Chapter Five

Blain showed up at Emily's condo at exactly 5:30 P.M., ready to have the conversation that was supposed to change his mind about the woman he intended to marry. He knocked on the door waiting in the hall patiently for Emily to answer but instead, Dakota came bopping to the door. "Oh hey," She said with a shoulder shrug and then screaming mom out at the top of her lungs. Emily came running into the living room expecting to see a fire but it was Blain standing next to her sofa. Emily gave Dakota an annoyed look, brushing her off in a move-your butt out of here motion. Emily leads Blain down the hall to what would soon be "their" bedroom looking mortified. She sat him down on the bed and started to speak. No sooner did her mouth open than Blain put one finger to her lips. Emily let me speak first, he said. He leaned in close to her and said I wasn't expecting any of this Emily but I promise you nothing you say here will change my mind.

Emily rose to her feet letting the words just pour out of her trembling lips. Blain... I have these nightmares, I can't control them, I think they may be real. I don't know how else to explain this to you. This man, well this shadow comes to me in the night... In my dreams. I don't know but he says things to me and he touches my skin. I feel him, Blain, I smell him. I can hear him whisper to me. Blain reaches up to wipe Emily's tears trying to reassure her everything is ok and he isn't going to leave her because of a few bad dreams. Emily, it's ok Blain says quietly. I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. I love you! We'll get through it. We'll see a doctor, We'll change the locks, We'll hire a private investigator but we will work it out.

Emily falls in Blain's huge strong arms, hugging him so tight she wasn't sure if she could even let go. Blain, I love you so much Emily wails out. I don't know what's wrong with me but I want to get better. Is that the big secret? Blain asks playfully. Well, there is a little bit more, Emily states matter of factly. I can't remember anything from before 11 years old. It's like I didn't exist until that time in my life. Oh my gosh, Blain says teasingly. That is the deal-breaker right there, the wedding is off he said cracking up in the hysteria. Emily, I promise you I do not care if you don't remember last year as long as you always remember how much I love you he says rubbing her bottom lip. Please stop shaking, no more tears, and let's go take the kids to dinner. Let's make our announcement and for goodness sake, let's get married.

Blain walks out of the bedroom leaving Emily to get herself together for dinner and their big announcement. As.soon as he turns the corner all three kids are staring at him almost evil-like. What's going on, Lucas announced. Blain was caught off guard so he started to stutter. I um. I don't know. Your mother will be out in a minute, he says trying to avoid eye contact with the trio of trouble. Just moments later Emily came bouncing out of the bedroom shouting is everyone ready for dinner? Come on children, let's get going! Blain and I have an announcement we'd like to make at dinner. Dakota shot her mother the evil eye, already knowing what they were planning on announcing. The five of them headed into the restaurant all looking down at the ground contemplating what was to come. Blain chose Tucci's Italian restaurant about 45 minutes south of Chicago because he knew Dakota couldn't resist a well-made plate of cheese ravioli. She was the one Blain Knew he'd have to win over. Dakota resisted anyone getting close to her family. She felt like it was her job to protect her mother and two younger brothers. They all sat down without a word spoken staring at the menus placed in front of them. Emily spoke first asking Lucas and Damian what they'd like to eat, she already knew what Dakota would be ordering. Damian shrugged his shoulders expressing his distaste for the items on the menu and Lucas motioned to the chicken finger platter in the right top corner. Damian why don't you try what Dakota is ordering g Emily said firmly. You always seem to share the same taste in things. The two of you could almost be twins. Dakota and Damian both had jet black hair, the same build, their eyes so brown they were almost black. Their skin color was equally dark and their Asian eyes were identical. Lucas's hair was a tad bit lighter than the other two as was his skin tone. He was taller by almost a foot and his eyes were light brown with less of a slant. The trio's biological father was born in Tialand although Lucas looked more American.

Blain shot Emily a look asking her when the right time would be silent. Emily rolled her eyes back letting Blain know now wasn't the time. They ordered their food in order Blain then Emily, Dakota, and Emily ordered for the boys. They were seemingly shy at things like that. Emily watched the clock wondering to herself how to explain what was going on to her trio. Blain fidgetted in his seat nervously and the kids stared at Emily intensely. Finally, Damian spoke saying, soooo... What is the news ma? Emily looked at her children tears welling up and said, Blain and I have decided to get married. The boys cheered while Dakota got up from her seat darting towards the door. Lucas looked up and said I'll go, mom. Emily waited about 15 minutes before getting up to go find her twosome but they were already returning to the table. Lucas hugged Emily while Dakota sat there smug.

Blain asked Dakota why she was so upset but Dakota ignored every attempt. Dakota, you are being just plain rude, now please talk to Blain Emily muttered out of the corner of her mouth. Dakota's tear-stained face looked up and Blain stating "We don't need a father Blain!" Blain was taken back by Dakota's sheer ignorance but he still tried to explain that he was adding to the family and not taking anything away from anyone. Please, Dakota, Blain said softly. I'd love it if I could share your family with you. I promise to make all of you happy. I also promise to love you guys and your mother forever. Dakota's look suddenly softened up a bit peeking up to see what Blain's face looked like. Dakota looked at her mother with sorrowful eyes and said mom, if you are happy then I am happy but Blain doesn't even know what life is like at our house. He isn't going to last mama. Dakota, I've explained everything to Blain and he only wants to help. Please don't be so quick to judge somebody that you don't know that well. The wedding won't be for another year and we all have time to get more acquainted with each other until then. So please honey just gives this a chance.