This story is intended for amusement purposes only. This story is not meant to infringe on the names of Remington Steele, Laura Holt or anything that would cause MTM productions or anybody else to sue me. This story is the property of Lisa Watson ã 2001.
The appointment with the attorney, Mr. Grayson went without incident. Abigail had made provisions for her funeral, had already paid for her burial plot and head stone and all her assets were to be divided evenly between Francis and Laura. Thirty minutes later they were seated in the funeral director's office discussing Abigail's final appearance and wardrobe selection.
"Now, if you all would follow me to the casket room we can make the necessary arrangements," the funeral director said quietly.
"Laura I think this dusty rose colored one would be nice," Francis suggested.
Laura looked at the frilly casket and curled her lips in distaste. "I don't like that one,"
"Ok, what about this blue one over here,"
"Francis since when did mother like baby blue?"
"Well if you've got a choice in mind why don't you pick one?" Francis said tightly.
Laura went slowly down each row of caskets, hating every step.
"This one," Laura said firmly.
"Gray? Since when did mother like gray? She doesn't own anything gray Laura so how do you know she'd like it?" Francis challenged.
"It's this one Francis. I'm sure you'll find an outfit for mother that this casket will compliment." Laura ground out.
Donald and Remington looked at each other and knew it was time to intervene.
"Well now that that's settled how about we get some lunch. I'm famished."
"Ah lunch would be just the thing; Donald I'm sure you can find something quaint." Remington said guiding Laura out the room and toward the exit.
Donald picked a seafood restaurant close to Laura and Remington's hotel. The men kept up small talk while Laura and Francis took turns swishing the ice around in their water glasses.
"Look honey I know this isn't easy, for either of you but it has to be done and the decisions should be agreed upon by both of you, no matter how difficult." Donald said stroking his wife's arm.
Francis nodded tearfully and Laura refrained from comment.
When they arrived home it was to find a few relatives and neighbors there to offer their condolances. Francis and Laura welcomed them and sat listening to everyone share stories about Abigail.
"How's she doing boss?" Mildred asked when Remington came into the kitchen carrying an empty iced tea pitcher.
"As efficient as always Mildred," Remington said dryly.
Mildred filled the picture up again and grabbing a tray of sandwiches followed Remington into the family room.
******************
Laura decided she needed something to keep her busy so she volunteered to start packing up her mother's things. She started in her mother's bedroom and filled box after box of things that would be donated to charity, thrown out or that she and Francis were taking home to L.A. Laura found a small box in the closet and pulled it out. Sitting cross-legged on the floor she slowly pulled out the contents. The box contained items she hadn't seen since she was a little girl. She pulled out her old girl scout vest, a book report of Francis' that she'd received an "A" for and other items from their childhood.
"I can't believe you kept these," Laura said aloud.
She felt herself breaking down and immediately stood up as if that would shake it off.
"I have to get out of here," Laura said shakily and ran down the stairs.
"Laura is that you? I need your opinion on something," Francis called from the living room.
Reluctantly Laura went into the living room. "What is it Francis?" Laura said stiffly.
"Laura I can't decide on some of the floral arrangements. I've picked a few but I just can't decide whether to get the roses with baby's breath or if a mixed bouquet would be better."
"I don't care Francis, just pick anything." Laura said curtly.
"Really Laura there's no need to get snippy. I'm just trying to make sure mother's funeral is memorable,"
"For God's sake Francis this is a funeral not a social tea! What the hell difference does it make? Just pick some bloody flowers and be done with it!" Laura yelled.
Francis paled and stared at her sister. "Laura there's no need to yell at me like that I'm just trying to help."
"Help? Since when do you need help planning a function Francis? That's what you live for isn't it? Bridge parties, make-up parties, school plays. You're the Queen of party preparation so why ask my opinion on any of this."
"Oh you're right, I forgot you're the one that's the hot shot detective. I'm just the drab little house Frau that doesn't have a thought in my head unless it centers around glue sticks and car pools." Francis screamed.
"Well if the apron fits," Laura snapped.
"All right you two that's enough stop it! Laura is this how you want to honor Abigail's life by bickering like a spoiled child?" Remington roared.
Laura was beyond reason. She spun around and vented all her anger at Remington. "And how would you know? You don't even have a mother so what makes you the bloody expert?"
Francis' gasp and the blanched look that crossed Remington's face alerted Laura that she'd gone too far but her pain was too great to care. She turned on her heel and slammed out the door.
Remington went to follow but Donald grabbed his arm. "Let her go. She needs time."
"Like hell!" Remington raged and slammed out the door.
Laura was heading towards the car when Remington caught up with her and spun her around to face him.
"If you think I'm going to let you sling mud and sashay out without repercussion for your actions you'd better think again." Remington ground out. "And for the record, I happen to have a mother. I may not know her but I DO have one."
"Well good for you now let go," Laura glared.
"Or you'll do what exactly?"
Laura attempted to pull herself from his grasp but he was too strong.
"Let me go! I have to get out of here." Laura cried.
"If you think I'm going to let you get behind the wheel of a car in your condition you're demented," Remington said as he opened the car door and none to gracefully shoved Laura inside. He walked around to the driver's side and got in.
"What are you doing?" Laura barked.
"You wanted to leave, we're leaving." Remington said pulling away from the curb and speeding off.
"I wanted to be alone," Laura said annoyed.
"Well you're not so deal with it." Remington shot back.
When they arrived at the hotel Remington jumped out and escorted Laura upstairs. They remained silent for the entire trip to the room. Once inside Remington put the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and locked it behind him.
"I don't appreciate your stronghold tactics." Laura said rubbing her arm.
"And I don't appreciate that acerbic tongue of yours. Look Laura how long are you going to deny your hurt? It's eating away at you can't you see that? You damn near took Francis' head off over some bloody flowers. Doesn't that tell you something?"
'Yes! It tells me Francis is spending too much time on things that don't mean anything."
"Maybe not to you but they're important Laura and things that need to be taken care of. You haven't offered much input so what did you expect...
"Will you just go! I'm tired of everyone telling me how I should feel and act. She was my mother and I'll mourn her any way I see fit. Just go away and leave me alone!" Laura shouted.
Remington looked a Laura's shaking form and nodded. "Perhaps I should leave you to yourself eh?"
Without another word Remington left, closing the door firmly behind him. Laura looked at the door for a few seconds before she cried out and threw the nearest object she could find. The vase with the floral arrangment went sailing across the room and disintegrated against the wall.
"I shouldn't have to do this! You shouldn't have died, not yet! I didn't get to tell you...things that you should've known. I can't remember the last time I told you I loved you, that I was sorry for all the times I shut you out. I was proud to be your daughter and you never knew it and now it's too late. Too late for you, too late for me." Laura sank down to the floor and pounded her hand against it. "I should've told you...I should've told you..."
*********************
Mildred handed Remington a drink and sat down next to him on the bench. "You wanna talk about it Chief?"
"What's to talk about Mildred? I wasn't able to get through to her and she told me to get out. There isn't much left to tell." Remington said sipping his drink.
"You know her anger wasn't really directed at you don't you? She loves you boss, she always has."
"I know Mildred and believe me my heart has belonged to Laura almost from the start, but still, it doesn't make it any easier to take." Remington said bitterly.
"Laura has never been good at admitting that she needs people. That was a trait she got from our mother. It's ironic you know? In many ways they are so much alike but instead of drawing them together it pushed them apart." Francis said coming out the house and sitting down.
"I'm sure Laura feels there was so much left unsaid between them, like I do. We think we have time to get all that needs to be said out, but it never seems to work out that way does it?" Francis said sadly.
********************
It was just after midnight when Remington pushed the hotel card key in and slowly opened the door. He had stayed away as long as he could but truthfully he was dead tired. He thought it would be dark when he walked in but a small lamp was on partially illuminating the room. He was surprised to see Laura sitting with her feet pulled under her on the couch. He took his keys, wallet and the card key and threw them on the table.
"I thought you'd be sleep by now."
"Is that why you stayed out so long? Were you hoping I'd be sleep?" Laura asked.
"Yes and no. I thought to give you time by yourself and I figured you could use the sleep." Remington said still standing awkwardly by the door.
Laura looked at him and tears sprang to her eyes. "It's amazing, I thought there was no way I could have another tear left inside me,"
"Oh? What changed?"
"Seeing you." Laura whispered.
She unfolded her legs and walked wearily across the room and straight into arms that immediately folded around her.
"I'm so, unbelievably sorry! What I said was so uncalled for, and I know I hurt you. I didn't mean it, any of it. Please believe me," Laura pleaded.
"Laura it's ok, really it is. I know you're going through a rough time of it and I only want to be here for you. You know that don't you?" Remington assured her.
"Yes, eventhough I don't deserve it. I was cruel and I can't believe I took my hurt out on those I love most,"
"Who else was available?" Remington joked.
"I'm serious,"
"I know you are Laura and don't worry, I forgive you and I'm sure Francis will to."
Laura pulled Remington's head down and kissed him on the lips. The quick pressure quickly sparked a need within them both and the kiss deepened. Remington moved to break the kiss but Laura used her hand to hold his head in place. Her hands roamed over him. Pulling at the edge of his sweater, she yanked it away from his pants. Remington felt Laura's hand on his bare chest and clenched his teeth.
Desire was making him weaker than exhaustion but he wouldn't take advantage of Laura's current state. As if sensing his withdrawal Laura stepped back and looked at him. When she had his attention Laura slowly unbuttoned her blouse and shrugged it off her shoulders. A quick flick of her wrist and her skirt soon joined it's counterpart on the floor. With nothing left but her camisole, tap pants and a smile she grabbed his hand and brought it to rest on her chest just over her heart.
"I love you Mr. Steele,"
"And I you Miss Holt, but as much as I want you right now I can't...won't take advantage of you. You need comforting and only that." he said raggedly.
"What I need right now is you. To feel your love around me and in me. I'm asking you to make love to me Remington. Please, don't deny me."
Remington captured her face in his hands and scrutinized her. "Laura, are you certain?"
"I've never been certainer," she smiled, sensing his acquiescence.
"More certain," he corrected picking her up in his arms.
"Yeah, that too," Laura sighed in relief.
Easing them both onto the bed, he looked down at her and kissed the tip of her nose.
"I know it hasn't been that long, but I've missed you," he breathed
"They say actions speak louder than words," Laura moaned as his hand roamed over her.
"Do they really?" Remington chuckled, as he leaned over and turned off the light.
To be continued...