Chapter Five
Windows

Sharing afternoon tea and a light snack they enjoyed the companionable silence left over from the visit to the small family cemetery. Part of the new intimacy they now shared was the knowledge that this silence said more than any words ever could. They had always been able to reach other with just a look but now they added touch.

They had been in constant physical contact since the moment she first reached to him. It was this new form of communication that so delighted them that they were overwhelmed by its power. The simplicity of holding hands took on a new meaning as they walked with their fingers locked firmly together. A gentle caress translated into understanding while kisses became promises. They would build a new vocabulary as they attempted to express the depth of emotions and sensations within themselves.

Pushed up against a window the small table in the kitchen only had room for 3 chairs. He sat facing the window and she was at his right side; their legs resting against each other underneath kept the communication open.

He stood to take his plate to the counter but she stopped him. Turning in her chair to face him she ran her hands up his thighs. First lightly with just her nails brushing the fabric then stronger dots of warmth as she pressed her fingertips into the well-defined muscles oh his legs. He returned the plate to the table and began running his fingers through her hair.

She knew he needed this; to feel alive, to reaffirm their love in the shadows of their losses.

He made love to her right there on the kitchen table, for all the world to hear, to see. To know that he was alive but understanding the fragility of his own mortality. Time was no longer an enemy. And they would waste no more of it with their fears.

Two bodies clasped in the ultimate human expression of life.

He had never been with anyone as purely passionate as Beverly. And it was more than just the physical aspect of their bonding; for the first time in his life he felt truly fulfilled. The union of their minds, bodies and souls was complete.

The teacups rattled in their saucers; the cream dispenser toppling over sending a milky stream over the table as the table shook with their release. Collapsing into his chair he pulled her to rest against him. Gently caressing his soft crown of shorthair she rested her cheek across the smooth skin above. His breathing slowed.

The sun reaching in the window to dance in her hair; following it with his fingers twirling and gliding across the coppery stage.

Suddenly realizing what the position of the sun meant he glanced around the kitchen for a clock. Beverly looked at him puzzled as he reminded her, "We're supposed to go Marie's sister for dinner."

"Surely she would have called by now?" Beverly asked him, "Do you know where the house is?"

"No, and you're right. Maybe she left a message while we were outside earlier. I'll check the monitor in the other room." He offered.

"Stall them if you can. I need some time to clean up and change before we leave," she called after him. Smiling as she wiped up the rest of the spilled cream she caught sight of the display just beginning in the western sky.

Enraptured by the daily event she didn't hear him returning to her side. Sliding his arms around her he joined her as a witness to the simple, magnificent phenomenon of their homeworld. She wondered why he wasn't in a hurry and she turned her head to look at him over her shoulder.

Anticipating her question he explained, "Marie left a message saying that Tereasa's husband was called to help a neighbor. She asked if we could get by tonight on our own."

"I think we did pretty well last night don't you?"

"Indeed," he replied kissing her neck. "She re-extended the invitation for tomorrow night. And I'm not sure exactly what she meant but she said we should be ready for a break by then."

Enjoying the warmth from his embrace and the last vestiges of the eventide Beverly thought back to how this day had begun. She had also been wrapped in his arms. Was that only this morning? Silently she wished that all her future days could be spent in his arms. As if promising to try and fulfill her wish he hugged tighter placing a tender kiss to her cheek.

"There aren't too many sunsets in space are there?" she asked rhetorically.

"We should make the most of the ones we do get to enjoy then," he said turning her to face him. They kissed until they were left standing in the dark kitchen. The final shadows had been chased away.

Daybreak found her still locked in arms. The advancing streams of light weren't nearly as intrusive from this side of the bed. She watched as they moved across the foot of the bed and disappeared to the floor again. His breathing was even but the sunrise awakening new desires. His eyes fluttered open; without a word they began their new morning ritual.

It wasn't until they re-entered the kitchen that any spoken words passed between them. She looked at him and smiling broadly said, "French Toast, please."

He laughed and set about the necessity of preparing food to allay their other appetite.

"What time is your meeting with the Solicitor?" she asked as they finished their meal.

"Not until 2 PM. If you'd like you can go shopping in the village - it's not Paris but it'll be a good warm-up. That way we can just follow Marie to her sister's from town."

"That sounds like an excellent idea." She knew he would have told her immediately if there were any other messages but she had to check, "I guess Wesley still hasn't returned from wherever it is he is."

Seeing the concern in her eyes he quickly offered, "I'm sorry, I guess I should have set up the Starfleet Monitor I brought with us. Maybe if I can find Will . . ."

"It wouldn't make any difference, they can contact just as easily through the regular channels. He just hasn't." She frowned over her coffee.

He didn't know what to say, what to do to bring that smile back to her face. "I'm sure he's fine. Maybe I can try and reach him through some other method?" He said racking his brain for any resource he might have over-looked. "Perhaps Guinan can help? Or as a last resort . . ."

"No, don't even mention his name," she said quickly. "Everything is going so well." Placing her hand on his she silently asked for his understanding. He smiled to let her know he did indeed understand.

"Well if anything has been proven these last few weeks it's that the future he showed me will never happen."

Smiling, but almost afraid to think of that future she said, "It wasn't a very optimistic picture was it?"

"No, and there are still a few possibilities I'd like to make sure never come to pass." He held her eyes.

"Such as?" she replied swallowing the lump in her throat.

He stood, pulling her into his arms, "Trust me," he whispered into her ear.

"With all my heart."

<<The Village>>

Beverly surveyed the main plaza in the Village and immediately noticed sidewalk cafes made up the majority of the buildings. School must have just let out because several groups of children began entering the area laughing and joking as they made their way home. What a wonderful place to grow up she thought.

She found herself stopping in every shop unable to resist the quaint window displays. She missed being able to hold an item before purchasing it. With the replicators they could make anything necessary in a few minutes but this was so much more personal.

Her thoughts kept returning to Jean-Luc. Every item that caught her eye was because it was something she thought he might like. The hand-carved wooden book stand was especially tempting. It would fit in so well in the library or when he received his new commission in his Ready Room.

She ran her hands over the comforting wood wondering if any more of their personal items had been recovered from the crash. His quarters were probably considered spartan by others but she knew it was his personality that filled the cabin. She remembered some of the pieces and how she never asked about their origin.

The shopkeeper brought her back as he began telling her the origin of the piece. He told her he didn't even know how old it was but from the markings at least 300 years. Built at a time when computer terminals had long since replaced most books it was a testimony to the power of the written word. He had painstakingly cleaned each detail and repaired the hinges. It was beautiful in its simplicity. She watched as he carefully wrapped and boxed the piece for her.

She was standing on a box as the dressmaker fitted her when Marie found her. "That's a beautiful color for you Doctor," said Marie smiling at her warmly.

Beverly blushed slightly. "It's Beverly and thank you. Are you finished already? I haven't even made it to the other side of the street yet."

"Yes, well I'm finished," Marie offered with a certain finality. "Jean-Luc is still with the solicitor and I thought you might join you if you don't mind? I haven't been into town myself in a few weeks."

"It's been too long Marie, you know we miss you," interjected the dressmaker looking up from her work.

"Well, with the baby due any day now I've been busy at Tereasa's. Elaine have you met Dr. Beverly Crusher? She came with Jean-Luc."

"Oh you're the famous Dr. Crusher. Andre told my son Marc that you were arriving with the Captain."

Beverly was reminded how quickly news travel in small towns. She suddenly felt as though she were part of the window display. "Doctor, this is Elaine Rousseau, the best dress tailor in the business," Marie added.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Doctor," Elaine said rising to shake the hand of her newest client.

"And you also; but please, call me Beverly, both of you. I'm taking a short break from being a Doctor right now."

"I understand, Beverly. And if you'll give me a few minutes I can have this ready for you while you wait. I'll make some tea while you change."

Beverly changed and joined Marie at the small table over-looking the plaza as Elaine disappeared into the back room. "I meant to tell you I think the house is just beautiful."

"Thank you but I had very little to do with it. It's been in the family for years with each generation adding something to the whole. Did Jean-Luc give you the grand tour?"

She hoped Marie didn't notice her slight blush as she answered, "Not yet. Besides the kitchen and the library we haven't made it to the rest of the house. I guess we both feel like we would be intruding."

"Please, the house is Jean-Luc's now and I have a feeling you'll make it through every room in the house in time." Marie told her as she smiled enigmatically over her cup.

"You're not leaving are you? He was afraid you might not want to stay." Beverly asked.

"I've been thinking that once the baby arrives and my sister is back on her feet that I may do some traveling. Robert and I never really had the chance and I- I . . ."

"I understand, Marie." Beverly placed a hand over hers. "The day after I lost my husband I joined Starfleet, trying to start over or perhaps trying to finish what he started. It wasn't easy but eventually it didn't hurt quite so much."

"Thank you. Jean-Luc told me about him. It helps to have someone who truly understands. Everyone thinks they know; they're so polite. They offer their condolences, their sympathetic looks, and I just want to scream. Do you think it's all right to run away for awhile? I don't plan on being a stranger with my nieces and nephew but for now I just want to go where no one feels sorry for me." She spoke quickly as if she stopped she would lose control.

"Nobody understood why I wanted to leave my friends so quickly but it did help to be among strangers for a little awhile. Eventually I discovered new friends and I was able to be with my old friends with out the memories overwhelming me. I hope you'll consider me one of those new friends."

Marie smiled at her warmly. "I'd be honored to call you my friend. And I have a favor to ask you already."

"Anything."

"Will you take care of my garden? Andre told me that you came from a farming colony and had a talent for herbal medicine."

"Marie, I don't know how long I'll be staying."

"I know but while you're here. It's a small garden, just a few herbs and the roses. The ones in the fields are traditional but the roses by the house were mine. Please, just while you're here."

How could she say no, Marie's eyes were pleading softly. And it was actually something Beverly would be happy to do. "Of course, I'd be happy to keep an eye on the garden for you."

Elaine returned with the dress. "Do you mind trying it on one more time? I want to be sure it's perfect."

"Of course, it will be perfect," said Marie, "I've never known anyone to complain."

Beverly stood on display again as they checked the fit one more time. It felt like a glove against her skin. The fabric, a dark sea-green color that shifted to a pale green as the light bounced off of it. Falling slightly off her shoulders it hugged her body; the lower half split up her right thigh with the material gathered to frame her legs.

Through the window he caught sight of her vibrant auburn hair. Her back was to the window and he thought of how easy that feature made her to spot in any crowd. Not that she didn't stand out on her other merits.

He walked into the shop and stopped dead in his tracks as she turned to him. His mouth falling open as his eyes traveled down and then back up several times. "I take it you approve then," he heard someone say in the distance. The sound of laughter made him realize he had been staring for quite sometime. He blinked and noticed Marie and another woman smiling at him. "I better go change so we can get going."

Beverly, that was Beverly's voice he had heard.

He nodded and his eyes followed her until she disappeared into the dressing room. Someone else was talking now and he looked up to see Marie and the other woman laughing at him again. He tugged on his shirt unnecessarily and said, "I think I'm going to wait outside; it's a bit warm in here." He turned and opened the door, letting the cool air from the street fill his lungs. He took several deep breaths to clear his thoughts.

Marie joined him after a minute but he kept his back to the window. "It's a good thing things have changed between the two of you or you would have embarrassed you friend staring at her like that."

He frowned at himself for acting like a school boy. "How do you know something's changed? Did Beverly say something?"

She chuckled again, "No, she didn't have to. That look in your eyes - in both of your eyes." They looked at each other and Marie added, "She's much bolder than I thought - one night is all it took."

"One night and 25 years," he replied.

"Then it was definitely time." This time he laughed with her.