After Marcy left; Lindsey sat back down on the sofa with his face in his hands. He sighed a heavy sigh and couldn't help but feel a bit scared of what Marcy's last words were as they lingered in the air.
He didn't know what Marcy would do to ruin what he had now; what he did know was he couldn't live without Stevie again. There was too much at stake now. His children loved Stevie and they were having a child together. He was prepared to fight for his family.

Standing up, Lindsey went to find the children. He found them playing ball with Karen in the backyard. He smiled and pretended everything was fine, but Karen saw right through and knew that everything wasn't fine.
He asked Karen to take the kids to the zoo for the rest of the day and to come home by dinner.

He made his way upstairs after saying goodbye to the kids and walked to their bedroom.
Stevie was exhausted from crying that she fell asleep. She laid on her side, one hand resting on her belly, her face was tear stained.
He took off his shoes and climbed in bed beside her, cradling her from behind, placing his hand on top of hers that cradled her belly.
He kissed the side of her face, she stirred a little but continued to sleep.
He laid awake next to her; he was thinking of what to do next. He didn't want to give Marcy a chance to do anything to try and stop them from getting married.
A thought crossed his mind. He got up slowly as to not wake Stevie and made his way to the closet where he had put away some boxes of some of his belongings. He knew exactly which box it was in. He reached up to bring down the box and looked through it till he found a smaller velvet box. Inside the box was a beautiful diamond ring; it wasn't too big or too small, it was just right. This was the ring he was going to give Stevie when they had rekindled their relationship; he was going to propose before Kristen had told him she was pregnant with Will.
He couldn't bring himself to get rid of the ring; it was perfect for Stevie and he wanted to keep it as a keepsake. But now, he can finally give it to her; of course, asking for her to marry him first.
He put the tiny box into his pocket and returned to the bedroom, hearing sniffling. Stevie had woken up and started to cry again as everything that had happened with Marcy came flooding back into her mind.
Lindsey made his way back to the bed and climbed in. Stevie felt him getting into bed; she turned to face him reaching out for him. He took her into his arms as she laid her head on his chest and sobbed.
"Shhhh...don't cry Steph. Everything is going to be alright."
"I'm so scared Linds. What if...she does something...to stop us from being together?"
"There's nothing to be scared of; Steph? I want to ask you something." He said getting up from the bed and walking over to Stevie's side or the bed; taking out the tiny box from his pocket.
He got down on one knee.
He opened it and said. "Stephanie Lynn Nicks, I love you with all my heart. You are my best friend, you are my soul mate. We've been apart for way too long and that was because of my own stupidity and because of it, I ruined the trust you had for me. Now here we are and we have a second chance; I want to love and cherish you for the rest of our lives. I want us to grow old together as we watch our children grow up and watch our future grandchildren run around while we sit on our rocking chairs holding on to each other's hands. Steph, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Stevie covered her mouth with a hand and then said. "Of course, I'll marry you!" Lindsey put the ring on Stevie's left hand as she continued. "But, I thought you said we were going to wait?"
"I got to thinking, why wait! We should go to the courthouse and get married tomorrow! Oh wait tomorrow is Sunday...first thing on Monday after dropping off the kids at school. We can ask Karen to go with us as our witness."
"Lindsey, don't you want a wedding with our friends and family there?" Stevie asked.
"We can get married on Monday at the courthouse then we can have a wedding with our friends and family later on."
Stevie sat up and laid against the headboard of the their bed. "Linds? What's going on? I want to marry you and can't wait but why are you in such a rush?"
Lindsey sighed not wanting to tell her what was Marcy's last words were before she left.
"Marcy might have said something that got me worried." He said hesitantly.
"Might have?  What did she say to you?"
"I told her that down the line we will get married and then she said..." He took a deep breath and continued. "We'll see about that Buckingham."
Stevie stayed quiet for a few minutes, her hand resting on her stomach.
"I knew it was too good to be true...there always has to be something or someone who comes between us. She won't let us be happy...will she?" Stevie said, her voice trembling by the end.
"She can't do anything. We won't give her a chance to! Let's get married without anyone knowing until after of course. It'll be too late for her to say or do anything. And besides, we shouldn't let her scare us from being together. We can't allow her to control our lives like that."
Stevie sighed and smiled. "Okay, let's get married!"

Lindsey and Stevie left the courthouse as Mr. and Mrs. Buckingham on Monday morning.
Stevie had bought a white flowing sundress that made her baby bump more prominent and she wore her hair in loose curls with a white flower crown on her head. They decided not to send Will and Leelee to school that day so they can be a part of their wedding which they were really excited about. Karen took pictures with tears of joy in her eyes; she was so happy to see Stevie's dreams come true.
Karen took photos of Stevie and Lindsey on their own then with the children.

Stevie and Lindsey agreed that after she had the baby, they would set a date so they can have a wedding ceremony with all of their friends and family.
That night Karen volunteered to take care of the kids while they could have a honeymoon night and had packed an overnight bag for both them.
Lindsey took Stevie to a five star hotel and requested the honeymoon suit.
They had to wait a few minutes but when they finally walked into their room, it was filled with roses and had rose petals on the bed that were laid out in the shape of a heart.
Lindsey ordered room service for them; they ate their dinner and after, Lindsey drew Stevie a bath.

They made love slowly and passionately that night; at first Lindsey was afraid he would hurt the baby but after some reassurance from Stevie he finally went all into their love making.
They both climax together and after they laid in each other's arms; their smiles never leaving their faces as they drifted off to sleep.

Weeks have past and there was no word from Marcy; but even then Stevie and Lindsey didn't let their guard down.
Although, they had been getting phone calls everyday, and always at the same time.
Either, Stevie or Lindsey would answer but no one would respond to them on the other end.
Lindsey began to become paranoid. He decided to install a security gate around their house and a security system. He didn't know what it was but he couldn't shake off the feeling that Marcy was plotting do something to him or Stevie.
He had paid extra to have the jobs done in a short amount of time. But after, he felt more relaxed than he had been feeling before.

The only people they had told that they got married were of course the ones closest to them.
Stevie's mother Barbara was disappointed because she wanted to be there, to watch her daughter marry the love of her life. Stevie assured her that she will get her chance as they would get married again having a ceremony and a reception. But, the news of their marriage brought joy to Barbara to hear her daughter so happy.
Jeff and Lindsey's mother of course were congratulated them and couldn't wait to visit with their new daughter in law and sister in law.
They told the members of the Mac as well, whom were all ecstatic.

Stevie had made it to seven months in her pregnancy. She beginning to feel a bit fatigued, she was beginning to have trouble breathing as she walked but was enjoying the baby's movement from inside her. She still couldn't believe her dream of having a child was coming true. And she would now be a mother of four children.
The nursery was coming along; Stevie had chose two colors, a baby blue color and a light pink.

Now that her stomach was bigger she was no longer able to carry Stella anymore. She would have to sit down in order to hold Stella close to her.
Leelee enjoyed spending time with Stevie; they would have tea parties and play with dolls and just be together and create memories.
Will too loved Stevie. Even though he was young, he felt that this was right. He realized that his mother Kristen wouldn't ever return and was glad to have a mother like Stevie. He began to become very protective of Stevie. If she didn't feel well, he would ask if there was anything she needed and he would pick up anything that needed to be picked up. Helping around the house if there was anything that needed to be done. He would give her hugs and make sure she was alright.

Stella's first birthday had finally arrived and on the morning of her birthday party Lindsey carried Stella over to where Kristen's photo was, usually Stevie would do this every morning so Stella would say good morning to her mommy Kristen.
Lindsey took the photo down from the mantel and brought it down so Stella could say, "Morning momma Kisten! Wuv you!" Then Stella gave a kiss to the photo.
Lindsey smiled a sad smile at the photo and felt sadness overwhelmed him. "We miss you Kristen."
Even though he loved his life now and wouldn't change it; he still missed Kristen.
He made his way upstairs after their moment and went to get the kids ready for the party.

Stevie wanted to help decorate for the party but Lindsey didn't want her to do anything; he wanted her to relax and rest. He and Karen took care of everything.
Stevie was nervous as well; Kirsten's family would be coming to celebrate Stella's birthday and of course Marcy would be there.
Lindsey had no choice but to invite her because after all, she was their grandmother.
Stevie knew how Marcy felt about her and Lindsey being together but didn't know how Kristen's other family members would react.

She woke up at 12 pm; took a shower and got dressed.
It was 1 pm by the time she had finished getting ready; the party would start at 1:30pm.
She heard the kids laughter coming from the kitchen.
Stevie walked in; when they noticed her Will and Leelee ran to her and gave her a hug and a kiss.
"Momma! Momma!" Stella cried out.
"Happy Birthday baby girl!" Stevie said walking over to Lindsey who was carrying her.
"Momma!" Stella said holding her arms out wanting Stevie to carry her.
"No, Stella. Mommy can't carry you right now." Lindsey said gently.
"It's okay Linds. Come here baby girl!" Stevie said reaching out to get Stella.
Stevie took her in her arms, very awkwardly, having to carry Stella on her side.
Stella was very happy to be carried by Stevie again.
Stella laid her head on Stevie's shoulder and said. "Wuv you."
Stevie's heart melted, "I love you too."
After a bit, Stevie asked Lindsey to help her sit; she couldn't stand up anymore while carrying Stella but didn't want to upset her on her birthday.

It was finally time for the party to begin. The guests arrived and was mostly Kristen's side of the family. Lindsey's mom and brother were there, also Mick and John as well. Christine wasn't able to make it.
Lindsey's mother was gushing over Stevie. She told Stevie how beautiful she looked and that she was glowing. She couldn't wait to meet her new granddaughter.
Jeff beamed to see his brother happy again; and with the woman he was supposed to be with in the first place.

Kristen's side of the family of course were hurt by Lindsey moving on so quickly but as the party went on, they saw how wonderful Stevie was with the children and how much they loved her. They were also touched that Stevie had put up pictures of Kristen right in view for everyone to see. And what melted everyone's heart, and brought tears to their eyes was when Stella was being carried by an older cousin as they were looking at the photos she said, "Momma Kisten!" And blew a kiss at the picture.
After that, everyone quickly began to treat Stevie like family. They realized that Stella even thought wouldn't be able to know her mother physically, she would be able to know that she did have a mother before Stevie.
Stevie felt the tension leave her body and was more comfortable now.

Kristen's family was now talking more to Stevie and being more accepting of her, except for Marcy of course. She just stood back with her arms across her chest, still angry at Lindsey. She was quiet, not saying much. What had got her feeling over the edge was seeing Stevie's left hand and the diamond ring and what was without a doubt a wedding band. Her eyes immediately went to Lindsey's left hand where she found a shiny new wedding band. She knew right away what they had done.
Marcy walked outside, she was very angry now. But she didn't want to make a scene and ruin her granddaughter's first birthday.
She joined Will and Leelee and watched them bounce in the bouncy house to calm herself and to spend sometime with them; she did miss them. But her mind kept racing.
Before she found out about Lindsey and Stevie being together again, she didn't really know Stevie to hate her the way she hated her right now.
Grief clouded her judgement and was not thinking clearly. Her grief had now turned into anger. She wondered, why should Lindsey have a happy ending while her daughter was dead and rotting in the ground. She shook her head trying to clear it so she could pay more attention to her grandchildren.

It was time to sing Happy Birthday to Stella; Lindsey carried her in his arms while Stevie stood next to them.
Everyone began to sing and Stella, even though didn't understand what was going on began to dance; wiggling in Lindsey's arms. They all laughed as Stella clapped and giggled.
Her birthday cake had one candle on it and Lindsey helped her blow it out.
Before cutting the cake, Lindsey let Stella stick her tiny hand in a corner of the cake. She grabbed a good chunk and squished it between her fingers. She then brought her hand up to her mouth as she tasted cake for the first time. Her face lit up and was excited for this new flavor of food.
Just then she turned to Stevie and grabbed Stevie's blouse wanting to be carried by Stevie. Stevie grabbed Stella for a bit and gave her kiss. She didn't care that her blouse was full of cake; she would cherish this moment forever.

Stevie excused herself from the party as she made her way upstairs to her bedroom so she could change.
She changed into clean blouse, used the restroom and left her bedroom to walk back downstairs.
Stevie began to have a strange feeling; like something was following her. She turned around but didn't find anything behind her.
She got to the stairs and was about to take a step down when it all happened all at once.
She heard Will yell, "Grandma NOOOO!!!"
Marcy was about to push Stevie down the stairs but as soon as she heard Will, she pulled Stevie back so she could make it seem as if it was Stevie's fault that she missed a step and making it seem that she saved Stevie from the fall.
Stevie's heart pounded against her chest.
Karen had been making her way up the stairs to check on Stevie when she heard Will cry out. Karen ran up the remaining stairs.
She saw Stevie crying leaning against the wall, her hands on her stomach; Will hugging her on her side as he was scared of his Grandmother. Marcy was saying to Stevie with an evil smile, "You need to be a little more careful Stevie. You're seven months pregnant, it would be heartbreaking if anything were to happen to that precious bundle of joy you're carrying."
Marcy brought up a hand to Stevie's stomach pressing not too gently, and with that she turned to walk back downstairs.
Karen rushed over to Stevie. "Stevie? What happened?!"
Stevie was crying so hard she couldn't speak; she just shook her head.
Karen looked down at Will. "What happened, Will?"
"I saw mommy going upstairs and my Grandma Marcy was following her. I wanted to check on mommy to see if she was okay. But then I saw Grandma spying on mommy so I hid in my room. Then..." Will took deep breath. "Then saw mommy leaving her room and was going to walk down the stairs when my Grandma Marcy was going to push mommy, so I yelled at her."
Karen was shocked at what Will had just told her. "Will, can you please go get your daddy, tell him to come upstairs."
Will nodded and ran off.
Karen led Stevie to her bedroom and sat her down on the end of the bed. "Stevie, you have to calm yourself. This isn't good for you and the baby."
Stevie concentrated on her breathing, she breathed in and out, until finally she able to breath normally.
Karen sat next to her and hugged her to comfort her tiny boss. Karen could feel her trembling.
Lindsey walked through the door and kneeled down in front of Stevie.
"Steph, what happened?"
Stevie flung her arms around Lindsey tightly, once again sobbing. She was beyond being comforted now.
"Shhhh! Steph. I'm here now. It's okay. It's okay. Come on let's get you in bed. I'm gonna go take care of our guest then I'll be back before you know it."
Laying down Stevie curled up into a loose ball as best she could; her hand never leaving her stomach as her baby girl kicked up a storm inside her feeling her mother's stress.
Karen walked with Lindsey out of the bedroom.
Lindsey asked Karen what happened.
Karen told him everything that Will had told her, by the end Lindsey was livid.
"Listen, the party is almost over. Go to Stevie, and I'll take of care of everything. Don't worry about anything. Go to to her, she needs you." Karen said.
Lindsey nodded and walked back to Stevie.

Lindsey got in bed with her holding her close as he rubbed her arm trying to get her to calm herself.
Her sobs died down, but tears still fell down her cheeks. She turned to face him and buried her face into his chest.
"If Will hadn't been there, I....I think we could have lost her! Marcy was going to push me down the stairs! I had felt someone behind me." Stevie said in a whisper, her voice quivering.
Just the thought had Stevie's heart aching.
She couldn't bare the thought of losing another child.
"It's over now Steph. Our baby is okay. You are okay. I won't allow that crazy bitch near you again."
After that, Stevie was emotionally exhausted; Lindsey felt her grip loosen and her breathing came in and out evenly; he looked down and saw that she fell asleep.
Lindsey stared at the ceiling; he couldn't believe that Marcy would attempt to do something like this; to harm Stevie and an innocent baby.
He began to think what Marcy's next step would be. He was thinking of ways on how they should be a step ahead of Marcy. They already were by be married, so Marcy didn't have a chance to try to stop them.
He thought of children next. He was afraid that Marcy would try to take them away from him. A thought crossed his mind; Stevie needed to be protected too. When Stevie would wake up, he was going to ask her if she wanted to adopt Will, Leelee and Stella. That way they could be legally hers.
Marcy wouldn't be able to do anything to take his kids away from him or from Stevie.

Wattpad gave me a scare this weekend as you all know my story disappeared from my works list.
Soooo happy to have it back.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Thank you all for y'alls comments. It makes me so happy to read your positive and supportive comments. It helps me want to continue writing.