Half an hour later Howie's car and Kevin's rental pulled into stalls in the underground parking lot of Howie's condo. Shane had fallen asleep in the backseat on the drive over and Howie lifted the little boy into his arms gently, while Nick grabbed the overnight bag and Kevin helped Rhiannon. Shane stirred a little, burying his face in Howie's neck, before drifting off again.
"I'm going to put Shane in my bed." Howie said softly once they were in the condo. He turned to Rhiannon. "Rhi? You want to go, too, sweetie?"
Rhiannon nodded, too exhausted to even speak. Howie shifted Shane a little so he could slide one arm around her waist to support her. Slowly they made their way down the hall while Kevin and Nick collapsed on the living room couch. It had been a long, exhausting night for all.
In Howie's room, Rhiannon had gingerly settled herself on the bed, while Howie carefully laid Shane in it, his small body looking even smaller in the wide king size bed.
"Sweetie?" Howie's voice pulled Rhiannon back from her reverie. "I'm just gonna go get your bag. I'll be right back." Rhiannon nodded wordlessly.
He strode back down the hall in search of Rhiannon's bag. He caught sight of it sitting in the entry hall and grabbed it. On his way back, he glanced into the living room. Kevin and Nick were talking quietly.
"Hey guys. I'm just gonna get Rhi settled and I'll be back, okay?"
"No problem, man. We'll be here." Nick replied.
When he reached his room he stood silently in the doorway and watched Rhiannon. Even with cuts and bruises left by David, she was beautiful and he couldn't believe that he'd finally told her the truth. And was even more shocked that she returned his feelings. His lips curved up in a soft smile as he stepped into the room. Hearing him enter, Rhiannon turned tired blue eyes in his direction. Howie set the bag down and sat next to her, wrapping her securely in his arms. Rhiannon relaxed for the first time that night, finally allowing the tears that had threatened for hours to slip silently down her cheeks. After several long minutes Rhiannon pulled away, wiping the remaining tears from her eyes.
"Feel a little better?" Howie asked softly, stroking her hair. Rhiannon nodded, resting her head on his shoulder and closing her eyes. "You should get some sleep." Howie suggested. Tiredly, Rhiannon nodded. Howie got to his feet and pulled a couple articles out of his dresser drawers. "We forgot to get pyjamas for you when we packed, so here's some things you can wear instead." He handed her a dark red t-shirt and a pair of black boxers. Rhiannon got to her feet stiffly and walked slowly to the bathroom to change. She returned a few minutes later, dressed in the t-shirt and boxers, a hair elastic and a brush in her hand.
"Howie? Could you braid my hair for me?" She asked. "I can't do it with my wrist like this." She sat down on the bed wearily.
"Sure." Howie said softly, taking the brush and elastic from her. He sat down behind her on the bed and began to run the brush through her long red hair. The sweet, lingering scent of her shampoo assailed his senses as he divided her hair into sections and carefully plaited it into a heavy braid. After binding the end with the elastic, her wrapped his arms around her gently, allowing his lips to softly caress her bare neck. Rhiannon relaxed into his arms, leaning back against his chest, craving the security being in his arms offered.
With a soft sigh, she pulled out of his arms, exhaustion showing on her face as she settled in the bed next to their son. Howie leaned over and brushed his lips against hers, then again, deeper.
"Thank you." She whispered as he pulled away slightly.
"I love you." Howie murmured, kissing her once more.
"I love you, too." Rhiannon returned, before her eyes closed of their own accord, the evening's events taking their toll.
Howie quietly left the room, leaving the door open, so he could hear if either of them needed anything. He stifled a yawn as he walked down the hall to join Kevin and Nick in the living room. Once there he dropped into an arm chair, sighing heavily.
"Everything okay, D?" Nick asked.
"Yeah." Howie replied. "For now. They're both asleep."
"Howie, man, I know you're tired and you don't have to answer this if you don't want to. But what was that all about earlier? Shane saying he and Rhiannon were going to live with Daddy now?" Kevin asked, curiously.
"Shane isn't David's son." Howie said slowly. "But you already knew that from what Rhi said when he came back to the house." Kevin and Nick nodded. Howie sighed. "Shane's my son." He whispered.
Nick and Kevin looked at each other wide-eyed. "Why didn't you ever tell us?" Nick asked, rather confused as to why Howie would keep it a secret.
"I would have if I'd known." Howie replied. "Rhi only told me tonight. David knew that Shane wasn't his son; that he was mine and he told Rhi that if she told me the truth he'd hurt Shane." He explained, bitterness at what David had done creeping into his usually gentle voice.
"You and Rhi... slept together?" Kevin asked haltingly.
Howie nodded, rubbing his eyes wearily. "Just once. Right before she and David got married. When they broke up for a little while. It just happened. She needed to know that someone still cared about her." Howie smiled sadly. "I was all ready to tell her how I felt, but he beat me to it and convinced her to come back."
"Damn." Nick exhaled loudly.
"Rhi knew the baby was mine as soon as she found out she was pregnant. But by then it was too late. She'd already married him." Howie finished quietly.
"I hope I never see that bastard again." Kevin spoke up. "I don't know if I could restrain myself from tearing him limb from limb for what he's done to you three."
"It'll be okay eventually." Howie said, a little happiness creeping into his smile. "As soon as the divorce is final Rhi and I are getting married."
"That's great, D." Nick grinned at his friend.
"Yeah, it is." Kevin agreed. "I think you're the only person who can help heal the wounds he left on Rhi and on Shane."
"Thanks, guys. I appreciate your support on this." Howie got up and hugged both of his friends. "But for now, I'm gonna go join my son and my future bride in Dreamland. G'Night."
"Night Howie."
