Cheyenne; Friday Evening, Heather's Apartment
Heather smiled when she saw Jake through the bus window. He was standing at the bus stop with one hand behind his back, shuffling from foot to foot as if he were impatiently awaiting her arrival. She wondered what he had hidden behind his back and couldn't help but think that just maybe there was a surprise in store for her.
"Hey, Heather," Jake said as he walked up to her a few moments later when she got off the bus.
"Hi Hon!" Heather replied as she placed her hand on his arm and gave him a quick peck on the lips.
When her hand slid down Jake's arm, he took it in his and gave it a slight tug. "Come with me," he said as he led her away from the crowd of people at the bus stop.
"Hon, huh?" he asked once they were half a block down the street, away from the people.
"Yeah, I figured that if you get to call me ‘Babe' I can call you ‘Hon," Heather replied giving Jake a shy smile.
"Sounds like a fair trade off, Babe," Jake replied giving her a quick kiss.
Heather noticed that Jake still had his hand behind his back. "Jake, what are you trying to hide?"
Jake had a fleeting thought of the all the times he had been asked that exact question, there had always been an accusation behind the question. This time the question was curious and playful. He smiled at the woman before him. "What?" he teased, turning away from Heather when she tried to peek behind him.
"Come on Jake, show me what you have, please?" Heather pleaded.
"I don't know if I should . . . "
"Jake..."
"Well, okay. On one condition; you call me ‘Hon' again," Jake said with a smile on his face.
"Hon. Hon. Hon . . . please Ja...I mean Hon!" Heather said.
"Since you put it that way," Jake said as he pulled his arm from around his back, "These are for you."
"Flowers! Oh Jake, they're so beautiful! I love them!" Heather exclaimed as she took the bouquet of wildflowers from Jake. "The last time I got flowers was when my when my Dad gave them to me at my college graduation. Thank you. This is really sweet," she said as she leaned over and gave him another kiss.
Jake reached down to take her hand only to find she was holding a bag. He took a hold of her wrist and raised it so he could take a look at the white plastic bag. "Serendipity," he read out loud.
"Yes, that's what is says. It's a store downtown."
"Oh? What kind of store?"
"That's for me to know and you to find out," Heather replied with a smile as she pulled her wrist from Jake's grasp and switched the bouquet to the same hand that was holding the bag. With her newly freed hand she reached out to Jake's and entwined her fingers with his. She gave his hand a tug and said, "Come on, let's go home."
After walking a few minutes, Jake, who had not quite given up on his quest to find out what was in the bag, stopped short and pulled Heather around to face him.
"Hey, wait a minute," he said, then continued in a teasing tone, "I showed you what I had, it's only fair you tell me what you have in the bag."
"But Hon, you don't understand. A girl's got to have her secrets!"
Jake laughed then said, almost pleading, "But Babe . . . we promised there would be no secrets between us."
"That's true . . . well . . .let's just say, that what's in the bag won't be a secret forever. You think you can live with that?" Heather said as she closed the distance them and gave him another kiss.
"You keep kissing me and I'll agree to anything you say."
"Well, in that case . . ." Heather replied before giving him another kiss.
"Come on. Let's get home, Babe," Jake said as he took Heather's hand.
A few minutes later they were in the apartment and Heather was sitting at the kitchen table arranging the bouquet in a tall glass she decided to use as a vase.
"There. Done. Jake, how do you think it looks?"
"Hmmm . . . nice?"
Heather laughed before saying, "I think I'll leave the flowers right where they are, at least for now. They look good there don't they?"
"Hmmm . . . yes?" Jake replied, earning another giggle from Heather.
As Heather approached Jake, she saw him eyeing the bag. "Remember, Hon . . . my secret," she warned.
"I know," he said before he grabbed her and pulled her toward him. "Now you're going to have to pay the price for your little secret," he mumbled before he crushed his lips to hers.
When they pulled apart, Heather rested her forehead against Jake's while they both caught their breath.
Jake whispered, "As much as I'd like to continue this, we can't." He smiled as he lifted his head, "I have another surprise for you. We're going on a picnic!"
Heather's eyes widened in surprise, "A picnic?! It's been so long . . .,"
Jake smiled, pleased with himself that he actually managed to surprise her. "Well, come on. Let's get going. The night's wasting away."
"But Jake, the food . . ."
"The food's all made." He walked into the kitchen and came out carrying their meal in one of the plastic bags he had used to carry the food back from the market. "See?"
"Oh, Jake! I can't wait! I'm going to run into the bedroom and get a blanket. You can't have a picnic without a blanket!" Heather replied enthusiastically. She picked up her bag and clutched it to her chest as she threw Jake a mock suspicious look, batted her eyes and said, "I'll take this with me . . . away from your prying eyes."
Jake laughed, amused by her antics. "You better hide that bag really good. When we get home, I'm going to start my own little investigation into the whereabouts of that bag."
"Oh, I'm not worried about that, Hon. I know a spot where you'll never find it." Heather replied batting her eyes one more time before turning and walking to the bedroom followed by Jake's laughter.
Heather came back into the living room carrying the blanket and dropped it on the couch. She walked over to Jake and threw her arms around him and gave him a hug. She turned her head into his neck and said, "A picnic. I'm so excited! Thank you so much!"
"Come on, Babe. We're losing light."
Heather dropped her arms from around Jake's neck, walked over to the couch and picked up the blanket. She turned to Jake with a smile on her face. "Ready!"
One of the things that Jake loved about Heather was her enthusiasm over the simplest things. It was so easy for him to be caught up in it. At that moment he felt he didn't have a care in the world. He picked up the bag, smiled at the woman in front of him and said, "Well, let's go then!"
Twenty minutes later they arrived at the entrance of Holiday Park.
"I bet I can guess where we'll be eating!" Heather exclaimed.
"Guess away."
"I'm thinking we're going to eat at the picnic table where we had lunch that first day you found me again."
"Hmmmm . . . . no," Jake replied. He turned to Heather and gave her a slightly smoldering look and added, "Nice spot, but too many people around for the private picnic I have planned."
The look he gave her sent shivers down her back. "Where then?" she asked almost breathlessly.
"You'll see. I found the perfect spot."
Heather was taken aback at Jake's statement. He had obviously made a special trip here to find the ‘perfect spot' to take her. She couldn't even begin to describe how pleased she was that he had taken the time to make this picnic special for her. She wasn't surprised to feel tears coming to her eyes.
Jake looked to his side and saw the look in Heather's face and got worried. He stopped walking, turned around to face her and raised his hand to cup the side of her face. "Babe, are you okay?"
Heather felt a few tears escape when she looked at his face and saw the concern in his eyes. "Oh Jake....I'm fine. I'm just so happy . . . that you did this. It's been so long since anyone's done something like this for me. You make me feel so special."
"Ah Babe...you are special," Jake reassured her as he rubbed his thumb along her cheek. "You're everything to me."
Sniffling, Heather said, "I love you Jake," her voice cracking.
"And I love you," Jake replied before giving Heather a quick kiss. "Come on, losing light, remember?"
Heather laughed and wiped her eyes. She smiled at Jake and said happily, "I remember!"
Jake took her hand and led her past the lake and the picnic table where they had shared lunch the first time he had seen her since she left for New Bern. As they walked by, each became lost in their memories of that day. That ordinary day, made extraordinary when they saw each other for the first time after so many months apart - the day that had irrevocably changed both their lives.
A few minutes later Jake stopped walking and turned to Heather. "We're almost there. Here take this," he said as he held out the paper bag to her.
"Okay," Heather said as she took the bag from him.
Jake smiled at Heather, who was standing before him with the blanket held against her chest with her right hand and the paper bag held beside her in her left hand. "Got everything, okay? Can you manage?"
"Yeah. I'm fine."
"Okay," Jake said as he moved behind Heather. "Your surprise is almost here, it's right over that rise. I don't want you looking until I say you can."
Heather laughed and said, "I don't see how you're going to manage that. I have to see where I'm going!"
"You trust me, right?" Jake said jokingly.
"With all my heart," Heather said sincerely.
Now it was Jake's turn to be taken aback. The sincerity of Heather's statement gave him pause. He had never experienced the unconditional trust inherent in her statement with anyone else. It reaffirmed the decision he made earlier . . . the decision that brought them to this place tonight.
Jake placed his hands on Heather's shoulders and kissed the side of her head. "Ready, Babe?"
Heather giggled then replied, "As ready as I'll ever be."
Jake then moved to Heather's side and raised one hand and covered her eyes, while putting his other around her shoulders. It was a little awkward he had to admit, he was almost wrapped around her. While he didn't mind the position - the closer he was to Heather the better - he could see it that it would be a little difficult walking like this.
"Okay, Babe. Walk straight ahead, slowly," Jake requested.
Heather laughed again. "Here goes," she said as she took a step forward. It took a few steps of practically tripping over each other and a round of giggles and chuckles before they got their rhythm. Soon they reached the top of the rise.
"You can stop walking now," Jake said.
Keeping his hand over her eyes, he stepped behind her, and wrapped his free arm around her waist. He bent his head down said into her ear. "Are you ready for your surprise?"
"I am so ready!" Heather exclaimed.
"Okay, hand me the bag and the blanket."
Once the two items were settled on the ground beside Jake he said, "Now look straight ahead," as he slowly moved his hand from her eyes and slid it down her side so that it rested on top of his other hand, at her waist.
Heather looked down from the top of the rise. Before her was a small field filled with wildflowers. There was a riot of colors before her all blending to make a beautiful scene. She leaned against Jake and he pulled her closer burying his face in her hair.
"Oh Jake, it's so beautiful! Thank you. It's the best surprise ever."
"My pleasure, Babe, my pleasure," Jake said smiling against her hair.
Heather turned in Jake's arms and placed her hands on her chest. "My bouquet . . . you picked the flowers here didn't you?"
"I did." Jake replied, pulling the woman in his arms closer.
"Did anyone ever tell you that you make a girl feel real special?" Heather asked.
"Can't say that they have," Jake replied, smiling down at Heather before kissing her thoroughly.
Right at that moment Jake heard Heather's stomach grumble. He raised his head, "Someone sounds hungry," he said.
Heather laughed. "That'd be me," she said in way of a reply.
"See that tree over there?" Jake asked as he pointed to a tree about ten feet way. "I figured we could eat over there that way you can look down at the field while we eat."
"Sounds wonderful."
Jake picked up the paper bag and blanket, once again in awe of how the simplest things seemed to make Heather so happy. They walked over to the tree and together laid down the blanket and sat down to enjoy their dinner.
"So what's for dinner?" Heather inquired as she saw Jake reach for the bag.
"Let's see," Jake replied as he reached into the bag and started to layout its contents on the blanket. "Chicken, hard boiled eggs, carrots, water . . . and for dessert an apple to share."
"Chicken, Hon? Hmm . . . you can make chicken and cinnamon toast? Is there anything you can't cook?" Heather teased.
Jake chuckled, "I'm afraid that's the extent of my cooking abilities. After the chicken lesson, my mom gave up. She said with all the messes I made that it wasn't worth the trouble and that she was going to leave it to my wife to teach me."
"And I'll be happy . . .," Heather started to reply before suddenly realizing she was assuming too much. ‘Well, I can only hope,' she thought.
Embarrassed over what she almost said, she turned her head away and nervously rubbed her hands on her pants.
What she was about to say wasn't lost on Jake. There weren't any words to describe how he felt in that moment, realizing that Heather wanted the same thing as he did. Any nervousness over the question he was going to ask her tonight quickly dissolved.
Sensing her discomfort, he place his hand over one hers, stilling its movement on her leg.
"Babe," he said quietly.
When she turned her face toward him he smiled at her. His comforting gesture and the smile she saw on his face did the trick. Heather forgot her embarrassment and couldn't help but smile at the man sitting across from her.
"So let's get down to business here, Babe. So which comes first? The chicken or the egg?" he joked.
Heather's stomach chose that exact moment to growl a second time. She laughed, "That's my stomach asking for some of that chicken!" she exclaimed as she reached for a piece.
"Mmm . . . this is so good!" Heather exclaimed after taking a bite of the chicken.
"Well, it is one of my two specialties." Jake replied while reaching for his own piece of chicken.
While they were eating Heather took the lead in the conversation, talking to Jake about her meetings with her staff and how she felt they were beginning to come together as the team she envisioned when she started her new job. Jake contributed to the conversation by telling her about his trip to the market with Hawkins. He then told her that his car had some trouble starting when he and Hawkins had checked on it before their trip to the market.
"You want me to take a look at it for you?" Heather asked.
"Sure do. I put my dad's tool box in the trunk of the car before I left home." A look of sadness crossed Jake's face before he added, "You should have everything you need."
Heather reached over and gave Jake's hand a comforting squeeze and smiled sympathetically. "Good thinking, Hon." she said before releasing his hand to collect the garbage left over from their dinner and placed it in the paper bag.
Jake shifted his position on the blanket so that he sat with his back against the tree they had laid the blanket beside. "Come here, Babe," he requested as he patted the space between his legs.
Heather picked up the apple, went over to Jake and sat between his legs, leaning her back against Jake's chest and her head against her shoulder. She took a bite of the apple and then looked up at Jake. "Want a bite?"
"Yeah."
She raised the apple to his mouth and waited for him to take a bite. Smiling at him she noticed a bit of apple on his lower lip. She raised her hand to his chin and used her thumb to wipe his lip clean. Looking into Jake's eyes she slowly licked her thumb clean and took another bite of the apple. "My turn," Jake mumbled as he lowered his face to hers and licked the juice off of Heather's lip before giving her a lingering kiss. When they pulled apart Heather smiled at Jake and raised the apple to him, "Want some more?" she asked with a glint in her eye.
"Of you or the apple?" Jake replied before taking another bite.
Between kisses they managed to finish the apple and Heather leaned over and put the core in the plastic bag. Once she was settled back against Jake, he wrapped one arm around her waist and his other around her shoulders, just below her collarbone.
"Hon, it's so beautiful here. Such a perfect date, you couldn't have picked a more perfect place."
"Or a more perfect person to share it with," Jake replied as he buried his head in the crook of her neck.
"Oh, Jake," Heather sighed and turned her head up to him she raised her hand to his cheek. "You make me feel so . . ."
Jake looking into her eyes, interrupted her, "I know, Babe you make me feel the same way," before lowering his lips to hers.
When their kiss ended Heather leaned her head back against Jake's shoulder and he rested his head on top of hers. The sat quietly for a few minutes before Jake said, "Why don't we go for a walk?"
"Hmmm . . . I don't think so. I like it where I am now."
"Well it looks like I'm going to have to change your mind," Jake said as he started to tickle her sides.
"That is so not fair," Heather managed to say as she laughed and broke from his grasp. She made her way on her knees to the middle of the blanket and when she turned around she saw Jake on his knees in front of her.
"Okay Hon, you've asked for it now," she threatened as she launched herself at him, knocking him down as she started tickling his sides.
"I don't know about that," Jake replied before starting to tickle her again.
The tickling match ensued for a few minutes before Heather gave up, "Okay, Okay. You win. We'll go for a walk," she managed to say between giggles.
By the time the tickling had stopped Jake was flat on his back on the blanket and Heather was lying on top of him. His arms were wrapped around her waist and her hands were resting on his chest. Heather looked down into Jake's eyes and was mesmerized by how the love she felt for him was mirrored in his eyes.
Jake raised his hands to the sides of Heather's face and used them to brush her hair back as he pulled her head down. He mumbled against her lips, "I love you," before he crushed his lips to hers.
When the kiss ended Heather whispered against Jake's lips, "I love you too." They both got lost in the kiss that followed; their universe shrinking until it was just the two of them. Jake's hands found their way under Heather's shirt and he smoothed them over her back, enjoying the feel of her soft skin beneath his hands. When Heather started kissing his neck he moaned softly. His control slipping, he realized he had to stop this now, before it completely undid him. As he reined in his desire, he muttered, between Heather's kisses, "We'll never get our walk in at this rate."
"That's okay, Hon. I don't want to go," she said softly in Jake's ear, before continuing her assault on his neck.
Jake groaned, struggling to get his breathing under control, he pulled his hands out from under her shirt and gently grasped her arms. "Babe . . . Babe, we need to stop. Babe . . . . Heather," he said, his voice growing more urgent with each word. Heather raised her head, Jake looked into her eyes as he pleaded, "Babe, we have to stop, now is not the place or the time," he insisted, before finishing in a cracked voice, his voice trailing off, "You have no idea what you do to me, how you make me feel...."
"If it's anything like how you make me feel, I have a good idea," she whispered in his ear before moving herself off Jake and resting her head on his shoulder and putting her arm around his waist. She gave them both a moment to calm themselves before saying almost breathlessly, "Okay Hon, we'll do it your way for now, we'll stop, but I promise you this is not over."
Jake took her hand and raised it to his lips, wondering exactly what she was promising. He took another minute to calm himself before saying, "Hey, don't forget I won the tickle war, you owe me a walk." Jake said.
Heather raised her head and gave him a slight smile. "You're right. You won fair and square. Let's go for your walk." She stood up and offered her hand to Jake. Once he was standing he gave her a quick kiss.
"Come on let's go," he said as he pulled her in the direction of the field below the rise they were standing on.
When they reached the field, Heather spotted a patch of Black Eyed Susans. The dark eye of the flower reminded her of her favorite part of Jake's face, his eyes. They were most expressive eyes she ever had the pleasure of looking into.
She let go of Jake's hand, ran to the patch, and picked a single flower. She turned and saw Jake looking at her with a bemused expression on his face as he starting walking toward her. When he reached her she took the flower she was holding and put it into the pocket on the front of Jake's tee shirt, "This is for you."
Jake smiled at down at the woman in front of her, "Thanks, Babe." He reached for her hand, "Babe, I want to ask . . . "
Heather caught up in her thoughts, didn't realize she was interrupting, "This is such an amazing place, Hon." She let go of his hand and took a few steps back and twirled around a couple of times, much to Jake's amusement and frustration.
"Hey Hon," Heather called, "I bet you can't catch me!"
Jake, not seeing much choice, decided to play along, "I betcha I can," he called back as he started toward her and watched as she turned in the opposite direction and started running.
It didn't take long for him to catch up to her. He grabbed her from behind and turned her around in his arms. "Babe, I need to ask you something . . ."
"You lost your flower! Let's get you another one."
"You're not going anywhere until I ask you my question," Jake replied tightening his arms around Heather.
Hearing the frustration in his voice Heather said, "Jake, what's wrong? Why are you -"
This time Jake interrupted Heather, "Will you marry me?"
Heather continued her line of thought, "Why are you mad? We were having such a good time and I thought ...."
Jake was just beginning to wonder if he would have to repeat his question when Heather suddenly stopped talking as the realization of what he asked sunk in. Tears came to eyes and she threw her arms around Jake's neck.
"Ask me again," she whispered.
Jake raised his hands to her faced and wiped at the tears falling from her eyes.
"I love you Babe. I can't picture a future without you by my side. Will you marry me?"
"Yes, Jake. Yes, I'll marry you. I want nothing more than to be by your side and to face our future together." She gazed into his eyes for a moment before giving him a shy smile and adding, "As your wife."
"Yes?" Jake asked, not quite believing that she had actually accepted him.
"Yes," Heather confirmed.
"I'm so happy," Jake said as he smiled down at his fiancée, picked her up and twirled her in his arms both of them laughing.
When he finally set her down he looked into her eyes and said, "You make me happy."
"And you make me happy," Heather said as raised her face for a kiss from her fiancé.
When they ended their kiss, they stood in the middle of the field entwined in each other's arms each thinking of the life they would build together while they faced the future together.
After a few minutes, Heather raised her head and said, "It looks as if we are running out of light."
"Yeah, Babe," Jake replied as he rested her forehead against hers, "We should get going."
"Yeah, let's go home." Heather said, looking forward to carrying out her plan for the evening.
Jake gave her a quick kiss and took her hand and led her through the field and back up the rise. Together they folded the blanket and Heather noticed that the flower she had put in Jake's pocket was missing.
"Hon, your flower, I forgot to get you another one. I'll be right back."
Jake watched with a bemused expression on his face as she ran down the rise and picked two Black Eyed Susans and ran back up to face him.
She put the flowers into his pocket and leaned over to kiss him. "There now, don't lose them this time," and then remembering their earlier conversation, she added, "and I have to say, I'm so looking forward to teaching you how to cook!"
Jake laughed as he dropped the blanket he was holding and pulled her in for a quick hug, burying his face in her hair and breathing in her scent. He let go over her, picked up the blanket, handed it to Heather and then picked up the bag. He took her hand and led her out of Holiday Park.
As soon as they were in the apartment, Jake pulled Heather into his arms and kissed her soundly. When they pulled apart, Heather looked into Jake's eyes and was captivated by the depth of the emotion she saw in them. Keeping her eyes focused on his she said, "I love you, Jake. Words just can't express how happy I feel right now."
"I know the feeling, Babe." Jake replied before smiling and giving her a quick kiss.
"Jake before I forget, do you mind if I take back the Black Eyed Susans I gave you and put them with the bouquet you gave me?"
"Not at all Babe." Jake replied with a question in his voice.
"I want to dry the flowers Jake, so we can use them for the wedding. I'll hang them to dry tomorrow. It will take a week or so and we'll need to be careful when we pack them to bring them home."
Heather took the flowers out of his pocket and with Jake following walked to the table and placed them in the glass that held her bouquet. Not quite understanding the importance of having the flowers as part of their wedding but not wanting to dampen her enthusiasm he watched as she completed her task then took her into his arms, smiled down at her and said, "Sounds like a plan, Babe. Come on, let's celebrate."
"Celebrate?"
"Yeah, celebrate," Jake said taking Heather's hand and leading her into the kitchen. She watched as Jake went to the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of wine.
"Wine? Wow, first cinnamon toast, a picnic, chicken, and now wine. You do know how to spoil me!" Heather exclaimed.
"My pleasure, Babe. We have wine glasses, too," Jake said before giving Heather a quick kiss and motioning to the wine glasses on the counter.
"I have to say I'm impressed. How did you ever get a bottle of wine? I haven't seen one since the attacks."
"Hawkins . . . he got us the wine glasses too."
"Well, I guess that explains it," she said matter-of-factly as she took the bottle out of Jake's hands. She studied the label for a minute, "Mmmm....Pinot Grigio. Hawkins has good taste," she added as she handed the bottle back to him.
Jake laughed before saying, "He sure does." He took the corkscrew, opened the bottle and poured the wine. He handed a glass to Heather and picked up the other one and raised it in a toast, "To the soon to be, can't-be-soon-enough, Mrs. Green."
"Mrs. Green . . . Mrs. Green," Heather said dreamily, "I like how that sounds." She tapped her glass to Jake's and they both took a sip.
"Me too, Babe," Jake replied, kissing her again. "Come on, let's go sit." Picking up the bottle, he let Heather lead the way into the living room. After placing his wine on the coffee table he settled himself on the couch next to Heather.
"Jake, I always wanted to try that wine thing I see in the movies. Can we?"
"Wine thing?"
"Yeah, you know when couples celebrate in the movies and they have wine or champagne, they link their arms together at the elbows before they take a sip of wine."
Jake chuckled, "Oh yeah....the link your arms together wine thing."
"That's it! Can we try it?" she replied, practically bouncing in her seat and grinning at the man next to her.
"Sure thing, but it's all or nothing and you know what always come first," Jake teased suggestively and then reached over and picked up his wine glass.
Heather nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah, and that's not a problem. That's for sure!"
"Okay, ready?"
"Yep."
They leaned toward each other for a kiss, just before their lips met, Heather sighed, "Jake?"
"Yes?"
"I love you."
"Love you too, Babe."
Jake gave Heather a soft kiss. They lifted their heads and while looking into each other's eyes, they linked their elbows together and each took a sip of wine.
As they unwound their arms Heather said, "Aside from your proposal tonight, that has got to be the most romantic moment I've experienced."
Jake chuckled and said, "That tells me I need to work harder." He kissed Heather and reached for the bottle of wine and topped off their glasses. They leaned back on the couch, Jake's arm around his fiancée, holding her close. Heather leaned sideways into Jake and laid her head on his shoulder.
"Mr. and Mrs. Green. Has a nice ring to it, don't you think?" Heather said happily.
Jake kissed Heather on top of the head, "Sure does."
They both sat quietly while they finished their wine, Jake thinking of the difference the young woman by his side was making in his life and Heather thinking how much she wanted to be with Jake and about her plans for the night.
"More wine?"
"Yes, please," Heather replied, handing him her glass.
Jake poured them each another glass of wine and turned to see Heather twirling her hair with her finger a sure sign that something was on her mind.
"You okay, Babe?"
"I'm fine."
"You sure?"
"Yes."
Jake then watched Heather throw back the half glass of wine he had just poured her. "Hey, hey . . . slow down there," he said before taking the glass out of her hand and setting it on the table. "Are you sure there's nothing wrong?" he asked as he took her hand and squeezed it.
"I'm just feeling a little tired, that's all. It was a big day, you know."
Jake wasn't sure he believed her but decided to let it go. "It was, and it's getting late. Why don't you go get ready for bed? I'll clean up out here."
"Okay, good idea." Heather replied before standing and hurrying into the bedroom.
Jake sat back on the couch and sipped his wine. He was surprised at the thoughts that had been running through his head since this morning. He was overwhelmed by her trust in him. Sure, he had people who loved him but the trust part was a lot harder to earn and keep. Heather was different. He felt they shared an unconditional trust that didn't need to be earned but was all important to keep.
He saw possibilities with Heather that he never saw before. She had told him that he was going to be her ‘first' but she was his ‘first' in a lot of ways, too. She was the first woman he could imagine having a family with, the first woman who engaged him mind, body, and soul, the first woman who accepted him wholly, without reservations. It was the first time he saw his path to a happy and meaningful life.
His mind then turned to the physical side of things. He could tell that Heather was feeling more comfortable with him. She no longer tensed if he surprised her with a touch or if they got carried away by the moment, as they certainly had at the park. He was looking forward to making love to her but was resolved to wait until she was ready, as difficult as that was getting to be. He finished off the last bit of his wine and then stood to straighten up before going to bed. When he was done picking up he walked over to look out the living room window and again became lost in his thoughts.
Heather walked into the living room and saw Jake standing by the window. She went over to him and slid her hands around his waist and rested her head against his back. "Hi, Jake."
Jake turned in her arms and noticed she had on her bathrobe, something she only wore when she was cold. "Hey, you cold?" he asked before pulling her in for a hug and rubbing his hands up and down her back to warm her.
"How could I be cold in your arms? You always warm me up," she replied as she settled her head on his shoulder. They stood quietly for a couple of minutes each enjoying the comfort and love they felt in each other's arms. Heather was the first to break the silence.
"Jake?"
"Yeah, Babe?"
"I'm ready to show you what was in the bag."
"Yeah?"
"You want to see it?" she asked innocently.
"Now?" he asked, wondering at the timing of her request.
"Yes."
"Okay," he replied, pulling her closer.
"You have to let me go, Jake."
"Do I?" Jake replied quietly, tracing his hands down her back.
"Yes."
"I don't want to, I want you right here," he replied huskily, pulling her closer and burying his face against her neck.
"Jake...."
"Okay," he said as he reluctantly dropped his hands.
Heather took a step back loosening the knot of her belt keeping her eyes locked with Jake's.
His eyes widened as he watched Heather slide the robe off and let it drop to the floor. He took in a sharp breath as he broke eye contact and let his eyes travel down the length of her body. She had on a sapphire blue silk nightgown trimmed with lace. The nightgown hugged her in all the right places and ended at the middle of her thighs. His eyes continued down until they reached her toes and then they traveled back up to lock eyes with her. He felt his stomach tighten and he could barely breathe.
Heather's mouth went dry and she felt a jolt of longing as she watched Jake looking at her. When they locked eyes she saw the unmistakable look of desire and knew without a doubt that he wanted this as much as she did. She took a step toward him and stood completely still, her heart racing as she waited to see what he would do.
When he saw the love and desire he felt echoed in her eyes he knew beyond a doubt that it was the right time for both of them. He took a sharp breath, raised his hands to her waist and pulled her closer. His voice hitched as he said, "You are so beautiful. I never thought - "
"Jake, this time I don't want to stop," she whispered longingly, as she wound her arms around his neck and leaned in to kiss him.
Her lips met his in a kiss that was soft and undemanding. And amazing. But soon it wasn't enough for him. His tongue swept her mouth requesting entry, which she immediately granted. He pulled her tighter as the kiss deepened. When it ended he started to nuzzle the side of her neck, "Ah Babe, the things you do to me . . . what you make me feel." The warmth of his words against her neck sent shivers cascading all the way down to her toes as she let out a soft moan and started quivering in his arms.
He felt her trembling against him and lifted his head, once again tracing his hands up and down her back gently. "You okay, Babe?"
"I've never been better," she replied quietly, almost shyly. She paused while she tried to calm herself and then lifted her eyes to meet his and asked demurely, "So, should we take this somewhere more comfortable?"
"Good idea," he replied huskily, smiling as he swept her off her feet.
He locked his eyes with hers, "I love you, Heather Lisinski."
"I love you, Jake Green."
He brought his mouth down to hers for another passionate kiss before carrying her to the bedroom.