Standard Disclaimer: I don't own Monk.

Notes: WARNING- BEFORE YOU READ THIS CHAPTER – ADULT CONTENT IN CHAPTER 10: If you think Adrian and Natalie are not ready for a physical relationship, or are just generally opposed to the idea, stop reading now! - However, after much consideration, I believe Adrian has truly changed and matured and deserves to finally find complete happiness with Natalie. Is this out-of-character for Monk? I don't think so – Is this out-of -character for Natalie? No way!

Chapter 10 Solace Found

About an hour later, Adrian arrived at Natalie's home, opening the front door with an enthusiastic "Hello! " He was carrying a bag of groceries that contained some food, a small bouquet of flowers and a bottle of wine.

Natalie was still on the couch, surprised to see Adrian at her door. "What's going on?"

Adrian smiled at her as he started to walk to the kitchen, "It sounded like you needed a little pampering this evening…So just stay relaxed on the couch and I'll make you a 'real' dinner."

Natalie did stay on the couch but slyly watched Adrian move around the kitchen. Even though he was so precise in measuring and slicing everything, she noticed he was making a conscience effort to finish each task quickly. He then set the table, put the flowers by her place setting and poured her a glass of wine. Adrian dimmed the kitchen lights and cheerfully called out to her "Your dinner is served, Madame."

Natalie came to the table, admiring all his efforts. She immediately noticed that the table settings were not symmetrical, her flowers disrupting the perfect balance. She was touched that he had made such an effort to cheer her up. They sat and ate together in a comfortable silence, shyly smiling at one another.

Natalie insisted on helping him clean up and was tasked with drying the dishes, while he scrubbed everything to his spotless standards. After everything was cleaned and put away, Adrian finally asked Natalie what was really bothering her.

"I guess I was just feeling sorry for myself today. I never planned on things working out the way they have. Especially now that Julie's all grown up and is leaving me." Natalie seemed lost.

"Natalie, you can always depend on me for anything, you know that, right? And about Julie, well…" he walked over to the doorway of the kitchen and touched a pencil mark on the door jam, "She will always be your little girl."

Natalie came over next to Adrian and put her finger on a pencil mark that indicated Julie's height, remembering Julie as she was; tiny and helpless and sweet. She then touched the mark Adrian had touched, remembering the first day he had come into their lives. Adrian had helped her simply because she had asked. Adrian was always there for her and Julie, no matter what. Just like Mitch. Natalie understood that she had been blessed a second time. Natalie was startled out of her daydream when she realized what had been in front of her all night… something she had just noticed…

She reached out and gently touched Adrian's left hand, "You took off your wedding ring?"

As he felt her hand graze his, Adrian caught his breath. He knew that what he did this moment, right now, would be the bravest thing he ever did. He stepped closer to Natalie, wanting to tell her everything, but was suddenly at a loss. Mere words could not convey the depths of his feelings or how desperately he wanted their relationship to change and grow. Nervously searching her eyes, he answered in barely a whisper "Yes, I took off my wedding ring."

Natalie put her arms around Adrian and hugged him tight. The unending solitary nights of the past week had led Natalie to an epiphany. Something she knew two years ago, when she thought he was dead. Something she now accepted as undeniable. She had fallen in love with Adrian Monk and had to tell him…Right now.

Savoring his clean scent and relishing the warmth of his body, she became lightheaded as she felt his arms tighten around her waist. Not wanting to let go but, at the same time, wanting to look at his face, Natalie loosened her grip and pulled away slightly. When their eyes met, she immediately knew his feelings for her… Unable to stop herself, she leaned forward and softly kissed him. When they parted, she smiled and shyly looked down in disbelief. This was really happening, and she had started it!

Adrian ran his hand along Natalie's cheek and under her chin and tilted her face upward. His breathing became shallow as he held her gaze, a slight smile on his lips. All of his hopes and dreams and desires were stirred by Natalie. With complete trust, he let go of his fear and offered up to her his unprotected heart. "I think I'm ready to be happy again…because of you, Natalie…I love you."

"I've loved you for so long…" Natalie's voice grew raspy as she fought back a flood of tears. Placing her hand on his chest, she felt his racing heartbeat and whispered, "I love you Adrian." She leaned forward for another kiss, slipping her hands back around his neck.

Her kisses were soft and gentle, but he soon wanted more from her. Deeply kissing her in return, his sense of restraint fell away. Feeling her hands caress his shoulders, he pulled her even closer. He allowed his hands to roam over her body. When he unintentionally touched the bare exposed skin between her blouse and pants, he lost his inhibitions. He slipped his hands under her blouse and caressed her bare flesh. Natalie broke from their kiss and let out a soft moan. Slowly drawing one hand over his shoulder to his collar, she kissed his neck as she started to unbutton his shirt. When she got to the forth button, Adrian laid his hand on hers.

"Natalie…" God, what was he going to say? He didn't want her to stop…she was still nuzzling his neck and kissing his collarbone. Every cell in his body ached for her touch. Why did he feel compelled to say something? Burying his face in her hair, he squeezed her hand and murmured "Natalie?"

She brushed her lips against his neck and longingly looked up at him. Eyes wild with desire, she placed a feverish kiss on his mouth. Natalie then slid her hand on top of his hand and brought his hand to her face. Lightly kissing his palm, she whispered to him, "Adrian, come upstairs with me. Make love with me." Entwining her fingers with his, she pulled him in close for another kiss, a kiss he eagerly returned. She then led him to the staircase.

Holding hands, they slowly ascended the stairs. Natalie was one step ahead of Adrian but kept her face turned towards him, their gazed unwavering. When he got to the top step, Adrian stopped dead. "Natalie…" He was suddenly humiliated by his inexperience. The thought of ruining this perfect evening made him stammer. "Natalie, I'm, I mean, it's been a real long time since I-" Not able to meet her gaze, he shamefully looked at the floor.

Squeezing his hand, Natalie sat on the top step and pulled him down next to her."Listen to me. You, I mean, we, don't have anything to worry about." She gave him a quick soft kiss as she stroked his arm. "Making love is a learning process. We need to get used to each other. It won't be perfect every time, but that's okay. Each time it will get better. We'll teach each other." Natalie then smiled broadly "We can even give each other 'homework assignments'. Don't be nervous, Adrian, I love you."

Adrian smirked at her 'homework' comment, and then drew his arms around her and hugged her tightly. He needed the solace found in her arms. Adrian tenderly whispered "I love you Natalie, with all my heart. And I trust you completely. Come on." He stood and helped her up. Still holding her hand, Adrian followed Natalie into the bedroom and closed the door behind them.

The next morning, Adrian awoke gradually, aware that his world had changed forever. He felt a not unpleasant weight on his chest and a scorching heat along his left side. Opening his eyes, he found Natalie's body resting against his; her arm across his stomach and her head on his chest. He tenderly traced his hand along her arm and remembered last night. Everything they had talked about and, everything they had done… She had been right, of course. Their first time wasn't perfect, at moments it was both clumsy and awkward. But they got through it together, satisfied with what they lovingly taught one another. Natalie had also been right about something else. The second time was so much better.

Adrian closed his eyes and reflected on this new life with Natalie. Beautiful, lovely Natalie. She was what he had longed for all along. She had brought him back to life. He was starting over. Comforted by her rhythmic breathing, he grew pensive about their future together... And,as Natalie started to awaken, delighted as he wondered about the third time.

To be continued…

Happy Valentine's Day!