Disclaimer:  I don't own any of the characters except for the ones of my own 
creation.  Please don't sue.
Rating:  PG-13/R in later parts
Author's Note:  Forget the first part you may have read.  This is the real 
deal.

Part 1

"This is not happening."

"I'm afraid so."

"I have to become a bodyguard for some prima donna?!  Why not Johnson or 
Beaker?  I didn't sign on to become some gopher for some spoiled starlet!"

"Too bad.  Suck it up and be a man.  Just make sure that you're at Sundry 
Studios on time."

He walked out of his captain's office stunned.  He was the best the LAPD had 
and they were making him baby-sit some starlet.  Unbelievable.

~~~Sundry Studios~~~

"I don't need a bodyguard!  I'm twenty-four and completely capable of taking 
care of myself!"

David Matthews stared down at the frustrated young woman pacing in front of 
him.  "This is for your own good.  This whole stalker business is getting out 
of hand."

A delicate and frustrated hand ran through silky blonde hair.  Blue eyes were 
flashing a mutinous fire at David.

"This is only temporary.  Until the guy's behind bars, the studio doesn't 
want you in any danger."

"Fine!  I'll be in my dressing room.  Don't bother me until we start shooting 
for the day!"

The blonde stalked off and David watched her go.  This was the first time 
that he had seen Belle Black throw a tantrum.  It was strange and almost 
surreal.  Everyone knew that Belle Black didn't throw tantrums.  She didn't 
yell or scream to get her way.  She would just speak up and people would 
listen.

Belle slammed the door shut and leaned back against it.  After yelling at 
David, Belle immediately felt remorseful.  It wasn't his fault she had some 
psychotic stalker.  She took a deep breath and opened the door.  She peered 
around it and saw David talking to the director and producer.

"Hey David."

All three of their heads snapped up.  David smiled inwardly.  This was the 
Belle Black he knew.  "Yeah?"

"I'm sorry about the way I acted.  I'm just really tense and I just want this 
whole thing to be over with."

"I understand.  Listen, this guy's the best that they had to offer.  I know.  
The captain was very reluctant to give him up and offered twenty other guys 
but I demanded the best.  They guy will be eating out of the palm of your 
hand."

Belle smiled and nodded.  She shut the door in her dressing room once again 
and looked into the mirror.  Her face had matured in the six years that she 
had been gone.  There was no wide-eyed innocence and any remnants of the 
naive girl she had been were gone.

The reasons behind her sudden departure from Salem could still hurt her.  The 
first day after her junior year began, she had found out that her father had 
slept with Hope on her parent's honeymoon.  She had been so angry that he had 
lied to her and to her family.

Senior Year was a breeze compared to the nightmare of the past year.  She was 
the homecoming queen and the prom queen with Shawn Brady standing by her side 
each time.  Her bitterness about her family situation had been well hidden.  
She had left right after graduation without a good-bye to anyone.  It had 
hurt to leave Shawn without being able to explain.

She had gone to college and did very well.  Parties were studiously avoided 
and studying had become her best frined.  It was no wonder that she was in 
the top of her class and was always on the dean's list.  Her hopes for a 
career in psychology had been put on hold when she had been approached by Amy 
Heckerling for the lead in a movie.  She had been reluctant, but had 
immediately agreed after reading the script.

It had been well written and well directed.  Critics and audiences had lived 
it.  That was when Belle shot into the spotlight as the 'next big thing'.  
She was in demand, but chose the parts that she played carefully.  Herlimited 
experience was often preyed upon, but David wathced out for her.  She was, in 
effect, the daughter he had never had.  Anything she was interested in was 
looked at and her opinions were seriously considered.

There was a knock on her door.  Belle was brought out of her reverie as it 
opened.  Lacy James stuck her head in.  Lacy was her best friend and 
confidante.  She was well-known and well-respected.

"We're wanted on the set."

"I cannot wait until this whole thing is over with and I can get on with my 
life."

"You and me both.  I think I'm going to pull a Sean Penn the next time some 
reporter asks me questions about you."

Belle laughed at that.  "Hey, they're not staked out in your front yard.  Do 
you know how hard it is to even have a private life when you've got 
photographers looking through your windows?"

Lacy shook her head.  Her long dark hair swirled around her and Belle was 
reminded of the first time they had met.

~~~Six Months Earlier~~~

"I love your hair.  I've always wanted to be a blonde.  Is it natural?"

Belle turned and faced Lacy James.  The Lacy James.  ~How could she want to 
be a blonde?  She's gorgeous.~  Belle was right.  Lacy had the vivid beauty 
that most actresses had.  She had a natural and unaffected personality that 
complimented her beauty perfectly.  Her long dark hair was silky and shone in 
the sunlight.  Lacy's green eyes were full of laughter and light.

"Yeah it is.  I've always wondered what it would be like to be a brunette."

"No way.  Being a blonde is probably better.  Is it true that blondes have 
more fun?"

After that brief conversation, Belle and Lacy had become the best of friends. 
 They were complete opposites and that was perfect for their friendship.  
Belle was serious, cautious and levelheaded.  Lacy was fun loving, a free 
spirit and jumped in without a second look.

~~~The Present~~~

"Have you met your bodyguard yet?"

"No.  I'm not looking forward to it either."

"Why not?  The guy could be a total hunk."

Belle laughed at Lacy's hopeful expression.  "I don't know.  I bet he'll be 
married, have kids, and the white picket fence.  I just hope the guy's not as 
big a jerk as Det. Michaels."

They both shuddered at the thought of the detective who had been handling 
Belle's case.  The guy was a jerk, chauvinistic and an ass.

"I bet he'll fall head over heels for you."

"Fat chance.  I could never fall in love with a spoiled starlet."

They both whirled to face the stranger behind them.  Belle looked at Lacy and 
they both groaned inwardly.  Another Det. Michaels.  Of course Belle would 
have the luck of getting some egotistical ass to protect her.

He was about six one and had thick brown hair.  His eyes were hidden behind 
sunglasses and Belle looked at him closely.  She knew him.  For some reason, 
she felt like she knew him.  There was a slight smirk on his face as he 
looked down at the two of them.  Instead of making him seem unattractive, the 
smirk was just plain sexy.  Where had she seen that smirk before?

Lacy's eyes were taking a slow journey down his body.  ~Jumpin' Jehosophat!  
She gets all the luck.  I wouldn't mind having him guard my body.~  The 
muscles on his body were well defined and toned.  His dark gray tee shirt 
pulled across his chest and hugged his torso.  His jeans were well worn and 
slightly tight.  They showed off the muscles in his legs to perfection.

He removed the sunglasses and Belle's jaw dropped.  Lacy just stared into his 
brown eyes.  ~This guy is too good to be true.~

"Well, well.  Seems like Perfect Girl has grown up."

Belle snapped out of her gawking and glared at him.  Of course it would be 
Shawn.  Just her luck.  Her crappy, crappy luck.  "I see Tough Boy has also 
grown up.  Seems you've become quiet the over-grown Boy Scout."

"Ouch.  You wound me."  He put a hand to his chest as if she had hurt him.

"Give me your gun and I wil,"  she smiled sweetly.

"Tsk, tsk.  I'd have to arrest you for that."  A slow smile appeared on his 
face.  He leaned closer to her and whispered, "Although, the thought of you 
in handcuffs does appeal to a part of me."

Belle blushed hotly.  ~Damn him!~

Lacy gawked at him.  No guy had ever flustered Belle.  She stuck out a hand.  
"I'm Lacy James and this is my blushing friend Belle Black."

"I know who you both are.  I definitely know who she is.  We are getting 
married."

Silence descended around them.  Belle Black was engaged to a cop?!  

Belle glared again and hit him on the arm.

"That's assaulting a police officer.  It's against the law."

Lacy burst out laughing.  She was definitely going to get along with this 
guy.  "When's the wedding?"

"Never."  Belle ground out.

"I'm hurt.  We promised that we'd marry only each other when we were younger. 
 We even gave each other rings."

"They were prizes from Cracker Jacks.  And we were six."

"Hey, you pinky promised."

Lacy looked at Belle in mock horror.  "That's sacred Belle.  You can't go 
back on a pinky promise."

Belle let out a groan of frustration and looked towards someone for help.  No 
one was coming to her rescue.  Strong arms wrapped around her waist from 
behind.  A moment later,  she was pulled into a strong body.  She caught her 
breath as Shawn held her.

"Hey.  I was just kidding.  I don't think you're a spoiled starlet.  I didn't 
even know it was you.

She turned in his arms and looked up into his eyes.  Shawn lost himself in 
her gaze.  "I forgive you.  Don't do it again jerk."

He smiled and nodded.  He let go of her then and looked around.  "I need to 
see the director and your agent.  Do you know where they are?"

"I think that they're over by the sound stage.  Just go around that corner 
and head on down,"  Lacy said.

Shawn thanked her and walked off.  Lacy stared after him for a moment.  Then, 
she turned and hit Belle in the arm with her purse.

"What?"

"What's the story between you two?"

"Nothing."

"You're gonna tell me by the end of shooting for today.  I know it."

"Meet me at my car before you go home after shooting for today."

Lacy looked around and noticed the crew staring at them.  "He's gorgeous by 
the way."

"Just don't tell him that.  His head will probably swell to the size of the 
Goodyear blimp."
Part 2

~~~Studio Parking Lot~~~

Lacy stared at Belle as she literally squirmed under her close scrutiny.  
"Tell me."

"There's nothing to tell.  We're just old friends."

"Seriously?"

"Seriously."

"What's wrong with you?!"  Lacy burst out.

Belle just stared at her friend.  "What do you mean?"

"Hello.  Look at the man."

Following Lacy's gaze, Belle turned to look at Shawn.  He stood talking to 
the director and producer.  There was a light breeze and it ruffled his hair 
a bit.  He laughed at something the director said then nodded.  At that 
moment, he turned and flashed a smile at the two of them.  Belle's breath 
caught.  ~Okay, maybe he's a little sexy.~  He turned away and stretched.  
This made the shirt he wore stretch across his muscular back.  ~Okay, maybe 
he's more than a little sexy.~

"See.  You can't just be friends with a man that looks like that."

"Why not Guru Lacy?"

"Because the man can only be described as edible."

Belle sputtered with surprised laughter.  Lacy always said something like 
that about anything with testosterone.

"Come on.  He's just like any other man."

"If that was true, then you wouldn't react to him the way you do."

"How do I react to him?"

Lacy rolled her eyes.  ~She may be my best friend and I love her to death, 
but she is so dense when it comes to men.~  "You fight like an old married 
couple.  Remember earlier?  But then he says something suggestive and laced 
with innuendo and then you start blushing like a school girl with her first 
crush."  She held up her hand as Belle opened her mouth to protest.  "You do. 
 Trust me.  If he was any other guy, you would have put him in his place if 
he made that remark about the handcuffs."

"You heard?"  Belle felt a blush coming.  Embarrassment flooded her and she 
looked down at the ground.

"I've got sensitive hearing.  If you let a man that looks that good and has 
that affect on you pass you by, I'm officially no longer considering you part 
of the female of the species."

Laughter bubbled up in Belle.  Lacy had been threatening Belle with that 
since the first time that they had met.  In fact, she had said the same thing 
only a day ago.

"Hello ladies.  Belle, I think it's time that we go."

His husky voice washed over her and Belle shivered slightly.  Lacy smirked 
and playfully batted her eyelashes at Shawn.  "Officer Brady.  If at any 
time, Belle decides that she doesn't want you to be her bodyguard, I would be 
more than happy to let you guard my body."

Shawn chuckled and winked at Lacy.  "I'd be more than happy too."

Belle glared at Lacy angrily.  Jealousy was coursing through her and she 
didn't like the feeling.  "Let's go Shawn.  Lacy, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Great.  I'll be at your place.  Shawn, do you cook?"

"I wouldn't survive if I didn't."

A sigh escaped Lacy as she pretended to faint.  Shawn caught her and expertly 
swung her around.  "Nice save.  Marry me?"

"I'll think about it."

Belle rolled her eyes at their antics.  She took her cell phone from her 
jacket.  After making sure that Shawn was occupied, she dialed quickly and 
then waited for the sound of Mrs. Kennsington's voice.

"Hello."

"Hi Mrs. K, it's Belle.  How's Ethan?"

"Fine.  It took a while but he's finally settling down."

"Great.  Listen, I'm going to be home in a little bit.  Thank you so much for 
doing this.  Although, I'm sure that the press does make you a little 
nervous."

"Of course not dear.  Some nice police officers came over earlier and 
promised to arrest anyone on your property.  I actually thought it was quite 
funny."

Belle laughed.  Mrs. Kennsington would.  She was an eccentric widow that 
Belle absolutely adored and trusted implicitly.  She had become a second 
mother to Belle and Belle honestly had no idea what she would do if she 
didn't have her.

"I'll let you go now dear."

"Okay.  Bye."

"Good-bye."

She hung up and noticed that Belle was quietly studying her.  An 
uncomfortable feeling settled inside her and she tried to shake it off.  Lacy 
was nowhere to be found and she asked Shawn where she had gone.

"She left a second ago.  So ... who's Ethan?"

Belle lowered her eyelashes and looked down.  "Why do you want to know?"

"Belle, until this whole stalker business is over, you shouldn't be seeing 
your boyfriend."

The impatient note in his voice brought her head up.  There was a hooded 
expression in his eyes and Belle just looked at him.  ~Is he jealous?~

"Ethan is not my boyfriend."

"You don't have to lie to me."  He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.  
"Let's go."

"Fine."

"You're mad at me."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"No, I'm not."

"Yes, you are."

"Shut up Shawn.  Just take me home."

"Fine."

Belle glared at his retreating back and muttered, "Jerk."

"I heard that Perfect Girl."

"Bite me."

"Don't take that tone with me."

"Take me home Columbo."

He opened the passenger door to his car and bowed.  "There your majesty."

She smacked him upside the head and got into the car.

~~~Belle's Home~~~

"Wow."

"What?"

"This place is huge."

"Really?"

"You're talking to me now?  I'm shocked.  You've lasted half an hour without 
speaking.  This must be a record for you."

The slamming of the car door was the only sound that answered him.  Shawn 
smirked.  He got out of the car and checked the grounds.  There were no 
reporters or photographers and Shawn felt relief sweep through him.  The 
place had high walls and looked pretty secure.  It would certainly make his 
job easier.

"Shawn!  Are you just going to stand there or what?"

"Coming Perfect Girl."

He made another quick sweep of the grounds and then walked towards Belle.

"Where's Ethan?"

"Right here dear.  Well, well.  Aren't you a handsome young man."

Shawn saw a four-year old boy standing next to the older woman and blinked.  
Words escaped him.  He opened his mouth to speak and found that no words 
would come out.

Belle laughed at his expression.  "Cat got your tongue?"

He glared at her and tried to regain his composure.  It didn't help that the 
older woman was staring at him like it was her last meal and Shawn was the 
main course.

"Umm ... hello."

The little boy moved behind the older woman and stared up at him.  Shawn 
shook out of his shock and kneeled down until they were somewhat near 
eye-level.  He stuck out a hand and smiled warmly.  "Hi, I'm Shawn Brady.  
What's your name kid?"

"Ethan."  Ethan looked at his hand warily then looked up at his mom.  Belle 
nodded and he grabbed onto Shawn's hand.  He looked down at the giant hand 
that engulfed his own.

"Great to meet you kid."

"You know my mommy?"

"Yup.  We're old friends."

"'Kay.  Mommy, can I go play in the pool?"

"We're going to be eating dinner pretty soon.  Maybe afterwards."

Ethan nodded and smiled.  Shawn felt relief sweep through him.  ~Thank God 
that he's only her son.~

"And I would be Mrs. Kennsington."

"Pleasure to meet you."  He took her hand and kissed the back of it.

"Are you single?"

"Yes."

"Perfect.  I've got a granddaughter who is about your age young man.  I'll 
introduce you some time."

"Umm ... okay."

"I'll be going now Belle."  She stopped by Belle and leaned closer.  "Of 
course, if you've got your eye on him I'll keep my granddaughter far away.  
She's a bit of a... loose woman."

Belle laughed and shook her head.  "No problem there.  I'll see you tomorrow 
Mrs. K."

Mrs. Kennsington nodded then made her way to her car.  She looked back at the 
three people still standing on the porch.  Ethan was staring up at Shawn 
while Shawn looked down at him slightly bewildered.  Belle just waved 
goodbye.  ~That young man is going to turn her life upside down.  I hope I'm 
there to see it.~
Part 3

Golden, wet and muscular.  Those were the only three words that were coming 
to Lacy's mind.  

"Uh… Lacy?"  Shawn waved a hand in front of Lacy's dazed face.  "Hey, snap 
out of it."

She shook her head and looked at him in confusion.  "What?"

"You were totally out of it."

"Oh.  Sorry.  Where's Belle?"

"She's in the shower.  I'll go up and tell her you're here."

"Great."

Lacy turned her head sideways to watch Shawn walk away.  He had apparently 
answered the door right after taking a shower because he had opened the door 
wearing only a towel and a smile.  She sighed and shook her head.  ~Why is 
Belle fighting her attraction?  I would wave a white flag and surrender.~

~~~Upstairs~~~

"Hey Belle."

Belle nearly slipped and fell when she heard Shawn's voice.  "Shawn!"

"Sorry.  Lacy's waiting for you downstairs.  I'm going to go change and get 
Ethan."

"Thanks."

Belle quickly wrapped a towel around herself and walked into her bedroom.  
The room was massive and had a very feminine touch to it.  It was decorated 
in light colors that reflected Belle's happy personality.  The bed was a huge 
four poster centered in the middle of the room.  A bay window was opened and 
cast light down on the bed.

"Hey Belle.  Move your butt.  I'm already changed."

"Stow it Shawn."

"Listen, you've got fifteen minutes.  I'm coming in regardless of your state 
of undress if you're not downstairs in that time.  So, don't try doing your 
Boy Scout knots.  It'll take too much time."

"You are such a jerk!"

"Yeah, yeah.  Just hurry up."

Belle listened to his footsteps echo down the hallway and sighed in 
exasperation.  She looked at the clock and realized that Shawn was definitely 
not joking.  She got dressed hurriedly and pulled her hair up into a hasty 
ponytail.

"Four, three, two…" Shawn looked up as Belle rushed into the kitchen.  He 
smiled as she glared at him and watched as she made her way around the 
kitchen.  ~Fifteen minutes and she comes out looking so good.~  Shawn shook 
his head at his wayward thoughts.

"Made it."

"Barely."

Lacy watched them interact and shook her head.  They were completely 
oblivious to the stares that they were both throwing at each other.  She 
turned her attention to Shawn and noticed that he and Ethan were both 
absorbed in the comics.  "Shawn."

Ethan elbowed Shawn and he yelped in surprise.  "What?"

"Sorry to interrupt your reading, but why don't you tell me about yourself.  
We've known each other for two days and the only thing I know about you is 
that you're Belle's best friend, grew up with her and you're now her 
bodyguard."

"That's about all there is.  I grew up in a little place called Salem.  I 
spent the first three years of my life sailing around the world with my 
parents.  We settled back in Salem when we returned, but I left for boarding 
school when I was about twelve.  I came back for my sophomore year and spent 
the next three years there.  After that, I went to Brown, then I went to the 
police academy.  I graduated early and I ended up here in L.A."

Lacy saw the smirk that was on Shawn's face and followed his gaze over to a 
blushing Belle.  "What?"

"I'm just reminiscing about the child Belle and I had our senior year."

Ethan's blue eyes widened.  "I got a brother?"

"You two had a baby?"

"No."

"Belle killed it."

"I did not.  You were the one who grabbed me."

"Right."

~~~Home Ec. Senior Year~~~

"No Shawn.  I am not naming our daughter Eggwina."

"Come on.  It's just an egg."

Belle pretended to cover the 'ears' of the egg.  "Don't say that word to the 
baby."

"You're not taking this seriously are you.  It's just some dumb project."

"You'd make a lousy father you know that?"

Shawn glared at Belle.  "I know I wouldn't.  If that were really my child, I 
wouldn't be goofing around.  It's just an egg.  In fact, I'm feeling a little 
hungry.  Good thing we're in the Home Ec. room."

Belle pushed her chair back and stood up.  She slowly backed up and held the 
egg behind her.  "Don't you dare try to cook this egg."

The class watched the drama unfold.  They were practically the royalty of 
Salem High and their fighting was legendary.  

"Mr. and Mrs. Brady.  Please stop.  You're supposed to be figuring out a 
budget, not trying to cook your children," Mrs. Williams said tiredly.

"Sorry."

Shawn and Belle sat down and glared at each other across the table.  

"Brat."

"Jerk."

"Princess."

"Moron."

"Perfectionist."

"Slacker."

"Prude."

"Horn-dog."

"You know what?  This is stupid.  You do your half and I'll do my half.  
Other than that, I don't want to talk to you."

Shawn smirked and leaned back in his chair.  "I doubt that's possible Perfect 
Girl.  You can't not talk for extended periods of time."

Belle just glared at him and continued to work on the assignment.  ~God, he 
is so annoying.~

"Will stop!"

"What?!"  Shawn looked around him.  

"Stop tapping the pen on the table.  It's annoying."

"Look Perfect Girl.  You said that we would work separately.  I'm working.  
And you just proved my point.  You're talking to me."

"Argh!"  Belle got up and shoved her papers over to Shawn.  She got up and 
was about to walk away when Shawn grabbed her arm.  She spun around and 
yelped in surprise when her hand smacked into his chest.  They both watched 
as their egg broke apart against his chest.  The egg yolk slowly trailed down 
his shirt and they both watched it.

Surprised blue eyes met shocked brown ones.  "This is your fault Tough Boy."

~~~The Present~~~

"You're kidding me."

"Nope.  Belle killed our only child."

"Shut up Shawn.  If you hadn't swung me around like that I wouldn't have put 
my hand on your chest."

Shawn smirked.  "Right.  If you hadn't been making such a big deal about it, 
it wouldn't have happened."

Belle glared at him and turned to Ethan.  "Shawn's just a big baby.  You 
don't want to act like him when you get older.  Women find it unattractive."

Shawn walked over to Belle and pulled her into a hug.  "I'm sorry for killing 
our egg."

"Thank you and apology accepted."

Shawn winked at Ethan.  "And that's how you get a woman to forgive you."

Ethan smiled and nodded.  Belle elbowed Shawn in the side lightly.  Lacy 
watched the three of them and smiled.  The ringing phone interrupted the 
moment.  Shawn let go of Belle and answered.  "Hello?"

"Who is this?"

"This is Shawn.  You would be?"

"I suggest that you keep your hands away from my girl."

The other line clicked then went dead.  Belle gave him an apprehensive look 
and Shawn nodded.  Her arms immediately went around Ethan.  Ethan seemed to 
sense that she wanted comfort and hugged her back.

Shawn just looked at them and smiled.  "Star 6-9 is a great thing."

He turned back to the phone and hit Star 6-9.  He quickly wrote down the 
number and hung up.  A moment later he dialed another number.

"Hey Chief.  It's Brady.  Yeah, everything's fine.  Could you get Morton to 
trace a number for me?  Great.  It's 465-8570.  I'll call later.  Bye."

Belle's worried gaze was centered on Ethan.  Shawn walked over to them and 
pulled them into a hug.  "I'm not going to let anything happen to you guys.  
I promise."
Part 4

Blue skies stretched on endlessly above the heads of the people laying about 
the park.  Belle leaned back on her elbows and laughed as she watched Shawn 
get tackled by about six four and five-year olds.  Lacy was lazily watching a 
flock of birds fly by and looked up when she heard Belle laughing.  She saw 
the scene and burst out laughing.

They had gone to a secluded park about an hour's drive from Belle's home and 
decided to spend the day together.  Lacy, Belle and a group of their mutual 
friends were laying on a blanket watching Shawn, Ethan and some local 
children play a game of football.

"He's great with kids."

"He has the best butt I've ever seen."

Belle's friends turned their eyes towards Shawn and watched as he pulled his 
shirt off.  He swiped a hand across his forehead and waved at the women.  

Lacy sighed appreciatively and leaned back.  "I don't care what you say 
Belle.  The guy is sweet, smart, great with kids, has that killer smile and 
let's not forget the man's got a body that any female would be panting after."

"Whoa wait.  You've seen him wearing less?"

All eyes turned to Lacy.  She shrugged and looked at Belle pointedly.  "It 
was earlier today when I went over to your place to get you.  He was wearing 
a towel and that smile of his."

Belle rolled her eyes when her friends sighed.  "Do you realize how pathetic 
this conversation sounds.  You guys are sighing over some guy.  I'm expecting 
a bell to ring and signal the end of class so we can all go to study hall."

"It may sound immature Belle, but a guy like that doesn't come around that 
often."

"Bess, you've never met his dad."

"She's never met who's dad?"

They all looked up and guiltily smiled at the object of their distraction.  
His hair was mussed, he was panting slightly, and he was wearing only a pair 
of Levi's and tennis shoes.

He flopped down onto the blanket next to Belle and threw an arm over his 
eyes.  Belle quickly looked up to make sure that Ethan was still playing with 
the group of children they had been playing football with.  She saw him and 
laid back.  Shawn lifted his arm and watched her.  He lifted his hips and 
grabbed his discarded tee-shirt from his back pocket.  The women watched as 
he carefully folded the shirt and rested it on his stomach.

"Hey Belle."

"What?"

"You want to use me as a pillow?"

Belle looked at him strangely then shrugged her shoulders.  "Okay.  It'll be 
just like our study sessions."

Shawn laughed as she rested her head on his stomach.  "Those weren't study 
sessions.  Those were all-night movie marathons where I would end up laughing 
every time Freddie Krueger or Jason would come on screen and you would throw 
food at me for laughing at you."

The memories made Belle laugh.  "You were the best pillow I ever had though."

"And you had to be the warmest blanket I've ever had.  Although, I could have 
done without you kicking me every time you shifted in your sleep."

Lacy stared at them in openmouthed shock.  "Hold up.  Rewind the reminiscing 
for a moment.  You two have slept together."

Belle rolled her eyes.  "It was always strictly platonic."

Shawn just nodded his head slightly.  The conversation quieted down after a 
bit and Belle felt Shawn's breathing even out slowly.  Belle smiled slightly 
and turned to her friends.  They were staring at the two of them in wonder.

"Now that Tough Boy is sleeping I want to ask you guys a question."  The 
others nodded and Belle continued.  "When was the last time you guys went on 
a decent date?  I'm not talking about just going to the movies.  I'm talking 
about flowers, dinner, dancing.  The whole works."

A strange look marred Bess Alison's face.  "Why do you want to know Belle?"

"I have to live through you guys vicariously until this whole stalking 
business is over with.  That and the fact that I haven't been on a good date 
since before Ethan was born."

~Four years?  She hasn't gone on a good date in four years.  Are the guys she 
dates blind?~  Shawn pretended to sleeping and listened in on their 
conversation.

"Well, I don't know."

"Me neither."

"Got me."

Lacy shook her head and placed her head in her hands.  "We are so sad.  
Belle, you're the hottest thing in Hollywood and you don't date.  We're all 
single and great.  Why don't we go out more often."

"Because guys fear women like you."

All eyes turned to Shawn.  He still had an arm thrown over his face.  Belle 
eyes him suspiciously.  ~How much did he hear?~

"Why is that?"

"Women who are beautiful, intelligent, witty, clever and other good 
adjectives make men think about commitment and the future."

"Is there something wrong with that?" Cory Stilman asked.

"It just unsettles us is all."

"And what about me Tough Boy.  I'm not going to fake modesty and say that I'm 
not any of those things, but I'm not perfect either.  How come I don't get 
asked out?"

Shawn removed his arm from his face.  "You've got to be kidding me."

"What?"

"Look in the mirror lately?  I think L. J.  is probably the best example of 
your affect on men.  Yes, he is your little brother, but he also happens to 
be your biggest fan.  He once told me that the reason he loved seeing your 
movies so much was the fact that whenever you smiled, it seemed that you were 
smiling just for him."

Belle smiled at the thought of L. J.   The circumstances behind his birth 
were never his fault and Belle had hated leaving without saying good-bye to 
him.  

"That's all well and good, but you still haven't answered my question."

Shawn sighed and sat up slightly.  He leaned back against his elbows and 
looked at Belle.  Her head was still resting on his stomach and he smiled as 
he looked at her.  "You're hair is one thing."

Pure, unadulterated hatred flashed in Belle's eyes.  Shawn held up a hand in 
surrender.  "I'm not making fun of you.  You're hair's soft, silky and 
smooth.  It's also the kind of hair that makes a guy contemplate what it 
would look like spilled across his pillow in the morning.  Blonde hair 
splayed across my pillow with those eyes of yours staring up at me could send 
me straight into heaven."

"What?"

"Don't tell me that you don't see your own appeal.  You're intelligent, 
astoundingly beautiful, bitingly witty and a great mother."

Belle bit her lip and turned away from Shawn.  "I'm not that great at 
everything."

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Belle sighed and looked up at the sky.  A blush came across her cheeks.  The 
others stared at her.  "Ethan's father didn't think that I was… adequate in 
the bedroom."

Shawn's eyes nearly bulged out of his head as he looked at Belle in shock.  
"Was he gay?!"

"No."

"Then what was wrong with him?"

"Apparently, I was what was wrong with him."

Shawn turned his head away to watch Ethan play with the other children at the 
park.  "How can you even think that of yourself Belle.  You're probably one 
of the most passionate women I know.  Hell, I figure that any guy who's lucky 
enough to even have the opportunity to make love to you would probably need 
to go into a hospital recovery room when it's all over."

"Could you stop making fun of me for at least five minutes?"

"I'm not making fun of you.  I've even entertained the idea of you and I 
making love a time or two."

Belle opened her mouth to say something then shut it.  No words came out of 
her mouth.  "Whe-when?"

Shawn looked away and then smiled.  "Do you remember the summer that we 
helped build Mimi her house?"

"Yeah.  There was nothing special about that summer."

"I happen to recall you showing up at Philip's pool party wearing an ice-blue 
bikini.  You had your hair up and every time I saw you, I had this urge to 
just kiss the nape of your neck.  You came over to me and I freaked out."

"Oh my gosh.  I completely forgot about that.  I always wondered why you 
avoided me that day."

"You had a very powerful effect on my hormonally ravaged sixteen-year old 
body.  I didn't sleep for weeks after that.  I kept telling myself that it 
was wrong to have those types of 'urges' about my best friend."

Belle just stared at Shawn.  He blushed and looked away.  "Look, this isn't 
going to affect our friendship.  At least I hope it doesn't."  He shook his 
head and said, "You know what?  Why don't we forget this whole conversation?

Part 5

Belle and Shawn smiled at each other awkwardly as they sat across from each 
other eating dinner.  Ethan was eating, happily oblivious to the tension that 
heavily sat in the air.

"So, uh, how are your parents?"

Shawn looked down at his food.  "They're great.  L.J. really misses you."

Belle looked down at Ethan and smiled slightly.  "I miss him too.  I know 
that none of the things that happened were his fault.  I just wish that I 
could have told him that."

"What's stopping you from telling him?"

Belle looked at Shawn incredulously.  "Are you joking?  You're parents 
probably hate me for what my dad did."

It was Shawn's turn to be surprised.  "They could never hate you for 
something that was never your fault.  It would be like you being mad at L.J."

"Momma, who's L.J.?"

Belle looked down at Ethan startled.  "He's my little brother."

"Oh.  How come I don't know him?"

"He lives far away from us.  But maybe one day, we'll be able to go visit 
him.  Would you like that?"

"Uh huh."

~~~Sundry Studios~~~

"I don't want to be here."  Belle buried her face against Shawn's shoulder.  
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder and pulled a sleeping Ethan closer to 
him.  They were the picture of the perfect family.

"Quit complaining.  I have to be here too, you know."

"I know.  I just thought that we were done shooting, and it's late, and I'm 
tired, and my bed is so comfortable."  Belle immediately quieted when she 
said that.  She could feel her face burning.

"I'll have to take your word on that."  Shawn smiled.  "Of course, for me to 
get the full experience, I'd have to actually do a test run."

"Horn-dog."  Belle slapped his shoulder lightly.

"I'm so sorry about this Belle.  One of the couriers sent the film to the 
wrong distributor and we just need to film the last scene one more time.  
After that, you are free to go."  

David Matthews was standing next to the director and looked at Shawn and 
Ethan curiously.  In all the time he had known Belle, she had never shared 
the fact that she had a son with anyone but himself and Lacy.

Shawn looked around the set warily.  Not only did he have Belle to take care 
of, but Ethan was also there.  He was looking around the set when he noticed 
a member of the crew watching them intently.  He pulled Ethan closer to him 
and kept his arm firmly around Belle.

~No.  This is wrong.  How can she be with him?  She's mine!~

The filming began without anything suspicious happening and Shawn sighed in 
relief.  It was nearly one in the morning and he was dead tired.  An hour 
later, filming was coming to an end and Shawn shook his head to clear his 
mind.  

"Are you done?"

Belle noticed him leaning back in her chair with Ethan fast asleep on his 
lap.  "Almost.  You're worse than a little kid is.  We just have to do this 
last take and then we can go home you big baby."

Shawn just glared at her.  He was too tired to do anything else.  That was 
when he noticed the crewman staring at them.  Belle walked away and Shawn 
woke Ethan up.  "Listen little man, I'm going to let your Uncle David take 
care of you for a second.  I'll be back okay?"

Ethan nodded sleepily and snuggled closer to Shawn.  He was asleep by the 
time Shawn left him in the archives with David.  

Shawn quickly made his way back to the set and grabbed the attention of a 
cameraman.  After a short discussion, Shawn had control of the camera.  He 
did a panning shot of the whole set then focused the camera on the crewman.  
He zoomed in on his face and Shawn instantly recognized him as Belle's 
stalker.  He zoomed out to show just how close Mark Jacobs was to Belle.  
Shawn knew the tape could be used as evidence against him.

Fear leapt into his throat as he noticed Mark pull something from his pocket. 
 Mark pulled out the knife and let out a scream as he rushed towards Belle.  
"You b----!  You're supposed to be mine, but I see you throwing yourself at 
him like some slut!"

He plunged the knife downward towards Belle.  Shawn side tackled him and they 
crashed through a wall of the set.  Belle got up shakily and backed away.  
She could hear Mark screaming incoherently at Shawn then there was no sound 
at all
Part 6

Belle smacked Shawn upside the head. 
"Ow. What was that for?"
"That was for scaring the living crap out of me. What was going through your head? The guy had a knife."
Shawn rolled his eyes. "Belle, I've been up against worse. The guy was completely out of his mind. I didn't even have to hit him twice." A thoughtful expression came onto his handsome face. "Although, you'd think he'd at least have the decency not to rip my shirt."
Belle punched his arm. She shook her head at his hurt expression and sat down next to him. A paramedic came over at that moment.
"Detective Brady? There's a little boy who wants to see you right now."
"Ethan. Hey buddy. What's going on?"
Ethan looked up at him. He noticed the white bandage that contrasted sharply with his tan. "Are you okay?"
"I'm just fine. A little sore, but other than that, I'm fine."
Belle looked down at Ethan and noticed the worried expression on his face. "He's okay Ethan. Where were you anyway?"
"Shawn gived me to Uncle David. I was sleepin' and then I heard some guy yellin'. Why was he sayin' those things about you mommy?"
Belle and Shawn shared a look. Shawn bent down slightly and winced in pain. He brushed Belle's hands away and picked up Ethan then settled him in his lap. "He was saying those things because he was mad at me. You know what?"
"What?"
"I think it's way past your bedtime. Let's go home okay?"
"'kay." Ethan rested his head against Shawn's shoulder. He reached out a hand and touched the bandage. "What'd he do Shawn?"
"He came at me with and got me pretty good in the side. I knocked him out though."
"Mommy says you're not apposed to hit people."
"You're mommy's right. But there are some times when it's okay to hit other people. If you have to defend yourself then it's okay, but not if you're just going to hurt someone."
Ethan nodded and looked over at Belle. He quickly moved off of Shawn's lap and hugged her. He snuggled close to her as she got up. Shawn followed suit and winced when he twisted the wrong way. Belle gave him a look and just sighed. She wrapped an arm around his waist and let him lean against her. "Let's get you home Tough Boy. I think we've all had enough excitement for one night."
"I doubt it. I've got reports to file after I get some sleep." Shawn rolled his eyes and leaned into Belle. "The fun is just beginning."
"That's what you get for playing the hero."
"No, that's what I get for protecting perfection. And since I did such a good job, do I get a reward?" 
Belle looked up at him and noticed the wicked gleam in his brown eyes. She found it a bit difficult to breathe at that moment. Shawn smiled and Belle felt her heart begin to race. "Umm...I don't know what you want for a reward."
Shawn smile grew. He gently took Ethan from Belle and placed him in the backseat of his SUV. He pulled her to him and placed his hands on her hips. Belle's eyes were locked to his. He let his forehead rest against hers before he answered. "You."
"What?" Belle was startled.
"You asked me what I wanted for my reward and I just answered you."
"I-I didn't ask. I merely said that I didn't know what you wanted and then you said me, but I never asked..."
Belle's rambling was cut off by Shawn's heated kiss. Her eyes closed and she moaned. Stars burst behind her closed eyelids. Shawn kept one hand around her hips as he let the other one play with her hair. Belle rested one hand against his chest and the other played with the hair at the nape of his neck. She felt satisfaction sweep through her when he growled low in his throat. They pulled away panting. 
"I want my reward Belle. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it too."
Belle sighed and rested her head against Shawn's strong chest. "Why do you want this?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"No."
Shawn smiled at her irritated tone. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. She shivered and he smiled again. "Since that day we finsihed Mimi's house, I've been looking for an excuse to make love to you. Now, I've got a good one."
Belle poked him in the chest and kept her head where it was. Embarassment was flooding through her. "I can't believe you still remember that."
"How could I forget? I couldn't look at you the same way after seeing you at the pool party."
~~~Mimi's Housewarming~~~
"Hey Shawn. Hey Philip. There's plenty of food for you guys."
"Thanks Meems. This place looks great."
"I know. It would've been a disaster if we didn't have as many volunteers as we did. Thanks again you two."
Shawn smiled. "No problem. Anything for a friend. Speaking of friends, where's Belle?"
Philip smirked. "Why are you so worried about Belle. She'll be here. Of course, we're going to have to grab a mop to soak up the drool."
"Shut up. We're just friends I told you that."
"Yeah right. Hey there she is now." Philip squinted and shaded his eyes. "And she looks like she's made a new friend."
Shawn whipped around felt jealousy sweep through him. Belle was laughing at something that some guy was saying to her. ~What the hell is she wearing?~ He looked closer and felt a stirring of something. ~She's just your friend. A friend with one hell of a hot body. Stop it.~
Shawn sent a prayer heavenward. He was either going to knock out the guy who was spending more time staring at Belle's body than breathing or he was going to end up doing something that would break several decency laws.
"Hey Belle!"
"Oh, hi Shawn."
"Is that all I get from my girlfriend?"
"What?"
Shawn smiled and pulled Belle into the crook of his arm. "She's mad at me because I forgot our anniversary. I'm sorry sweetheart. I promise I'll make it up to you later. Thanks for bringing my girlfriend back. You can leave now."
"I didn't even know she had a boyfriend. I've got to go."
Belle started to go after him, but knew it was useless. She spun around and glared at Shawn. "Why did you do that?"
"The guy was after just one thing Belle. I was just looking after you."
"You were being a complete jerk is what you were doing. I happened to like talking to Mark."
Shawn rolled his eyes. "He happened to enjoy looking down your bikini. Could you be wearing less?"
Belle glared at him. "Probably. Let me just run home and change. What business is it of yours who I talk to anyway? I'm not your girlfriend. And you know what? It's practically a hundred degrees out here. Pardon me for forgetting my parka."
"You could at least be wearing a shirt," he grumbled.
"Shawn! There are fifty other girls here who are wearing the same thing as me. Why is it okay for them?"
"There are not fifty other girls wearing that."
"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?"
Shawn looked at her as if she had grown two heads. ~What was wrong with it?!~ He looked at her carefully. She was wearing a two piece bikini that was a powder blue. It revelaed more than it actually concealed and conformed to every one of her curves. Her body had a golden hue to it and for the first time, Shawn felt his knees go weak. Her hair was pulled up and held away from her face by a ponytail.
"Quit oggling my breasts and tell me."
"What?"
Belle let out a frustrated growl and shoved Shawn backwards. He fell into the pool with a loud splash. He sputtered and came back up. He watched Belle walk away and decided to stay in the pool for at least another five minutes lest he embarass himself. ~She is just a friend.~
~~~The Present~~~
"So, do I get my reward?"
Belle groaned. "I guess I owe you, huh?"
"Yup. I'll drop you and Ethan off and sleep over for the next couple of hours." He smiled and kissed her temple. "You're mine for the next couple of days. Clear off your calendar."
"Like I have anything better to do." 

Part 7

"No, no, and no.  I've filed the reports, the hearing is going to be in three 
weeks, and I'm dead tired.  I'm taking a break and I don't want phonecalls, 
faxes, pages or anything else that can interrupt my sleep."

"Sleep my ass.  All you want to do is crawl into bed with that cute little 
blonde.  I'm telling you that nothing good can come of this."

Shawn rolled his eyes.  His captain always had some ominous thought running 
through his mind.  "Nothing bad is going to happen.  Can you blame me for 
wanting to spend a little time in bed?  After the hell I've been through, I 
deserve a little off time."

"I'm sure you're going to enjoy it."

Shawn winked at his captain as he walked by him.  "Every minute."

Once he was outside, Shawn took a deep breath.  It was going to be a perfect 
day.  Ethan was going to stay with Mrs. K for the next couple of days and he 
had Belle all to himself.  

~~~ Belle's Home ~~~

Belle smiled down at her son.  He was babbling nonsensically with one of the 
action figures that Shawn had bought him.  Shawn.  The thought of him brought 
a wide smile to her face.  She sighed as she ran a hand through her hair.  
"Are you ready to go over to Mrs. K's sweetie?"

"Yup.  I'm gonna bring Steve and Pal with me."

Belle nodded.  Steve was the action figure and Pal was a stuffed dog that 
Ethan had slept with since birth.  "Okay.  Don't have too good a time without 
me.  I'm going to miss you sweetie."

"I'm gonna miss you and Shawn too Mommy.  Is Shawn gonna stay forever after 
this?"

Belle smiled wistfully.  "Maybe."  ~I'll just be sure to give him a reason to 
stay with us.~

She said her final good-byes to Ethan and waved as he left with Mrs. K.  Now 
all she had to do was get ready for her night out with Shawn.  ~Don't freak 
out Black.  You're going to knock his socks off tonight.~  With that thought 
running through her mind, Belle quickly made her way upstairs to change.

~~~ Sargano Cafe ~~~

Shawn nervously sat at the table he had reserved.  He had planned on meeting 
Belle at her place, but she had told him to just meet her there.  So he was 
there, alone, twiddling his thumbs, and quietly willing the butterlies in his 
stomach to take a hike.  That was when he saw her and felt every ounce of 
sanity in his head leave.  ~She's going to kill me.~

Belle had dressed to kill and Shawn had a sinking feeling that she was going 
to control the events of the night.  He was royally screwed.

Her blonde hair had been curled and piled on the top of her head.  Soft 
tendrils trailed down and Shawn felt the need to put her hair down and kiss 
her senseless.  Her blue eyes were sparkling with happiness and Shawn could 
plainly see the flare of desire that rose in her eyes when she saw him.  
Shawn felt a small amount of satisfaction that he could arouse such a 
response from her.  She was wearing a minimal amount of makeup and from what 
Shawn could tell, her lips were shiny with a light amount of lip gloss.  She 
was begging him to kiss her.  At least he hoped so.

Then there was the dress.  It took the term 'little black dress' to new 
heights.  Every part of him screamed to walk over, carry her out of the cafe, 
and have his way with her.  It was a close-fitting, sphagetti-strapped black 
dress that left little to the imagination.  Her curves were displayed to 
perfection.  ~Now, the only thing you have to deal with is her legs.  Her 
long, long, tanned, luscious legs.  Stop!~

She had made her way over to him and Shawn closed his eyes and took a deep 
breath.  "Hi."  His voice squeaked!  "I mean, hello.  You look...wow, I...  
Yeah."

Belle smiled.  Her confidence went through the roof.  She had debated with 
herself over the dress and was now glad that she had chosen to wear it.  It 
was going to be a perfect night if Shawn managed to pick his jaw off the 
ground.  "Hi Shawn.  Have you ordered yet?"

"No.  I was waiting for you."

Shawn watched as Belle sat herself down and the sinking feeling went up 
another notch.  ~Mind off the legs Brady.  They're just legs.~  Shawn quickly 
stole another glance at them.  ~But what a hell of a pair.~

Belle looked over at Shawn and smiled as she saw him blush.  The man actually 
blushed.  That was when she finally noticed the other appreciative glances 
that he was receiving from the other females in the cafe.  Belle smiled when 
she realized that they were all in thrall with him.  She had to wonder how he 
couldn't notice the looks he was receiving.  Of course, that would mean that 
he'd have to take her eyes off of her legs.

She sighed as she silently studied him.  His hair was still slightly damp 
from his recent shower and slightly tousled.  His brown eyes had darkened 
until they were almost black with his desire.  His full lips were curled up 
in a sexy smile.  ~Forget the fact that the man can't even form coherent 
sentences.  He looks good enough to eat.~  Belle shook her head at her 
wayward thoughts.

He was wearing a charcoal colored suit with a silver tie and shirt.  His suit 
emphasized his powerful physique.  He didn't seem uncomfortable in his suit 
as most men did it seemed.  He wore the costly suit as if it were a second 
skin.

They smiled at each other distractedly.  Each was lost in his or her thoughts 
of the other.

~~~ Belle's Home ~~~

"So."

"So."

Shawn and Belle were standing in her foyer awkwardly staring at each other.  
They both laughed nervously.

"This is not the way I pictured our first date together."

"How did you picture it?"  Belle raised an eyebrow. 

"I figured that we'd spend most of our time in bed.  And when we got tired of 
hanging out in bed, we'd move on to the shower, the kitchen, the pool and any 
other place in this house that has a flat surface."

Belle blushed to the roots of her hair.  Shawn's eyes were black with the 
desire he felt for her.  Her breath was coming shorter the closer Shawn came 
to her.  "I didn't think that you'd..."

"I didn't expect anything to actually happen.  Just chalk it up to hormones, 
anticipation, and that dress."

"What's wrong with my dress."

"Absolutely nothing."

Shawn pulled her in for a kiss.  All thought flew out of Belle's head at the 
touch of his lips.  She moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck.  He made 
a low sound in his throat and pulled off his suit jacket.

"Am I going too fast for you?"

"Shawn, we've waited all our lives for this.  Stop analyzing and just enjoy 
the moment."

"Be happy to."  

Shawn let his jacket fall to the floor.  He backed up until his back hit the 
stair rails.  His lips were still locked with Belle's.

Belle pulled his tie out and threw it over her shoulder.  She then began 
undoing the buttons on his shirt.  She pushed the shirt open and pulled away 
to just look at him.

He had to be the most beautiful man she had ever seen.  His strong upper body 
was toned and corded with muscle.  She ran a hand down his chest and felt his 
muscles tense.  "Wow."

Shawn rested his forehead against hers.  "Belle, I think that we should move 
this upstairs."

Belle blushed again.  "This is way too embarassing."

"Why?"

"Shawn, you and I have known each other since we were in diapers and it just 
seems a little weird knowing that I'm going to be making love to my best 
friend."

Shawn just smiled and pulled her up the stairs.  He reached her bedroom and 
pushed the door open.  A beam of moonlight fell across the bed.

"Hey, you're not alone in this."

"I know.  It's just...going to be a little strange to get used to."

"I've spent a lot of time thinking about you and myself in this situation.  I 
want everything to be perfect for you and if at any time you feel 
uncomfortable with anything happening, just tell me and we'll stop."

Belle nodded and raised her blue eyes to his.  She wrapped her arms around 
his neck and slowly kissed him.  Shawn smiled against her lips and groaned 
when he felt one of her hands stray down his body.  He lifted her in his arms 
and laid her across the bed.

He pulled off the rest of their close and sank down onto the bed with her.  
She smiled and pulled him to her.  "I love you Shawn Brady."

"I love you too Belle."

Shawn ran a hand down her naked back and stared down at her.  He wanted to 
memorize every curve and hollow of her body.  The way the moonlight played 
off of her body gave it an ethreal glow.

"Shawn, I'm not very good at this."

"Why do you say that?"

"Ethan's father didn't think so and..."

Shawn kissed her to silence what she was going to say.  He felt anger creep 
into him at the thought of whatever that idiot had said to her.  "That's 
because he was a blind idiot.  If he knew what he had, he wouldn't have ever 
let you go."

"I don't think so."

Shawn rolled over onto his back and pulled Belle onto him.  "I know so.  
Whatever you and he did was not lovemaking.  I can assure you that if you're 
half as explosive as I think you are, we will not be leaving this room for a 
solid twenty-four hours."

Belle kissed him slowly.  He couldn't hide his response to her and quickly 
turned them over.  "You'd better be able to keep that promise."

"I have every intention of doing so."

~~~ Two Months Later ~~~

Belle worriedly chewed her lower lip.  Shawn felt panic slowly rise in his 
chest.  "What's wrong."

"Shawn I'm pregnant."  Belle waited for the accusations and yelling to begin. 
 

"Oh, so, what's the bad news?"

"That is the bad news.  Hello, fatherhood is knocking."

Shawn rolled his eyes and pulled her to him.  "I'm ready to answer.  I want 
this baby Belle.  I have no intention of giving you or Ethan up.  You two 
mean too much to me."

"But Shawn, you're leaving tomorrow night so that you can go see your family."

Shawn smiled.  "I knew that you'd do anything to get me back into bed."

"Who says I want you in bed?  You make some great bluberry pancakes."

Shawn growled and pinned her to the couch.  He ran a hand under the hem of 
her sweater and began caressing the skin of her side.  She threw him a look 
and pulled his head down to hers.

"Mommy!"

Shawn fell off of the couch and landed in a heap on the floor.  He closed his 
eyes and grabbed two pillows off the couch and placed one under his head and 
the other over his jeans.  He pushed himself off the floor and headed 
upstairs.  "I'm going to pack."

"I'll be up in a minute."

Shawn turned around to watch Belle and Ethan talk.  He smiled.  They were his 
family.  ~My family.  I like the sound of that.~

Part 8

Pain.  There was so much pain.  Fragmented images were flooding his mind and 
he closed his eyes in an attempt to shut them out.  Someone was speaking.

"Shawn?  Shawn, can you hear me?"

He opened his eyes and looked up at the voice.  It wanted him to do something.

"Shawn, if you can hear me, I want you to move your hand to the left.  Can 
you do that?"

Shawn tried to clear his mind and focus on the task.  He struggled, but 
finally got his muddled mind to work.  He slowly moved his hand to the left.

Craig Wesley sighed in relief.  Shawn's life was still tenuously hanging on 
the edge and any sign that he could make it was comforting.  He looked down 
at the young man lying on the operating table.  ~Jesus.  What the hell was 
John thinking going off like that?~

At that moment, John Black was worriedly pacing in the waiting room.  Bo 
Brady warily watched him pace and had to have Hope physically restrain him 
from going after John.  "Stop pretending to worry Black.  My son stopped 
being your concern the day that you got my wife pregnant."

John turned towards Bo.  "Stop blaming me for that.  It happened a long time 
ago.  I'm sorry.  I've said that so many damn times that I've lost count."

Bo pushed Hope's hands away and stood up.  "You can apologize all you want 
for impregnating the only woman I've ever truly loved.  I can accept the fact 
that you were under someone else's control.  But my son, my SON, is lying on 
an operating table holding onto his life because you can't handle your 
problems.  Do you get what I'm saying Black, my son could be dead because of 
your drinking!"  Bo angrily shoved John away from him and walked over to the 
nurses' station.  

Hope stood up and threw John a disgusted look.  "I've never hated someone as 
much as I hate you right now John.  I expected more from you, but then again, 
I guess that hoping you were a decent person and knowing it are two different 
things."

John felt tears come to his eyes.  He had lost everything and he had nearly 
killed the one person that had forgiven him.  Shawn's hatred towards him had 
melted away months after finding out about John's paternity.  Shawn had come 
to him with understanding and he had almost killed him.

Marlena shook her head at what had transpired.  She had divorced John after 
finding out about John and had watched as he slowly spiraled out of control.  
His drinking had gotten worse and worse and it had finally come to this.  
Disgust filled her.  "Get a hold of yourself John.  There's no one here to 
play the sympathetic ear.  I hope you're happy with what you've done."

She walked away looking for Hope.  The two of them had remained friends after 
a strained period of time.  ~Nothing brings friends closer than deception.~

John passed a hand over his face and sat down.  Drowning in self-pity had 
become a habit along with his drinking.

~~~ A Year and a Half Later ~~~

"Belle, I'm telling you that you have to get over Shawn."

Belle leaned her head back against the couch and pulled a cushion closer to 
her chest.  It had hurt when Shawn left.  It still hurt.  "I can't."

Lacy smiled sympathetically at her friend and grabbed one of her hands.  
"Sweetie, there's only one thing for you to do."

"What?"

"You have to go back to Salem.  Confront the bastard and make him face up to 
his responsibilities."

Belle shook her head.  "I can't go back."

"You have to Belle.  If you don't, you're going to spend the rest of your 
life wondering about what could have been."

Belle sighed and looked over at the child sleeping next to her.  Her son.  
Their son.  Michael Thomas Brady had been born seven months after Shawn had 
left.  He and Ethan were the only real joys that Belle had.  Michael had her 
blonde hair and Shawn's dark eyes.  He had Shawn's disarming smile and his 
temperament.  It was an inside joke between Lacy and Belle, that if Michael 
had been born with Belle's temperament, he would have driven her up the wall.

Belle lightly stroked Michael's cheek and smiled gently as he instinctively 
snuggled closer to her.  She turned back to Lacy.  "I guess that means we're 
going home."

~~~ Salem ~~~

He looked at the boat again.  He then came to the realization that he did 
that way too often.  The owner of the boat next to him waved at him.  He 
waved back and turned back to the boat.  Memories were flooding through him.  
Good memories.  Memories that were making it harder and harder for him to 
stand next to his parents, memories that were going to end up embarrassing 
him.  ~How exactly does one tell his parents, that he doesn't get enough 
sleep at night because he has extremely sexy dreams about someone he doesn't 
know?~

Shawn shook his head at his wayward thoughts and smiled at his parents.  "I'm 
going to head over to the Pub for lunch.  You guys can go ahead and stay 
here."

They nodded and watched as he walked away.  Hope turned to Bo.  "Do you think 
he'll remember her?"

"If he's going to remember anyone, it's going to be her."

"I know, but what if she doesn't accept him.  There's been a lot of bad blood 
between our families and I don't know if Shawn could take losing her again."

"I just hope that they can work everything out."

Bo and Hope watched in silence as their son got into his car and drove off.  
Hope leaned against Bo's chest and sighed.  Bo wrapped both arms around her 
midsection and pulled her to him.

~~~ The Pub ~~~

"Hey Shawn."

"Hi."  Shawn waved at one of the Pub's regulars and smiled as he neared Brady 
Black's table.  "Brady…"

"Shawn, hey.  I've got to get going.  You remember my sister Belle?"

Shawn thought for a moment.  "I remember you telling me that you had a sister 
named Belle, but other than that, I don't remember much about her."

"I'm sure that once I explain everything to her, you guys are going to be the 
best of friends again."

"Were we really that close?"  Shawn sat down across from Brady.  He was 
curious about Belle.  Ever since the accident, he had heard Belle this and 
Belle that from L.J. but he couldn't really remember much about her.  From 
what he had heard though, they had once been very close.

"Yeah, you two were inseparable when you were little.  She moved away and now 
she's a big star."

"We're still friends though, right?"

"Sure are.  Remember we told you that you were living in LA?  Well, after 
your accident I called LAPD to talk to your captain and tell him what was 
going on.  He told me that you had been her bodyguard for a little while."

Shawn contemplated that for a moment.  "Wait, if we were still close when I 
was in LA, how come I haven't heard from her.  You'd think that she'd be 
worried about me after I dropped off the face of the world."  For some 
reason, the thought that she had forgotten about him didn't sit well with 
him.  ~But that makes no sense because we're only friends.  Right?~

"About a week after the accident, she left the country to do two movies.  I 
talked to her agent, but he said that she didn't want to see anyone."

"Oh.  I guess I'll let you go get her then."

"I'll bring her by after we drop off her stuff.  Stay here okay?"

"Gotcha."

Brady started to walk away then turned back to Shawn.  "Are you still having 
those dreams?"

Shawn started then realized that Brady was talking about his nightmares.  
"Not anymore."

"That's good to hear.  See ya later."

"Bye.  Say hi to Abby and Alison for me okay?"

"Check."

Shawn let out a deep breath after Brady left.  It was awkward enough, having 
to deal with the dreams about his mystery woman, but he didn't need the whole 
word knowing about his dreams.  Not that they weren't nice dreams.  They most 
certainly raised his spirits.

Shawn's mind wandered back to the dream he had woken up to that morning.

~~~ Earlier that Day ~~~

"Shawn."

"Hmmm?"

"Wake up."

"Mmm."

"I'll give you something if you do."

A hand then began to slowly trail down his naked chest.  Shawn opened his 
eyes slowly.  It was his mystery woman again.  Her blonde hair blocked her 
face from his view.  Shawn smiled widely and wrapped both arms around her and 
pulled her down onto his chest.  She ran a hand through his hair and leaned 
towards him.  He smiled in anticipation and let his smile slowly drift away 
as their lips met.  

Sensations exploded through him.  His senses seemed to heighten a 
hundred-fold.  He could feel the silky smoothness of her skin underneath his 
hands, he could smell the heady scent of her perfume, and he could feel her 
heart pounding in her chest as her breasts heaved against his chest.  

They broke apart long enough for the both of them to catch their breaths.  
Shawn played with a strand of her hair and just watched as the golden strand 
sifted through his fingers.  The sunlight caught the strand in a beam of 
light and he just stared at it.

He looked into sapphire blue eyes and felt his passion for her rise more.  He 
hungrily claimed her lips and quickly flipped them over.  He had managed to 
slip off most of her clothing and she had slipped off his boxers when he 
heard a ringing noise in his ears.  He quietly willed the noise away and 
turned his full attention back on her.

She was lying fully naked underneath him and she was peppering his neck with 
light kisses and nibbles.  Shawn sighed when he heard the ringing again.  He 
tried to concentrate on her, but the noise just got louder and louder.

Shawn snapped awake.  The ringing phone had taken him away from his dream.  
His body was covered in sweat and his heart felt like it was going to come 
out of his chest, it was beating so fast.  He silently cursed whoever had 
decided to interrupt his dream.

"Hello?"  His irritation resounded through the phone.

"Shawn. Sweetie, it's your mom."

Ice water was doused onto his lap.  He did not need to be thinking about his 
mystery woman and what had been about to happen in his dream, when he was on 
the phone with his mother.

~~~ The Present ~~~

Shawn shook himself out of his reverie.  He had at least a good hour left 
until Brady would arrive with his sister and Shawn ruefully decided that it 
would take him an hour to calm down after remembering his dream.  

Noting, that the Pub was busier than usual, Shawn quickly took over for one 
of the new waitresses.  She smiled at him in gratitude and Shawn flashed her 
a quick smile.  The demanding crowd of people in the Pub kept him busy.  The 
hour passed by in a hurry.

The Pub grew quiet so suddenly and so unexpectedly that Shawn looked around 
him.  He turned towards the front door where most of the attention was 
focused.  He immediately dropped the tray he had been holding.

"You?"

"Shawn?"

Belle noticed Shawn looking at her strangely.  Desire had flared into his 
eyes the moment that he had seen her, but now he was looking at her as if he 
had never seen her before.  Anger flowed through her.  "You bastard!"  She 
slapped him and walked out of the Pub.

Shawn's hand flew to his cheek and he just stared at her.  Brady tried to 
stop her, but Belle just flew by him.  "What the hell was that?"

Humiliation was humming through Shawn's body.  Along with desire.  ~Cut it 
out.  The woman just slapped you in front of an audience and you're getting 
turned on.  Snap out of it.~  "I have no idea, but I'm going to find out. 
Part 9

Belle angrily walked away from the Pub.  ~The nerve of that jerk.~  She was 
so busy assassinating Shawn's character in her mind, that she never bothered 
to watch where she was headed.  She smacked right into someone's chest at 
that moment.  Her fury at Shawn immediately transferred to whomever was 
holding her.  "Let me go you idiot."

"Izzy?"

Startled blue eyes met John's.  They stood staring at each other for a 
moment.  Shawn chose that moment to interrupt them.  "Get the hell away from 
her Black!"

Belle had heard that tone from Shawn only a few times.  It was a tone he used 
only when he believed that someone was threatening her or Ethan.  She quickly 
whirled around to confront him, but stopped when she saw the undisguised 
hatred in his eyes.  "Shawn?"

Shawn gave her a glance and grabbed her forearm.  He pulled her behind him in 
a protective gesture.  John just watched his movements warily.  "She's my 
daughter Shawn."

"Like hell she is.  From what I've heard, she's nothing like you.  And I 
thank God that at least she hasn't been too hurt from your selfish actions."

"Shawn, why are you so mad at my dad?  You were the only person that actually 
tried to understand what he and your mother had gone through during and after 
L.J. was born."

Shawn snorted in disgust and kept his back to Belle.  "This excuse for a 
human being is the reason why I was in a hospital for six months doing 
physical therapy.  That is the reason why I couldn't remember the past 
twenty-six years of my life."

"What are you talking about?"

Shawn gave John a look of disgust and turned around to face Belle.  Confusion 
had replaced her anger at him and he thanked The Powers That Be grimly.  "I 
was in an accident a year and a half ago.  Your wonderful father was 
plastered when he hit me.  It wouldn't have been that bad if I hadn't been on 
my dad's motorcycle, at least I was wearing a helmet."

Belle's jaw dropped.  She looked over Shawn's shoulder to wear John was 
standing.  Disgust filled her.  "What were you doing that night DAD?  Did you 
go and screw some other woman then get drunk?"

"Izzy, you have no idea…"

"Save it.  As far as I'm concerned I have no father."

John felt anger rise within him.  "Now, don't you say that.  I am your 
father…"

"Wrong.  My father would never let his drinking impair him to the point where 
he would make the decision that it was all right to go get drunk and drive 
off somewhere.  You almost killed Shawn!"

Anger was radiating from Belle's figure in waves and Shawn put a comforting 
hand on her shoulder to remind her of his presence.  She stiffened but 
relaxed after a moment.  "It's okay Belle."

"Get your damn hands off her Shawn!"

"Screw you!  You have no right to tell her what to do.  She may be your flesh 
and blood, but it's her choice as to which if she'd like to acknowledge that 
fact or not."

John let loose and took a wild swing at Shawn.  Shawn ducked and hit him with 
a powerful uppercut.  John fell back and held his swelling jaw and cut lip.  
"This isn't over."

"Maybe for you, but it is for me.  You don't come near Belle or my family.  
You understand that?"  Shawn leaned close to John in a menacing way.  "You 
stole my memories, my family and my best friend from me.  I'm not giving you 
the chance to do it again."

Shawn leaned back and gave Belle a glance.  She was shaking slightly and very 
pale.  He sighed and pulled her to him in a tight embrace.  He walked past 
John and pulled her towards the parking lot.  Belle came out of her stupor 
after they left Salem Place.  "Where are you taking me?"

"I'm taking you to the marina.  There's something there that I want you to 
see.  My parents told me that you would be the only person to explain it to 
me after I saw it again for the first time."

Belle nodded and looked at him.  He was still the same Shawn he had always 
been.  He was still trying to protect her.  ~You did call him a bastard 
though.~  She started to notice the little differences in him.  His hair was 
a bit longer and his eyes didn't have that same mischivieous sparkle.  She 
noticed a small scar on his right wrist that hadn't been there before.  His 
body was still in the same amazing shape it had been in though.  His biceps 
seemed bigger though.

"What?"

"Huh?"

"You're staring at me."

"Oh, you just seem different is all."

Shawn's jaw tightened.  "I'm sorry."

"No, I didn't mean… I mean, you have a scar on your wrist."

Shawn took a hand off the steering wheel and massaged his wrist.  "Yeah, my 
hand was caught under the motorcycle."

"Shawn, if I had known about the accident, I would have never called you what 
I did."

"Why?  I obviously did something to royally piss you off before the accident."

Belle sighed and looked out the window.  The familiar landscape of Salem was 
flying past.  "I'm not mad at you for something that you did on purpose."

"Then what are you so mad about?"

"You left me and Ethan a year and eight months ago.  You didn't call, or 
write, or e-mail.  I didn't get anything from you the first couple of days 
you were gone.  I got this job offer in England and I went.  You didn't 
bother to check up with me when I was away so I just assumed…"

"That I had forgotten."  Shawn glanced over at her.  "Believe me when I say 
that you're unforgettable."


"What do you mean?"

"Nothing.  We're here.  Let's go."

Belle just stared at him and reluctantly followed him out of the car down to 
where the boats were docked.  He began talking about something, but Belle's 
eyes were trained on a meticulously cleaned boat on her right.

"Belle, I'd like you to meet Perfection."

"What?"

"This is one of the reasons why I came back to Salem, at least, that's what 
my dad said.  Isn't she beautiful?"

Belle just stared at the nameplate in shock.  Shawn nudged her and she just 
nodded.  "Come on, there's something you're going to have to explain to me."

"What?"

"You've been saying that a lot.  It's in the lower cabin."

~What the hell.  It's already been an insane day.~  "Sure."

Shawn helped her climb aboard.  He went into the cabin and helped Belle down. 
 Her body slowly slid down his and he just stared down at her.  Their close 
proximity had an immediate and pronounced effect on him.  He grinned 
selfconsciously and cleared his throat.  "There's this little chest that I 
could never get open.  I can't find the key either, but I thought that you 
might remember seeing it or something."

"Okay."

"Just wait here, there's nothing down here but the galley and a main 
bedroom."  The word bedroom immediately brought up his dream from earlier and 
the dreams he had been having for the past couple of months.  ~Get a grip 
Brady.  She's been your best friend since you were in diapers and she doesn't 
need to think that you've become some sex-crazed maniac since you've last 
seen her.~

Shawn walked into another room that Belle assumed was the bedroom.  She sat 
down on a bench and looked at a small picture that had been placed at the 
center of the table in front of her.  It was a picture of Shawn and her when 
they had been five and six.  Shawn had won his first little league baseball 
game and was happily hugging Belle in celebration.

"Here it is."  Shawn placed a small chest in front of Belle.  It was about 
the size of a beeper and looked exactly like a treasure chest.  "This note 
was with it, but it was addressed to you and I didn't want to invade your 
privacy."

"Shawn, that makes no sense.  You were probably the one that wrote it to me 
in the first place."

"I know, but…"  He ran a hand through his hair.  "I would have felt like I 
was intruding on something because I couldn't remember writing that note."

"I understand.  You are so weird Tough Boy."

"What?"  Confusion marred Shawn's face.  Belle smiled.  "We had these 
nicknames for each other when we were younger.  You were Tough Boy and I was 
Perfect Girl."

Shawn laughed then quieted.  "This boat was named for you."

"I don't know about that."  Belle's expression grew thoughtful.  She looked 
down at the letter in her hand and opened it.  She looked back up at Shawn.  
"I know this is going to sound stupid, but could I…"

"Sure.  I'll be on deck if you need me."  Shawn quickly left and Belle opened 
the letter to read what was on the inside.

~~Belle~~

I know that I'm not exactly the easiest person to get along with and I know 
that there are times when you and I don't see eyes to eye on certain things.  
But this baby has got me thinking.  So many things can happen in the next 
couple of months and they could be good, bad or both.  I've come to realize 
though, that I don't want to lose you or Ethan.  You've both become the most 
important people in my life and the fact that you and I created a baby in a 
moment of love, leaves me speechless.

I, Shawn-Douglas Brady, am going to become a father and I can't wait.  This 
baby is going to be just the beginning for the two of us.  There's a key in 
this envelope.  Use it to open the chest.  The chest contains all the 
questions and you have all the answers.  Just remember that I love you with 
all my heart.

I know you're wondering why I chose a treasure chest.  I realized that the 
most precious possessions a person has, is always going to be considered a 
treasure.  I decided to put what I care about into this one.  Remember, size 
doesn't matter.

Love,
Shawn (Your Tough Boy)

Tears had blurred Belle's vision by the time she had finished the note.  
Waiting for her on deck was the man that she loved with every fiber of her 
being, but he didn't even remember what they had.  With shaking hands, Belle 
took out the key and unlocked the chest.  It opened to reveal an engagement 
ring and a platinum wedding band.  The underside of the top of the chest had 
three slots for pictures.  One was of her, the other of Ethan and an empty 
one labeled for the baby.

Shawn came into the deck when he heard Belle sobbing.  She had the letter 
clenched in her hand and a death grip on the chest.  He pried her fingers 
away from both of those items and pulled her to him.  She came into his arms 
and cried against his shoulder.  He murmured soothing words to her took him 
with her into the bedroom.  He gingerly sat down on the edge of the bed with 
her in his lap.  "You okay?"

"Yeah.  I just had to have a good cry you know?"

"Sure.  I cried like a baby when I realized that I didn't remember anything.  
You feeling better now?"

"Yes.  Oh my gosh, Ethan and Michael."

Shawn looked at her in confusion.  He didn't remember seeing her with two men 
at the Pub and he certainly didn't remember Brady telling him that she was 
dating someone.  Jealousy spiraled through him and he quelled the feeling.  
"Who are they?"

"My children.  Do you have a cell phone I could use?"

"Yeah, here."  Shawn thrust his cell phone towards her.  His body was being 
assaulted by the feelings that her body was creating just by innocently 
sitting in his lap.  He scooted out from under her and got up.  He pretended 
to straighten up a bit and look out the porthole, all the while listening in 
on her conversation.

"Hi Abby, it's me.  How are the boys doing?"

"Great.  Ethan and Alison are already the best of friends and Michael is just 
the sweetest baby.  Did you want to talk to Brady?"

"Nope, I just wanted to check up on the boys.  Tell them I said I love them 
and I'll be back soon."

"Okay.  Bye."

Belle ended the call and placed the phone back on Shawn's nightstand.  Shawn 
had been quiet a long time and was still busy looking out the porthole.  
Belle sighed and stretched out on the bed.  The drama of the past couple of 
hours was affecting her more than she'd like to think, that and the flight 
left her feeling tired.  A few minutes later she was asleep.

Shawn was looking out the porthole filled with anxiousness.  He snapped out 
of his daze when he realized that he had been staring outside for a good 
fifteen minutes when he realized that Belle had probably ended her 
conversation long ago.  He turned back towards her and was about to speak up 
when he noticed her asleep on the bed.  He smiled ruefully sighed.  He walked 
over to the bed and reached over her to bring the blanket around her when she 
stirred slightly and sleepily murmured, "Shawn."

He looked down at her and was about to pull away when she pulled him down 
onto the bed with her.  She snuggled into his chest and just stayed there.  
Shawn looked down at her blonde head resting on his chest and sighed.  ~This 
could be worse.~

tbc
~~Patti~~~