A Captain's Interlude

By

Linda Delaney

 

 (This story needs to have an explanation… I was on line one day with my friend Julie Cayemberg telling her how I couldn’t write a story where I didn’t ‘trash’ the guys in some way, some how… she gave me a smile, and told me of course I could… that I had written some things that were perfectly real and reasonable stories… without damage to the leading characters. I laughed at her and told her I couldn’t do it. She challenged me, and this story is the result. If not for her persistent encouragement, and help, I don’t think it could have been done… so…THANK YOU, JULIE! I hope Lee fans will enjoy this!)

*****

Lee Crane took a moment to stretch his lean frame, savoring the warmth and peace of this particular early morning. Robert was at his mother’s for the weekend and he and Caitlin had the house to themselves. He had no duty, no mission, no obligations save those to his wife and he was looking forward to giving her his undivided attention. He grinned, exceptionally pleased with himself; this kind of interlude was a novel thing in their experience

Their first anniversary was approaching and while he knew Harry and Karen Nelson had planned a small party in their honor, he was looking forward to his private plans, plans made as soon as he’d realized he and Caitlin were going to have two days all to themselves.

The first year of their marriage had flown, marked by an almost frenetic sort of business as they'd adjusted to marriage, to work schedules and to the challenges inherent in a blended family. In fact, ever since that night in the apartment when Caitlin had first told him she loved him, time had taken on a new meaning. There was never enough of it to go around it seemed, certainly not enough for the two of them just to be a man and a woman in love.

It wasn't that he’d forgotten Cathy. He still thought of her in many ways as he watched their son grow, but he had begun to appreciate her and their time together more...appreciate the joy her life had given him rather than continuing to bury himself in the agony her death had left him to suffer. The pain of his late wife’s loss and absence had finally begun to subside the night of Caitlin’s declaration of love and continued to recede as he allowed his relationship with her to deepen. The absolute joyfulness of the tiny blonde woman who was now his wife, her exuberance, her loving, and her love of life had gradually replaced the hurt.

He was healing and with the healing came freedom to feel things he’d kept buried for years. Love, joy, anticipation, enjoyment of the simple things in life and, most surprising of all, he was finally allowing himself to be at peace. As he looked back, his only regret was all the wasted years before he’d allowed Caitlin to tear down the walls he’d erected in the cause of self-protection.

Crane, you were an idiot not to take the girl and marry her on the spot. She is so right for you and you, you old fool, you love her! Yet you had to get hit over the head by a two-by- four, figuratively at least, before you even realized it! he sighed. Enough! Here you are...beautiful morning...your wife sound asleep beside you and you're doing what; Rehashing old mistakes... regretting things that are past. Quit thinking of all the should-have-beens when you have sweet reality right here, within reach! Propping himself on an elbow, he gazed down at his sleeping wife. Tenderly brushing the hair from her face, he smiled when she sighed contentedly in her sleep. Perhaps you've forgotten how good the sweet reality of Caitlin’s arms can be...After all, it’s been a busy month. Think maybe this weekend is just what the doctor ordered...time for both you and your wife to remind yourselves of just how right things really are…

"Mmmmm...good...!" Caitlin murmured sleepily, echoing his silent thoughts.

Lightly stroking her cheek, he murmured, "Good morning, Mrs. Crane."

"Mmmmm..." she mumbled again, snuggling into her husband’s embrace. "...very good." Closing her eyes tightly against the bright sunshine, she began to relax, giving into the tempting pull of drowsiness.

Lightly nuzzling the soft skin of her neck, Lee chuckled, "Oh no, you don't, Little Girl, no sleeping our day away."

Caitlin’s eyelids fluttered and slowly the gleam of blue appeared under her blonde lashes. Smiling at him languidly, she murmured, "Good morning, my love. I was just going to nap for a bit longer...sleep is a wonderful thing."

"Yes it is, but there are other wonderful things awaiting us, too."

"But why not rest first, my captain?" she questioned as she turned her body to his. "It’s early and the opportunity’s so rare for us." Seeing a look she recognized well in his dark eyes, she giggled. "Okay, forget sleep. Why don’t you just tell me what you have planned?"

"Um...sorry, but I’m not tired anymore." His hands drifted to her curves. "Maybe something to make me...uh, drowsy...would help."

A grin blazed to life on her face. "Are some things rising to the occasion?"

Feeling his body’s response grow under her light touch, he teased, "Is that a question or an observation, Mrs. Crane?" As her caresses grew more purposeful, he quirked an eyebrow. "Little Girl, what are you up to?"

"Moi? I'm not 'up to’ anything..." She laughed again at the look on his face. "...However, my love, ‘up’ certainly seems to be the operative word here!"

"So the question remains, what are we going to do about it? You gonna' go back to sleep..." Lowering his mouth to hers, he kissed her passionately as his hands continued their sweet explorations. "...maybe go back to whatever dream you were having?"

"Haven't you realized by now, you are my dream as well as my most fortunate reality? How many times...in how many ways do I have to tell you I love you before you really begin to understand how deep this goes?" She watched him close his eyes in gratification as her hands drifted lower, stroking him gently, then continued in her soft whisper, "In truth, I don't know how I ever lived without you...without waking up beside you each morning and without going to bed with you each night."

"...and in truth, Little Girl..." He rolled her beneath him, beginning a slow worship of her body with his lips. "...this old man is still discovering what it means to have you with me; my partner, by my side in whatever we have to face. It’s been quite a voyage, Caitlin."

"I hope it’s been a good voyage of discovery, my love..." Caitlin arched restlessly against him in response to his light, erotic kisses. "...and as for the ‘old’ business, old men do not welcome in their days with this kind of activity."

"Mmmm, you mean activities like this?" he asked, nibbling at one sweet breast.

Gasping in delight as his touch sent shivers of desire coursing though her, she pulled him closer and muttered, "Lee Crane, did anyone ever tell you that you talk too much?"

Raising his head, he searched her face...hazel eyes smoky with love and desire. "Not me! I don’t say enough, or so I’ve been told." After teasing her other breast to a hardness which left no doubt his wife was as aroused as he was, he lifted his head again, grinning when he heard her quiet moan of frustration. "Why? Is there something else you'd rather I'd be doing, Mrs. Crane?"

"Ahhhh...give me a break right now, my love. Less talk...in this case... would be a good thing. You know...less talk, more action?"

Abruptly rolling away from her and onto his back, he murmured, "Okay, I’ll stop."

"LEE!!!"

Her outcry echoed off the walls of the spacious room. Feigning seriousness, Lee pillowed his head on his arms. "Yes, sweetheart?"

Caitlin knew she’d been had. Although he seldom teased her like this, she only had to look at his body to know he was not about to stop what he’d started and she could see his shoulders shaking with silent mirth, as he worked to keep from laughing aloud. ‘Well, what’s good for the goose...’ Pulling him towards her, she whispered, "If you don’t finish this now, you will live to regret it, Captain Crane!"

Not quite ready to quit with his gentle jest, Lee started to turn on his side. "You know, Mrs. Crane, come to think of it, I am feeling a bit drowsy; after all it's only 0700 and it’s a Saturday. Maybe going back to sleep isn't such a bad idea."

With unerring surety her tiny hand made sharp contact with his bare buttocks.

"Ow! What was that for?"

She lay back giggling as he moved back over her, trying hard to look menacing.

"You are going to have to pay for that one, Little Girl!" he teased.

"Go ahead, my love, exact your payment," she replied huskily.

"Well..." he grinned. "...payment for disturbing the peace of a sleeping husband can be quite high, but then again I did wake you up...albeit most pleasantly. So I suppose I have to take that into consideration when determining your punishment." As she pressed close, he smiled. "Mmmm, maybe I’ll just forget all about penance for now...this is very nice and I can think of a lot of other things we could be doing. Let’s see, as I recall, you were worried about...what was it...?" Taking her hand, he laid it over the most private part of him. "... now, does this feel like I'm going to sleep, Little Girl?

She smiled; a sexy, inviting smile. "Not a bit, not a bit at all."

"Okay, so where were we?"

Reaching for him, she breathed against the skin of his shoulder, "In bed...together...about to make mad passionate love?"

"Good answer, wife. You want that we should get started?"

"I thought we were started, Captain sir. Well started...."

Her words faded to silence as he rose above her, joining their bodies in one smooth, flowing motion.

"Mmmm..." She let out a small cry, thrilling with the exquisite sensations of their joining. Staring up at him, she gasped, "Okay, waking me up...good idea, Crane. Really fine idea."

Beginning to move, he lowered his mouth to hers, his tongue dancing lightly over her lower lip. "This is so very good, Little Girl, and yes, the voyage of discovery has been very, very pleasant." Kissing her hard, he explored her mouth in unconscious imitation of their act of love. Lost in the pleasure of the moment, he wrapped his arms around her as his strokes became steadier and longer, binding them even closer as their rhythms came in harmony. He could feel his need for release build until finally, feeling her shudder as her body clenched around him, he gave himself over to the wonder of his own climax. After several moments, he forced himself to move and gently settled her next to him, gathering her close and kissing her.

"I love you, Caitlin Crane. I think I've loved you for a very long time, I just wasn't willing to let you in."

"And I love you, Captain, always and forever." She sighed, then looked at him with a mischievous grin. "Mother never warned me mornings could be sooooo good!"

"I imagine your mother knows all about these kind of mornings, particularly if the Admiral has anything to say about it, " he whispered dryly. "After all, she was the one who gave us flavored massage oil for our honeymoon. Not exactly your typical mother of the bride gift!"

"Speaking of which, my love, it’s your turn, isn't it?"

His eyebrows headed for the ceiling again. "And just what did you have in mind?"

"Returning the favor of the other night."

He feigned deep thought. "The other night? Hmmm...I remember working late."

"Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten? We went to the theater with Mom and HN and then R.C. stayed overnight with Sean, after the production."

"Theater? We went to the theater?"

She could see a twinkle in his eye, which belied his contrived ignorance. Impishly, she muttered, "Lee Crane, you're not that old, are you?"

"Maybe you could hum a few bars of one of the songs to jog my memory, Little Girl or...."

"LEE!"

Caught by surprise she cried out as he rolled her onto her back, his questing fingertips beginning to set her body afire once again.

"Let’s see..." Kissing her neck and throat, he whispered, "...I remember this..." His lips traced a fiery trail downwards across her collarbone. "And I remember these..." Reaching her breasts he brushed first one then the other with his mouth...gently nibbling then lightly suckling. "Only as I recall you had a lot more clothes on when we started." He lifted his head and smiled at her. "Personally, I like this better...."

She looked at him, eyes soft with love and desire. "You know, Captain, I don't think I need to hum a few bars of anything...your memory seems fine. Now come back here. Remember, it's supposed to be my turn!"

Ignoring her, he continued his exquisite journey over her flat belly, tracing a light circle around her belly button with his tongue before licking and nibbling his way to her most private of places.

She felt his lips move against her skin as he murmured, "Shhhh...no interruptions, I'm remembering!"

"Mmmmm...you certainly are...." she gasped, all thoughts of what she’d started to do vanishing before the sensory onslaught of his touch.

"Oh yes, and then there’s this. I definitely remember this!!" he laughed sexily as he found that place of her private self and began to lave it gently with his tongue. Raising his head for a moment, he watched as she entered the first throes of another climax.

Caitlin clutched at the covers. "Oooh....."

Seeing her white knuckled, he nodded in satisfaction. "Yep, it’s all coming back to me now. Having fun, Little Girl?" he grinned as she writhed beneath him.  He continued to tongue and lick her tiny nub of pleasure then moved his mouth to her inner lips as his thumb continued to play with her.

"Lee...stop! You're killing me..." Her gasping laugh gave her away as she grabbed his shoulders and crashed over the precipice, moaning as intense waves of pleasure washed over her. After a moment, she lifted her head and whispered, "...but what a way to go! Thank you, my love..." She stroked his head as he lay between her legs. "...you certainly seem to have an aptitude for these kinds of activities."  Raising herself slightly, she reached for him, drawing him up to her so he lay with his head pillowed on her shoulder and his other arm draped across her stomach.

Lee closed his eyes, resting against the warmth of her body, enjoying the light fragrance of her satin skin...a fragrance now enhanced by the scent of their lovemaking. Seldom had he felt so relaxed. Rays of early morning sunshine pooled across their bed, he could hear the muffled sound of the surf outside their window, Caitlin’s fingers still traced random patterns through his dark curls and best of all, they had hours ahead reserved just for the two of them...no duty, no work, no company, no children...just finally a time to unwind together and play.

Gently thumbing her breast, he kissed her shoulder and with just a hint of mischief in his voice, murmured, "Did I remember well enough, Little Girl?" Hearing her soft ‘Mmhm’, he lifted his head so he could look at her. Tracing the contours of her cheekbones, he said quietly, "Have I told you how much you mean to me, Caitlin Crane?"

Seeing love for her swirling in the hazel depths of his eyes, she looked at him in wonder. "Lee?"

"Shhh, sweetheart, let me finish. Have I told you how very fortunate this old submarine captain feels to have you in his life and for that matter in his bed? I love you." When she remained silent, he smiled. "I’m sorry, that’s all I really wanted to tell you. You can talk now. What were you going to say?"

Hearing deep emotion crackle in his voice, she looked at him in raw amazement. "No...no don’t be sorry. It’s j...just that...that, well…No…Never mind."

"What is it, Caitlin?"

Her wide blue eyes regarded him seriously. "I'm the one who’s sorry...I know I’m not making much sense and it's nothing, really. It's just you don't often...you know...open up like this and for the last time, my love, you are not old!"

He smiled ruefully. "I guess I took you by surprise, didn’t I? All of my life I’ve kept to myself, guess I've always been afraid to let someone get too close for fear I would lose them. Like my father, years ago."

She laid a finger over his lips. "Enough! No apologies...no explanations. I know your history and I love you...that's all."

"Please, let me talk...."

Surprised by his persistence, she smoothed her palm across his forehead and nodded. "Okay...."

Taking a deep breath, he continued, "Over the years I've let a few people in...Chip, the Admiral...Karen...Cathy… and you. I feel close to the men, the boat...but with that comes the fear and it is a real fear, something will take one or all of them from me. I couldn't bear that...."

"Lee..." Once again, she touched a finger to his lips, trying to keep him from retreating into an all-too-familiar dark place.

Kissing the pad of flesh gently, he whispered, "I’m on a roll, little girl, and suddenly I find myself needing to get this out, okay?"

Seeing acceptance...or was it resignation in her eyes, he continued,"...so, foolhardy or crazy as it may sound, I do the very best I can to protect and take care of all of them. I failed once and Robert will be paying for that for the rest of his life."

Caitlin lowered her head, trying to keep the anger and frustration out of her voice. "Are we back to this again, Lee?"

"Sweetheart, I’m not finished..." Lee began, only to be interrupted by his wife’s quiet, firm assertion.

"I am not Cathy."

"Settle, Little Girl. I know you’re not Cathy and in part, that’s why I love you.  I didn’t marry you, didn’t ask you to be my wife so I could remarry Cathy. "

"So why is she in our bedroom this morning?” Caitlin winced at the anger in her tone, but in truth she was discouraged; things had been going so well...now it felt like they were back to square one.

"Caitlin, please understand, there are a lot of people out there who want to hurt us...to get even with us...to do damage to us because of who we are and what we do. Cathy was a victim of that hatred and that’s why I guess you feel she’s here this morning. I can’t look at you without remembering what happened to her and the idea of losing you...well, it terrifies me. You know more about me than she ever did, in fact you’ve known me longer than she did. You are closer to me than she ever was and...."

His wife’s eyes reflected her astonishment as she blurted, "What? I'm sorry, but I don't believe that. I believe you love me, but I...I think she still...still owns you!"

"Wrong tense, Little Girl. She owned a part of me I’ve left behind… the part I put on the shelf the day I asked you to marry me."

"But you keep taking it down..." she whispered morosely. "...dusting it off and each time you do I hear the same old song, ‘Lee Crane, savior of the world...failed.’"

He shook his head sadly. "No, you’ve got it wrong. I don’t see myself as savior of the world. I’m just one man trying to do the right thing. Cathy is and always will be a part of my life, Caitlin, but you are my heart. I don't know how else I can explain it to you."

Caitlin was silent, not knowing what else to say and not knowing how to get back to the fun, teasing, light mood which had started their morning together. Taking a deep breath, she patted his arm. "Never mind, Lee, it’s okay."

He was quiet for a moment then cleared his throat. "It is not okay. You’ve spent enough of our life together swallowing these feelings for my sake and it’s time I made it very clear how I feel. I promise you something, Caitlin Davis Crane..." He pulled her closer, holding her to his body with one strong arm and cupping her face gently in his other hand. "...you are my here and now...my life...my treasure...my being. Make no mistake, my heart and soul are yours alone, Little Girl, yours alone."

Her eyes flooded with tears at his tender words. "Oh...." she choked, unable to swallow around the lump in her throat.

Lee cradled her to him and whispered, "Shhh... don't cry, sweetheart. Please, don't cry...."

"N...not crying!" she spluttered through her tears.

Tilting her face up to his, he kissed her sweetly...gently. "...and just what would you call it...a fountain?"

She giggled and wiped her cheeks with the palm of her hand. "There, all better...." She shot an appraising look at his unclouded face and a smile lit her expression. "...except...there’s something I want to know."

Lee sensed the change in her mood and twinkling amusement returned to his eyes. "Yes?"

"Just w...who are you, and what have you done with my stubborn, pig-headed, intransigent, tight-assed husband?"

He laughed warmly. "He's here. He just finally decided it was time to talk to the most important person in his life."

Caitlin threw her arms around his waist and squeezed him tight. "If this is what’s going to happen when we have time alone together then by all that’s holy, we need to take a weekend off more often!"

"Now that, Mrs. Crane, sounds like a viable plan of action. However as I see it, we still have all day today and most of the day tomorrow to practice. And... speaking of practice, where were we? Something about my turn?"

It was her turn to look at him in surprise. "My, my we're insatiable this morning, aren't we? Are we just planning to stay in bed all day long? Not that I’m complaining, mind you."

Stretching his lean body, he pillowed his head on his arms and grinned. "I’m waiting...."

"Waiting for what, Captain?" She giggled as her eyes traveled along his trim, muscled form. "Oh, never mind...I’m beginning to get the picture." Sitting up, she reached across him, provocatively brushing his body with hers as she moved to retrieve a small, decorative bottle on the nightstand. When he reached for her, she squealed and slapped at his hands. "Stop it, Crane! If it’s your turn I want to get the oil." Ignoring her completely, he ran his fingers in a sweet caress over her body...tickling her gently. When his hands didn’t stop their delicious torture, she collapsed atop him, laughing so hard she could barely breathe. Holding tightly to her prize, she twisted away from him and gasped, "Captain, if you want ‘your turn’ then you’d best start behaving yourself before I drop this and all our wonderful fun ends in a royal mess."

Reaching out he touched the tip of one breast then threw his hands above his head.

"All right..." he chuckled. "...I give up. Do with me as you will, ma’am. I swear I’m finished with the tickling...for now, anyway."

"For now, huh? Well then, I’d guess we’d better get started." Smiling at him, she straddled his hips and poured a liberal amount of the rich, scented oil into her hands. Leaning forward, she began to massage his chest with long, easy strokes, enjoying the feel of his skin beneath her fingertips.

"Mmmm, that’s nice..." Lee murmured, his eyes beginning to close. "...very, very nice."

"You haven’t seen anything yet, my captain...." Stroking his collarbone lightly, she heard his breathing grow deep and even and looked down in sudden suspicion, stopping her soothing motions. "Lee Crane, are you going to sleep on me?"

"Mmmm, maybe..." he replied drowsily, teasing her again. "...if you remember, it was you who told me I couldn’t do anything...told me to behave myself...told me just to lay here and keep quiet." He grinned at her soft sputter. In reality, he was feeling extremely relaxed but he knew sleep wasn’t what his wife had in mind. Opening his eyes, he met her gaze and winked. "Hi..."

Seeing the spark of laughter in the amber depths of his eyes, Caitlin decided it was payback time. Sliding off his hips, she plunked down at his side. "Guess you are an old man! Go ahead..." She forced a petulant note into her voice. "...take a nap, see if I care. However..." Reaching out she trailed her fingertips over his flat stomach, continuing the sensuous circular movements. "...if you do, you’ll miss out on more of this." As she continued to caress him, her lips drifted over his neck and shoulders...kissing then licking the sensitive skin. "Mmmm, tasty, my love... very tasty¼ Mom always did say Vanilla was the best!"

He sighed, totally immersed in the sensations her touch was evoking. "Little Girl, what you’re doing feels wonderful, but could we please leave your mother out of it?"

"She isn’t here, my love, believe me. It’s just us."

"Perfect...just the way it should me. Maybe I’m not that tired after all..." He drew a deep breath as her tongue flicked over the hollow of his throat. "Ummm...that thing you do with your tongue...very, very nice. I...mmmm...." His voice faded as her touch overwhelmed thought. Intent on her loving, Caitlin’s fingers continued to trace a path downward, sliding over scars still red with healing and moving further, coming to rest at his groin. She could feel his body quicken as she lightly stoked and caressed him. When her mouth closed over his flat nipple, she heard his low moan of arousal.

"Caitlin...you...that feels wonderful."

"So, should I stop now?

"Wench..." He reached for her. "... come here and we’ll see about stopping!" His arms clutched at empty air as she dodged free of his grasp.

"Lee, I told you...you are not to do anything. It’s my turn, although..." She laughed sensuously. "... from the looks of things I’d say we’re out of danger of you falling asleep. Now close your eyes and feel, my love, simply feel. Let me do this...."

Her lips whispered over his skin, trailing fire in their wake and as her hands massaged his legs, her mouth began its leisurely worship of his now rigid manhood. Slowly and deliberately she licked his shaft, grinning at his soft sounds of pleasure. Lightly swirling her tongue over the sensitive skin, she gradually took him into her mouth, suckling gently.

"Caitlin..." Lee arched against her, his hips beginning to move to an unheard rhythm, his voice hoarse with need. "... please ...." Reaching for her blindly, he opened his eyes when she twisted away from him. Frustrated, he muttered, "Sweetheart...let me...."

Caitlin raised her head long enough to look at him, her blue eyes alight with passion.

"No, Lee, I won’t. For the last time, it’s my turn...so just relax and enjoy what’s happening." Her fingers stoked his pouch as her mouth closed about him again, sucking and licking, matching the rhythm of his hips.

"Little girl...I...I can’t...s...stop...."

"Then don’t...."

His body shuddered as he fought for control, losing the battle when her quiet whisper drove the last vestiges rational of thought from his mind. His world narrowed to the sweetness of her touch, the warm wetness of her mouth, teasing him until he could take no more and finally, the explosion of feeling that came with his climax...the complete and utter satisfaction. It was several minutes before he could summon the energy to open his eyes.

"You’re killing me, Little Girl..." he said softly. "...but to coin a phase I heard recently..." Reaching for her, he kissed her deeply, tasting himself on her lips. "...what a way to go."

She sighed and wriggled against him, covering herself in oil in the process. She laughed quietly when she slipped off his chest and landed on the mattress. "Things are little slick here, Captain."

Wrapping her in his long arms and anchoring her close to him, he murmured, "Come here, Mrs. Crane, I won’t let you slip away so easily."

Absently toying with his chest hairs, she smiled at his words. "Is that supposed to be a pun, my love?"

"I don’t do puns, remember? I’m stubborn, pig-headed, and intransigent...puns don’t fit the profile."

"Maybe the profile is changing," she said quietly.

Suddenly serious, he laid his lips against her temple and murmured, "I hope so, I certainly hope so!"

They lay together in drowsy silence for a time, dozing, resting, enjoying the mellow afterglow of their loving. Close to an hour passed before Lee suddenly stood up, scooped Caitlin into his arms and carried her into their bathroom.

Staring at him fuzzily, she asked, "Uh...what are you doing? I was almost back to sleep again."

"No more sleep and enough of the fun and games, Mrs. Crane. We have things to do and first on the agenda is a shower."

Caitlin giggled. "We’re going to take a shower together without fun and games? You’ve got to be kidding, Captain."

Lee tried to look serious. "No, I’m not kidding. Soap, shampoo, hot water, all applied with military precision. Business, Caitlin, this is going to be strictly business."

Pouting prettily, she rolled her eyes. "That doesn’t sound like any fun at all. Will you at least tell me why I suddenly feel like saluting? Do we have plans I don’t know about?"

All her husband did was smile. "We’ll figure something out, Little Girl, but contrary to what you may be thinking, we can’t make love all day long...the old man in me couldn’t take it." He stopped, unceremoniously depositing her in the shower. Dusting off his hands, he looked down with a self-satisfied grin. "There. You have 15 minutes before I come and forcibly remove you, so hustle."

Making a small sound of exasperation, Caitlin grabbed for his arm. "Crane, get your butt in here! How often do we get this opportunity? Old or not, we can at least conserve water."

He quirked an eyebrow and grinned, "Only my butt? I thought I had other features you admired."

Casting a lingering glance at his body, she nodded thoughtfully. "That’s true. Okay fine, leave your mouth outside...the rest of you is welcome."

"...and just exactly how do you propose I do that, dear wife? The mouth comes with the rest of me."

Turning on the shower, she waited until the air began to fill with steam then gave a yank on his hand. "For heaven’s sake, will you just get in here and scrub my back." Seeing the teasing gleam in his eyes, she shook her head. "Lord, you’re in rare form this morning. Fine...you can bring your mouth as long as you promise to behave...no more of this military nonsense!" She smiled at him and once again gave his fingers a gentle tug. "After all, this is my day off, too."

Nodding in silent acquiescence, he stepped in with her and shut the door. Reaching for the vanilla soap, he lathered his hands and began to smooth the fragrant bubbles over the soft skin of her back.

Leaning into his touch, she murmured, " Mmm, much better. But you know, I don’t think the business thing is gonna' work. As nice as this is, we could stay in here all day...or at least until we run out of hot water."

Lee nuzzled her wet hair as his hands roamed over the familiar contours of her body, finishing with her back and drifting around to cup her breasts. As he felt her nipples harden under his gentle cleansing, he chuckled.

"I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself, Mrs. Crane and I’m very glad you invited me to join you. As much as I hate to admit it, you’re right; this is much more fun than military precision and strictly business. As for the hot water problem, not to worry, we won’t run out no matter how long it takes us to get clean. Remember we had the water heater replaced with an extra large commercial one, so if you want we can stay here all day."

She giggled then gasped with delight, resting her weight against him as he soaped her belly and her mons. Hearing her quiet sound of gratification, Lee whispered against her ear, "Is this what you had in mind, Little Girl?"

"Oh yes, this is what a shower should be!"

As his long fingers moved between her legs, pleasuring her with light, erotic touches, her buttocks began to grind against his groin, putting him in the enviable position of becoming aroused once again by his very sexy wife. Shaking his head in amazement, he laughed, "Caitlin Crane, what you do to me."

"...and you to me, Captain." When his free hand moved once again to her breast, she caught her breath. "Lee, what you’re doing...feels wonderful, but I am getting seriously close to falling on my face here."

"Don’t do that, not when there are so many other things we could be doing. Here..." His arms slipped around her waist, supporting her as he turned her around and captured her mouth, leisurely exploring the sweetness he found there.

Returning the kiss, Caitlin hungrily sought more of him, tugging at his dark curls when it was not forthcoming. "You can open up now, Crane."

"Yes, ma’am."

Their lips met and the kiss turned fiery as they explored each other’s mouths, all thoughts of the rest of the day forgotten as passion ignited once again.

Lifting her so she straddled him, he slid into her welcoming warmth and they began to move as one. Stroking the soft skin of her buttocks, Lee lost himself in the sensations...the warm, pulsing water, the sensual touch of her tongue as she explored his mouth, the feel of her body enclosing him, tightening around him as she gave herself over to a shattering climax. No longer able to hold back, he pulsed into her, his warmth flooding her as they slid slowly downward against the tiles, coming to rest on the floor of the shower.

Still buried deep inside her body, Lee rested her head on his chest, wrapped his arms around her and lay motionless, trying to catch his breath.

"Caitlin...not even when I was much, much younger... was it ever this good. But then again, I wasn’t in love with you and being in love with you is what makes this so...well, spectacular." He paused, looking up at her with mischief in his eyes. "Uh...I think maybe I should clarify that first statement a bit. Please understand, even when I was much younger, I didn’t spend a lot of my mornings this way. I thought I’d better explain since I don’t want to get myself into trouble."

Caitlin lay across his body, still holding him inside her, trying to decide whether to give him grief about his rather half-hearted explanation. She knew, unlike her, Lee had been involved in a relationship like this before...knew he’d had the experience of waking up beside another woman he’d loved...knew there had probably been mornings of passion and fun like the one they’d just shared, but she didn’t want to think about that just now.

All she wanted was to know what she and Lee shared was something unique and special...to both of them. Suddenly, she heard again his mumbled words of love and realized, in his own way, that’s what he’d been trying to tell her as they’d collapsed to the floor of the shower after their loving...indeed what he’d been trying to tell her all morning. He’d wanted her to understand that she, Caitlin Davis Crane, had taken him to places he’d never been before...not even with Cathy. After basking in that thought for a few moments, she smiled down at him. "Thank you for the explanation, my love, but it wasn’t necessary and you’re not in trouble at all. Unless..." She shook her finger at him. "...you’re holding out on me, in which case I reserve the right to invoke the ‘hell hath no fury...’clause in our marriage license."

"Sweetheart, you know my history...all of it and I hope by now you know how much I love you. I have to admit I was a bit slow on the uptake, but...." He reached up and cupped her cheek. "...I will spend the rest of my life making up for it. No more two-by-fours, I promise."

She kissed him sweetly. "I do know, my love, believe me..." She shifted and inhaled a mouthful of water. Sputtering, she shook her head. "...but for now, we’d both better get off the floor before we have to explain to Jamie how we nearly drowned in the shower."

He grunted as they rose. "I can hear that explanation now...but something tells me Will wouldn’t be terribly surprised."

 

*****

 

The red Cobra wound its way along the beach road, taking the curves smoothly until the driver pulled it to the side of the road, helping his tiny blonde companion out of the car. After shucking their shoes the two of them raced hand-in-hand to the water's edge. Hesitating only a bare instant, they plunged into the waves, laughing at the fresh feel of the sea. Stopping when the water reached Caitlin’s knees, Lee took her into his arms and drew her close. His lips caressing hers, he murmured, "I love you, Little Girl..."

Returning his kisses with equal passion, she sighed happily and rested her head against his chest. "....and I love you, Captain Crane, tight-assed attitude and all."

He chuckled warmly. "Well, excuse me!" They stood there, unmoving, happily holding one another, until Lee said softly, "C'mon, there's a spot up the beach a ways I want to show you. I used to come here a lot, a long time ago. It was kind of a refuge...a place I’d retreat to when the Institute, the boat and all of Santa Barbara got to be too much. I found it a long time ago, just after I’d lost a crewman named Farrell on a mission to a Latin American cesspool which, even now, has to remain nameless."

His eyes grew dark with unpleasant memories. "I...I’d never lost someone under my command like that...never had to watch as someone I was responsible for was executed before my eyes because I wouldn’t...couldn’t talk. It was rough going for a time after I got back and Jamie was worried about my state of mind. He told me to go away and emphasized those orders by forbidding me access to the boat for 48 hours. Since I was still so new to the area, I didn't know where to go or what to do, so I got in my car and drove. This particular place has been important to me ever since."

Taking her hand, he led her across the sand to a secluded spot...a cove, which had been cut into the shoreline by countless years of waves and wind. Caitlin looked around curiously and began to understand why Lee would choose this place as a sanctuary of sorts from the world. Standing on the beach, shaded by the rocky outcroppings of the cliffs above them, all she was aware of were the raucous cries of the gulls, the blue of the sky and the peaceful sound of the surf. Just ahead of them, extending far out into the water, was a long, slender spit of rock. With the tide out, it was dry, in full sun and provided a tempting place for a picnic or even just a warm spot to catch some rays and contemplate life. Feeling Caitlin’s slight shiver as the breeze whipped around them, Lee took her arm, carefully helping her across the rough stone to the far end of the point. Lowering himself to the ground, he drew her down, settling her in front of him. Wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, he whispered against her ear.

"Here, is this better? It felt like you were starting to get chilled back there."

Caitlin leaned into the tall, strong body supporting her. "Mmmm...I’m fine. Warm, relaxed. I understand why you love it here...its’ beautiful and so peaceful."

For a long moment they sat together in silence, content simply to be together in this serene and lovely place. Lee thought back to all the times he’d been here...alone, often unhappy and tightened his hold on her.

"I knew you would, you...always seem to sense how I feel and why I feel that way. I think...that’s why...I wanted you here with me." He hesitated, considering his next words carefully. Caitlin Crane, why is it today I want to tell you everything I’ve held inside for so long...everything I should have told you long ago, but was too afraid to admit, even to myself? Could it be I’ve finally decided to trust again? I want you to know how special you are to me...to speak aloud what’s been in my heart for such a long time...to somehow convince you that you’re not simply a replacement for a love I lost long ago. But what if I can’t find the right words? What if...Quit with the ‘what ifs’, Crane, and just tell her. Start with the real reason you’re here in this place together. Remember...trust... Taking a deep breath, he whispered, "Sweetheart?"

"Hmmm?" Unaware of his racing thoughts, Caitlin had been half asleep, lulled by the soft sounds of the waves, the cries of the gulls, and the strong arms wrapped around her. Roused from her reverie by his suddenly serious tone, she looked into his eyes. "What?"

"I...I want you to know something and I’m not sure exactly how to tell you."

Caitlin forced herself to relax. She could tell by his expression whatever he was about to share was important to him but also somewhat uncomfortable. Squeezing his hand, she smiled. "Just tell me. If it means so much to you, it means a lot to me, too."

Much to her frustration, instead of continuing, he sat staring out to sea, lost in a world beyond her ability to see. Still unwilling to push, Caitlin waited in silence and had just about decided he’d changed his mind when his dark, intense gaze met hers and he began in a low tone, "I never brought Cathy here... this was my place… I guess I was selfish, I didn't want to share it with anyone, not even my wife." He took a deep breath. "Please understand, I loved her, but I still needed a space I could call my own. In some respects, I’m glad I kept it to myself because after she died this became a refuge...a place where I could retreat which, unlike the Institute, the boat, or our home, didn't have any memories of her. I needed that so badly...to get away from the memories."

"Lee, you don’t have to...."

He brushed her forehead with a kiss. "Yes, Caitlin, for some reason, I do. Anyway, I’m just about finished...." He cupped her chin in his palm and tilted her head upward so he could look into her eyes. "...the whole point I’m trying to make is, while I couldn’t bring myself to share this with her, I wanted you here with me now...wanted you to know the beauty of this place...because of what you mean to me."

Unspeakably moved by his confession, she raised her hand, slowly and gently drawing it down the side of his face. "Thank you, my love...."

Her eyes widened when she realized he wasn’t finished. Leaning into her touch, he continued…

"Sometimes I wonder, Caitlin, the why and the wherefore of everything. So much has happened in my life I don’t understand and sometimes I try so hard to find the answers that it hurts. So I back off...I stop searching and just do what I have to do. You, Little Girl..." He rested his cheek on the top of her head, inhaling the fragrance of the vanilla-scented shampoo she used. "...you have given me so much. You’ve given me beauty, life and love...willingly and so freely I'm astounded every time you tell me you love me. I’m sorry, because I know in the past I haven’t always been very good at accepting these extraordinary gifts and even less adept at telling you how much they mean to me. I look at you and wonder how did I get so very lucky...what did I do right to deserve you?"

To her amazement, she caught the glimmer of moisture in his eyes and reached for him. Rather than retreating behind his customary wall of reserve, he buried his face in her shoulder and she could feel his body shake with quiet sobs.

"Shhhh, my love, it’s okay..." Rocking him gently, she waited out the storm. When at last he lay quiet in her arms, she murmured, "Lee?"

Raising his head, he stared at her, his hazel eyes glassy with tears, suddenly shining in their depths, "Please...don't ever leave me, Caitlin...I couldn't bear it."

The anguish...and fear in his words tore at her and this time it was she who forced him to meet her gaze.

"Lee Crane, do you think for one minute I would leave you, especially after all the years...yes, years, it took me to get you to notice how I felt about you...after how long it took me to get you to the altar? I will never, ever leave you as long as I have breath in my body. I love you!" Knowing her words were vastly insufficient, she claimed his mouth in a long, satisfying kiss, gradually easing him onto his back, then, rolling so she lay atop him.

When they finally came up for air, he tightened his arms around her slight form and swallowed around the lump in his throat.

"Thank you, that’s all, just thank you. For everything, for loving my family even when you were a teenager, for caring when Cathy died, for being a surrogate mother to my son all these years and most especially, for not giving up on me." Opening his eyes, he moved a hand to her face, tracing the line of her cheekbones with a light fingertip. "You are beautiful, Mrs. Crane. Both inside and out." Drawing her close, he cradled her to his chest, feeling the warmth, the closeness as their hearts beat together. "I love you..."

Caitlin lay in his embrace almost afraid to move. This day had been something outside her experience...of their experience. She’d long ago accepted loving Lee Crane brought with it some boundaries. That he loved her, she had no doubt, but was he open with her about his emotions?...very, very seldom. He’d always chosen other ways to make his feelings known. He often showed his love physically and each time they made love she came away feeling the warmth and magic of what they shared. But this morning it had been different...an element of genuine silliness had crept in to their loving that had been...unique. He’d allowed himself to laugh, to tease her, to be teased and he’d done it without restraint. She smiled to herself, remembering....He tickled me! He’s never, ever done that before. I’m still not sure I believe it...and, as if that weren’t enough...there what he said about Cathy.

He often expressed his love verbally. In all the time they’d been together, he always began and ended the day with a quietly whispered, "I love you, Little Girl." Even when they fought, he managed to pull back enough to remind her of the bond they shared before they slept; but today had added an entire dimension to the emotional side of their relationship. He’d talked about Cathy without his normal retreat into broodiness. Caitlin fought to keep the tears at bay as she heard once again his gentle declaration she was closer to him than his late wife ever had been. Although she hated the feeling, if she were to be truthful, a part of her had always felt she would forever live in another woman’s shadow.

I would never admit this out loud, Lee Crane, but damn it, I wanted that part of you I thought you kept hidden away as a shrine for her. Now I find there is no shrine...fear yes, but no monument to a love that’s been dead and gone for so many years. On top of everything, I find I own a part of you she didn’t...Thank you, my love, thank you for that gift. Somehow I needed to hear that so badly."

Then there were these last, shared moments. Never before had she seen Lee lose control so completely. The naked vulnerability in his eyes when he’d asked her never to leave him had taken her completely off guard, his tears only adding to her wonderment. Never before had she truly seen the depth to which she owned his heart. It was...

"Little Girl?" he asked cautiously.

She lifted her face, meeting his gaze. "What?"

Tapping her forehead with a light touch. "A penny for them..."

She smiled. "Don’t think they’re worth that much. I’m just thinking how much I’ve enjoyed our day, our talks, our lovemaking, our being here...all of it. I’m afraid I don’t want it to end. But I know we need to be getting back."

"Why do we need to get back?" he asked, a small smile creeping across his face.

She shrugged. "No reason, I guess. It’s just getting late and I assumed you’d want to check in with the boat."

"Caitlin, the boat is in temporary dry-dock, my chiefs know their jobs and for this weekend, work is not even in my vocabulary...only you are. Actually, remember when you went upstairs to get our sweaters?"

She looked at him curiously. He had a smile on his face and looked like the proverbial cat, who swallowed the canary.

"Yes..."

"Well, I took the opportunity to secrete our overnight cases in the trunk and now I have a small confession to make. We’re not going home tonight."

Curiosity rapidly translated itself to surprise but she wasn’t about to complain. "Mmmm, camp-out on the beach?"

He nuzzled her hair and grinned. "While I have to admit that’s a tempting thought, particularly knowing what you look like naked in the moonlight, I had something a little different in mind."

"So, tell me."

"Nope...it’s a surprise."

Caitlin was definitely not inclined to wait, so she pushed a little harder. "Please?"

"I’m sorry, Mrs. Crane, but the answer is ‘no’. However, I can promise this will be well worth waiting for."

Wrapping his arms around her, he started to rise, listening with ill-concealed mirth to her protests.

"But I didn’t pack anything fancy or..."

"Trust me. I’ve got everything you need."

 

******

 

‘Everything’ she needed turned out to be her hairbrush, her toothbrush, the nightgown she’d worn on their wedding night and its matching robe.

Lord, he didn’t even bring a change of underwear for me...but he was right...

She looked around the elegantly appointed bathroom with its whirlpool bath big enough to double as a swimming pool.

This was definitely worth waiting for.

Slipping into the burgundy satin peignoir, she smiled at the memories it evoked then wondered briefly if they were going to call for a pizza or just skip to the dessert. Although the inn they were staying at boasted a lovely dining room, she was...well, at the very least not dressed to go out.

Okay, Crane...you planned this evening, I guess I’ll just have to trust you for provisions. I’ve changed just like you asked me to... Smoothing the gossamer satin over her hips, she padded across the floor. Ready or not....

Opening the door, she stifled a gasp as she registered the change, which had been wrought in the elegantly appointed suite since she’d retreated to freshen up and change. The only light in the room came from the flickering glow of the fire and twin tapers set on the small table...a table now set for dinner. From her vantage point, she could see gleaming crystal and heavy silver adorning the snowy-white cloth now covering the rich, dark cherry wood. Heavenly smells emanated from the wheeled serving cart sitting beside one of the chairs. Darkness had fallen and she could see the moonlit sea dancing just outside their aerie. Soft jazz floated in the air around them...adding to a scene altogether breathtaking, and altogether romantic. Her husband stood with his back to her opening a bottle of what she assumed was champagne. She stood, rooted to the spot, until she heard his soft chuckle.

"Are you going to stand there all night, Little Girl? Or..." He turned and held out his hand to her, "... can I prevail upon you to join me for dinner."

Totally entrance by his wonderfully loving gift, she moved quickly across the floor and twined her fingers through his.

"Lee...What...?"

"A surprise for my bride of almost one year. Caitlin, we’ve got a three and a half weeks leave before Christmas, two days later it’s our wedding anniversary and three days after that, I leave on a cruise and you’re heading back to San Diego and Jiggs Starke. When I found out Robert was going to be with mom this weekend I decided then and there this would be time for us before the craziness starts. Is that okay?"

"Okay? You’re asking me if this is okay? What do you think? It’s already been one of the most wonderful days I can remember...also one of the weirdest...and now you’ve gone and done all of this." She rolled her eyes. "...to think I was afraid we’d be ordering pizza for dinner." Wrapping her arms around his trim waist, she pressed close and kissed him lightly. "This, my love, is beautiful, perfect and I love you for thinking of it. There’s only one problem...."

He looked at her quizzically. "And what might that be?"

She eyed the white shirt, halfway unbuttoned, and blue jeans he wore, then looked down at her own body.

"You are definitely over-dressed."

He laughed. "Only temporary problem, Mrs. Crane. Someone had to let room service in to set up. Why don’t we eat, then I promise you can relieve me of any and every item of apparel you feel is superfluous...deal?" Growing more serious as he gazed down at her small, near perfect figure, sheathed only in glowing satin and lace, he whispered, "One thing I will say, I certainly do know how to pick your dinner attire...you look exquisite and this..." He fingered the silk clinging to her curves. "... Brings back some...shall we say...stimulating memories." Feeling his hands begin a slow exploration of her body, Caitlin knew their wonderful meal was in grave danger of having icicles on it by the time they got around to eating. Grasping his roving fingertips, she smiled up at him.

"Captain, before we embark on that particular trip down memory lane, how about some nourishment for the journey? Dinner smells wonderful...."

He rested his forehead against hers and sighed theatrically. "Are you by any chance telling me I have to wait for dessert?"

"I’m not saying you ‘have’ to, but I am saying we do have all night and you did go to the trouble of ordering this lovely meal. Truth be told, my love, I’m hungry for you, but I’m also just plain hungry."

Lee took a deep breath, and eased away from her. "Well then, I guess I’ll have to try to curb my baser impulses until we’ve fortified ourselves. Wouldn’t want you passing out on me..." Pulling out a chair, he swept a hand at the seat. "… after you, Mrs. Crane."

Caitlin was in for another glorious surprise when she saw the meal awaiting them. Sea scallops in a light cream sauce served over angel hair pasta, delicately steamed asparagus accompanied by a superb champagne. She had to smile when she read the label on the bottle. Moet Chadeon...I wonder how many special occasions we’ve celebrated with this particular vintage? So many memories...our first Valentine’s together...the night he proposed...

"Sweetheart?"

Caitlin realized with no small amount of chagrin Lee was still talking. Laughing softly, she murmured, "I’m sorry, I missed what you said. This is...is all such a surprise."

"I wondered there for a moment where you’d gone, but I’m glad you approve..." His eyes took on a warm amber gleam. "... and if you think you’re surprised now, just wait until you see dessert." He lifted the other silver dome on the cart and her eyebrows headed for the ceiling. More history...this time in the form of an elegant silver tray filled with large strawberries crowned by a crystal bowl of sweet cream. It felt almost like a dream...their relaxing morning of shared love, the beautiful drive and now this delicious meal served in a setting straight out of a romance novel. She was still fighting to believe all that had transpired since the moment she’d awakened in his arms...in fact, she’d surreptitiously pinched herself several times over the course of the day, somehow expecting to wake up back in her own bed. This was all so totally unexpected...their emotional intimacy at this moment so unprecedented.

I truly have never seen him like this...Like...like a weight has rolled off his chest...I wonder what happened...Why the sudden change? Yet I don’t really need to know the why’s...maybe he’ll tell me, maybe he won’t, but it doesn’t really matter. All I know is I’m going to enjoy it. Feeling his fingers lightly caress her neck, she shifted to give him greater access. This is so very nice...so peaceful. They were sitting quietly, his arm around her shoulders, watching the iridescent waves and sipping their champagne when she felt another light touch on her hand. Turning to face him, she found herself holding a small velvet box.

"Happy Anniversary, Little Girl, from the old man whose heart you’ve captured and have forever."

"Lee, what??" She knew she was sounding like a broken record, but she couldn’t quite believe there was more to this glorious anniversary celebration he’d engineered.

Grinning at the look on her face, he whispered huskily, "I want you to know how much you mean to me, Caitlin Marie Davis Crane, before the insanity of the next few weeks begins; while it’s still just you and me...alone together."

Her hands trembled as she untied the ribbon and slowly pulled the heavy gilt paper away from the package. When she finally got it open she couldn’t stop her low gasp of admiration as she stared at the gift he’d selected for her. There, resting on grey velvet, was a gold rope bracelet with a heart attached. The heart was engraved, with the image of an anchor and around it were inscribed the words…

 

Love is an anchor and you are mine. With all my heart and more.

Lee.

December 27th, year one.

 

"Lee, it’s beautiful, thank you. I...I don’t know what to say."

Brushing her temple with a light kiss, he breathed, "Words aren’t necessary, the look on your face tells me everything I need to know. I love you. Thank you for this year, thank you for the life we share...as I told you this morning, it’s been a voyage of discovery, a wonderful one."

She smiled and held her wrist out to him, hoping her eyes would tell him what words could not. Taking the hint, he fastened the bracelet securely around her wrist. Both stared for a moment at the delicate golden sailor’s rope gleaming in the candle’s glow, the shimmering light reflecting off the golden heart and dancing across the delicate engraving. Not wanting to disturb the moment, Lee raised her hands to his lips, brushing first one palm then the other with a gentle kiss. "Beautiful, just like the woman who wears it."

"Thank you again, my love. It is beautiful...everything’s beautiful. The room, the candles, dinner. Dinner...hmmm...." She looked at him, her eyes beginning to glow with warmth and more than a little mischief. "You know, given the surprise nature of this little excursion, I find myself in the rather awkward position of having nothing to give you in return. Your gift is at home, waiting for the 27^th."

"Sweetheart...." Lee started to protest.

"Shhhh. I’m sure I can think of something..." The light in her expression grew merrier. "After all, as a very wise person once said; there are always possibilities."

"Possibilities, Little Girl?"

"Possibilities, my Captain." She looked at the elegantly appointed table. "Hmmm, yes, I think this will do."

Lee followed her eyes and suddenly had a very good idea of what she had in mind. Not wanting to spoil her moment, he brushed his lips across her temple. "What will do?"

"This beautiful meal. First we’ll share dinner...then...well..." She grinned. "... there’s always dessert." Reaching for the bottle in the ice bucket, she refilled his glass then got to her feet. Standing in front of him, she slowly and sensuously lowered her robe to the floor, allowing him a tantalizing glimpse of her silhouette in the firelight, the highlights of her curves showing through the semi-sheer burgundy material. Before he could react, she was settling herself in his lap, her backside wriggling in a such a way she was already driving him crazy. Nuzzling her ear, he breathed, "This is nice, now what else do you have in mind?"

Not saying a word, she delicately speared a scallop from his plate, moving it slowly to her lips. After running her tongue around the tender, buttery flesh, she offered it to him, allowing him a single bite before she took it back and slowly chewed and swallowed the sweet morsel. Capturing his gaze, she leaned forward and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Ring any bells, my love."

Lee smiled, remembering the last time they’d shared a meal like this, the frustrating series of interruptions and the final, amazing outcome of the evening.

"How could I forget, Caitlin? It was the day I started to live again...thanks to a beautiful lady’s gift of love. For tonight, however, I think I can safely promise there will be no interruptions..." He smoothed the skin of her shoulder with his fingertips. "...in fact, no one even knows exactly where we are."

She looked at him in surprise. "What about your mother?"

"She’s got my cell phone number and..." His grin grew broader. "... had the good sense and common decency not to pursue the matter any further." Leaning forward he nuzzled her ear and whispered, "In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I wanted to be alone with you this weekend..." He chuckled. "... something I think mom managed to pick up on right away. All she said when I dropped R.C. off was ‘you kids have fun.’ Imagine, here I am, almost 50 years old and I’m still a kid."

Caitlin smiled softly and touched his cheek. "That’s the way of it for mothers, Lee. You will always be her little boy, just like R.C. will always be the child of my heart."

Lee’s breath caught at the gentleness in her voice. How he and Robert had been blessed by the strength of this woman’s love. Moved almost beyond words, he drew her against him.

"Thank you, Little Girl..." After a few moments, he cleared his throat and grinned crookedly. "See, what did I tell you...I’m getting sentimental in my old age. Now, where were we? Oh yes...dinner...." Picking up the champagne flute, he held it to her lips, allowing her to drink, then, after sipping from the same glass, kissed her until they both were breathless. "Methinks this will be a long and delightful experience and I’m planning to enjoy every moment of it."

Cuddling close, she sighed happily, "...and, according to a certain Captain, there will be no interruptions...an assertion I find appealing in the extreme. Here..." She offered him an asparagus tip. As he bit into it she placed the other end in her mouth, nibbling at it...enjoying both the flavor and their game. Slowly, ever so slowly, her mouth met his and their lips touched. As the light caress grew more demanding. Lee wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly to him, suddenly oblivious to anything but the woman he held. Savoring the depth of his kiss, it was several minutes before Caitlin reluctantly drew back.

"Not yet, my love...we have more dinner to finish..." In an almost automatic motion, her arms went around his neck as he lifted her from her chair, cradling her to his chest. Staring into his warm amber eyes, she managed, "...w...what are you doing?"

"I'd rather have more of you ..." Carrying her across the room, he gently laid her in the nest of pillows and soft covers he’d created in front of the fireplace. Stretching out beside her, his fingertips lightly traced the contours of her face, almost as if memorizing something dearly loved. "Now, about your other question...what am I doing?" He closed his eyes as if considering. "...well, at present I’m hoping my wife will remember her earlier promise."

"Promise? I don’t remember making any promises." Her hands came to rest on the top button of his shirt.

Lee shifted expectantly as the pads of her fingers trailed fire over the hollow of his throat.

"Okay, maybe...not a promise, guess it was more like a complaint about my state of dress at the time. But right now I’m all yours, Little Girl, so be gentle with me."

"Always, my captain, always..." She smiled when she felt his heartbeat quicken beneath her hands as she slowly divested him of his shirt. Hearing his gasp when her tongue began to draw light circles around his nipple, she laughed delightedly. "Again? You know for such an old guy you’ve got an extremely active libido."

Reaching up, Lee slipped the slender straps of her gown over her shoulders, sliding the silk over her curves until she lay naked atop him; her fair skin glowing in the dim light of the dancing flames.

"No, I’ve just got an extremely sexy wife. So, Mrs. Extremely Sexy Crane, do you suppose you could do me a favor?"

She stared in awe at the light in the depths of his dark eyes...humor, passion, love all burned there without a trace of the veil she was so used to seeing...and it was all for her.

Not for Cathy...for you, Caitlin. For you! You are the one who put that light back where it belongs. By his own admission, he loves you like he has loved no other. It’s time you started giving something back in this day of surprises. Love him, share with him, make him glad he took this leap of faith...

Grinning down at him, she placed her lips against his ear and breathed, "Anything, sir, how is it I can help?"

His hands slid over her back in restless acknowledgment of his arousal. Molding his hips to hers, he groaned softly, "Finish the job you started before these jeans send me to the hospital!!"

Caitlin giggled as she felt the evidence of his desire strain against the tight denim. Her hands drifted downward, eliciting new moans of pleasure as she stroked him in areas she knew were extremely sensitive to her touch. "As you wish, my love...."

 

******

 

Lee lay holding Caitlin in a large tub of swirling warm, almost hot water. The candles had burned down to almost nothing, two half-empty champagne flutes stood on the tiled rim of the raised whirlpool and only a few strawberries remained uneaten on the tray resting on the floor...the only survivors of an evening which would live forever in his memory. Their loving had been spectacular, so spectacular in fact, his wife was sound asleep in his arms. Staring out at the moon, now low on the western horizon he knew it was very late but couldn’t bring himself to abandon the magic of the moment. Settling her more closely against him, he touched Caitlin’s forehead with a tender kiss.

Little Girl, I love you so much and I’m so damn fortunate to have you in my life. Watching you today, seeing the surprise in your eyes when I finally decided to share what’s been on my heart for so long, I could kick myself. I never meant to make you feel second best or insecure, sweetheart, yet I could see in your expression today that’s what I’ve done. He whispered softly into her fragrant hair, " ¼ and I’m so sorry...."

"Sorry for what, my love?" she murmured.

"Sorry it's taken me this long to tell you some of these things, ...to tell you how much your love has changed my world...to make time for you and I...all of it."

In an instant she was awake and knew exactly where his mind had taken him. Shaking her head, she met his eyes.

"No, stop right there." She stiffened against him. "Lee, the last thing I want you to do is to change who and what you are for me. I will take any time we can make for one another, any time at all and I will be grateful for it. I know what a Herculean effort clearing our schedules can be...even for a couple of days; talk about having to move mountains...."

"Caitlin, I'm not talking about changing the things which make me who I am, we both know that isn’t possible, but I know I've shut you out when I shouldn't have. I’ve gone to the boat when I should have stayed home to resolve things with you...gone to the boat not because I had to work, but because I was...scared and it was a convenient excuse."

"Scared?" Her voice was barely audible over the bubbling of the jets.

"Yes, scared. You go so deep, Little Girl, I don’t talk easily about...intensely personal issues, I know that hurts you sometimes and I don't know what I would do if I were ever to drive you away."

Love as well as faint glimmers of fear and pain swirled in the hazel depths of his eyes. Wanting to erase everything but the love, Caitlin laid her head on his chest and whispered, "I'm not going anywhere, Lee. I accepted the package when I married you, I love you and I intend for us to have many wonderful years together. Many, many years."

His arms tightened around her waist. "Thank you and I intend to spend the time we have showing you just how much that promise means to me."

Feeling his body relax at her words, she smiled. "That’s better. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me, Lee Crane, because as you well know, I never go back on my given word."

"Thank heavens." He watched as she swallowed a yawn. "Bedtime, Mrs. Crane?"

"Not yet. I guess since this is a night of shared promises and looking to our future there’s one thing I want to ask of you, Lee. Please promise me you’ll be more careful. I know there are a lot of things you can't prevent, but I want your word you won't take unnecessary chances."

Lee didn’t even have to think about his answer.

"I won't, Little Girl, I promise." He touched his lips to the top of her head. "Believe me, I have too much to live for...you, R.C., so many others and..." He laughed quietly. "...the thought of more nights spent just like this one...moonlight, a warm bath and a beautiful woman in my arms. So please, don't worry."

It was Caitlin’s turn to laugh, but the merry sound carried a hint of irony, apprehension and unease. " How do you expect me not to worry? You almost didn’t make it back for our wedding because of a busted mission, you spent our honeymoon recovering from injuries suffered on that same assignment then, to top it all off, we were married what?...all of about two weeks when you were almost killed on the boat."

Surprised by the intensity of her words, Lee backed off a bit and whispered soothingly, "Okay, so maybe that’s a bit much to ask given my track record. All I really want is for you to remember I've always managed to make it back in the past, even in the days when I really didn’t care very much one way or the other. Now it’s so different...I have your love to light my way home. I will continue to do what I have to do, Caitlin, but I’ve given you my promise I’ll be very careful and I meant it."

She sighed softly, strangely unwilling to let go of the vague apprehension she was feeling. Hearing the quiet sound, Lee touched her cheek. "What’s wrong?"

"I’m sorry. I am listening, I did hear your promise, but...talking like this has been so wonderful. You’ve been honest with me and I want you to understand how I feel in this moment. You can call me selfish and self centered if you’d like, but I want to live the rest of my life with you." He started to open his mouth but she laid a finger on his lips. "...please, let me finish. What I meant is I want to live life, Lee, like this...not with you trussed up in some hospital bed or sickbay rack, leaving me to wonder yet again if you’re going to live through the night. I’m not angry nor am I trying to ruin the mood, but I want to hold you and love you like this for always."

Lee stared at her. He'd never heard her talk like this...never heard the fear she carried with her. "Sweetheart, what I do is sometimes dangerous. I can’t change that and you knew about it going into this relationship. What are you asking...or telling me here?"

She hesitated. "I really don't know. I honestly don’t want to change who or what you are, but I love you so much and portions of this past year have been so hard. I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but after everything that’s happened...well truthfully, I’m damn scared each time you’re out of my sight."

"Caitlin, it’s not a matter of what I want to hear, but this will tear you apart if you let it go unchecked. We’ve come through so much together, maybe we both need to have a little faith."

She smiled faintly. "Make that a lot of faith, Lee, a lot of faith."

"Okay, then, a lot of faith. There are only two solutions I can see to this, Little Girl."

"There is a deep fear in me I may lose you at a moment's notice, Lee, and I accepted that when I told you ‘I love you’. That is quite simply, the way it is, and that’s it. Right now, I don't want your solutions¼ I only want you to listen to me¼ and, my love, if this is rambling a bit... blame it on the wine..."

"Caitlin, accepting it doesn't make it any easier to live with sometimes... I'm sorry you have to accept this... Besides, I do solutions for a living." He kissed her lightly, "I am listening... and you're not rambling. This is important to us and to our future."

"Yes, it is...." she smiled slightly... "Very important. I believe, the deeper the love, the harder it is to accept, so we must have a very deep love."

"I want that future..." He whispered, "...so please...keep talking."

" I want you to know the way I feel... you need to be aware of that."

"Yes, I do need that..."

"You have let me know how you feel, and I love you for that. And I am trying to tell you how I feel... I have always been afraid of Cathy... of how you felt about her."

This time Lee was surprised. "Afraid? Why afraid? I love you..."

"I know that. You have told me and shown me...In so many ways since that night in the apartment. But until this morning, Cathy was always there... spoken or unspoken. I always felt that. Then, this morning... she left, and I don't want that to hurt us, either..."

"Little Girl, I can’t help that Cathy’s a part of me... of R.C. But, she’s not in the way you seem to be thinking."

Caitlin sighed¼" I know that now, Lee... Forgive me for doubting you."

"There is nothing to forgive, sweetheart. Her memory isn't...I don't know, in competition with you. You are my reality, my here and now, and a memory, trust me that is all that is, a memory isn’t any competition for warmth and love that I have learned that thanks to you."

"But you know that love does put your mind in funny places..."

"Yes, I do. Now, tell me, please, what it is that made you afraid of Cathy? Or rather…Cathy’s memory? I need to know so I can keep things the way they are now."

"What made me afraid, Oh, Lee! Every where I turned, every thing I did I mentally wondered if this or that was what Cathy would have done... what she would have said... I ¼ I know how much you loved her.... how much a part of you does love her... and always will, and part of me always compared myself to her in your eyes. And the love, the love you had for her... I'm sorry, Lee... I don't want to hurt you. I know how hard it has been for you." She whispered, softly running her hand over his face, a face she knew well, and a face she saw infinite sadness in, "You see, I know she died before you could say good by, just like Daddy and Mom, and I am so sorry..."

Lee sighed, and returned her gentle touch with one of his own. "I was devastated, because it was so sudden, and because of the circumstances of it. But... and I am being selfish here, these are my issues, not yours. I think she would probably kick me in the pants causing you to wonder like this... You see, Caitlin Crane, it is you I love and want... not a clone of my dead wife… You! Warm, loving, breathing you!"

She smiled gently, "I know that, Lee... you have told me and shown me that all day today."

"And...Wasn't it you who told me married people are supposed to share? Rather loudly...one morning on our honeymoon as I recall. The very fact we are now discussing this is what is so important about today."

"So am I a day late and a couple of dollars short on the timing of this discussion?"

"No, you are not... Please, if there's more inside that heart of yours, let it out. We have the time, the quiet and I want to know ...and I'm asking you to please help me keep Cathy's memory where it belongs...don't be afraid to slap me on the side of the head."

"Slapping your head isn't the part I was worried about..." Her small hand lay against his heart... "This is the part I was worried about." She could feel the strength of his heartbeat, feel the strength of him as he held her in his embrace. "This, my dearest love, your heart...that part I thought didn't belong to me... That I honestly believed belonged to another woman... But, now, I know I was wrong, this is mine and I am sorry I ever doubted you for even one minute."

Resting his hand over hers, he murmured, "This part of me is healing, has healed a great deal, thanks to the beautiful, joyful woman who owns it."

"I knew that I loved you, and I believed you loved me... but I still wondered.. You have always surprised me, Lee Crane... in so many ways. I’m sorry ".

"Sweetheart, don't ever be sorry. I know it's been a long road for you, Little Girl. A very long road." He kissed her tenderly, "I hope I will always surprise you a little, Mrs. Crane

"I don't think you will ever stop surprising me, my love... you have surprised me enough this day alone to keep my mind active for a whole year..."

"Hmm, so you like the way I planned our day, do you?" He grinned at her, "What say we try and do this more than once a year?"

"Yes...more than once a year is a wonderful plan..." she said, and then murmured wistfully, "if we can get the time..."

"We will make the time, Little Girl. Somehow¼"

"Lee, one more thing, and then we will let much of this rest...okay?"

He gently stroked her hair, as her head lay upon his chest, "I told you I want to know what you're feeling... so tell me..."

"Okay, here it all is in one big lump...I cherish the thought that I’m your wife…and I plan to be for a long time. I accept you live an extraordinary life, and that it has enormous risks. I am sorry I doubted you in any way and I intend to make it up to you. I know I have to live with some fears, and I accept that, too. But I want you to know what ever happens, I will always end the day telling you ‘I love you’, always and forever... You are the owner of my heart, my soul, my being and I could not live without you."

"Then, Mrs. Crane, there is no richer man on earth." He stroked the soft skin of her back... "You know what I'd like to do?"

"No, my love... what?

"I'd like to take you to bed, hold you close, and go to sleep secure in the knowledge you are by my side.. "

She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him tightly.

"...My mind wants to make love to you again, but my body is asleep from the neck down." He grinned ruefully at her. "Sorry..."

She shifted on his lap... and asked mischievously... "Well, sir, would you like me to wake the rest of it up?" He held on to her hips, stilling the enticing motion. She kissed him warmly, and ran her hands down his chest.

"Caitlin Davis Crane...it's 0400...what do you think you're doing?"

"Why…waking the Captain up, sir!" she responded pertly. "He said he was asleep and needed to wake up!"

"The Captain hasn't been to sleep yet, and the Captain has to drive home..." her motions, her hands, her kisses were beginning to have their desired effect on him, "Oh hell!" he groaned, "Carry on, Little Girl, you can drive home!" and he pulled her closer to him

She nuzzled at his neck, and playfully stroked his chest, her hands wandering to his waist and lower. "Mmmm, feeling something here, sir...." Sitting up, her breasts dripping water, she snapped her hand to her forehead, "Aye, aye, sir!!!! Permission to continue, sir?" she grinned.

Leaning forward he licked the droplets of water hanging from each nipple. "Mmmm. Permission granted, Mrs. Crane. Deliciously granted."

"Thank you, sir...." and she moved her hands to his groin, murmuring softly as his lips touched her breasts.  Nibbling at his neck, she giggled, "Periscope is up, Captain."

Lee was surprised at the force of his reaction to her touch. They'd been...uh...rather active today, yet her observation was entirely accurate. "Permission to come aboard, Little Girl?" He grinned..."or maybe vice versa so you don't drown?"

"Hmmm…"

"Hmmm? You need to think about this?????" he asked, feigning surprise.

She laughed softly... "Permission is granted, Captain... Damn the torpedoes and full speed ahead...! Oh!!!"

He had taken her, and in one smooth movement, slid her beneath him and pierced her with his manhood without further discussion.  "Still breathing, Little Girl?" he asked as he nuzzled her ear, still slowly pumping into her.

"Oh yes... oh my yes!!" she replied, breathlessly.

"Not drowning, I trust...." He closed his eyes at the sensations...the warm swirling water...the feeling of her warm moist body enveloping him. "I think this old man has it in him to finish this one more time." He sighed again, "And this is ...so...good...so damn good!!"

She moved, feeling him fill her and surround her with his arms...she sighed, languorously, "yes...Damn good!!!"

Their bodies and hearts were in such unison they slipped gently over the edge together, then lay holding one another tightly in the warm, swirling water... spent, sated and utterly content..

"Caitlin..." Lee whispered.

"Yes, my love?"

"I think we're going to have to call the fire department to get us out of here. I don't think I can move. I told you, you were killing me..."

"Not yet, Captain... no fire department here." she kissed him warmly and playfully. "Just think of the headlines...you know, something like ‘Captain of Seaview Rescued From Bathtub After Making Love to his Wife for the Forty-Seventh Time in Less than Twelve Hours’. Think about it, what would HN say?"

"In the first place, Little Girl..." Summoning his energy he stood up in the tub then bent down and lifted her from the water. Holding her dripping form to his chest, he touched her on the end of the nose. "...if you want to be perfectly accurate that should be making love to his ‘insatiable wife’. In the second place..." Reaching for a towel, he draped it around her then set her gently on her feet before beginning to dry her, paying close attention to all his favorite parts. "...you flatter me. I count seven times...not forty-seven and unless you intend to call the Viagra^TM man, we’re not going to come any closer to your little news flash. In the third place..." Grabbing another towel from the warming rack, he started to dry himself off, stopping when he felt her hands take over the job. Relaxing into her touch, he finished, "...HN would understand completely. After all like mother, like daughter."

"Details, details...I was thinking of the crowd appeal. Besides, in general, the media has never been overly concerned with getting its facts straight, particularly where the Institute is concerned. There..." She gave his thighs a final swipe with the soft terrycloth. "You all dry?"

"Yes, ma’am, and you?"

She smiled at him sleepily. "Some parts a little drier than others, but just fine, Captain. Getting tired though...Oh..." She found herself nose to nose with him as he swept her into his arms. "You know, I can walk..."

"I know but that would take all the fun out of things, so pipe down and enjoy the ride."

Carrying her into the other room, Lee laid her in the center of the already turned-down bed. After blowing out the candles and adding another log to the fire, he stretched out beside her. Feeling her warmth, he reached out an arm and pulled her close, pillowing her head on his chest. Touching his lips to her forehead, he whispered, "I love you, Caitlin Davis Crane. Thank you for a wonderful day."

Reaching for his hand she twined her fingers through his damp, curling hair….

"Thank you, my love, for a day I will never forget." She yawned and snuggled close. "...and I love you too, always...and ...forever."

 

******

 

Lee tossed the overnight bag into the trunk of the Cobra, and got behind the wheel. He leaned over and kissed Caitlin softly and then turned on the ignition and started out the driveway of the B & B.

"Thank you, Caitlin, for being my wife. For being the light of my life, and for giving me this very special weekend." He put his arm around her shoulders and drew her close to him.

She laid her head on his chest, and sighed softly. "Thank you, my love, for all that you are. For all of your love, and for all that you have shared with me this weekend. Thank you for making me feel complete. I love you." She giggled lightly, and he looked at her in a fast glance.

"Yes, Little Girl?"

"I was only going to add ...even though you are still stubborn and intransigent. I have to rethink the tight-assed part!"

"Think about it?!! I thought I was a model husband, in every way this weekend." He feigned a sad face.

She ran her fingers down his face. "Hmm, well there are a few areas that still need work, Captain, but I think that it can be remedied... and certainly it will be fun trying to 'fix' them!"

He quirked his eyebrow at her, and said, "Fun? You expect to have fun, Mrs. Crane? We'll just have to wait ‘til we get home, and see about that..."He ran his right hand through her soft hair, and said "Stay like this, Little Girl. I like having you lay so close to my heart. Especially since it is yours."

"I like listening to it... to you, my love... and I think I will stay here... You give me strength, Lee, to face all that we have faced, to look forward to being with you for the rest of my life... This is all that I ever hoped for...ever dreamed of, Lee. Being with you is all I ever wanted. And it has been more wonderful than I could ever have imagined. This weekend is something that we never had before...We know one another better than before. I think we have begun something here that we will build on for the rest of our lives together. I have never kept anything from you, and I know now that you are as open to me. Your heart is so strong.... and our love is also that strong. And I am grateful, so grateful to have it, and to have you.

 

******

 

Roughly an hour later, Lee pulled the car to the side of the road. Caitlin was sleeping, her head resting on his shoulder, and he wanted to savor one more minute of an incredible weekend. Never in all his dreams would he have thought that they would have come so far, in such a short time. The both of them had shared so very much with each other, so much more than he would have thought possible. It seemed to him that there was a peace here that they had not shared before. She stirred, and he wrapped an arm around her, and kissed the top of her head.

"Hello there, Little Girl...have a nice nap?"

"Mmmm. Are we home?"

"Nope. Just pulled over for a few minutes to watch my wife sleep, and she goes and wakes up!"

Caitlin stretched, and then wrapped her arms around his neck. "Sorry, Captain!" then she kissed him soundly.

Losing himself in her touch for long moments, Lee finally raised his head. "How about a walk, little girl, suddenly I'm in no big hurry to get home.”  Unfolding himself from the small car, he took her hand and helped her from the seat.

Caitlin breathed deeply and smiled. "What a beautiful day. Where did you want to walk?"

"Any where, with you, Little Girl... but how about just over that rise, there?"

"Sounds wonderful..." She giggled as they stepped off the asphalt into the grass. "... first time I've ever been grateful for these damn flats."

As they came to the top of the rise, she gasped in delight, "Oh! Look, Lee! How lovely!"  Settled there in the center of the tiny valley, sat a small adobe building. At first glance it appeared to be abandoned. She tugged at his arm, like a small child. "Let's go down there...I want to see inside."

He quirked an eyebrow and then smiled...."Of course, my lady... your wish..."

She playfully slapped at his arm, and then began to move quickly down the embankment.  He placed a steadying arm around her waist and they picked their way to the floor of the valley. They reached the flattened area at the bottom of the rise, and they noticed that the small building, though empty, was far from abandoned. Flowers graced the outer walls...the doorway was weathered, but was neat, and looked recently swept. The area around it showed evidence of several trails, leading off into the area. As Lee looked more closely at the tiny structure, he saw a small cross on the outside near the wooden door.

"Caitlin, this looks like it may be a small chapel of some sort."

"Can we go inside, Lee?" her voice came out as a hushed whisper.

Smiling at her..."Of course. Anything you want, Little Girl..." He paused.... "Anything."

She took his hand and led him toward the doorway. "Thank you...I just...somehow feel drawn to this place." The air around them was fragrant, with the scents of the flowers and trees, and still, save for the sound of the birds and small animals nearby. He pushed the wooden door open, and they entered the small chapel. Blinking as their eyes adjusted to the sudden dimness. They were immediately aware of the coolness inside, and of a peace that pervaded the small place. A single light burned in the sanctuary

"Lee?" Caitlin's softly spoken words echoed loudly in the silence. "It's...its beautiful..." she said, awed

Just as softly he replied, "Yes, it is." The small altar was simple and basic covered with white altar cloths, and behind it was a small, wooden tabernacle. Two bunches of local flowers rested in earthen vases on the altar, Caitlin touched Lee's arm.

"Do you believe, Lee? I mean really believe...about God... all of it? If you don't want to go here, that's okay."

"I always have, in some way." He said, quietly. She looked at him, silently urging him to continue. "Years ago, on a another mission that went sour for me, Rodriguiez gave me this." He pulled out the St Christopher medal that he always wore "I almost didn't make it home on that one."

"So many 'almosts' in your life, my love..."

"I believe, at least I think He may have had something to do with 'Ski and the men finding me when they did. I was pretty bad off."

Caitlin murmured, talking more to herself than the man standing next to her. "I thank Him for keeping you safe, you know...everyday...in some form..."

"I had fallen off a cliff, getting an informer free, and broke my leg, some ribs...had a fever...almost took the cyanide... couldn’t afford to be taken prisoner... couldn't have made it. Don't know what kept me from taking it...had it in my hand...."

Caitlin swallowed her fear and tightened her hold on him. "I... I'm so glad you didn't take that way out."

"It wasn't a way out, Caitlin... it was more of a necessity. I knew … I know… too much¼ and if it ever comes to it, I hope that He understands."

She lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry...I know...the good of the many, right?"

"Still I don't to this day know why I didn't ¼ any way ... I do believe. Trust me, if I didn't, I would have eloped with you... rather than go on with the wedding, and the priest and minister. I guess I was looking for His blessing, you know."

"I'm glad...we've never talked much about...matters of faith...but just so you know...I believe too. I have to...otherwise I couldn't give you the freedom to live your life, the way you do, and be at peace about it... all of it ...and ..." She grinned. "...I think you would have been in beaucoup trouble if you'd eloped with me¼ Mom would have killed both of us."

He smiled at her in the dimly lit building... "Yep... and in this case, well, part of me would have understood her ...tho’ it was a hell of a lot of fuss for a few hours."

"Lee Crane...what a way to describe your own wedding!"

"Okay, it was a wonderful wedding but..." He grinned at her. "The honeymoon was better."

"Such thoughts...and in church, too..." she smiled. "For shame, Captain, for shame!"

"Hey, ever read the Song of Solomon? I rest my case!" He sobered, and continued with yet another revelation. "You know…I was angry with God for a long time after Cathy died

"I...understand. I guess that was part of the reason I asked the question in the first place."

"I was so angry. He took Cathy from me... but even more angry because He took away Robert's mother. And I was so angry, I didn't see Him put you there for me¼ You are that, you know ¼ my own personal gift from God"

"Oh...!" Caitlin was speechless at the look on his face.

"The way you have opened my life again... I told you that... He must have put you here... I didn't think I would ever feel so complete ever again."

"No more than you have opened mine, my love. Different ways, perhaps...but you complete me, too".

He wrapped his arm around her, and they moved to the small altar. At the side, there was a statue of Mary, with flowers beneath, and a small candle burning.

"Pray with me, my love?" she asked as she knelt at the altar. He knelt next to her, and held her as she closed her eyes. Quietly, in a voice slightly higher than a whisper, she began, "Thank you, Lord, for all that you have given me, given us. Thank You for our lives, our families. Our love." Her voice caught... "Thank You for the blessing of man who kneels beside me ¼for all of the good, and all of the not so good, that we have shared. Help us to continue this voyage of ours with Your guidance. Help us to never forget what we have, and why we have it, no matter what the circumstances. And give us the strength to face whatever we must, whatever obstacles come into our path, and to deal with it according to Your will, not ours."

As Caitlin's voice faded to silence, Lee's quiet whisper filled the room. "There's not much I can add, Lord, except..." His arm tightened around Caitlin's slender waist. "...Thank You for this little girl You've given me. Thank You for the light and the joy she's returned to my life...and my son's." He gently kissed the top of her head. In a voice growing husky with emotion, he murmured, "Just ...Thank You"

They knelt there, holding onto one another for moments that seemed like eons. Then Lee whispered, "You ready, little girl?"

She nodded mutely... then whispered... "Thank you, Lee." Standing up, he reached for her, drawing her close after he'd helped her to her feet.

"Thank me? For what, Caitlin? This day means as much to me as it does to you. Thank you, again, Little Girl¼for accepting His influence in all of this." Digging into his pocket m he pulled out several bills. He moved to the smaller altar, and placed the offering beneath the statue.

Caitlin looked at him and smiled... "Its so beautiful here, so peaceful... maybe they can get more flowers."

"I hope so..." He extended his arm. "... Shall we?"

Lee made a mental note to find out just where this place was, and to see to it that an offering would be regularly sent. He had a great deal to be thankful for, and he wanted to give some of it back¼ This just might be the way. They left the chapel, hand in hand, each quiet with their own thoughts

After a few moments, Lee squinted up into the cloudless sky. "Sweetheart, it's getting warm, what say we take a different route back to the car? Looks like if we go that way..." He lifted his hand and pointed. "... we'll be under the shelter of the trees for most of the way."

She nodded, but as they gained the first of the sheltering limbs, she grinned up at him. "Think you're just looking for an excuse to get lost in the woods with me."

The litter of pine needles was soft beneath their feet as they walked along the dim shaded path. Patterns of sunlight fell in long straight lines, and Lee was silent until they reached one of these pools of brightness, then he cradled her close to him. "...and if I was, Mrs. Crane? Are you going to complain?"

"Not at all, my Captain... not at all"

He trailed long fingers into the vee of her neckline. "Think it might have been all that talk of weddings and honeymoons...."

"Honeymoons...nice thoughts."

"...But suddenly I find myself...." Gently grasping the cotton of her tee shirt, he pulled it free of the waistband of her jeans and slipped it over her head. "...hungry...."

"Hungry? For Lunch?"

Gently caressing the swell of her breast above the lace of her bra, he shook his head. "...Not thinking food here, Little Girl."

He bent his head to her lips, and kissed her lips tenderly, while his hands continued to lightly graze her willing body. Her arms twined themselves around his neck. His lips began to sear a path down her throat, and along her shoulders. Lost in the exquisite sensations, her fingers plucked at the buttons of his shirt....

"Ummm, don't stop, Little Girl..." Sliding the shirt from his shoulders, she touched her lips to his chest.

"N...no intention of stopping, my captain...but...I'm going to need your help with these damn jeans...!"

"Help will be provided my lady, never fear..." he murmured as he lifted her into his arms, and sought a deeper place in the copse.

"I...I've never done this before..." she whispered as he lowered her to the softness of the forest floor… Feels different than sand..."

"And you think, perhaps, I have?" Feeling his warm skin against hers she knew he'd managed to rid himself of his clothing,

"Mmm... first time for everything I guess..."

He smiled at her... "Little Girl, I have done things with you that I never dreamed of¼ and you have lead me places I never thought I'd walk." He ran his hand down her side. " and now for the rest of your things¼" He deftly slid an arm around her and released the strap of her bra, freeing her breasts from their confinement.

She reached up and stroked his face gently. "I'll take that as a compliment, my love," then paused and giggled. "...hey...is it my fault I'm still half dressed?"

His lips whispered over her skin as he slowly exposed her nipples...Kissing each of them in turn, he murmured, "Beautiful...you are so beautiful, little girl."

She arched her body toward him, "Feels...wonderful... Please...." She guided his hands to the fastening of her jeans... He deftly released the fastenings, and slid the jeans and panties down over her hips and off her tiny body

"There..." His hands stroked the skin of her thighs...."...is that what you wanted?" he then pulled her close, and held her to him, the sensations of the soft breeze, warm and fragrant wash over them as their bodies touched and melded.

"Mmm¼ never...knew...what I was missing, Captain..." Caitlin gasped as her hips rose in sweet rhythm with his...

"Nor I, little girl..." he responded... Minutes later, the spectacular warmth of a shared climax behind them, they lay snuggled together, trying to catch their breath....

Until Caitlin began to giggle... Lee looked at her... "What we did was funny?" he murmured sleepily..."

"Was just thinking ..."

"Yes...?"

"What if..." she gasped... "What if someone came along and found us?"

"What if..." Lee was hard pressed to keep from laughing himself.. "Well...it would be a different kind of publicity for the Institute..." He sat up, and looked around for his jeans, and hers. "But you do have a point..."

As he turned his back to her, she murmured, "Nice view.

"What?"

"Just commenting on the scenery...that's all!" She was grinning, "and some of it is definitely better than others!! And I'm not talking trees and rocks here, Captain..."

He shrugged into his jeans, and then looked at her, lying naked in the mottled sunlight...

"This, he said, is a beautiful picture." He reached to trail a single light stroke the length of her body. Seeing both heat and appreciation in his gaze, she stretched provocatively

"Thank you, kind sir," she whispered.

"You are more than welcome, my dear, sexy wife... but... we do have to go... and I think I may get stopped by the highway patrol if you don't dress"

"Hmmm, suppose you're right. I do want to be back when R.C. gets home... and I don't want to have to call HN for bail bond... could be tough to explain... how his step-son-in-law, and step-daughter were stopped and arrested because she was riding naked in his car." She reached for her clothing....

"Thank you..." Lee grinned... " no tougher than some spots that I helped him out of! Would you like some help?"

"Lee Crane...you have never been any good at helping me GET dressed!"

"Hmm, that's true. Undressing is more of my specialty!" Smoothing her jeans over her hips, she got to her feet. Laughing she reached for her bra..."And I wouldn't have it any other way, my love"

He finished buttoning his shirt, and handed her, her T-shirt "Here..." he sighed, theatrically. She snatched at it and he playfully held it just out of her reach "Hey...thought you wanted me to get dressed. Give it to me!"

"It'll cost you!" he grinned.

She crossed her arms across her chest. "How much?"

"Hmmmm."

"Crane, we're going to be here all night if you keep this up!"

"Let me see... how about a full day alone, a week from Friday... just you and me?"

"What? You...work...the boat..."

Caitlin knew she was babbling, but she couldn't believe what her staid husband was suggesting¼ "I'll clear the calendars, and the schedules... and you can tell Jiggs Starke to take his project and...".

"Lee!"

"That's the price. One whole day!!"

A small grin began to form on her face. "And just what should I tell Adm. Starke to do with his project???"

"You'll think of something, or I will¼"

She raised her hands in mock horror. "Never mind, my job, my excuses. How about if I tell him I'm suffering from bubonic plague? Or maybe we could just pick a weekend to be together."

"Our weekends are booked...so that's my price...no further bartering. As for the bubonic plague thing, it’s original, but it would probably be easier if I just tell Starke to go to take a very long walk off a very long pier."

"No, don't do that. I’ve learned honey works better than vinegar in a situation like this."

"Right...even though it’s Cap'n Bligh we’re talking about here."

"Okay, fine. I'll just tell him I need sex." She grinned at the look on Lee’s face.

Seeing her smile, he rolled his eyes. "I'm sure he'll understand."

"He probably would. He's not Cap'n Bligh, you know. You two just got off to a bad start. Now, can I please have my shirt?"

"Hmmmm, c'mere..."

She moved closer."I thought you said we needed to leave."

He crooked his finger at her. "I said, c'mere."

She moved closer still. "What?" As she stepped forward, he reached out and pulled her into a passionate embrace, his kiss leaving both of them breathless. Then ruefully he placed her shirt in her hands.

"Here. As much as I hate to say it, we’d better be going."

Caitlin swallowed hard. "You kiss me like that, then tell me to get dressed? Sheesh!"

"Sorry, Little Girl, but if we don't leave now, we'll get in after Robert and I don't want that."

She laughed at him. "Don't want to have to explain to our son how you had your way with his step-mother in the woods, huh?" After pulling the shirt over her head, she grabbed for his hand and dragged him up the rise.

"I think I need a shower, a good long hot shower." He laughed, drawing her close.

"...when we get home, wife of mine... when we get home you can have that and a few more things as well"

 

*****

 

R.C. opened the door to the house he'd grown up in a house that now exuded warmth and laughter thanks largely to the presence of the loving, caring woman who was now his step-mother.

"Dad, Caitlin...I’m...h...." The words died on his lips as he shut the door and walked into the great room. His father and step-mother were sound asleep on the sofa. Both in their bathrobes, they were wrapped in a fleecy afghan and cuddled tightly together in front of a roaring fire. R.C. felt a little like he was spying but still he walked towards them, drawn to the picture they made. Lee had his arms around Caitlin, one hand resting at her waist, the other lying across her breast. Robert was old enough to understand married couples expressed their love for one another in a physical way, but even though his father often hugged and kissed Caitlin in front of him, he’d never really thought much about that side of their relationship, at least until now. He almost felt like he was intruding on a very private moment. But they looked so...happy...so peaceful. His young mind struggled to find words to describe the changes he saw mirrored in their faces.

"Hi, R.C." Caitlin blinked sleepily, blushing a little as she moved Lee’s fingers from her chest. Extending her hand to the young man who for all intents and purposes was her son...or at the very least the child of her heart, she murmured, "...why don’t you come join us? I guess we fell asleep waiting for you."

Robert stood, rooted to the spot and tried to think of something to say. He opted for an apology. "I’m sorry I’m late. Gran and I decided to go out for pizza and ended up waiting a really long time." Still discomfited by the intimacy of the scene in front of him, he started to turn away. "Uh...I can go upstairs...leave you and dad alone. I know I woke you up."

Sensing his discomfort, Caitlin tried to set him at ease. "Don’t be silly, your dad and I were just resting. Come here and tell me about your weekend."

"Actually, come here and tell us about your weekend." Lee’s eyes opened as his son knelt by the sofa. Being careful not to send his wife sailing, Lee sat up slowly and wrapped his only child in a hug. "We missed you, R.C. Did you have fun with Mom?"

Robert nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, it was great. She took me to see the sailboat races yesterday then we stayed up late to watch this old Sherlock Holmes movie."

"What movie was it, R.C.?" Caitlin grinned and put her arm around his shoulder. "I love Sherlock Holmes."

"I don’t know...but we can check the T.V. schedule. It was in black and white and some parts were kinda corny but it was still pretty cool and we made popcorn and..."

As he listened to R.C.’s eager description, Lee sat watching his wife and son. For some reason he couldn’t concentrate on what was being said as gratitude so intense it threatened to drive the breath from his body flooded through him.

Dear God...I don’t know what to say. I guess I’m going to end up repeating what I said earlier today, but so be it. Thank You. I spent years mad at You and You’ve repaid my anger by giving me back a life.

His eyes focused on Caitlin as her merry laugh echoed in the room.

Caitlin Davis Crane, how I cherish you. I hope this weekend at least began the process of showing you how much. I wish I were better at communicating...because as much as we tease about my intransigence and tight-assed behavior, I don’t want to be that way...at least not with you. We’ve started something this weekend IR