Chapter 15

"My mother?" Anna whispered. She trailed her fingers along her mother's image. She was no more than eighteen. Charles seemed a little older. "You knew my mother?"

Charles' eyes shifted to the picture in Anna's hands. He smiled at the image. "We were childhood friends. Your mother was a beautiful woman."

"What… what happened to her?" Anna asked next.

"We were friends a very long time ago," Charles admitted. "I knew your father, too. Erik Lensherr. We were all so close, inseparable. I would have done anything for them. One day, your father and I came to a disagreement. It was so minor; I don't even remember what it was about anymore. But, knowing us, it was probably over some sort of political debate. We were always on different sides of the fence with those matters. But, light bantering turned into heated discussion. And that, in turn, yielded years of buried resentment and anger on both our parts. Your mother sided with your father. And, I lost touch with both of them. Years later I received a letter from your mother stating that she and your father had gotten married and that she was pregnant with you. She didn't use a return address on the envelope, so I was never able to write her back."

Anna, unsure of what to say next, pursed her lips together to let her father continue the story.

"I was busy with my practice, and Moira and I were trying to start our own family at that point," Charles continued. "Even though I hadn't seen your mother or father in years, I was glad that they had found happiness together. Or so I thought."

"My father," Anna closed her eyes, flashes of memories rushing through her head. "Yelled all the time. They argued a lot."

Charles looked over to his fragile daughter. He pulled his chair closer and placed his hand on hers. "Yes. You're remembering?"

Anna nodded, keeping her eyes shut. "He was cold, demanding."

"Years of pent up anger and aggression," Charles added. "Five years after I received news of her pregnancy, your mother wrote me again. This letter was not as happy as the previous one."

Anna opened her eyes and looked to Charles; she was unable to hold the tears back any longer. She wiped her tears with her sleeve, looking to her father for more answers.

"There was fear in her words. She described how Erik had changed. He was growing darker and more abusive. She explained how she feared for her life. In that letter, she asked something of me that would change me forever." Charles looked out the window and continued, "she asked that if anything were ever to happen to her, that I take you in and raise you as my own. Moira and I feared for her safety and your own by that point. We rushed to Mississippi and telephoned the authorities. Unfortunately, since no crimes had been committed, they explained that their hands were tied. We landed in Mississippi the very next day, but…" Charles stopped. Anna could see the tears collecting in his eyes.

"But, it was too late," Anna finished her father's sentence. Charles only nodded. "I remember seeing you that day." Anna shut her eyes again. "You and mom were there the day the police came and found me and momma in the bedroom. I was outside playing. I had just picked flowers and I was going to my room when I saw momma on the floor. There…. There was so much blood. I crawled over to see if she was okay." Anna ran to her father for a hug. Charles embraced his daughter, knowing that no words would console her at that moment. After a few minutes, she looked up to her father. "You and mom took me in when I needed you the most. Thank you. Thank you so much. I love you, daddy." She buried her face into her father's shoulder and continued to cry.

"Anna, I don't ever want you to think that you aren't special," Charles whispered. "Your mother, Raven, loved you with all her heart. And Moira and I were blessed to be a part of your life. Do you understand that? We were lucky to have you. I'm sorry I didn't tell you this sooner, but I was afraid what it would do."

"I'm glad you did," Anna replied, wiping her tears away again. She took a deep breath and continued. "I'm not angry with you for waiting to tell me. I don't think I would've been ready to hear any of that before now."

"You've changed, my child," Charles commented, noticing the growing inner strength his daughter possessed. She had always been willful, but now she was starting to show it outwardly. "Was it the events in New Orleans?"

"'Ro told you about it?" Anna raised an eyebrow, slightly embarrassed that her father knew about her personal life.

"Don't be angry with her. She was worried about you," Charles pleaded.

"I'm not," Anna sighed. She reached to rub the stress out of her neck. "It was," Anna paused to search for the words. "Amazing." That was what she thought about her short time on her own.

"I'm glad to hear that," Charles smiled and cupped his hand on his daughter's cheek.

"That's kind of why I'm here," Anna replied sheepishly.

~oOo~

"Wolvie's is going to close." Jean's heart sank as the words escaped her boss's mouth. He had called his entire staff in today for a private meeting, the first time in years that Wolvie's was not open to the public.

"I'm sorry to tell everyone this, but it's no secret that we haven't been doing well financially. My lawyer received an offer from a buyer, and unfortunately, I'm not in a position to say no." The room was filled with grumbles from Logan's staff. "Our official last service is going to be this Saturday. But, from what I hear, the buyer plans on keeping this place a restaurant, so I'm sure he'll want to keep you guys on as staff." At least that was what Logan hoped.

When he received the call from his lawyer about the offer to purchase his property three days ago, Logan's feelings were bitter sweet. On one hand, he was relieved that he would no longer be in the financial hole he had dug for himself. The buyer had offered one and half times what he owed on his loan, which meant LeBeau Enterprises would get their money, plus Logan would walk away with roughly two hundred fifty thousand dollars. On the other hand, Logan would be saying goodbye to Kayla's legacy. Guilt overwhelmed Logan when he told his lawyer that he agreed to accept the offer. But, he reasoned, perhaps this was a blessing in disguise, a sign from Kayla that it was time for him to move on.

When the meeting adjourned, almost everyone left the restaurant with their heads hanging low. Logan noticed that one person stayed behind.

"Jean," Logan whispered. "Listen, I'm sure you'll be able to get a job at the new restaurant. I'll put in a good word with the new owner when I meet him."

"I'm not worried about that," Jean rolled her eyes. "I'm sure I can find something. Rachel and I will be okay." Logan noticed that despite her words, she still seemed distraught.

"What's the matter then, Jeannie?" Logan asked as he walked closer.

"I'm worried about you," Jean finally admitted. "This restaurant has been your entire life for as long as I've known you. What are you going to do now?"

"Don't worry about this old fool," Logan smiled. "Maybe I'll go on a little trip. The fishing up in Canada is good this time of year. I haven't been there in ages. You shouldn't concern yourself with me."

"But, that's what I do, Logan!" The red head spat back. "Don't you get it? I worry about you all the time. Aside from Rachel, I spend every minute worrying about you." Exasperated, she stood from her chair and started to walk away. She stopped for a minute and turned around to face Logan, looking him straight in the eyes. "I'm in love with you. I've been in love with you for years. And I've always been too scared to tell you. Well guess what, Logan? I'm not scared anymore. I love you."

Logan stepped forward, closing the gap between them. He wrapped his hands around her waist and pulled her into a long passionate kiss. Jean returned his affections, savoring the taste of him. Finally, the two pulled away from each other, needing a breath of air.

"I love you, too," Logan answered. "I've loved you for so long. But," he stopped.

"I understand," Jean replied. "I don't want you to ever feel like I'm rushing you. You don't have to stop loving Kayla. I know that she'll always be a part of your heart. But, all I'm asking, Logan, is that you let me be a part of it too."

"I think I can do that," Logan replied, drawing her into another kiss. They stayed like that for a few more minutes until an alarm on Logan's watch began to beep.

"What's that," Jean questioned.

"That's my reminder to go to LeBeau Enterprises," Logan explained. "It's time to sell this place."

~oOo~

Logan hated office buildings. It was always filled with stuffy people parading around in expensive suits, acting more important than they actually were. LeBeau Enterprises was no different. Logan walked up to the receptionist who signaled for him to wait one moment. He shifted impatiently until she drew her attention back to him.

"May I help you?" the brunette smiled.

"Hi, yea," Logan began. "My name's James Howlett, I'm here to meet with…"

"Yes. I see your name here," the receptionist smiled looking at the day's appointment book. "The meeting is in the conference room on the third floor. If you could just sign in over there, I'll print up a visitor's pass for you."

Logan did as he was asked and followed the woman's directions to the third floor conference room.

"James," Logan heard his lawyer call his name. Wade Wilson was cut throat with a wicked tongue. The perfect lawyer as far as Logan was concerned.

"Hey Wade," Logan greeted, shaking the other man's hand. "Let's get this over with huh?"

"Love to, but the buyers aren't here yet," Wade explained as they walked into the conference room.

Remy LeBeau was pulling out a bottle of water from the mini-fridge in the conference room when he turned to see Logan standing in the doorway.

"Logan, mon ami, what are you doing here? Is it Anna? Is she okay?" Remy questioned with worry in his voice. Logan's lack of an answer made him anxious. He looked over to his father as realization set in. "Wait, we're here to sell Wolvie's?"

Jean-Luc walked over to his son and whispered in his ear, "You should really read over the files before coming to a meeting, my son." He turned and walked over to Logan next, and offered him a seat. "Mr. Howlett, welcome. Thank you for coming at such short notice. I'm sure that you're relieved to have such a financial burden lifted off of your shoulders."

"Why am I even here?" Logan responded. "I thought sellers didn't need to be at these things. I sign the papers and everyone gets their money, right?"

Jean-Luc chuckled, "Yes, that's how they usually go. But, this particular buyer insisted that you were here during the signing."

"Logan," Remy spoke up from his seat, "I'm so sorry. I… I didn't know we were selling Wolvie's. If I'd known, I wouldn't have…"

"Wouldn't have what? Sign the paper work to begin with?" Logan snapped back. The look of confusion on Remy's face explained it all to Logan. Remy had no idea that it was his signature that started the entire process to begin with. "You should really pay attention to what you're signing, Gumbo. You never know whose life your ruining. I just get this thing over and done with."

"As do we," Jean-Luc replied. "I have to admit, my office was shocked when the call came in to purchase your property. Such a generous offer."

"Excuse me, gentlemen," Jean-Luc's secretary interrupted. "But they're here."

"Bon," Jean-Luc replied. "Please show them in."

All eyes shifted to the door. A man in a blue pinstriped suit walked in with a leather bound briefcase. He had shoulder length blond hair and a smooth pampered looking face. Beside him stood a man in his fifties, who was also dressed in a very expensive suit.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," the blond man spoke up. "Please, let me introduce myself. My name is Warren Worthington. I will be representing Mr. Charles Xavier here in today's purchase.

Lawyers, Remy thought to himself, always with the formalities. Jean-Luc nudged his son to accompany him over by the two men. It was proper business etiquette to begin all meetings with a formal handshake.

"Monseiur Worthington, Monsieur Xavier. Welcome, welcome." Jean-Luc shook both their hands. Remy noticed the extra skip in Jean-Luc's step. He was always extra chipper when he was about to make money.

"Thank you, Mr. LeBeau," Charles spoke up. "Please call me, Charles. I always believe in conducting business using first names."

"Very well, Charles. You may call me Jean-Luc. This here is my son, Remy," Jean-Luc replied.

"Hello, Remy," Charles replied, shaking the younger LeBeau's hand.

"Shall we sit at the table then?" Jean-Luc continued.

"Of course, of course. I'm sure you are eager to close this business. But, I can't forget to introduce you to my daughter," Charles smiled as he stepped aside to reveal the woman standing behind him. "Gentlemen, please allow me to introduce you to my daughter, Anna Marie."

A/N: EEkk.. I was sooo giddy just writing the chapter... lol

tradingtruthsforlies : I wanted to hold out and keep her out of the city longer, but I couldn't contain myself...

Ryromaniac : Don't be too hard on yourself... Before this week, I didn't update for four months!

darkangel856 : Thanks for the review love!

Anonymous: I'm so glad you found the courage to review! Your courage gives me the strength to write!