Affirmation of Love

T'Mara stands with anticipation at Transporter Terminal One. She is waiting for Spock to beam down from the Enterprise, which had just entered space dock. He just finished his first training mission as captain. He only accepted the promotion under his terms. He would only command the Enterprise when used as a training vessel.

She watches as officers and cadets materialize on the large platform. She assumes that Spock will be one of the last to beam back to the Starbase. She places a hand on her expanding pregnant belly, for she is now six months along. Four months had passed since she last saw Spock and last kissed him. She had missed him dearly. So much, she had sent him subspace messages two times a week. She only hoped she did not overburden him with her messages. But she did not think so, for he replied to every one of them and began each with his endearment of "my aisha".

She steps closer to the platform, for the transporter officer informs her that Admiral Kirk, Dr. McCoy, and Captain Spock are next to beam down. She smiles broadly as she sees Spock standing on the padd. He is so handsome in his new maroon uniform.

All three men step up to her. McCoy speaks first. "T'Mara, you are looking well. How's the baby?"

T'Mara continues to smile, then rubs her stomach. "Doctor, I am well, and she is a very active baby." She looks at Spock. "She must have gotten excited for your arrival, Spock, as soon as you approached me she started moving again."

Spock raises his brow but refrains from comment. T'Mara swears, she sees his eyes smiling.

Jim lays a hand on Spock's shoulder, but his eyes are on T'Mara. "T'Mara, I'm glad you are doing fine. But I'm sure you two have plans to be alone." He faces Spock. "Alright old friend, I'll see you tomorrow at the briefing."

"Yes, Jim. I will see you at 0900 hours. Good day, doctor."

"Goodbye Spock, T'Mara," McCoy says as he joins Jim. Together McCoy and Jim exit the terminal.

Spock steps closer to T'Mara. He is in awe, for she seems more beautiful than the day he left for the training mission. That is not the only thing about her that amazed him. When he departed she was barely showing, but now there is no mistaking she is pregnant.

Once the transporter officer leaves, Spock takes hold of her hand. Her love sweeps over him. "My Aisha, how my heart has ached for you."

His closeness fills her with happiness. One tear escapes her eye. "Oh my sweet, I missed you so. I hoped it did not bother you that I sent you so many subspace messages."

Spock's eyes gleam. "No T'Mara, but you may have found my messages a bit dispassionate, for I struggle in expressing my feelings."

It is true he was not Mr. Romantic when it came to writing, but it did not matter to her. During quiet moments like this one she felt how much he cherished her. She touches his arm as she replies, "Oh Spock, your actions speak to me. It is those actions that show me that you care. I need to head back to the mental health building. I will see you this evening at my place for dinner?"

He thinks it odd that a strong feeling of anticipation comes over him, as if 1800 hours could not come soon enough. "Yes, I will be there."

oooooooooooooooooooo

After Spock enters T'Mara's apartment, she finally gets to hug him. As they embrace, Spock feels the baby move within T'Mara. The baby's movements give him a strange sensation. Feeling awkward, he abruptly pulls away from the embrace.

T'Mara's brows crinkle as she becomes disturbed. "Are you troubled by the baby? Is it because she was conceived by Soltan? With the help of my counselor, I have learned to love her. Now I think of her as a gift from God."

He begins to question his reaction. At first, he believes it was because the sensation made him feel ill at ease. But could it have been that part of him was sickened by the idea that Soltan was the father? Spock takes hold of her hand. He resists sighing. "T'Mara, please, I regret my reaction." To get her to look at him, he cups her chin with his hand. "Please listen to what I need to say." He becomes relieved, for she begins to relax. He continues, "You are correct. She is a blessing. And the day she arrives into the world, I know when I see her, I will be seeing you." His eyes appraise every inch of her face. "T'Mara, when I stepped off the transporter padd, I wanted nothing but to embrace you." When he senses her anger has left her, he leans to kiss her on the lips.

She wraps her arms around his neck and returns his kiss with passion. This time when he feels the baby's movements, he does not even flinch. T'Mara whispers into his ear, "Thank you for being that caring man I love." She slowly pulls away from him. "Now come, for I have prepared you a special meal."

He sits down at the small oak table. She returns from the kitchen carrying soup bowls. She places one in front of him and places one down for her.

His eyes slightly widen. "T'Mara, plomeek soup. Is this homemade?"

She smiles as she nods. "Yes, I prepared it myself. I discover a store in the heart of the city that features interstellar produce. Don't worry, the Federation Imported Products Inspectors examined the produce before it is sold to the public. I hope it is to your liking."

"If it tastes as good as it smells, then I believe you have succeeded."

He savors a spoonful of the soup before he tells her, "It is very appetizing."

With her eyes sparkling, she says, "Oh I'm so pleased that you like it. Sorry to tell you, but it will be the only Vulcan dish for tonight. The rest of our meal is all human." She begins to devour her soup.

Next, she brings out the main dish, which is vegetarian goulash. Between bites, Spock glances over at her. "T'Mara, I am glad that your appetite has returned. Before I left for the training cruise, I was concerned."

She finishes her bite of the goulash. "Yes, I was dealing with morning sickness along with emotional issues. But as you know, I've recovered from both." She smiles at him. "Talking about a hearty appetite, yours doesn't seem to be lacking. Was the food on the Enterprise not to your liking?"

He cocks a brow. "Ah, meals from a food replicator cannot compare to a homemade meal."

"Thank you. Now make sure you save some room for dessert."

"How much room does a dessert need?" he asks teasingly.

She gives him a sidelong glance. "Just don't overeat. I've made us carrot cake."

The corners of his mouth turn upwards."Ah, T'Mara, you should not spoil me."

After the cake, he assists her in clearing off the table. They both head to the living room. She stops. "Wait, I'll be right back."

Soon she returns with her guitar. She sits beside him. "I had promised to play you a song." She strums the guitar strings till a song comes to her mind.

….I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to you
But you just smile and take my hand
You've been there you understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true

Every long lost dream led me to where you are
And others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms
This much I know it's true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to you….

Still feeling emotional, she becomes teary-eyed. T'Mara lays her guitar down on the other side of her.

Puzzled by her moist eyes, Spock inquires, "T'Mara?"

She smiles as she strokes his clean-shaven face. "My sweet, those are tears of happiness. I am happy to have you by my side again."

Being moved by the song, he leans over, and his lips brush her cheek. "You are a skillful guitarist. Your voice is exquisite. And T'Mara, I have missed moments like this one."

"Oh my sweet, I too missed being together." Then playfully, she adds, "But I only deserve a kiss on the cheek?"

His eyes shine with love. He leans over and kisses her fully on her lips. After the kiss, he inquires, "May I examine your guitar?"

She nods, then carefully hands it to him.

He holds the guitar as if to play it. His fingers strum the strings. "A Gibson. This is a fine instrument." He hands it back to her.

She smiles. "It's one of the few luxuries I allow myself."

"T'Mara, how did you learn to play?"

T'Mara thinks of her father. She was about twelve years of age when he gave her a guitar and her first lesson. She had cherished those rare moments of tenderness. Turning from the memory, she gives Spock a crooked smile. "From my father. He was not mean to me all the time. He became cruel when he overindulged in alcohol. It was my Aunt Whitney who gave me singing lessons. She once was a gospel singer." She plucks the strings of the guitar. "If you ever want to learn, I'll gladly teach you."

He gives her a look of appreciation. "I might take you up on that offer."

Setting aside the guitar, she nestles against Spock. They share a few moments of tenderness before he takes leave of her.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

Two weeks later, on a Friday night, T'Mara is sipping a cup of herbal tea. She puts down her antique book on the coffee table. She can no longer focus on the words on the page. Her thoughts keep going to her relationship with Spock. As their relationship develops, the temptation to make love has grown for them both. Spock, being raised as a Vulcan, could subdue his desires. However, she is aware that it was not easy on him. Sometimes she would feel guilty for having him wait. Her ponderings are interrupted by her phone vibrating on the table. At first, she is going to ignore it and allow the call to go to voice mail. She does not believe it is Spock, for he rarely called her at a late hour. T'Mara sighs. She then picks up her phone. The words "Urgent Message from Philadelphia" come across the screen.

Fearing that something horrible may have happened to her father, she finally tells her phone, "Answer, please."

The image of her cousin Anthony quickly appears on her phone screen. "T'Mara."

"Hello, Anthony." She notices his haggard appearance, as if he had not slept in days. "What is wrong? Is it my father?

Grief sweeps over him. He swallows before speaking. "No...it is my mother. She is dying," he chokes out. His mother raised him and his two sisters by herself when his father died soon after his youngest sister was born. He takes a long deep breath. "They are keeping her on a life-sustaining stasis field. Just long enough for everyone to tell her goodbye."

T'Mara tries to control the sorrow that is now consuming her. She stifles a sob. "Anthony, what happened? I just talked to her last Wednesday. She had seemed in the best of health."

She sees Anthony struggle with heartache as he says, "Oh Cuz, she was in a ground vehicle accident. She suffered severe internal injuries. So severe, even modern medicine can't help her. So cuz, can you take leave as soon as possible?"

Aunt Whitney, for the most part, was like a mother to her. She struggles with deep emotional pain as she says, "Oh, Cousin, this is terrible. I'm sure I can take leave. I'll catch the first shuttle to the city tomorrow. Anthony...my father, how is he handling the fact his sister is dying?"

Anthony rubs the back of his neck. "T'Mara, he is not handling it very well. He is full of anger and well...he has not put down the liquor bottle. Brace yourself for the worst."

She merely nods. Her father would become violent after drinking several alcoholic beverages. She has always read that anger was depression turned inside out. "Yes Cousin, I'll call you as soon as I leave San Fran."

After Anthony's image disappeared from the screen, T'Mara puts her phone down and grabs a sofa pillow. She squeezes it closed to her. She allows her pent up tears to finally spill. When there are no more tears, she debates on calling Spock. She figures in a time like this, he would expect her to contact him. She picks up her phone, and voice commands it to contact Spock. The display shows that it has rung five times, so she is about to have it end the call when his face appears. "T'Mara? His voice is normal despite being awakened by the call.

"Spock, I need someone to talk to," she says with despair.

He can only think of one thing. "Is it the baby?"

She shakes her head. She fights back her strong need to cry. "Oh no, it is my Aunt Whitney." T'Mara tells him everything Anthony had shared with her.

Although his face remains impassive, his voice reveals his worry for her. "Most regrettable. I surmise you wish to leave soon as you can."

"Yes, I hope to catch the first shuttle to Philadelphia."

He mentally goes over his schedule for the next three weeks. The next training mission will not be till mid-November. He had accumulated enough leave for a total of four months. There should be no reason for the Commandant not to be able to spare him. Right now his only concern is the woman on his phone screen. Not just her, but the baby inside her. He realizes she would have no problem traveling by herself, but he cherishes her too much to allow her to go alone. "My Aisha, I will come along with you. There will not be a need to fly out by shuttle. We can beam over to a transporter station inside the city."

She is astonished by his offer. "Spock, thank you, but can you just relinquish your instructing duties?"

"I am certain the Commandant will approve my leave. I will arrange everything, T'Mara. Trust me, all will fall into place. Now, put your worries aside and get some sleep. I will contact you at 0800 hours. Good night, T'Mara."

She watches his handsome face fade from the screen.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

T'Mara had learned over the months of courting Spock to be ready when he arrived. Since he told her he was arriving at 09:30 hours, he will arrive exactly at 09:30 hours. So this day she got herself ready thirty minutes before his arrival. She sits on her easy chair fidgeting with her padd.

Just when she looks over at the wall chronometer, her door monitor announces his arrival. Since it is mid-September, she grabs her light jacket. She opens the door. Though she always thought he looked so handsome in his uniform, she thought he was more appealing when he wore his casual wear. She smiles. "Hello, I am set to leave."

"Excellent T'Mara." He gathers her valise. They exit her apartment.

oooooooooooooooooooooo

Spock and T'Mara materialize at the Center City transporter station. They ride an air taxi to Hotel Franklin, which is one of the few brick buildings still in existence in the city. They enter the hotel lobby. Spock has arranged adjoining rooms for him and T'Mara. He sends to her phone a digital door pass code for her room.

T'Mara enters the adequate room. She places her valise on top of the dresser drawer. She pulls out her phone from her purse. With apprehension she contacts Anthony. "Hello, Cousin. I've arrived at Philly. I'm staying at the Hotel Franklin."

"T'Mara, you have arrived here earlier than I expected," he says, a bit surprised.

"Well, I'm here with my friend from Star Fleet, Captain Spock. With his help, we gained permission to use one of the base's transporter stations."

Anthony remembers back to T'Mara's last personal posting to him. She told him of her courting the renowned Captain. His main concern will be his Uncle Andre's reaction to Spock. When Uncle Andre's Vulcan wife left him all those years ago, his uncle grew to distrust all Vulcans. Anthony fronts a smile. "Great Cuz, I'm anxious to meet Captain Spock. We are at Pennsylvania Hospital, room 204."

Her cousin Anthony is only a year older than her, but she has always thought of him as a big brother. There were times Anthony prevented her father from hitting her, however, this would result in Anthony getting whipped by her father's belt. Anthony also protected her from the bullies at school. These children had learned of her Vulcan side when she skinned her knee at the playground. They saw that she bled green blood. From that day forward, these small group of children hassled her, and at times attempted to punch and kick her.

T'Mara's thoughts return to her aunt. She manages a sympathetic smile. "Alright Cousin, I'll send you a message right before we leave.

oooooooooooooooooooooooo

Spock and T'Mara arrive at the hospital soon after they shared a light breakfast at the hotel diner. They walk side by side to the elevator. Since they are the only ones on the elevator, T'Mara is able to warn Spock about her father's possible negative reaction to him. They exit the lift and walk down the hall. Before they arrive at the room, T'Mara's father Andre is heading right towards them. T'Mara can see her father flexing his hands, and his face is taut. A couple of months ago she had informed her father of the rape. She likewise told him that she got impregnated by a Vulcan, and she is keeping the baby. He had spoken harshly to her and requested her to abort the "alien scum's" baby.

Andre approaches her, ignoring Spock's presence. His eyes narrow as he notices that she is still pregnant. With a disapproving tone he says, "You made it here, after all." With a quick glance in Spock's direction, he says to her, "Is this the baby's father?"

Feeling disappointed and ashamed of her father's behavior, she heavily sighs. "Father, you know that is not the case. The man who raped me is dead. This is Captain Spock. Surely you recognize him from Federation news reports." She thinks it would not be best, at the moment, to tell him that she has been courting Spock for months. She attempts to change the focus off of Spock. "Father, how are you doing?'

His face remains taut with anger. His tone matches his expression. "How am I doing? What do you think, T'Mara? My sister has been placed in a life-sustaining stasis field, just so you can say goodbye to her."

Spock is not appreciating how Andre is talking to his daughter. He is about to speak his mind when Anthony enters the hallway.

When he sees his cousin he is filled with happiness, so he exclaims, "T'Mara!" He embraces her. "I am so glad you were able to come early." He releases her. He turns to face Spock. To Spock's amazement, Anthony gives him a hearty handshake. "Thank you for being my cousin's friend." He steps closer to Spock and with a low voice that only a Vulcan can hear, says, "Now don't take offense in my uncle's behavior. He has become a bitter man, and alcohol adds to his unbecoming behavior."

As Spock is about to reply, Andre comes right up to Anthony. With a scornful tone, he says, "Anthony...you watch what you say to….to that Vulcan."

"Uncle, at this moment, I am not going to waste my time responding to you."

Andre turns on his heels and re-enters the room.

Anthony turns to face T'Mara. "Cuz, go on in, for her time is short. My mother is ready to say her farewells," he says with a sorrow-filled tone.

As much she wants Spock by her side, she understands that he would feel totally uncomfortable. As she goes up to him she says, "You will wait out here?"

Spock lightly touches her hand. "Yes T'Mara, take all the time you need."

She wearily smiles at him, then enters the room. Her cousins Jasmine and Tonya both hug her. T'Mara's cousin Jasmine is a light brown-skinned woman with a willowy figure. She is two years older than T'Mara. Tonya has similar physical traits as T'Mara, but she is three years younger.

Jasmine is still overcome with grief. She dries her eyes with a tissue. "Go on T'Mara, we already... have shared our words of love to our mother," she manages to say without her tears returning.

T'Mara goes to Aunt Whitney's bedside. Her heart feels heavy with grief. She takes hold of her aunt's hand. "Oh Aunt Whitney, you know I have always seen you as my mother. I...I just find it hard to believe that your life has been cut short." There is more she wishes to tell her aunt, but with her father present, she could not express her true words of gratitude. For her aunt was her stronghold during those hard days of her youth. When she turned ten, her father lost custody of T'Mara, so she lived with her aunt. Two years later, he stopped drinking and convinced the court he was a fit dad. So he regained his parental rights over T'Mara. However, a year later, he went back to drinking and Aunt Whitney took him to court. She regained custody, for she brought in evidence of his abuse, Actually, the judge saw firsthand of the wounds on T'Mara's arms and face. T'Mara lived with her aunt till she attended the University of Pennsylvania.

Aunt Whitney senses that her niece had more to share, but her brother Andre's presence made it hard for T'Mara to speak her true thoughts. But most of all, she wants her niece to know she is at peace. Aunt Whitney weakly smiles at T'Mara. "Oh child, do not fret for soon I will be in Glory. Jesus will be there to wrap his arms around me. Think T'Mara, when I get to heaven I will be whole again. Remember there are no more tears in heaven."

Andre huffs. "Whitney, you should stop feeding that girl such foolish notions."

Whitney has always wished her brother would turn to God. Whitney continues to smile, but now fixes her eyes on her brother. "Andre, no matter what you say, God loves you. You just wait, for there will be a day when He will touch your heart. You will no longer need alcohol to drown your sorrows and anger."

T'Mara can see her father's face turn to stone as he backs away from her aunt's bed. He now stands in a corner of the room with his arms folded across his chest. T'Mara only prays that her aunt's words will come to fruition. She always feared that her father will die before he would turn his life to God.

T'Mara gently kisses her aunt's cheek. "Bye, Aunt Whitney."

Jasmine returns to the room with the doctor. He presses a series of buttons. T'Mara watches her aunt take her last breath. With sorrow overtaking her, she runs out of the room. She goes directly to Spock. She wraps her arms around him and in his ear, she whispers, "I am sorry for this public display, but I need you." She lays her head on his shoulder.

Despite the fact that her family members—except her father—are looking on, he wraps his arms around her. "T'Mara, I understand."

His calmness seems to strengthen her, so she releases him from her embrace. She then whispers, "Thank you."

He nods as he drops his arms to his side. He is then introduced to T'Mara's other two cousins, and they all leave the hospital together.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooo

It is two days after T'Mara said goodbye to her aunt. Spock has just finish meditating. He now prepares himself for the day's events. It will be an awkward day for him, for he will be joining T'Mara at Aunt Whitney's funeral. Not only will he be an outsider, but the service will most likely be emotional. He now stands in front of the full-length wall mirror as he puts on his black human-style suit coat. Satisfied, he sits on the wood chair, waiting for T'Mara. Within minutes, there is a knock on the adjoining door. He stands. "Come."

T'Mara enters, wearing a flowing light pink dress which comes down to her ankles. He steps up to her. He is still concerned, for she was unusually quiet during their dinner. He reaches out to caress her face. "My aisha, are you alright?"

She peers into his caring eyes. "Yes, I 'm better today. I always find it helpful to start my day with prayer." She runs her fingers under his suit coat collar. "You are looking very handsome today."

"Thank you. Your dress looks lovely on you."

She pats her belly. "It helps conceal my ever-growing stomach."

Perplexed, he asks, "Surely, T'Mara, you are not ashamed of your present condition?"

Even though in the 23rd century most people did not judge unwed mothers, T'Mara still feels remorseful about carrying another man's baby. Even after months of counseling there were times she felt 'dirty'. She slightly bows her head. "Well, at times." She then looks directly at him. "Spock, people who have no knowledge of what happened to me might suspect you are the father. Won't that bother you?" She feels her cheeks flush.

Spock had sought out McCoy's advice, once he learned of her condition, to help T'Mara through her times of self-blame. He gently places a hand under her chin. "No T'Mara, it won't disturb me. He then takes hold of both her hands. "T'Mara are you alright?"

She dreads that they will come across that one brazen person who might ask personal questions. "I'm just being overly worried of what one or two might think or even dare to ask. Don't worry, I will be alright as soon as we get there"

He releases her hands as he says, "T'Mara, I really don't think someone even

bother to ask you such private questions after the funeral. Come now, it would

not be wise to arrive late for your aunt's funeral."

oooooooooooooooooooooooooo

The weather is pleasantly warm for a September day in Philadelphia. Spock appreciates the beauty of the antiquated gray stone church. Inside, the stained glassed windows glowed with various sacred images. He and T'Mara are guided to the front row of pews. They sit next to Anthony. Spock takes notice that Andre refuses to sit next to his own daughter. How regrettable, he thinks, that her father could not put his personal feelings aside. Spock does not need to touch T'Mara to sense her disquieted feelings. He knows he cannot allow his distaste for Andre to surface, for her sake. He then surveys his surroundings. Every pew is now occupied by friends, family, and parishioners.

Spock, with his voice low, says to T'Mara, "Your aunt must have been cherished"

She also looks about her. She faces him. "Yes, not only did she sing in the choir, but she was also involved with guiding troublesome youth back to the correct path."

"May I assume that your belief in God was a result of your Aunt living out her faith? Your Father, on the other hand, is uninvolved with any religion."

Fond memories of her aunt taking her to this very church floods T'Mara. They bring a smile to her face. "You are very perceptive. Yes, my deep belief stems from her guidance."

The service begins with the choir singing "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone".

Spock had been to a couple of human funerals before; they were solemn occasions. This one, however, was unique, for the music is vibrant and most of the people clap along with the rhythm. They also shout out "Amen" when they are emotionally touched by the speakers. At last the funeral comes to a quiet end.

Spock keeps his mental shields up, for now they are heading to the fellowship hall for a "celebration of life" gathering. When they enter, many of the congregation greet him and T'Mara. A few of the men greet him with firm handshakes. A few of the women even hug him. If he had not been prepared for human contact, the onslaught of emotions would have been overwhelming.

T'Mara places a hand lightly on his upper arm. "If this becomes too much for you, we can leave."

He remains carefully impassive. "Thank for your consideration. I am surviving the demonstrative outpourings. I surely did not expect so many women would embrace me. That being said, we will leave when you are ready."

T'Mara is relieved that all that physical interaction did not disturb him too much. She warmly smiles. "To be honest, Spock, I don't think I wish to stay much longer

T'Mara goes up to the pastor to thank him. She then personally thanks those acquaintances who are still present, for supporting her and her family. Lastly, she says her goodbyes to her cousins and even her father.

oooooooooooooooooooooo

Later, that night Spock readies himself for bed. As he finishes dressing in his nightwear, there is light knocking on the adjoining door. He goes to the door. "T'Mara, is there something wrong?" he asks through the intercom.

The day of grieving had drained her, and she leans against the door. "Please, may I come in? I need you," she pleads.

He pauses to don a robe. Then he says," "Alright, come in."

She enters his room. She is dressed in a long nightgown. She steps closer to him. "Spock, I don't want to be alone tonight. Please, may I sleep with you?" She then clarifies. "I mean that literally, just sleep."

He assimilates her words. "I am to assume you wish to sleep in the same bed with me? " he asks.

With total weariness she lets go a sigh. "Yes."

With Vulcans, such closeness was reserved for those who were married. He truly did not want to further upset her, but still asks, "T'Mara, would that be wise?"

"My sweet, I just have been through an emotionally exhausting day. In fact, the last couple of days have been very taxing on me, from my Aunt's death to my father's rejection. Believe me, sex is the furthest thing from my mind. Please, I need you to hold me till I fall asleep." Her voice unveils her emotional pain.

He gently clasps her hands. "Alright, my aisha, consider this. We can sit side by side as I hold you close to me. When you are ready for sleep, you can lie on my bed. I will sleep on the floor near the bed," he says, hoping she would understand.

It suddenly dawns on her why he thought it was wise to just sit together. He is a man of high character. She must think of his needs, as well as her own. Kissing his cheek, she replies, "Thank you my sweet. I do love you."

He allows a slight smile to appear on his face. His finger brushes against her lips and he adds, "You have my heart."

She melts at his words, but the hour grows late and she needed her rest. She then taps his shoulder. "Wait, I need to pray"

She gets down to her knees. She silently prays. A moment later she sits beside him. As she wished, he holds her close to him. When he realizes she is becoming sleepy, he pulls the covers back for her. They share a goodnight kiss. He takes the extra blanket and pillow from the closet and prepares his mind for sleep.