happened the last time and it had been so important to her to make sure that everything was ok before she told Cane the news. And thank God it was. The ultrasound pictures were safely in her purse. Now the only thing left to decide was when to tell Cane that he was going to be a father - perhaps she would counter his surprise with one of her own...

Three days later...

Cane was on the phone. "Yeah, that's right... The arrangements are all made... I know, she is going to be so surprised... She'll go with me... That's right and you've got the rest... Everyone is ready... Remember not to say anything that would give away our destination, I want to keep it a mystery for as long as possible... Ok. See you bright and early tomorrow... Bye."

Cane hung up the phone and rubbed his hands together in satisfaction. Everything was set for the most romantic thing he had ever done. He couldn't wait and he hoped that Lily would be as happy as he was...

Early the next day...

Lily woke to find an outfit laid out on the bed for her and a suitcase waiting for her by the door. After showering she started to dress and as she came to the last item - it was a blindfold with a note attached to it. It read:

As promised, I am taking you away... Put this on and ask no questions, I will be up to get you soon. Love, Cane.

Lily slipped the blindfold over head and waited. It couldn't have been long because before she knew it Cane's sweet breath and warm lips were teasing her along her jaw line as he took her hands in his and drew her up to stand.

Lily remembered Cane's request not to ask questions - no matter how tempted she was. So instead all she said was, "I love you and I trust you completely."

Cane crushed her to him as her sweet words ran through him. His lips sought hers and their tongues dueled with pent up passion. Cane reluctantly pulled his mouth from hers. Soon... he thought. "I love you too, so very much. But if we don't go now, we will miss our flight." He turned and placing her hands on his hips walked down the stairs and out the door...

The flight was long but rather uneventful. The staff on board the jet had been instructed not to give their destination away. Lily was allowed to have the blindfold off during the flight but as soon as they were an hour away from their destination she had to put it back on again...

There was a limousine waiting upon their arrival to whisk them to their hotel. The driver merely nodded at Cane and tipped his cap, he to was under strict instruction...

Once in their hotel room. Cane told her that he was leaving for a while but that he would see her in a couple of hours at the appointed destination. He told Lily that there was a maid to assist her but that she could not speak to Lily until tomorrow. He told her that there was an outfit waiting for her. And giving her one last lingering kiss he told her he loved her and walked out the door...

When the door had closed Lily slipped off her blindfold and looked around the room. The blinds were drawn and the curtains were closed over them giving nothing away as to where they were. It was a beautiful room that was softly lit with antique lamps. There was a knock on the door and when Lily answered it it was to find a smiling but silent maid on the other side. The woman gestured to the closed bedroom door of the suite for Lily to follow her - it was time to get ready for her surprise...

Lily stood gazing at her reflection in the full length mirror. She couldn't believe that Cane had gone to the trouble of bringing the dress she had worn for the Restless Style cover shoot. The gorgeous grey/silver ball gown fit her like a glove and emphasized her ever so slightly fuller breasts. Lily positively glowed. Her name tag read Julia so that is what Lily called her - even if it was a one sided conversation as she placed the last curled strand of Lily's hair upon her head. She squeezed Lily's shoulders and smiled at her reflection. But before she left she held out a scarf that matched her dress. Gesturing at first Lily thought to place it around her shoulders but it was meant to once again cover her eyes... What ever Cane was planning - it was big.

Lily was escorted once again to the waiting limousine and was whisked away. After about a twenty minute ride or so the car came to a final stop and the door was opened. Lily was helped from the car by two unfamiliar set of hands. Her nostrils flared with vaguely familiar smells. She was escorted up a path and then stepped down onto something that rocked ever so slightly beneath her feet. Lily believed she was no longer on land. She had that suspicion confirmed a moment later when the scarf was removed and she stood on a luxurious yacht.

And there on bent knee in front of her decked out in a classic tuxedo was Cane. He clasped her hands in his and said, "Lily I love you so much, marry me - tonight. Let me make you my wife under the lights of the Eiffel Tower." Just then Lily looked up and gazed at the amazing landmark. She could not believe that he had gone to all this trouble.

Tears shone in her eyes as she gazed into his her hands trembled within his grasp and she whispered, "yes."

Cane stood and wrapped her in his arms. "You have quite possibly made me the happiest man on the face of this earth. I love you so much."

Lily touched her trembling fingers to his cheek. "I love you too." With a shaky smile she said, "let's do this. Let's get married. I only wish that our families could be here for this."

Cane's smile broadened even further. "Well sweetheart, they are." And with a nod to the steward, one by one: Neil, Katherine, Jill, Devon, Karen, Roxanne, Tyra, Ana and Colleen emerged from below deck. Followed by the justice of the peace.

Lily's lips parted in shock. She was stunned. "How did - ? When did - ? I can't believe -"

Neil approached and kissed his daughter on the cheek and with his hands on her shoulders he said, "sweetheart. Did you honestly think that I or anyone else would miss this wonderful occasion? It was nothing to enjoy the company of our newly extended family on the flight over here. We love you both very much."

The tears that Lily were fighting slipped over her lashes as she wrapped her arms around her father's neck and said softly, "thank you so much Daddy. You all being here means everything to me." Turning to everyone else she said, "thank you. I love you all so very much."

The justice of the peace cleared his throat and said, "Madame et Monsieur. Shall we begin?" His english was clear but accented with a lovely Parisian accent. Everyone took their places, then the vows were spoken. They kept things traditional but the love that was put into each word - each vow was evident to everyone present. Before long a ring was placed on each of their hands. Not once did they take their eyes off one another. The moment came when they were pronounced man and wife and they shared the most tender of kisses. Their families applauded and Champaign was past around by the stewards.

Neil raised his glass to lead the toast. "Through good times and bad I truly believe that the two of you will always be there for each other. You have both been through so much already. Cane I welcome you with open arms to the family just as I'm sure that Katherine and Jill welcome Lily to theirs. May all the rest of your days be filled with love and laughter. To Cane and Lily."

"Cane and Lily." Everyone chorused.

Delicious Parisian cuisine was brought up and around for everyone to sample. Cane and Lily mingled and chatted warmly with everyone on board but they never strayed far from one another. They sought out each others gazes frequently throughout the evening, each secretly longing to be alone with the other. Before long Cane announced that everyone should enjoy the impending cruise and that they would all meet for a late brunch tomorrow but it was time for Lily and him to depart for the evening. Disembarking they waved to everyone and Lily tossed the elegant flower bouquet that she carried over her shoulder which a surprised Karen caught. Lily blew a kiss to her family and Cane waved once more as they got into the limousine and left...

Once they got back to the hotel, other patrons smiled at the love they saw radiating from the young couple gliding gracefully across the lobby. Once outside of their hotel room, Cane effortlessly scooped Lily into his arms. Her gorgeous ball gown floating around them as he stepped into their suite...

Cane didn't put Lily down, instead he gazed steadily into her eyes. "Mrs. Ashby."

"Mr. Ashby." Lily replied a moment before his lips touched hers. Her lips immediately parted as his tongue slid past. They both moaned as their pent up passion ignited.

Cane let Lily slide down the length of his body without parting their mouths. Hot and hungry they continued to devour one another. Their hands roamed freely over one another. Touching, caressing, exploring...

Cane turned Lily around so that her back was pressed to his aroused body. She ground her tush against him - taunting his need. Cane ran his hot mouth along her neck and growled low in her ear that she would pay for teasing him like that. Their clothes felt to tight, to restrictive. They had to go and they made quick work of each others garments and soon their heated flesh was free to press fully against one another. Cane once again picked Lily up and carried her into the bedroom where the king size bed was covered in rose petals - thanks to Julia, Lily thought.
He laid her gently upon the fragrant petals and himself beside her. Their mouths fused again. They kissed, licked and stroked one another so close to the edge that when Cane finally slid into her heated flesh, they were both lost to the passion that sent them over the edge and crying out their love for one another...

After...

Spent, they lay together wrapped in each others arms. It was then that Lily remembered what she still hadn't told Cane. Slipping from his arms she placed a soft kiss on his shoulder before she got up and strode naked across the room to her bags. After searching around for a moment she pulled out the envelope containing the ultrasound photos. Padding back to the bed with a radiant smile upon her face.

"I want to thank you again for such a wonderful life changing surprise and I can't think of a better time to give you a life changing surprise of your own. Here," Lily said handing him the envelope.

Cane smiled inquiringly at her as he pulled the pictures out. His smile soon turned to a look of shock and amazement. "Is this - ?"

Lily looked at him with such love when she said, "yes. Someone up their really wants us to become parents. I'm three months along now." Lily's look turned sad for a moment. "I'm sorry that I didn't tell you sooner. I found out when you were - when you were gone and when everything happened after you got back - well I just never found the right time to tell you. Also I was really scared that something would be wrong again - like last time and I didn't want to take the chance of getting your hopes up before I knew that everything was ok."

"And is everything ok?"

Lily cupped his face in her hand and said, "oh, yes sweetheart. Everything is just fine."

They sat side by side examining the pictures when Cane's expression became puzzled once again. "Why does this one say A and this one say B?"

Lily giggled, still in shock over that one herself. "It's how they label them."

"Them?"

"Yeah that is baby A and that is baby B. We're having twins."

"Oh, my God. Twins! How can I ever thank you for giving me the greatest gifts in the world. What a perfect ending to a perfect day. I love you."

"I love you too."

THE END