Houston sighed then skimmed another stone across the still waters of the lake, it bounced once before disappearing from sight. They had been in England for two weeks now, Little Stephens Christening had taken place this morning, the celebrations were just starting to wind down up at the Manor House, but Houston had needed to step out for a while. He had promised CJ that he would keep his distance for as long as she needed him to, that he would be there as just her friend until she felt comfortable enough to make their new relationship more public…until she felt more comfortable being in a new relationship with him. He had promised. He was sticking to that promise. He just hadn't known how tough it was going to be! He picked up another stone and skimmed it, grimacing as it sank straight beneath the water without a single bounce. He ran his hand through his hair and loosened his tie even more before tilting his face to the sun and closing his eyes, his hands jammed in his pockets.

They had landed in the early evening a little over two weeks ago , Houston had taken over the controls an hour before reaching the UK airspace, though CJ had joined him for the final approach and landing, just like the old days. As they had coasted the jet towards the hangar they had spotted the fleet of cars waiting for them and grinned at each other. Whilst they switched off the engines and signed the flight sheet they hadn't said a word, but as they both stood to leave the cockpit their eyes locked and silently they moved to each other and embraced, as Houston had run his hands through her hair he whispered "I love you". Immediately CJ had smiled brightly, her eyes sparkling as she gently traced her thumb down the dimple of his chin. "Love you to Cowboy!" she had whispered back, before leaning in and kissing him softly. Then she had turned and made her way back into the main cabin and towards the back bedrooms, passing by just as Will was opening the main doorway and letting down the steps. They had barely locked into place before Ben and Gemma were climbing on board, they had hugged EVERYBODY, but as soon as CJ came out of the back rooms carrying Stephen their full attention had been locked on their Grandson and daughter in law, and Houston had immediately felt shunted to the side-lines! Even sorting out the transport, Ben and Gemma had insisted that CJ and her son travel back with them, they had after all got the child seat fitted in their car, so sorry…no room for anyone else! Houston was assigned to travel with Pip and Mack, Gemma announced , as she had passed her daughter the keys to one of the cars before climbing into the passenger seat next to Ben and immediately turning to fuss over Stephen as CJ fastened him into his seat. As CJ settled herself into her own seat her eyes had met Houstons and she had given him a small smile before winking at him just as Ben put the car into gear and drove off.

He had watched as the tail lights disappeared, jumping slightly as Pip had put her hand on his shoulder. "Come on Houston, let's go…the way dad drives I will probably beat him home anyway!"

"Uhm..we'd best wait for Uncle Roy, Will and Chris…they won't know the way to the house!" Houston muttered as he climbed into the back seat

"It's ok pal!" Mack laughed…"Mr Lewis is driving them, and there is another car here for all the luggage that won't fit into our cars! Yup…the Waldon-Coombs have got this organised like a military operation!"

"That's my dad for you…although my mum would have been a pretty formidable Sergeant-Major!" Pip chuckled as she started the car and started the journey home.

Houston had enjoyed the drive, the countryside they were driving through was stunning even in the evening shadows, and as Pip turned into the private driveway of the Manor he remembered the first time he had seen it all. CJs wedding. She had been driving and Will had been amazed that the land belonged to her fiancé. CJ hadn't said anything, he knew that money didn't matter to her, but he had seen on her face how much she already loved this place. Had seen it every time he had visited her here, had seen how happy she was and how at home she felt. Now he couldn't help but wonder if she would still love it all, would it mean as much to her now her husband was gone… would it still feel like home to her without him? And would being back here remind her too much of all she had lost, of how much she had been through, and how much she missed her husband. He was worried to, that as she remembered her life here, would the new life they had barely started together seem suddenly wrong to her, would she feel like she had betrayed her husband, was he at risk of losing her so soon after finally laying his heart and soul at her feet?

And was he right to suspect that Gemma and Ben were doing everything they could to keep him and CJ apart since they had landed back in the UK, keep them from having any time to themselves? From separating them on the drive from the airport, they had organised group trips to the Zoo, had taken CJ shopping in London for Pips wedding, and another shopping trip for Christening goodies. There had been Aunties and Uncles turning up for teas and suppers…all cooing over Little Stevie, all keen to see how CJ was and to quiz her on her recovery and what kind of "help" she had hired to look after the baby and help her rehabilitation. He could see how tired it made CJ, but Gemma was holding court and he felt powerless to step in and rescue her for fear of upsetting the new found harmony between CJ and her in-laws. He had spent most of his time with Mack…helping the younger man organise his wedding, making sure the accommodation was ready for when his family arrived from LA.. .sorting out the suits, the rings, the music…yup Houston had kept busy…but it didn't stop him missing CJ, it didn't stop him watching her from across the room and wishing he could stride across and take her in his arms…it didn't stop him lying in his bed at night, staring at his closed door, willing her to open it…to come to him…to be with him. With a sigh he kicked a pebble into the lake before bending to pick up another, and hurl it as far as he could, venting his frustration the only way he knew how.

"Not bad, but I would have thought you'd be trying to skim them!" He jumped a fraction before turning to see her standing there, her hand resting on the trunk of the large Oak tree. She was smiling at him, a half quizzical look on her face as he stood looking back at her. "Cat got ya tongue?" she added

He smiled then and walked towards her slowly, fighting every urge to race at her and sweep her in his arms. "I needed a spot of fresh air…sorry…wasn't abandoning you!"

"I should hope not!" she grinned back as she walked forward to meet him. They stopped inches from each other, he waited for her to make the first move. Closing his eyes and taking in a deep breath as she smiled shyly and walked passed him, walking up to the waters edge. He turned and watched her as she wrapped her arms around herself, not realising just how beautiful she looked

She kicked at the pebbles the way Houston had, looking out to where a small group of ducks were bobbing in the calm water. "Steve and I used to go swimming here in the summer" she said quietly. "This was our spot! We'd leave our clothes on the tree to warm in the sun…then race each other into the water…it was always cold so I used to let him win, but then he would splash me so hard it would have been warmer to just dive right in before him! I promised myself that the next summer we had, I would beat him into the water…only…only I …I never got the chance. Promised myself to that I would swing into the lake off that rope swing on the other tree just over there…I used to stay in the water and watch him do his Tarzan act, he liked showing off for me!"

Houston had walked over to her as she spoke, he gently rested his hand on her shoulder, knowing that was all she needed right now, all she could handle. "Must be tough being back huh?" he asked softly

CJ nodded and gave a small smile. "Not as tough as I thought it would be…the memories, there all good Houston. Steve and I …we were happy here, really happy…coming back just reminds me of that, reminds me how LUCKY I was to have him in my life, even for such a short time. I was blessed Houston, and still am…I have Little Stevie, and I have The Manor…I have Roy, and Will and Chris… Pip and Mack…" she turned to face him, her eyes shining…"And I have you…don't I?"

Houston couldn't restrain himself anymore, he reached out and gently pulled her to him, stroking her cheek before claiming her lips with his own. He held back at first, the kiss was soft, lightly brushing her mouth, then slowly he increased the pressure, pulling her closer to him as his hands came to rest on her hips. When he finally broke the kiss he immediately pulled her head into his shoulder and rocked her gently. "Missed you Counsellor!"

"You to Cowboy!" she whispered back her hands snaking around his waist as she started nuzzling at his neck

"Seems longer than two weeks since I held you like this CJ…been real lonesome without you!" he grinned as he felt her chuckle

"Aw poor baby!" she smirked as she pulled back to look at him, her smile brightening as she saw the fake pout he pulled. "I just seem to have been kept real busy since we got here Houston… Gemma had quite an itinerary set out for me!"

"I had noticed!" he grinned as he bent to nibble at her ear. "Think it was her attempt to keep us apart?"

CJ broke free again and shook her head a fraction. "No, I think that they are trying to keep me busy so I don't get upset!" She shook her head again as she stepped out of his arms, turning away from him to look back at the Lake. "I don't think they know how I feel about you Houston…and I'm not sure how to tell them…not sure if I WANT to tell them yet…we've barely had a chance to …well, start a relationship. I would like us to have more time together, just the two of us…before we have to face other peoples opinions ya know!"

He nodded and put his hands back in his pockets. "I get it CJ… I do…and I'm gonna keep my promise…while we are here…I will be your friend ok? No pressure, no choosing how to tell people…I'm just here when you need me…promise!"

CJ turned and looked at him again. "Promise huh? And here when I need you…sounds good to me! You know, this place really is special…the Manor has so much to see…the countryside is breath taking, you only saw a fraction of it when we took you on the Christmas Hunt…and the BEST way to see the Estate is on horse back…soooooo, uh… Gemma and Ben have to go to London tomorrow for the whole day, maybe overnight…Pip and Mack are going with them…Pip wants to take them for dinner! And Roy is going with Will and Chris to Little Hempton Market…and a drive through the area, a spot of sightseeing…Mrs Lewis has been begging to have Stevie to herself…no Gemma hovering…I uh ..I was wondering…uhm…Houston…come riding with me tomorrow…please?!"

Houston wiggled his eyebrows. "Riding m'lady!"

She grinned back at him and winked. "Riding…as in meet me at the Stables first thing in the morning…right after breakfast!"

He chuckled. "The Manor is going to be empty…nobody to come over from the Castle for an unplanned cup of tea…CJ…I get you to myself…and you wanna go horse riding!"

Again she grinned as she reached up and stroked his cheek, "Trust me cowboy!" She went up on tiptoe and playfully kissed his nose…turning to walk away she gasped as he quickly grabbed at her arm and pulled her back into his embrace, kissing her before she could protest. "Down boy!" she giggled as he finally broke the kiss

He gave a rueful smile and tilted his head a fraction. "Not easy after two weeks!"

"Like I said" she grinned as she started to walk away from him…"trust me!"

He watched her go, deciding to follow her in a few minutes, best not to arrive back at the same time…he liked the idea of keeping things to themselves for now…especially as she was the Lady of The Manor…he could have some fun teasing her about that…the Lady and the commoner having a clandestine fling…oh yeah, he could have some real fun! And the way she had looked at him, the way she had held on to him as they kissed…with a grin as wide as the Grand Canyon he picked up a flat pebble, and laughed out loud as it skimmed once, twice, three…four times across the surface, hell yeah he trusted her. With all his heart, he trusted her…and tomorrow couldn't come soon enough for him to show her how much!

He had gone to bed early that night, like a child waiting for Christmas Day! CJ had smiled as he had said goodnight to everyone…explaining to Uncle Roy he had a slight headache after all the excitement of the Christening when the older man had teased him for his early retirement. He had been the first one down for breakfast the next day, grinning madly when Mrs Lewis had asked if he had any plans for the day or was he joining the others on their trip to the market and jaunt into the country. "Well no Mrs Lewis, in fact CJ has asked me if I would like to see more of the Estate, I have been here a few times now and each time I fall in love with the place just that little bit more…but I have only seen a fraction of the place so I'm excited to see more!"

Mrs Lewis had looked side ways at him and given him a small smile. "Be nice for her Ladyship to get out and about again…you taking the Range Rover? I'll have Mr Lewis make sure the tank is full! And I can sort out a picnic to if you like!"

"No m'am. CJ says the best way to see everything is on horse back" Houston said as he cheekily pinched a piece of crisped bacon before she could put it in the serving plates

Mrs Lewis swatted at his hand with the wooden spatula but chuckled, then frowned a fraction as she looked at him. "She's right 'course…horse back IS the best way…but, well…is her Ladyship upto it? Has she recovered enough?"

This time it was Houston that frowned. CJ hadn't been on a horse since her injuries…and although her doctors had declared her healed beyond their expectations, they had also said she still needed to be careful, that she was not yet fully recovered…time and patience seemed to be their favourite motto. CJ had been careful, she still did her physio, she had started to do Tai-Chi to keep flexible, but had recently gone back to her Tae Kwon Do, though only the basics. He was still frowning when CJ walked into the kitchen carrying Little Stevie. "Morning Mrs L…mmmmm, breakfast smells good! Mornin' Houston!"

"Huh?" he looked at her and blushed, blushing more as he saw the knowing look on Mrs Lewis' face

CJ grinned at him and lifted an eyebrow. "Said mornin' Houston! You still asleep there cowboy?"

He shook his head and ran his hand through his hair. "Uh no CJ I'm awake...but uh…about our plans today…uhm…"

"Houston?" CJ muttered, her face paling a fraction, "you don't wanna come ridding with me?"

His heart thudded at the way she was chewing at her bottom lip, her eyes wide as she waited for him to answer. "CJ, I couldn't think of anything I wanna do more…BUT…well…are you sure you're up to riding? I mean…well, since you got hurt…you sure you're strong enough?"

CJ let out the breath she had been holding without realising. "Oh Houston…I should be fine! I have asked them to saddle up the horse with the western tack not English…I figured we would go along the river so it is mainly flat, keep the horses at a slow walk…stop as often as we need to, or as often as the weather permits! Maybe so swimming in the Lake or the river ..but I promise you…" she walked over and hugged Mrs Lewis "…BOTH of you, I will take it easy, I won't over do it…and if it does get too much I will ring back to the Manor and have someone come and pick me up…deal?"

Houston just grinned and winked and looked at Mrs Lewis, laughing as she to grinned and nodded before she reached over to take Little Stevie off CJ "Well see you do take it easy m'lady…but don't be hasty in asking to come back…I plan to spend the whole day with the little man all to myself!"

"Bet you won't be saying that when he fills his diaper!" Houston muttered before allowing himself to be ushered to the big wooden table in the breakfast nook.

"Eat up the pair of you" Mrs Lewis ordered after putting Stevie into his high chair next to CJ, "and I'll get you a picnic sorted. Lady Philippa and her young man left an hour ago to collect her parents and take them to London, and your cousin and his wife are having a lie in before they take your Uncle out for the day"

"Thanks Mrs L" CJ said brightly, laughing as her son let out a loud shriek

An hour later and CJ and Matt had met up outside the stable block as planned. CJ had fed Stevie, but Mrs Lewis had wanted to bath and dress him…part of her bonding she had said…so CJ and Matt had gone to their rooms to collect swimming costumes and towels and a warm jumper and waterproof in case the weather changed! Mrs Lewis had handed Houston a rucksack with their picnic and he had wandered down to the stable while CJ left last minute instructions with Mrs Lewis and checked again that she had her mobile number…! Now, as he watched her use the mounting steps before gracefully swinging up into her saddle his heart thudded , he had her to himself…for the first time in two weeks, and for the first time since things had changed between them they could be really alone…just the two of them…and as he nudged his horse to follow CJ he took a deep breath and willingly followed her wherever she planned to lead him…it didn't matter…they were together…and that's all that mattered…all he could think about, well nearly all he thought with a smirk as he looked at CJ as she confidently rode ahead of him ..nearly all!