John and Evangeline Connected Souls

Title: A Slice of Heaven
Author: Nique
Category: JVR ( JoVan Romance)
Rated: PG (mild adult content)
Summary: Evangeline & John experience one of life's little surprises...love.
Author's Note: This story is what happens when "One Life" PTB do not show John & Evangeline for two days straight. So, if tptb aren't going to give me a story, then I'll just write my own! Enjoy.

A Slice of Heaven
by Nique

It had been quite a journey for Evangeline Williamson since she'd first arrived in LLanview, Pennsylvania. She was happy to admit that now she considered her life to be truly fulfilled; she and John were simply put, regular people. They were healthy, relatively young and most importantly head over heels, in love with one another.

In the beginning, Evangeline had come to town to help Mitch, then Keri. To her surprise she had ended up in a relationship with RJ Gannon, Keri’s father. RJ had been the ‘rebound’ guy. He was in no way like Dennis and that fact had fascinated her. RJ was flashy, he was a man with an extensive criminal past, and the law meant nothing to him. He was in fact a mirror opposite of Dennis.

Going to Llanview had been a relief, it was the excuse she needed to flee and rid her of all the excess baggage that came with broken relationships. Yes, she’d loved her time in the big city, but she needed a change; a place to renew her spirit, to refresh her soul. LLanview had offered this and more to Evangeline and RJ had been a nice distraction for a time.

Then out of no where, RJ had changed. It was a subtle change but she was not blind to it. His need to know her every move went from minimally intriguing to downright annoying. She found herself feeling as if she were trapped in the relationship from hell. She had been down this road before, yet she held on not willing to accept defeat. She had been successful with so many things in her life, she’d mastered the piano, she’d been the youngest woman on the Law Review during college, had interned with high profile legal eagles, was an ace on the tennis court, owned any golf course she played on, and proudly boasted a 265 average in bowling. But, love had evaded her. She thought that Dennis had been “the one” but after cleaning her rose tinted glasses of denial, she realized that she was not, had never really been happy with him. He was the idealized image come to life of the man she felt her father would want for her. He was career driven, successful and knew all the right people. Simply put, Dennis did not move her, and she knew that they were not meant to be. Then RJ came along and she jumped head first into a relationship while knowing full and well that she was not totally into him. But she was lonely and RJ’s flattering words had sucked her in. She convinced herself that she did have strong feelings for him and that they could have a future. Although she knew better, she decided to stick it out; she’d learn to love him …in time.

But that didn’t happen. She had tired of RJ’s repeated phone calls and insistent demands that she tell him her whereabouts. It was not normal and Evangeline wanted out. When she thought that she could not take one more minute of it, RJ would turn around and romance her back into her fantasy world. For a woman who seemed to have everything in her life under control, it pained Evangeline to admit that love was beating her black & blue.

Then came June 14th and the murders of her client Arthur Loomis & Agent Catherine Fitzgerald during the Santi saga. She and John McBain had been bonded in tragedy then; her need was to find out who had killed her client and his to discover who had killed his colleague and friend. Before either knew what hit them, they had made love-their fates were sealed on that warm summer night. No matter how she’d tried to rationalize it later, it was on that night that John had captured her soul.

Now, three years later, Evangeline could only marvel at where life had taken her. She sat quietly in the antique rocker holding the most precious gift in the entire world. She stared down and held back the tears that formed as she thought of how far she’d come. Bach’s Air on a G String played softly in the background as the sun light through the bay window warmed her. Slowly, a sound brought her out of her reverie. It was the cordless phone that lay on the table next to her, it was ringing. Instinctively, she knew who it was.

“Hi mom.”

“ Hello Cookie honey, how are you?” It was her mother with her daily check. This call had come like clock work since Evangeline had returned home from the hospital and Lisa had traveled back to her home two weeks later.

“ I’m really good.” Evangeline replied smiling down at the child who laid suckling at her breast.

“ How’s my grandaughter doing? Is she eating?” Lisa was so excited, Evangeline could only smile wider.

“Yes, mom she’s right here filling her belly as we speak.” Evangeline caressed her daughter’s cheek and marveled in the child.

****************************

The baby had been born four months earlier. It had been a long labor, the pain had been almost unbearable, but she had made it through. How she hadn’t lost consciousness still boggled her mind. John had been right there, feeding her ice chips and letting her yell at him prior to the epidural being administered. Poor John had looked as if he’d pass out when she’d actually begun labor, his eyes sparkled with tears and he’d held onto her hand for dear life. His words of comfort and love still resonated in her head. She’d fallen in love with him all over again on that day. Then sixteen hours after arriving at the hospital, at 4:28 PM, Caitlyn Alana McBain had been born, all 6 pounds and 5 ounces of joy.

“Okay Evangeline the head is out….. a couple more big pushes and your baby will be out.” Doctor Green said as she and the nurse made some quick adjustments.

“I can’t, I can’t …John, please, tell her I can’t. I don’t know anything about being someone’s mother. I can’t have a baby now.” Evangeline was sweating so much that John couldn’t tell where the sweat ended and the tears began.

John leaned in and whispered to Evangeline, “It’s all right Hon. You can do it and you‘re gonna be the best mommy in the world too. If it weren’t for you saving me, I wouldn’t be here right now. And an old Irish man like me wasn’t easy to help. Hell, if you could tackle me, the baby will be a piece of cake. Huh, how about it?” He smiled and then kissed her forehead. She stared at him and the look of love that emanated from her eyes filled his heart.

“O…Okay. I’m good. I …I mean we can do this.” She said as a contraction reared up and she gave in to the urge and began to push again.

“Push …good, good Evangeline, the shoulders are out. One more push and your baby will be here.” The doctor moved in closer and just as she‘d said, with that one last push the baby had been born.

“It’s a beautiful baby girl. “ the doctor happily proclaimed. John was showering kisses on Evangeline’s face and lips.

“You did it honey, I love you…I love you both.” he said, tears falling down his cheeks. Evangeline cried too. She reached up to his cheek and dried some tears before he grasped her hand and kissed it too. Their eyes locked on one another and the love each saw filled them even more.

“Come cut the cord daddy.” The nurse had beckoned to John and he moved toward the baby and did his duty.

Though they had not even considered any girl names, for they were sure it would be a boy from what everyone kept telling them, Evangeline knew exactly what names she wanted to use. Later that night in the private suite, Evangeline lay in the bed watching John hold his daughter after her first feeding. Nurse Grayson had shown her how to breast feed the baby and though she had to admit the process was quite painful, once the baby had successfully latched on, all the pain seemed to fade as their eyes locked on one another, and mother and daughter bonding had begun. Evangeline smiled at the sight of John cradling the baby, kissing her forehead, stroking her cheek with his forefinger. A tear slid down her face.

“John….” She whispered.

“Hmmm…” he replied not taking his eyes off of his daughter, he was in love again.

“I want to call her Caitlyn Alana. Is that alright with you? ” Evangeline sat up and waited for the words to sink in.

John slowly raised his eyes to hers.” I….. I think it’s a beautiful name.” He stood walking delicately as possible with his daughter in tow. Evangeline slid over, grimacing a bit at the pain, to allow them to join her on the bed.

John reached out and took Evangeline’s hand in his own. “John, I know it might seem odd to some people that I want to name the baby after Caitlin, but it doesn’t seem that way to me. From everything you’ve ever told me about her, I’ve grown to admire her for the woman she was, for how she filled your life with light and love. And I am so grateful that she was a part of your life, and in a sense my life too, that I just feel the need to honor her this way.” Evangeline sniffled and wiped away an errand tear.

John stroked her hand with his thumb and allowed his own tears to flow freely. “Evangeline, I’m overcome. I feel like Caitlin is smiling down on us all right now. She would have loved knowing you. He said kissing her cheek and then her lips.

“So it’s settled then. Caitlin it is. Caitlin with a ‘y’.” she added bending down to kiss the baby.

“C-a-i-t-l-y-n. I love it, hon.” John said still grinning. Alana huh? After your friend from dance camp who passed away in Junior High? He added.

“Yeah, Alana Brewster. She was the first person to befriend me at camp and after that day we were like glue. We were so young, both of us were eleven going on forty. Evangeline laughed at the memory of her mother saying that to them one night. I still think about the last time I saw her in that hospital room, she was so pale and ill, yet she kept trying to make us laugh. I’ll never forget her John. She was an amazing kid. Sixteen was just too young. We had so many plans, so much to do together.” A melancholy look overtook Evangeline’s face. “I’ll call her mother when I get home to tell her about the baby.” Evangeline wiped more tears away and snuggled up close to John, both of them watching Caitlyn sleep.

“Hmm, it’s been a long day for you Mom.” He said.

“…For you too Dad. Oh and I’m sorry for screaming all that terrible stuff at you earlier. I was out of my mind with pain. It was crazy.” she giggled.

“ I totally understand Hon. I’m just glad my girls came out of it all okay.” He started kissing Evangeline squarely on the lips. He always marveled at how soft her lips were. She tasted so sweet it made him want to devour her right there in the sterile hospital suite. His hand slid up into her hair, he had to admit one of his favorite places to play.

“Uh..um, sorry you two.” Said Lisa Williamson as she re entered the room. She had arrived in Llanview prior to the delivery and had waited patiently with Eve, Nora, and the others as the labor dragged on. Once it was over John had rushed in and told them everything was okay and that there was a new Miss McBain in the world. After they had all ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhed’ over the baby a bit, they’d all departed leaving the new family to bond.

John looked over at the door seeing Lisa carrying four assorted mylar balloons colored with pink lettering saying ” It’s a girl” and “Congratulations!” and a huge basket filled with what appeared to be food and beverages. He rose from the bed, placing Caitlyn in the crib and then rushed to Lisa to ease her load.

“Oh, you are such a sweetheart John. Thank you.” She handed off the basket to him leaning in and placing a kiss on his cheek before he moved away. “ What time is it anyway?” he asked.

Lisa peered at her watch as she secured the balloons to the lamp post near the window. “7: 14 John. And no that’s seven at night, not in the morning. “She smiled. She moved near the crib.”How’s my granddaughter?” she asked no one in particular.

“Caitlyn Alana is doing fine Mom.” Evangeline answered.

Lisa stared over at her daughter with the sweetest expression on her face.” That’s a beautiful name Cookie; for a beautiful little girl.” Lisa smiled at Evangeline then over at John. Lisa then returned her attentions to her new granddaughter. She leaned down and gently kissed the baby.” Oh, there is nothing like the smell of a newborn baby. It’s the sweetest smell in the universe.” She patted the baby’s tummy and pulled the blanket up a bit more.

“ I agree with you 100% Lisa. “John added, looking over and smiling at Evangeline.

Lisa walked to her daughter. She needed to check on her baby now.” Cookie, how are you feeling? “ Lisa caressed her cheek and then kissed her.

“ Good, Mommy, just a little tired though.” Evangeline said through a long yawn.

“ You don’t say.” Lisa smiled. “Well, first lesson is you need to sleep while the baby is sleeping so you can catch up on your rest. And John you need to do the same. I’m here now, so why don’t the two of you get some rest. In an hour or two you’ll need to feed the baby again Cookie. I brought food for the both of you. So, sleep now and I’ll wake you up to feed the baby and so you both can feed you own bodies.” Lisa stated. She settled down on one of the recliner chairs with a magazine she’d left there earlier. John stood near the basket, pilfering through the items smiling like a little boy. “Now John leave that alone and get over on that sofa and rest, young man.” Lisa ordered.

“ Yes ma’am.” He said saluting as he sauntered to the sofa, slid off his shoes and lay back preparing to rest. Evangeline settled back into the plush pillows and drifted off with a huge smile on her face. Yes, that day had been wonderful.

*******************

“So, honey is John home yet?” Lisa asked.

“No, not for another hour or so. He’s tying up a case.” Evangeline stroked Caitlyn’s cheek again.

“Have you eaten dinner yet Cookie. You need to make sure you’re eating regularly while you’re nursing.” Lisa stated.

“Yes, Mommy. I ate a small salad about an hour before I sat down with her. I’ll eat dinner with John when he gets here.”

“Good. Now, how did the Shepard’s Pie turn out?” Lisa enquired.

“Well, it smells great that’s for sure. John will be so surprised. Oops, hold on a minute mom, I need to change sides.” Evangeline said as she noticed the signal of pain that indicated the need for the nursing to shift to the other breast. Evangeline watched Caitlyn’s lips continue their sucking motion once she’d removed the nipple, she turned her to the opposite side, unfastened the bra clip and placed the nipple next to the baby’s lips until she latched on as the feeding frenzy continued.

She grabbed an aloe wipe and cleaned off the exposed breast then placed a new bra pad in the flap before snapping it and pulling her blouse over her bra.

“No Henry, your Uncle Clay will not be here for another thirty minutes. Boy, just take those boxes up to the attic for me would you. Gracious….. “ Evangeline heard Lisa yell as she put the phone to her ear again.

“ Okay mom, I’m back.” She said smiling as she heard Henry in the distance complaining about the manual labor.” Having a nice visit with Henry are you?” she laughed.

“ You know your cousin. He loves antagonizing any and everyone. “ Lisa said.

“ Yes he does. Tell him I said hello.” Evangeline added. In the background she heard the sound of glass breaking. “What happened?’ she asked.

“Henry are you okay? What happened?” Lisa yelled.

“ I think I knocked over a lamp Aunt Lisa. “ Henry called back.

“ Dear Lord, Cookie let me go . Apparently I need to supervise his every move. Kiss Caitlyn & John for me and take care of yourself.” Lisa said trailing off as she turned from the receiver calling after Henry again.

“I will. Talk with you tomorrow Mom.” Evangeline replied looking down at Caitlyn only to find her staring back at her. After goodbyes were exchanged, Evangeline hung up the telephone.

Caitlyn was indeed an amazingly beautiful baby. Evangeline estimated that Caitlyn's skin was two or three shades darker than John’s. It was like his skin looked after repeated & prolonged exposure to the summer sun which left him looking bronzed and healthy. The thick pin straight black hair she’d been born with had turned a soft chestnut hue and had begun to curl a bit. As for her eyes, well they were a bright baby blue, like her father’s; with specks of the dark brown here and there, the color of her mother’s eyes. Caitlyn had Evangeline’s full pouty lips. She had John’s chin and to her surprise it appeared that Caitlyn would have her fingers; finger’s made to play the piano. Evangeline couldn’t wait to see her sitting at a piano tickling the ivories. It was a thrilling prospect. Yes, Caitlyn McBain was going to be a heartbreaker, she was that already.

“All right little one, it’s sleepy time.” Evangeline whispered as she disengaged the baby from her body and then restored her undergarments. She rose and walked over to the baby’s circular crib. Laying Caitlyn on her side, she placed her favorite lilac blanket over the child’s lower body. Evangeline leaned over the bed and pressed her lips in to Caitlyn’s hair, leaving butterfly kisses there.” I love you.” She said as she caressed the baby’s tummy, her hand trailing down to her small chubby legs.

Evangeline turned up the volume on the baby monitor that was attached to the bed framing before leaving the room. The sounds of Bach continued to softly drift through the air floating around and bouncing off the baby blue sky and clouds backdrop that decorated the walls and ceiling of Caitlyn’s bedroom. As she buttoned her blouse up she had to smile at her life. No, things had not turned out like she’s imagined they would, they had turned out a million times better.

By 6: 27 p.m. Evangeline had showered and changed into her favorite pair of jeans and soft form fitting top. Yes a lot could be said about the perks of nursing. She had lost all the baby weight, her body seemed tighter and firmer than ever. She sauntered down the staircase and headed for the kitchen. Caitlyn had still been sound asleep when she’d checked on her. So, she decided it was a good time to warm the meal and then cuddle up on the over stuffed sofa under the chenille blanket to rest a bit until John got home. The last thing she did before drifting off to sleep was to turn up the hand held remote monitor and place it on the end table next to her.

It was a little after 7:00 p.m. when John entered the house through the garage door. He smelled the food immediately. He smiled and continued moving through the kitchen toward the sound of the television set in the entertainment room. There fast asleep on the couch was Evangeline. She looked like an angel to him. He walked to her and kneeled next to the sofa. He kissed her cheek, her forehead, her hair and was nuzzling her neck when he heard her giggle.

"Lieutenant McBain, what will my husband say if he catches you here kissing me like this?” Evangeline toyed.

“He’ll definitely understand why I can’t keep my hands off of you.” John sat back on his heels, and smiled at his wife.

Evangeline slowly sat up allowing John to sit next to her. She returned his smile and then reached out to him for an embrace.” Oh, I missed you today.” She said.

“…missed you too, both of you.” John added.

Their bodies molded into each other. They sat on the sofa just holding one another. Evangeline listened to John’s heart beating and marveled in the warmth that he gave her. She inhaled his essence and was overjoyed when she felt him fondling her hair, one of the things she enjoyed him doing to her.

“Mmmm, I could stay like this all night.” John whispered.

Evangeline nodded her agreement. “Are you hungry?” she asked.

“Oh, yeah you know me. It was a long day and I had way too many reports to complete. I am starved and just glad that the case is over.” John repied.

“Well, I’m glad everything fell in line with this case,I know how hard you worked. I fixed one of your favorite meals too… Mom’s Shepard Pie and I made a salad to accompany it. So why don’t you go up and shower and change and spend some time with your daughter because I know she missed you. And then we’ll have dinner. How does that sound to you, Mr. McBain?”

“ Sounds like a plan to me Mrs. McBain.” He said kissing her on the lips. The passion between them had not died, the intensity of this kiss was like the first few kisses they’d shared when he lived in his first ratty room at the Angel Square Hotel. But, there was so much more in those kisses now, so much history, and so much love.

“Mmm.” Evangeline moaned as John’s tongue explored her mouth. “J..ohn. John, we can’t …she panted as his lips and tongue ravaged her mouth, her face, and her neck.

“Damn….don’t I know it, Hon. You just make me mad with need.” He rested his forehead on hers as he waited for their breathing to return to normal. “ I love you Cookie.” He added with a smirk.

“Ditto, Johnny Mack.” Evangeline kissed his cheek and then patted his chest affectionately.” Now go, or I am going to be the one to attack you.” She playfully shoved him away from her and began giggling.

John rose from the sofa and exited the room. Turning back to her as he reached the door way, he blew her a kiss, which she lovingly caught placing her hand next to her heart.

Hours later, Evangeline sat on the sofa, sitting between John’s legs and leaning against his hard chest. She was feeding Caitlyn again. John marveled in this ritual and once they had done the feeding in this exact position weeks ago, it led to it becoming a nightly ritual.

"I am one lucky man. “ John whispered in Evangeline’s ear. “This has to be hands down the most beautiful sight I have ever seen in my life.” He added.

“John, you’ve said that every night for weeks now.” Evangeline giggled.

“I know and it’s true every time I say it.” His deep voice sending chills up and down her spine. John gently kissed her on the temple and Evangeline could feel his smile as he nuzzled her.

“Hmm, I never knew that I’d love being a wife and mother so much.” She said staring at the baby nurse.

“Yeah?” John queried. Using his forefinger he stroked Caitlyn’s full cheek.

“Yeah. It amazes me sometimes. I never imagined this life for myself. I never really thought I deserved this, not really. It wasn’t going to end up like this for me. Hmm, sounds crazy doesn’t it?” Evangeline leaned her head back so that John could see her eyes.

“I guess I could say the same thing. I’m just so glad you decided to give a bum like me a chance to win your heart.” John grinned, bending down and capturing Evangeline’s soft lips.

Moments later the sounds of Caitlyn’s crying filled the air. “Uhhhh, come on Cait, Daddy’s trying to get busy here.” John said refusing to let Evangeline look away.

“John….” Evangeline yelped!

“I know , I know….Caitlyn comes first.” John fained a sad frown.

“Here you go Caitlyn, Mommy’s sorry that your naughty ‘ole Daddy distracted me…again!” Evangeline laughed as she repositioned Caitlyn until she had again latched on to nipple and was happily feeding.

“I love you Evangeline…I love you both, so much you’ll never know.” John said as his voice took on a serious tone.

Evangeline reached for his hand and smiled as she observed Caitlyn’s tiny fingers gripping one of John’s fingers. She placed her hand on top of theirs. “Hmmm, I love you John, and you too my sweet baby girl.” Evangeline’s eyes teared up. John took his free arm and tightened his hold on Evangeline, squeezing her to him.

“ Yep, this is definitely heaven. My own private slice of heaven…..” John added while Evangeline nodded in agreement. “It doesn’t get any better than this.”