Chapter Four
Tides & Torrents

"No replicator? Interesting how you forgot to mention that detail," Beverly said looking at him wryly.

"Don't worry I believe I can still find my way around the kitchen."

"I never thought I'd actually miss cooking. It's been awhile but I used to be fairly skilled in the kitchen myself."

I don't doubt that, he thought. Then holding the door to the kitchen open for her, "Why don't we go see what Marie has left for us. There will be plenty of time for experimenting later."

They discovered several dishes still warm in the oven; Beverly removed them while Jean-Luc began searching the cabinets for plates. Marie must have rearranged things, he thought. He began memorizing the contents of each shelf lest Beverly notice his confusion.

"Smells wonderful," Beverly said opening the lid of the largest dish.

"How about some wine? I think I can find a bottle around here somewhere," he said before heading off on his new quest.

Soft classical music floated through the air as he sought to make himself comfortable in the house. She knew he was troubled. But she waited. She was quite used to this silent mannerism of his; it wouldn't do any good to inquire, he was having a complete conversation in his head. How she wished she could hear those thoughts again.

She stood and began clearing the dishes. "Let me get those, Beverly," he offered quickly.

"No, it's all right. I'd like to make some tea, if you don't mind?"

"That would be nice. The kettle was on the counter and I think the leaves are- "

"Don't worry, I'll find everything. Just let me know when you finish talking to yourself," she said disappearing through the kitchen door before he could apologize again.

There was so much to think about. He sighed as he considered his wine for a moment; swirling the last bit of wine around in his glass as he held it up to the light. Only a small glimmer, like the light from a distant star, reached through the dark claret. Savoring the final ounces he set the now clear glass on the table.

Peering through the small opening between the door and its frame Beverly watched him. He had re-adjusted his chair so that his back was to her and he could study the fire gently crackling in the background; his boots resting in a second chair he had pulled away from the table. Reaching up with his right hand he rubbed the back of his neck. She was trying to find the strength to go to him when she realized her hands were trembling at just the thought of touching him.

Dammit, he's got enough on his mind without you, she scolded herself. Try to concentrate on what he needs, right now. Actually, it looks like he could use a neck rub- Beverly, just go to him. She put her hand on the door; determined to open it . . .

"WHEEEEEE!!"

The tea kettle whistled into the night piercing the silence of the night and causing them both to jump - the music had stopped some time ago. Beverly drew in a deep breath of relief as she went to answer its call.

He smiled as she set the tray on the table and took her seat across from him. The silence lingering another moment before he began softly, "I'm sorry if I seem pre-occupied. It's just that Marie gave me some things to think about."

"I wish you would stop apologizing, Jean-Luc. I'm beginning to think this might be easier for you if I left."

"No, Beverly, please, I'm sor- I mean if you'll just bear with me a little while."

"I understand . . . And I know you'll talk when you're ready; it's just very difficult for me to watch you hurting when you won't let me help."

"You're here, safe. You have no idea how much that means to me." He held her eyes for a moment before continuing, "I can understand why Marie didn't want to stay here by herself. It's very different without - without them."

His eyes scanned the room as if expecting someone to enter at any moment. Nothing - not even the shadows shifted. Returning his gaze to his companion he added, "Besides, I'd miss you at breakfast."

"Speaking of breakfast, I saw a waffle iron in the kitchen. How about waffles with fresh peaches?" she asked.

"Sounds wonderful. And the day after that, you'll have to try my special French toast."

"You know I'm going to be very embarrassed if I find out you're a better cook than I am."

"Don't worry, it's been awhile for me also. I may have a replicator installed by the weekend if it doesn't work out." It was good to see him smile, even if it didn't quite reach his eyes yet.

He offered to refill her cup but she stood, pushing her chair away from the table as she explained, "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to take advantage of having a real bathtub." Then stopping at his side, "It's a beautiful house, Jean-Luc, elegant yet quite comfortable."

"I'm glad you like it," he replied as he unsuccessfully tried to stop the image of her in the bathtub from advancing through his mind. "I'll give you the full tour tomorrow."

"I'd like that." She indulged herself in a single squeeze to his shoulder. "Good night, Jean-Luc."

"Good night, Beverly."

The bath was every bit as relaxing as she had dreamed. The last knots finally untangling themselves as she soaked in the hot water; rose-scented bath beads bringing back the image of the bouquet that greeted her the previous night.

Like that room, she had discovered dark wood dominating the bedroom furniture; only tonight she knew it was real. The cabin last night had been luxurious but devoid of character. She was comforted by the personal items that were evident all around her; small - framed pictures, two matching wooden jewelry boxes and the silver hairbrush with just a hint of tarnish were a few of the things left from the previous occupants. She wasn't even sure to whom the room she was staying in had belonged; she had forgotten to ask.

Jean-Luc could hear the water running through the house. He pictured it, moving through the pipes, filling the bathtub. He sat and listened, motionless until it stopped. The image all too clear in his mind; Beverly slipping out of her robe, reaching to place it on the hook behind the door, testing the water with one foot then the other before lowering each feature into the hot bath. Her ankles, the smooth calves, those wonderful thighs - He stood up quickly and took the remaining dishes to the kitchen trying to force the image from his mind.

He needed a distraction. The library, I can always find something in there. It was his favorite room in the house. Volumes from floor to ceiling with only the fireplace and two large windows to provide a break in the wallpaper of books. Taking a deep breath he enjoyed the familiar muskiness of the room.

Where to start? He had been through most of the volumes, re- reading his favorites several times over. His eyes scanning the shelves with the same wonder as always, finally settling on the coffee table where he knew the Shakespeare would be. With his own copy probably still lying in the wreckage of his ship, he was drawn to it immediately.

It was already open. "Richard III." That's as good a place to start as any, he thought. He settled into the sofa and tested the weight of the book in his hand. His eyes checked around the room again, Something's missing? The fireplace. I may as well do this right.

A single piece of wood waited on the stack. He wondered if Robert had the opportunity to fill the box behind the house before . . . before winter had set in.

Making his way through the kitchen he was struck by a cold wind as he stepped out of the house. The clouds had given way to a clear night and the familiar stars stood at attention. He looked up for a moment but as he turned to open the box, the light that caught his eye wasn't the one of a distant star. From a single second floor window a soft yellow light beckoned him. Beverly's room. He grabbed an armful of wood and hurried back inside.

With the fire burning strong he stretched out on the sofa and began to read. "Now is the winter of our discontent . . ."

She changed into her nightgown and tried to fall asleep. Although the sheets were soft and the pillows inviting she lay awake. Less than a week ago they were all safe on the Enterprise. He had already received the news about his brother and nephew and yet he never came to her.

He seemed genuinely relieved when she had offered to accompany him on his journey home; then they way he took her away from her patients. He had so much to deal with but then so did she. Last night at dinner he reminded her that this time they didn't have the Enterprise waiting for them. His words had hit her much harder than she let him know I'm no longer Captain of the Federation Flagship and you're no longer Chief Medical Officer.

It's only temporary, she told herself. We'll all be back at work in no time. She had used her work to protect herself so many times before. Now even that had been taken from her.

Losing so many crewmates had really shaken her; more so than the actual crash. The face of the young man with the dark hair, just about Wesley's age, came back to her. Dammit, it's been almost week, why hasn't he contacted me. He could be anywhere or worse - he could be nowhere.

Throwing the covers back she reached for her robe and pulled it tight around her waist, pacing the room trying to keep her head clear. Maybe some warm milk will help. She opened the door slowly letting the light from her room spill into the dark hallway. He must already be asleep, she thought when she didn't see any other lights.

As she made her way down the stairs the uneven light from the fireplace caught her attention. She walked towards it. He was asleep all right - stretched out on the sofa with a book across his stomach.

She moved towards him just as he turned suddenly, sending the book sliding to the floor. She caught it before it could make a sound but lost the page it had been opened to. Setting it on the table she thought, one more turn like that and he'll be on the floor.

"Jean-Luc, wake up."

He heard a voice calling to him but resisted being pulled from his dream. She shook his arm and called again, "Jean-Luc, come on wake up."

He opened his eyes and looked at her disoriented for a moment. "Is it morning already?" he asked sitting up slowly.

"No, not even midnight. You feel asleep while reading."

She pointed to the closed book on the table. "I'm afraid you lost your page when it fell."

"I didn't wake you, did I?"

"No, I was just coming down to find a glass of warm milk," she explained shivering slightly as she took a seat next to him.

"How about a brandy, instead? It'll help keep you warm," he offered. "There's usually an excellent bottle hiding in the back here," He walked over to a cabinet built into one of the shelves and hunted through it until he found the one he remembered.

"Are you sure? I feel a little guilty breaking into the good stuff."

He smiled at her cautiousness, "Beverly, do you realize how long this bottle has been waiting in that cabinet?"

"Perhaps we should wait for a special occasion then."

He placed two glasses on the table. Then reclaiming his place next to her before opening the bottle said, "If I've learned anything over the past few weeks it's that you have to treat every day like a special occasion." Filling the glasses evenly he lifted his drink to her. "To all those special occasions we never realized were special until it was too late."

She took a small sip letting the brown liquid numb her tongue. "Very nice," she commented. He had already downed his drink and was refilling his glass. He waited for her to catch up. She looked at him uncertain for a moment then tipped the glass back and drained it. This time not only her tongue but her throat was numbed as the brandy began to send its warmth throughout her system.

He waited for her reaction then smiled as she held the glass before him for the refill. After swallowing half of his second drink, he got up to place another log on the fire.

"You seem a little more at ease now," she said watching him. The extra lines in his brow were gone, his shoulders not quite as stiff as before.

"I'm trying." He turned back to her attempting to discern why she seemed so trouble now. "Is your room all right or is there another reason you were having trouble falling asleep?" He knew her too well.

"The room is lovely, just like the rest of the house." She gave him a strained smile and attempted to change the subject, "So, what was it like growing up here?"

"You didn't answer my other question," he couldn't help observing.

"Why are you the only one who gets to keep their feelings hidden?"

"Touche, Doctor." He joined her on the sofa again.

They sat in silence for a few minutes; each taking small sips while staring into the flames.

"There always seemed to be so many rules. My father was a very stern man." It took her a moment to realize he was responding to her earlier question.

"So you ran away and joined Starfleet because there weren't as many rules?"

"Well, at least they weren't my father's rules. Watch this." He placed his boots on the coffee table. "Rule #4 broken."

They laughed together. For a minute Beverly could see the young Jean-Luc defiantly pushing the limits of 'the rules.' She let herself enjoy one of his beautiful broad smiles.

"Would you like another?" he asked nodding to the bottle.

"No thank you. I wouldn't want to pass out and have to have you carry me upstairs," she joked.

"No, I wouldn't want you to pass out." His reply came without thinking. He remained motionless for a second but a slight blush warmed his ears. Careful, Jean-Luc, he warned himself.

Beverly saw his sudden unease and decided to change the subject - again. "What about your Mother? She must have known her son was destined for greater things"

"I'm sure she was relieved to not have to referee our arguments anymore."

"I'll bet she missed you a great deal."

From the faraway look in her eye he could tell she was thinking about her own son now. "Beverly, I'm sure he's fine. I'll contact Will in the morning to see if he's heard anything."

"It's all right, I knew it would come to this." She concentrated on the flames again. "Besides, there's really no way of contacting him - I'm just going to have to get used to that . . . to get used to being alone."

"You're not alone." He was suddenly aware that she was sitting next to him in little more than her robe; the light scent of roses and the way the fire highlighted her hair were becoming very distracting. He watched for her reaction but she refused to meet his eyes.

He took the glass from her hand and set it on the table with his. Then placing his feet back on the ground he closed the bottle saying, "There will be other occasions."

As he settled back into the sofa she turned to study his profile. It was so familiar - so close. For no apparent reason she reached to touch his neck. Without even thinking about it - for if she had thought about it she never would have found the courage to do so - she let the tips of her fingers rest just below his ear.

She had caught him so completely unaware that he actually trembled as she contacted his skin. Before she could pull away he turned his head catching her hand between his chin and shoulder. He closed his eyes and moved his chin into her palm; waiting for her to react. Was this what he had been waiting for? Had she released him from taking the first step or had he simply misinterpreted her gesture?

His breath was warm on her hand. Still, without conscious thought she traced the line of his lips with her thumb. Fighting to keep his breathing even he reached up with his right hand to press her hand to his lips. He kissed the middle of her palm then with his thumb began lightly caressing the inside of her wrist and hand.

She gasped as his touch sent a new warmth through her body. Unlike the brandy this one was electric; instead of numbing, it heightened all her perceptions. She reached for the other side of his neck, slowly pulling him towards her as she leaned forward to meet his lips. A small gasp escaping from her as his hands encircled her waist.

With a gentleness that belied the passion threatening to overwhelm them they kissed, slowly, deliberately; until they were both left gasping for the breath stolen by the kiss.

Oh God, don't start thinking now, Beverly. It was the first conscious thought she had had in several minutes. Just let go, trust him . . . It will be all right as long as he doesn't stop.

But he did stop. And breathed heavily into her ear, "Beverly, tell me you want this as much as I do?"

"I thought I just did," she whispered back softly.

He was almost willing to let that be enough. Her warm kisses on his neck were about to stop any chance he had of remaining in control. She felt him holding back and this time she met his eyes. She had been holding back for so long that she couldn't believe she had ever been afraid of this. The strength and warmth in his hands was so wonderful; the look in his eyes reflecting not just their passion but their souls.

"This is too important - you're too important . . . our friendship," he began but she placed a silencing finger over his lips.

"Friendship is a difficult thing to overcome." Then after a slight pause, "And I have no intention of losing my best friend."

"Nor do I," he whispered before covering her mouth with his.

He finally had the absolution he sought. She had freed him from his fears; he had dissolved hers with this touch. At long last, free to love - to make love.

He tugged on the sash holding her robe closed, gently pushing her back onto the couch as she found the two buttons that opened his shirt to her. Still savoring the brandy-flavored kisses, her hands traveling through the soft patch of hair on his chest, over his broad shoulders and down his back.

His body seemed so familiar to her; she had seen him on her examining table often enough but this time she didn't need a tricorder to assist in her efforts; touch, sight, smell, sound and taste - savoring each sensation to the fullest.

She felt him jump slightly as she touched her fingertips to his waist. He looked at her meekly as he explained, "Sorry, I'm a bit ticklish there."

"I'll remember that," she said grinning mischievously before pulling him on top of her.

She had always found his cologne to be a refreshing change from the sterile atmosphere of the Enterprise. Many times she it was rather distracting as he stood too close while they skillfully performed their duties. Now, it was so completely sensual.

He whispered her name as she began nibbling on his ear, holding the bottom of his lobe with her lips she slowly let it slip from her mouth. Then with her tongue she began a moist trail along the underside of his jaw across his adam's apple and collar bone making him shudder again and again.

Reclaiming her mouth, this time more fiercely as his own hands enjoyed the silky texture of her nightgown. The robe parted fully and he could see now that the gown underneath only extended to her mid-thigh - he reached for the skin below.

The fire crackled in the background as if its heat could compare to the inferno raging just beyond its reach.

Attempting to shift his weight to his other hand he was reminded of just how narrow a playing field they were on. As if reading his thoughts Beverly whispered in his ear, "Let's go upstairs." He could only nod in agreement.

Taking his hand she led him away from the books, the stories, the history and up the stairs to their new chapter, awaiting its writing

As they reached the top landing he pulled her to him; it had been too long since he tasted her inviting lips. They didn't even break the kiss as he gathered her in his arms and carried her toward the light spilling softly from her room.

Placing her among the pillows he stepped back to remove his boots. The sight of her resting on the bed was an image he knew he would never forget; copper hair against the soft white pillows, those piercing blue eyes beckoning him and that body . . . finally waiting for his touch.

He lay next to her , she turned to face him as he brushed the stray strands away from her cheek. His hand moving to her neck, over her shoulder and down her arm then, still locked in her gaze he placed his hand flat against her stomach, moving up slowly until he finally reached her breast. His feather touch just grazing the raised peaks, making her breaths short and labored.

Rolling his fingers against the soft fabric, he brought his other hand up to repeat the motion. She gasped and closed her eyes; he was smiling at her when she opened them. Oh how she loved that smile of his. But right now she had better uses for his mouth. Kissing his parted lips she moved over him as he settled onto his back, letting her weight press their bodies together lightly.

Still massaging her breast he reached down to pull the gown up. He was a little surprised but mostly pleased to find no other garments underneath. He pulled the nightgown over her head. And she slipped his shirt away from his shoulders.

His hands on her bare skin sent a shock through her system. As he reached around her he pressed her hips to his. She threw her head back as he placed his mouth over her breast.

Moving his tongue in small swirling circles he explored both breasts fully. Holding one nipple between his fingertips and the other with his mouth he pulled on the pink centers gently.

Rolling over on top of her he made it easier for her to remove his pants. She wrapped her arms around him and reached inside the waist band from behind. Squeezing the flesh underneath she increased the pressure between their hips.

His arousal had been evident for some time but she gasped as the fullness rubbed against her. She pushed him up with her shoulder so that her eyes could verify what she felt touching her thigh and stomach. Tugging the waistband down as far as she could she raised her foot and pulled his pants out of the way.

She looked down and knew he was about to touch her much deeper than anyone ever had before. Reaching between them she grasped the smooth skin. His breathing became markedly more difficult as she alternately squeezed and lightly stroked him.

Pushing her legs apart his fingers dipped into her wetness. Spreading those lips he inserted a single finger. She gripped him tighter. Moving his thumb over her most sensitive part she moaned in delight.

They enjoyed the maddening sensations but neither of them wanted to give in before they were fully joined. He removed his hand to help steady himself over her. She moved him between her legs and teased him with her moisture. Holding him at her entrance she locked onto his eyes as he began to enter her.

They both cried out as they became a single being.

He called on every ounce of discipline as he fought the passion which had been so long denied. They remained perfectly; each holding back for the others sake. Then rocking back and forth they began to let that passion build; this time there would be no holding back.

Stopping her soft moans with his mouth they kissed hungrily. Pushing them both onto the next level of enjoyment he began pulling half-way out and re-entering her slowly.

Their ragged breathing disallowed any more kissing as she bit into his shoulder. Her nails pressed into his back as if it were possible to have him even further inside. He filled her completely and yet she felt she could never be close enough to him.

Faster now; a light sheen covered them both. They let themselves concentrate on the passion building within them. Still faster; the wave rolled forward, back a bit and then onward - crashing and churning-over and over - until finally it shattered over the shore. The waters were mixed together and spread out in every direction.

Unable to hold himself up anymore, Jean-Luc collapsed onto her. Beverly held him tighter as her ecstasy extended for the next several minutes. She could feel his pulse inside of her. Every rapid heartbeat of his sent a quivering pulse of pleasure throughout her body.

They remained joined for an extended period of silence. Their breathing slowed but their heart rates remained slightly elevated. She began lightly caressing his back and he raised himself to look at her.

Words weren't necessary; there were none.

They looked at each other for another hushed moment... simply enjoying the face of the person they each loved more than anyone else in the universe. They smiled. He moved onto his back and she wrapped herself around him. As he locked his arms about her they closed their eyes and wished the morning would never come.

The thousands of thoughts running through their minds were dwarfed the overwhelming sensations; completeness, fulfillment - love.

They were exhausted but sleep was far from their thoughts. Beverly rested her head on his chest listening to the reassuring rhythm of his heart. She began tracing lines on his chest - echoes of the physical scars she herself had once removed.

She remembered all too clearly each time he had been brought into her sickbay. The time he was transformed into Locutus, the phaser blast to his chest at the diplomatic conference, and after the incident on Celtris III . . . .

That memory tore at her heart as she touched the spot where the device had been implanted into his chest. He was so completely battered physically, emotionally - and yet he smiled when he saw her. For reasons she couldn't even begin to understand, relief filled his eyes as he whispered her name.

How ironic, she thought. He had one of the longest medical files in her database and here he was to say good-bye to his brother and nephew who were supposed to be safe at home on Earth. She silently thanked the power that had kept him safe and brought him to her arms.

Raising her head to study his face she couldn't help but indulge in a soft kiss to the underside of his jaw. His eyes opened and focused on her. The smile he had been wearing broadened as his eyes sparkled brightly.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you," she said.

"I wasn't sleeping, just dreaming."

Moving over him she began placing soft kisses on his forehead. Over each eyebrow and lid she slowly covered each feature with her gentle lips. He waited until she brought her mouth to meet his.

Slow, fluid movements; their initial urgency sated they began the exploration of each other. His hands went to her waist lightly stroking her sides. Walking his fingers up her back he pressed just the tips into her flesh.

He began making a mental list of her reactions while moving his hands and mouth over her body. A second list formed in his mind as he thought of all the ways he wanted to please her. It was going to take a long time to learn all her secrets but he knew it would be a journey of amazing discovery. He was ready to begin that mission - a mission he knew could easily last a lifetime.

His throat suddenly felt constricted as he thought about the prospect of sharing that mission, that life with Beverly. He loved her so much but the words were trapped in his heart.

Holding her eyes he saw the reflection of his own feelings as she covered him with her warmth - inch by marvelous inch. Sitting in his lap she wrapped her legs around him. He sat up to meet her as she pressed his mouth between her breasts.

Slow upward circles forced her to hang onto him for support. She was meeting his rhythm with her interior muscles; gripping him tighter then releasing.

He pushed her onto her back so that her head was at the foot of the bed now. He moved to join her on top of the covers. Kicking the pillows out of the way his feet rested against the cool wood of the headboard. Using his toes to push off he resumed their previous motions.

The urgency returned.

Beverly grabbed the board at the foot of the bed as she screamed in delight. Jean-Luc smiled; quickening his pace. Thrashing wildly underneath him she dug her nails into his back. He could feel her orgasm squeezing him within her but he kept pumping making her spasm over and over until he finally matched her intensity, her name ripped from his throat as he it enveloped him, draining all his strength away.

After another extended pause he regained enough mobility to move next to her. She curled into a ball and he pressed his chest to her back. Every few seconds he could feel her tighten as residual contractions gripped her. Wrapping his arms about her they both fell into an exhausted, satisfied slumber.  

<< Morning Tide >>

Bright sunshine moved through the window and across the floor. Beverly watched it approach the bed and waited for it to waken the man who held her in his arms. Her back was to him so she didn't know he had been lying there also waiting for the beams.

He kissed her neck and she turned to face him. Smiling coyly at her he said, "I didn't mean to wake you."

"I wasn't asleep, just dreaming."

"I hope it was a pleasant one."

"It was wonderful," she beamed back at him.

"Was I in it by any chance?"

"Yes, you were what made it so wonderful."

He smiled as she moved into his arms. They were still positioned with their feet toward the headboard and most of the covers - not to mention all of the pillows - were now resting somewhere on the floor. It was a rather high bed and Beverly peered around for any sign of the missing pillows.

"Everything seems to be upside down from here," she offered playfully.

He looked at the state of the linens and said, "Yes, It would appear as though someone was truly enjoying themselves last night."

"I hope it was more that one person." She waited for his reaction.

He smiled but his look became serious. "Beverly, there's so much I want to tell. I don't even know where to begin." He touched her cheek tenderly.

"Neither do I, Jean-Luc. Neither do I."

They looked at each other searching for words they both knew were inadequate. "It could take me some time to try and find those words," he said at last.

"I seem to have some time available," she said meaningfully. "And perhaps in the meantime actions will suffice." With that they began making their way back to the other side of the bed.

The sun was high in the morning sky by the time they noticed it again. Sharing a single pillow Jean-Luc had retrieved from the floor they rested against the headboard.

"If I recall correctly you mentioned waffles for breakfast," he said playfully.

Raising her head to look at him then sighing slightly she said, "If I wasn't so hungry I'd remind you that I'm a guest here."

"Don't worry I'd be happy to fix breakfast this morning. I seem to have worked up quiet an appetite myself," he said smiling at her. "You are a very honored guest indeed. Marie put you in the original Master Bedroom."

She looked at him somewhat mortified, "You mean this was your parents bedroom?"

He blushed and sheepishly added, "Well, it's been a long time since anyone has used this room. Robert hated it because of the way the sun broke in at dawn. He usually had to be up by then but on those days when he didn't - he didn't want to be disturbed."

"So I guess that's you on the dresser?" she said pointing to one of the two silver frames.

Trying to change the subject he said, "Why don't I just have replicator installed here in the bedroom?"

"Sounds good to me but I don't think Marie would appreciate the gesture."

"Probably not but I doubt if she'll be back to stay." He looked at the picture of Robert as a baby in the other frame.

"Did she say that?"

"Not in so many words but I could tell - she said she might come back in the Spring," he sighed softly. "Everything is so different; new and full of promise. You have to see it then Beverly."

"I'd like that," she replied kissing him on the forehead. They rested for a moment but the growling from his stomach told her it was long past time for just croissants. "Come on, let's have a shower before breakfast." She found his shirt on the floor and slipped it on as she walked toward the bathroom. From the doorway she called in a low voice, "I believe there's plenty of room for two."

By the time they made it down to the kitchen it was almost noon. They shared the brunch tasks; Jean-Luc making the coffee and slicing the peaches while Beverly mixed and cooked the waffles. She almost overcooked one as he distracted her with soft kisses to her neck.

As they finished putting away the dishes his eyes were drawn out the window. He stared at the tree while the shadows creased his brow again. Noting his sudden stillness Beverly pressed herself into his back, hugging his waist. He let her warm him as he stood gazing across the field.

"They're resting there. . . just under that tree," he said nodding through the window. She peered around his shoulder following his gaze. "Marie said I should go in the afternoon."

"I'll wait here if you want to go by yourself," she offered.

Jean-Luc shook his head slowly and said, "No, I don't want to go anywhere alone anymore." He turned, took her hand and led her across the fields.