A/N: Once again, thank you all so much for the kind R&Rs. Keep 'em coming! I appreciate each one.

Disclaimer: I do not own or operate "The Closer.

Chapter 21: Always on a Mountain

"You remembered to pack swimming trunks, didn't you?" Kelly asked Andy, as she unlocked the door to her cousin's cabin in the Georgia mountains.

"Yeah, I've got 'em. I'm looking forward to getting into that hot tub, too," he answered.

"I know I am. There's not too many things that are as relaxing."

The cabin was cozy and Kelly's cousin, whom Andy would meet at Christmas, had left complete instructions on starting a fire, along with brochures for local attractions. Kelly knew the cabin was rented most of the time, so she was glad to get it for them.

"Wow. This is really nice," Andy said.

"Yeah, I knew it was. I've been wanting to stay here, and this was just a great chance to do it."

Andy nodded as he looked out on the deck. "It's so close to the town, but seems like it's out in the middle of nowhere."

"I think that's part of the charm. We're only about five miles from town, so everything is close, but there's nothing right nearby." They settled in and Andy got a fire started. He was proud he did it without catching the rest of the cabin on fire.

Kelly was browsing through brochures. "Oh, this sounds like fun," she said.

"What?"

"There's a narrow-gauge railroad in town and you can catch the train and it will take you through the mountains. The tour is three hours and includes lunch."

"That does sound pretty cool. Maybe we could do that tomorrow or the next day."

"That's what I was thinking." Kelly watched as Andy prowled around the cabin, looking at pictures and finally settling in next to her on the sofa with the latest issue of Sports Illustrated. She smiled at him. In the week they had been back in Alabama, he had not had even a hint of a headache. He was sleeping soundly all night and the dark circles of stress and fatigue under his eyes were gone.

"What's making you look at me like that?" he said.

"Oh, nothing. I can just tell you've gotten a lot of rest and you feel so much better."

He squeezed her hand. "You're good for me," he said.

"Am I now?" she asked.

"No doubt," he answered. He resumed reading, as did Kelly, and in a few minutes, he had dozed off. He didn't do that in Los Angeles. She suspected his body was catching up on a year's worth of sleep debt, at least.

When Andy woke up, he saw he had a light blanket over his shoulders and he wasn't wearing his sneakers. He smiled. Kelly was looking after him again. She heard him stirring and came into the den. "I've got the stuff for hot cocoa. Want a cup?"

"Yeah, that sounds good," he said. A few minutes later, Kelly brought him a mug of cocoa and they sat and watched television. This was just so domestic and homey and all the things Andy thought he didn't really want when he was a gruff, loner bachelor. But he had acquired a taste for it in a hurry.

Kelly was loading the dishwasher after dinner when her cell rang. It was Brenda. "Hey, Kelly. I'm just callin' to check on you and Andy. How's he doing?"

"Hey Brenda. Much, much better. No headaches and he's sleeping like a rock at night. We're at my cousin's cabin in Georgia and he was sitting on the sofa reading and zonked out. You know, that's just not like him."

"No it's not, but it has to be good for him. Bless his heart, I was so worried about him. He just didn't look like himself. But I had a feeling that getting him out of here and where you could fuss over him and love on him would work wonders. Sounds like it has."

Kelly chuckled. "I think just being away from all that stress has done it. But I enjoy fussing over him and lovin' on him. And I think he likes it, too, but you'd never get him to say it out loud. Or not easily, anyway."

That got a laugh. "Probably not, but I think Andy would take to being spoiled real easy."

"Oh, I know that's right. He told me his Grandma Flynn used to spoil him. Explains why he's so rotten and sorry now. So he's just fallen right in with it."

Brenda was giggling. "You're right. That's been his problem all these years. He just needed a woman to spoil him like his grandmother did. If I'd known that five years ago, I'd have had one of my buddies from Atlanta to come in and fuss over him. He'd have been a heck of a lot easier to get along with."

"He can be a little prickly," Kelly said.

"No doubt. OH! Had to tell you. Claire, you know, Fritzie's kooky sister? Well, she blew into town two days ago, and she was on the hunt for Andy Flynn. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed telling her he was spending Christmas in Alabama with his lady love."

An evil grin crossed Kelly's face. "Would you think I'm awful if I said how much that pleases me? I know she wanted to get her paws on him."

"She surely did." Here Brenda paused and Kelly could hear chewing noises. If Brenda was indulging in chocolate at home, Fritz and Claire had to be elsewhere. "'Scuse me. Had to finish that bite. Anyway, you know, I like Claire well enough, but she drives Andy bonkers. And, we were all in O'Malley's the other night and who should show up but the Barracuda? He got out of town just in time, didn't he? All these women have been huntin' for him. I told Miss Chloe Duncan she could just hop on a plane and fly to Alabama if she wanted to fight you for that man."

"I'd like to rip her bottle blonde hair out by the roots," Kelly answered. "But tell me, what did Claire say when you told her?"

"Claire? Oh, she looked shocked for a minute and then she said, 'Well, I suppose that's how the Universe had it planned. I guess I need to do a ritual to cleanse myself of bad karma.' Fritzie loves his sister, but he about died laughing when she said that. He had to go in the bedroom and laugh so he wouldn't hurt her feelings."

"I love Fritzie. He tickles me," Kelly said.

"He likes you, too. So after we went to bed that night, we both got such a fit of giggles about her cleansing her karma, we both nearly rolled off the bed laughing."

Kelly quipped, "Good thing both of you have so much practice in keeping a straight face."

"Ain't it the truth? I know it serves Fritzie well when he has to deal with Mama and Daddy. How's your mama, by the way?"

"Pretty good. She's all right. Usual aches and pains, but mostly O.K."

"Well, that's good. So what did your sister say when she laid eyes on Andy?" Brenda was well aware of their relationship.

"She wasn't real happy. I'm expecting more fireworks eventually. She just can't see how blessed she is with what she has. She always wants somebody else's blessing. Well, she can't have mine, that's for sure!"

That made Brenda chuckle. "It's always so good for me to talk to you, Kelly. You always cheer me up. I've got to get back to doing some cleaning, and I just heard Joel. I think he had a hairball. You call me, too, all right?"

"I will, Brenda. Good talking to you, too."

"Tell Andy I said to behave himself and that's an order!"

"Roger, wilco. See you later. Bye!"

"Was that the Chief?" Andy said from the den.

"Yeah. She was calling to check in on you and said, and I quote, to behave yourself, and that was an order!"

Andy laughed. "I'll do my best."

"I know. It's so difficult for you to act right. You really do try, though."

His chuckle was a little rueful. "Yeah, yeah," he said as he channel surfed. Suddenly, a thought hit him. "Hey, babe, is there a light on the deck?"

Kelly walked into the den. "Yeah, why?"

"Because that's where the hot tub is, and I didn't want to sit there in the dark." He stood.

"So you're planning to indulge a little?"

"You bet. Aren't you?"

"Maybe. It'll be here. I was thinking about veging out with a movie, but you go enjoy it."

He looked a little disappointed. "Won't be as much fun without you."

Kelly shook her head. "All right. If you're going to give me the little lost puppy look, I'll do it." As she went into the bedroom to change, the "puppy look" on Andy's face changed to a wolfish grin, which would not have surprised Kelly one bit, if she had seen it.

Her swimsuit was a modest one-piece, but even then, she wore matching shorts with it. She just felt better about how she looked when she did. Andy wore ordinary navy trunks, but Kelly had long ago decided he could make even burlap look good. He eased into the warm water and sighed. "That relaxes those muscles," he said. "Too much riding today."

"C'mon. It was five hours, not fifteen, and we did stop."

"Yeah, but it still feels great."

"I'll grant you that," Kelly answered, as she parked right in front of a jet that hit her lower back muscles. She closed her eyes and leaned her head back on the cushioned area. She was glad she and Anna, her cousin, had the same tastes in music. The CD player had some of her favorite songs on a mix CD, and she was enjoying the music when she heard Andy move around in the water. She thought he must be finding a more comfortable seat, but then he was standing over her, and had moved to put a knee on either side of her legs and was leaning in to kiss her urgently, deeply.

Kelly responded to the kisses with equal heat. In the stress of moving, of Andy not feeling great with the recurring migraines, their physical contact had been confined mostly to snuggling on the sofa. Even since they had been back in Alabama, he had seemed so worn out. He kissed her sweetly goodnight, and was asleep nearly immediately. Kelly supposed she hadn't truly realized the toll the rape charge had taken on his psyche. There had only been a couple of times when he had acted really interested in being physical. And that wasn't at all like him. He hid it well, but Kelly could see now how much it had shaken him. So she pulled him close and ran her hands down the warm, wet skin on his back, and he shivered with the contact.

He countered by sliding his hands up her sides and across her breasts, where he got a little frustrated. "What the...?"

Kelly giggled. "Foam cups, hon. It's a built-in bra."

"What is it with you and the body armor?"

"This is a practical swimsuit, not lingerie," she answered. "Sorry 'bout that," she said, stroking his face.

"Remember that can opener I mentioned? I think I'm gonna have to invest in one."

She grinned. "Gracious, Andy. Where's your tenacity? I'm not interested in sex in a hot tub, anyway."

"Then how about on that big sofa on the deck?" he said, kissing her neck down as far as the neckline of her suit would allow.

"If it were mid-June instead of mid-December, I'd take you up on it. But it's too cold. This time, let's just take it to the bedroom like boring, civilized people."

"Spoilsport. I could keep you warm."

"Nothing doing. Hand me a towel and we'll continue this discussion inside where it's about 30 degrees warmer than it is out here."

Andy looked a little disgusted, but did as she asked.

As Kelly climbed out of the tub and toweled off, she said, "I promise I'll make it worth the effort."

"You'd better," he mock-growled.

She just rolled her eyes and went inside to dry and get warm.

"Since being warm is a big deal to you, then how about in front of the fireplace? Looks like that rug is nice and thick." Andy followed Kelly inside and had his arms around her, and was sliding her damp shorts off on the kitchen floor.

"If you'll undo the hook on my suit and then not watch me take it off, I'll consider it."

"Small price to pay," Andy answered, unhooking the fastening on her swimsuit and turning his back.

"All right," came Kelly's voice from the den. She was already lying on the rug and patted the space beside her. "Come on over here. And turn out the lights as you go. There's plenty of light from the fire."

Andy turned the lights off, shed his trunks and made his way to the rug.

"See? All the light we need," Kelly said. She could clearly see Andy in the firelight. His body fascinated her beyond all good sense as it was, and knowing she was the reason for his evident arousal made her want him even more.

"Now where was I?" he said.

"Right about here, I think," Kelly answered, pulling his mouth to hers. She wanted to taste his lips and feel his hands on her body. Nothing should feel this good, but he did. She ached inside for his touch. She took the initiative and put tiny, nipping kisses down his neck, stopping in that tickle spot on his jaw and she could feel him squirm in response. She kept kissing him, down his chest, and when she grazed a nipple in her teeth, he hissed.

"You tryin' to make me crazy?" he rasped.

"I thought that was the whole idea," was her purred response.

"Paybacks are hell," Andy said, but Kelly just laughed at that. So, he decided to prove his point and rolled her to her back, where he could give her the same treatment. He licked her nipple and then blew gently on it. The sensation raised goosebumps all over Kelly's body, he could see.

"You snake," she said, without heat.

"I warned you about those paybacks, but you laughed at me." His fingers found their way between her legs and she arched her hips to his touch. As he stroked her, he whispered in her ear, "I wonder how many times I could have touched you like this in the squad room and you'd have been this hot and wet for me."

"A lot," she panted. "'Specially when you had on that black vest, no coat, loosened tie and your shirtsleeves rolled up. You could have taken me in the office supply closet standing up."

That thought made Andy grin and he kissed her again.

"I'll stoop to begging for it," Kelly murmured against his mouth. "Please, Andy. I want you so bad."

But Andy was through playing games, too. He was hurting for release, himself. As he pressed himself inside her body, he was on the edge of his control, and Kelly encouraging him with every movement of her hips made it more difficult to maintain himself.

"Now you let go for me, Andy. Come on. Take us both there, sugar."

Her whispers drove him wild.

All he could do was take them both over the edge.

"I hope your cousin doesn't mind what we used that rug for," Andy said.

"She's got three kids. I think she knows what happens between a man and a woman," Kelly laughed, running her fingers through the mat of hair on Andy's chest. They had finally made it to the bedroom.

"What is it with women and chest hair?" Andy said.

"Same thing as guys and boobs. We don't have it."

He chuckled. "I guess so." His face grew serious. Kelly had lit a candle and could see the change in expression.

"What is it?"

He shook his head. "Provenza said you'd have shot anybody who said they didn't believe me about that rape charge."

"I would have, too. You'd better believe I would have. What made you think about that?"

"It's been on my mind," he answered.

Kelly kissed his neck. "I know it has. Did talking with the psychologist help?"

"Yeah, but it's hard to forget. I've never hurt a woman physically in my life. I wouldn't. Not intentionally. Not even when I was drinking."

"Sweetheart, I trust you implicitly. Without reservation. I've never felt anything other than safe and warm in your arms. The only one who was about to get hurt in that situation was that little tramp. It was all I could do to let Sharon Raydor interview her. I wanted to do unspeakable things to her for even hinting that about you. I wanted to start by shaking her until her neck snapped, and then slap her face until her head rang. Brenda made me stay in the electronics room until they had her in Booking. If I'd met her in the hall, no telling what might have happened. It would have taken Provenza, David, Mike and Julio to get me off her."

Andy nuzzled her hair and smiled. Kelly was a lioness when it came to people she loved. He had no doubt she would have put a serious hurt on that chick, given any opportunity. "It's nice to be defended, for a change," he said.

"To get to you, they have to get through me. Won't happen. Not in a zillion years. You're the sweetest part of my existence and I'm not about to let you be unjustly accused and persecuted."

"You're one in a million, Kellybean," he said, using her squad's nickname for her. "I needed you around ten years ago."

"I wish I could have been there for you, sweetheart, but you weren't ready for me, then. We both had some growing to do."

"Guess so. I feel like I owe you an apology."

"What in the world for?" Kelly asked.

He held her closer. "I know I haven't been myself, oh hell, ever since this happened. I've been a wreck, to tell the truth. I never meant any of it to spill over on you."

"Oh, honey," Kelly reassured him. "I understand. I'd have wondered what was wrong with you if you hadn't been affected." She grinned a little wickedly at him. "I have a sneaking suspicion, though, that what you're really apologizing for is the lack of us getting naked. It's O.K. I promise."

"See? I knew you could read my mind!" he said.

Kelly made a rude noise at that. "Pffft. I just know you, Andrew. I know how that pea brain of yours works."

"Stick to that story."

"Now you're talkin' too much. C'mere and kiss me again. We've got some catching up to do on that whole gettin' naked thing."

Andy didn't say a word in response. He just complied with Kelly's request for a kiss, holding her face in his hands and kissing her deeply, but briefly, then tracing the outline of her lips with his tongue. A thought occurred to him and he whispered in her ear, "Turn over."

She wasn't sure what he had in mind, but she was more than willing to go along with it. So, she turned over on her stomach and waited to see what he was going to do.

What Andy had in mind was loving Kelly in intimate, profound gratitude for her love, support and unwavering defense of him the past couple of months. He wasn't interested in getting anything out of this except the pleasure of pleasing her. So, he started by kissing one of Kelly's most sensitive tickle spots: behind her knees. It might sound a little odd to some guys, but Andy had learned long ago that kissing a woman's ticklish areas was almost guaranteed to get a good response. It worked. She squealed and squirmed a little, but those big hands held her steady under his mouth and she made little noises as he interspersed gentle nips and kisses up the backs of her thighs. He then started trailing his tongue up her spine, starting from the small of her back, all the way up to her neck. He pushed her hair up and kissed and nipped the nape of her neck, down to where her neck and shoulder joined – another tickle spot. He then worked his way back down her spine, and over to her side, where he knew there was a third ticklish area: a spot below her ribcage and above her hipbone. This place, he remembered, was probably the most sensitive area of the three, so he spent more time on that one spot, as he stroked her back.

Kelly was in heaven. She didn't know where this man learned how to touch a woman like this, but she wasn't arguing with his techniques. She wasn't sure what Andy was getting out of all this, but at this point, she didn't feel like asking questions. Her skin felt like one giant nerve ending and as he took her hand and put it on his waist, she knew he wanted her to turn to face him, so she did. He started kissing her neck, her face, her ears, letting her soft moans of encouragement tell him what to do. And he was whispering to her, telling her how beautiful she was, how sexy, how she turned him on, how he loved her and wanted her from now on.

She finally ended up on her back and Andy stretched full length on top of her, but balancing his weight. He just wanted her to feel his body. Then, he started kissing his way down her body, ending up kissing the insides of her thighs and working his way to where he knew she wanted him to be. He knew he had accomplished one goal, which was to make her want him again. Her heat, the wetness there, told him that much. The other thing he had learned about women over the years was that this was almost guaranteed to bring them to orgasm. Intercourse was a 50-50 shot, depending on how turned on the woman was. But oral sex? It was a touchdown almost every time. Andy hadn't lied to Kelly those months ago. He could make a woman purr. He liked sex and he was good at it. And when the woman in question was someone he loved like he loved Kelly, he was willing to go to a whole lot of trouble to make sure she was satisfied. Six weeks in traction wasn't too much to ask if that's what it took to fulfill any fantasy she had. He wasn't expecting traction, obviously, but if his jaw ached for an hour afterward, that was quite all right. She was worth it.

So he moved in and the second his tongue touched her, she nearly came off the bed. As he continued licking and kissing her, she was lost in heat and passion and couldn't think of another thing except his mouth on her body, and when she felt his fingers inside her as well, she screamed her climax and it felt like she almost stopped breathing for a second or two.

Kelly still couldn't say much when Andy folded her still shuddering body to his, telling her he loved her and could not live without her. As sleep claimed them, Andy thought he might never be able to completely repay Kelly for her devotion to him, but he might have made a down payment, at least.

The next day was sunny and clear, if a little chilly. Kelly really didn't know how it was that she was awake before Andy, considering the night before, but here she was, drinking coffee and watching the morning sun filter in through the bare branches of the trees surrounding the cabin.

The night before. It was going to take a little time to get her head wrapped around that one. She wasn't quite sure what had been at work, except that Andy was determined to put the whole Jenna Lessing incident behind him. Fine with her. Especially when it led to nights like the previous one. Kelly leaned against the front window. She loved most everything about Andy Flynn, but that sweet, soft center that he usually hid from the world was her favorite part. When that part was touched, his dark eyes became wonderfully soft, his voice gentled from its often edgy baritone, his smile lost that sardonic twist and he was a different man from the one the Major Crimes squad knew. Kelly felt honored that he allowed himself to be that different man when they were together. It spoke to her of a tender heart, and his brusque exterior was built up to protect that tender sweetness.

She heard Andy get up and a minute or two later, he came into the kitchen. "Coffee's on," she said.

"Thanks," he answered with a smile. Even a confirmed morning grouch like Kelly could be cheerful when Andy Flynn flashed that smile at her. She went to him and his arms came around her as he held her close.

"I see you got up at some point and put on those flannel sleep pants," Kelly said.

He laughed. "Yeah. I was freezing. And you, the know-it-all, knew I'd want them."

"Even if you didn't want to buy them."

"I concede the point. They were a great idea, O.K.?"

It was Kelly's turn to laugh. "I like them on you. Something about that dark plaid is sexy."

"You're nuts, you know that?" The very idea of flannel plaid being sexy. Women. Who could figure them?

"It all depends on who's wearing it. On you, it's hot."

Andy gave her a dubious look as he poured a cup of coffee for himself and warmed up Kelly's.

"So what's on the agenda for today?" he asked. "It looks cold outside."

"Thermometer said 27 when I got up, but it will be fine in the sun once we get stirring and get downtown. One of the brochures Anna left said there's a fabulous pancake house in town. Feel like having a carb party?"

"You know, that actually sounds really good. And I'm on vacation, which means I do all the touristy stuff. So pancakes it is."

Kelly snickered. "I never figured you for the kitschy, Bermuda shorts, black socks and sandals type," she teased.

Andy gave her a horrified look. "I'm not even gonna dignify that with an answer! I just meant I like to come home with a couple of junky souvenirs. That kind of thing. In fact, Provenza and I always had a running competition to see who could find the worst souvenirs. I'll have to be on the lookout to find a really bad one to send him."

"We'll hit Souvenir City in Gulf Shores. I guarantee you'll find something there. What they don't have hasn't been thought of, as far as souvenirs go. It's incredibly tacky and way fun."

"I don't see the attraction of the beach in the winter," Andy said.

"Well, no you can't swim in the ocean, but it will be warmer than it is here, and you can still walk on the beach, and the seafood is unbelievable. We'll have a good time, I promise."

"If you say so. But what about for here?"

"We can do the train ride. That sounded great."

"Yeah, it did. So that's three hours gone. Then what?"

"I don't know. We'll just wing it."

He nodded. "Sounds good to me."

Breakfast was memorable, if only for the amount of food both consumed.

"We'll walk it all off," Kelly said, finishing a stack of pecan pancakes and bacon.

"I hope so, because I'm stuffed," Andy answered.

"You ought to be. I didn't know anybody could eat that much French toast."

There were so many shops downtown, it was difficult to see them all. They browsed in antique stores, kitchen supply shops, leather goods merchants, home interior stores, and everything in between. Kelly bought a few items, but mostly restrained herself.

Unfortunately, the mountain railroad's engine was down for maintenance. Kelly was disappointed since she had looked forward to going, but the office promised it would be back in service in a day or two.

"Well, what else is there around here that's really touristy?" Andy said.

"Get our pictures on a wanted poster," Kelly answered, pointing to one of the shops offering sepia-toned photos of customers in 19th century costume.

"Yeah, we could do that," Andy chuckled, but a shop tucked into a corner caught his eye. "Kelly, check this out," he said. The place had a sign that read, "Blue Ridge Photographers: Specializing in Costumed Portraiture."

Kelly looked at the sign and snickered. "Fancy way of saying they can put you on a 'Wanted' poster," she said.

"Oh, no!" said a woman behind them. "I own the candy shop two doors down. These people are good. They do actual portraits, not just the gimmicky stuff. You can see their work inside. They really are great. Their portraits really look like the old daguerreotypes. My husband and I had a portrait done for our 25th wedding anniversary. We loved it. They cost a little more, obviously, but it's worth it. Check them out."

"O.K.," Kelly said, smiling at the woman. "We'll do it." They went inside, where a man greeted them.

"Afternoon, folks. You looking to have a portrait done?"

"Maybe," said Kelly. She still couldn't believe Andy wanted to do anything this blatantly kitschy, but he was looking at the photos on the wall with interest.

"So whaddaya think?" Andy said. "The U.S. Marshal and the saloon girl?" He grinned. He was incorrigible. But she knew that from the minute she met him.

She appeared to consider the idea. "No," she said decidedly. "I think the Yankee staff officer and his Southern belle would be much more appropriate."

The man at the counter said, "Our Civil War uniforms are from authentic patterns. Lots of choices. Did you have something specific in mind?"

Kelly perused Andy. "How about a Union officer's frock coat, slouch hat, sash and cavalry saber?"

The man nodded. "I can see that. Cavalry insignia on the hat?"

"Absolutely. Ninth Tennessee if you have it."

The man looked surprised, but prowled in his box of brass insignia. "I do have it. What do you know? Let me guess – an ancestor was in that unit, right?"

Kelly nodded. "Great-great grandfather."

"I kinda liked the U.S. Marshal," Andy said.

"Tough. If you want me in on this project, you're a Yankee cavalry officer."

He shrugged. You were supposed to do touristy, silly stuff on vacation. Cowboy, Civil War soldier, what difference did it make? "All right. What do we do?"

"Just get dressed," the man said. He called to the back and a woman, obviously his wife, appeared.

The man handed Andy the costume and sent him into the dressing room. The woman followed Kelly as she looked at the racks of gowns. "What about sizes?" she asked.

"They're one size fits all. We adjust them with velcro in the back. Much better than those tie-on kind the other places have. Just pick one you like."

"Wish I could have the hair, too," Kelly said.

"Oh, you can! We have hairpieces that mimic popular styles. Since these portraits are in sepia tones, or black and white, the color doesn't have to match exactly. Let me see..." She looked on a shelf of wigs and hairpieces, and came up with what would be termed a "switch" of long curls on a comb. They were a close match to Kelly's hair. "How about these?"

"That's perfect! Goldilocks curls! I love it. I found a dress, too." Kelly was getting into the spirit of the thing, in spite of herself.

"Let's get you dressed, then."

Ten minutes or so later, Kelly emerged in a maroon taffeta "afternoon dress", complete with hoopskirt. Her hair had been drawn back and the switch fixed to the back of her head. The neck of the dress was a bit low and flounced with cream lace, with the same lace on the short, puffed sleeves.

Andy emerged from the other room, and Kelly looked at him. He really did look, for all the world, like a Civil War portrait come to life.

"Gracious, Andrew," Kelly said. "Don't you look dashing?"

Andy looked at himself in the full-length mirror. "This is kinda spooky," he said.

"Spooky how?"

"I don't know. It's like I've seen myself like this before."

"A little deja vu?" Kelly asked.

"Sort of, yeah."

And in fact, standing next to Andy, and looking in the mirror, Kelly got the same feeling. She absolutely did not believe in reincarnation, but if she did believe in it, she thought, she might wonder if she and Andy had been a star-crossed couple from 150 years before, and had another chance to get it right. It was a little unsettling.

The photographer seated Kelly on an ornate chair, and she spread her skirts out. Andy stood to the side, one hand resting on the chair. In keeping with the custom of the day, neither smiled for the camera.

"That's great," the photographer said. "Just hold that pose and let me get a couple more shots." He clicked the camera several more times, from different angles, and said he was satisfied. "I might want to do another pose or two, but come here and look at the shots on the computer." He tapped a few keys and the images appeared on the monitor. "They won't look exactly like this, as far as the tones go, but it will be similar. I always tone every photo by hand. I don't let the automatic program do it."

Andy and Kelly looked at the results. "Gosh. That's amazing," Kelly said. "They really do look like authentic Civil War-era portraits. Hardly looks like us, does it, Andy?"

He grinned. "Well, a little, but I know what you mean."

"I want to send a print to Brenda. She'll love it and she'll get the joke." Kelly could just hear the squeals of laughter when Brenda saw the photo.

"I can have the package ready for you by nine tomorrow morning. Will that be all right?" the photographer asked.

"Sure," Kelly said. "We're planning on being back in town anyway."

"I'll do prints from a couple of different angles. I think you'll be pleased with the finished product."

"Oh, we will," Andy said.

"Let me get one more pose," the photographer said, leading them to a neutral backdrop. "Just put your arms around each other and look at the camera."

They did, and the finished shot showed the ghost of a grin around Kelly's mouth, with her eyes laughing, and Andy, solemn, but his eyes were twinkling with mischief.

As they filled out the order form, the photographer asked, "So how long have you two been married?"

"Six months," Kelly quickly said, quietly elbowing Andy, so he just smiled and nodded.

"I thought you two were still newlyweds. I can usually tell."

As they got out of the studio, Kelly started laughing and had to sit on a bench. "The look on your face when he asked us about being married was priceless," she said, wiping her eyes.

"Swear to God, people will ask anything, won't they?" Andy groused.

Kelly shot Andy a look. "Is being married to me such an awful future to contemplate?" she asked.

Suddenly, it was really serious and Andy knew his entire future with this woman depended on his answer, because he was getting "the stare" again. "'Course not," he answered quickly. "I just can't believe what people will say to complete strangers."

Her expression softened a little, to Andy's intense relief. "Good answer," she said. "I'd hate to think the idea of being married to me was so repugnant to you."

"No, no, NO! You know better than that," he hastened to reassure her. "You know I love you." He looked around. "Let's go into that candy store where that woman works who told us about the photos. It's been years since I've had homemade peanut brittle. O.K.?"

With one more look that, quite literally, put the fear of God into Andy's soul, Kelly then smiled at him and took his hand. "Sure. Maybe they have pecan brittle, too."

"I'm buyin'," Andy said, almost sweating with the knowledge of his very narrow escape. He was going to have to watch that gigantic mouth of his, where marriage to Kelly was concerned, at any rate. It was much on his mind, certainly. Obviously, it was on her mind, as well.

"All right, sugar. Let's go," she said.

Never had Andy been so thrilled to be called "sugar."