Who's the Real Todd?, Ch. 34

Everybody applauded and came forward to give their heartfelt congratulations. Todd and Blair were a little overwhelmed. The orchestra began playing again softly as Todd and Blair separated to visit with their families. Unbeknownst to those within the house, a man stood just inside the treeline looking across the terrace into the room watching the festivities. He removed his hat and said softly. "My congratulations Mr. Toddman, she really is a beautiful prize. For your sake, I hope she'll keep you occupied so I'll be able to regain my hold on your paper. I really don't want to have to kill you. I regret that I can't say the same for our current Todd Manning. He's becoming a liability that must be dealt with soon. May you continue to enjoy your happiness Samuel but I'll be keeping a close eye on you. I fear your memory could return soon and that cannot be allowed. I have no wish to make the beautiful Mrs. Toddman a widow." Carlo noticed Detective McBain moving to the window, he backed up deeper into the shadows. "Mustn't let you see me, Detective. I'm afraid that would be completely unacceptable. Definitely counterproductive."

John had been talking briefly with Natalie when movement from outside had caught his eye. He excused himself and wandered over to the window to see if he could figure out what he might have seen. The sun had fallen below the horizon and it would be dark soon. John searched the treeline wishing the sun had stayed up just a little longer. Natalie came up behind him and said "What's the matter. Did you see something?"

"I'm not sure, why don't you come with me out on the terrace, I need to get closer to the treeline," said John and he held out his hand. Natalie looked at him briefly, nodded and taking his hand went out on the terrace. They stood together admiring the view and John took his time looking even closer at the treeline where he thought he had seen movement. Suddenly a doe walked out of the trees and began grazing not too far from them. Natalie was enchanted by how close they were to the creature but John still felt like someone was watching their movements. Then out of the corner of his eyes, he spotted him. John pulled Natalie into his arms and said. " Relax and play along. We're being watched but he's not doing anything right now. I wish Bo had let me assign some officers for here today but he said that would give Samuel away. Whoever it is, has obviously been told to just watch and report back. Let's go back inside. I need to have a small talk with Samuel." John looked at Natalie wishing things were back the way they used to be. She thought they were putting on a show for the viewer. Dare he take advantage to steal just one kiss. She looked so lovely he was kissing her before he knew it.

Natalie had been startled when John had pulled her into his arms but at his words, she had played along. Then they were looking into each others' eyes and he suddenly kissed her. It had been so long she just gave herself over to it. She knew he was just doing it because of the watcher, but she found herself drowning in his kiss. It felt so good but she shouldn't be doing it.

John broke the kiss and stared into her eyes.  There was still something there, but this wasn't the time to look into it. He turned his head to see if the shadow was still watching and no longer saw him. Whoever it was had left.  He decided he would come back out later and see if there were any clues that might tell them who the watcher was. They walked back inside. John went in search of Brody and Natalie walked over to where Jessica and the children were sitting. Todd had joined her and he was playing with Liam, letting Liam fuss with his hair. He looked up as she approached and said. "He was getting fussy and Jessica had her hands full with Ryder, I hope you don't mind."

"No that's fine. He's really taken with you." She held out her arms to take Liam and Todd stood up and handed him to her.  Then she said,"John needs to talk to you."

Todd caught the inference immediately and went to find John but suddenly found his path blocked by Dorian.

"Hold it right there, I don't know what you are up to but you don't fool me for a second. You might have Blair convinced you're Samuel Toddman but I know that can't be true. I don't know where you've been all these years or why Walker wanted to be you but I know you're Todd." Dorian stated furiously. I don't know who painted these portraits but it certainly wasn't you."

Todd took a moment to support himself by gripping a chair top as he switched places with Samuel. Samuel swayed for a moment as he took control, but Blair had seen him sway and hurried to him thinking something was wrong.

Dorian had also seen the moment of dizziness and wondered what had happened. "Are you alright Todd?"

"Samuel, are you okay? Do you need to rest a moment?" asked Blair.

Samuel looked at Blair and quickly reassured her. "Blair I'm fine. It's just been a long day. I guess I forgot to eat. Your Aunt is under the impression that I am your ex-husband Todd. Before I could explain everything I got a little dizzy. I'm sorry if I scared you. Dorian, I hope I may call you that, I guarantee I'm not Todd Manning. As for these Portraits they most definitely were painted by me. If you take a good look at them you'll see they were painted years ago before Blair and I met. If you don't believe me, ask my cousin Vicki. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have for me perhaps we could sit down."

Once she understood what was taking place, Blair turned to Dorian, " Dorian, I promise you this is Samuel and not Todd. But you need to understand that Samuel suffered a heart attack several days ago and I will not have him under a lot of pressure to prove himself to you or anyone. We'll be glad to sit down with you after the honeymoon and allow you to grill him, but tonight is my wedding night and neither Samuel nor I need your third degree. Do I make myself clear?"

Dorian looked at her niece and saw genuine concern for her husband at the moment and realized that Blair was not going stand for anyone hurting Samuel. She had to admit, now that she heard him he didn't sound anything like Todd. Maybe it was a coincidence, but he could have been Todd's double. Cassie came over and said, "Mom this is my fault I should have warned you that Samuel looked like Todd. He explained it to me last night when he called because he didn't want me to be confused. Now having seen him, I can certainly see why you would think he is Todd, but surely after hearing their vows, do you really think he would be playing with Blair's affections that way?" She smiled an apology to Samuel and Blair. "Come on Mom, I think you need a drink."

As Cassie ushered Dorian away, Blair looked at Samuel. "Are you sure you're alright?"

Samuel reached and took her hand and brought it to his lips. "Lovely Blair, I'm fine. The reason I was unsteady is that Todd and I made the switch abruptly. You are exquisite this evening. I am quite envious. I must go talk to John, but before I retire and turn you back over to Todd I hope you will allow me one dance." Blair leaned forward and kissed him gently. "Most assuredly, Samuel."

Samuel found John and they discussed the uninvited guest. Samuel decided that he would let Brody and John do their investigating but he was pretty sure he knew who had watched the wedding and he also knew Carlo wouldn't have left any incriminating evidence around. For right now he wanted to concentrate on his guests and his beautiful wife. "John, I'm grateful you and Bo are concerned for my welfare but I believe whoever was out there has left for the evening.  I want you and Brody to get off duty and enjoy the rest of the evening."

Samuel directed John towards the small group consisting of Brody,  Andrew, and Ray.  "Gentlemen, there are four lovely unattached women in this room and they all need escorts into dinner. If you don't mind. Let me give you your charges for the evening. Brody, if you would be so kind as to escort Jessica and her little ones into the dining room. John,  if you would please help Natalie and Liam. I would be most appreciative." Samuel smiled at their dumbfounded faces and turned to Andrew and Ray. "Ray would you be so kind as to escort Kelly to dinner and Andrew, I'm sure you would love to escort Cassie." Both men nodded in agreement and Samuel found Jack and Sam and gave them their charges. He watched as the men made their way to their assigned charges and then he announced. "I would like to invite you all to dine with us as we continue our celebration. Gentlemen, you have your orders, the dining room is straight through there."

Dorian and Addie were stunned when little Sam held up his elbows to his grandmother and aunt and charmed they each took an arm. Starr was surprised by her brother who held his arm out to her. With quiet laughter, the men claimed their charges and followed after Sam and his charges. Samuel had walked to Vicki and Blair. He gave a slight bow, winked and said. "Until later Blair." he stood briefly with his eyes closed and then Todd looked at his sister and wife and remarked, "I guess you two are stuck with me." They laughed and he escorted them to the dining room.

Vicki again marveled as she recalled the empty room from earlier now transformed into an elegant dining room. The caterers had done an excellent job and soon all were enjoying a marvelous dinner. Todd had even provided food the little ones would enjoy. As the meal progressed the little ones began to get antsy so Todd began telling them the story about the two dragons that stood guard at his door. Soon the dining room was quiet as everyone became engrossed in the tale Todd was spinning for Bree, Hope, and Sam. Even Dorian found herself enchanted by the storytelling prowess of Samuel. At the end of the tale, the children clapped enthusiastically and then Ray toasted the happy couple. A short time later the children were showing signs of wilting and the evening drew to a close. Two limousines were standing ready to take everyone home. Todd and Blair stood outside the entrance to say goodnight to all their family, then Todd turned to Blair and swooped her up into his arms. He carried her over the threshold and setting her back down he said. "Welcome to your new home Mrs. Toddman."

Todd led her back into the great room and at his signal the orchestra began playing a medley of their songs. "Prepare yourself, Blair, all the guys have been begging me for a dance so here." Blair laughed and waited patiently wondering who would be first. Not surprisingly Tom emerged first. "Golly Blair have you seen this place yet, just you wait you're going to love it, I'm not very good but I think you're terrific." He quickly grabbed her and soon he was carefully dancing a box step trying very hard not to step on her feet as the strains of the first song ended, Tom bowed to her and said thanks and Blair waited for the next one. She knew immediately when Rodd showed up he made a very formal bow and then said."Blair, you are most ravishing, I really don't see what you see in Todd, surely he can't compete with me in the lover department. Come you really must give me a try."

Blair laughed and said "Rodd, I think Todd has surpassed you in the lover dept. But you know how jealous he is, do you really want to face Todd over me."

Rodd thought it over and said. "Yes, lovely Blair sadly it is true, I am a lover, not a fighter, but if you ever find yourself in need of a good lover you know where to find me." he released her. "Amore Bella Mia."

Suddenly Blair was grabbed and roughly pulled into his arms and she found herself face to face with Pete. "God Woman, you're damn gorgeous. Listen up you spitfire. You've stomped all over his heart for the last time. You hurt him again and I'll deal with you. He and I have come to an understanding so I think it's time we come to one too. You are so deep in his blood that his love reaches all of us. I'm exceedingly uncomfortable with it, because of that I could never physically hurt you but lady you might not like the way I make love, don't ever give me a reason to show you." he spun her away and disappeared.

Blair stood there terrified and excited at the same time. Pete had told her in his own words that he felt something for her, but he was still very protective of Todd, the thoughts that had raced through her mind had been positively scandalous. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to find Samuel before her. She knew it was Samuel because he waited patiently for her to take his hand. She took it and he felt the shiver that went through her body. "Shh, I'm sorry, he's quite a handful but he said he had as much right as the rest of us to have some time with you. Todd and he have called a truce so Todd let him have his dance. I can tell you Todd was not too happy about the way Pete acted." Samuel waltzed her smoothly around the room. "Blair, you are the only one who has ever truly held Todd's life in your hands. I believe you know that and that you are prepared for every eventuality. Please remember we're also watching out for him, you're not alone. My Dear, you are a jewel any man would want and I'm very glad you are our jewel."

Blair stopped dancing and stole a gentle kiss once more. "Samuel, tonight I realized how lucky I really am. All of you give me your own special kind of love, even Pete and it's endearing and charming and romantic and hot but it's all mine. I'm blessed. I'm married to all of you. And you know what? I love all of you."

Samuel took her face into his hands and kissed her. As she kissed him back she felt his arms go around her and suddenly his kiss deepened and she knew she was in the arms of her husband. Suddenly a lone saxophone began playing "My One and Only Love". He stopped kissing her and whirled her around then brought her back into his arms where they danced to the song, the room lit only by the moonlight filtering in through the windows.

As the song ended Todd paused and asked her to wait for him. He walked over to musicians and after a few minutes, they began to leave. Todd walked her outside to the terrace and held her. They stood there and looked down on the lights of Llanview. "Thank you, for letting me into your life. For coming to my defense when no one else would. For saving my life more times than I can count. Finally, thank you for finding me." he kissed the nape of her neck by way of a Thank You kiss.

Blair turned and faced him her hand going up, moving his hair lovingly off of his face. "Why don't you thank me properly when we get home. I love this new house but I don't want to christen it by a roll on the floor. Let's go home."

Todd smiled. "We are at home. Come with me." he led her back into the house and up the stairs till they reached the master suite. He opened the door and let her enter ahead of him. Blair walked into the room falling in love immediately. Moonlight from the windows spilled across the bed. From the window, she could see the lights they had seen from the terrace. She turned and walked back to the bed and sat down fascinated by the headboard. It was all hand-carved as she studied it she realized who had carved it. "Todd this is magnificent." Blair reached and traced the reliefs of their faces facing each other and below them, two hearts tangled together. She felt tears roll down her face. With a tremulous smile, she held out her hand to him and said. "Welcome home, Todd."

They spent the night making crazy passionate love and reveling in the fact that they were finally husband and wife. It was well into the early morning hours when they fell asleep exhausted. Blair was the first to wake up and discovered that her suitcase and a lot of her clothes had already been brought and placed in the room. She grabbed a robe and decided to explore her beautiful new home. She stood in the doorway of the beautiful bathroom remembering the long shower she and Todd had taken at one point during the night. She still felt his hands on her body as he explored it while washing it. Even now her body responded just thinking about him. She looked at him sleeping and carefully exited the room. She headed to the right and explored that wing first.

Blair laughed as she entered the first suite. The room was designed to reflect the heyday of Hollywood. It was very Art Deco, but the real surprise was the dressing room complete with a dress model wearing a full length hot pink gown. Blair recognized as the gown she had worn to get Irene's diary away from David Vickers. She remembered well that night, the excitement, and the fun they had had. Putting one over on David had been such a farce, and then Todd had taken her soaring into the clouds and had proposed. That was the night he found out she was carrying his baby, their beautiful little Starr.

The second suite had obviously been designed to appeal Starr and Hope. Whimsy and discovery set the theme in one where a whole wall was devoted to the exotic, as jungle flowers and strange and fascinating creatures filled aquariums and terrariums. At first, Blair thought they were real then she realized, that it was an amazing graphics art display that one could change with a few switches and go from a jungle, arctic, desert, and even ocean environments. It was something that would fascinate any adult or child. The display in the sitting room carried into the bedrooms with the use of high-tech sound effects and mood lights. It was amazing she walked into one room and felt like she was entering a jungle clearing, very faint animal sounds and the smell of exotic flowers filled the air. As she reentered the sitting room she knew Todd had been inspired by his Daughter's love for the strange and unique.

Having seen what Todd had done in the first two suites Blair headed down the hallway to the other wing but suddenly found herself grabbed from behind. " God Blair, I panicked when I didn't know where you were." he held her close and she could feel his heart racing. "Carlo was in the vicinity last night and I had visions of him taking you from me."

She turned in his arms and realized he had been truly worried. "Todd, why didn't you tell me about Carlo?"

"I didn't want our Wedding night to be about him but when I woke and you weren't there my thoughts went straight to him, especially since he has this obsession with you. Promise me you'll wake me from now on. It's pure hell to wake without you. " he began kissing her like there was no tomorrow.

She could feel his desperation and his love as she clung to him and she returned the love wholeheartedly holding him until his desperation lessened and his kiss became gentle. They came up for air and she said. "I'm sorry. From now on I'll wake you but I was so excited to get a look at this beautiful home. Forgive me." She smiled and then said. " Come, show me the rest."

The second wing was equally as beautiful as the other one. Each suite was unique in its own right. Todd had designed them and had given them touches of his memories with her. She walked into the first suite and realized it had the same feel as Key West. Of course, it was much more sophisticated than the little hotel where they had honeymooned but she realized for Todd it had been a life-changer. Todd had even provided a beautiful sunroom in that suite all decked out with small palms surrounding a little oasis. Blair loved his touches and wondered what she would find in the next suite.

Blair was expecting something sporty for the fourth suite but found herself very surprised as she entered it. It actually reminded her of the penthouse when Todd had first bought it. The room was very clean and precise then Todd moved to a wall and it opened to reveal all the latest in electronic games and computers and gadgets. Jack would adore it and Sam too, she especially loved the fact that it could all be hidden away. Knowing Todd's penchant and expertise with computers he probably had plans to spend time in these rooms alongside the boys. All that remained to bring all the suites to life was some furniture. Except for the special touches, he had left it to Blair to purchase what she wanted in each room. She couldn't wait to take Starr and go shopping.