I do not own Longmire.

Love Paradox

Chapter 2: Everyday is a Second Chance

In preparation for their second date, Vic aimed for a more casual look. Walt told her he wanted her to be comfortable. He wouldn't go into detail of what their day would entail, but he told her jeans would be fine. So she pulled on a pair of dark denim boot cut jeans, a white three-quarter sleeve peasant blouse and her summer ankle boots. Vic hoped this wouldn't be a repeat of last week, but she trusted Walt would do the right thing by her so she left it all up to him, and fate.

The week prior to their next date was interesting to say the least. They still didn't want anyone to know they'd begun dating, so they tried their best to keep it under wraps. There was a few times when Ruby would give them a suspicious eye, or Branch would look from her to Walt then lower his head and chuckle to himself. Then there was The Ferg who seemed as oblivious as always. To remain covert, Walt made it a point to ride with either Branch or Ferg during the week whenever going out on any missions; which was odd in itself. The reason he did this was not because he thought any of them had caught on to he and Vic's dating situation, it's just that he now didn't trust himself to be alone with her. The second he laid eyes on Vic from the moment they kissed, all he could think about was pressing his body against her, wrapping his arms around the svelte waist and kissing her perfectly pink lips.

Walt had thought long and hard of how to make up for that awful evening a mere week ago. He'd spent time up until the next date secretly wooing Vic like he used to do Martha in the old days. He had flowers sent to her home and left her little notes in the pullout drawer in her desk. But this time, he thought he'd really topped himself. Being that he couldn't let anyone else in on his surprise for her, he would take unscheduled trips out of the station to run his errands. One thing was for sure, Vic would not be disappointed this time.

At half past two that Saturday afternoon, there was a knock at Vic's door. There was no need for her to guess who it was; Walt had promised to be here at precisely two-thirty and as a man of his word, she had no reason to suspect it was anyone but him.

Bounding toward the door like a puppy greeting its owner who'd just come home after a long day, Vic smoothed her hand over her ponytail and gave herself the once over in the mirror. Opening the door with more force than she intended, Walt was taken aback when it sprung open, bounced off of the wall and almost closed in his face.

"Oh, Walt. I'm so sorry."

"Think nothing of it."

"You look nice."

He had on a pair of jeans and a short sleeve button down that matched his cornflower blue eyes perfectly.

Then she smiled that smile, and if she hadn't been mistaken he'd actually blushed.

"So, are we ready to go."

"Ready."

In response, Walt extended his arm to Vic, then crooked it onto his waist and led her out to the bullet. And this time, he did remember to be chivalrous and opened the car door for her.

On the ride over to where Vic wasn't sure, Walt turned on some country tunes and lowered the windows, allowing the breeze to whip through the car. On the trip over, Walt made sure to keep the conversation light. He didn't talk about work, or their coworkers and never once mentioned Martha or Lizzie. Vic knew it was hard work for him to step outside of himself and she appreciated the effort.

About twenty minutes later, Walt pulled off the main road then continued to drive another five minutes until they came upon a pasture. Before Vic lay the most perfect scene she'd ever encountered. Rows and rows of bitter root blooming with their bright pink petals exposed. A cloudless sky pepper with the warm afternoon and the aroma of flowers everywhere throughout the air.

From the back of the jeep, Walt produced a blanket and picnic basket which had been supplied with all the fixings for their romantic afternoon. He'd packed strawberries, grapes, brie and crackers, stuffed dates, mozzarella balls and some dried meats. There were a few other treats inside and Vic had to say, she was impressed. Sure most of it had been prepackaged, but for Walt to put this much effort into planning the meal meant a lot to her.

And this time he didn't forget the wine.

Walt threw down the blanket in the midst of the filed and spread out the meal before them. He then sat and reached out for Vic's hand to help her ease down to the spot opposite him.

As they began their meal, they talked about a bit more about themselves. Vic knew a lot about Walt, but none of the things that helped shape him to be the man he was. He told her stories about he and Henry growing up and all the trouble they'd get into. He talked about Cady as a child and what a little handful she was. He started to talk about Martha but cut himself off, that was until Vic urged him to continue.

Vic figured that if she and Walt were going to be together, really together, they had to know all of each other and Martha was a huge part of his life. When he talked about her, it was not as if he pined for her or didn't have the ability to move on, but he spoke in honor of her memory. Walt spoke so lovingly about her and the way he held Vic's hand when he did, she knew that he had room in his heart for her too.

And after they'd allowed the food to digest, they took a walk along the riverbank and Walt asked the question she knew had been on the tip of his tongue all day.

"Vic, what do you think everyone will say about us?"

"Well, they'll surely be shocked for one thing. And I'm sure we'll have those who will be against us and think it's a huge mistake on our parts. I'm sure you'll catch flack from townsfolk for dating your deputy and for me being a bit younger."

"A bit younger? Vic, I'm old enough to be your father."

"But you're not."

"What about Branch, Ferg and Ruby?"

"Somehow, I think they already know."

"What!"

"Relax, Walt. To tell you the truth, I don't think we could have hidden it if we tried. You have to admit, we've been acting out of character this past week."

Walt smirked at the thought. Riding without Vic, ignoring each other at work, yes it had been strange indeed. Maybe if they'd have gone on with business as usual, none would have been the wiser.

Vic did have to ask Walt though the question that brought fear to her own heart.

"What about Cady?"

"Cady?" Walt shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly. "Cady's a big girl and I reckon she'll be fine with it. Somehow, I think she's always known I had a thing for you."

Vic playfully bumped him with her hip. "A thing huh?"

"Don't make fun of me."

"I'd never."

They walked on a while further, holding hands like schoolyard crushes, neither of them wanting to break the bond. And they strolled that way until they made it back to the blanket where they stood, unsure of the next move.

Walt knew what he wanted. He wanted to make love to her right then and there. Strip the clothes from her body and lay her down amongst the tall grass. Take it slow as his hands roamed her body, fingers memorizing every inch. He wanted to make her feel just as she made him; wanted and loved.

Walt figured she must have sensed his thoughts as she took his hand and lowered him down on top of the blanket.

"Take me here Walt. Take me now."

But, he hesitated. "Vic, I can't. Not here."

"Come on Walt. Be a little daring. No one's here but us."

All Walt could do was stare into her longing eyes.

"Don't you want me?"

That was a rhetorical question he thought.

"Do I want you? I want you so badly it hurts. I'm just worried that we'd be rushing things."

"Walt, we've know each other for years now. What is there to wait for?"

"Vic, you make me feel young again…"

"Walt, how many times to I have to tell you…"

"No, Vic. Listen."

Walt moved from over top of her.

"I mean, it's me and you, right?"

"Of course."

"Then I want to do this right. I want to take my time. I want to really know you. And I want our first time together to be special, not spur of the moment. Does that sound corny?"

"No, Walt. That sounds wonderful."

She then softly kissed his lips then laid her head on his chest, content with listening to his heartbeat. And they stayed that way till it turned to dusk then made their way home with the promise of another day.