Friday afternoon, Charlotte watched Don smile as they drove up to the house she hadn't seen in over a year. The caretaker had done a great job with the landscaping and upkeep and it was a beautiful sight with the mountains visible over the trees as they pulled the rental car to the top of the mile long driveway. Stepping out, she took a deep breath, and the clean air felt good as it entered her lungs. While she loved their place in Los Angeles, Colorado had always felt like home to her. "Welcome home."

"Quite a home." He remarked as he scanned the area. "How many acres is this?"

"Twenty-four and it backs onto a protected preserve so there isn't another soul for miles."

"So we are going to be all alone for an entire week." Pulling her to him, he smiled. "I think I can handle that." He kissed her as she laughed.

"Shall we go in and I'll give you the grand tour?"

"That sounds like an idea since it is a little chilly out here."

She laughed as she grabbed her bags. "I should have warned you that springtime in the mountains can get to be just as cold as winter."

"I've know of the perfect way to stay warm."

"Ah, curled up by the fire with a nice warm cup of cocoa."

"Not exactly what I had in mind." He said as he dropped the bags in the foyer, pulling her back into his arms, and kissing her hard as he pinned her against the solid mahogany door. She kissed him back, pulling his shirt free from his jeans, and sliding her slightly chilled hands up his back, causing him to gasp, but he smiled. Caressing her neck as she jumped up, her long sculpted legs encircling his waist perfectly. He pulled her shirt over her head, kissing a line to her ample cleavage, listening to her moan as he greedily caressed her beautiful breasts. Placing her on her feet, his lips finding hers once more, they each fumbled with the other's jeans, lust and passion leading to impatience.

As their clothes met their suitcases on the floor, Charlotte actually felt something she'd never felt, like she belonged. She fit with Don, not just in body, but in spirit. All of her intellect and renown could never bring the sense of belonging that she felt as Don established their rhythm. Even with their untamed desire overtaking them, they worked, they became one more completely than she had ever experienced with anyone else, lover or not. She and Don were synched, linked, and it created a sensation, a warmth, that she had never known.

That night, as they relaxed by the fireplace in the master suite, Don gently traced his finger down the side of her face, kissing her softly, enjoying how her eyes sparkled in the soft glow from the fire. Their day had been spent relaxing, exploring her house, her property, and each other. For the first time in awhile, work wasn't constantly on his mind. No, the only thoughts that filled his head were the same thoughts that were always in his heart, Charlotte. "Baby, I was going to wait to ask you this, but I can't think of a better time.

"Ask me what?" She smiled up at him.

"Will you marry me?" There was a look of shock on her face as she sat up and stared at him. "We're so good together, Charlie, and I have never loved any woman the way that I love you. I don't have a ring, but,"

She silenced him with a kiss. "I don't need a ring. I just need you."

"Yeah?" He smiled a wide smile and she nodded before he kissed her again. "So, that's a yes?"

"I would be crazy to say no."

"Actually, I think you'd be crazy to say yes." He laughed.

The next day, as they hiked through the woods and up the mountain at the edge of her property, Charlotte never even noticed he was behind them, just a quarter mile back. Neither did Don for that matter. He was extra cautious swearing that Don was going to be able to sense his presence, but neither of them did. Too wrapped up in one another and it almost made him sick. What did she see in Don Eppes? Did she know his history with women? Don was going to end up breaking her heart, but then he'd be there to pick up the pieces. He just had to bide his time. That was the hard part, he thought to himself. He wanted her, badly. She was the total package, great legs, a superior intelligence, and a smile that could light all of LA. He sighed quietly and kept watching.