As the two lovers slumbered, little did they know their new found love would soon be tested; by the intrusion of Sean's ex-girlfriend and her daughter. Tanya Latrelle Robinson was on a mission to find a rich man for herself, a bone marrow donor, and a rich, influential father for her sick baby girl. She was tired of struggling with her daughter's illness alone. Tanya realized she was crazy to let Sean get away but at the time she was young, stupid, and only concerned about having a good time. She had always heard her mother say if she knew then, what she knew now, she would have made better choices. Now she understood her mother's words.
Gabrielle's illness made Tanya grow up and prioritize her values. She now knew what a big mistake letting Sean go had been and hoped she was not too late to get him back, for her daughter's sake. Now if she could just figure out a way to get him to talk with her. She knew Sean was a sucker for a sob story and a few tears, it was precisely how she strung him along for so long when they were together. Pouting, a few tears, showing off her Sports Illustrated swimsuit addition body always had him panting after her. Tanya just hoped she was up to be the actress she needed to be to pull this off, as she could not explain why Sean, as gorgeous as he was, never could get her juices to flow. In the two years they had been lovers Tanya never enjoyed their lovemaking. It was why she always cheated on him with others. Sean was a big man and she was never comfortable with how he pounced on her. She always attributed it to him being big football player who just did not know how to handle a delicate girl like her. She'd always hated how he groped and pawed her just like the big cat they nicknamed him for. He was like the big dark panther always wild and rough and she had hated every intimate moment with him even when he tried to be gentle. However, Tanya was not a fool and she knew Sean was her[MW1] ticket out of the modeling business that she was just a few short years from getting kicked out of, so she had faked-it every time they were intimate, and Sean was none the wiser.
Yes, she was back, she was going to get Sean back and all her worries would soon be over.
For the next few weeks Sean and Rachel's relationship continued to blossom into a love neither expected but welcomed. They brought in the New Year together with both their families invited for a celebration to announce their nuptials and the baby. Rachel was just a little over sixteen weeks now and everyone was excited about the pregnancy. Her son and daughter were thrilled about the news. Although, they had not yet physically met Sean, the three were fast becoming friends over their video messenger phone conversations as they could tell how much Sean loved their mom and how happy he made her.
Cleared by the doctor to resume her activities as she entered her second trimester, Rachel returned to work and her usual exercise routine sans the hot tubs relaxations as they were not good for the baby. Instead she met Sean for her swim lessons in the pool at the fitness center after her workouts if he was in town. Rachel was starting to get over her fear of the water and getting the hang of floating as with Sean she always felt safe. In fact, that is where they currently were when Sean decided he better tell Rachel about Tanya. Rachel was laying back on Sean as he floated in the water just under her. Her eyes were closed just breathing and enjoying being in the arms of her man as the water cradled them.
"Hey Rach, I need to tell you something, but I need you to promise you won't get upset and anxious, ok? I want you to think about the baby and keep calm', Sean said.
Rachel's reaction was predictable, of course she was immediately anxious at his tone. "What's wrong? Why do you sound like someone is dying?" said Rachel promptly turning to face him.
At Rachel's reaction Sean rushed to alleviate her concerns. "Babe, everything and everyone is alright. I just have something I need to tell you and I've been trying to come up with a way say it that's all." Sean replied.
"Sean, all you have to do is say it. You know you can tell me anything, right? I love you" Rachel returned. "I know, this is just an awkward subject and the timing is…," Sean trailed off. "Anyway, remember me telling you about my old girlfriend Tanya?" At her accent he continued. "Well, she is back in Georgia and insisting on seeing me", he finished. "What does she want to see you about?" Rachel asked. "Something to do with her daughter, Sean responded. "And before you ask, I don't know why she wants to talk to me about her daughter, the paternity tests proved I was not the father when she was born." "I've been avoiding her calls and visits, but she seems determined to talk to me. So, I thought I better tell you because I didn't want you to find out from anyone but me."
Rachel, concerned, but thankful Sean decided to tell her himself, sighed, and giving Sean a quick kiss returned to her relaxed position, saying, "We will handle this together? No worries, call her and set up a meeting, Sean." A shocked Sean asked, Rach, are you sure?" It was a convicted, determined Rachel who stood up, turned to Sean, and looked him in the eyes saying, "Sean, when you asked me to marry you, we became a team. You, me, the kids, and this baby I'm carrying are a family. For better or worse, come what may, we are in this life together. Now the sooner this Tanya chick understands this, the better. Don't you think?" With shining admiration, beaming from his eyes Sean let out a whooping yes picking her up kissing, hugging, and vowing silently to never ever let this woman go. Then, she instructed Sean to set up a meeting with Tanya.