Taylor's Legacy
Written by Holly Custer
Copyright © 1999

He first saw her at a party.

She was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life. She was slender and graceful. Her hair was thick, shiny and dark-blond. Her green eyes flashed vibrant whenever she laughed.

Michael Patrick was entranced by this lovely woman. His host was happy to play Devil's advocate and introduced them willingly. They stood staring at each other for several long moments.

Taylor Evans was stunned by this good-looking man. He was very tall. His dark red hair waved smoothly over his forehead. His smoky gray eyes smoldered with life and mystery. His smile was devastating.

"It is wonderful to meet you, Mr. Patrick." She said. Her voice was soft, feminine and musical. It flowed over Michael like a soft, summer breeze.

"Miss Evans, it is my pleasure to make your acquaintance." Michael brought her slender hand to his lips. He turned it over and kissed the palm. His lips lingered on the soft flesh of her palm. He looked deeply into her gorgeous, green eyes. The smile he saw there he knew was for him alone. He let go of her hand reluctantly. "Would you go out with me for coffee, Miss Evans?"

"Taylor. My name is Taylor." She whispered. Her eyes never wavered from his handsome face.

"Taylor. What a lovely name." Michael murmured. He gently drew her arm into his. They walked from the party to his car. He helped her into the vehicle. "Call me Michael." He said with a smile when he got into the car.

After that first night, Michael and Taylor were inseparable. They dated regularly. It was not often that one was not seen without the other. They had fallen deeply in love.

One evening, several months after their first date, Michael called Taylor. He had to work late and wouldn't make it for their date. He was apologetic, but Taylor understood. She knew what his job entailed. He was a detective and his job was very unpredictable.

"Of course I understand, Michael. After work, though, could you come over? I have to talk to you. It's kind of important." She said. "Besides, I haven't seen you in just ages."

"I'll be there, hon. Can't you tell me now though?" Michael wasn't sure if he should be concerned or not.

"No, it will wait for you to get here." Taylor paused for a moment. "I love you, Michael, I hope you know that

"I love you, too, Taylor." Taylor smiled at his words. Everything would be all right.

Taylor hung up the phone. She picked up her book and tried to read. She must have fallen asleep, because several hours later she was awakened by a noise coming from her bedroom. She lay still for a moment not knowing what to do. Eventually, she got quietly to her feet. She spied a pair of rubber nunchuks on the back of the couch and picked them up quietly. Michael had been teaching her to use them. She walked towards her bedroom with the weapon clenched in her fist. She cautiously crept into the darkened room.

Suddenly, she was grabbed from behind by an intruder. She screamed. Remembering the nunchuks, she swung her arm up and over her head. The nunchuks smacked into the intruder's head. It startled him and he let her go. Taylor turned and saw him run to the window. He dove through like a swimmer.

Taylor slammed the window shut and locked it. She dropped the nunchuks. She fell to her knees and started to cry as she realized what had just happened. She rocked back and forth as the sobs racked her slender frame.

"Taylor!? Where are you?" Michael ran into her room and found her on the floor. He knelt down beside her and pulled her into his arms.. "Are you all right, sweetheart? What happened? I was coming up the walk and saw a guy come flying through your bedroom window." Slowly, Taylor told him what happened. Michael held Taylor close as he thought on what she had told him.

He finally came to a decision. He stood to his feet and pulled her up next to him. He looked down into her face. "Taylor, I want you to pack a bag. You are going to stay with me."

"Michael, I can't run away from every burglar that comes around to rob me blind. I need to stay here." She said calming down considerably at his firm words.

"You don't understand, Taylor. That could have been the guy I've been trying to nab. This case I'm working is terribly dangerous. He's a drug dealer who is dealing to kids, Taylor. I have to get him off the streets, but you may be in the line of fire and I don't want to put you in danger. Please, honey, don't fight me on this." Michael turned away from her. He was struggling to hold back the tears.

"All right, darling, I'll go. I'll do whatever you want." Taylor whispered putting her arms around his waist. She held him close.

Taylor quickly packed a bag. She would come back later to get the rest of her belongings. They locked her apartment and went to Michael's place on a circuitous route. He rushed her upstairs and into his comfortable condo. He locked the door behind them securely. He turned, took a deep breath and smiled at Taylor.

"Home at last, Princess." Taylor stepped into the circle of his arms and submitted willingly to his passionate kisses. They stood together for a long moment, then Taylor stepped back with a smile.

"I'm going to go put my things away." She said picking up her bag. Michael tipped her chin up and kissed her on the lips. He looked deep into her eyes, then tapped her on the nose with his forefinger. He smiled and let her go.

Taylor went to Michael's room and put her clothes away. She came back out and found Michael sitting on the couch. His head was against the high back and his eyes were closed. His breathing was deep and even. Taylor smiled and got a blanket. She covered him with it. She sat down next to him and leaned against his shoulder. Michael stirred and put his arm around her slender shoulders. Taylor snuggled close and closed her eyes. .

Taylor woke up late the next morning. The sun was streaming into the front room and she was laying on the couch with a pillow under her head and a blanket covering her She sat up, yawned and stretched. As she did so, Michael came into the room with two mugs of steaming liquid. Taylor was pleasantly surprised to find that hot chocolate was in hers.\

"Now, last night you said you had something to tell me. Let's hear it." Michael said smiling down into her lovely face. Slowly and carefully, Taylor put her mug down on the table.

"Michael, I'm pregnant." She looked steadily into his smoky gray eyes. Michael was stunned. Pregnant? Suddenly, he let out a great whoop. Taylor jumped at the unexpected sound. Michael threw his arms around her and hugged her close. He kissed her lovingly and long.

"I can't believe this! A baby? Really?" Taylor couldn't believe that Michael was so happy. What a relief! She smiled happily.

That evening, they celebrated by going out on the town. They had a romantic dinner at a lovely restaurant, then they attended a drive-in movie. They watched some of it, but mostly, they kissed and talked sweet nothings to one another. The evening was perfect until Taylor saw Michael glancing repeatedly in the rearview mirror.

"Is there a problem, Michael?" Taylor asked placing her hand on his arm. His muscles were tied up in knots. She massaged them gently.

"I'm afraid so, dearheart. Our friend is following us. I want you to sit back and tighten your seatbelt. I'm going to try and lose him." Taylor pressed her back against the seat. She closed her eyes and started praying. She felt the car accelerate. They flew around corners and down streets. Finally, they rolled to a stop. Slowly, she opened her eyes. They were back at Michael's condo. She breathed a deep sigh of relief. Michael went around and opened her car door. He helped her out and they walked swiftly into the condo.

Once Michael had locked the door, Taylor threw herself into his arms. He held her very tight. Michael didn't know how much more of this situation they could handle.

Michael decided to keep a low profile as far as the case was concerned. He knew he was being watched, so he decided to put the guys off his trail. He stopped the footwork on his case. In fact, he went on vacation time even though his ears were constantly open for details that would help him in the case. After several months of quiet and no more leads, Michael felt he could relax a bit.

He turned more and more of his attention to Taylor and their baby. They moved into a larger condo and decorated one of the bedrooms for the baby.

Three months later, Taylor and Michael became the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl. They named her Jordan Marie. They were very happy being a family. Their happiness grew even more when one night after they had put the baby down for the night, Michael led Taylor to the couch. He knelt on one knee before her and pulled a small box from his pocket.

'Taylor Evans, I love you and Jordan with my whole heart. To make our family totally complete, will you marry me?" Michael opened the box and held it up for Taylor to see. It was a stunning ring. It was at least a carat diamond in a teardrop shape. Taylor was thrilled. She had been waiting so long for the day when Michael would ask her to marry him. Now it had finally come. Taylor held out her hand. She smiled at Michael and nodded. She just couldn't find the words to say. Michael slipped the ring on her finger and pulled her into his arms. His lips found hers and they kissed passionately.

Then one day, the inevitable happened. Michael and Taylor came home one afternoon. Taylor gasped in shock. Michael pushed her back against the stucco wall of the building. Their condo door was standing wide open.

Michael motioned for Taylor to stay there. She nodded in acknowledgment. She clutched baby Jordan to her breast and waited. Michael went cautiously inside and thoroughly checked the place. Taylor breathed a sigh of relief when Michael came back. He pulled her and the baby inside and locked the door. Michael walked to the kitchen door. He paused with his back to Taylor. Slowly, he turned. He had a grim and determined look on his handsome face.

"I'm taking you to my mother's. I don't want to hear any arguments from you, Taylor. I need you and Jordan to be safe." He went to her and hugged her close to his heart. He buried his face in her fragrant hair and let the tears flow. Taylor offered no words of protest. She knew that Michael was doing what he thought was best for all of them.

Several days later, Taylor and Jordan were dropped off at Michael's mother's home. Michael told Taylor that he would see her that weekend. He kissed her deeply and left reluctantly.

Taylor was lonely. She was grateful for the diversion of her small daughter. Although Jordan was a good baby, Taylor held her much of the time. She was Taylor's sole link to Michael.

Finally, the week dragged to a close. Taylor eagerly awaited the moment that Michael would arrive. It didn't seem like he would ever get there, but he finally did. He hugged and kissed Taylor letting her know how much he loved her and had missed her. He then took his small daughter and held her close to his heart whispering words of love to her.

Michael then asked his mother to watch Jordan for them. He and Taylor were going to go on a picnic. They needed some quality time alone.

"Is it safe, Michael?" Taylor asked hanging back a little bit. She had an uneasy feeling about leaving the house and being out in the public.

"It will be fine, sweetheart." Michael drew her close. How he loved this beautiful and precious woman.

Taylor was a little more than surprised when Michael pulled up in front of the courthouse. He held her hand as they walked inside of the large building.\

"Taylor, I want us to get married today." Michael cupped her face in his hands. He gazed at her showing her all the love he felt for her in his expressive gray eyes.

The ceremony was brief, but meaningful for the young couple. They spoke their vows with open love for one another. Their first kiss as a married couple was by far the most special they had ever shared. Afterwards, they drove to a public park that was in the center of town. They spread out their lunch and had a lovely time. They enjoyed each other's company and were closer that ever.

"Michael? Isn't that Shane? What's he doing here?" Taylor queried seeing his partner waving to them from across the wide expanse of green grass.

I'll be back in a minute, honey." He smiled down at Taylor as she nodded her head. Taylor watched as he crossed the grass with long, easy strides. She saw him stop and start talking to Shane. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, Taylor saw the sun glint off something metallic. She heard a loud bang and then felt a hot, searing pain in the side of her throat. Her hands automatically grasped her throat and she fell to the side.

At the sound of the shot, Michael spun. He saw Taylor fall. "No!" He yelled. he ran as fast as he could, but it seemed to be an eternity before he reached his fallen wife. The precious wife he had just married one hour ago. The beautiful mother of his baby girl. He fell to his knees and pulled her into his arms. "Taylor! Don't you die on me! I need you, sweetheart. Jordan needs you." Michael pulled up a corner of the blanket and pressed it firmly to her throat. He was sobbing like a baby. He looked up trying to find someone to help him. He looked to where Shane had been and saw him heading at full speed towards a pay phone.

"Michael------I love you. You've------made me the------happiest woman------in the world. Jordan is-------my love gift to-------you. Take care------of her. I------love you------my husband." Taylor closed her eyes and breathed her last breath. She was gone. Michael drew her up close to him and held her as he wept for the woman he had loved more than any other. He wept for his personal loss. He wept for his tiny daughter who would never know her beautiful mother.

"Daddy, is this my mother?" Jordan asked gently handing her father a picture that was worn from being handled. Michael took the picture tenderly from his fifteen-year-old daughter.

"Yes, Jordan, that's your mother. She was the most beautiful woman I ever knew." Michael said dreamily remembering the wonderful times they had together. "I married her one short hour before she was so ruthlessly and mercilessly taken from me."

"You told me how she died, but you never told me if you ever found the man who killed her." Jordan said turning Taylor's expressive, green eyes to Michael's still handsome, but careworn face.

"I am happy to say that I finally caught up with the man who killed her. It was the greatest and saddest day of my life." He answered. "You see, this man was dealing drugs to kids like you. When I found him, he had been murdered by the person who had given him the drugs in the first place. A man who later died legally by the hand of a prison warden." Michael paused.

"Who killed him, Daddy?"

"His very own father, sweetheart." Michael pulled Jordan down on his lap and hugged her close. How he loved his daughter! But he missed Taylor, desperately, even after fifteen years, but he had one small, precious part of her in their daughter. Jordan was Taylor's legacy to him and the generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren to come.

THE END