Disclaimer: I own nothing belonging to POTO, ALW, just the idea for this story.

Thanks to, ML, for all her help getting me to this point.

Susan, thank you, for taking on the task as my beta, and she would prefer to be called a proofreader. I will not argue with her, but what ever makes her happy tickles the daylight right out of me.

Many thanks, to those that are still with me and especially those who left me a review. They spark me to edit and hone this story the best I can. They are: Chapucera; kj62; Kelsismom, and Pertie.

Chapter 35: When the danger has passed, will life return to normal?

After they feasted on Momma's cooking and drank many pots of her delicious coffee, the contingent prepared their reports to the different agencies. They loaded a Land Rover with the still-unconscious Raoul and then left for the dock. Nadir went down with them to collect the rest of their gear off the boat.

The plan was for Philippe, Nadir, James, Erik and Kristine to stay on a while before returning to the states. Meg would be arriving soon. They all needed this break from this ordeal before they had to return and face the press, deal with everything surrounding Raoul and make sure he stayed behind bars or in some institution where he could receive help.

The two Hornrod brothers went back on an earlier boat to see the sights of the other island and find a hotel. They, too, wanted to stay on an extra day or two before returning to the constantly changing climate of the mountains. After fall was over, winter would rush in and claim the state, making it brisk and cold for months. It had been a while since any of the brothers had taken a vacation. After a little discussion, the two thought they should take this chance of a lifetime. It was an opportunity to do something interesting and the diversion would be a welcome change. Who knew when this chance would come around again?

Philippe had flown in a doctor to give Kristine an exam and the doctor presented his verdict -- she was doing fine, considering what she gone through. Her ribs had been bruised when Raoul had manhandled her up the stairs, and the blow had been hard enough to possibly crack them. They couldn't be sure if there was a hairline crack without an x-ray, but she needed to be taken into town to get one. Erik asked her, and after some thought, she declined. Rest was, by far, the best medicine. If things became worse, she would go for an x-ray. As the doctor packed his things, he asked Erik to step outside when he had a moment. Kristine wasn't aware of this request and went about her morning toilette. As far as she was concerned, their exam was over and the doctor was leaving. Erik made some excuse to leave the room and met the doctor down in the living room.

Erik noticed the man seemed slightly nervous about something, but he began. "As for her mental state, I can only guess. I wonder if there could be recurring nightmares with a fear of possibly being abandoned by you, sir. I know this is hard to understand, but with your initial plan's failure, she might have lingering thoughts you had abandoned her when she needed you most. Again, I am only surmising. Leaving her too long could trigger something hidden that could come out of this ordeal later. I'm not saying it will, but I'm saying it could. You must understand, this is not my field, but I have seen cases like this one and it could occur. Don't let her be by herself for any long length of time, if it can be avoided. Talk with her about the need to express her feelings over all that's transpired. Talking things over will help her to expel any fears she might have. Bottling things up inside would the worst thing she could do. And if you can get her to see someone to make sure she is dealing with everything well, then I suggest you do that." He bade everyone good day and went down to his boat. The distant hum of the engine could be heard as he began to motor back over to the larger island.

The bandage which had been applied around Kristine's chest for support would help in the healing as well as making it easier to breathe. Kristine asked that no commercial medicines be prescribed. She was fine, and the pain had lessened some. Momma had been giving her something to help. She trusted the woman and her medicine, as they were all natural, not manufactured. Philippe told Erik he would cover the cost of everything, and Erik insisted the two men would discuss this later, without Kristine being present, but the subject was never broached again.

After her toilette, she walked out to the balcony to look out over the landscape. She knew Erik was downstairs and he would return later. As long as she knew he was near, she felt comforted. She didn't want to think of him leaving the island without her. That somehow bothered her, and she couldn't understand why. She dismissed these feelings and kept looking out over the beautiful scenery.

Two days had passed since this incident had started, and Erik took the time to stop Philippe while they were both downstairs and have a private conversation. Taking the doctor's advice, Erik didn't want to leave Kristine for very long. With all they had been through, he wanted thank Philippe for everything he had done. Erik considered him a friend. The two men didn't have that many close friends and there was this feeling of comradeship after everything was over that made them bond as friends. For one, the absence of a brother left Philippe longing to have someone to confide in. With no brother, Erik had been having this craving to have one for the same reasons. Nadir could only do so much, but Philippe was nearer Erik's age and he was a sincere and caring person, not quick to judge and never once went on about Erik's face. He just didn't seem to care one way or the other. In the coming months they would talk and Erik would help Philippe with his problems and give him advice when asked.

"Philippe, I wanted to let you know how much I am indebted to you in helping me find Kristine, and at the expense of your brother, too. After all these years, I know that it must have been hard to find out what he was really like. We both are eternally grateful for everything. I never had the opportunity to properly introduce myself to you. I'm Erik Destler. Call me Erik." Erik reached out and shook his hand, pulling him into a bear hug.

Philippe seemed shocked, and his voice indicated as much when he said, "You're that Erik Destler? I feel really stupid that I never picked up on this the whole time. Don't think I'm dense, but with all that happened, I blocked out who you really were after they told me, and went into rescue mode. I apologize for not paying better attention. Really." Sounding sincere, but like a crazed fan, he calmed down and said, "I'm not the movie fan I should be -- I never made the connection. Instead, I listen to your music. I admire your composing and it's a pleasure to know you, Erik. I have few friends that are true and loyal. Counting you among them is an honor." This gesture, sharing a friendship with Erik, meant the world to Philippe. His world was small and now it meant more. He had gained five new and valued friends. His brother had made it difficult to know anyone well. Raoul didn't make it easy on his brother. His bad-boy reputation sullied Philippe's, too, by association. Things appeared to be looking up for the young man.

Philippe went to a room in the back to see if he could find Kristine some clothing she could wear. She had mentioned that all she had was the robe that she had found in the closet. Finding nothing, he returned to tell her of his futile quest. Momma had also returned with fresh linens, and upon hearing this, quickly left the room. She descended the stairs to her quarters, where she searched and found a loose-fitting caftan that would do for Kristine. She returned to show Kristine what she had found, and Momma was proud to let her wear the dress. Kristine adored the colors and design. It would do nicely. Momma had taken her other clothes to wash. They would be ready for her to wear the next day if she wanted. In with the dress was a pair of slippers. Erik liked what she was wearing and said the colors suited her, making her skin glow in the daylight.

----

Meg arrived the afternoon of the second day. She had caught the first flight she could out of Telluride, and had jockeyed and pleaded to get a plane to the Bahamas once she made it to the Dallas airport. She didn't know when her mother and Kristine's parents would arrive -- that was one thing she wasn't going to bring up. Kristine would be angry if she knew what she had done.

Nadir had collected his bride, and he made sure she saw Kristine right away.

Her reunion with Kristine was filled with tears and regret. The regret was Meg´s, for not warning Kristine sooner about Raoul -- maybe none of this would have happened. The tears came as the two women clung to one another. They were a natural byproduct, and these two were capable of making them flow whenever they got together for girl-talk. When things calmed, and their cry-fest was over, Nadir took Meg off for a walk around the island to give them some privacy, and this excited her. It was her plan to get him alone, but he beat her to it. Their walk had brought them up to a secluded lagoon with a grotto where no boats or anyone from the house could see them. Nadir smiled, and was so surprised to see what they had found.

His eyes twinkled; before she could say anything, he had stripped down quickly, walking into the water. It felt soothing to his tired body and at the same time invigorating. Meg watched her husband with heated eyes, and soon removed her clothes and followed suit, sashaying into the water. Looking back to the beach, Nadir's heated gaze followed her as she entered the shimmering water. Her seductive walk made his body come alive. Nadir hungered for his wife, and what better way to enjoy themselves than skinny dipping, and doing whatever else came to mind?

Her body adjusted to the water temperature, and it caressed her with its warm touch. Nadir wanted his wife. He had missed her so much during his time away from her helping Erik to find Kristine. It wasn't long, but to him, it was an eternity. In a possessive manner, he pulled her in closer to him, and their time in the water turned very steamy and erotic. The rhythm of the water helped as it caressed their bodies to and fro with the waves. What they did after that undoubtedly frightened the fish away.

Nadir whispered tender words of love into her ear as they floated in the cove, and his declaration was sweet music to her ears.

Their craving for each other went on into the afternoon, as they floated in the water or lay upon the beach. They rested from time to time before they returned to their heated passions. It was after sunset when they walked to the house and headed straight up to their room. They didn't emerge until late evening for nourishment. After they had filled their bodies with food and had returned to their room, the breeze carried the light echo of lovemaking through the house that night.

----

Erik and Kristine heard more than then wanted when Nadir and Meg returned to their room, as the balcony doors funneled the couple's sound into their bedroom. They would laugh at the length and sound of each bit of pleasure they heard. Both of them knew that when Kristine felt better, Nadir and Meg would hear their echoed desires. Kristine blushed at the thought. One more day and she would be healed enough to partake again in the joys of the flesh. However, tonight they would be content wrapped within each other's arms and later they could caress and stimulate one another in preparation for their next encounter.

One moment of blessed joy could bring a lifetime of contentment. Erik wanted to make her his bride, but he could wait no longer. Was this the time to ask again? Would she ready? He planned to do it tonight.

Earlier, Momma had prepared a nice dinner and had brought it to their balcony. It presented a perfect time to ask her in this lovely setting. Erik escorted her to her seat, making sure Kristine was comfortable, and then he pulled his chair over to sit beside her. He watched her eat dinner. It delighted him to be near her. He could see her appetite and breathing had, for the most part, returned to normal. It indicated her ribs were feeling better but still tender and could be injured easily.

"My love, would you be interested in having a wedding here in the islands? I want to marry you more than any words can express. What do you say?" Erik coaxed her with his words.

She laughed slightly at his manner and need. He was so sweet! She was ready to be his wife and partner in life.

"Dearest, I'm ready to marry you right here where you rescued me. It would be wonderful. We need to look for the perfect place. Where do we begin?" Kristine responded. It caused his desire to stir even more for her.

He gently leaned in kissing her lips so as not to press her body too hard, for fear he'd hurt her. Erik picked her up from the chair and walked inside to the bed. It had been over five days since they had last made love. He was ready but wouldn't proceed unless she was willing. Was she able to endure it without pain? He wanted to find out if she was so his eyes searched her face for any signs of fear or uncertainty. He wanted to erase the memory of that deranged man from Kristine's mind and if she was ready, then he would do everything within his power to comply.

"Yes, Erik. I don't care. Help me wipe away the horrid thoughts of Raoul from my mind," she said breathlessly, trying to arch her back a little. She grimaced. He stopped. She pleaded with her eyes and took his hand, asking for help to remove the caftan. He took great care not to stress her ribs. Erik's eyes stopped when he saw her bandage, and they reflected a hint of anger at the way Raoul had hurt her and the man's deep-seated hatred of him. His anger went deep within him, and it troubled Erik as he tried to understand why. Before his anger surged and destroyed their time together, she reached up and gently caressed his face. That action seemed to ease his tormented mind. With a nod of his head she took great care to relieve him of his mask, and then she deposited it on the bedside table. Seeing his ravaged and scarred face gave her a great sense of love and understanding for Erik. This man had risked it all to help hunt down this raging madman and rescue her. Not every man would do that. She kept gazing into his eyes as her hands roamed his face, committing it to her memory once more. This was the face of a man she adored and loved. No one in this world would ever change her mind.

Erik thought as he gazed into her eyes, Just how deep are her unseen scars? He hoped they weren't too deep.

He took delight in how her body responded to his gentle touch, considering her injuries. Eliciting soft moans, she let him know how starved she was for each caress and kiss he deposited over her silken skin. Kristine's hands sought out his body, the taut ripples of muscle as she glided over his chest and abdomen. Watching her face, he was pleased not to see any pain as they finally were able to move as one. All he wanted to do was love her and feel her love in return.

Words of love lingered on the balcony and then drifted off on the soft, warm breeze that blew that night. Erik and Kristine lay gently entwined together in bed. A few hours later she tried to escape his loving hold on her as she fought him as she tossed and turned before she screamed out, "Stop!" It was then that Erik knew she had slipped into a terrible nightmare and was trying to escape Raoul's iron grip. He started to sing in an attempt to calm and bring her a sense of peace. It began to work as he saw her body begin to relax. Footfalls were heard outside their door and the knob turned as the door opened. A stream of light appeared behind the shape of a man who asked, "Is everything all right?"

The singing stopped, and Erik quietly replied, "Yes. She just has a nightmare. I seem to be calming her down with singing. I think she will make it through the night now. Thanks, Nadir. Goodnight," thus dismissing his friend. Nadir nodded and closed their door. Voices could be heard out in the hall, and then the footfalls drifted away again, and Erik could hear doors closing. Kristine never stirred from Erik's embrace until morning. He realized that what the doctor had said was true. When they returned, he would seek out someone to help her cope with what she had endured. It would take time finding the right one, but he wouldn't stop until he did.

----

The sunrise had made its way in through the billowing fabric covering the windows and open doorway. The breeze was soft as it carried the fragrant floral scent of morning. It swept along the balcony before it drifted inside their room. The sound of waves crashing upon the secluded beach below gently coaxed two sleep-laden lovers awake as they lay in each other's arms. Erik worried that she would remember her nightmare and studied her face as she woke.

He kissed his bride-to-be and wished her a good morning. She, in turn, smiled up at him, stretching her body carefully as a cat does after a nap. Her hands played over his body and it felt stimulating to him. He asked, "How did you sleep, my love?"

"Fine, I guess." Her eyes were telling him a different story, but her lips refused to say. She kept her little secret locked inside.

Erik knew from the way her hands were playing over his body that she craved something. He decided to give her that one thing she desired, and they both indulged their hearty appetite, but it was not for food. Later Erik would make sure he found out what troubled her and why. She was safe now and there was no need for worry or fear.

----

Breakfast was much later that morning for Erik and Kristine. Momma knew from the sounds she heard as she went about her duties upstairs that food didn't matter. She knew Kristine hid things and needed time to heal. If their lovemaking eased the young woman's mind, then, who was she to disturb them? Instead, she decided to deliver this pot of coffee to Philippe before he descended the stairs for breakfast. She knew he had plans to make before his return to Colorado and her coffee would help sharpen his mind for him achieve his goal. She would make another pot for the young couple later on in the morning. Their kind of stimulation was something no amount of coffee would help satisfy. As she came down the back stairs, she went about the rest of her morning preparing a large bowl of fresh fruit to be used later for the happy couple. No matter what time they rose she knew they would be starving. Maybe she would say a chant to help ease Kristine's troubles. Anything was worth a try. She could even help Raoul with a dose of her powerful chants to drive away whatever demon plagued him.

Nadir and Meg came down to breakfast, and they joined Philippe in the dining room. They all ignored the fact that the happy couple hadn't made it down to join them.

Their conversation was filled with business and when they might think about returning to the mainland, when Meg said, "I bet something will happen before we head home. Anyone want to place a bet on that?" A very large grin slipped across her lips as she turned to Nadir and winked.

"I would not want to do that, dear wife. It is not our business to speculate or butt into their affairs. I hope this ordeal will be forgotten and they take their lives forward from here. That is my only wish." Nadir had given it great thought since everything had ended on such a happy note. He tried not to think of the repercussions that might be waiting – the investigation, the possible charges against Erik for physical damage against Joe and Raoul. Then there was Kristine's statement that had to be taken once she returned. But, what disturbed him the most – Where are those photos Joe took? No one had mentioned turning them up yet. He would make it his top priority to find them when he returned. They could strike another blow at the couple and maybe push Kristine over the edge. Heaven forbid if they were released to the tabloids. That thought made him shudder. If they were, I know Erik would go ballistic. Nadir was brought out of his deep contemplation and worry when he heard Meg ask something.

"If you were to have a wedding on the island, where would you choose to do it?" Meg questioned Momma.

"Not far is natural grotto built of rocks. Is beautiful spot for wedding!" her round face lit up thinking about it.

"Oh, take me over there, please, Momma. I want to see where it is and if it would really work." Meg took on that little-girl sparkle and demeanor when she wanted something.

"Okay, we go now. I busy later." Momma returned to the kitchen to putter while waiting for Meg.

"See you guys later, we have lots of planning to do," Meg said.

Nevertheless, before Meg could finish, Nadir stopped her. "You do not know this for a fact, Meghan Khan!"

She cringed when she heard him call her that. It meant she had gone just a little too far and he wanted her to know that before things got out of hand.

"Well, Nadir Abdul Farid Khan, neither do you, so leave me alone! I want to be prepared for any last-minute surprises that might arise. You two just do what men do on a vacation and let us women do what we do best." She flipped her hair back behind her head as she turned in a huff and walked inside the kitchen to locate Momma.

Philippe looked over at Nadir with a look that said, She whipped you! He started to laugh uncontrollably. This lasted for a minute, before Nadir replied, "Okay, I get your point. Knock it off, will you? Let us go call your buddy and go deep-sea fishing, if he is not busy. I am ready to let out some frustration on something. It might as well be a fish. I am getting nowhere with a feisty, petite, news reporter." Nadir walked from the table and out the back way, while Philippe called his friend to see if the boat was free for the day. Fishing had to be more rewarding than what Nadir encountered with Meg.

----

After they had showered and dressed, Erik and Kristine decided they were ready to greet the day. It was their turn to raid the kitchen. On their trek through the kitchen they began to look around. On a shelf in the huge refrigerator, they had found a lovely bowl full of fresh fruit prepared especially for them. There was also a note attached, telling them where to find fresh muffins, the coffee grinder and the beans. Erik pulled out the grinder and Kristine handed him the beans from the refrigerator. Over by the oven, she found the basket filled with fresh muffins. They, too, were added to the tray.

Erik had finished grinding the coffee, added the filter and filled the drip pot with hot water. While he waited for the coffee to brew, he pulled Kristine into his arms for a little caressing and teasing. They were busy when Momma and Meg entered through the back door. Meg watched this scene. Momma could see the joy expressed by the two for one another. The women cleared their throats and watched as they startled the couple. Erik refused to relinquish his delicate hold around Kristine. Being caught caused a blush to float over her face.

"So, what are you two up to today?" Meg questioned, trying not to sound overanxious.

"Oh, after a bite to eat, we want to go looking around and maybe head over to the big island," he said. Kristine coughed a little, trying to hide her smile. She turned to finish the tray and gather up the coffee. Erik insisted he carry the tray outside to the lanai.

"We want to look into some things while we're here." He stumbled over his words as he followed her out the door, leaving the ladies stunned at his awkward departure. He tried not to make it sound important, but he didn't want the women to get any ideas.

It caused Meg and Momma to turn their backs and share a laugh between them. They had guessed. Each knew there was going to be a wedding before the guests left the island and returned to Colorado.

Meg knew her friend. Even if she had changed since college, this was something Kristine would do. Meg knew Kristine's motto -- Eventually my dreams will come true. It might take a while longer than Kristine had planned, but she would achieve whatever she desired.

Erik set the tray down and made sure Kristine was seated before he started to fix their plates. She reached over to pour his cup of coffee and then hers. He had made a plan and had shared it with her earlier and she had agreed to that. On the big island, she wanted to look in some shops for a dress. It wasn't the kind of wedding they had originally had in mind. It was to have been in Vegas, similar to Meg and Nadir's, but instead, it promised to be unique. It would be less costly and more fun. She couldn't wait.

"Erik, I am so excited! Our wedding will be unique, like us!" Kristine shifted when she said it too loud, afraid the women had heard. Lowering her voice, she continued, "I want it to be casual-elegant. Flowers in my hair, barefoot, a light flowing dress, and one I can wear again, unlike a traditional dress. I see you in a white open V-neck shirt with long sleeves, white pants, white mask and barefoot. I want us all to be barefoot. Oh, call your parents now. Let's get them over here ASAP. I will call my parents and Meg's mother, they can fly out together. Anyone else you want to attend?"

"No, I don't think so. My manager and assistants will understand under the circumstances. He always joked he wanted to attend my wedding. Oh, we might consider flying Jocelyn over. Without her help, I can't imagine what could have happened. She saved you from Raoul and a life of horrors beyond our imagination, my love. Philippe, the Hornrod brothers, Meg, Nadir and of course James, now that is a nice little wedding party. Most of all, I would like to ask Momma." Erik sounded very happy with it all. Then he remembered that he wanted to talk to her about last night and what troubled her in her sleep.

"Do you remember last night after we made love and you fell asleep?" he needed to ask.

"No. Why? What else did you do to me after I went to sleep? " She seemed puzzled, but thought he was going to tell her something sinfully delicious that he had done and how she had responded, fully unaware.

"When the doctor was here, he said you might be troubled by recurring nightmares, and I believe you had one last night," he stated.

Startled, but willing to keep talking, she replied, still unsure. "I did? I don't recall anything but drifting off to sleep in your arms."

Deciding to tell her straight-out, Erik filled her in on what had happened after she had fallen asleep. When he finished, he said, "I'm worried about you, Kristine." He was worried, and his voice didn't lie.

"Don't be, my darling. I don't know why I did it, but let's hope it's just part of the process people go through after being kidnapped. I wonder if my subconscious is trying to let go of the deep-seated anger and despair I've felt?" She lowered her head and seemed to shake a little as if she were crying. She was. She tried to remember the psychology class she took in college. They had studied some about dreams and repressed feelings, about how each person dealt with situations differently and no two people were alike. If she could only remember the rest! Maybe James could lend her his computer and she could look up some things. Kristine vowed she would do that later.

Erik reached over and cradled her in his arms and tried his best to reassure her things would return to normal soon. But, would they?

He wanted to cheer her up, so he decided to call his parents. She started to smile, remembering the kind and motherly voice she had heard the day he gave her the phone. She was so unprepared when he did that. He would let her hear his side of the conversation and not subject her to his mother's question, which was, What is going on? Erik reached for his phone and hit speed dial, holding Kristine in his other arm, and he waited. With her head on his shoulder, he said, "Mum, hi. I have a great favor to ask of you. Is it possible for you and dad fly to the Bahamas tomorrow? Yes, I said the Bahamas! I know I'm asking you at the last minute. Can you manage packing on such short notice? Well, it's a long story, but Kristine and I are going to be married in two days. Yes, I said two days. Mum, quit repeating. I will have tickets for you at the airport. We'll tell you all about it when you arrive. It's our plan to tell both sets of parents, all at the same time. Okay, I will have someone meet you at the airport. Bye, Mum, I love you. Tell Dad I said hello. I love him, too. See you soon." The call ended. With a contented sigh, he handed the phone to Kristine to call her parents. His simple request: "See if they're home."

She dialed, waiting for them to pick up. "No answer, they must be out. I'll try later." Saddened, she handed back the phone to Erik. She had wanted to talk to her parents, but they were so far away, and news like this was something she wanted to tell them first. She hoped they hadn't learned about the kidnapping before she was able to tell them of it. He leaned in to embrace her, rubbing her back in hopes it would provide comfort.

"Oh, we need to ask the men from the boats, they were a great help in all of this, Erik. Without them, you would not have gotten to the island to find me in time." She shuddered at the prospect. What would have happened if they hadn't offered to help?

Erik and Kristine had their backs to the door as Meg quietly stepped out on the lanai. She wanted to be up close and personal to hear what they had been saying. Erik happened to hear her footfalls on the stones, alerting him someone was close. He tapped Kristine's arm, then gently laid his finger on her lips to get her to cease talking. She saw his eyes dart over to one side to follow something behind her, and she knew, nodding in response to his request.

Kristine pleaded with her eyes for him to let her speak. He relented. "What is it you want, Meghan?" Kristine surprised her petite friend. She squealed. Laughter escaped Kristine's lips upon hearing her friend's reaction.

"How did you know I was here? I didn't make a sound!" she replied. They could see she was very irritated that her spying was over.

"Woman, you aren't the most silent person around, you know!" Erik scolded Meg.

Thank you, for reading, and if you are so inclined, please, review.