"This Time Around"
By: gb
Chapter 50
Ryan entered Edmund's library/office at Wildwind with a strong sense of deja vu. When he'd first moved in after marrying Gillian, Dimitri would frequently have him in here to reprimand him for one careless action or another.
He could still see Dimitri glaring at him, his glasses pushed all the way down his nose, complete disapproval at Ryan's careless way of handling everyday life.
Back then, Ryan was thought of as a crook who had seemingly found his mealticket in Gillian who herself was too selfish and spoiled to keep after her husband's narfarious behavior. He had to admit, it was a long time before he had done anything to change anyone's low opinion of him.
Ryan came over to Edmund who was seated at his desk going over some papers and looked up.
Before Ryan could even begin, Edmund spoke up.
"Ryan, I wanted to talk to you and Gillian about something.
"In light of the new baby, I thought maybe you and she would like to stay on permanently here at Wildwind. I had this plan to tear down the side wall in your room and turn the connecting room into a nursery. What do you think?"
"Gee, Edmund, I hadn't thought about it," Ryan admitted, caught off guard, the reality of the baby hitting him unexpectedly in the heart again. "We're just getting used to the fact that there is a baby."
"It's a big responsibility- children." Edmund told him. "Lots of stress and I'm speaking as a father of two. But the rewards are 1000% worth it, believe me. You'll see when you hold yours in your arms that first time."
Ryan smiled, but remained silent.
"In fact, though, some people find the pressure so great that...they give up and run away..."
Edmund looked directly at Ryan and waited for his response.
Ryan got the message.
"Look, Edmund, I know where you're headed with this and I'm telling you, I'm going to be here with Gillian and we're going to bring up our child together."
He hoped he sounded convincing- it was always hard to tell what Edmund was thinking.
"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Edmund finally said. "I'm sorry I have to be so blunt, but your track record for longevity in a relationship isn't exactly going to win you any prizes."
"Guilty as charged," Ryan agreed. "But, I'm through running away from Gillian. I want to be with her."
Edmund believed him, but added. "Just so you know, Ryan. I've mentioned before that Dimitri was like a father to Gillian and he was happy to see tht you made her happy. Before he was gone, he saw that she was hurting without you. I've sort of taken over his place as advisor to her. I saw the pain you caused her once and I'm here to tell you that I believe you want to be here with her and I realize that she can be a handful even on her good days, but she's changed. She's grown up and become a mature, caring individual. She loves you with all her heart. If you hurt her again...that'll be the last day you're going to be welcome in my house under ANY circumstances."
Ryan knew that Edmund was dead serious and told him as much.
Edmund was satisfied and then told him more good-naturedly, " Think about the room. The job'll be really easy and won't take too long and then you can Gillian can pick out all the furniture you like. Besides, Eugenia, Alex, and the kids want you here- not to mention me. Family's important. Eugenia's already cajoling Gillian into the idea now."
"I'll think about it,Edmund- and thank you." Ryan said quietly.
He took a breath and now remembered why he had asked to see Edmund this morning.
"Edmund, I'm glad you have a minute for me," he began now, clearing his throat. "See, I've been meaning to ask you something for days now...
"Does it have something to do with him?"
Edmund cut Ryan off and reached behind his desk and then picked up Sajan and placed him on his desk blotter.
Ryan was momentarily speechless since until now, Sajan had been so quiet, he hadn't even known he was there.
Now, he said, sheepishly, "I see you two have met. Then, I guess you already know-"
"That he's been here for days? Yes. You must've left your door open, because he wandered out and in fact, Sam and Maddie have already made friends with him today."
"I was gonna tell you, but I haven't had a chance. Gillian found him and just hasn't been able to resist him. We'll keep upstairs with us, if it's ok and I won't let him near any of your stuff."
Edmund read the metal tag around the cat's neck. " Sajan. If found, my parents are Gillian and Ryan Lavery. Wildwind, etc.etc....
"Gillian had the store do a rush job on that." Ryan explained quickly, his face hot.
"Apparently." replied Edmund. "You're a dad already."
"I know you don't really like cats and all," he said and waited for Edmund's reply.
Edmund regard Sajan for a moment and he mewed and the little bell around his neck sounded.
He sighed.
"Ryan, let him out into the garden everyday and keep him off the furniture down here- we'll have to get him a scratching post."
"Absolutely, I'll do it today. Thanks, Edmund. " Ryan was relieved. "Sam and Maddie can play with him whenever they want."
"They're going to take you up on that offer." Edmund assured him.
Sajan jumped off the desk and walked over to Ryan who who turned and the two walked out of the library together....
end of part 50
(to be continued...)
Next time: Gillian confesses her deepest fear to Eugenia....