Sorry about the delay again everyone! So busy and I haven't had time to write a single thing! Anyway I'm hoping things are going to slow down for a bit and I can get back to finishing this story.

Anyway...here's a little something to hold you over.

Please review and let me know what you think!

Once again, I own nothing. Sadly :(

Several minutes and comforting words later, Patty was back to sleep and Eric and Calleigh were standing, in each other's arms, in her room, watching her sleep. Eric gently rocked his body back and forth, as Calleigh hummed a bedtime melody that she had been singing to Patty to console her only moments earlier.

It felt so easy and right. The two of them. It had rarely been difficult with Eric, she remembered. He had always been easy to love. His level of commitment though, she had always questioned. But he was different now. He had proven it over and over in the past couple of days. She was more than sure about what she wanted.

Eric twirled the ends of Calleigh's hair in his fingers as she continued to hum the beautiful melody. She seemed deep in thought and so happy, he didn't want to break her out of whatever place she was in. So he continued to hold her and swayed back and forth, almost like they were dancing, though their feet never left the floor. He had never felt so happy. He was already imagining a whole life with her and Patty and Austin. He pictured camping trips, fishing trips, graduations, sweet sixteens, weddings. All these ghosts of the future weaved themselves into his mind to create such beautiful images they took his breath away. He felt it catch in his throat and he couldn't help the sharp intake of breath it forced him to take.

Calleigh stirred at the sound and motion it caused and looked up into his eyes. "Are you okay?" she asked, noticing a small glisten of moisture in his eyes. She immediately became concerned until he smiled warmly down at her. "I'm so much better than that, Cal. I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am." He whispered as he leaned down to place a chaste kiss on her lips.

She tightened her grip on him and held him as though she would never feel this way again. He reciprocated and lifted her off the ground, not able to contain the joy he felt. She let out a small but loud giggle and they both stopped every bit of movement and whipped their heads towards the little girl in fear the surprising sound had woken the child.

They both breathed a quick sigh of relief to find her still fast asleep.

"Maybe we should take this to the living room." Eric chuckled.

"Or the bedroom…" Calleigh said slyly before quickly and quietly slipping out of the room.

Eric stood there dumbfounded before taking a shaky breath and following her out.

As he crossed the hall into her bedroom, he suddenly felt nervous. He was afraid this was all moving too quickly and Calleigh would regret not taking more time. He wanted her to be sure.

"Cal…" he stepped towards her hesitantly as she walked towards the bed.

She laughed at the nervousness in his tone, startling him a little. She turned to face him and saw the concern in his eyes. She quickly covered the few steps to place herself back in his arms, which he opened willingly.

"I told you, Eric. I'm sure." She said resolutely as she moved her face closer to his and slowed down her approach, savoring the anticipation. He, however, was too impatient and closed the gap in record time, crushing his lips to hers.

The kiss was intense. Deeper than anything either of them had ever felt. They had always had passion, there was no denying that, but this was different. Calleigh felt a new burn inside of her, once she had never felt before. She let it ride, not even the smallest bit frightened. Wanting this moment to go on forever.

Eric could not hold her tight enough. He had always loved the feeling of her in his arms, but something was pulling him closer. Something stronger and more intense than he had ever experienced. He had no intention of fighting it and gave in with every breath in his body.

The power and intensity of the kiss was not lost on either of them and soon the need for oxygen pulled their lips apart and they stared into each other's eyes in wonder. Calleigh lifted her hand to trace the side of Eric's face with her fingers. "Why does it feel so different this time?" she wondered aloud.

Eric smiled, exuding more love than any one person could express in words and pulled her tight against him before answering.

"Because this time it's forever."

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