Not trying to be a jerk but I didn't know where I wanted to take this so I ended it where it is and will have to ponder it a bit.As always Longvic shippers I hope you enjoy.

I stand at the telephone staring. I can't unplug it and I can't bring myself to change the outgoing message. For the first time in my life I am sincerely undecided and have no idea what to do. I try to rationalize my actions to myself. If I have moved on and have a new love in my life, a love that I believe and want to be forever than I should be able to move on with my answering machine but the thing is I can't. I don't want to lose the sound of her voice. I also don't want to disrespect either of them.

With Lizzie I felt like I was cheating on Martha but I know I don't feel that way with Vic. When I am alone at night and my mind finally settles I often talk to Martha about Vic. I know she would want me to be happy and except for a few ups and downs prompted by my insecurities we are a good fit. Vic has never mentioned Martha's voice on the recorder but I suspect that is why she calls me on the cell phone because she doesn't want to mention it to me. Part of me thinks it's one of the subconscious reasons I bought the damned thing so I wouldn't have to ever make this choice. For the moment, I decide not to decide, and that decision leaves me in a stir.

I pour myself a cup of coffee and stand in the doorway looking out on the prairie thinking that as the days have turned to weeks, Vic and I have not really settled into a rhythm of normalcy. I worry that we moved too fast too soon and while we talked about one of the four most important things in a serious relationship, the possibility of children, we haven't talked about the other three; marriage, money and where to live. I highly suspect that all three are an aversion given her past choices but they are important to me. I am an old fashioned man in that regard and I won't apologize for it. Having the ability to provide and protect is my main purpose in life and I can't deny it just as I can't deny my love for her.

We haven't talked about babies and family since the first time. Although she did ask why Martha and I just had Cady. We both wanted a house full of kids but it just didn't work out that way. I enjoy our lovemaking which to my surprise hasn't really slowed down a whole helluva a lot and I am just as surprised that Vic hasn't gotten pregnant, yet. I smile at the thought and it reassures me but just as quickly I chide myself for wanting a family but not asking her to marry me and for not being able to make a decision about Martha and the answering machine. I am right back where I started.

The luminous yellow from the sunrise gives inspiration to the start of a new day. I call Vic just because I want to hear the sound of her husky voice and I miss waking up next to her. I should tell her these things but I don't instead I keep them tucked inside hidden away from view and hidden from the one who should know they exist.

"Hey", the groveling baritone voice whispers into the phone.

"Hey"

"What time is it?"

"Early"

"Breakfast?"

"k….where?"

"Here?"

"k" ..click

I slide the phone into my back pocket and think how happy I am to hear her and awaken at the possibility of seeing her in just a few short minutes but that is tempered by the fact that I hate the new normal we have created. I want her with me, not a phone call away, regardless of appearances. Vic was just as concerned about my post as Sheriff as I was but being the smart girl she is she verified with the county counsel that we do not have a nepotism policy in the Sheriff's department nor in the County so we can do as we please officials be damned. So far, we haven't received any blow-back from any of the locals nor the business owners. If anything, people were sort of expecting it to happen, much to my surprise. As Ruby told me, "It was as plain as the hand in front of your face, Walter. It was just a matter of time." It helped that so much time had passed after her divorce from Sean and the whole county knowing what happened up at Chance's place. Vic was sorta of a hero after that, a modern Annie Oakley, I suppose. In these parts, that counts in the books.

I ease into the kitchen and whip up some eggs just waiting for Vic to darken my doorway and put them on to cook. I start a fresh pot of coffee and get the bacon going. I hear her pick-up and instantly feel relieved. I meet her at the front door and we kiss good morning. A very long and very sensual good morning kiss. She slides her hand down the front of my 501's and feels the reaction she suspected. "Glad to feel you missed me."

"Yup"

I take her hand, lead her to the kitchen, pour her cup of coffee, and start the eggs. I can feel her piercing eyes upon me as I cook. We eat and in typical Vic fashion, she puts a bare foot in between my legs while we eat. I don't know what it is about that gesture that gets my temperature to rise. I don't censure myself and the words fall out, "I missed waking up with you this morning."

"This morning?"

"Every morning, really."

"I bet you do."

I just look at her refusing to break my stare because I know she is teasing me but I am very serious at this moment. I want a new normal. Vic eats a couple more scoops of eggs and looks up again.

"Stop, your freaking me out, Walt."

I take her hand in mine, intertwining our fingers, as she smiles at me.

"So, that's why you called me over, mister. A early daylight spin on a booty call."

I pull myself closer to her and without any hesitation slide to one knee.

"Victoria, will you marry me? Will you allow me to love you for the rest of my life?"