A/N: I know I had already warned you this story was going to be one of my longer ones, but I've just realized it's going to be a lot longer than I thought. In fact, I already know it will be my longest story thus far. I hope you remember we're still in between the episodes 'Smoke on the Water' and 'Equilibrium'. That's why I had warned you about the loophole of time in order for this story to work and still keep canon. I know we haven't heard much of seaQuest lately, nor have I mentioned much about Macronesia, but we will see more of them soon. But, honestly, I'm starting to fret just a little. I have a lot I want to cover in this story, and that means this story could be eighty chapters or more. Are you ready for that? I've been thinking about how to break it up, but I really don't see a way since everything is tightly connected to what has already happened.

To give you an idea of what we still need to cover, well, I already warned you we'll see plonker Nathan again, but that is still a few months off in the story…probably around chapter twenty-six or twenty-seven. I had originally thought this was going to be a thirty chapter story, but that will definitely not happen. And, then, I have issues to clear up with Lucas-yes, I'll be bringing him in again. And, I wasn't going to do this, but I really don't think I can leave it, so we'll also see Robert as well. And, you don't know this yet, but we've already met him; you just didn't know that. And, I'm still debating about one thing I may or may not do. I might turn around and tell you something that had happened really didn't happen, that it only looked that way. Honestly, the jury is still out on that, but if I do it, you'll be surprised as I am. And, of course, with all these subplots going on, eventually, I need to get Kristin and Nathan back together again and create the promised happy ending. So, I suppose my question for you is, is this OK? Can you handle an eighty chapter or more story? Would you rather I find a way to break it up? The sequel card is out of the question; there is no spot where I can end it properly to create a sequel. Plus, I have no other ideas for a title.

You can give me an answer in a review, or if you don't review, I'm also going to open a discussion forum question on the issue. If neither of these options suits you, you can also send me a PM message as well. If I don't receive any feedback on the matter whatsoever, I'll just assume no one has any problems with the story length, and I'll just keep going. Now, I apologize for the long ramble; here's the long-awaited chapter twenty-one. Thank you.

Inspiration for the chapter, 'Come On, Get Higher' by Matt Nathanson: (http) : / / www. youtube {DOT} com / watch?v = aHx4BlF6V2o

Chapter 21

Kristin hesitated for a moment. What was she doing? She was throwing caution to the wind, that's what. But, that was completely irresponsible. What about Charlie? What about Michael? Yes, she wanted this, more than anything. But, what if things did turn badly? What if she and Nathan did separate? Could they continue living in the same home for Charlie's sake? She had all these doubts running through her head when Nathan interrupted them.

"Kristin?"

"Nathan, I…I…"

Nathan shook his head and turned to go up the second flight of stairs.

"Please, don't leave. I'm sorry; I just need a moment to think."

He stopped in his tracks and turned back to face her. "About what? What's there to think about? I love you, and I think you love me. It doesn't need analyzing."

"I do love you," she confirmed, "but, Molly-"

"Knows nothing about us," Nathan finished. "I know she was just trying to help, but I think we're both old enough to make our own decisions."

"But if you and I did separate…" Kristin's voice trailed off. She felt guilty for killing the mood; she turned away from him, feeling ashamed.

Nathan put an arm on her shoulder and gently turned her back around to face him. "I haven't left you yet, have I?"

She shook her head, but didn't speak, still avoiding his gaze.

"I made a promise that I would be in Charlie's life, and I don't plan on breaking that promise. And I don't plan on letting you go, if you'll trust me." He put a hand under her chin and gently lifted so that she would look into his eyes. "Do you trust me?"

She thought for a second, and she decided to follow her heart. "Yes…I'm sorry I ruined the moment."

"You didn't ruin anything," he said, pulling her into his arms again and kissing her once again.

After a several minutes, Nathan broke the kiss. "So, are we going to stay one the landing all night?"

She smiled. "What did you have in mind?"

He put out his hand and waited for her grasp it. When she did, he quietly led her to his bedroom.

Kristin was a little nervous. She'd never actually been inside his bedroom, not even once. And, it had been a long time since she'd been intimate with anyone.

Nathan sensed her uneasiness. He pulled her into his arms again. "We don't have to do anything you don't want to do," he whispered in her ear.

She nodded against his shoulder. "I think we can at least sit down."

Nathan eased her over to the bed, and it wasn't long before they were wrapped in one another's arms again. Kristin moaned softly, her mouth pressed against his. Nathan responded in kind by pushing her back against the bed.

Hands began to explore as their kisses deepened. After several moments, Nathan pulled away. "How far do you intend to go?" he whispered. "I'm finding it hard to hold back."

"Then, don't," she whispered back.

Nathan started into her eyes for a moment, trying to determine if she was being sincere.

She simply nodded in response to his questioning look and gently guided his hand to find the zipper of her dress.

That was all Nathan needed, and it wasn't long before all clothing was shed until there were no barriers between them. Then, they joined together as one, and moans, whispers, and cries of pleasure filled the air until they both found release.

Nathan collapsed in her arms. "I love you so much," he whispered between pants.

"I love you too," Kristin whispered back, placing a kiss to his sweat-dampened forehead.

Nathan rolled over and pulled her into his arms. "You feel alright? It wasn't too much too soon, was it?"

She shook her head. "No, I think that was long overdue. I feel wonderful…a little tired though."

Nathan glanced at the clock. "Well, considering it's nearly two AM, maybe we should get some sleep."

"You know, the kids are going to be getting up in a few hours," she noted.

"I know…get some sleep. We're going to need our energy."

Nathan awoke to the first sign of sunlight streaming through the blinds. He shifted slightly and propped his head up on his elbow to watch the sleeping woman next to him. She looked even more beautiful sleeping next to him, he thought. But, as if she could sense she was being watched, and her eyes fluttered open.

Nathan placed a kiss to her lips. "Good morning, Beautiful."

A soft smile pulled at the corners of her mouth. "Good morning, yourself. Did you sleep well?"

He nodded. "Did you?"

"Definitely; what time is it?"

"Nearly six."

"And the kids aren't awake yet?" Kristin asked in surprise.

"No, maybe their giving us a reprieve." He brought his mouth closer to her throat and began kissing softly.

"N-Nathan, not that I don't enjoy what you're doing, but the kids could wake up any second."

"They could, or they might just sleep a little later than usual," Nathan replied, continuing his assault.

"And you'd rather tempt fate?"

"Do you want me to stop?" he asked, pulling away for a moment to look at her.

She shook her head, put her hands on his shoulders, and pulled him down lower to her, their lips joining in a kiss.

After their morning rendezvous, Nathan went downstairs to get breakfast together while Kristin took a shower. The children indeed were sleeping in later than usual.

But, it wasn't long before Charlie woke and started fussing. Nathan rushed upstairs to tend to her. He met Kristin, dressed in a bathrobe, hair still wet, in the hallway.

"It's OK, I'll get her," he told her. "Just take your time."

She didn't argue and went back to finish getting dressed.

Charlie was standing in her crib. "Bear," she said, holding up her arms when she saw him.

"Good morning, Honey," Nathan greeted her as he lifted her from her crib. "You must have been tired." He changed her diaper and got her dressed and ready for the day. "How about we go downstairs and get some breakfast, hm?" Nathan picked her up and started out the door to see Kristin had been watching him, now dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, her hair still a little damp, but it had been brushed.

"How long have you been standing there?"

"Just a few minutes. I can take over if you want to shower now," she offered.

He handed Charlie off to her. "Alright, but I'll only be about five minutes." He quickly headed to the bathroom while Kristin brought Charlie downstairs to get her breakfast. To her surprise, Nathan had everything ready-scrambled eggs and toast. She put Charlie in her high chair and started feeding her.

Sure enough, a short time later, Nathan came back downstairs, washed and dressed. "Did you like my surprise?" he asked.

She smiled. "You didn't have to make breakfast by yourself; I would have helped you."

He shrugged. "I thought you needed a break. Michael's still asleep?"

"I assume so."

Kristin finished feeding Charlie and brought the dishes to the sink. Nathan took that opportunity to come behind her and hug her.

She chuckled. "You're insatiable." She turned her head to kiss him.

But it was that moment that Michael decided to come downstairs.

"Uh, Grandpa?" Michael asked in surprise.

Immediately, Kristin and Nathan pulled away from one another, both blushing.

Nathan went over to the table and started getting Michael some breakfast. "Hey, Kiddo, how'd you sleep?"

Michael sat, but made no attempt to eat. He looked back and forth between Kristin and Nathan, a questioning look on his face.

Kristin approached him and tried to explain. "Michael, Sweetheart, I'm sorry if we've made you feel uncomfortable, but-"

"So, do I call you Grandma now?" Michael asked, finally taking a bite of his toast.

"You mean you're not upset by us…by what you just saw?" Kristin stammered.

"Why would I be upset? It's about time you and Grandpa get together. I could tell you two were in love a long time ago."

"You did?" Nathan asked, now very intrigued.

He nodded. "I wondered what took you so long."

"When did you get to be so smart?" Nathan asked him, exchanging a smile with Kristin.

Michael shrugged. "I guess I've always been that way." He turned back to Kristin. "So, should I call you Grandma?"

"Why don't we take it one day at a time; Grandma's a little too fast," Kristin said gently.

"OK…but I'm glad Grandpa loves you because I love you too."

Kristin felt tears sting her eyes and Michael's touching words. She ruffled his hair as she passed, going to take Charlie out of her high chair. "I love you too, Michael."

A/N: So, did you really think it was going to go another way? Probably not…but I like to tease a little. I hope it was worth the wait anyway.