Jennifer was in the hospital another three weeks. Instead of bringing her home, Jonathan took her, Max and Stephan to their cabin in the country. He wanted her to be away from the phones and everyday life so she could rebuild her strength.

All three men pampered Jennifer. The babying began to wear on her.

"How long are we going to be here?" Jennifer asked after they had been to the cabin for 2 weeks.

"You aren't sick of us are you?" Stephan asked.

"No I just feel like you are trying to hide me away from the real world. I am fine now. I want to go home and sleep in my own bed. Besides, Max starts school soon."

"Ahh mom."

"Well, I have really enjoyed it here but I do say that will have to be leaving tomorrow." Stephan said. "I can see that Jennifer is fine... back to her old self again."

"I guess maybe we could head home as well," Jonathan agreed.

"Well I'm staying," Max announced.

Everyone laughed.

"I think now I am going to go fishing. How about you Max, ready to catch that big trout that has been alluding us?"

 "Yeah," Max shouted.

 "You know don't you that fish don't get big by being stupid," Jonathan said.

 "We will out smart him, huh grampa?"

"That's right." Stephen and Max gathered their fishing gear and headed to the lake.

Jennifer eyed Jonathan who was reclining in the hammock. She went to him, straddling over him to sit on his thighs. "So, now that my dad and Max are off playing Huck Finn, how about a ride to inspiration point?" Jennifer asked referring to a special place she and Jonathan frequently horseback rode to on their trips.

Jonathan took her hands into his and kissed them. "I don't want you to over do it."

"Over do what? I don't do anything. I want to do something, Jonathan. I am bored out of my gourd."

Jonathan smiled. "How about a walk to the stream."

"I guess that will do," Jennifer said disappointed. She was beginning to get annoyed at his over protectiveness. She felt fine and her strength was improving everyday. She understood the ordeal was very difficult on him but she didn't need to be treated with kid gloves. In fact, she really wanted a good romp!

"You know, we missed your birthday," Jonathan said as he, Jennifer and Max started up Willow Pond Road on their way home.

Jennifer cocked her head. "Yes. I can't believe I missed my own party."

"Oh, you didn't miss it. We postponed it."

"Oh, yeah. I love surprises," Jennifer said as Jonathan began to turn into the driveway at 3100. "Jonathan, have you lost your mind? We live up the road."

"No we don't," he said continuing up the driveway.

Jennifer eyed Jonathan suspiciously. "What are you up to?" Jonathan didn't respond. "Max, what is your father up to?" Max pursed his lips shut in a big grin. "You two are incorrigible."

 Jennifer's mouth dropped as Jonathan pulled up in front of the newly reconstructed home they had shared for so many years.

 "Wow! Cool," Max said as he got out of the car and took an inventory of the massive stone home, pond, guesthouse and pool.

"You didn't?" Jennifer whispered.

 "I did." Jonathan got out of the car and opened Jennifer's side. Her breath caught in her lungs as she stared speechless at the house that had been their home. "For so many years we have avoided buying a home and yet we haven't been completely happy with renting. The truth is, this is our home. Looking at it know, I feel guilty I let it sit here this long."

Jennifer shook her head in disbelief. He was right. Nothing had ever felt like home and she had come to believe nothing ever would. "I bet it cost a fortune."

Jonathan shrugged. "I got a few bucks."

Jennifer walked over to Jonathan. Her eyes were filled with pure love. She put her hands on his cheeks and pulled his lips to hers in a luscious, lingering kiss.

"Oh God. Not again," Max cried at the sight of them.

"Yes, please. Again," Jonathan said.

 Jonathan had arranged for the home to be rebuilt exactly as before although he did update the color scheme. "I just was never wild about harvest gold appliances," he confessed.

"When did you get all this stuff in here?" Jennifer asked referring to the furniture.

"While we were at the cabin. I asked Ruthie to arrange it."

 "Ruthie? Where is Ruthie?"

 "Well, her vacation was cut short so I sent her and her friends back for an extra week. I hope that is alright."

 "I am sure she deserves it," Jennifer said.

 "Hey, can I change rooms? I want the one at the end of the hall," Max called from upstairs.

Jonathan looked at Jennifer. "Max's room," they said in unison. "Sure, champ. We'll switch you tomorrow."

"Hey Max," Jennifer said pushing the door to his room open.

"Hey mom," he said lying in bed.

Jennifer sat down on the edge of the bed. "Are you settled in?" she asked pulling his sheets up next to his chin.

"Yes."

"What do you think of this place. Your dad did a great job don't you think?"

 "I really like those curly stairs."

 Jennifer laughed. "Those are kind of neat aren't they?"

 "Can I invite Patrick and Scott over tomorrow to show them?"

 "Sure, I don't see why not."

 "Cool. They are going to be so jealous."

 Jennifer laughed again. "Ruthie and your dad told me about how brave you were when I was in the hospital."

 Max looked at Jennifer sheepishly. "It was hard."

 "I bet it was. I know I would be a hysterical wreck if something ever happened to you or your dad."

 "I didn't like seeing you like that. You looked dead, like a ghost."

 Jennifer nodded. She remembered how frightening it was for her to see her mother just before she died.

 "You aren't mad are you that I went to play soccer?" Max asked.

 "Not at all. Why would I be mad?"

 "Well, you are supposed to be all sad and everything when people are sick," Max explained. "I was sad," he quickly added.

 Jennifer tousled his hair. "Even when we are sad, we can do things to make us happy. I am glad you played soccer. I would hate think you spent all your time being sad."

 "Dad did."

 Jennifer sighed. "You and I are very important to your dad. I think because he didn't have a family when he was little, he is very protective of us." Jennifer believed that Jonathan was strong and would be able to live and raise Max without her. But she suspected that the lost and lonely feeling that plagued him as a child would envelop him again.

 Jennifer held her pinky finger up to Max. Max took his and entwined it with hers. In unison they said, "I will love you forever, I will like you for always, As long as I'm living my baby (mother) you'll be." Jennifer smiled wondering how much longer Max would let her recite the lines from the book she read to him every night until he decided he was too old to be read to.

"I love you sweetie. Goodnight," she said.

"I love you too mom."

Jonathan was laying in bed reading when Jennifer entered the bedroom from saying goodnight to Max.

 "How is he?" Jonathan asked.

 "He's great. You know he apologized to me for going to soccer camp while I was in the hospital. Isn't that sweet?" Jennifer said heading to her bathroom to get ready for bed.

 "He's a great kid."

 "You didn't make him feel bad for going to camp did you?" Jennifer called out.

 "No. I'll admit I was a little surprised."

"If I were to die Jonathan, you and Max have to go on living you know. Now you don't have to remarry or anything but you do have give Max a full and wonderful life." Jennifer emerged from her closet area wearing the top to Jonathan's pajamas.

 "Can Max get married?" Jonathan asked.

 "Of course but, check her out. He can't marry just anyone."

 "What if she says her name is Louise?"

 Jennifer laughed. "Then call the preacher." Jennifer climbed into bed. "I still can't believe I am back in this house. It feels so good to be home."

 Jonathan smiled, pleased that she was happy. "Happy Birthday darling."

 "Thank you darling," Jennifer said giving him a kiss and turning out the light. She had given up the possibility of physical intimacy for the time being. Jonathan just seemed too fearful. "Goodnight," she said turning on her side to go to sleep.

 Jonathan put his book down and curled up behind her. "I love you," he said putting one arm over her and kissing her neck. His breath on her neck sent currents of desire through her. She turned over and put her arm around his neck.

 "You know, one day when I was driving to the hospital to visit you, I heard a song on the radio. I had to pull over because it so touched my heart and I was sobbing. I went right out and bought and listened to it a hundred times." Jonathan was stroking Jennifer's hair as he spoke softly.

 "Can I hear it?" Jennifer asked.

 Jonathan reached over her to switch on the CD. "It's a duet." Jonathan took Jennifer in his arms, resting his chin on her head. The beginning interlude started and a rush of emotion surged through Jonathan bringing tears to his eyes.

(Eric Benét and Tamia)

"That's beautiful," Jennifer said wiping her eyes.

"You are beautiful," Jonathan said placing his hand on her cheek and gently kissing her soft lips.

"Make love to me," she whispered, her voice pleading. "Please."

Jonathan ran his fingers through her hair. Passion pounded blood through his heart, chest and head. He laughed uncomfortably. "Would you believe I am scared?"

"Why?"

Jonathan kissed her forehead. "I came so close to losing you. It was like you were slipping through my fingers..."

"I am here now. I am fine and healthy. And if you don't make love to me soon I will just have to make love to you." Jennifer pushed Jonathan back and maneuvered herself on to him. "Look at you tormenting me. Coming to bed with out your shirt. Flaunting your sexy chest but telling me not to touch."

Jonathan laughed. "Well in that case," he said unbuttoning the shirt Jennifer was wearing. "I'll just have to take my shirt back."

"Don't you dare!" Jennifer's eyes were wild and fiery. She took the shirt off and threw it on the floor. She sat on Jonathan, naked except for panties, in playful defiance.

The rush of passion and love that overtook his body overwhelmed Jonathan. He pushed Jennifer over and rolled on top of her. He pressed his lips to hers, hungrily devouring her luscious mouth.

 "That's more like it," Jennifer gasped as Jonathan kissed her jaw, ears and neck. Jonathan was frantic, wanting to feel and taste every part of her, wanting to reacquaint himself with her gorgeous body.

 Jennifer savored the feel of his strong hands and warm mouth as he used them to caress her entire body. She matched his urgency with her own lusty, unsated needs. She trailed kisses down his neck and chest. Her hands explored his magnificent, fit body.

Unable to resist longer, Jonathan slowly pushed himself in her. He was unprepared the overwhelming emotional response as he did. He slid in deep, reaching for her soul. When he could fill her no further he lay with her motionless, wiping the tears he shed.

"Jonathan?" Jennifer whispered. "Are you alright?"

He smiled and kissed her. "There was a time that I thought I would never be with you like this again. I was caught off guard with the intensity of emotion...."

 Jennifer wiped his tears away. "I love you so much, Jonathan." She put her hands on his cheeks and pulled him to her. Her kiss was tender, loving, and pure.

Together they found a tempo that bound their bodies and souls in perfect harmony, reaching a crescendo of pure joy and ecstasy.

The End

E-mail the author at itsmecici@email.msn.com

Back to Main Fan Fiction Page