Oliver came down for dinner feeling refreshed. He left his suitcase by the door and wandered into the kitchen. He saw Mary reaching for something off a top shelf.

"Here, Mary, allow me," Oliver spoke stepping up behind her and getting the serving bowl she was reaching for.

"Thanks Oliver." She smiled as she took the bowl from him and served the mashed potatoes then gave it to him. "Can you put this on the table for me," she smiled. Oliver nodded and turned and went to the table. He surveyed tit and smiled, he had dined with Kings, Prime Ministers, and Heads of State, but this meal meant so much more. There was no one to judge him, to watch to see if he would step out of protocol. He was eating with someone who just wanted a pleasant dinner with no hidden agenda.

"Ok, we can sit." She smiled carrying a plate of what must be the meat loaf. It smelled delicious but he'd actually never heard of the dish. The china was quaint, and it appeared well loved. Oliver stayed standing until Mary sat. "Always a gentleman?" she teased.

"Just how I was raised." He smiled and sat, putting the napkin in his lap.

"Well, before we eat, I would like to say grace." She smiled, hoping she wasn't insulting any religious preferences. She bowed her head and clasped her hands together Oliver just did the same. "Heavenly father, I thank you for this food and ask you to bless this meal and the company I'm sharing it with. I also want to thank you for sending Oliver to help me and Joe; he's definitely one of your angels. Amen." She spoke. Oliver looked up at her and she was starting to serve him food.

"So tell me Oliver how is that you came to save the day today." She smiled.

"I was actually just passing through." He shrugged as he cut into the meat loaf and took his first bite. It was an explosion of flavor unlike anything he had ever tasted. "Mary, this is delicious." He commented.

"It's an old family recipe," she smiled. "Glad you like it."

"Like it? I've never tasted anything like it," he smiled.

"Well I appreciate the help so it was worth it to make this for you."

"So unnecessary, but appreciated."

"So regal," she commented. Oliver blushed furiously. "So how long are you gonna be in Smallville?"

"I don't have anywhere to be really. I'm on vacation, "

"Oh what do you do?"

Oliver blushed. "A lot of things. I'm a computer programmer, a lawyer, "

"Wow,"

"It's not as exciting as it sounds; I'm getting groomed to take over the family business." He spoke. Mary could see sadness in his eyes. "Enough about me," he smiled pouring on the charm. "So what I caught of the argument earlier, that suit thinks he can intimidate you into selling this farm?"

"He's a good boy really; his mama raised him better than that. He works at the bank, but his family owns that Feed and Grain." She sighed and ate some of her meal. Oliver watched the expressions change on her face. He dug into his mashed potatoes, another exquisite texture and flavor. "This farm has been in Joe's family for generations. It was passed down, he had been hoping to give it to his son.… See Joe was married before me. They had had a son, but his wife, she grew tired of the farm life and one day just took off taking his son with him. He was devastated. Weeks later, he got divorce papers in the mail. Years later, he found out his son joined the Army, then he was killed in combat."

"Oh, Mary,"

"I know right. Joe and I met at the Smallville social, I had just come to town, got a job in the library. This life was more for me. I had been raised in Metropolis but I never really got the big city bug." She smiled. "I had a baby, but he died young… now I think it's called S.I.D.S. Joe and I were content to just farm. We did some fostering and have some fosters that still come and see us, thank us for helping them get a turn around in life. The last few years, well they've been tough. Bad crops, the cost of it all got to be too much, then Joe had a stroke. He was lucky to survive it, but he was never the same. No use of his Left arm; can walk a little but he can't use a tractor or do the things he used to. So I carry on, do what I can. The medical bills hit us hard. Splitting money for equipment and feed and paying off the collectors for Joe's bills. Money's tight."

"And the financial stress got you in trouble with the bank?" She nodded. The gears in Oliver's brain were spinning. There were plenty of ways to help this wonderful family. "And you're doing this all on your own?" Mary nodded. Oliver ate more of his meal, trying to find a tactful way to offer help to the very proud woman he was having dinner with.

"Well, I really hate starting projects and not finishing them." He spoke honestly. "My father taught me that, so let me help you finish your fence." He smiled.

"Oh Oliver, I…"

"And if there happens to be any other little projects around here you need taken care of, I can do that to."

"But your vacation?"

"Is mine to spend however I would like. I would like to help you Mary, if you'll allow me." He used his most charming smile.

"I," she was trying to decide. "I can't pay you," she frowned.

"I didn't ask for money. A place to sleep would be the only payment I would accept anyway."

"I." Mary hedged. "Ok," she spoke with fierce determination.

"Excellent," he spoke smiling at his victory. The rest of the meal was filled with polite conversation. Dessert was served which was homemade ice cream and Nilla wafers.

It was nearly 9 when Mary and Oliver finished dinner and he helped her with dishes. Something he had never ever done. She showed Oliver to the upstairs guest room and then went to go to bed.

Oliver went to grab his lap top bag, got settled into the room, and then decided he would wander around the property.

00000

Chloe enjoyed the peace of the Kent farm. The city life had really been her style, but sometimes it was good to get away. Although she would never admit that to anyone. Chloe took a nap, ate a light dinner, and decided to do something she always wanted to do, but with Super Ears around could never get away with. Chloe wanted to go skinny dipping in the pond on the back 40. She would wait until late to do it. She watched a movie and sipped on some iced tea. By 9 she was sure that the only things that would see her in her birthday suit were the lightning bugs, the moon, and the stars. Chloe knew for sure Lois and Clark would be gone for 3 days so she wouldn't be disturbed.

Chloe grabbed a towel and a flashlight just in case of an emergency and started her trek to the pond. The pond cut across the Kent property and the Peabody property. Thinking about the Peabody farm Chloe's mind drifted to that hot mass of flesh that was fixing their fence. Chloe was embarrassed about how her body was responding to just the thought of him. Her inner vixen kept thinking how great it would be to see him naked, to follow those sharp ridges of muscle with her tongue. Chloe tripped over a rock. 'Get it together, Sullivan, he's a Mercedes, you're the Prius.' She thought.

Chloe made it to the pond in no time. She knew it would be cold, but this was something she always wanted to do. She set her things down and began to strip. She was quickly naked and ran into the water, diving underneath the water.

00000

Oliver found a small path that led toward the back of the property. The night was peaceful, the songs from crickets and frogs filled the air. He found a large pond at the back of the property. He felt so grounded here in Smallville, KS. No pressure to be who he was supposed to be. He could just be Oliver.

Oliver heard some splashing in the pond that was so incongruent with the sounds of the night. He thought he heard someone singing, "Mickey?" His curiosity was piqued instantly. He stealthily made his way toward the sounds. A smile raced across his face when her heard, "Oh Mickey what a pity you don't understand, you take me by the heart when you take me by the hand." During Oliver's rebellious phase he blasted 80's tunes through the manor, the more annoying they were the more agitated his father got. He found a spot in the corn and a space in the dividing fence to see a young woman obviously enjoying herself splashing around in the water.

His father would have a stroke if he ever found out he was watching a woman swim like some cheap voyeur. He had manners, impeccable manners. But this, creature, there was something about her carefree attitude, not a worry in the …

"Ouch!" she shouted and went under the water. "Oh shit!" she shouted as she went underwater again.

"Help!" she shouted as she came up for air then went back underwater. Oliver shook his head, he stood peeled off his shirt, hopped over the fence and ran into the water. He dove in and surfaced unable to find the girl. He dove again and finally found her and pulled her into his chest. His brain registering for a split second she was as naked as the day she was born. He swam her to shore than scooped her up and then carried toward her towel. She was still, very still, eerily still. He did the look, listen, and feel, she was breathing, shallowly. All of the sudden she turned on her side and started coughing.

Oliver didn't know her name only that he saw a small angel tattoo on her shoulder."Easy Angel, easy."

Cough, "Thanks." She spoke. Cough. Chloe felt like she had swallowed half off the pond.

"You're welcome." The masculine voice rolled over her skin like butterflies. She rolled up onto her back to stare into the most handsome face she had ever seen. Realizing she was still naked, she struggled to stand. "Easy, you nearly drank the entire pond, take a breath or two." He smiled. Chloe gasped. His smile just made his face more handsome if that were possible.

"If I weren't lying here naked in front," cough, cough, " of you," cough, " I would take that into consideration." She snarked. Oliver smiled and stood and turned his back to her to allow her to dress. Chloe looked up admiring his back side.

'Good God, he must be like 9ft tall,' she gasped, and coughed then quickly dressed. "Okay, I'm descent." She spoke wrapping her towel around her to warm herself up.

"Are you alright Angel?" he spoke, crouching down beside her. His voice was like liquid sex; a velvet timbre that made all sorts of naughty thoughts slide into her head.

"I am," she spoke. "Thank you." She began to study that face, ohhh he had a dimple in his chin. It was one of her favorite features.

"Well good, do you need help getting back to your home?" he spoke the concern etched on his face.

"No, no," she spoke before her lips got the message from her brain that was 'Yes, yes, oh holy mother of goodness yes. " I just wasn't prepared to get my feet attacked by those wicked critters down there; they caused my foot to cramp." She laughed at herself.

"Well, alright then." He smiled. He stood, his jeans were soaked, his shoes and socks were soaked. He turned from her and went to where he left his shirt and hopped the fence, disappearing into the corn. "Stay out of trouble, Angel." He shouted to her. Chloe just gaped.

"Chloe you're an idiot." She spoke as she smacked her palm to her forehead. "How about, hey thanks for saving me and you are? Will I see you again? Can I have your babies?" She shook her head. She couldn't believe she had just met the hot guy from earlier and her IQ went from Super Smart to prepubescent adolescent teen ager in the span of a quick smile and a flash of abs. She shook her head, "No wonder you don't date." She spoke as she stood and headed back toward the farm.

0000

Oliver shook his head at the rhythmic squishing of his shoes. He was soaked to the bone but really didn't care. He had never had so much adventure in his entire life. It seems he has a knack of being in the right place at the right time. Saving two damsels in distress in one day had to be his Princely upbringing. He shook his head thinking about the blonde. She was…beautiful. She had curves which were a lost trait in his world. Either surgically or obsessively cured by a diet, the women were too thin. She had a vocabulary, he had never heard a woman use foul language before. It wasn't offensive, it seemed like it was totally her. And that angel tattoo, his mind had wicked thoughts about that tattoo and he had only been in her presence for a few minutes. That girl was absolutely beautiful. His time in Smallville may prove to be fruitful indeed.

When he made it to the front porch, Mary was there sitting on her swing, holding a coffee cup in her hands.

"You have a hard time keeping your shirt on don't you?" she teased. He blushed and put his head down.

"One would think," he smiled. "I found the pond." He spoke as he squished his way up the stairs. Mary saw his jeans were soaked.

"Oh goodness are you ok?"

"Yes, apparently I'm not as graceful as I thought."

"Let me get you a towel." She spoke. She set her mug down and bolted into the house. Oliver sat and peeled his soaked shoes and socks off. The jeans were starting to be uncomfortable. He left his shoes at the door and grabbed his socks and went into the house. He met Mary at the door. She thrust the towel at him.

"Thank you," he smiled. "I think I'm going to go and change and go to bed." He smiled, his face slightly pink.

"If you leave your jeans out, I'll toss them in the laundry for you."

"Uhh, thanks." He spoke growing even more uncomfortable.

"Not a problem, have a good night."

"Thank you," He spoke as he made his way upstairs.

Chloe lay in bed and couldn't sleep. All she could think about was those arms around her, that amazing smile, and oohhh that dimpled chin. Chloe pounded the pillow again and turned over. She didn't even get his name. Still restless, she decided to go to her computer. Maybe her friend, ITisme would be online.

00000

Oliver was still wired from his adventures, dressed in sleep shorts, he had been glad he had brought his lap top up stairs before he took his walk. He would try Snrkyaltr. He slid his USB modem into his machine. It was no ordinary modem. He was sure his father would have him followed, so it rerouted his signal to hit a variety of satellites making it impossible to track his location.

He waited for the machine to boot up and he entered all his encryption codes. He finally got to his messenger. He climbed into bed then leaned up against the head board.

Snrkyaltr : How are you?:

ITisme :Tired, and you?:

Snrkyaltr :Oh you know, hanging out.:

ITisme :How's work?:

Snrkyaltr :Don't ask:

ITisme :Ouch.:

Snrkyaltr :Yup, but enough about me have you planned your vacation yet?:

ITisme :I am actually on it right now.:

Snrkyaltr :Really, how exciting for you. How's it going?:

ITisme :Interesting. I am learning a lot.:

Oliver then got an urgent email from a customer.

ITisme :Sorry but I do have to go.:

Snrkyaltr :No biggie, I should probably go to. If I don't talk to you again soon, have fun on your vacation.:

ITisme :Thank you, have a good night.:

And then he logged off.

"Good night?" Chloe thought as his IM icon disappeared. "Huh, its night where he's at. I hope he's having fun."

An hour later, Oliver finally shut down his computer, fatigue taking over. He got some work in and he decided that maybe no more IM'ing would be the best way to avoid his work. A thought kept haunting him though. His father would have him tracked by any means necessary. He grabbed his phone from his computer bag and pulled the battery off. Sure enough there was a tiny GPS chip. He shook his head. He pulled another device from a leather pouch in his computer bag. It was a magnet; he put the device on the magnet which would scramble the technology. "Sorry father," he shook his head. He put all his tech away and lay down, and after a few minutes was asleep.

00000

Oliver woke a little confused as to where he was; he had slept really hard. Truly one of best nights of sleep he'd had in a long time. He rubbed his face as the memories of his last few days and especially the night before came to mind. A smile was etched on the corners of his mouth. The image of those soft curves and that tattoo, well, shivers slid down his spine. He shook his head, yawned, and then poured himself out of bed. He grabbed some clothes and his toiletries bag and then went across the hall to shower.

Dressed in jeans, a t- shirt, and running shoes, he made his way down stairs ready for a new day. The house was surprisingly quiet. Oliver entered the dining room and found a note from Mary next to the truck keys lying on the table. He picked up the note and read it. Mary had left really early. Apparently Joe had a doctor's appointment near Topeka. So she left a list of errands for Oliver to help with before he could get started on the fence. He snatched up the keys, stuffed them in his pocket and headed out.

00000

Chloe sat on the porch wrapped in a quilt enjoying the morning. She shook her head; she was still righteously embarrassed about last night. The scenario kept rolling it over in her head and parts of the memory gave her a warm tingly feeling. So not in the mood to cook the one thing that would make her feel good is a coffee and a muffin from the Talon. She smile;, the nectar of the gods from her favorite place always made her feel better. She went into the house to shower and change. She was ready to go in near record time. She grabbed her key s and purse and headed to her car.

00000

Oliver hit town with a bang, making short order of Mary's list. The last item was the post office but it didn't open until 9. Looking at his watch he had nearly 40 minutes. He remembered seeing a coffee shop when he drove through town. So he decided to go and get breakfast and some coffee while he waited for the Post Office to open.

00000

Chloe pulled into the Talon and parked up front. She entered the coffee shop ready to officially start her day. As soon as she entered she started to feel better. The smell of coffee was rejuvenating to her very essence.

The coffee shop was busy but not as hopping as she had seen it in her younger days. There seemed to be a hold up at the counter, though. There was a tall blond guy standing at the counter and the 3 baristas who should have been making coffee were standing, smiling, and flirting. Chloe watched his posture and she was certain that he wasn't comfortable with the attention. The folks behind him were starting to get frustrated. Chloe watched the tall guy rub the back of his neck and she noticed his ears were a healthy shade of pink.

She shook her head, those girls needed to be taught a lesson. The guy was clearly embarrassed but they weren't letting up. Chloe opened her purse, pulled out her compact, and looked over her makeup, and it was perfect. She put her compact back into her purse and tossed her purse over her shoulder. She stepped out of line and walked up to the man and put her arm around his waist.

00000

Oliver was so embarrassed, the ladies were unrelenting. All he'd wanted was just a muffin and a cup of coffee. Once they started flirting in earnest, it became much more uncomfortable. He had been ogled before, and he'd been flirted with, but this was near predatory and he wasn't comfortable with that. He rubbed the back of his neck as his shyness was starting to kick in. He wanted to crawl into the floor and disappear. It was a little known fact that he was ridiculously shy. He could hide behind his crown and duty, but alone in public and unguarded he felt totally exposed. He was about to scrap the coffee all together when he felt an arm wrap around his waist. He turned to see the most perfect face looking up at him. Her eyes were opalescent emeralds and the smile she wore was breath stealing.

"Sorry I'm so late, did you order for me?" she purred. Oliver only had a second to get with the program.

"Sorry, I haven't had the opportunity." He hoped she would catch his meaning. Chloe bit her lower lip and smiled an 'aweee how sad," kind of smile. She then turned to the girls behind the counter and her gaze changed in an instant and it wasn't at all forgiving.

"You ladies do know who I am don't you?" she spoke sweetly. They all stood up taller. "I've been the reigning number one customer for the last 10 years. I know the manager personally." She punctuated. "I even edited the employee handbook when it came to customer service. I know harassment is in the unacceptable behavior category."

"But."

"Your manager is 2 on my speed dial, do you really want me to call?" she glared. They all shook their heads "That's what I thought." Her expression was smug. "Now, I would like to order," She glared at the name tag of the first barista she caught with her glare. "Cassie, is a double shot, extra foam Carmel latte, and," she turned to the blond who she finally "actually" saw; and inwardly gasped. "Whatever you want, honey." She spoke sweetly. Oliver put his arm around her waist.

"Triple shot, extra foam, dark chocolate latte." He smirked. "And a muffin, I missed breakfast."

"Me too. Better make that two." She smiled. "We'll be at my table in the corner," she spoke. Chloe turned and grabbed Oliver by the hand. She inwardly gasped again, his hands were strong, calloused, and her hand fit perfectly in his. He gave her hand a quick squeeze or at least she thought she felt it as she pulled him toward her booth.

Oliver could only be led by the petite powerhouse. He was too stunned to think on his own. She single handedly put those baristas in their place. Oliver stood at the table waiting until his heroine sat. He then slid into the seat across from her. Chloe was amazed this was her savior from last night, and that she just rescued him.

"Thank you." He spoke. His eyes were warm, like chocolate. Chloe tried to appear indifferent although her heart was nearly beating out of her chest.

"No need to thank me. You were clearly uncomfortable with the attention." She smiled.

"Uhh, sort of… yes." He smiled. "Hi, Oliver Marshall." He spoke extending his hand over the table.

"Chloe Sullivan." Chloe then looked around the room, trying to find something, anything else to stare at other than him.

"Well," they spoke at the same time, and laughed at it.

"Ladies first."

"A gentleman huh?"

"It was how I was raised." He blushed slightly.

"Well those traits are kind of hard to come by these days."

"It's a shame you feel that way." He spoke kind of sad for her cynicism.

"Ehh, what do you do." She shrugged. "So you're new to Smallville?"

"Just passing through, really." He shrugged.

"Fair enough." She smiled. There was a story there, she could feel it and before she could start digging their conversation was interrupted. The barista set the order on the table in the correct order. "Here you go," she spoke contritely. Chloe opened her purse to grab her wallet.

"No, Ma'am this is on the house." She spoke.

"Thanks." Chloe smiled.

Oliver was simply baffled by the blonde across from him. She had changed her demeanor nearly half a dozen times. Each time it seemed like her inner light just grew brighter. She was charming, and definitely a force to be reckoned with. He took a sip from his coffee so it didn't appear he was totally watching her. It had been a good plan until she took her first sip off coffee. Her eyes closed and she seemed to be inhaling the aroma into her soul. His mouth was suddenly dry and his palms were sweating.

"You really love your coffee don't you?" he prayed his voice didn't betray him.

She sighed. "You have nooooooo idea." She smirked. Oliver nearly dropped his coffee at the look of sheer pleasure on her face. He quickly recovered and drank more of his coffee to regain his ability to speak properly. They ended up actually having a very pleasant conversation.

Chloe happened to glance at her watch and groaned. She hadn't planned on staying at the Talon so long. She had made an appointment to pamper herself at the local spa and if she didn't leave she would be late.

"Well, I gotta run." She smirked. She slid out of the booth and tossed her purse over her shoulder. She grabbed her coffee cup and turned to leave.

"It's been a pleasure Mr. Marshall."

"Wait," he spoke meeting her knowing gaze. "At least let me thank you for rescuing me?"

Chloe moved to walk away then turned sharply and leaned to whisper in his ear, "Consider us even." She smiled, winked, and walked away.

Oliver was stunned. He'd just been rescued by the girl he saved last night. He was totally confused, how could he have failed to make the connection? He was a Prince it was his duty to pay attention to the finest of details. This woman just knocked him for a loop in a matter of minutes. 'Unbelievable,' he thought while shaking his head.

He looked at his watch the post office would be opening shortly. The walk would help him to clear his head. He had been rendered nearly impotent by a 5 foot something woman. What a fine royal he was. He stood, grabbed his cup and headed out of the coffee shop.

00000

His mental aerobics came down to whether or not he truly believes in fate. His was an analytical thinker. He wrote computer programs and practiced law. He had to own the fact that this quest was actually a giant leap of faith. He traveled miles to a strange land in hopes to find someone who could see behind the mask of his duty and not be hurt by the fact that the romance and dating phase would be based on half truths. Oliver had to stop his brooding when he reached the farm, he put all the items he picked up into the barn and then went into the house, grabbed some water bottles from the refrigerator and then went out to work on the fence. The sun was already beating down on him. So he stripped off his shirt, grabbed the post hole diggers and got back to work and back to brooding.

Oliver Marshall was a mirage, a ghost. All of his documents were faked in order to hide his identity. His Royal Highness, Crown Prince Oliver Queehne is a mouthful and even harder for people to see past. He knew that from personal experience. And Chloe? She was the breath of fresh air he hadn't known he missed until he met her. Meshing the two memories he had of her was just…..wow.

Oliver shook his head and put all of his effort into the fence, if he had had his bow and arrows, he would have been shooting at a target to regain his center of gravity.

00000

Chloe sat through her manicure and pedicure appointments totally distracted. He had a name. Oliver Marshall kept rolling over and over in her head. The reporter part of her wanted to plug his name into every search engine she used to find out about him. The girly girl part of her, that up until recently lay dormant within herself, wanted to flirt more, wear cute clothes and see if it was just a passing attraction. She had never been the girl to get the guy, hell the guys usually looked at her than past her to the leggy whoever standing behind her.

But this, this felt different. When this guy looked at her, it was almost as if he was trying to decide if she was real. It was almost like intrigue. 'Those eyes,' Chloe thought. Next to coffee, chocolate was her other favorite vice, and his baby browns were a greater temptation than either coffee or chocolate. She thought about how easily she could lose herself in the depths, and yet for a second, she thought she saw a glint of sadness. How could a guy that hot be sad, and what could he possibly be sad about?

When Chloe's appointment was finished she left the small parlor feeling refreshed. There were a few other places she wanted to go and things to do before she headed back to the farm. The thought of passing the Peabody farm made her smile, maybe she would get to see him again.

00000

It was 2 in the afternoon; Oliver had finished digging post holes on the opposite side he started and started putting posts up. An hour later, Mary drove down the drive in the minivan. Oliver grabbed his shirt and tossed it on as he walked down the lane to catch up and check in. When she opened the driver's side door, he saw the defeat on her face. She looked at him and tried to find her smile.

"Mary?" he asked.

"The fence is looking good," she forced a smile.

"Thank you. Are you alright?" he asked.

"Do you mind helping me get Joe into the house?" she asked as she walked around the back of the car.

"Mary?" he asked again. She paused.

"I…." she spoke.

"Let's get Joe inside," he smiled. She nodded and tried to fight back her tears. Oliver helped Joe into his wheel chair with ease. He pushed the chair while Mary led them to a ramp in the back of the house. Oliver helped Mary get Joe settled in their room, he was tired and fell asleep quickly.

Mary led Oliver out of the room and he shut the door behind himself. He followed her into the kitchen and she began pulling leftovers out of the fridge. Oliver just watched , he didn't want to press her. She was clearly struggling.

"Doctors say that he has….Alzheimer's. He…How am I going to be on this farm without him?" she looked up at Oliver who was speechless. "God, I'm sorry," she blushed. "You don't need to know any more of my troubles." She spoke and turned to start warming food. "Did you have lunch?"

"No, I didn't," he spoke softly.

"Well we didn't eat either. I drove straight back."

"Mary." He spoke softly.

"I," she sniffed. "Couldn't help but think that with every minute that passes more of his mind gets lost to me. He could wake up one morning and not even know who I am?"

Oliver moved to lean against the counter next to Mary. "We lost my mother to breast cancer." He spoke. "When she was diagnosed, it was bad. It was already very advanced. My mother was heartbroken; she tried to prepare us all for what her future held. She began to pull away from my father. She didn't want to burden him with the loss of her. He fought her on it. He told her often, that it's not the number of breaths we take, but the number of moments that take our breath away," his heart ached for the memory of the last time he heard his father tell his mother that.

"Oh Oliver,"

"Mary, every day is a day you have him to remember the good times and create new memories for you to hold onto."

She sighed and set a plate she fixed for him on the counter, "Thank you." A single tear slid down her cheek.

"Nothing to thank me for." He picked up the plate and headed into the dining room. Mary fixed herself a plate and joined him. She felt a little better but was still very uncertain about what her future may bring. Oliver ate lunch, nearly ravenous with hunger. He had been working hard. He had set 4 posts before Mary got back. Feeling recharged from lunch he headed back out.

00000

Chloe had scooted over the Granville to go shopping and was finally making her way back to the Kent farm. It was about 3 pm when she passed the Peabody farm and was disappointed when she didn't see Oliver. She pulled up to the farm and sighed. She got out of the car, gathered all of her things and headed into the house.

After changing into some lounging clothes and fixing a light meal Chloe watched the two movies she bought, but she was restless. She slipped on her flip flops and decided to take another walk. She wandered around down and found herself heading toward the pond.

00000

Oliver could sense that Mary wanted some alone time, so he went and grabbed a towel and his swim trunks. He decided it was his turn to take a swim in that pond. He reached the edge of the water in no time. He paused and looked around, the view was spectacular. The sun was setting and the sky was lazy mosaic of warm hues. He shook his head; realizing again how he had lived his life totally sheltered.

He had been to the most exotic places, the most expensive hotels, and yet the sky filled with reds and oranges over the large fields of corn, was amazing. He sat down on the edge of the pond and removed his shoes and socks. He stood and looked around, making certain that the coast was clear. He peeled off his shirt then removed his jeans and shorts. He pulled on his swim trunks and ran into the pond, submerged, and began to swim.

00000

Chloe was sitting on the edge of the small edge of the platform on the north edge of the pond. Her toes dangerously close to the surface of the water. She was thinking about the first time she had been to the pond, and all the goofy times after that.

"That's an interesting expression on your face."

'Oh god, it was that voice,' Chloe gasped to see him treading water. "Hi," she blushed.

"I feel totally cheated right now."

'Oh he's smiling, that smile is a lethal weapon. He could own small countries with that smile' she thought. "Sorry?"

"Here I was just thinking how unlucky I am. Rescued by beautiful girl with a sharp tongue," he smirked. "Now here I am, back in her presence and all I get are one word responses?"

"Are you teasing me?"

"There she is." He smiled. He had gotten closer, when had he gotten closer? Chloe hadn't really noticed until she saw his hands on the platform and he pushed himself up and was sitting next to her.

Chloe squealed and turned away from him as she was splashed by the water he brought up in his near gymnast type grace. When she looked back over at him, the first thing she caught a glimpse of was muscular thighs. She gasped loudly and looked up into his face and he was totally amused. "See something you like?"

"I….thought…" she blushed more, "I thought you were a gentlemen?" she sputtered.

"I am. Perhaps you just bring out the worst in me." He smirked.

"Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh," she spoke embarrassed and fuming and trying to protect her pride and her sanity. Chloe moved as if to get up and leave.

He reached out and grabbed her wrist, gently. " I apologize Angel, please….Don't go."

00000

Frozen, Chloe was frozen and having some sort of out of body experience. This hot guy was touching her wrist in a way that was so gentle, and the look on his face was soo endearing. Her logical brain said 'Danger, Danger,Danger.' Her inner girlie girl said, 'It's raining men, hallelujah, it's raining men!' his thumb started to move gently against her skin and her legs gave out making the decision for her.

"Thank you." His voice was low and soft.

"Pffft," is the only response she could come up with.

He let go of her wrist and leaned back propping himself on his hands. "So Chloe Sullivan." He purred her name and heat went instantly to a place she had jokingly thought of as the land that life forgot.

"Yes?" she needed to do something to level the playing field. She gave him her best 'look'

'Care to marry me and have my babies?' he thought. "Tell me…"

"Tell you what?" she looked confused.

"About you. I want to know what makes such an intriguing woman tick."