AN- Slowly getting back into this one now so updates should be more regular.


Chapter 4.

After finishing dinner Chris and Merri decide to go for a short walk before turning in for the night. They also wanted to check out the walk trails for tomorrow as they had decided to have a more active day. So setting off they walked arm in arm towards the trail tracks to see what they wanted to do tomorrow. When they arrived at the trail start point they looked and saw the had a few different options to chose from.

"Since we're both suppose the be tough NCIS agent lets set a challenge, there are 5 trails her but only 3 of them look worth doing so how about we pick one a day and work up to the longest. We can pack for a day trip and have a picnic when were out" Merri suggested to Chris as he came up behind her and rested his head on her shoulder as he looked at the trial board.

"Sure why not, can't think of a better way to spend my spare time than following you amazing ass up a hill" stepping back just before Merri's elbow had the chance to dig in his ribs.

As he came back behind Merri he placed a kiss to her neck and wrapped her in his arms again.

"Come on, we can take that small walk there and be back before its dark" Chris said as he point to a trail on the map.

Turning in his arms, Merri kissed him gently on the lips then pulling away she took his hand and headed up the path with the right coloured arrow to match the short trail. Half an hour into their walk they found a seat that looked out over the lake and the surrounding hills. It was a beautiful site with the sun sitting low in the sky. Turning to look at Merri Chris was left speechless by how the sun played across her face and lit her eyes as it started to drop lower.

Seeing the sun starting to set they stood and placing their arms around the others waist they walked along the trail back to camp and a nice hot cup of coffee before bed.

Arriving back they found the camp fairly quiet as most of the kids were in bed. There was only 3 adults left up so being as quiet as they could they made coffee and took the cups back to the tent just as the sun dipped down behind the hills and darkness fell.

Turning the lights on in the tent Merri and Chris pulled up their seats and they sat down drinking their coffee enjoying the fact it was quite. Half way through her coffee Merri got up and passing her coffee to Chris she disappeared in the bedroom. Appearing a few minutes later she had changed in to her nice warm pyjamas and was looking happy at the fact she was now sung as a bug. Taking her coffee from Chris she sat back down and picked her iPad up off the floor so she could go back to reading. Chris pulled a sulking face at her and she felt him staring. Ignoring for a little while she pretended to read and when she finished her coffee she put her cup and pad down before getting up and coming to kneel in front of Chris.

"What's with the twisty face? You would think I was abandoning you" Merri laughed as she took Chris's hands in hers and locked there fingers together.

"I was bored but I am better now I have someone to play with" as he leaned forward and captured her lips.

Returning the kiss Merri ran her hands up and down Chris's chest and then finding the hem she ran her hands underneath and up his back. She had to laugh when her cold fingers found his warm skin and he jumped a little.

"If your that cold then go to bed and warm up, I am sure I can come help you get warm if you need me to" Chris told Merri as he ran his hands under her pyjamas top.

"Come on then, we can get an early night ready for our walk and I can have cuddles to get warm" Merri said as she took her hands out from under Chris's top and took his hands as he stood up.

Chris stood up and placed his arm round Merri waist pulling her to him. As he did he brought her to face him and using both arms he held her against his chest and just held her. Now she was barefoot her head rested on Chris's chest and she turned so her cheek rested where his heart was. They both just stood in silence enjoy the closeness they had. No words were needed to express how they felt about each other as it was obvious in the way they stood and held each other. Merri felt a little shudder as she was getting cold even though she was tucked up against Chris.

"Bed now" Chris said as he let go of her and walked to the bedroom with Merri just behind him.

Merri lay down and slid in to the sleep bags make sure she had her back turned so when Chris had taken his clothes off he quickly got in and pulled Merri up against him and wrapped her up in his arms and legs. God he loved this woman more than anything and he never wanted to let her go. As he placed kisses along her neck he wished her good night and held her tight as if his life depended on it. Merri brought Chris's hand to her lips and kissed it as she wished him good night. They both fell asleep quickly so utterly content to be wrapped up with the person they were with.

As the sun appeared over the hills and sent its early morning red rays across the tents at the campsite 2 people were so engrossed in their activities that the world could have ended and neither would have been any the wiser. As they lay sweating and panting Chris pulled Merri to him and kissed her lightly on the head. Merri raised her head so she could look at Chris who was lying with his eyes shut. When he felt her watching him he opened his eyes and blue meet brown. Just looking at each was enough to convey their deepest secrets to each other and their love for each other.

"Good morning princess, I could get used to waking up like this" Chris smiled down as he kissed her lips.

"So could I. It's nice waking up and not being alone and even better not having to go to work" Merri replied as she returned his kiss.

"Let's just stay here today, I really can't be bothered to get up and leave this nice warm snuggly bed and your arms" Merri said as she cuddled in deeper to Chris's arms.

"That would be a swell idea if we weren't surrounded by family. Maybe when they leave at the end of the week we can stay a day or 2 longer before heading home" Chris said as he ran his hands up and down Merri's back.

At the mention on home Merri went quite and buried her face in Chris's chest. Chris sensed the change in her mood straight away so using his hand he brought her face back out of his chest and made her look at him.

"Okay what did I say to upset you? Don't say I didn't cause I know you better now" Chris said looking down at Merri with a concerned tone in his voice.

"Nothing...it's just that we have to go home and go back to being partners. I don't want to lose you now I have you and I can't go back to how we were before" Merri said as her words got quieter as she fought to control the surge of emotion that was threatening to take over.

"Baby we will make this work somehow. I will not go back to the way things were, you mean too much to me for that. If I have to go back to the sheriffs office then I will just to keep you. Let's cross that bridge when we come to it. We still have a few days here and then we have another week where we can go home and see how we do before we have to think of work. Please don't let this get to you down, let's enjoy what we have here and sort the rest of as it happens" Chris told Merri as he stroked her face and neck.

Merri buried her face back in to Chris chest and placed kisses along his chest flicking her tongue against his nipples causing him to gasp.

"Don't start something you can't finish Meredith Brody" as he wrapped his arms round her and grabbed her ass.

They yet again got carried away and after making love again they fell asleep wrapped up in each other's embrace.

They woke a couple of hours later to the sound of their tent zip opening and Chris's cousin calling their names.

"Be right out" Chris said untangling himself from Merri and feeling round for his boxers.

Finally finding them at his feet he pulled them on and got up looking down at a sleeping Merri. Smiling he climbed out the bedroom and put his fingers to his lips inclining his head back towards the bedroom. Tricia smiled and nodded passing him 2 cups of coffee.

"Thanks, what time is it?" He whispered to his Tricia.

"Just after 10, didn't want you to sleep in as I knew you had plans for today" his cousin replied smiling as she stepped out tent doing the door up as she left.

Chris turned round and placed the cups of coffee on the table before turning back to the bedroom. Looking through the bedroom door he saw Merri sprawled out on her front with the sleeping bag only half covering her. One leg was sticking out the bottom of the sleeping and the top of the sleeping bag was now sitting just above her waist. Chris was rendered speechless by the sight in front of him. God she was beautiful and she was here in his bed and she wanted him. He just stood there like a love struck fool staring at her.

"Either get in here where I can see you or go find some coffee. What time is it?" Merri yawned as she stretched out and rolled on to her back revealing her very naked chest.

Chris chuckled and reached across to the table for the cup of coffee bringing it in front of him so she could see it.

"Coffee courtesy of Tricia and it just gone 10. You enjoy your lie in baby?" As he watched Merri kick away the sleeping bag and reveal herself in all her naked glory.

"Yes thanks, I only needed a lie in to keep up with you. God you will kill me at this rate Chris" Merri laughed as she bent and picked up Chris's t-shirt from the floor slipping it over her head.

Chris passed her the cup of coffee when she came out the bedroom and sat down in one of the chairs while she sat in the other. Watching as she took a long drink of her coffee Chris just looked at her and watched as the caffeine kicked in and she become more awake.

"We going out today like planned or you want to stay here all day and let me enjoy that amazing body of your's"? Chris asked with that smile on his face he was learning got him whatever she wanted.

"Going out, no matter how much I love the second idea my body needs rest. After so long of being on my own I need time to recover" Merri answered looking at Chris as he pulled his puppy dog eyes.

"Okay well I will go get showered and then it's your turn okay" Chris said as he grabbed his shower stuff and pulled on a pair of pants.

"You not putting a top on?" Merri asked looked at his very delicious and naked chest.

"Nope, am going like this as it's lovely outside" Chris told Merri as he walked out the door leaving her sitting with her coffee.

Finishing her coffee Merri grabbed a bowl and made some cereal but couldn't be bothered to go find some milk so just sat eating it dry which wasn't to bad. When she finished she put the bowl on the table and pulling on a pair of jeans she got her stuff together to go for a shower then decided to wait for Chris coming back.

When he finally came back he came in and dumped his stuff in the corner of the tent turning to see Merri sitting half asleep again.

"What took so long? I was going to come look for you if you didn't hurry up" Merr said as she stood up and came to stand in front of him.

"Got talking to some lovely ladies on holiday here" he replied as he watched the jealousy flash across her eyes. "It's okay though, told them I was holiday with my fiancé and they soon left" Chris finished looking at the look of shock now on Merri's face.

Leaning in he brushed his lips over hers and asked if she was going for her shower or if she was going to just stay like that all day. Merri shook her head and picking her stuff up she left the tent to go get her shower. When she came back she found a fully dressed Chris in shorts and t-shirt and coffee on the table along with some toast. When Chris looked up and took in the site of Merri he had to stop what he was doing just so he didn't do anything stupid.

Merri was stood in a bikini top and shorts with sandals on. She looked drop dead gorgeous and he couldn't help but put everything he had in his hands down and scoop her into his arms to just hold her.

"I take it you approve of my clothes then" Merri asked running her fingers through his still damp hair.

"I most definitely approve but God you will drive any man nuts who sees you like that today" Chris said as he placed kissed down her neck.

"Put some sun cream on please, it's been a while since I had this much skin out in public" Merri asked as she passed the sun lotion to Chris.

Taking the bottle he poured some in his hands and rubbed them together before he turned Merri so he could work the cream in to her back. Once her back was done he did her arms before turning her to face him so he could her do her chest and stomach. Taking his time he made sure every part of her smooth creamy skin was covered then stepped away to give her the once over with his eyes. When he was satisfied she was covered he passed her the bottle back and went to put his shoes on.

Grabbing her beach bag she dropped the cream in and a made sure she still had the towels from the day before. Grabbing up a couple of bottles of water she put them in and then turned to see Chris standing watching her.

"Let's go make some sandwiches and then we can go unless you need anything else in here" Merri nodded towards her bag.

"Nope i'm good" as he slotted his arm round her waist and pulled her towards him.

Leaving the tent they went to the car and made quick work of gathering the stuff need for sandwiches and dumping them in Chris's arms went back to the tent and made them. Finally they were ready to leave so setting off hand in hand they made their way over to the trial path and set off for a slow and quiet walk to just take in the scenery and enjoy themselves.

After an hour of walking Merri sat down in among a clump of trees that offered shade from the afternoon sun. Chris came and sat next to her as she dumped her bag in between her legs and started to fish around for the bottles of water. Passing one to Chris she pulled the other out and took a drink. Placing it on the floor at her side she pulled out the towel she had and lay it between Chris's legs. Getting the food out she placed it all on the towel and then placed the bag next to her bottle of water.

Taking a sandwich she passed one to Chris who was at the moment running his fingers over the freckles on her shoulders which had always been there but seemed to be more noticeable with the sun. Taking the food he placed his arm along her back and sat eating his sandwich will drawing circles on her shoulder where his hand was resting.

After eating a couple of sandwiches each they wrapped the rest back up and Merri put them back in the back. Looking over at Chris he seemed so happy and content to sit there under the tree with his arm resting around her and shut out the world. Leaning her head over she rested it on his shoulder and he leaned his head on top of her head.

"It's really beautiful here isn't it" Merri said as she looked around at the trees and flowers and listened to the birds up in the trees.

Chris opened his eyes and turning his head a little he looked at Merri and had to agree the view was stunning, especially as he had a great view of her chest in that bikini top. Merri felt his eyes on her and pointed out she was not on about the view of her cleavage but the view around them. Chris lifted his head and looked round and agreed it was nice yes but it pailed in comparison to her. Merri just sat there as he ran his fingers up and down her arm and took her hand. Looking at his watch he saw it was nearly 16:00 hours so he stood up taking Merri's hand and pulled her to her feet. Once standing Merri picked her bag up and placed it over her shoulder as she slotted her arm around Chris's waist and he mirrored her action. Coming back on to the trail they set off to find there way back to camp and a good evening meal.

Arriving back at the start an hour and half later they started back towards the tent but stopped off at the toilet block on the way. Merri came out first and was sat waiting for Chris when a group of 3 young men came over to where Merri was sitting. One of the men sat opposite her while the other 2 came and sat either side of her. Merri felt a little uncomfortable so pulled her bag a little closer as the men tried to start a conversation but she told them she was waiting for someone and he wouldn't be long but they seemed not to hear. The man sitting behind Merri raised his hand and slowly ran it down Merri's arm from her shoulder and left his hand resting on hers.

The man in front of her was still trying to have a conversation with her cleavage and the man opposite was just sat there with a dopey look on her face. When she felt the man behinds fingers trail down her arm she instinctively tensed and when his hand rested on hers she pulled her hand away.

"A good looking girl like you should be not be on there own, someone may try to take advantage of you" the man in front of her said as he trailed his hand up her bare leg stopping just short of her shorts.

"I suggest you remove your hand from my leg now before I break it" She snapped at the man in front of her.

"When she's finished breaking you hand I will break your other hand and neck in the process if you don't remove your hand from my girlfriends leg now" Chris said as he appeared behind Merri and placed his hand on her shoulder giving it a little squeeze in support.

"We're only having a bit fun pal, no harm meant" the man in front of Merri said as he removed his hand and stood up.

His 2 friends followed suit and stood up seeing their fun was over. Chris stared at them all as they walked away with his fist clenched and Merri kept her head down till they were gone.

"Hey come here" Chris said as he reached for Merri and helped her stand.

Once standing Merri practically flung herself in to Chris's arms and buried her face in to his shoulder. Chris pulled her to him and held her tight stroking her hair and whispering in her ear that she was okay. He could feel her slowly relax against him and he felt himself relax knowing she was safe in his arms.

After a few minutes she pulled back a little but left her arms around Chris and he left his on her back.

"Thank you for coming to the rescue, I wasn't sure I could handle them all on my own" Merri said a little shakily.

"No need to thank me, I will never let anyone or anything hurt you ever again I promise" as he leaned forward and placed kisses to her hair.

"Can we just go back to the tent and sit for a bit before dinner please. I just want you to hold me for a bit" Merri asked.

"Of course come on" and he stepped away making sure he had his arm round her waist to hold her to him as they walked back to the tent.

Nodding and saying quick hello's to the few family members they meet they managed to get in the tent and shut the door before anyone stopped them. Dropping her bag to the floor Merri turned so quickly she nearly sent Chris flying to the floor as she barreled into him hanging on to him and started to cry. Chris wrapped his arms round her and made his way to the nearest chair to sit down. As he sat he pulled her down her with him till she was sitting on his knee with her face buried in his chest sobbing. Sitting rubbing his hand up and down her back he made reassuring noises to sooth her.

He felt his shirt getting wetter as it absorbed the tears that flowed freely down her cheeks. All he could do was hold her as she cried and wished he could kill the 3 jerks that had done this. After sitting like this for what seemed like an hour he felt pull back slightly and look up at him.

"Sorry about that, it's just I am a little self-conscious about my body and that just didn't help" Merri told Chris as he ran his thumbs over her tear soaked cheeks removing the last of her tears.

"Well I have no idea what you have to be self-conscious about. You have an amazing body except for the traffic light sunburn you now have coming up over your back and shoulders" Chris told Merri as he ran his fingers over her back and watched her jump at the contact.

"Please tell me you have something I can put on that as that's going to hurt like hell if it doesn't already" making sure he didn't touch her shoulders by accident as he moved a little.

"There some cream in my big bag I think" Merri told Chris as she stood up and went to her bag.

Finally after digging round she found it and brought it over to Chris who was now sitting on the floor in the bedroom. Coming in to the bedroom Merri lay on her front and was reaching round to undo the bikini straps when Chris pushed her hands away. Slowly he brought his hands up and undid the tie across her back letting it slide away from her body leaving a white line across her back. Next he did the same at her neck and found the same white line there where the strap had been. Taking his t-shirt off he placed it on the floor and picked up the cream shaking it as he brought it level with Merri's back.

Taking the cap off he squeezed the bottle and watched as the cream flowed out as he weaved his hand in the air above Merri's back watching the cream fall on to her backs in lines. When he was sure he had enough cream he put the cream on the floor and gently placed his hands on Merri's back feeling the heat coming of her burnt skin. Ever so gently he worked the cream in to her back, neck and shoulders making sure he had yet again covered every part of her. He felt a little guilty as he massaged the cream in wondering if it was his fault for not putting enough on that morning.

"It's not your fault Chris, I should have put more on when we're out but forgot. My skin is not used to being out in the sun so I should have known better" as if reading Chris's mind she answered the thought going round his head.

Chris finished rubbing the cream in and bent to kiss Merri's neck before he sat up and passed her his t- shirt to put on. Merri sat up and slipped the top on before looking over at a topless Chris.

"Thanks for this, I feel such a fool for letting them jerks get to me before" Merri said as she looked at Chris a little sheepishly.

"No problem, like I said I will never let anyone hurt ever again. No one will hurt my princess and live to tell the tale" Chris told Merri as he reached forward and took her hand in his.

Standing up she made sure not to let go of Chris's hand as he stood up. Now she knew for certain that she loved him but she wanted to find the right moment to tell him and now was not it. She would wait and find the perfect moment to let him know that she loved him as much as he loved her.

"You ready to go get dinner and then we can get an early night. I have a surprise for tomorrow, that's what took so long when we at the toilets" Chris said seeing the smile break out at the mention of surprise.

"Sure but tomorrow night can we please go into town as we only have a few night left here and we haven't been out yet?" Merri's asked with that smile on her face she knew Chris couldn't say no to.

Pulling her towards the door Chris and just laughed as he knew he was beat and would say yes to anything she ever asked of him and she knew it to. Going to the car they grabbed up the stuff they need and went and sat by the fire when Tricia was already sitting doing the kids tea. Sitting up against their log Chris went to make coffee and Merri sat watching when she was blind side by Toby who came over and plonked himself on her knee with his pacifier in his mouth, a book in one hand and a blanket in the other.

Merri looked up at Tricia and smiled as Tricia said he had his tea and was ready for bed. Merri cuddled the little boy in to her and looking at his book she asked him if he wanted her to read his book. Toby looked at the book then back at Merri then at his mother before answering.

"Yes please Merri read story to me" he answered as he looked up at her with his big blue eyes.

Merri's heart just melted at the little boys answer, taking the book she opened it started to read to the little boy as he snuggle deeper in to her. Reading the story she kept looking down at Toby as she spoke and watched as he fought to stay awake to hear the story but in the end sleep overcame him. Merri was so involved with the child in her arms she hadn't noticed Chris had sat down next to her with their coffee and was watching her.

"I can't wait to see you with your own kids, you'll make a great momma one day" as he placed a kiss to her cheek.

Tricia appeared just at that moment to take Toby to bed and she heard what Chris had said. As she bend to retrieve the toddler from her arms she bent as close to Merri's ear as she could and whispered,

"Chris is right and you 2 will sure make some cute babies together".

Merri couldn't help but blush at Tricia's comment and Chris saw her turn red but he didn't ask what his cousin had said. He knew if Merri want him to hear or to know she would tell him.

Seeing that he had Merri all to himself again he decided it was his turn for a little TLC. Getting up a little he shifted so he was sat between Merri legs and leaned back so his head rested on her chest. Merri lifted her arms up and placed them across Chris's chest were in turn he placed his arms over the top of her's.

"My big baby feeling a little left out and wants a hug" Merri laughed as she ran her fingers over Chris's chest.

Chris turned his head and pulled his pouting face and all Merri could do was bend forward and capture his lips. He had won and he smiled against her lips as she kissed him.

"What's for dinner anyway?, I am starving as the last thing we had was when we were out" Merri said looking down at Chris.

As if by magic 2 plates of bolognese appeared in front of them. They both looked up to see Tricia standing with the plated in her hands.

"Least I could do since my son had taken a shine to you and you have got him to sleep the past couple of nights" Tricia added as Merri took the plates.

Chris sat up and moved so he was sitting next to Merri again and took his plate. They both thanked Tricia's and tucked in to their dinner. When they were finished they offered to do the dishes since Tricia had cooked. Gathering the dishes together they made their way over to wash them before it got dark. Once they were done they came back over and put the dishes away and were just about to sit down when Tricia's husband called over to Chris asking him to take a look at something.

Chris walked over to see what was happening and as he went Tricia came over and sat down beside Merri.

"You love my cousin don't you" Tricia's said which was more of a statement than a question.

"I have no idea when it happened but yes I do" Merri answered with a big smile on her face.

"He loves you back just as much as you love him. I haven't seen him this smitten since we were teenagers and he had his first crush" Tricia laughed.

"I know he said you work together so my next question is will this be a problem or is it something you can work out? I would hate to see you too come apart because something as silly as work got in the way" Tricia eyed up Merri as she mentioned work.

"I have no idea how this will play out when we get back to work but I do know we will find a way to make it work. I have never loved anyone like I love Chris and I don't think I will ever again. He has slowly broke down all my barriers to avoid me getting hurt. He didn't give up till he won and now I just can't picture him not being right beside me in everything I do" Merri answers the women sitting next to her as honestly as she could.

"Thank you for telling me but now you just need to tell him. I know he has a surprise for tomorrow so I will go and let you both turn in for the night. I can see Chris getting antsy to get back over here next to you. Good night and I hope you enjoy your surprise" and with that Tricia got up and walked over to her husband.

Chris appeared at her side a few second later and sat down in the same spot Tricia had just vacated.

"You and Tricia have a nice chat? I saw you were talking" Chris asked.

"Yes we did, I like Tricia a lot" Merri replied as she stood up and stretched out.

Chris followed and stood back up letting Merri take his hand and lead them both back to the tent. One inside Merri flicked the light on and reached on the table for her cream for her back. Chris saw what she doing and grabbed it before she had a chance to get it.

"Come on then, lie on the bed and we can put this on then get some sleep. We got to be out of her by 09:45 for your surprise at 10:00" Chris told her as they both walked in the bedroom.

Merri pulled off Chris's top and put it beside her as she lay down. Chris repeated his actions from earlier slowly spreading the cream in line across her back before rubbing it in making sure he covered everywhere. Again when he was finished he placed feather light kisses to her neck and back before replacing the cap on the cream. Merri sat up and pulled Chris to her before straddling his legs and sitting looking at him as he was still sitting on the floor.

As she sat on his thighs she brought her hands up to cup his face. Slowly she stroked his face making him close his eyes. Leaning forwards she placed kisses along his forehead coming down his nose and dragged her tongue along his lips. Bring her hands down from his face she placed them on his shoulders and went back to kissing his face working down one side then along his jaw to come back up the other side of his face.

Bring her lips to his she gently kissed him trying to show him in the gently kisses she placed along his lips how she felt about him. Coming down from his lips she worked her way down his neck finally stopping on his shoulder kissing and nipping at the skin as she moved from one side coming across his chest to the other side.

"Lie down on your front Chris" Merri whispers in his ear as she bite his ear lobe.

Getting off his legs she moved so he could lie done on the now open sleeping bags. Coming over to straddle him again she sat square on his ass so she could reach all his back. Running her hands over his t-shirt she put her hands under his top and slowly worked it up his back till he lifted a little so she could remove it. Placing it on the floor she brought her hands back to Chris's back placing them on his waist. Slowly massaging up and down Chris's back Merri worked till she reached his shoulders. Shuffling up a little so she was now sat on his lower back she leaned right forward till her she was practically lying along his back. Grabbing his shoulders she worked the muscles there then slowly came up to his neck and finally ran her fingers over his scalp causing his short hair to become all rumpled. When she was done she climbed off and his back and came to lie beside him so she could see his face.

Chris lay still the whole time Merri massage his back, shoulders and neck. He had received massages before but never had they felt so relaxing and so meaningful. The way she moved her hands over his body was not in a sexual way but in a tender loving caress. When he felt her move off his back he waited till he felt her settle beside him before opening his eyes. The sight that meet him was Merri's dark brown eyes staring at him. He meet her gaze with his blue eyes and they lay just letting their feelings for each other play across their faces and in their eyes.

As if in sync with the other they both moved their hands at the same time bringing one to join in between them while Merri's rested her other on Chris's chest and Chris placed his hand and Merri's cheek. The still never spoke a word as Merri felt Chris's heartbeat under her hand and Chris ran his thumb over Merri's face. After lying for what seemed like an eternity Chris moved forward and came up so he was lying flush with Merri but made sure he never broke eye contact. Gently he brought his lips to hers and looking deep in to the deep brown eyes he repeated the words he had said when she was sleeping the other night.

"I love you Merri" he brushed against her lips letting the words linger.

Merri not only heard the words but felt them against her lips and saw them deep in the blue eyes that were locked with hers. Taking a deep breath in she brought her lips to Chris's as she repeated the words back to him.

"I love you too Chris".

As she spoke the words she felt a tear slowly escape the corner of her eye. Chris caught it with his thumb wiping it away. He knew how much it cost for Merri to finally tell him she loved him as she had kept everyone at bay for so long. Seeing the love she had for him deep in her eyes he couldn't hold back any longer and he pulled her to him as if she was the only thing tethering him to life. He cocooned her in his arms bring her head to rest on his chest and tangling his legs with hers. He had never felt such a deep connection with any women in his entire life and he was not going to let her go.

As they lay together Chris felt Merri grow heavy and heard her breathing slow as she fell asleep against him. Using his feet to kick the top sleeping bag up over them he pulled it up and tucked it round Merri's back which was still naked. Pulling it over his own back he looked and saw the light were still on. Looking at Merri who was so tight against him he couldn't tell where he ended and she started and then back at the light he decided the light got stay on for all he cared. All that matter to him was the women in his arms whom he had just said she loved him. Burying his face in her hair he closed his eyes and let the joy and euphoria he felt wash over him as he felt his eyes grow heavy and he joined Merri in the land of dreams where anything was possible if you only believed.