The Gatehouse
Tamara Marlow/ Leann’s Best FriendLeann Morrison/Sebastien’s GirlfriendPrologueLeann walked thru the hall leading to the kitchen, as she turned the corner ready to open the door she heard a sob. She knew everyone was in bed and she didn’t think Tara was still at the main house, so she was shocked to find her friend sitting at the table crying and rubbing her 9 month baby bump.“Tara honey, what is wrong?” Leann walked over to her and wrapped her arms around her best friend.
“I am sorry. Did I wake you? I was just sitting here feeling sorry for myself. I have gotten myself in a real mess haven’t I Lee Lee?” Tara looked up into Leann’s eyes and could see her concern.
“No, I was coming into get a glass of water, before I join Sebastien. And you can’t take the blame for what has happened. You and Urs created this baby together and Tara I don’t understand why you just don’t tell him. I think he will be thrilled to know he is going to be a father. You owe him that much for all he has done in the past year for you.” Leann got her glass of water and joined Tara at the table, as Tara seemed to be considering what Leann had said to her.
“I would love to tell him about the baby, but after that one night he has avoided me like it was all my fault, and now he can barely look at me. I don’t want him to think I have trapped him. He really has convinced himself that the baby is Jordan’s and we both know that is impossible.” Tara said with tears streaming down her face as she talked and rubbed her baby bump.
“Yes I know it could never have been Jordan’s, even if he weren’t dead. But Tara you have to do what is best for you and the baby and he needs his father in his life. Urs is a good man and will be a wonderful father to the baby and he will take care of both of you. Why can’t you try to trust him? Have you decided on a name for the baby?” Leann didn’t hear the footsteps in the hall since the door was almost closed, but someone else was listening.
“Yes I am going to name him *Michael Urs Toni Buhler*. Even if he doesn’t know who his father is, he will carry his father’s name and I will tell him what a wonderful father he has.” Tara jumped when the door flew open and a furious Sebastien stormed into the kitchen swearing in French.
Leann jumped up and grabbed Sebastien’s arm and pulled him to sit at the table while she left and closed the kitchen door. She went back to the table and joined Sebastien and Tara.
“Sebastien what is wrong with you? Please speak slower and in English. You know I can’t keep up with your French.” Leann held his hand as he calmed down enough to speak without yelling or in French.
“What do you mean you're naming the baby after Urs? Is the baby his? I thought it was your ex’s baby?” Sebastien held the glare from Leann while he waited to hear what Tara had to say.
“Yes Seb. The baby is Urs’ baby. My ex died several months ago, but we have not been together since before I met you all, and I was still in Australia.” Tara lowered her face and looked at her swollen baby bump.
“But I don’t understand. Jordan came to see you after you moved in and stayed at the Gatehouse with you. I thought at first you were going to leave with him, but Urs told us he had beaten you up and he had him removed by the Police. What I don’t understand is why are you not telling Urs about the baby?” Sebastien looked at her.
“Seb, I know you love Urs like a brother, and you don’t want him hurt, but how do you think he will take it when he finds out I knew all along that the baby was ours and I didn’t tell him? Do you really think he will trust me after that?” Tara felt a twinge in her side and it rounded to her back and she secretly wondered if she was going into labor.
Leann could see the change in her and jumped up and ran to her side.
“I think it is time Lee Lee. My bags are at the Gatehouse. Do you think you could take me to the hospital? Seb, I am sorry but I am in labor and I think my water just broke.” Tara stood up to see Urs walk into the kitchen as her water ran down her legs and made a puddle in the floor.
“Sorry Urs. I will clean it up later. Leann is taking me to the hospital, I am in labor. I will go down to the Gatehouse and clean up; she can pick me up there.” After saying that Tara hurried out of the kitchen, before she broke down and begged him to go with her. More than anything she wanted Urs there for the birth of his child.
Leann came down after changing to a jogging suit and looked around for Tara, but all she found was Urs and Seb. She wasn’t sure she should leave Sebasien with Urs after he had just found out that the baby Tara was carrying belong to his brother.
“Sebastien do you want to come with me? I am sorry Urs. I will get back when I can and clean up the floor.” Leann looked at Sebastien and wondered what his decision would be.
“That is not your job Leann, it won’t take much to clean the floor and I can do some things for myself. You go and get Tara and take her to the hospital and we will meet you both there after we change into some clothes. I won’t wake David or Carlos. We can tell them tomorrow. She is down at the Gatehouse so go.” Urs said to her.
Leann looked at Urs and smiled, then she looked at Sebastien with eyes that warned him to not say a word till they had a chance to talk more. She leaned over and whispered into his ear not to say a thing and kissed him goodbye.