Faith's POV-

Things were falling into place.I think Chris was slowly getting used to me..maybe it was a wishful thinking but i hoped for the best.

We had this habit of sitting near the fire place and have some tea right before we went to bed.I cherished that time.

That was the only time when Chris would talk to me without apprehension,maybe because i was not being a wife during that moment,just some one who would listen to him before he went to bed,head full of thoughts.

I looked outside,the big window in the living room allowed me a view of what was happening outside.

Raiya was playing with Moose and Jack in the frontyard.I heard a childish giggle from Raiya and some barking from Moose.Jack meowed from time to time.I love watching her being herself,just a beautiful 7 year old enjoying childhood.

Dave had called me this morning to inform that Grace had given birth last night.It was so sudden and i was so surprised that Chris had to take the phone from me.He was the first person to congratulate Dave and Grace.Lucas was very proud that he finally became a big brother.He even said that he was willing to share Fennel with the baby.I had laughed at that.I had given Fennel to Luc when he came here for my wedding and Luc was very possessive about the little rabbit.

The baby was so cute.His little pink face was flushed and lips were a perfect bow.They had named him Jordan after a lot of bickering.We would be visiting them soon after new years.I just cant wait to meet my new nephew.

Raiya was gushing over how cute the baby was and that she would pluck his little cheeks.Grace was very happy although she was a little sad too because this would be her last baby.The doctor had advised her to get her tubes tied.Another pregnancy could be deadly for her.

She had always wanted a girl.

Snapping out of my thoughts,i looked around the house.I was satisfied with whatever i had done.Christmas decoration was finally completed.Raiya loved it.

I am yet to see how Chris would react.He has been working on a very important site.It was a very important contract.He came home tired all the time but never missed our late night conversations near the fire place.

I admired him for that.

During this short period of knowing him,i realised that i had developed a little crush on him.I found myself watching him when he was not paying any attention towards me or when he played with Raiya.It is such a cute moment when Chris tickles her and she bursts into a fit of giggles.

Chris is an attractive man.He has this gigantic height and he works out a lot.I have seen him going to the local gym every morning.He has some pretty good abs..but his eyes.Those eyes are just beautiful.I cant even define the color..its like it changes with mood.Hazel,blue,green,brown,i dont know..they are just so beautiful.

I shook my head.I should stop thinking about him this way for now atleast.There was nothing i could do to initiate anything romantic between us for the time being.

Chris needed time and i respected that.He respected me enough to never force me into anything.He had never snapped at me or even ignored me.

"Mommmy!!!Dad's home."

Chris came inside with Raiya hanging on his shoulder.Little monkey.

His eyes wandered around the house.

"Its so pretty dad.Faith is so good..i helped too."

"She did.Raiya was very excited about the tree."

"Its just..wow."

I looked at him.

"So its a good Wow or..."

He did not let me complete the sentence.

"Good!definitely a good wow.I dont think this house has ever looked this beautiful.Trust me."

He smiled as he looked at the Christmas tree.Raiya hopped around the house grinning from ear to ear.

"Umm btw you might have to help me sometime in decorating the front yard and the roof.I could not.."

"Sure.Just tell me what and how.That project is giving me some serious headache though.I just want to be done with it as soon as possible.The supervisor is an idiot too."

"You were telling me you are almost done with it,right?Just a few more days and then,its holidays.Now,do you want some coffee?"

He smiled at me.

"I would seriously appreciate  some of that right now.By the way,when are going to start working?I mean you received that call from Raiya's school authority right?"

I nodded as i whisked the coffee powder in hot water .Maple high wanted me to work as a councellor for them rathar than an art teacher.I loved playing with the kids.They were promoting me to the senior school though.

"I dont know.I mean,i loved playing the art teacher.I have stopped councelling since two years.."

"Think about it,Faith.Raiya has not had any flashbacks or episodes since you have started with the sessions.I am not implying anything but the kids could definitely use your help.Just saying."

He shrugged.I sighed.

"I'll think about it.I am thinking of working after the holidays though.I just want to enjoy these days without work load.I just hope you will done soon too."

I smiled at him and handed him his coffee.

"Well,even i hope so.Its damn irritating."

"This coffee is good.Thanks.So,i actually wanted to talk to you about something."

I looked at him.

"What is it?"

"Umm..Faith,i have been thinking about it since we got married.I am not saying that it wont happen but its difficult.I ..you are a very woman.One of a kind.Faith I.."

I smiled and took his hand in mine.He looked at me in shock that i had done that.

"Chris,i totally get it.Just because you dont say somethings does not mean that i dont understand what is going on.You dont have to feel guilty about anything.We will take our time..even i am not ready to get into something that intimate right now.Lets get to know each other before moving on to the serious stuff,ok?"

He squeezed my hand slightly.

"Thanks.I mean i know i would have been a lot more stupid if i was in your place.You make things easier for me,you should know that."

I shrugged.

"Well,i am your wife.I am supposed to make things easier for you if i want to be a good one.Should not I?"

He just smiled at me.

"Now come on,go get a bath while i set the dinner table and please get Raiya ready,that child has been high on sugar all day.You know she ate half the cookies we made yesterday.One minute we were decorating,the next minute little miss was stuffing face.I swear it was just one minute."

Chris's POV-

Faith groaned as she yet again lightened the tense atmosphere.

This woman was simply adorable.I grinned.

"Now,dont lose your sanity.I am on it.You just set the table.I am very hungry.Trust me."

"Ok,you do that.I am gonna get this fish ready."

I left her in the kitchen.

"Daddy?"

I was about to enter my room when Raiya came and hugged me tightly.

"Hie sweetheart.What happened?"

"I am very happy,daddy.I am so happy you married Faith.She is the best mom ever.She loves me a lot and you know,i think she will love you a lot one day too."

I was stunned at whatever my 7 year old was saying.

"You have to take a bath,Ry.Come on."

She frowned at me but did not say anything further.

I gave Raiya a bath and sent her to Faith.

I was standing in the shower now.My head was full of thoughts.

Faith was an excellent mother to Raiya.She was very understanding and took care of everything like a pro.The house,Raiya..to an extent she was growing on me too.

Raiya loved Faith already.I was happy that my daughter was getting this love.But a part of me was crying..Raiya was slowly forgetting Rayanna and i could do nothing about it.She was slowly opening up to Faith,trusting her.I could not ruin that .

And i felt guilty.I felt like i was betraying Rayanna somehow.Snatching her daughter away.But,i could not stop it.My Raiya needed a mom.She deserved Faith.

But then,why am i feeling all this guilt.

"My daughter would never forgive you.Mark my words,Christian Crawford."

I banged my hand against the wall.

"And you!you will never be her mother.You cannot replace my daughter!"

Katya's words were swirling inside my brain.They were just every where.

"Chris!the dinner is ready.Aren't you done?"

Faith shouted.

That snapped me out of whatever i was thinking.This was toxic.So toxic.I wont think about it anymore.No.

"Yeah,i am almost done.Just coming."

I shouted back as closed the shower tap.

What i did not know was..toxicity was just the first step.

Tada.

New chapter.

I just cant stop writing this book,Lol.

Another chapter just for you guys.Happy reading.

Love you all
WimpieKid