I STILL LOVE YOU
By Mary Ann Cowley (MAC)

Part 7

After Mary got Shandi dressed in a pink flowered dress with 
little platform sandals, she got herself together. For the 
occasion, Mary chose a black floral above-knee dress with 
black platform sandals. Mother and daughter sometimes liked 
to dress closely for fun.

Mary was really nervous about seeing Paul's parents again 
solely because of the news she and Paul were about to 
deliver. When she and Paul were together previously, Mary 
had a great relationship with Mr. and Mrs. Eisen. However, 
how would they react to the news that she and their son had 
a one-night stand shortly after the birth of his son? Not 
only that, she gave him a daughter as a result. Mary felt 
nauseous and had to sit down for a minute. 

Paul knocked on the bedroom door. Mary welcomed him in 
where he found her sitting on the bed looking pale. 

"Mary, are you okay?" he asked with concern. 

She answered "I will be. I'm a little nervous that's all.

"Baby, don't be," he replied. "I'll do the talking. Just be 
with me."

Mary looked Paul in the eyes and asked, "Aren't you worried 
how your parents will react?"

"I'm a grown man. I make my own choices. We have a 
daughter, and that can't be changed" Paul assured her.

"I just don't want them to think of me as some kind of slut 
because of this." Mary stated. 

"No they won't. They always thought I should have married 
you instead" he answered. 

"Really?"

"Yes, really."

Paul planted a firm kiss on Mary's lips. 

"You know what else?" he asked. 

"Do tell," she replied. 

"When they meet Shandi, she will charm their socks off just 
like she did me" he grinned.

At that, Mary giggled and smiled feeling much better.

"I guess we better get on with this day then," she stated. 

Mary and Paul loaded the kids into Paul's car and set off 
to spend the day with Paul's parents. 


Part 8

When they arrived at the Eisen home, everyone was greeted 
with warm hugs. Mary felt a lot more at ease once she knew 
Paul's parents welcomed her back to their home and were 
charmed by Shandi. 

After the greetings, Shandi and Evan ran off to his room to 
play. They had developed a fast friendship still unaware 
that they were siblings. 

The adults seated themselves in the living room for a 
visit. Eva offered everyone iced tea. Mary offered to help, 
and the ladies paired off to the kitchen to fix 
refreshments and catch up. This left father and son alone 
to talk. 

"Dad, I need to talk to you," Paul started. 

"Son, is something wrong?" William Eisen asked with 
concern.

"I've received some news, and it affects you and Mom." Paul 
paused searching for the right words.

"Go on son," William urged. 

"Well, when Evan was about 2-months-old, I had a one-night 
stand with another woman here in New York," Paul stated. 

"I see," William responded. "Were there repercussions?"

"Yes," Paul replied, "I've found out that I have a 5-year-
old daughter."

"Stanley, are you sure this woman is being truthful? There 
are tests…"

Paul cut is father off, "I know, Dad, but I'm sure the 
little girl is mine. It was Mary."

"You are Shandi's father," William said.

"Yes, Dad. She's mine." Paul replied. 

William noted "I thought she resembled you, but I wasn't 
going to say anything. Are you happy?"

"Yes, Dad, I am. She's a sweet, charming child. She melted 
my heart the minute I met her. I always wanted another 
child. I still love Mary. I want both of them in my life."

"I always thought you two should have stayed together," 
William smiled "She's a sweet girl. Now, when do you plan 
to tell your mother?"

"I'll tell her when they come out. We haven't told the kids 
yet either. Dad, Mary and I could use some advice on how to 
explain it to the kids," Paul requested. 

"We'll try, son." William answered. 

Mary and Eva came back to the living room carrying trays 
with iced tea along with some fruit, veggies and dip. Mary 
called the children and guided them to their snacks in the 
kitchen. After the kids were settled, Mary returned to the 
living room and sat on the couch next to Paul. He 
immediately placed his arm around her to make her feel more 
secure and gave her a reassuring wink. 

Paul's father spoke up first. "Eva, Stanley says he and 
Mary have something to tell us." 

"You're getting married!" Eva exclaimed hopefully. 

"No!" they both replied quickly. 

Paul spoke out "Jeez, Mom, one step at a time. I just got 
divorced!"

"I'm sorry, Stanley," Eva apologized. "What did you want to 
tell us dear?"

"Well," Paul started, "I just found out I have a daughter."

"Shandi?" Eva replied. 

"Yes, Mom." Paul stated. 

Eva went on, "I knew the minute I saw her. She looks like 
you. She's not much younger than Evan, is she?"

"Just short of a year," Mary spoke up. 

Eva could do the math; there was no point in her asking 
when this happened. "I see," she said. "William, what do 
you think?"

He smiled and declared, "We have a beautiful 
granddaughter."

"Mom, one more thing. Shandi and Evan don't know yet. We're 
not quite sure how to tell them." Paul said.

"Are you asking for advice, Stanley?" Eva asked.

"Yes, Mom," he replied.

Eva started "Be truthful but keep it at their age level. 
Also, I would tell each child separately so they can have 
your undivided attention. I also think you two should tell 
each child together. Does that help your dilemma?"

Mary and Paul looked at each other with a look of 
understanding and nodded in agreement. 

"Now, what about you two?" William asked.

Paul raised his right eyebrow and smiled. Mary smiled too. 

"We still care about each other very much. We're working on 
rebuilding our relationship," Paul replied. 

Mary added, "I hope you aren't too disappointed with me."

Eva replied, "It's not up to us to judge you, sweetie. You 
and Stanley are both adults. You make your own decisions. 
If this had to happen, I'm glad it was with you. William 
and I have always thought the world of you. I was thrilled 
when Stanley said he was going to see you when he came 
home." 

"Oh Mom!" Paul said embarrassed. 

"Thank you," Mary responded. 

Mary, Paul, the kids and Paul's parents spent the rest of 
the afternoon visiting and laughing. William and Eva had 
the opportunity to get to know their "new" granddaughter 
and to spend time with their grandson. Shandi took to the 
Eisens very well. By the end of the afternoon, William and 
Eva had an idea.

Eva asked Mary,  "Would you mind if Shandi stayed with us 
once in a while?" 

"Not at all," Mary replied, "she's your granddaughter." 

"Do you think she would stay tonight?" Eva asked.

Mary looked surprised. "I'm not sure. We could ask her. I 
have to admit I'm surprised."

"Honey, I think you and Stanley need a night to yourselves 
to spend some time together. You've obviously had some 
serious things to take care of since he got home. Why don't 
you two relax tonight so you can be refreshed to talk to 
the kids?" Eva told her. 

"Eva, you are too sweet. I really like that idea. Let's run 
it past Paul." Mary answered. 

Paul thought it was a wonderful idea. He really wanted time 
to spoil Mary right and show her how much he still loved 
her. 

Shandi was thrilled to have another night to play with 
Evan. She thought it was exciting to stay with the Eisens. 
William and Eva were thrilled to keep their new 
granddaughter.

As the sun began to set, Paul pulled out his cell phone and 
made a few phone calls. He was going to take advantage and 
give Mary an evening to remember. 


Part 9

Before they left, Mary freshened up while Paul took the 
time to change his attire. Since Mary was already wearing a 
lovely dress, Paul decided to put on a casual suit, as he 
wanted to take her out for a quiet, romantic dinner. He 
also grabbed an acoustic guitar that he kept at his 
parents' for visits. 

They tucked Shandi and Evan in for the night and said their 
goodnights to Paul's parents. Then they were off to 
officially rekindle their romance. 

Paul drove to a small, elegant restaurant in Manhattan 
where they enjoyed an intimate candlelight dinner. There 
were many smiles and laughs, as Paul and Mary shared the 
memories from their previous life together. They also 
toasted their new found life together and, of course, their 
beautiful daughter. 

Paul had lived the past seven years thinking he would 
probably never see Mary again. He concentrated on his 
family and career during that time, but he always wondered 
about her. 

Mary was reminded of Paul constantly when she looked at 
Shandi. She never thought she and Paul would be together 
again, although she had longed for him. The last two days 
were a dream come true. She was happier than she could 
remember. 

The happy couple left the restaurant and decided to indulge 
in a little window shopping. They hugged, laughed and 
giggled their way down the lighted New York City street 
until they came to a jewelry store window. Something caught 
Mary's eyes. Paul noticed Mary's double take. 

"See something you like baby?" he questioned. 

"It's nothing," she replied. 

"You obviously saw something you liked. Tell me, baby," 
Paul pleaded. "How can I buy it for you if you don't tell 
me? 

He took her hands into his, and Mary smiled. She could see 
the love in Paul's eyes and knew at that moment he wanted 
nothing more than to make her happy. 

 "Wellll.." she stammered, "I was checking out that ring. 
It's beautiful."

She pointed to a wide gold band with a heart shaped 
amethyst in it. 

Paul remembered that Mary loved amethysts. He thought to 
himself that it would make a unique wedding ring. 

"Would you like to have it?" he asked her. 

She hesitated, "Paul, I don't know. It's a bit much…"

He cut her off, "I would like it to be your wedding ring."

Mary responded with surprise. "Oh my God! Paul! That's not 
what I meant at all! Don't you think we would be rushing 
it?"

"We can be engaged for as long a you like." Paul said. "I 
just want you to know I am committed to you and Shandi. I 
love you with my heart and soul, Mary Ann, and I don't want 
to lose you again. You obviously feel the same or you 
wouldn't have that tattoo."

Paul never used her middle name unless he was trying to 
make a serious point to her. 

Mary replied, "Yes, Paul, I still love you very much. The 
last two days have been the first we have seen of each 
other in almost seven years. I think we should take our 
time and get to know each other again, as well as our 
children. I want to be with you, and I want Shandi to know 
you. Our kids need to get used to each other. Shandi needs 
to get used to you. Evan needs to get used to me."

"You're right," Paul agreed. "I never thought this would 
happen for us, and I'm happy again for the first time in a 
long time. So, let me rephrase the original question. Would 
you like that ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to 
you?"

"Well, when you put it like that…" Mary pulled Paul down to 
her and kissed him deeply.

When the couple came up for air, Paul smiled looking deeply 
into Mary's eyes and said, "I'll take that as a yes. 
Tomorrow morning we will come back and it will be yours."


Part 10

Paul leaned down and kissed Mary again. When they broke the 
kiss, Paul led Mary back to the car. He opened the door for 
her then climbed in the driver seat. Mary looked at Paul 
with love in her eyes and spoke, "Paul, you are the only 
man who has ever truly loved me. I love you."

Paul smiled and replied, "I love you too, baby. Forever." 
He leaned over and kissed her again. "Are you ready for the 
next part of 'our night'?" he grinned.

"And what do you have in store for us?" she asked. 

"I plan on showing you just how much I love you," Paul told 
her. 

Mary grinned. "Do I detect one of your Paul Stanley romance 
specials that I always loved so much?" 

Paul grinned back. "Just the way you always loved them, 
baby."

By this time, they had pulled up to the hotel. Paul grabbed 
his guitar from the trunk of the car, and the couple 
checked in.

When they entered their suite, Mary was greeted with a room 
full of red roses. Mary experienced a brief de' ja vu of 
their first Valentine's day so many years ago when Paul had 
his suite filled with a colorful assortment of roses all 
for her. Red roses were her absolute favorite and the color 
of love. 

Mary turned to Paul and kissed him softly on the lips. When 
the kiss broke, Paul saw a tiny tear running down Mary's 
cheek. Paul wiped it away and spoke.

"What's wrong, baby?"

She replied, "Nothing. I'm just happy that everything's 
right. It's been a very long time since I've felt loved."

Paul wrapped his arms around her and told her, "My 
daughter's mother deserves to be treated like a queen. 
Baby, you will alw3ays be loved from now on."

Mary smiled. Paul led her over to the sofa to have a seat. 
"Just relax," he told her. "It's time for your pampering."

Paul took his acoustic guitar out of the case and sat on 
the sofa next to her. He gave it a quick tuning and began:

"I gotta tall you what I'm feeling inside…"

Mary's heart skipped a beat. She never thought she would 
ever hear Paul sing that song to her again. She reminisced 
about their previous relationship and smiled knowing they 
were picking up where they left off. 

Next Paul sang "Hard Luck Woman" for her followed by "Hold 
Me Touch Me." He hadn't forgotten which songs were her 
favorites. 

Mary felt that old familiar thrill of hearing Paul sing 
combined with the love she felt for him. After Paul 
finished singing, Mary reached over and started kissing him 
lightly on the neck working her way up to his ear and back 
down around the jaw line to his lips. He sat his guitar 
down and put his arms around Mary.

Paul smiled, "Damn baby! I'll sing to you every night for a 
reward like this.

Mary giggled, "That could be arranged."

He responded, "We have one problem though?"

"Oh?" she said confused.

"Yeah," he said, "You're overdressed for this occasion. I'm 
going to have to fix that."

She smiled, "Well please help me then."

"Come with me then," Paul said, as he stood up and held his 
hand out to Mary. She took his hand and followed. "I'm one lucky 
woman," she smiled to herself. 


Part 11

Paul stopped in the bedroom and told Mary to wait there. He 
walked into the bathroom and she could hear him tun on the 
jets to the Jacuzzi. Then Paul turned out the light 
allowing her to make out the glow of candles. 

Paul returned to the bedroom and proceeded to unzip Mary's 
dress while lightly kissing her neck under her long brown-
black hair. As the dress slid down her body, Mary let out a 
small sight of pleasure. Next, Paul unhooked her bra 
letting it go with the dress. Lastly, he removed her stockings 
and panties following with a teasing trail of kisses to Mary's 
feet. 

He took her hand and led her to the Jacuzzi. On the side 
were two glasses of champagne. Paul turned on some soft 
music and helped Mary into the water where he joined her after
quickly undressing.  He grabbed the glasses of champagne and 
handed one to Mary. 

Paul started, "Here's to us, our children, and our future. 
Mary, I love you with all my heart."

Mary whispered, "I love you too."

They locked arms to take their sips and sat the glasses 
back on the side of the Jacuzzi. 

Paul leaned over and kissed Mary's lips, parting them with 
his tongue to which she responded in kind. The lovers 
remained locked in their kiss wanting the pleasure to last. 
When they finally broke, Paul began a trail of light kisses 
down Mary's neck all the way down her chest to the water 
line. 

The couple sat in the water hugging each other. Mary broke 
the silence, "Let's move this party to the bedroom."

Mary and Paul pleasured each other before falling asleep 
in a lover's spoon with Paul wrapped around Mary holding 
her snug to his body.