The Lake House

A/N: This is one of the first stories I have written and the first I have published. I'm not an English major and writing has never really been something I was too great at however reading all your wonderful stories has made me want to share something I wrote (regardless of my terrible writing skills). I hope you like it and feel free to R&R I would love to hear your feedback.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in the story those would belong to Robert and Michelle King along with the other creators of TGW.

Chapter 1

Shortly after the engagement of Diane Lockhart and Kurt McVeigh their first compromise as a couple had been deciding upon living arrangements. They had put it off for the first few days holding on to the pure happiness that filled the both of them, not longing to make any other big decisions following the one that had them getting married in a few weeks. Still he was aware it would be him making the compromise on where they live. It was impractical for her to commute 40 miles every day to work and it hadn't been uncommon for her to be called in during an emergency, the most recent of which was the governor election that had taken her from their bed and had her up for the next 24 hours. He would be living in the city which he hated so much having her with him though made it all worth it.

When the conversation had finally came up they agreed to find a place together just outside the city where she could easily travel to work and there was enough space that he could build his lab and not worry about neighbors hearing gunshots in the middle of the day. It hadn't taken long to find the perfect place. It's large porch that wrapped around the entire house, the blue shutters, and the balcony that overlooked the hills not to mention the large garden that had Diane on the verge of tears from happiness when first viewing the home. It was clear in that moment that this was going to be the house they would be sharing their life together in, and though it wasn't the country Kurt had no other reason to complain—it was perfect.

Soon after they were moving in. Construction of the lab was underway and wedding preparations were coming to a close. They were about to start a life together and Kurt could not contain his excitement. However there was still one purchase that they had to make. Upon agreeing to sell the farm and move into town with Diane there was one thing Kurt had asked for as consolation. He asked that they bought a small second home outside the city. He wanted a place where she could escape the firm, the people, and the city. A place meant just for the two of them. This search had not been as easy as the first. It had been two months since they closed the deal on their first home and searching for the second had taken a backseat to the wedding plans. Finding the small cabin like structure had been completely by accident.

Diane had been called away to DC on a case. It was their first time apart since they had become engaged. Even the phone conversations weren't enough to fill this void that had come about since she left. He had been used to being alone before her, but now that he had her he didn't want to spend a night away. They had already had their fair share of nights alone it was time for them to be together. Still he couldn't help the fact that she had to consult with a client in DC and he was due in court first thing Monday morning. It was their conversation Friday night (the third night they had been separated) that she suggested he use the time to do things he would have otherwise been too busy to do. So he made fishing plans. Waking up early in the morning his first conversation was with her.

"Good Morning" he heard her exasperated voice through the phone.

"It seems yours hasn't been the best." He replied sorry to hear her day hadn't started off as well as his own.

"Oh I'm sorry" she replied quickly.

"Don't worry about it. Would you like to tell me what's up?"

"Just some work things. I was hoping to be back by Monday evening, but now it seems Tuesday morning at the earliest. I should have made Will take this damned case. I would much rather be back in Chicago with you." Kurt couldn't disagree, these past 5 days had been pretty close to torture, and although he liked Will he would prefer Diane be at least in the same state as him, preferably the same bed. Still as much as Kurt felt similarly he decided that complaining wasn't the best option and instead went with optimism.

"That may be true, but you will be back soon enough and I don't plan on letting you leave anytime soon."

"I don't think you would have very much control over where I go; however that being said I do not have any plans to leave again soon nor do I wish it." Kurt chuckled softly at this, he could say the sweetest thing and if it at all made her feel like she was losing control she would make it clear to him that that was not the case. He let her do this because he knew that even though she could go where she pleased, she had no desire to be anywhere but by his side.

"Well then we are on the same page it would seem."

"That we are. So what are your plans for the day my dear fiancée?"

"Actually I decided to take you up on that fishing suggestion. I'm packing up for the lake as we speak."

"That would explain the early morning phone call. Wait one sec…" Kurt could hear voices in the background and the irritation in Diane's voice had returned. The case probably wasn't going as well as she hoped; it certainly wasn't going as quickly. When she returned he could hear the exhaustion that filled her voice as she politely told him she had to go and that she would be home soon. To this Kurt simply said "Goodbye and I love you." The woman couldn't possibly have known how much pleasure the words "I will be home soon" caused him. It was wonderful knowing that she would be coming back to the home they shared. Tuesday couldn't be that far away he thought as he put his phone in his pocket and locked up the house and made his way to the truck.

Arriving at Lake Michigan he made his way down to the docs where his small fishing boat had been tied up awaiting his return. Setting the cooler, tackle box, and fishing rod inside the boat he jumped in and started her up. As the small engine purred he untied the boat and pushed her off the doc moving toward the open waters.

It was still early enough in the year and day that the lake was fairly silent and with the exception of a few sail boats everyone on the water was there for a day of fishing not unlike him. Having no other obligations for the day Kurt decided to explore the lake a bit more than he previously had. This adventure would lead him down a secluded cove. Driving down the narrow waterways Kurt couldn't help but feeling he would love to share these sights with Diane. The tall cliffs covered in green trees and the many waterfalls he passed that created soft trickling whispers on the glistening lake. The scene was breathtaking. When the lake opened up once again the beauty had far from disappeared. The morning sun shining through the now sparse tree tops and the clean flowing water created a feeling of serenity in the small cove. It was then that Kurt the small lake house caught his eye. Curiosity consumed Kurt as he pulled the fishing boat up to the old rickety doc, a sign now in view reading "FOR SALE" at this Kurt couldn't help but explore the area further. Climbing out of the boat he walked onto the property.

It was a quaint home, but with a large back porch that sat directly in the light of day. It could use some touching up a new doc and a paint job at the very least but it had potential. It was beautiful and for being so small held a lot of character. It was secluded and open, quiet and lively. It was perfect. He knew then he had found their place and as he walked back to his boat to continue on with the day of fishing he couldn't help his excitement for the day Diane would return and he could bring her here.