First Night Out

Cole walked out of the place that had been his home for the past three years. He had grown accustomed to life on the inside and was terrified of the changes that he would find on the outside.

He hadn't seen his daughter in three years, he knew what she looked like because Starr always brought him the latest updated picture when she came to visit. In the beginning Cole had tried to push Starr away. Prison was no place for a girl like Starr, but she refused to budge. She made it clear in no uncertain terms that she wasn't going anywhere. It was Starr's constant letters and visits that got him through some of the darkest days that he had ever seen.

Starr didn't even know that he had been released. He had gotten out six months early due to good behavior and the fact that the prison was overcrowded and he wanted to surprise her.

He got his hair cut and shaved his face. He got into a cab and headed home.

-

Starr had just gotten home from dropping Hope off at her dad's and Marty's place. Marty and Todd had offered to watch Hope for the night and she was looking forward to catching up on sleep.

She had just gotten comfortable when she heard a knock on the door. She couldn't believe her eyes when she saw Cole standing in front of her. "Cole? What? I don't understand?" Starr stated as she tried to articulate what she was feeling. She was at a loss for words, the last thing that she expected was to see Cole.

"I'm out baby. I was let out early for good behavior."

"Why didn't you tell me?" Starr asked.

"I wanted to surprise you," Cole stated as he walked into the house.

"Well, you did," Starr stated as she kissed him. It had been three years since she had kissed him and she realized in that moment just how much she had missed his touch.

"Where's Hope?"Cole asked. He anxiously wanted to hold his little girl in his arms again.

"She's with our parents for the night."

"How about if I take you out for the night and then tomorrow we'll go pick up our daughter together?"

"That sounds wonderful Cole," Starr stated. "Make yourself at home while I go get ready for our hot date tonight."

Cole sat on the couch while Starr went to the bathroom to fix her hair and freshen up.

-

An hour later Starr came out wearing the red dress that he had bought her shortly before he was incarcerated.

"Sorry it took so long," Starr apologized.

"You're worth the wait."

Cole took Starr to the ballet and out to her favorite restaurant for dinner. Starr couldn't even remember the last night she had spent on the town, and the last time that she remembered being this happy was when she was with Cole.

When they got back home Starr turned on some music and poured Cole and herself a glass of Sparkling Cider. They made a toast to their future and sipped their drinks while the music played softly in the background. "Starr, will you dance with me?" Cole said as he offered Starr his hand.

"Of course," Starr stated as she took Cole's hand. Cole wrapped his arms around Starr. It felt so good to hold Starr in his arms again. Starr had always completed him and when he couldn't be with her he felt like he was missing a vital part of himself.

"Make love to me," Starr whispered in Cole's ear. It had been so long since she had felt his touch and she needed him.

Cole picked Starr up and carried her into the bedroom. He gently laid her on the bed as he kissed her. He helped her take her clothes off and she helped him remove his unwanted clothing as well.

He spent hours kissing and caressing her entire body, reacquainting himself with her sensuous curves until they were both to exhausted to make love any longer.

"I love you baby," Cole said as he kissed her forehead.

"I love you too," Starr whispered as she closed her eyes and fell asleep.