Some Kind Of Wonderful

Chapter Thirty-Nine:

In My Arms

“I can’t believe this is happening.” Leila said as she sunk into the seat in her parent’s pent house.

“Has there been any word from the police yet?” Jaiden asked from his leaning position on the wall beside the bathroom door.

“No,” Jordan shook his head, “Nothing as of yet.”

“Poor Fate,” Leila said sympathetically. “How is she?”

“She’s more than a little upset. It’s not easy, coming so close to holding your child in your arms again, only to have him snatched away yet again.” Isabelle said rubbing her temples.

“I don’t understand why they would run away?” Marc asked from beside Leila.

Isabelle sighed heavily, “They can’t conceive. I guess they must have freaked out when they found out we were coming for the baby.”

“Who told them anyway?” Leila asked with a frown.

Isabelle and Jordan shared a look. Isabelle shrugged, “We don’t know. Your father and I suspect it could be Fate’s parents but we can’t be sure. We don’t want to make assumptions and upset Fate anymore than she already is.”

Leila nodded, “I agree. Maybe I should go and see her?” she suggested her concern evident in her blue eyes.

Isabelle smiled sadly, “I’m sure she’ll like that.” she said massaging her temples. Leila stood up to walk out of the room and looked back at Marc and Jaiden.

“Why don’t you guys come and see Dayne? Maybe take him out for a walk or something?” she suggested looking between her brother and fiancé.

Marc agreed and was already by Leila's side. “Jaiden?” Leila called out to her youngest brother who was staring at his shoes.
He shook his head. “I can’t.” He said his tone barely an octave over a whisper. “I can’t stand to see him so torn again.”

Isabelle moved over to hers son and placed a comforting hand on his tense shoulder. “Sweetie?” Jaiden looked up and met her blue eyes with his equally blue ones which were glassy and filled with regret.

“I’m still so ashamed of myself for what I did to him. And I hate that I can’t do anything to help ease his suffering. . . I - I hate that he can’t trust me enough anymore to know that I’m here for him.” he croaked his head hung, a single tear fell from the corner of his eye.

Isabelle brushed his dark hair away from his using her finger tips. “He knows honey and he forgives you. It may take a little time for the trust to form again, but he knows you’re sorry and you’ve proved that by coming here and supporting him. But If you really wanna prove to him that he can trust you again go down there and show him that you’re here for him because believe it or not he needs you more than ever right now.” She said soothingly running her fingers through his dark locks.

Jaiden nodded despondently. “Thanks Mom.” he said wrapping his arms around her small frame.

“Just remember to forgive yourself and the rest will follow slowly.” She pulled back and kissed him lovingly on the temple. “Now go to your brother and tell him we love him.” Jaiden smiled albeit sadly and followed his sisters footsteps.

The door clicked and only then did Isabelle let the tears flow freely. She closed her eyes when her husband enveloped her in tight embrace from behind. “You’re incredible, you know that?” he mumbled into her hair quietly.

Isabelle leaned into him and shook her head. “No, I’m not Jordan. God, I would give up anything to have them all happy and fighting with each other again, just like they used too when they were kids.”

Jordan sighed helplessly, “You won’t have to give up anything Belle, because I’m going to give you that moment and plenty of it, I promise.” She nodded slowly turning in his arms to snuggle further into his protective hold where she was most safe.

---

Two floors down Dayne stood in the corner of the room his jaw clenching and unclenching his red rimmed blue eyes staring at his girlfriend, who sat in the windowsill gazing out into the empty grey sky above her, a void look in her eyes.

A soft knock on the door pulled him from the intense stare he had on Fate. He walked the few feet toward the door and yanked it open, a frown masking his handsome face.

Upon his eyes settling on his sister on the other side of the door, his frown disappeared a helpless look took its place. He swallowed the lump forming in his throat fighting the urge to fall apart right then.

He was trying his best to be strong for Fate but, it was his son too and he couldn’t seem to shake the ache in his chest every time he closed his eyes and his sweet face flashed in his mind.

Without a word Leila enveloped him in a tight hug. It was difficult if not impossible to keep his emotions buried deep within him when he Leila was holding him so protectively. “Dayne you’re shaking.” She said pulling back to cradle his face in her small hands.

Even though his eyes were red from keeping the tears from forming he shook his head. “I’m okay, Leila. It’s Fate I’m worried about.” He said taking a hold of her slender wrists and pulling them from his face. He dropped a kiss at her pulse point before letting them fall by her side again.

Leila’s blue eyes fell on Fate, who was still looking out of the window seemingly oblivious to anyone around her. She stepped away from Dayne and slowly walked the short distance towards her friend, at little hesitant at first but gently placed a warm hand on Fates shoulder.

Fate stiffened under the warm hold for a moment before her shoulders slumped relaxing a little. For the first time since they got to the hotel, Fate turned her head and looked in her boyfriend’s sister’s deep cerulean eyes.

As a mother herself, Leila understood the wretchedness Fate must have had been feeling in that moment. Her bottom lip quivered and her eyes pooled with tears.

Leila wrapped her arms around the younger girl supportively. Fate had been there for Leila when she most needed a friend, what with everything that happened with Chase and his drug issues. Leila was close to losing it when she found Chase at his friend’s house having a seizure only moment away from death.

Fate and Dayne also being at the party Chase’s friend threw stood by Leila's side giving her the support and comfort she needed to find the strength within herself to help Chase.

Leila shook her head of the horrible memories and focused on the teenager whimpering feebly in her arms. “Everything’s going to be okay, we’ll make everything okay, I promise.” She whispered over and over again.

A few feet away Marc watched the two girls hang on to each other in what looked like a fierce embrace. He turned his violet eyes to look at Dayne who was clenching his hands to fists by his side clearly fighting his emotions but failing miserably.

The look on the young man’s face pained Marc deeply. He had grown to love Leila’s family as if they were his own. Isabelle and Dayne especially, they had such a heartening connection, considering they weren’t even biologically related. It was impossible to not feel a tiny bit envious of them.

Looking at Leila, sometimes he sees the traits she got from her mother, such as her forgiving nature and the limitless love she has inside that heart of hers. He deeply wished Melis would inherit that quality when she’s older.

The downside to being so attached to people means you suffer right along with them whether you intend to or not, share the pain they all bear especially when that person is Leila Callaway. What hurts her hurts him.

Marc sensed the anger practically radiating off of Dayne in waves. The boy’s blue eyes glistened with tears his jaw was set the muscles throbbing visibly. Without a second thought to it, Marc reached out and squeezed Dayne’s shoulder understandingly
tugging him back a little toward the door.

“Hey, why don’t we go outside for a while, man?” Marc said quietly. It must have taken Dayne a minute to fully comprehend what Marc had said before he tore his eyes away from his distraught girlfriend and nodded.

Marc opened the door and lead Dayne outside closing the door quietly not to disturb the girls inside. Dayne walked on ahead, every muscle in his back was tense clear of his distress.

When the boys were away from the room it seemed Dayne lost the hold of his emotions because he stopped placing his hands –palms down—on the wall in front of him his breathing was shallow but quick.

A low growl erupted from him and he slammed his hands into the solid brick wall venting his anger and frustration. Marc left him to unleash the ire that had clearly been building up on him since he found out about his missing son.

The situation was a lot to deal with for a grown man let alone an eighteen year old boy. The only thing he should have been worrying about right now was which college he would have been attending and which party he would be passing out at next, not fretting over his missing son.

After giving him a minute to lash out Marc pulled him away from the wall he was kicking and punching. “Dayne, hey, it’s okay.” Marc said quiet enough to soothe him. Taking a hold of the younger boy’s shoulders he shook him a little.

“Nothing’s okay, Marc!” he barked his blue eyes wide. “My son was taken . . . again! And I can’t even comfort my own girlfriend, because I don’t know what to say to her no more!”

Marc watched as Dayne ripped from his hold and began pacing frantically. “Dayne--” he tried but Dayne cut him off.

“I keep telling her over and over again that we haven’t lost him . . . that we will find him, but even I’m starting to not believe that!” Dayne said running his fingers through his blonde hair.

“Of course you do.” Marc told him, placing a strong hand on his shoulder. “You can’t lose hope. Not now. You’ve made it this far, you have to be strong, if not for yourself but for Fate.”

“I’m trying, OKAY! I’m doing everything I can to reassure her but, every time I see tears in her eyes, I just wanna ram my heard through a fucking wall, because I feel so damn helpless.” Dayne spat pacing the long corridor again.

Marc opened his mouth to speak but stopped when the elevator beside them ‘dinged’ and the doors slid open revealing the youngest Callaway.

“Hey.” He greeted throwing a concerned look in his brother’s direction. Dayne stopped pacing when he Jaiden regarding him with worry set in his sapphire eyes. “D, I – I’m so--”

Dayne shook his head. “Don’t!” He snapped hotly his fingers curled into a tight fist. “If one more person apologises, I swear I’m going to start throwing punches.” He gritted out.

Jaiden blinked and frowned a second later, he cast a quick look at Marc who shrugged in response. Warily, Jaiden took a step closer to his brother. He reached out and squeezed his shoulder. Dayne shrugged his hand off him hastily missing the look of
hurt that flashed in Jaiden’s eyes.

Jaiden however, pushed aside that feeling and concentrated on his brother. The first time Jaiden saw his brother this distraught was when Fate left. It took him well over a week to unleash all the anger bottled up inside him. Between both Callaway boys Dayne was most like his father, masking his emotions with anger which he kept buried inside until it was so much it was suffocating him.

“D, come on man.” Jaiden tried again placing his hand on his back but it got knocked away again.

“Stop it.” Dayne hissed his blue eyes a darker shade.

“Listen to me, you can’t keep everything bottled up okay? Talk to me.” Jaiden said slowly.

Dayne scowled, “I don’t want to talk.” He said narrowing his eyes. “I want to find my son so I can finally see my girlfriend smile again. Is that so much to fucking ask for?!” he roared throwing his arms up.

Jaiden sighed when he noticed Dayne was shaking, “No, no it’s not.” He agreed running his hand through his dark hair. “They will find him D, you just have to believe--”

“Don’t talk to me about belief, especially when you have no way of understanding what I’m going through right now!”

Jaiden reached out and grabbed his brother’s arm in a firm grip. “You’re right, maybe I don’t understand. But you’re my brother
and I want to help you. You have to stop masking your emotions Dayne. I know you, and I know you feel like you’re suffocating right now.”

Dayne glared at him and shoved Jaiden away from him. “Don’t pretend like you fucking care.”

Jaiden scowled and stepped up to him again shoving him right back. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t, you jackass.”
“Jaiden, I’m seconds away from making you human punch bag. Back the fuck off!” He growled.

“Jaiden-” Marc piped up when he saw the dangerous glint Dayne’s eyes.

“Stay of out this Marc.” Jaiden said throwing him a stern glare. However, Marc caught the pleading look in his glare also and nodded.

Jaiden turned his attention back to his brother. “You wanna hit me go ahead.” He goaded.
Dayne clenched his jaw, “Stop it.” he croaked.

“If it’s going to make you feel better, hit me, go on I know you want too.” Jaiden stepped closer to his brother.
Dayne backed away, “I said stop it.”

“Come on, hit me . . . hit me D!” he said shoving him. “This is what we do right go ahead, DO IT HIT ME!” Marc watched as Dayne’s fist connected with Jaiden’s jaw knocking him back to the ground.

Marc took a step to help the bleeding boy who held up his hand. “Don’t!” he said his eyes never leaving his brother who was stood like a statue staring at his fist that hit his brother.

Jaiden slowly got back up to his feet wiping the blood that oozed from his busted lip. “Dayne.” Jaiden said reaching his brothers side who backed up against a wall all anger drained only leaving sorrow behind.

“I’m sorry.” He said tears he held on to for so long streaming down his face. “I didn’t--”

Jaiden took a hold of his brother’s shoulder again inwardly thankful that he didn’t push him away this time. “It’s okay.” He said quietly. “My jaws not made of glass.”

Dayne didn’t respond instead he shrunk to the ground allowing his emotions to wash over him. “I don’t know what to do.” he admitted defeated. “For the first time in my life I’m actually terrified.. I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel about this whole situation. In the past two months my life has changed dramatically. I know I wanted this baby when I first found out about him, and I still do. But I’m so scared I’m going to screw up and let both him and Fate down.” He said staring at the wall opposite him.

Marc and Jaiden sat on either side of him. “Dayne, having a baby scares everybody. Hell, I was scared shitless when I found out Leila was having my baby. But I can assure you as hard as it is there is nothing to be scared of, especially when you have a family that supports you.”

“Marc’s right. You’re not alone in this Dayne. We’re all here for you no matter what.” Dayne nodded silently.

“Thanks guys.” He said sincerely. He turned and looked at his brother. “I’m sorry I punched you.” Jaiden chuckled.

“Don’t mention it. I know you like to hit things when you’re angry better my face than a brick wall. You’ve broken your hand so many times I thought I would save you the ache of a broken hand this time around.”

Despite his state Dayne still managed a sad chuckle. All three boys sat there in silence for a moment when they once again heard the bell of the elevator all three pairs looked up and saw Isabelle and Jordan stepping out and walk towards them.

“Dayne I – oh my God Jaiden what the hell happen to you?” Isabelle gasped flying over to her son’s side and cradling his bruised face into her small hands.

Jaiden winced. “I’m fine, Mom.” he said prying her hands away from his face.

“Who did this to you?” Jordan asked with a frown.

“It was me.” Dayne said his face showing his guilt.

“You hit your brother? Why?” Isabelle questioned.

“It’s not his fault Mom, I provoked him. He was angry and I saw he needed to lash out, so I pushed him into venting his anger out on me.” Jaiden explained. Isabelle shook her head.

“I’ll never understand you boys and your need to punch things when you’re angry.” She said getting back up to her feet.

“It’s a guy thing. You wouldn’t understand even if you tried sweetheart.” Jordan said teasing his wife.

Isabelle narrowed her eyes, “You hush! It’s clear they get this ridiculous behaviour from you.” she scolded him.

Jordan smirked. “Of course, and damn proud of it too.” He said grinning at his sons. The boys shook their head.

Isabelle rolled her eyes, “Whatever Jordan, we’re losing sight of why we’re down here.” She said quickly ending their bickering.

“Right of course. Dayne where is Fate?” he asked.

“Back in our room with Leila, why?” Dayne asked getting up his feet.

“I just got a call, they found Chris.” He informed his eldest son.

Dayne gaped at him. “Really?” Jordan nodded. “How? Where?”

“I’ll explain in a minute, let’s go back to your room and I can tell both you and Fate rather than repeat myself.” Dayne nodded
and all five of them made it back to Fate and Dayne’s room.

Dayne quickly unlocked the door and stepped in. His blue eyes locked with Fates as soon as he stepped through the threshold. Fate who was sitting on the floor cross legged jumped up to her feet when she saw the hopeful look in her boyfriend’s eyes.

Leila remained sitting where she was.

“They found him.” Dayne said with a tremble.

Fate blinked. “Really? They did?” she asked weakly.

Isabelle moved over to her side. “Yes honey, we just got the call a few minutes ago. The Collins used their credit card to pay for a hotel in Dockland’s. They have no idea we know where they are but Jordan thinks it’s best the police arrest them and take custody of the baby before they take off again. However the decision is yours as the mother of the child, if you want to press charges, if not then they will keep an eye on them until we get there.”

Fate shook her head, “No, no I’m not going to press charges. How can I when, all they’re guilty of is loving and caring for my son?”

Isabelle nodded, “I understand, and that’s very noble of you, Fate.”

Fate nodded silently. “Well what are we waiting for? Let’s go and get my nephew already?” Leila said standing up and taking hold of Fate’s hand.

Dayne and Fate shared a look for a moment until Dayne held out his hand to her. Fate took it and together they all walked out of the room and made their way to the hotel parking lot where their SUV was waiting for them.

The whole 35 minutes of the journey Fate was fidgeting anxiously. Dayne held her hand so tightly in his own her hand was clammy and throbbing unpleasantly but Fate bit her tongue, knowing he was just as scared as she was.

Moments later the black SUV rolled to a stop in front of two police cars that had been waiting by the hotel for their arrival.

“Alright, let’s finish this once and for all.” Jordan said killing the engine and stepping out of the car. Isabelle followed
him out as the rest piled out of the car also.

“Mr. Callaway.” Sergeant Greg Valentine came up behind the elder couple greeting them with a smile.
“Sergeant, is everything okay?” Jordan questioned.

Greg nodded, “Yes, Mr and Mrs Collins are in the hotel with baby Chris as we speak. The area is secure and has been for the past few hours. We’ll escort you up there but we have to be cautious as there is an infant involved. As far as we know the Collins records are squeaky clean but I’d rather take the necessary precautions just to be on the safe side.” He explained.
Jordan nodded, “Of course. Fate doesn’t want any charges press against the couple if everything should run smoothly.”

Greg looked at said girl who nodded affirmative. “Okay, but let’s get up there and see firsthand what we’re dealing with. We can talk about everything else afterwards.” After a quick nod Greg lifted he radio in his hand and spoke clearly. “All units on stand-by.” He said and looked up Jordan. “Let’s move.”

Four uniformed police officers armed in bullet proof vests and hands ready on their holsters in case the Collins were dangerous. Isabelle looked up at Jordan concerned. “Isn’t this a little extreme?” she asked.

Greg looked back at the petite woman and shook his head. “No ma’am, we must take every possible precaution to ensure the child’s safety, as he is our main concern at this moment of time. As much as we all want to believe the Collins won’t harm the baby or aren’t armed and dangerous we still have to treat this like every other kidnapping case.” Isabelle nodded understandingly as they began making their way up the flights of stairs.

Five floors and ten flights of stairs later Isabelle huffed and puffed. “Couldn’t we take the elevator?” Isabelle asked breathily. “My legs are killing me.”

Jordan chuckled when she clung to him. “Hmm, I may need to whip you back in shape honey. You’ve been slacking lately.” He said as they began up the last flights of stairs.

“I don’t need to be whipped in to anything, I’m fine as I am, thank you.” she said with a pout.

Jordan smirked, “Oh but I respectfully disagree.” He teased. “As I recall you love being ‘whipped’ into shape.” He drawled.
Greg looked back at Isabelle clearly overhearing their conversation unintentionally. He however didn’t notice he was walking straight into a door while looking back at Isabelle and Jordan.

Thump

Isabelle giggled, “Serves you right for listening in other people’s private discussions.” Greg shook his head and pulled the door open muttering under his breath.

Jordan shook his head. “Even at this age you’re such trouble, Belle.” Jordan remarked as they walked through the door and down a long corridor with a maroon colour carpet and plain white walls.

Isabelle scoffed, “What did I do? If you anyone’s to blame it’s you, with your silly not to mention inappropriate innuendos.” Jordan chuckled but grunted when Isabelle elbowed him in the gut.

“You meanie.” He grumbled rubbing his bruised ribs.

“Zip it, Doofy.” Isabelle said ending their bickering once again just as they came to a stop before a mahogany door with the number 617 printed in silver on the shiny surface.

“Stay here.” Greg told the family and walked off toward the door nodded knocked a few times two officers on each side of
him. “Mr and Mrs Collins this is the police could you please open the door?” he called through the door. “We know you’re in
there, I’m going to give you exactly two minutes to open the door on your own otherwise I will be forced to break the door down.” He said staring at the door.

“W-what do you want?” came a small voice from the other side.

“I think you already know the reason. Now could you please open the door?” a rattle of chains being pulled and clicking of locks was heard. The officers including Greg pulled out their guns out ready just in case they were armed.

The door opened revealing a man and tired looking woman holding a young infant in her arms rocking him soothingly. The officers lowered their weapons and took a step inside to secure the hotel room before the family were allowed to step inside.

“All clear!” one of the officers called from inside. Greg gestured with his head to the family and they walked the short
distance.

“Mr and Mrs Collins, you are aware that you broke the law by snatching Baby Cunningham when you knew full well the biological mother was protesting.” Greg asked.

Mrs. Collins, a blonde haired 32 year old woman, with deep green eyes shook her head. “No, you don’t understand. I’ve waited so long for a baby. Chris is my son. I’ve had him ever since he was a few weeks old. You can’t take him from me now. She didn’t even want him, but I do, I love him.” she cried cradling Chris in her arms keeping him close to her chest.

Greg looked back at Fate and gestured her to come forward. She squeezed Dayne’s hand and they both stepped forward revealing themselves to the older couple. Fate gasped when she saw her son in the arms of a woman he thought was his mother.

Dayne stood still staring at the small baby. Chris gurgled away looking at the new comers kicking his arms and legs in Allison’s hold.

“You don’t deserve a baby.” Allison said her not keeping the tremor from her voice. “You don’t know what it’s like to be a mother. If you could abandon him once you can do it again and that’s why I took him. You walked away from him and didn’t look back, what kind of a person doe’s that to their child.” She said looking Fate in the eyes.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, Mrs Collins.” Isabelle said from behind Fate who stood rooted in her spot staring at her son, tears streaming from her eyes. “Fate didn’t leave her son. He was taken from her only an hour after she had given birth to him by her parents. He was put up for adoption without her knowing about It.” she explained.

“This poor girl, who you seem to believe doesn’t deserve to be a mother has been looking for her baby ever since he was taken from her. She didn’t abandon him and would never because she is the sweetest and most selfless girl I have ever met, she so kind that she’s not going to press charges even though you kidnapped her baby.” Leila added after her mother.

Allison watched Fate closely. “That’s not what I was told. Why should I believe you people?”

(In My Arms, Plumb)

“Whether or not you choose to believe us makes no difference. You don’t have a choice in the matter so just hand over her son and we will be on our way.” Jordan said with a frown.

The police officer stepped forward to take Chris from Allison but she backed away shaking her head. “No please, please don’t take him from me.” she cried hugging Chris to her chest tighter. “I love him so much, he’s my baby please don’t do this, I’m begging you, please?” she sobbed as the officer gently took Chris from her.

As soon as he was pulled from Allison’s warm hold Chris began crying. He continued screaming when he was cradled in Fates arms, she rocked him side to side her eyes wide and teary still in a state of shock.

“Jack, do something!” Allison shrieked.

“Come on Fate.” Jordan said urging her forward. “Let’s go.”

Fate cast a look at Allison who was shaking her head trying to get to Chris but was stopped by her husband. “No, no, no please. That’s my baby you can’t take him, you can’t!” she cried. “Please, Fate I’m begging you don’t take him from me he’s everything to me. My last chance, please! You can still have other babies but I can’t. I’ll do anything you want, I’ll get on my knees and beg if you want me too .” she pleaded desperately kicking and screaming in her husband’s hold.

Chris was still screaming in her arms as though he understood what was going on around him. “Fate, come on we have to go baby.” Dayne said his own eyes filled with tears.

“I’m really sorry.” She apologised to Allison and began walking out of the door.

“NO!” Allison cried following them out and down the corridor she threw herself at fate’s feet. “Fate, please wait. I’ll have
nothing if you take him from me. I’m begging you please think about what you’re doing for one second. You’re still a child yourself you can’t give him the love and devotion I can. I’ve spend every hour with him ever since he was two weeks old, I’ve grown to love him like you wouldn’t believe. You’re not only making me suffer but him too. I’m all he’s ever known, I spent so many sleepless night by side his singing and humming him too sleep, you don’t know him like I do.” Fate stopped in the middle of the hallway she was shaking like a leaf.

“Fate?” Dayne looked back at his girlfriend. “What are you doing, come on?” He said reaching out for her but she stood rooted in her spot Chris’s screams seemed to get louder at every step she took.

She looked at her baby’s face and she ached. “Please, please stop crying baby.” She said quietly lifting him upright. His face was flooded with tears, much like her own his cheeks were pink from straining and crying for the past ten minutes.

Looking over the baby’s shoulder her eyes met with Isabelle’s who also seemed to be crying along with Leila right by her side. Then her eyes found Dayne’s and he shook his head. “Dayne who do you love more, your mom or Isabelle?”

Dayne knew where she was heading with this and instantly tears filled his eyes. “Isabelle.” he said without a second thought.
Fate nodded, “Isabelle, how would have felt if Kat took Dayne away from you forever?” Isabelle shrugged.

“I’d be devastated.” She said honestly.

Fate looked back at Dayne who was watching Chris. “Dayne, are you gonna hate me?” she cried.

Dayne sighed and shook his head. “No, I could never.” He admitted. “But is this what you want?”

Fate looked at the screaming baby in her arms and shook her head. “No,” she sniffled. “But it’s the right thing to do Dayne, look at him. As much as it hurts me to admit this, it’s not me he wants or needs it’s her. You once told me that it takes more to be a mother than just carrying a baby. Do you still believe that?” she asked weakly.

“Yes.” Dayne he said faintly, nodding his head. “But, I still think we should talk about this.” This time Fate nodded and turned to face Allison and Jack.

“Would you excuse us for a little while?” Fate asked the couple.

Allison and Jack exchanged looks before nodding. Fate gave her crying son to Isabelle, who gladly took her grandson in her arms.
Dayne and Fate walked off to talk someplace private and quiet which ended up being the staircase. “What are you thinking, Fate?” Dayne asked leaning on the wall beside a flight of stairs.

“I can’t do it, Dayne. As much as I love my son I don’t have the heart to take him away from that poor woman.” She admitted resting herself beside him.

Dayne sighed. “Fate, stop thinking about everybody else and think about what you want and what’s best for our son, because as bad as I feel for that woman, the two of you are what’s most important to me.” he said looking at her sideways. “I don’t want you to make the wrong decision and find you regret it later on.”

“This isn’t easy for me Dayne, I’ve spend so long looking for him and wondering what it would be like for us to be a family, you know? I had such an idea of what it would be like to watch the two of you playing football and running around playing in our backyard.” She explained vaguely tears falling from her eyes which she quickly wiped away with the back of her hand.
“We can still have that, Fate.” Dayne said tenderly reaching out to touch her wet cheek.

“No, we can’t. I know that if I take Chris away from that woman my conscience will eat away at me every day, because I will remember the way she threw herself at my feet and begged me not to take him. I’ll remember the look in her eyes for all the
years to come and I can’t live that kind of guilt on my shoulders Dayne, I just can’t.” she cried.

Dayne pushed himself off the wall and pulled her into him. “Fate, I want you to be happy and I will do anything to make you happy you know that. But baby, this isn’t like giving away a puppy or your favourite teddy bear this is a baby, our baby that we conceived in nothing but love and fought so hard to find. Are you telling me you’re willing to give that up indefinitely?”

Fate silently looked at him for a long moment before she spoke again. “Dayne, do know what I see when I look at you? I see the man Isabelle helped you become. I see the relationship and how much you both love each other even though you’re really not hers. I see the way your eyes light up whenever you look at her and how happy she makes you and that’s what I want for Chris. I want a mother worthy enough for him and that woman out there is. She can give him the kind of love and affection Isabelle gave you.” She explained.

“Fate, why is it you feel you can’t give him all that? I mean I--” Dayne frowned when he heard a light knock on the door before it opened revealing Jack Collins.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. I know we said we’ll give you time to talk but I just wanted a quick word with the two of you, if that’s okay?” the dark haired man said his warm brown eyes darting between fate and Dayne.

Fate nodded “Sure,” she asked drying her wet cheeks by using the back of her head. Dayne just leaned on the wall taking his previous position ready to hear the older man out.

“First of all I wanted to apologise for taking off the way we did, it was unfair to you but, we panicked and couldn’t think clearly at the time.” He said and stopped to take a breath before continuing. “Secondly, I’m not going to even pretend to understand, what it must feel like for the two of you to be in this kind of situation at such a young age.” He cleared his throat. “But I want you to know something. As hard as it is for you to even think of giving up Chris, It’s almost just as hard for us because we’ve gotten to love him very much.” Fate and Dayne both nodded in unison.

“Allison has grown so attached to him ever since we first brought him home with us. You have no idea how hard it has been for us these past ten years. For three years we tried desperately to conceive so we could have our own baby but, whatever we tried didn’t work. We tried I.V.F treatments, surrogate mothers and nothing worked so we decided to adopt. After waiting and waiting one day we get a call telling us they have a baby boy only a week old up for adoption because his mother abandoned him after birth.” He sighed, a distant look in his eyes as he recalled past memories.

“When Allison saw this little blessing wrapped up in a blue blanket she broke down into tears of joy. I have never in my whole life seen her as happy as she was in that moment with your baby in her arms.” While he said this his eyes filled with tears. “My my wife is a wonderful woman, and you don’t know how much it kills me that I can’t give her a baby of our own. She was born to be a mother and would be a damn good one if given the chance.” He smiled ruefully and nodded. “That’s all I wanted to say, thank you for at least hearing me out.” He said and walked out before either of them could blink.

Dayne and Fate stood in silence for a moment trying to gather their thoughts into some kind of coherent order. “Well . . .?” Dayne asked turning to face her properly.

“Dayne, before I agree to anything I need to be certain of something.” She said lifting her red rimmed eyes to look at him. Dayne nodded his head urging her on.

“I need to be certain that I won’t lose you. Because I’m giving up the most important thing to me, he’s the only thing I have of you.” he said her vision blurring with tears.

Dayne pushed off the wall and tugged her into me. “You’ve got me, Fate. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you this but, you’re it
for me. That’s the one thing you can always be a-hundred-and-one percent certain of.” He said wrapping his strong arms around her tiny waist.

Fate relaxed into him but her head popped as soon as it touched his chest. “Promise me, we’ll have tons of kids someday?”

Dayne grinned. “You wanna have more of my babies?” he questioned with an arched brow. Fate nodded before he even finished his sentence. “Well in that case, I promise. We’ll get married and have tons and tons of kids. I can have you knocked up by the end of the week if you want me too. You just say the word babe.”

Fate wrapped her arms around his neck burying her face into his neck she sighed tiredly. They stood like that for a little while allowing everything that happened over the past two months catch up to them.

When they finally emerged from the staircase they found everyone where they had left them. Dayne’s family were playing with
Chris who was giggling every time Leila pulled a face at him. Fate smiled a little but it faded as soon as her eyes fell on

Allison was silently watching Chris interact with his family a pained and somewhat terrified expression on her face.

Isabelle and Jordan were the first to notice the young couple had gotten back from their talk. “Hey, is everything okay?”
Fate and Dayne nodded together. Slowly Fate moved over to her son’s side and took him from Leila’s arms and look at him for a long moment. Please forgive me...

She closed her eyes when she felt Dayne at her side his hands squeezing her shoulder comfortingly. “Do you want to hold him?” she asked meeting her lover’s eyes.

Dayne looked frightened for a moment his eyes wide he gulped. “It’s okay.” She assured him while passing the baby into his arms.

“Hey buddy.” Dayne said bouncing the baby in his arms. He pressed a gentle kiss to the baby’s soft hair inhaling his scent deeply etching it into his mind never to forget. Dayne’s blue eyes darkened when he met Fates eyes which were pooled with tears. This was the moment Dayne dreaded the most . . . the moment they would officially give up their baby.

Fate slowly took Chris in her arms once again, kissing him and holding him to her. “I’m so sorry, please . . . please don’t hate me for this.” She told the precious baby in hers arms who seemed to find her dark hair fascinating. “I love you, Chris I will never stop thinking about you, not ever. No matter how far away you are I’ll keep you close to my heart. Please be safe and I hope one day you will understand my reasons for doing this.” A sob pushed past her lips and she began whimpering helplessly staining her baby’s clothes with her tears.

After Dayne said goodbye to the baby it was his family’s turn. “Fate, are you absolutely sure about this?” Jordan asked warily.
Fate wiped her tears away and nodded, “Yeah, I believe I’m doing the right thing. I hope you and Isabelle don’t think less of me for doing this.” She said dropping her gaze from her boyfriend’s father.

Jordan reached out and gently lifted her gaze to his, “We could never. It takes a lot of strength and decency to do what you’re doing, Sweetheart. You’re very good person Fate and I don’t want you think anything otherwise. Because, Isabelle and I we’re both very proud of you and Dayne for being so brave and mature about this who thing.” Jordan told her smiling sadly.

Fate nodded, “Thank you, it really means a lot to hear you say that. I’m really sorry for wasting your time and--”
Jordan placed his warm hands on her shoulders to stop her talking. “Fate, don’t apologise. I was more than happy to help. You’re like a second daughter to me honey and believe it or Isabelle and I both love you like one too.” He said smiling warmly at her.

Even thorough her tears Fate blushed but nodded regardless. “Thank you so much.” She cried accepting Jordan’s embrace when he protectively wrapped his arms around her shoulders.

“Things will get better, Fate. It may not seem like it now but I promise you it will get easier in time. Just remember you’re doing a wonderful thing and you’re not alone, okay? We’re all here for you, for whatever you may need.” He said patting her back. Fate nodded silently as she continued to sob into his chest.

After having no contact with her parents for nearly over 6 months Fate was grateful for the embrace of a father even if he wasn’t hers. Dayne’s comfort was great and everything but having a fathers support was something completely different all together. For the first time in a long while, she felt completely safe and in place with the consolation her boyfriend and his family were bestowing her with even given the circumstances.

After the sobs ebbed away she pulled away from Jordan’s embrace and thanked him again. She found Dayne leaning on a wall a glum look on his face as he listened to whatever Isabelle was saying to him.

“Fate?” she turned to look behind her when she heard her name and found Jack and Allison standing there their eyes filled with hope.

Fate swallowed the lump forming I her throat, “I hope you understand that this is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do.” she said. “I have no doubt that you will take care of Chris and give him the best possible life. But before we leave you my baby we have a few conditions.” She said shakily.

Jack and Allison nodded. “Anything?” Allison agreed just as Dayne came to stand by Fate.

She looked up at him and he nodded. Fate turned her attention back to the older couple before them. “Even though I’m leaving Chris here with you doesn’t mean I’m going to just wipe him out of my life because I won’t. I’m going to want to know how he is for my own peace of mind if not anything else I need to be assured that he is in fact going to be okay. So I want pictures, videos anything you can send me of him.” She said. Jack and Allison nodded.

“Of course,” Jack said tightening his arm around his wife’s waist. “We understand and will send you a video every couple of months or so. You can also visit him any time you want to we wouldn’t dream of cutting you out of his life completely.”

Fate nodded, “Good, because that bring me to our next condition. Dayne and I want Chris to know where he comes from.” The couple frowned. “I’m sure after the adoption you are going to change his last name from Cunningham to Collins but Dayne and I want him to have his father’s title in his name also.”

Jack and Allison exchanged looks. Dayne cleared his throat. “Look, we’re giving you our son I think that’s an extremely selfless sacrifice on our part. And in return, we want him to know who his real parents are in case one day when he’s old enough he chooses to come and find us. No matter what or no matter who he is with he will always be a Callaway.”

Jack and Allison’s eyes widened. “C-Callaway?” Allison stammered her eyes flickering between fate and Dayne before she gasped.
“Oh, my goodness! That’s why you’re so familiar. You’re Jordan and Isabelle Callaway’s son.”

Dayne nodded. “That’s right. You understand that even though we can give Chris the best possible life we still believe he will be happier here with you. We not snobs and just because we’re wealthy doesn’t mean our money makes us happy. Fate and I believe

Chris’s happiness is most important and we know you will give him the love and care he deserves.” Fate nodded.

“Of course we will. I- I don’t know what to say, I . . . God bless the both of you.” Allison cried throwing herself at Fate hugging her tightly. “Thank you so much, you are most incredible person. Chris will know of you when he is old enough I promise you, he will know what a noble mother and father he has.”

“Thank you.” Allison pulled away and hugged her husband. “I’m going write him a letter explaining to him my reason for doing this, before I leave for California. I’m going to give it to a lawyer who will pass it on to him when he is eighteen years old.” Jack and Allison nodded. “I have his birth certificate so I will take care of the necessary arrangements for deed poling
his last name. Is Collins-Callaway good for you?”

They nodded.

A throat was cleared behind Fate and Dayne interrupting their conversation. Jordan and Isabelle smiled sheepishly. “Excuse me, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He apologised. Fate and Dayne looked at him questioningly. “This is our contact details back in the States should you ever needs to be in contact. I have arranged for a bank account to be opened once we change Chris’s name.
Every month we will deposit money into that account which will remain untouched until he is eighteen years old. It will be enough to see him through college and university and more than enough to set up a comfortable life here for him.” Jordan said. Fate gaped and Dayne gaped at him.

“Dad no, you don’t have too I’ll take care of it.” Dayne said but Jordan smiled and shook his head.

“I’m doing the same for Melis Dayne, Chris is no different. He is still my grandson wherever he may be. He is still going to have the best life possible.” He turned his attention to the Collins “No disrespect to you, of course. I hope you understand
I’m only looking out of my grandsons best interests.”

Jack and Allison looked more than a little overwhelmed. “Um, of course,” He uttered still a little surprised. “You have no reason to be concerned Mr. Callaway we have the means to give Chris a comfortable enough life without your help.”

“I don’t doubt that, but ‘comfortable enough life’ doesn’t sit well with me. I worked hard to give my family the best possible life, and just because we are leaving Chris here doesn’t make him any less part of my family. He is and always will be a Callaway. And if one day when he’s old enough he decides he wants to come on over to meet his real family our doors are open for him.” he said smiling faintly.

“I understand that. We’re more than grateful for what your son and Fate are doing for us. You raised a fine son Mr. Callaway and I hope Chris will someday have all of his parent’s good attributes in him also.” Jack said reaching out to shake Jordan’s hand.

Jordan shook it firmly. “I’m sure he will. He is a Callaway after all.” Both men chuckled. Everything that had to be said was said so it was time to part.

(My Wish, Rascal Flatts)

Chris was handed to his parents for the last time to say goodbye. Tears of despair flooded Fate’s brown eyes, “This is harder than I thought.” She cried clinging to her son. Dayne stood beside her his family surrounding them all watching with glassy eyes as the young parents bid farewell to their baby.

“He’ll be okay.” Dayne said gently stroking his son’s face who, in return smiled at him while grabbing his finger and began chewing on it.

“I know, but knowing that doesn’t make this any easier.” She sniffled. “I know I’m doing the right thing but it . . . it just hurts to walk away from him not knowing when I’ll see him again next.”

Dayne kissed her temple, “I know baby. But just keep in mind that you doing a good thing for this couple. They will look after him and we can come and see him whenever we want too. This isn’t goodbye, we will see him again, I promise.”

“Okay.” She said and lifted Chris so she could look at him properly. “You, be good, okay? I will see you again real soon. Please forgive me, Chris.” she cried turning around to face Jack and Allison. “Please, take good care of him?”

Jack nodded and took Chris from Fate’s shaking hands. “We will. You don’t have to worry about that.” he assured her smiling warmly.

“I know.” she reached out and kissed his tiny hand. “I’ll see you soon.” She said pulling away. Dayne wrapped his arm around her waist and began pulling her away slowly. Her finger slipped out of Chris’s tight grip and he whimpered in protest.

She took another step back and he began wailing. It took every bit strength Fate had to walk away while listening to her baby cry. Deep down she knew it was the right thing but that didn’t stop the ache in her heart.

Chris’ cry dissolved the further they got from him but in Fate and Dayne’s ears it was almost deafening. Once she was pulled into the elevator Fate collapsed on the floor whimpering helplessly, Dayne right by her side in pretty much the same state clinging to each other.

Once the elevator reached the bottom floor Jordan carried Fate to the car as Dayne was too drained to do so. He was also supported by his siblings by his side to the car.

The drive back to the hotel was silent, save for Fate’s sobs until she eventually cried herself to sleep. It was going to take a long time for her heart to heal and adjust to the new change in her life. Even if it gets easier as each day passes, she will never get over this completely because, Christopher Collins-Callaway will have a place in the centre of their hearts . . . always.

A/n – Wow, I think that was the longest chapter I’ve written for this story so far.

So what do you guys think? Did Fate and Dayne do the right thing in your opinion?

Hopefully the next chapter will have some Eyvah/Jaiden drama.

Until next time my darlings I will leave you with kisses and hugs x o x o

Please review!! Love to hear all your thoughts!