Jaime arrived at the hospital in the afternoon. Linda agreed to watch Kyle while Jaime went to see Rudy. She found him pacing in his office like a caged tiger. It was rare to see the physician so uptight. Jaime knocked on the open door and he gestured her in.

“Rudy is everything okay?”

“Fine.” He answered while rubbing a hand through his brown hair to the back of his neck. “No it’s not fine. Do you know what Steve did this morning?” Jaime just shrugged, confused what Steve could have done to anger the doctor so. “He refused pain medication for his treatment this morning. He just laid there and suffered through it like it was some kind of purging ritual.”

“Why would he do that?”

“Probably to relieve some of the guilt he’s carrying around. He’s very depressed and apathetic. I don’t know how to turn him around, especially now that Kayce is gone.”

“Well maybe I can help. Is he awake?”

“Probably not. I think the experience today exhausted him but you can look in on him.”

“Well I was thinking of having someone else look in on him, if it’s okay with you.” Rudy stared into her blue eyes slowly realizing she didn’t come alone. “That might work. It’s worth a try. Where is he?”

“I’ll get him. I think it will do them both some good.” She stood with a smile and went to the lab. After thanking Linda Jaime asked if Kyle would help her with a project. He grinned at the thought of her needing his help and enthusiastically agreed.

She took him by the hand and led him to Rudy who was waiting outside Steve’s door. “I just looked in on him. I think he’s just dozing. It won’t hurt if you wake him up.” Jaime nodded and picked Kyle up in her arms. “Ready?” The blonde headed boy nodded confidently and gave Rudy a crooked smile. “Okay let’s go.” She opened the door to find Steve with his eyes closed. She quietly stepped to the bed with the young boy ready to burst with delight. Jaime held a finger to her lips requesting he stay quiet until she was ready.

She carefully leaned the child over Steve and he placed a kiss on his daddy’s cheek. Steve slowly opened his eyes and a small smile graced his lips. He inquired in a tired voice, “Hey Buddy. What are you doing here?”

“Aunt Jaime said I could come see you.” Steve’s eyes found Jaime’s and expressed his immense gratitude. “Are you coming home soon?”

“Well I hope so.”

“Does your boo boo hurt a lot?” He asked pointing to Steve’s bandaged chest.

“Not when you’re around little man.” Jaime set the child on the side of Steve’s bed and left to give them some time alone. She wanted to speak with Rudy about Steve’s discharge.

When Rudy and Jaime finally returned they saw Kyle straddling Steve’s hips, father and son sat face to face. Both observers saw the distraught look on Steve’s face as they heard Kyle’s question, “So Grandma and Grandpa aren’t coming back like you did?” The adults knew the little boy was referring to his father’s disappearance last year then reappearance after three months. Back then, thinking Steve was killed on assignment, Kayce tried to explain to her son that Daddy was in heaven.

“No I’m afraid they won’t be coming back. I’m sorry Kyle.” Those last words barely made it through Steve’s constricting throat realizing another person was deeply hurt by his actions, adding yet another layer of guilt on his conscience. Kyle leaned gently against his father’s chest and the two closed their eyes and just enjoyed being close. Jaime and Rudy quietly exited the room unnoticed.

A half hour later Jaime returned to the room to fine the two sleeping soundly. She quietly settled herself into a chair and just watched them. She silently wondered if Kayce knew how very lucky she was.

Kayce was trying her best to concentrate on the job at hand. Her contact to deliver the illegally purchased US military chopper was delayed. She lay on her uncomfortable hotel room bed with her hands behind her head waiting for a message to be delivered. The heat in the small village was beyond stifling making it impossible to sleep.

Rolling to a sitting position she slipped off the bed and walked to the bathroom. A glance at her watch told her it was almost sunrise and still no word from her contact. She wondered how long Uncle Oscar would expect her to sit on her hands and wait. She was beginning to wonder if her cover was blown and the buyer had hitched a plane for someplace cooler.

She saw her reflection in the dirty, cracked mirror as she entered the small room. Her white T-shirt that was tucked into her khaki pants was soaked with perspiration. Turning on the squeaky faucet she filled her cupped hands with the tepid water and splashed it on her face. When she returned to a stand she stared at her tired face, her mind wondering what Steve and Kyle were doing without her there. Was Steve home yet? Was he dealing with Jim and Helen’s death any better? Was Jaime taking good care of her son?

She returned to the small lumpy bed and lay there feeling restless for something to happen. She whispered into the empty stale air, “Anything would be better then this waiting.” As if on cue her door was kicked open and two men, armed with automatic weapons, were quickly dragging her from the room.

At the Medical Center in California things were continuing as expected. Seeing the positive affect Kyle had on his recovering father Rudy and Jaime mapped out Steve’s discharge. The patient would be permitted to return home. Jaime would still handle Kyle’s care while Steve spent most of his time resting and eating to regain his strength. Of course there would be trips back to Rudy’s lab for treatment but the skin and tissue had almost completely regenerated.

Steve was quiet during the ride to his ranch. He stole brief glances at Jaime as she drove the car on the familiar route. She was happy to be able to take Steve home, knowing this would quicken his recovery. When they arrived at the Austin’s ranch Jaime gave Steve’s arm a light slap as he reached for his bag in the backseat. “Not on your life.” She chastised. He gave her an exaggerated pout as an excited Kyle grabbed his daddy’s hand and led him to the house. Everyone quickly settled into a routine except Kyle would occasionally slip into Steve’s large bed in the middle of the night just to be near his father. Steve’s paternal arm enveloped the little boy and held him close knowing the child missed his mother.

Jaime kept busy with keeping Kyle entertained and the household chores done before Steve could lift a hand. The playful banter and teasing amongst the trio seemed to bring Steve out of his depression for short periods. Living here until Kayce returned seem the best option at least it cut down on travel time. Besides Rudy was insistent, knowing Steve would bend the rules as much as he could if not supervised and Rudy didn’t want any setback in his patient’s condition.

Even though Jaime didn’t mind staying with the Austin men at the ranch she did miss her own home. One night she lay awake in the guest room thinking of the situation she was in. She had thought it would be emotionally difficult to be this close to Steve on a regular basis but in fact it wasn’t, at least not when Kayce was gone. It was only painful to see Steve and his lovely wife physically together that the knife in her chest would just twist until it became unbearable. She chuckled wondering if she was just pretending to play the part of wife and mother hoping it would ... No she couldn’t think that way. She would not disrupt Steve’s family. She had to stay strong. She finally fell into a restless sleep hoping the tension filling her body would disperse before morning.

As the days went by Steve ambled around the house when he wasn’t sleeping. One evening after dinner he was searching through the kitchen for a snack to eat. Opening each cabinet he couldn’t help but smile, Jaime had stocked the whole kitchen with all his favorite foods. He grabbed some homemade chocolate chips cookies she and Kyle had baked the day before. As he chewed the sweet treat he gazed out the back window.

There, coming slowly into view as the sun was setting, was Jaime atop Gem. She expertly trotted the large horse across the field into the corral with the reins in one hand and her other hand tightly holding Kyle in front of her. Focusing in with his telephoto lens he could see the sheer bliss on his son’s face. He was smiling as he turned to grab a glass of cold milk and before he finished drinking the second glass the riders came through the back door.

“Well did you have fun?”

Kyle’s face lit up and he described the whole ride without stopping for a breath. Steve and Jaime just smiled at one another and Steve gave her a grateful wink. “Well Kyle I think its time for a bath then bedtime.” Jaime informed the still excited child.

“Okay. Will you read me a story before bed?”

“Sure.” She winked at Steve before following Kyle to the bathroom. Steve headed to the family room but not before swiping two more cookies off the plate.

Two hours later Jaime tucked her long hair behind her ear before leaning down to kiss the smooth cheek. Kyle stirred under his blanket and rolled onto his side. He mumbled in a whisper causing Jaime to tune in her bionic hearing to make out the words. “Goodnight Mommy.” He sighed and it was clear to the pretty woman that the little boy was already asleep. Her heart swelled hearing him mistakenly call her ‘Mommy’. Closing the door behind her she smiled and headed to the family room for some quiet time.

She expected to find Steve lounging on the couch as he always did this time of night and was disappointed to find the large but comfortable room empty. Stepping into the kitchen doorway she found him standing against the kitchen sink, arms folded across his chest, staring unfocused at the kitchen table.

Still grief stricken Steve had ambled into the kitchen for a drink. As he stood there emptying his glass his mind suddenly traveled back six years. It was like a movie playing in his head that he couldn’t stop.

It was springtime and he had returned to Ojai to purchase this ranch, even though it needed a lot of work from the previous owner’s neglect. A small smile fell on his lips remembering it was that year he fell in love with Jaime. His smile slowly fell recalling his mother helping to get them together. He sighed heavily as he remembered the fun he had with his parents as they fixed up the place. They were so excited to help he just couldn’t refuse.

He and Jim had pulled out the dead tree stumps with his dad’s pickup truck. Helen helped hang the wallpaper in this very kitchen. Steve found it impossible not to think of his parents and their untimely passing, their touch was everywhere. He could almost fool himself into thinking they were safely tucked away at their home but then reality would strike and he would be reminded of their absence. They were wonderful people and they didn’t deserve what they got. Steve felt his chest tighten as he struggled to keep the tears from surfacing. He swallowed hard to rid his throat of the lump that had suddenly settled there. Jaime’s voice finally caught his attention.

“Steve?” She called as she stepped in front of him. She had a feeling she knew where his mind had gone. He looked up but lowered his head quickly. “What’s on your mind?” She asked softly.

The thoughts of the grief-stricken son were a jumble; the pain his heart felt was unbearable. It was all coming to a head like a volcano ready to erupt and he didn’t know how to deal with the intense emotions overwhelming him at once. Jaime placed a hand on his cheek and saw his glassy eyes when he finally returned her gaze.

Finally finding his strained voice he answered her question, “I was …just thinking about when I bought this place six years ago.” He tilted his head toward the far wall. “Dad helped me pick out that refrigerator. Mom helped me hang the wall paper.” She stood toe to toe with him and remained silent. “I’m sorry Jaime.” He stated bluntly causing her brow to furl.

“For what Steve?”

“For what happened…” His voice began to crack. “They were your parents too. It’s because of me they are gone. Now you have no parents and Kyle has no Grandparents.”

Jaime placed her arms around his neck and felt his tense shoulders relax slightly. He kept his head down not able to look her in the eye. She began asking him a series of questions, “Steve, when you got that strange call did you run out of here or did you hesitate?”

He looked up sharply with a raised eyebrow. She prodded him. “Well?”

“I ran out. Why?”

“Did you contact the authorities?”

“No, I told Kayce to do it so I could head over there.”

“I see. Did you take a direct route, breaking the speed limit and running the stop sign on Canyon Road?”

Steve was getting frustrated, “Of course I did.”

“And when you got there did you wait for the fire department or did you immediately go in?”

His tone softened as he recalled that day, “I went in.”

“And even though you knew there was a gas leak you stayed in the house to try and rescue them didn’t you?”

“A lot of good that did. Why are you asking me all this?”

She replied with such a loving tone that tears began to well up in his eyes, “Because you need to understand you did everything humanly possible to save them. You got to them as soon as you found out they were in harm’s way. There was nothing else you could have done.”

The tears began to meander down Steve’s cheeks unheeded and he dropped his head. Jaime wrapped her arms tightly around him as he cried. After a couple minutes he pulled back but Jaime kept her arms around him, occasionally running a hand through his hair. His voice was sad as he simply stated, “I don’t know what to do with the pain.” He looked deep into her eyes hoping to find an answer but was disappointed, “It hurts so much I don’t know…” He dropped his head again ashamed at feeling helpless.

“Steve, look at me.” She waited several seconds for his eyes to meet hers. “Only time will lessen the pain but you cannot continue to carry the guilt of something you had absolutely no control over.” She gave him a sympathetic smile. “Say it.”

“Say what?” He asked.

“I want you to say, ‘it wasn’t my fault’.” She waited patiently and he just stared at her unable to get the words to his lips.

“Jaime I…”

“Just say it… four simple words.”

His eyes went to the tile floor and he let out a long sigh. “I’m waiting.” She teased.

“It wasn’t my fault.” He unconvincingly forced out in a whisper but it was good enough for her.

“Now that that’s settled we can work on the rest.” She gave him a warm smile and his tear-filled eyes immediately fell upon her pink lips. Without warning he took a half step forward and claimed her mouth. After the sudden initial contact his arms went around her lean waist pulling her tightly against him and the kiss deepened and continued.

Steve’s desperate heart was reaching out for physical comfort and Jaime was taken off guard, her rational mind getting trampled by her own grieving heart, a heart that was not only grieving the Elgin’s death but also the death of her marriage. Now the one man she loved was seeking comfort in her arms and she couldn’t deny him.

Steve tasted her sweetness and warm feelings rushed back to him. He wanted to turn back time six years… back to when his parents were safe and happy. His tongue explored her mouth and her tongue greeted it as the passionate kiss continued. Their combined arousal threatened to overtake them. Steve began to realize this familiar kiss was not the one he needed to comfort and heal him, not the one that could wrap itself around his spirit and claim it as its own. Recognizing this kiss was not from his soul-mate, his lover, he immediately broke it off.

Breathless from heat generated by the physical contact she looked at him but he turned away and tried to slow his own rapid breathing. “I’m sorry Jaime. I shouldn’t have done that.”

“It’s okay Steve, really it is.” She placed a gentle hand on his back and felt it immediately tense at her touch.

“I don’t know what got into me. I’m sorry.” He quickly left the room and soon Jaime heard his bedroom door shut quietly.

“I’m not sorry.” She whispered with all sincerity, her fingers brushing against her tingling lips. She was realistic about the unexpected embrace and knew it would not have evolved into anything farther, one of them would have come to their senses sooner then later, at least she hoped they would have. She exhaled slowly, turned off the kitchen light and ambled to the guestroom. She didn’t notice Kyle sneaking back into his bedroom and closing his door.

Kayce awoke, tied to a chair, feeling sore and stiff. She slowly looked around the empty room in which she was confined. She tried to get beyond the throbbing in her head to recall what had transpired since last night.

There were men who came into her hotel room and accosted her at gunpoint. They interrogated her for hours with weapons pointed at her head. When she wouldn’t respond she felt a punch or kick to her body. Apparently they suspected her of being an agent but gave into their frustration and left her after she lost consciousness. She twisted to look behind her, the knotted rope cutting into her right wrist. She smiled at the thought of losing her restraints.

Before acting she improvised her plan of escape. Just as she was about to break her bonds the door flew open and banged against the wall. Her contact, Raymond Alvarez, stood before with a sneer. The first thing she noticed was he wasn’t armed as he walked towards her.

He grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her head back. Her blue eyes locked onto his black ones, ones that showed he had no soul. “Well it’s good to see you finally woke up. Now you can tell me who sent you.”

“Where my chopper?” She asked assertively, her voice hoarse from lack of water.

“I have already housed it with my other acquisitions.”

“Then where’s my money Alvarez?”

He laughed, “Why should I pay for something I already have?” He suddenly leaned down and claimed her lips with his. She gagged from the stench of alcohol. Before he could react she pushed her feet hard against the floor forcing her chair to crash backwards. On the way to the floor she broke her ankles free.

Alvarez, not expecting her quick action, fell on top of her. His leering smile was interrupted when her bionic legs instantly wrapped around his neck. It took only seconds for him to pass out from the lack of oxygen to his system. She wiggled out from under him before freeing her hands.

She immediately went to the window and saw her helicopter heavily guarded by three armed men. She gripped her incapacitated captor under the arms and swiftly dragged him with her out the door and down the vacant hall. She glanced into the small room between her and the exterior door. It was filled with weapons and ammunition. She smiled as she continued her escape.

Waiting until the guards were distracted she tossed her bundle behind two fuel drums next to the building. Turning and reentering the structure she prepared her diversion and returned to Alvarez. Squatting next to the unconscious form she waited for the fireworks to begin.

It didn’t take long for the heat of the arson’s fire to set off the ammunition. It only took a few loud bangs before the armed guards began running for their jeep knowing the tiny building was loaded with explosive items. After seeing the way Alvarez treated his men she was confident they would run as soon as the place started burning, not getting paid enough to die for their ruthless boss and certainly not wanting to save him if he was trapped in the burning building.

“Let’s go Alvarez. I want to sleep in a soft bed tonight.” She commented as she flipped him over her shoulder and trotted to the chopper. She deposited him in the cargo area and used her bionic speed to restrain his hands and feet, all the while glancing out the front windscreen for unwanted visitors. The trail of dust from the vehicle’s departure was all she could see.

A quick pre-flight check and removal of the tie-downs was all she needed to do before becoming airborne. The engine sputtered and she thought aloud, ‘this may be a very short flight’, knowing the blowing sand was hindering the engines from running smoothly. She held her breath and lifted off the ground. Once airborne she headed northwest calculating the flight from Mexico to Texas to be about two hours that is if the engines didn’t quit on her first.

As soon as she was at a cruising altitude she contacted Oscar. He was more than a little relieved to hear her voice. After assuring him she was okay he agreed to meet her in Texas. He was also relieved to hear she still had the valuable military helicopter in her possession. He disconnected his transmission with her then contacted Steve to inform him his wife was safe and on her way home.

The air force base in Texas was surprised to hear her call in to landing. “This is Shadow-One, priority Snow White requesting landing instructions for a Comanche Helicopter.”

The controllers in the tower were shocked to hear a woman’s voice from a military aircraft. They were also in disbelief to hear she was flying the newest military aircraft, the prototype in fact. “Roger Shadow-One you are clear to land on helipad seven, northeast corner of runway two-six.”

“Shadow-One to Helipad Seven.”

“Shadow-One I have a message from Goldman; he will be landing in an hour.”

“Thanks. Shadow-One out.”

Once on the ground Kayce dragged her stiff, battered body from the war bird. The ground crew was equally surprised a woman was piloting the complicated aircraft.

“Good Morning gentleman.” She greeted with a stunning smile and the airmen responded politely. “Morning Ma’am.”

The crew went about tying the aircraft down. Kayce sat herself inside the door and turned to see Alvarez in the back staring up at her with anger. He had just regained consciousness and had no idea where they were. In fact he thought they were still in Mexico. The arrogant man expected his men to shoot her at any moment and couldn’t understand why she was so calm. She smiled at him and stated enthusiastically, “Welcome to the United States Alvarez!” She saw the fear fill his eyes and chuckled.

After resting awhile the young woman looked up and there was no doubt in her mind that the car speeding towards them was occupied by her boss. It stopped just in front of the big green machine. She slid out of the cockpit’s open door to speak with the haggard looking man.

“Well here she is safe and sound, not even a scratch, just like I promised.” Kayce informed him.

”Kayce you don’t know how glad I am to see you. When we lost contact I…” He saw the bruise on her cheek. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, just some bruises that’s all. Don’t worry I’m tougher than I look.”

“Well even though we lost Alvarez at least we still have this twenty million dollar machine.” Kayce gave him a devilish smile.

“Oscar what makes you think we don’t have Alvarez?” She asked as she pulled the cargo door along its track. Oscar’s face lit up.

“I shouldn’t have doubted you.” He ordered his men to take the felon into custody. “Come on.” He placed an arm on her shoulder and guided her to the care. Within four hours she was debriefed and on her way home.

Steve didn’t get any restful sleep. He dragged his tired body to the shower before the sun even came up. A couple hours later Jaime entered the lighted kitchen looking for Steve. She wanted to clear the tension that was created by the unexpected kiss. Looking out the window she saw him leaning against the corral fence.

Steve sipped the coffee from his ‘Daddy’ mug. He was ashamed of his actions last night. He couldn’t believe he could be that insensitive. His back instantly tensed when a hand settled there.

“Steve?” She stepped to his side and continued, “About last night…” He quickly interrupted her, “Jaime I’m sorry…I don’t know why I…”

“Steve you were upset and tired. You acted like anyone else would have. There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

“Jaime I…” he started but couldn’t finish, “Forget it.” He said and headed back to the house. She just shrugged and followed his steps.

It only took a few hours, the three of them together, for Steve to relax. It seemed like he had forgotten his moment of weakness and Jaime was glad. He certainly didn’t need any more guilt piled on top of everything else.

The day flew by and just after lunch, while Jaime and Kyle were taking care of the horses, Steve received the call from Oscar. Kayce was safe and on her way home. During their conversation the experienced operative requested the security measures for him and his family be lifted since no threats had come there way for almost a month. Oscar reluctantly agreed. Steve hung up the phone and let out the breath he was holding. How was he going to face his wife after what he did? How could he not be ashamed of his physical response to Jaime’s kiss, a very passionate kiss he reminded himself? What the hell got into him? He debated whether or not to even tell her, why hurt her when it didn’t mean anything. On the other hand if the situation were reversed he would want to know.

Steve relayed the message from Oscar when Jaime and Kyle came through the door. Kyle was excited to hear his mother would be home with him before he went to bed. The threesome agreed to pizza for dinner and Jaime began packing her things so she would be ready to leave when Kayce arrived.

It was still daylight when the car pulled up the driveway. Steve, Jaime and Kyle were laughing heartily when Kayce entered the kitchen. They didn’t hear or see her and she watched the scene for a few minutes before interrupting.

“What’s so funny?” She asked over their laughter.

“Mommy!!” Kyle scooted off his chair and ran to her. She picked him up and hugged him hard.

“What was so funny?” She asked and Kyle replied, “I like pizza with chovies.” He giggled.

She looked at her husband, “Chovies?”

Steve cleared up the confusion as he walked to her, “We ordered pizza with everything, including anchovies.” He gave her a crooked smile before leaning over to kiss her. The bruise on her face did not go unnoticed.

“Since when do you like anchovies?” She said to Steve.

“I’ve always liked anchovies. I just never order them on the pizza because you don’t like them.” Kyle interrupted, “Aunt Jaime likes chovies too!” Kayce set her son on the floor. She was tired and her body ached from the punishment she received for Uncle Sam. This quaint little family scene, excluding her, was just too much to deal with right now.

“I think I’m going to grab a shower and take a nap.” She stated quietly and left the room. Steve looked at Jaime, “Could you stay just a little bit longer?” She nodded and he quickly followed his wife to the bedroom.

He entered the bathroom and leaned back against the sink as she showered. He could see her flesh-tone silhouette through the frosted glass and he wanted to be near her so badly. “Are you okay?” He asked concerned.

The water was shut off and she stepped from the shower stall. Before she wrapped the fluffy towel around her he saw the other bruises on her back and ribs. He stepped quickly to her side. “My God Kayce, did Rudy take a look at you?”

She brushed past him to the bedroom, “Steve I flew from Mexico to Texas to California. I just wanted to get home and sleep in my own bed. Besides they are just bruises. I’ll be fine,” she said as she slipped on a pair of sweat pants and a sweatshirt.

As she lay on the bed to rest he replied, “Okay Kayce. Call me if you need anything.” He closed the door unsure why her mood was so dark and returned to the kitchen.

Kayce heard the door shut and the tears quickly filled her eyes. Could she blame him? Jaime was smart, pretty and they were in love once. Her stomach tightened at the thought of him falling for a real woman, one that had all her human parts. Maybe that’s it, I disgust him and now that he has the attention of a normal woman he made his choice.

She rolled over onto her side, hugging a pillow to her chest. She wondered if she was correct. Soon sleep overtook her quieting her thoughts.

It was two hours later that Kayce awoke. She ambled towards the kitchen to grab some cold pizza, minus the ‘chovies’. Movement in the guest room stopped her in her tracks. Jaime was placing the last of her personal items in a bag. The color drained from Kayce’s face and she moved from doorway quickly.

Steve walked Jaime to her car and thanked her again for her help with Kyle. She suggested Steve not tell Kayce of what happened between them and he told her he had already decided the same thing. He didn’t want to see her hurt. He would gladly carry the burden of what he did.

He stayed outside until her car was out of sight. Returning to the house he heard Kayce in Kyle’s room getting him ready for bed. He went back to the kitchen to clean up the dishes. When Kayce didn’t join him he went to get himself ready for bed.

The little boy was happy that his mother was home and he snuggled close to her while she read him a bedtime story. It was the story of a prince and princess, one that reminded her of her courtship with Steve. When she turned to the last page she read of how the prince kissed the princess and they lived happily ever after.

Kyle was confused and looked at her with a small raised eyebrow. He asked innocently, “Will daddy and Aunt Jaime live happily ever after?”

Kayce was taken aback, “Why do you ask?”

“Because they were kissing last night…in the kitchen... you know like you and Daddy kiss. Does that mean they will live happily ever after?”

“I don’t know Kyle. I guess I’ll have to ask your father about that.” She could feel her fear rising quickly. “Did Daddy kiss her on the cheek?” She asked lightly not wanting to interrogate her child.

The two blue eyes looked up at his mother and replied, “No. They were hugging and kissing for a long time. If they do live happily ever after will you have to leave?”

She swallowed hard at the simple deduction, her tears threatening to fall. She needed time to herself and quickly tucked the little boy in bed. “I’m not going anywhere sweetie.” She said leaning down to kiss his head. After turning out the light she headed to her bedroom where she found Steve settling into bed. Deciding she was too tired to go into the situation she slipped into her nightgown and slid in the opposite side.

Steve rolled over to say his goodnight and she asked if anything happened while she was gone that she should know about. He hesitated then replied negatively and she rolled on her side away from him. He gently touched her arm and she just replied she was tired and became silent. He repositioned himself on his side of the bed and fell asleep hoping tomorrow she would be in a better mood.

...Continued