The Captain of My Dreams

This story is a work of fiction. The events in this story are fictional. The characters in this story do not exist, any resemblance to real people is purely coincidental. This story contains erotic and/or sexually explicit activities between consenting adults. If you are under age, find this type of work offensive, or it is illegal for you to view this, do not read it.

The Captain of My Dreams -- Part 5 By tmabare Copyright 2012

• • • From Part 4 * * *

When Teddy was finished, he walked out and over to Edward, leaning in he kissed him and Edward brought his hand to behind Teddy's head. They held the kiss for a minute before breaking and sitting for the landing.

Edward looked into Ted's eyes, "Babe, today is probably going to be a mad house. In case I forget to say it later, thank you."

"For what?"

"For bringing me home, for arranging a solicitor, and for just being you." He leaned over and they kissed again.

They sat holding hands for the remainder of the flight, with Teddy's head on Edward's shoulder.

• • • Part 5 * * *

The landing was picture perfect and the journey through immigration was easier than Ted expected. When they emerged from the building with their luggage, Teddy was surprised to see not only the vehicle from his office but also a Range Rover parked next to it, with two men in dark suits. Edward smiled and walked over to the men extending his hand.

"Tony, I'm surprised to see you here. You didn't say you were going to meet me."

"Edward, it's great to see you, you remember Andrew Greene. We decided to make sure you make it safely to Elizabeth."

"Thanks, mate."

Andrew nodded his head towards the Gulfstream parked on the tarmac, "That was some ride you pulled up in. How'd you swing that?"

Edward turned and waved Teddy, who had been hanging back, over to him, "Tony Price, Andrew Greene, let me introduce Ted Jackson. Ted runs Jackson Global. Ted, Tony and Andrew are part of the Royal Protection Branch. Tony and I have known each other since school."

Ted shook both men's hands with a smile, "It's great to meet you both. Thank you for helping Edward."

Andrew just smiled slightly as Tony talked, "Thank you for getting him home so fast. Why don't you two ride with us and we'll get your bags loaded in the other vehicle."

Once the bags were taken care of, they all loaded up and were on the road heading for Kensington. Thankfully there wasn't much traffic this time of the morning. With Andrew driving, it gave Tony the time to go over with Edward and Ted everything they had discovered so far. Unfortunately, there wasn't much they had been able to figure out. The only highpoint was the National Health Service was cooperating but there were still no reports of anyone matching Mary's description.

During the ride Teddy found himself sitting as far away from Edward as possible. It was something Ted had consciously thought to do and it was something Edward noticed immediately. It felt to him if Teddy had put an invisible barrier between them for some reason and he didn't like it. Edward looked at Teddy and then back out the front window. Edward moved his hand to touch Teddy's, which was on the seat between them. Teddy quickly moved his hand away and Edward was shocked. He couldn't figure out what he'd done for Ted to pull away from him like this.

For his part Teddy spent most of the drive staring out the side window looking at the sights of the city. When he allowed himself to look over at Edward, he was looking back at him with a blank expression Teddy couldn't quite figure out.

When the group finally pulled up outside of Albert Court, Edward couldn't believe it. "Bloody hell, this is where your flat is?"

Ted was suddenly embarrassed for some reason. "Um, yeah... come on Bess is upstairs waiting."

Ted arranged with the porters and his driver to get all the bags up to the flat. Then he and the other men headed into the building. When they entered the entryway Edward stopped momentarily a bit overwhelmed by the stonework, plaster details everywhere and the red carpet underfoot. To his credit, he recovered quickly and continued walking towards the elevator. Once on the third floor, Ted directed Edward to the flat's door.

As Teddy opened the door he was greeted by a very attractive young man in jeans and a blue and maroon t-shirt. The man's smile was warm and his muscular body seemed very well defined. His short brown hair and square jaw would make him attractive to anyone he wanted. Ted thought better than to lean his head down and check the man out completely, it wasn't that he was attracted to him but he was curious.

"Hello, you must be Mr. Jackson, I'm Devon Baker" He extended his hand and grasped Ted's. His handshake was firm and he made eye contact, something that impressed Ted for someone so young.

"It's nice to meet you Devon. Edward speaks very highly of you."

It was then that then Edward walked in and the young man came to attention. "Please Devon, I can't tell you how much what you've done today means to me. I'll be eternally grateful." He extended his hand toward the young trooper.

"Thank you Captain, I'm just glad I could help you." He shook Edward's hand and then started speaking with Tony and Andrew to find out if they had learned anything new.

Edward was looking around the entry way and down the long hallway that led further into the flat. He couldn't get over the size of the place and wanted to explore, but his desire to see his daughter was greater than anything else.

He looked at Teddy, "Where's Elizabeth?"

"I had Devon put her in the next bedroom." Ted directed Edward to the next doorway on the left.

"Thank you again." Edward shook hands with Devon, Tony and Andrew as they stood in the entryway. When he opened the door to the bedroom he saw Bess sleeping on the bed. Edward noticed that some of the items from her room at Mary's were now here and it looked like she had clothes hanging in the closet.

Edward sat on the edge of the bed and gently touched Elizabeth's back. She woke immediately and smiled as she threw herself into his arms. There were tears in both of their eyes.

Ted was standing in the open doorway watching the scene, and trying his hardest not to cry. For some reasons, his emotions seemed to be in overdrive. He moved back to where the others were standing. "Tony... Andrew... Can I offer you some tea or something else to drink?"

"No, thank you. We're going to be leaving." Tony was smiling, and Ted could swear he was staring at his neck.

Andrew finally spoke to Ted, "I have early duty at the palace. I really should try to get some sleep."

Tony looked at Andrew smiling and then back to Ted. "Thank you again for bringing him home. I'll call if something comes up. Will Edward be staying with you?"

"For the time being he is." Ted suddenly felt very self-conscious. "Thank you both, again."

When they walked out the door the porters were there to deliver the bags. When they left, it was just Ted and Devon in the entryway with the bags. Teddy grabbed his suitcases and with help from Devon, headed toward his bedroom. Once inside he started to unpack his clothing, as they chatted about Elizabeth's evening with Devon. Ted wasn't sure what he should do with Edward's bags while Devon was here. Even with all Edward had said, he wasn't going to be the one that announced their relationship to anyone. Edward would have to do that himself, when he was ready. Plus now that they were in London he thought he would give Edward an out, in case he had changed his mind about anything.

"Devon, why don't we leave Captain Smythe's bags in the entry for now? I'm not sure if he'll want to stay in the room with Elizabeth or the other guest room."

With Ted leading the way, the two men moved off to the living room overlooking Royal Albert Hall. The room was comfortably furnished, and wasn't as formal as many of the flats Ted had seen in the building. He always went more for comfort and function than looks. Sitting on the couches, Ted looked at Devon and tried to get a measure of the man in front of him. "I can't thank you enough for what you did today."

"It was nothing, sir. Captain Smythe is a good man, and he has always treated me with respect. I was honored that he called and asked me to help him."

"You're right, he is a good man. But you still went out of your way to help and that means a great deal to us." As it came out, Teddy hoped that Devon didn't catch it. "Edward told me you were leaving the Army?"

"Yes, sir, only have a few weeks left. I'm going to miss Captain Smythe the most, he has been my role model and a hero to a lot of us. Please don't tell him I said that, he doesn't see it in himself."

"Don't worry about it Devon, it's our secret. What are you going to do when you get out?"

Devon averted his eyes from Ted's and his voice was quieter when he spoke. "I don't have any plans. I don't even know where I'm going to live. Things kinda happened too quickly."

"What time do you need to be back?"

"I should be heading back now that Captain Smythe is here. I have duty in the morning."

"Devon, why don't I have Viktor drive you back to Knightsbridge?"

"If you're sure it's not too much of an imposition, I can always walk."

"No need for you to walk, trust me, it's not an imposition." Teddy reached into his pocket and pulled out a business card. "Devon, look, I'm not in the army so I'm not bound by its rules. I'd like to take you to lunch and talk some more. Do you think you would be free anytime soon?"

"Well, I'm free tomorrow afternoon. I only have half a day's duty tomorrow. If that's too soon, we can figure out another time."

"No, that'd be perfect. How about I send someone to pick you up at 12:30?"

"I look forward to it, Mr. Jackson."

"Perfect... and Devon?"

"Yes, sir."

"Remember, I'm just a civilian, so it's Ted. Not sir and certainly not Mr. Jackson."

"Thank you... Ted." They shook hands again, and Devon walked down the hall and grabbed his bag. Ted met him at the door and made sure the driver understood to take him to the barracks and then he was released for the night.

When Teddy walked by the door to the room Elizabeth was in, Edward was still sitting on the bed with her as he tried to get her to go back to sleep. Edward looked back at Ted and motioned him over.

"Bess, I want you to meet someone, this is daddy's friend Ted." Edward then turned to look into Teddy's eyes, "Ted this is my Elizabeth."

Teddy knelt down beside the bed and placed his hand on Edward's thigh without thinking but quickly pulled his hand away when he realized what he had done. "Hello, Elizabeth. I'm very happy to meet you. Your dad has told me all about you."

She extended her little hand towards Teddy, "Hello... Daddy told me that you brought him home to me, thank you."

"You're welcome. Do you need anything?"

She smiled and looked at Edward and then at him, "No, sir. I'm doing better now that daddy is here. Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course you can."

"Daddy said you have a plane. Can I see it?"

Edward and Teddy both smiled widely, "How about we do one better. They're going to move it tomorrow morning. Would you like to go for a ride in it?"

Her face burst into a huge smile, "Oh daddy, can we?"

"Of course we can. Now you better get back to sleep."

"Will you stay with me a little while longer?" She then looked over Edward's shoulder at Ted who was leaving the room "Goodnight, Mr. Ted."

"Goodnight." Ted left the room heading off to his own bedroom. Once there he called Laura and John to let them know they arrived safely and he updated them on what they had learned from Tony Price. He then called Viktor and explained the need to go to Heathrow in the morning.

When he was off the phone, he took some towels out of the closet and headed for the shower. While standing under the large rain head with his eyes closed, he thought about the past few days. He focused on today and the implications it had for their future. He shook his head after he thought it, `it's strange to think that way, not my future anymore, but hopefully ours.'

When he was finished, Ted got out of the shower and pulled on a pair of boxer briefs and climbed into bed. He didn't feel physically tired, but he just didn't feel like being anywhere else. He sent a text message to Jake letting him know he wanted to change tomorrow's move a little and to let Dustin know there would be guests for the move. Before he knew it he had fallen asleep.

Teddy was startled awake when he felt someone climb into bed with him. He turned to see Edward climbing in wearing just a pair of black boxer briefs. Edward had obviously just gotten out of the shower and he smelled incredible. It was that soap and testosterone scent that Teddy loved so much and as he smelled it his head started to spin. Edward moved next to Teddy and kissed him, "What a day, babe. Who thought when we got up this morning we'd end up here in London?" Edward kissed Teddy tenderly, "Thanks again babe, and this place IS amazing."

"I'm glad you like it. We can change things around if you want to stay here, or we can just look for a new place." There was fear in his voice when he said it, and he regretted it the minute it came out.

"Why wouldn't... Babe, you've been acting off since we landed at Heathrow. You're starting to worry me, what's going on?"

"Yeah, I guess I have been depressed." Teddy reached out placed his hand on Edward's bare chest. He started to rub his fingers through the short hair that was present. He wasn't sure where to start, or what to say.

Edward could tell there was something very wrong, "Babe, are you trying to distract me? If you keep rubbing my chest, we're not going to talk. Please tell me what's wrong. I noticed that you left all my stuff in the entry, trying to tell me something?"

"I feel like an idiot. The minute we got out of customs it was like everything changed. It was like Savannah was a fantasy, and now we are here and it felt like I'm not supposed to be with you."

Edward was confused and his voice showed it, "What the bloody hell are you talking about?"

"Earlier all I wanted to do was hold your hand on the way from the airport, but I knew I couldn't. I was afraid to do or say anything..."

"Is that why you pulled away from me in the car and why you didn't want to touch me in the other room?"

"I just don't want to cause any trouble. I wasn't sure how Bess would react to me touching you, let alone Tony and Andrew. I left your bags in the entry because I wasn't sure if you wanted to stay in here with me or if you wanted to go in the other guest room because of Bess being here. Plus, I didn't want Devon to see me put your bags in here." Teddy could feel his eyes moisten.

"Come here." Edward pulled Teddy closer, so Ted's head was resting on his chest. "Listen very carefully to what I am going to say. You DO NOT need to worry. I want to be here with you... right in this room... in this bed... with you every night. As far as Bess in concerned, she already likes you and she will soon love you as much as I do." Edward paused for a moment.

Teddy's eye widened, `Did he just say...'

"Teddy, look at me." He pulled Ted's face up so they were eye to eye, "Looks like I just let the cat out of the bag. I wasn't going to say anything until I was sure how you felt, but... I love you." With that he leaned in and kissed Teddy. The hand that was on Ted's chin moved around the back of his neck and held him in place.

When they finally broke the kiss, Ted could barely breathe. "Edward, I've wanted to tell you all day how I felt, but I was too scared. I've been so worried that I was going to put my feeling out there and you wouldn't feel the same..."

Edward's next kiss stopped Ted from rambling. "Babe, calm down." His laughter made Ted start laughing also.

"Sorry, when I'm around you my brain goes into overdrive sometimes."

"I know. It's one of the things I find so attractive about you. Listen, I know you aren't going to do anything to embarrass either of us, so just be yourself. If you want to touch me, do it. Because, I will sure being touching you when I feel like it. If some friend of mine can't handle the fact that we love each other, then they don't need to be part of my life. I think I know my friends well enough to know it won't be an issue."

"I'm sorry for being such a spaz. I'll try to relax, and go with the flow. There are just a couple more things."

"I knew there would be..." There was that mischievous grin again.

"First off, so you know... I invited Devon for lunch tomorrow. I want to talk to him."

"Babe, I can't..."

"Edward, I want to talk to him. So I invited him, I'm not in the army. What he did for you was important, and I want to see if there is anything I can do to repay him."

After he thought about it for a moment, Edward finally spoke. "You're right babe, I'm sorry. You aren't in the Army, so you can invite anyone you want to your home." Edward then squinted his eyes and looked at Teddy, "What are you up to?"

"You're so suspicious... well... ok, maybe I am up to something." Teddy laughed. "He's going to be leaving the army and he told me he didn't have plans for a job or a place to live. I figured if Bess really likes him that much, maybe he could come and work for us. You did say he used to take care of his brothers and sisters, right?"

"Babe, you are something else, you know that?"

"Well, with both of us working, I figured we were going to need help with Bess, and I would rather it be someone we know. The important thing is that you ok with this? If you are not, we will make it work some other way."

Edward stared off into space for a moment and then looked Teddy in the eyes. "I know you're right about needing help. It's just the whole money thing again."

"Edward, listen to me. Money isn't going to change our love for each other, our love for Bess, or our morals and values. All it will do is make our lives a little easier and in this case it's also going to provide a good job and place to live for Devon."

"I know you're right. Just remember this money thing is still hard for me. So, what else?"

"What are you gonna tell Bess about us?"

Edward paused and looked up at the ceiling, "The truth, that we love each other."

"When are you planning on doing it?"

"I thought we could tell her on our little plane ride tomorrow. You do know you don't have to do that?"

"I thought she could use the distraction with everything going on."

"Always thinking of others aren't you?" Edward leaned over and kissed Teddy's forehead.

"Well... Maybe... I'm trying to score brownie points too."

"You don't need to do that. Just be yourself and she will fall for you like I did." Edward said it as he leaned over and kissed Teddy on the lips. "Do you want to try to sleep some more? Not sure my body is going to know what time it is in the morning."

Instead of answering, Teddy rolled over and backed into Edward, who wrapped his arms around him for their now normal sleeping position. Teddy pulled Edward's hand to his mouth and kissed it, "I love you."

Edward responded by placed his lips close to Teddy's ear, "I love you more."

The sound of his mobile phone ringing brought Edward out of his slumber. He didn't even look at the caller ID, "Edward Smythe."

"Edward, it's Tony Price. Sorry to wake you mate."

"It's ok Tony. Do you have some news?"

"I'm not sure. There was a 999 call about an hour ago for an unidentified female found in a hotel over near the Camden Locks. She's unconscious and suffering from an apparent drug overdose. She fits Mary's description, but this woman didn't have any identification on her."

"Where is she?" As Edward said it he realized Teddy was awake and trying not to move. As Teddy tensed, Edward pulled him tighter into his chest, which made both of them relax.

"University College Hospital, off of Euston Road, do you know where it is?"

"Yes, I'll meet you there."

"Listen, I have to drive past you to get there, how about I pick you up?"

"Sounds great Tony, how soon will you be here?"

"About twenty minutes."

"Ok, I'll meet you down front. Thanks Tony."

"No problem mate, see you shortly... Hey... Tell Ted I'm sorry to wake him up."

"Ah... Yeah, I'll tell him..." With that the line went dead. Edward thought to himself, `How did he know he woke Teddy up?'

Ted rolled over so he could see Edward's face, "What's going on?"

"They found a female who matches Mary's description that overdosed in a hotel in Camden. They took her to University College Hospital and Tony is going to pick me up on his way over there." Edward decided to not mention the last comment. He knew it would just make Ted nuts worrying about it.

"What time is it?" Teddy tried to lean over Edward to look at the alarm clock.

"Seven-thirty, I guess I better tell Bess we can't go flying."

Teddy grabbed Edward's arm as he started to get out of the bed. "Why don't I go ahead and take her? There is no sense in her going to the hospital unless we know something for sure. I think it would just upset her for no reason if it's not Mary."

"As usual, you're right. Let's get some clothes on and wake her up."

After climbing from bed and dressing they headed down the hall to the bedroom where Elizabeth had slept. When they got there she was sitting on the floor playing. When she heard the men enter her room, she looked up at them and smiled. She ran over to Edward and jumped into his arms for a hug and kissed him on the cheek. "Morning, daddy."

"Good morning, my love." Edward kissed her forehead.

Elizabeth then looked over Edward's shoulder at Teddy, "Good morning, Mr. Ted."

"Hello Bess, did you sleep ok?"

"Yes, sir."

Still holding Bess, Edward sat down on the bed. "Bess, I need you to do something for me today. I have to go do some work things this morning. Mr. Ted is going to take you on your plane ride, is that ok with you?"

She looked at Ted and smiled, "Yes, sir."

"I've got to leave in a few minutes, so I want you behave for Mr. Ted."

"Yes, sir."

Edward put her down and she started to get dressed for the day. Walking out the door Edward grasped Teddy's hand and pulling him further into the hallway.

"Thank you for looking after her. I'll call you when I know anything." He reached behind Teddy's neck and pulled him into a deep kiss, when he broke it he looked deeply into Ted's eyes. "I love you. I'll see you in a little while."

"I love you too." Teddy leaned in and gave Edward another quick kiss and then he walked him to the door of the flat, letting him out. "I almost forgot, here." He handed Edward a key to the flat, and then watched him walk to the elevator and stood there until the lift doors closed.

When he turned around Elizabeth was dressed and in the doorway to her room. "Mr. Ted, are you ok? You look sad."

Teddy didn't realize that his sadness at the thought of being apart from Edward showed on his face. This would be the longest they had been apart since they met. He made an effort to smile and remember that it was important to be there for Elizabeth today. "I'm sorry, Bess. I was just thinking. Do you want some breakfast?"

When Edward jumped into the Range Rover he noticed Tony was by himself and smiling at Edward. "Morning, Edward."

"Morning mate, where's Andrew?"

"He's at the palace this morning. Did you guys get any sleep?"

"Yeah, we slept great." Edward turned to look out the window when he said it and felt himself blush ever so slightly.

Tony raised his eyebrows, nodded his head slightly and smiled a little wider. "Mate, how long have we known each other?"

"Since my parents came back from Australia, what is that... ten years now?"

"There is something different about you. Since the ambush and that shit with Mary, you haven't been yourself. Now, all of the sudden, I see you yesterday and you actually looked happy. The happiest I've ever seen you. What's up?"

"Where do I start?" Edward seriously had no clue where he should start this conversation.

"Mate it's bloody obvious you're in love and it's even more obvious who you're in love with."

Edward sat there looking out the side window, and finally turned toward Tony. "How the fuck did you figure it out?" Edward tried not to sound too shocked even though he was. He did however smile and there was slight laugh in his voice.

"Damn mate, you couldn't stop looking at him last night. Andrew said he spotted it as soon as you guys were getting off of the plane. I think for me it was him wearing your shirt that started me to really think about it, not to mention that impressive love bite on his neck. Then there is the way you two interact with each other, not that just anyone would pick up on it. It's almost as if you two feed off of each other's energy somehow. You always position yourselves so you're close to each other or you have a direct line to the other. On the way to the flat last night, it also seemed like he was fighting the urge to get close to you and it was bothering you, right?"

"Well, I'll be damned." Edward paused for a minute looking out the window, before he turned back towards Tony. "You ok with it mate?"

"Fuck, why wouldn't I be?" Tony laughed for a second and then continued, "Andrew and I are civil partners."

"For crying out loud, why didn't you ever tell me?"

"Mate, have you ever looked at yourself lately? You can be a little intimidating, even for us armed police officers. Besides, you never once gave me any clue that it would be cool with you. I mean, you never said anything against gays but at the same time you never said anything remotely supportive either. I've known the whole time I knew you I was gay, but I didn't want to lose your friendship over it. I'm sorry I wasn't honest with you before now."

Edward sat quietly looking and feeling like he had been scolded. "Tony, I'm sorry if I ever gave you the impression that I wouldn't have been supportive. Even before I knew I had these feelings, I never had anything against gays but I should have been more vocal to a lot of people about my support I guess. I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you, mate, we've been friends for a long time. Now that I know about you, I guess I've always somehow known, but since I wasn't looking for it I never acknowledged it. To be honest, this is all so very new to me and I am still having some problems adjusting. I've never had feelings for another bloke before. But... all that changed when I met Teddy. He opened my eyes to what I've been missing my whole life, and I do love him more than anyone."

Tony reached his hand over and placed it on Edward's shoulder and squeezed, "I'm happy for you mate! I could already tell he makes you happy. Have you told your parents and your brother yet?"

"No, this has all sort of happened quickly. We weren't planning on coming to London, you know? We thought we were going to vacation together for a few weeks and then decide what we were going to do."

"True. Well, Andrew and I are here for you two. If you need anything let us know."

"Thanks, mate."

For Teddy the morning had been an experience he loved. His time with the twins never prepared him for a four year old girl. Elizabeth was similar in some way, but so very different than his nephews. The time they were spending together allowed him to see how much she was like her father. She even had the same beautiful eyes.

Shortly after they finished breakfast the driver showed up to take them to Heathrow. The traffic wasn't as bad as Teddy had seen it in the west end, but it was bad enough that he called to tell Jake they may be late.

Elizabeth and Ted talked their entire trip to the airport. She had so many questions about Ted that he felt he was being interrogated. This was something that he was used though, the twins were the same way. Talking with Bess made him miss the twins, and he wondered how the three would get along.

"Mr. Ted, how long have you known my daddy?"

Ted wasn't sure how to answer, "Not very long, why?"

"I saw him kiss you this morning. I've never seen him do that with anyone but mommy."

Ted was sure he had that deer in the headlight look on his face. `Where is Edward when I need him?' He tried to think of how to answer. "Did it upset you?"

"No. Daddy looked happy."

"How about you ask your dad when we see him later?"

"Yes, sir." With that she changed the subject and went back to firing questions at Ted.

Tony showed his credentials to the nurse at the desk in the A&E (Emergency Room), "I'm Inspector Price. We're here about the female brought in a little while ago. The drug overdose."

"Yes Inspector, we were told to expect you. She's in number four, just over there on the left."

"Thank you." He turned towards Edward, "Are you ready?"

Edward nodded, "Let's get this over with."

The walk to the bed was short, and he took a breath before walking behind the curtain. "Yeah, that's her." On the bed was an unconscious Mary. Edward realized in a split second he truly had no feelings or concern for this woman any more. His only thoughts at that moment were of Teddy and Bess.

"You ok?" Tony placed his hand on Edward's shoulder.

"Yeah, I just want to know what happened to her. How she could leave Elizabeth and go out to do drugs. Do you know anything about what happened yet?"

"No, I figured if it was her, we could go to the local office and talk to the detective."

"Let's go, I don't need to be here." With that Edward turned his back on the women who had been the center of his life and walked out without looking back.

Pulling up to the Gulfstream the driver positioned Elizabeth's door towards the jet. Ted noticed that Jake and Dustin were waiting at the base of the stairs. When they stopped, Dustin walked forward, opened the door and then he leaned down.

"You must be Elizabeth, I'm Dustin. I hear you are going to fly with us this morning."

"Yes, sir." She was smiling widely.

"Well, why don't you come and meet Captain West, he`s been waiting to talk with our special guest."

Elizabeth turned and looked at Ted, they were both smiling. Ted felt his cell phone vibrating in his pocket, "Go ahead Bess. I'll be there in a minute."

He removed the phone from his pocket and saw it was Edward, "Hey babe."

"Hey... it was her."

"How is she?"

"Still unresponsive, but at least now we know where she is, just not what happened. Tony and I are headed over to the local station to talk to the detective working the case. How are you two doing?"

"Ok, we just got to Heathrow. She's out there talking with Dustin and Jake, who are both fawning over her. I miss you babe."

"I miss you too and I wish I was there with you."

"I wish you were too... Oh, listen... so you know, she saw us kissing this morning and she asked me about it."

There was a pause on the other end, "What'd you tell her?"

Teddy smiled. "I told her she's going to have to ask you when she saw you later."

"So in other words you chickened out?" Edward laughed when he said it. "I'm kidding."

"You're damned right I did. Well, I better get going before I lose my flight crew to your daughter. Looks like she has them wrapped around her little finger already."

"Ok... Hey babe, just so you know, Tony and Andrew know about us." Edward smiled at Tony sitting next to him.

There was concern in his voice when he spoke. "I'm sure you'll explain that later, but I take it everything's ok."

"Yeah babe, everything's great. I love you, call me when you land."

"I will, oh by the way, I'm giving her the royal treatment today. We are going to fly from Biggin Hill to the London Metropolitan Heliport after we land. Think you can meet us there?"

"I'll try... Call me when you get to Biggin Hill."

"Ok and Edward... I love you too." He flipped closed his phone, ending the call.

By the time Ted stepped from the car Jake had Elizabeth in his arms and was walking around the outside of the plane showing and explaining everything to her.

Walking onto the plane Ted could smell the cookies, time to see if Elizabeth likes them as much as her father. Dustin was apparently pulling out all of the stops for the young girl.

"DS Morgan? I'm Inspector Price, Royal Protection Branch. This is Captain Edward Smythe, Household Calvary." Both men extended their hands.

"Amanda Morgan, nice to meet you both." She shook the men's hands before moving her hand towards the chairs at her desk. "I have to tell you I was surprised when I got a call from Protection Command this morning."

"Sorry, Edward is an old friend of mine, and we've taken a personal interest in his wife's disappearance."

"I understand Inspector and I'd do that same if it was friend of mine. Well, let me tell you what I do know." She paused as she adjusted herself in her chair. "When the uniforms arrived they found her unresponsive in a room at the Holiday Inn at Camden Locks. We located an amount of narcotics in the room, mainly ecstasy and cocaine that would qualify for a charge of supplying. From interviews with hotel staff we discovered that she was a guest in the room of a man who had checked in earlier in the day. We're trying to run him down, but it appears he used a false name. We've got surveillance footage and we're checking CCTV feeds from the area, trying to identify him. It looks like when she overdosed he fled the hotel. From the footage we think he had a large amount of narcotics and didn't want to risk being caught with it if he called 999 from inside the room."

Edward just sat there. How could he not have known his ex was doing drugs? Thinking back to her change in personality he wondered if she had started while he was in Afghanistan. "Thank you. Are you going to charge her with anything?"

"DCI Willis and I were just discussing that this morning. We haven't made a decision yet."

Tony leaned forward placing his forearm on her desk, "DS Morgan, I don't want to interfere in any decision you and your superior make, but if I could give you some background to consider?"

"Of course, Inspector."

"This woman left her small daughter while she met this man in a hotel room and used narcotics to the point where she overdosed. I think it would be in the best interest of that little girl if you charged the mother with everything you can. Plus you may want to considered additional charges because of the abandonment. Edward, do you have a problem with that?"

Edward thought for a moment, "No, none at all. I want to make sure that unless she's completely clean, she doesn't get anywhere near our daughter."

Amanda Morgan sat quietly and looked at both men, "Thank you for telling me. I can assure you, she'll be charged and when she's released from hospital she'll be brought here."

The flight from Heathrow to Biggin Hill took a little longer than it should have, mainly because Jake and Mark wanted to give Elizabeth a ride to remember. To say they took the scenic route would be an understatement. Ted didn't mind though, the look on Elizabeth's face as she sat glued looking out the window made it all worth it.

The landing at Biggin Hill was a little bumpy, which brought an apology from the cockpit. Mark explained that crosswinds at the airport and a sudden change of direction at the last moment caused a lurch onto the runway. They quickly pulled up outside the Jackson Global hanger and shut the engines down. Before Bess left the aircraft she thanked everyone repeatedly and Dustin gave her a bag with some more cookies in it, telling her to share them with her dad. When they finally walked down the stairs Bess's eyes grew as big as saucers when she saw the helicopter sitting on the ramp next to the Gulfstream.

"Wow, look at that. I wonder who's that is. Do you think we could go look at it?"

"Of course I think we can go look at it." Teddy smiled down to her and then got down on one knee to be at eye level with her. "In fact, we are going to take it back to London."

"Really?" She smile seemed even wider, if that was possible.

"Why don't you go over there and talk to the pilot. He can show you around while I make a phone call."

She ran over to the young pilot and started talking animatedly to him.

Ted pulled his cell phone and called Edward. After the first ring he was rewarded with the voice he was dying to hear, "Hey babe."

"Hey yourself soldier boy. Where are you?"

"We're on the way to the heliport. You at Biggin Hill?"

"Yeah, we just got off the plane and are about to leave for London. We should be there in fifteen to twenty minutes."

"Ok, I'll be waiting for you. Tony said he will drop me off, since he needs to get to the palace. What time is your lunch with Devon?"

"I told him I'd have someone pick him up at twelve-thirty."

"Ok, I'll see you in a few minutes. Love you."

"I love you too."

The short flight from Biggin Hill to the London Metropolitan Heliport was quick and uneventful. Elizabeth sat next to Ted and half way through she started to hold his hand and held it for the rest of the flight. As they circled the heliport Ted was able to look out the window and saw Edward standing next to the fence waiting for them.

"There's daddy!"

"Sure is. Now Bess, when we land I need you to stay with me and hold my hand until we're away from the helicopter, ok?"

"Yes, sir."

When the Dauphin set down, Elizabeth sat right next to Ted and held his hand tightly as the door was opened and they stepped onto the tarmac. True to her word, when they started to walk towards Edward she stayed right by Ted's side holding his hand. When they were at the gate, she finally ran towards Edward and jumped into his arms.

By the time Ted had reached them, Edward was placing Bess back on the ground. Edward turned toward Ted and pulled him into a hug. He leaned over and whispered into Teddy's ear, "I missed you... I stopped by the store earlier and got some things we needed."

Teddy blushed and grinned at him. Edward climbed in the back seat with Elizabeth and Teddy sat up front. As they drove through the west end, Edward leaned forward and had his hand around the left side of the seat and held Teddy's hand. After Elizabeth was asleep Edward filled Teddy in on the visit with DS Morgan.

Teddy sounded a little excited. "This is something you need to talk to Mr. Blackburn about. He needs to know so he can use it during the custody hearing."

"I already called him babe. He wants to see if he can convince Mary to sign away her parental rights. If she won't he said he's going to file for a permanent custody order as soon as he can get a hearing, but there are some things that we have to talk about before then. He's concerned that my career is going to cause problems."

"Have you told him about us?"

"No, I didn't think it was my place."

"Babe, tell him, you don't ever have to worry about outing me. It's no secret at work or to most of our customers. Let him decide if our relationship would help or hurt."

"It won't hurt."

By the time they reached the flat it was just after eleven and Elizabeth had fallen asleep as they crossed King's Road. Edward carried Bess up to the flat and placed her gently on her bed, kissing her head before he walked out to the hallway to find Ted.

Teddy was standing in the living room, looking out the window at the Albert Memorial when Edward walked up behind him and hugged him tightly. "You ok babe?"

"Yeah, just thinking about today and how nice it was. About half way to the heliport she reached over and grabbed my hand. She held it until she ran over to you."

"I told you she liked you. See, there is nothing to worry about and she sure seemed to have fun with you. When you talk to him next, thank Dustin for the cookies."

"I will let him know, or you can tell him the next time you see him."

Edward was lightly kissing Teddy's neck as he was talking. "Where are you going to take Devon for lunch?"

"Well... I thought about taking him to The Orangery, but..."

Edward pulled his face away a little and tried to sound concerned. "Ut oh... Why do I suddenly feel a surprise coming?"

"Do you think he would like a home cooked meal?"

"You cook?" Edward tried to sound shocked.

Teddy put a soft elbow thrust into Edward's ribs, "See if I make anything for you now." It brought a laugh to both of them.

"I know I shouldn't be surprised about anything when it comes to you. Is there time to cook something?" Edward nibbled Teddy's ear lobe after he finished the question.

"Yeah, the place is stocked and I've got over an hour. What do you think? I just want to do something nice for him. Think he'd appreciate something here more than going out? But, if we keep this up I won't get anything done."

"Ok, I'll try to behave." Edward and Teddy both knew that wasn't entirely true and it made them both smile. "I'm not sure the last time he's had a home cooked meal, babe. He hasn't left the barracks much in the last few months."

"Ok, then here it is." Teddy paused, "Is this going to cause any problems? I know you ca..."

"It's ok, babe. Remember, he's your guest, just like I am."

Teddy turned around to face Edward, "Is that what you are? My guest?"

Edward flashed his grin again, "You know what I mean... As far as everyone else is concerned this minute, I'm just a guest."

"When Devon leaves, we are going to sit down and work some stuff out. Deal?"

"Of course, Babe." Edward pulled Teddy's face to his and kissed him. He had never felt such power before as when kissing Teddy. Teddy had his hand on the back of Edward's head and was rubbing his fingers through Edward's hair. Edward felt himself wanting to do a little more than kissing when he felt a little hand touch his leg. He slowly pulled back from Teddy and turned his head to look at Elizabeth who was looking up at him with wide eyes.

"Daddy, why are you kissing Mr. Ted?"

Thank you everyone for that has sent me e-mails of support. I love hearing from you and I am trying to answer them all. I hope you enjoy Part 6 and hopefully Part 7 will be out in a few days. There is still a long way to go in the story of Teddy and Edward.

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