Authors Note: Thanks for your reviews! This one was a pain and I hope it doesn't show too much.
Chapter 50- Full House
"Are you sure this is okay?" Johanna asked hesitantly as she regarded the queen sized bed that Jim was already lying in.
"Why wouldn't it be?" he asked.
"Because…it's your mother's when she's here."
Jim laughed quietly and held his hand out to her. "It's just a bed, Jo. My mother sleeps in it maybe two weeks out of the year now that all of us are grown. She changes the sheets before she leaves; think of it like a hotel room she stays in. This is a vacation spot; it's not like I took you home to the bed she sleeps in every night."
"I wouldn't go for that," she told him.
"I know, and neither would I. It's fine. My brother and sister-in-law use this room when they're up here. I've used it when I've been here alone. It's no big deal. Come on, get in."
She hesitated for a moment more and then slipped between the sheets and settled in next to him. She sighed in contentment as she sunk into the mattress. "It's comfortable," she remarked.
"I know, that's why I told you it was best for us to use the master bedroom. We get this big comfy bed and you can pretend that big closet is all yours for a week."
Johanna smiled. "I wish I could take that closet home with me."
He laughed. "I don't doubt that. But you can enjoy it all you want while we're here."
She turned on to her side to face him. "You're sure it's okay for us to be in here?"
"Yes, Jo. It's fine. Don't worry about it. We'll sanitize the place before we leave if it'll make you feel better."
She laughed softly. "I'm sorry; you know I don't like to overstep my boundaries…I'm sure I'll be better tomorrow night."
Jim draped his arm over her waist. "It's alright, sweetheart; I understand. But it's fine, I swear it is."
Johanna allowed herself to relax, her hand moving to graze along his arm. "I had fun today," she murmured.
He smiled. "I told you I'd teach you how to shoot those guns."
"I didn't expect to like it," she admitted with a laugh.
He grinned. "But then you realized it's a good way to blow off steam, right?"
"I might have been visualizing certain colleagues as those cans we were shooting at."
Jim laughed. "Me too."
"How did I do?" she asked. "Truthfully."
"You did pretty good after you got the hang of it," he told her sincerely. "We'll practice some more later in the week."
"Sounds good to me."
"Do you want to go fishing tomorrow?" Jim asked hopefully.
She smiled. "Are you going to bait my hook?"
"Of course."
"And take off anything I catch?"
"Absolutely."
"I'm there," she told him. "I take it you have stuff here for that because you didn't bring any with us."
"Everything we need is down in the basement."
"How early do we have to get up? I always hear people saying you have to go really early."
"We won't go too early," Jim told her. "It's not like we have far to go and we always did okay at various times of day. If we don't catch anything it's not a big deal, we can always go swimming too."
"I've been looking forward to that," she replied, already imagining the feel of cool water against her skin.
"Me too," he said suggestively as he kissed her cheek. "It's bikini season."
She giggled softly before his lips grazed hers. "Are bikinis all you think about in the summertime?"
"Only if it's your bikini…then I think of ways to talk you out of it. I'm hoping to have more success with that this summer."
Johanna rolled her eyes. "I let you untie my top last summer, what more do you want?"
"All of it," Jim answered before kissing her.
"Somehow I knew that."
"I expect you to act surprised anyway," he said, tickling her side for good measure.
She squirmed and laughed. "I'll do my best to act completely surprised that you're plotting the removal of a bikini."
"That's more like it."
"It's so quiet up here," she murmured. "Except for the birds…it's nice to hear birds instead of sirens and horns."
"It's a nice change of pace, isn't it?"
"Mhmm…and since it isn't winter this time, maybe I can see more of the area," Johanna hinted.
"I promise you'll get a tour, sweetheart. We're going to be going into town a few times for date nights and just to look around if the mood strikes. We can take some long walks around here too…I'm sure you can find some more flowers to pick."
"Those weren't planted by your mother were they?" Johanna asked, thinking about the vase full of bright colorful summer blossoms that was sitting on the kitchen table.
"No; they're wild flowers. They've always been here. Don't worry; no one's going to beat you for picking some."
"That's good to know; I can't wear a bikini if I'm black and blue."
Jim laughed. "I'll protect you."
"You better," she said playfully. "Did you like the dinner?"
"Yes, sweetheart; I told you I did. The hoagies were great, and they were perfect for a quick meal. We had a busy day and you didn't need to overdo things."
"I never made them for you before though."
"I'm looking forward to you making them again," he replied.
"Good, because I like those, especially in the summertime. I will make you some fried chicken while we're up here though."
Jim smiled. "It'll be good for that kitchen to see some fried chicken that isn't littered with black burn marks."
She laughed. "Maybe the skillet can take notes for your mother."
"That would be nice."
"I love that big kitchen," Johanna said enviously. "There's so much space to work with. I want a big kitchen like that someday."
"If I could extend your kitchen for you, I would…but I don't think your landlord would like it."
"Neither would the neighbors; they'd have to move so you could expand."
"I guess you'll just have to keep it on your wish list then," he told her. "But you can enjoy this is one all you want, just like the closet."
She grinned. "Is that part of my vacation experience; getting to enjoy big closets and big kitchens?"
"That and having me all to yourself…it's all of your favorite things rolled up into one destination," he quipped.
Johanna kissed him. "It is good to have you all to myself."
"The feeling is mutual," Jim stated before kissing her again. "It's going to be perfect; a week here and then a week at the beach."
"We need to take vacations more often," she murmured between kisses.
"I wish we could…at least twice a year."
"Maybe you should suggest that."
"Maybe I will," he replied with a grin. "But right now I have a few suggestions to work out here with you."
Johanna smiled at him. "Don't go getting too excited; I'm probably going to need a night to get that hotel room vibe you were telling me about. Check back tomorrow."
Jim laughed. "Alright, sweetheart," he said understandingly. "For tonight, we can be content with this."
"It's just as nice," she whispered as he turned out the light.
"I agree."
"This is nice," Johanna said as she and Jim sat on the bank of the lake with their fishing poles in the water; his family's cabin in the distance behind them.
"Yeah it is," he agreed. "It's nice and peaceful."
"And best of all, there's no work," she remarked.
Jim laughed. "No work, no demanding clients, no jackass colleagues."
"No friends with wedding plans," Johanna added.
He glanced at her. "I forgot to ask how the bridesmaid dress shopping went a few weeks ago."
"Sharon's not as bad as Colleen but she didn't keep her promise."
"What promise was that?"
"To make the dress shopping as quick and painless as possible."
"So there was pain involved?" he asked.
Her brow rose. "Isn't there always?"
Jim grinned. "I wouldn't know; I've never been a bridesmaid."
Johanna smirked at him. "Maybe you can be the next time."
"Nah, we'll leave that up to you; you have the legs for it."
"You wouldn't be able to tell I had legs in some of those dresses Sharon made me try on."
"That would be a crime against nature," he replied. "I demand any dress you wear be slit up the side so I get a nice view."
She laughed. "I don't think that's going to happen."
"Did she ever settle on a color? I believe you mentioned not too long ago that she kept changing her mind about that every three seconds.
"First she said orange," Johanna replied as she rolled her eyes.
He grimaced. "That couldn't have been good."
"It wasn't…I looked like a carrot in that dress."
"Any chance anyone got a picture of that?" he laughed.
"No," she exclaimed as she swatted his leg. "If anyone had, I would've done tackled them and ripped the film from the camera."
"That's my sassy girl," Jim quipped.
Johanna giggled. "Then she decided on yellow."
"Is she insane?" he asked. "She knows how you feel about yellow dresses."
"Uh huh; that was the moment when I told her I quit and I wasn't being maid of honor."
"What happened then?"
"She went to red," Johanna replied.
He nodded approvingly. "You look damn good in red."
"I was thrilled with the choice of dark red; I even saw a dress that was pretty. I was all for that, I knew I wouldn't have to burn that one when I got home."
"Unlike the yellow horror show from Colleen's wedding."
She glanced at him and smiled. "I really appreciate that you actually listen to me and remember the traumas I go through; from what I hear, most men don't."
Jim laughed and patted the skin of her thigh that her jean shorts left bare. "I'm here for you, sweetheart."
"I'm glad."
"So did you get the red dress?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I don't know; she was all for it and wanted me to try it on and then when I came out of the dressing room with it on, she said 'no; we're not doing that one' and that was the end of red."
Confusion furrowed his brow. "She changed her mind once she saw you in the dress?"
"Yeah; it was weird. The dress was pretty; it wasn't a puffy monstrosity, it was elegant and classy, silk and the softest velvet. It was very tasteful and I didn't think I looked bad in it…I thought it looked great."
"That's probably the problem," Jim replied. "You probably looked too good in it and so it had to go. She was probably jealous."
"Of what?" she laughed.
"Jo," he said in amusement as he looked at her. "She doesn't want the maid of honor looking beautiful. Now don't get offended by this but from what I've heard and learned from you and various female relatives, I've figured out that brides pick their sisters and friends to be in their wedding party because it's their one chance to dress them all in the ugliest thing that can find to make sure they outshine them. Of course Sharon declined the red; you look so good in that color; all colors in my opinion but I know you beg to differ but I digress; she had to veto the red because you looked good in it."
She thought about it for a moment. "Your theory about brides and their dress selection choices makes sense…it's just hard to fathom that Sharon would do that to me."
"She's not the normal Sharon right now; she's the bride…she's temporarily insane; she wants you to look the worst because you're her best friend and maid of honor. She can't have you up there next to her shining like a polished diamond."
"Sharon's beautiful, she doesn't need to worry."
"You're beautiful and you worry."
"I am not."
"You are but let's not have that argument. What color did she go to then?"
"Green."
"You look good in green."
"This is a very dark green," Johanna replied. "I like an emerald shade of green but she went with a forest green…it makes me look a little pale."
"And she was thrilled with that, right?"
She nodded. "Seemed to be…it seems kind of dark for a wedding color even if it is for an autumn wedding."
"So she's definitely going with that one?"
"Yeah…it only took 6 stores and what felt like a hundred different dresses to try on."
"Well at least it's over now."
"It's far from over, honey; there's still shoe shopping, there will be hair and makeup decisions and a hundred other little things. Plus I have to throw her bridal shower and I don't even have anything planned yet."
"You got awhile to go; there's no rush."
"That's what you think," she laughed.
Jim grinned. "Well you don't need to worry about it right now, it's our vacation, remember?"
"I remember," she smiled brightly. 'I think it was a good idea to split our time between here and the beach."
"I'm glad you like it. It probably won't top our road trip but it'll do."
"We don't have to try and outdo ourselves every year," Johanna replied. "There are some things that just can't be surpassed."
"Our road trip is one of them," he stated.
"That's right; and we shouldn't try to top it, it was perfect."
Jim sat his pole aside and then took Johanna's from her hand as well. "There's just one thing I'd change about that trip," he said as he slid a hand around her back.
She pushed her sunglasses up on her head, her eyes sparkling knowingly. "And what would that be?"
"That night in North Carolina," he murmured.
"Which one?" she asked; her tone low and playful as his lips grazed against her neck.
"You know the one," Jim whispered against her skin. "We started the day off fishing, just like today…and you were dressed the same way," he remarked. "Shorts and a bikini top…is this the same one? It's black like that one was."
"No; it's new."
He grinned, his fingers gliding against the material. "I like it."
She smirked at him. "You always do."
"Anyway," he laughed as he returned his attention to her neck. "That day ended with a massage…that wasn't so innocent after awhile…and you were wearing that pink silk nightgown."
"I remember," she breathed.
Jim's hand slid across her bare stomach. "I wish we hadn't stopped that night."
"So do I."
He captured her lips in a kiss. "You don't know how badly I wanted to walk into your room and beg you to pick up where we left off…that we could work it all out come morning."
"I thought about it too," Johanna whispered between kisses.
"It's the only thing I'd change," he remarked as he gently pushed her back against the blanket she had spread out for them to sit on.
Her fingers trailed along the bare skin of his arm before sinking into his hair at the nape of his neck. "We might not have taken the risk that night but we have plenty of time to indulge now."
"Is that right?" he asked, peppering kisses against her collar bone.
"Mhmm; I could rub your back tonight," she told him as her hand moved against the warm skin of his back.
He kissed her, long and slowly. "And do you have your pink nightgown?"
"Of course; it's one of my favorites."
Jim smiled. "This vacation just keeps getting better and better."
"I think so too," she replied, drawing him back for another kiss.
"You know, we don't have to wait for tonight," he told her. "We could just start now."
She giggled. "Out here in the open in broad daylight?"
"No one will see us...and anyway I said we could get started now…we could finish inside."
Johanna eyed him with amusement. "You always find an opportunity to seize, don't you?"
He nodded. "That's another good thing about me."
She laughed. "You're ready any time and anywhere."
"Yet another good thing about me; if you keep this up I might get a swelled head."
"It's probably too late to worry; I think your ego swells on it's own at times."
"Only because you encourage it, sweetheart," he replied, pressing a kiss against her shoulder.
She couldn't help but laugh. "How come you get all the ego building? When are you going to build up mine?"
Jim grinned at her. "It should already be built up by the fact that I want you anytime anywhere; if that doesn't tell you how incredible you are, I don't know what will."
She laughed, her cheeks warming in response. "On second thought, maybe your ego is enough for both of us."
He shook his head. "No; now I feel like I've been remiss in my duties; I'm going to have to properly worship you."
"I kind of like the sound of that," she admitted before he claimed her lips in another searing kiss.
They were lost in their own little world as their kisses continued, their fishing poles forgotten as they lingered there on the bank. Everything was still and peaceful around them until a voice shattered the quiet. "Uncle Jim!"
The sound of Mikey Beckett's voice caused them to break their kiss, the mood they had created quickly evaporating. "Tell me this isn't happening," Jim whispered to her as the boy came running towards them.
"I wish I could," she replied as she gently pushed him off of her.
"Uncle Jim," Danny yelled as he followed behind his brother.
"This just can not be happening," he said once again.
"It's happening," Johanna stated as she glanced around the blanket, looking for the tank top she had discarded earlier. "Where's my shirt?"
"Uncle Jim, what are you and Miss Jo doing?" Mikey asked as he arrived at their side.
"Fishing," he answered; trying not to show any aggravation at the interruption as he picked up his shirt to grab Johanna's which was lying beneath it.
Mikey glanced at the abandoned poles. "Looked like kissing to me."
"Uncle Jim," Danny cried out once more, scrambling over Johanna to launch himself into his uncle's arms as he finally arrived at their spot.
"What are you two doing here?" Jim asked.
"We're on vacation," Mikey answered.
Johanna could see the storm clouds flicking across Jim's face as she pulled her shirt on. "Shouldn't you be at Disney World or something?" he asked.
"Miss Jo!" Angie's voice called out as she raced toward them.
Johanna conjured up a smile for the girl as she arrived at her side, her arms reaching for a hug. She hugged the girl as she greeted her, Mikey plopping down on the blanket as Danny settled on Jim's lap.
"Why are you here on vacation?" Jim asked; his tone carefully controlled. Whatever the reason, it wasn't the children's fault, he reminded himself.
Mikey shrugged. "I don't know. I wanted to go to the amusement park they show on TV."
"Me too," Angie declared. "But Mommy said no; she said she has enough screaming kids, she doesn't need to see more on vacation."
Johanna's brow rose as she shot an amused glance at Jim. "Where is your mommy?" she asked.
"Her and Dad are unloading the car," Mikey replied. "We saw your car and they told us we could come find you as long as we didn't go near the water."
"I'm not liking the sound of this," Jim remarked as he stood.
Johanna followed his lead as they turned the children in the direction of the house, leaving their blanket and fishing poles abandoned on the bank. As they neared the house, they saw Michael taking suitcases out of the trunk as Natalie carried Alicia and the diaper bag.
"We found them," Mikey called out.
"Where did you find them?" Michael asked.
"By the lake," Angie answered.
"They were kissing," Mikey informed his parents.
Michael's gaze flicked to the two unamused people standing with his children. "Were they standing up or sitting down?"
Jim opened his mouth to speak but Mikey beat him to the punch. "They were laying down."
"Oh my God," Natalie exclaimed, her eyes widening.
"They didn't have shirts on," the boy added, making Johanna flush in shame.
"Oh my God," Natalie cried once again.
"I'm wearing a bathing suit," Johanna remarked. "I was trying to get a tan."
"You're not going to get one with Jim providing coverage," Michael stated; his gaze flicking to his brother.
Jim's jaw was tense. "Well now you know not to send your kids off alone to find someone when you don't know what they might be doing."
Michael eyed him. "Maybe you shouldn't be doing it outside in broad daylight."
"We weren't doing anything."
"Doesn't sound that way to me."
"I don't care how it sounds and apparently it wouldn't matter where we were because you were coming barging in one way or another anyway. What the hell are you doing here?"
"We're on vacation," Michael replied.
"Not here you're not," Jim retorted. "Dad said I could have the cabin this week until we go to the beach."
"Well Mom said we could have it," his brother remarked.
Before Jim could reply, another car pulled up to the house. Madelyn Beckett got out of the vehicle and eyed the group of people standing out front. "What the hell are all of you doing here?" she asked tartly as she stalked toward them, jerking her sunglasses off her face as she neared.
"Vacation," both Jim and Michael stated.
Madelyn shook her head. "Oh no you're not. I have plans and none of you are a part of them; so you take your girlfriend and go," she said, flicking a finger toward Jim and then shifting it to Michael. "And you take your kids and go. I came here to have some damn peace and you're not going to ruin it for me."
"I'm not going anywhere," Jim stated. "I was here first."
"I'm sick of you boys always having your way," Madelyn said sharply. "This time I'm having things my way."
Michael scoffed. "When have you ever not gotten your way? You always get your way, that's why you're a spoiled brat."
Johanna felt Angie leaning against her leg and she brushed her hand over the girl's blonde head, sensing that the tension among the adults was being absorbed word by word. "Maybe we should have this conversation elsewhere," she suggested.
Madelyn turned her steel colored eyes toward her. "I don't need to discuss anything with you; you're not family and you're leaving."
"The hell we are," Jim remarked; "And you better watch your tone."
"Or what?" his sister asked. "You wouldn't dare put your hands on me."
"Don't tempt me, Madelyn," he replied.
Natalie's gaze took in her children and saw the same thing that Johanna was observing. They were taking in every word and they didn't need to be there for that battle. "Why don't we all go in the house?" she stated. "Mikey, get your ball out of the back of the car and you kids play there at the side of the house. You don't go any further, understand?"
The kids nodded and grabbed their ball from the car and moved into the large yard to play as they all trooped into the house, Alicia remaining in her mother's arms. They settled into the living room, Johanna, Natalie and Alicia on the sofa, Madelyn perched on the edge of a chair, ready to pounce and Michael and Jim pacing in front of the fireplace.
"Well," Madelyn huffed. "We came in here, now what?"
"Now you all leave," Jim replied. "I was here first; I asked Dad if I could be here this week until we went to the beach and he said yes."
"I asked Mom if we could come up here," Michael stated. "And she said yes."
"I asked Dad last week," Jim retorted. "So when did you ask Mom?"
"I asked her two days ago."
"Then I have the first claim," Jim replied. "You and the kids can spend the night but in the morning you have to go."
Michael laughed. "You better step back, little brother; we're not going anywhere. This is where we're having our vacation. I think my kids outrank you and your girlfriend."
"Don't try to use your kids against me," he retorted. "Mikey and Angie want to go to an amusement park."
"I'm not going to any damn amusement park," Natalie spoke up. "I have four kids and I don't want to be in a big park full of more screaming kids and rude people."
"Fine," Jim said. "I'll pay for you and Alicia to stay in a hotel and Michael can take the other three to the park."
"That's generous of you but it's not happening," his brother stated. "I don't want to go to a park either; I want some peace and quiet."
"Then you shouldn't have had four kids," Madelyn remarked snidely.
"Who pressed your button?" Michael asked her. "Whose permission did you ask to come up here?"
"No one's," she answered. "I don't feel I have to ask permission to come to a family home that we all have a key to. I have plans so you all better get the hell out of here by eight tonight."
"And what if we don't?" Jim asked.
Madelyn eyed him. "Then I'm going to call Mom and tell her that you brought your girlfriend here…because I really doubt she knows. She'd just have a fit about her being in her house. She'll send the two of you packing…you know she doesn't want her in her house!"
Johanna tensed, a feeling of discomfort sweeping over her. Natalie leaned close and whispered in her ear. "Now you're seeing the mean side of Madelyn; the side that's like Elizabeth."
Fury was written across Jim's features. "Do you need me to dial the number for you?" he asked. "Because I will; hell I'll tell her myself that we're here; so if you think that threat is going to make me tremble with fear I'm sorry to disappoint you. And another thing, this isn't Mom's house; it's Dad's. Grandpa gave this property to Dad; not to Mom, or even him and Mom. Dad's name is on the deed and his name alone. She doesn't even come up here all that often. I asked Dad if we could be here and he said yes. Who were you planning to sneak up here?"
Madelyn's eyes narrowed. "I didn't say I was bringing anyone here."
Jim scoffed. "You were planning on something and it wasn't being up here all by yourself…if it was only that you wouldn't be so pissed."
"I was too planning to be alone!"
"In a place you've never been fond of?" he asked. "You always complained about coming up here."
"It's none of your business why I choose to come here!" Madelyn exclaimed. "I'm sure we can all guess that you came up here to screw your girlfriend."
The comment angered Johanna and the words she was holding back slipped from her mouth before she could stop them. "Who were you planning to screw up here? Must be someone you don't want to get caught with."
Jim nodded. "Yeah; it must be a real big secret."
"It's no one's business but mine," she ground out.
"It is when you're interrupting my vacation," he retorted.
"Get over it and leave," his sister snapped.
"You're the one who needs to leave," Michael spoke up. "You didn't ask anyone if you could come here so that's on you if your plans fell through."
"I'm not leaving," Madelyn stated bitterly. "You'll all leave before I do."
"Not if we throw you out the door," Jim replied.
Natalie shifted in her seat, Alicia squirming on her lap as she did so. "Can't we work something out?" she asked.
"Sure," Jim said. "You all can spend the night but tomorrow you have to clear out."
"We're not leaving," Michael stated firmly. "You said you and Johanna have plans to go to the beach so why don't you just go ahead and go?"
"Because we still have a few days before our reservations begin."
"Not my problem," his brother replied.
"Who died and left you boss?" Jim asked.
"Jim," Johanna said, hoping to quell his anger. "Maybe we should just go home until it's time to go to the beach."
"Yeah, why don't you do that," Madelyn commented; false sweetness in her voice.
"No," Jim replied. "This is our vacation, we've been looking forward to it and we're staying. They can leave."
Madelyn crossed her arms over her chest like a petulant child. "I'm not going anywhere," she declared.
"Neither are we," Jim stated.
"Fine," Michael said. "We're all staying. We can make the best of it for a few days."
Jim's gaze met Johanna's and she could read the disappointment in his eyes. This stop at the cabin had been all he talked about; how nice it would be for the two of them to be really alone without any interruptions from family, friends or foes. The small town was only about twenty minutes away and they had planned to have a few date nights. She supposed they still could but things would be different now. They wouldn't have the freedom and privacy they had planned on…like the romantic plans they had been in the process of indulging in for the rest of the day. She gave him a small smile, silently telling him that she'd go along with what he wanted…but she was also harboring the thought that maybe they should go find a hotel.
'I can't believe this," Jim muttered as he saw all of his carefully made plans crashing and burning. "I ask first, I'm here first and all of you think you have the right to horn in on my vacation and it isn't right."
"This isn't your house," Michael replied. "It's a family home until Dad gives it to one of us."
"And we all know it'll be Jim," Madelyn stated. "He's Dad's favorite."
"Grow up," he said sharply.
"Enough," Michael bellowed, startling Alicia who whimpered in Natalie's arms.
Johanna reached out and brushed her fingers against Alicia's small hand, offering the toddler a small smile in hopes of helping to soothe her. She was rewarded with a smile from the little girl, her arms reaching for her. Natalie allowed Alicia to leave her lap in favor of Johanna's and she turned her attention back to the men who were still pacing every few seconds.
"We're all going to stay and we're just going to have to make the best of it," Michael declared. "Jim, help me bring the luggage in."
He shook his head. "Carry in your own bags, I'm not helping you."
"Really, you're going to be an ass?"
He nodded. "Yeah; there's something about family that always brings out that urge…especially when they're butting into something they have no right to."
His brother sighed. "I'm sure you and Johanna will still have a nice time here…although I do ask that you to tone down whatever it was that my kids witnessed."
Johanna rolled her eyes. "It was a kiss, nothing more."
"I'm sure they've seen you and their mother kiss," Jim added.
Michael ignored the comment. "Come on and help me carry the bags in, we'll take the bedroom down here."
"No you won't," Jim replied. "Johanna and I are already using it."
"Natalie and I should get the master bedroom," he retorted. "We're married."
"Good for you," Jim replied. "But you're not getting it, we're staying in there. We're already unpacked."
"It won't hurt you to move upstairs."
"You go upstairs, clean out the guest room and use it."
"I'm not cleaning out all that junk that Mom hauled up here when she cleaned out the attic at home," Michael stated.
"Fine, then use Madelyn's room and she can stay with the girls."
"The hell I will," their sister retorted. "I have a room here and it's the room I'm using. I'm not sharing a room with two kids; it's not happening. You all can go pitch a tent for all I care."
Johanna sighed. "Jim, I'll clean out the guest room for us. It'll be better than starting a war over it."
"I don't think the two of you should be sharing a room while the kids are here," Michael said.
"Excuse me?" Jim replied.
His brother held his gaze. "I think it would be best if she shared with the girls…and if you don't want to clean out the guest room, you can share with the boys. You're not married and I don't think you should be sharing a room with the kids around."
Johanna's gaze shifted to Natalie who was looking back at her. "It's nothing personal," she said. "We love you both and we have nothing against your relationship; but with the kids being here…and already catching you in a potentially compromising position, I think it would be best if you stayed in separate rooms."
Madelyn gave a laugh. "Not to mention the fact that Mom is just going to love knowing that Jimmy's been sleeping with his girlfriend in her bed. She's just going to blow a gasket over that one…especially when we all know how she feels about Johanna."
Johanna's eyes narrowed at Madelyn. "Well when you tell her, tell her that her outrage at the knowledge of it is what made it so very appealing to me."
"You won't think you're so smart when she's in your face."
"I can handle your mother, Madelyn; she doesn't scare me at all."
"Why don't you go home to your mommy," Jim told her. "You're acting like her so you may as well go be with her."
His sister rose from the chair. "I'm going in the den and make a phone call and then I'm getting my luggage and moving into my room…and no one is sharing it with me."
Jim smirked at her. "Hurry up and call Mom, tell her all about it!"
"That's not who I'm calling," she retorted as she stormed off.
"I'm going to bring the bags in," Michael stated. "You two can get your stuff and move upstairs."
"This isn't fair," Jim said angrily.
His brother clapped him on the back. "Who said life was fair, little brother?"
Jim glowered at his retreating back and then shifted his gaze to his sister-in-law.
Natalie shrugged at his glare. "I'm sorry, Jim."
"Not too sorry, you're staying when you know we were here first."
Natalie sighed. "This is what we planned for our vacation; believe me, having you two and Madelyn along wasn't part of the plan but we're willing to deal with it…and you're going to have to deal with it. There's room for all of us. It's not our fault that there was a miscommunication."
Johanna handed Alicia back to Natalie and rose from the sofa. "Where are you going?" Jim asked.
"To pack up our stuff," she said as she headed in the direction of the hallway. "There's no sense fighting something that isn't going to change."
"Change the sheets on the bed," Natalie said, avoiding both of their gazes.
Johanna's cheeks burned with the implication of the statement and as she glanced at Jim, she saw fury blazing in his eyes.
"I can't believe this!" he yelled, startling Alicia. "You all barge in here, make demands and take over and treat us like we're some kind of sex crazed criminals."
"Jim," Johanna said calmly. "Go take a walk and cool down."
His fists were clenched in aggravation as he shook his head. She moved toward him, a hand falling against his chest. "Go on, take some time for yourself; we left our stuff on the bank too, maybe you can get it later after you're calmer. The kids are here, you don't want to upset them. I'll take care of our stuff in here. It's okay."
Jim was so angry but she was right, he didn't want to upset his nieces and nephews. He stalked across the room and stormed out the door.
Johanna sighed regretfully, her gaze drifting toward Natalie. "You know, this really isn't a good place for you and Jim to have part of your vacation," the woman stated.
"Why not?
"Because you already have plenty of black marks against you with Elizabeth," Natalie replied. "You being here is only going to add to it."
"It's not the first time I've been here," Johanna retorted, her defenses rising.
"I doubt she knows…but she'll end up knowing about this time and it's going to be another mark against you…and sleeping in her bed with Jim…that's just wrong. You shouldn't have let him talk you into that. Elizabeth is a bitch most of the time but that's like thumbing your nose at her…and it's going to make her hate you more."
"From what I hear, she isn't very fond of you either and you plan on sleeping in that bed," she replied tartly.
"That may be true but I'm married to her son…and you're not. You two shouldn't have been in her bed; that was wrong. I'm sorry your vacation plans have been a little spoiled but so have ours and we're just all going to have to make the best of it. I like you and I don't have anything against you, but I do ask that you and Jim keep in mind that the kids are here and that they don't need to see or hear more than they apparently already have."
Johanna turned away without comment and resumed her trek to the bedroom, her eyes suddenly burning with tears. It was funny how easily someone could make you feel like trash.
During Jim's absence, Johanna changed the sheets and wiped out every trace of them that had been in the master bedroom. She put his belongings in the boys room and then quietly set up Alicia's playpen and helped Angie put away her things in the room she'd be sharing with the girls. She had taken a look at the guest room and saw how packed full it was and her heart sank. They could try to clean it out so Jim wouldn't have to stay with the boys but it looked like a week long job.
She did her best to stay out of everyone's way, keeping to the girl's room until Angie mentioned that she was hungry. Johanna swiped Jim's car keys and took the girl with her into town to buy more groceries now that they had a full house.
By the time Jim reappeared at the house, Johanna and Angie had returned from the store and she was in the process of preparing dinner. Jim noted that no one was lifting a finger to help her, with the exception of Angie who was standing on a chair beside her at the island, learning how to carefully cut vegetables. He moved to her side and brushed a kiss against her cheek. "Anything I can do to help?" he asked quietly.
"Not at the moment," she replied. "But you can keep us company if you want."
He smiled and planted himself on a stool, content to watch as she gave Angie her cooking lesson. His niece was attentive and clearly enjoying the attention. He was sure that Johanna could've been done faster without her special assistant but she didn't seem to mind the extra time it was taking.
Eventually, Johanna put him to work setting the table and helping her get the food on plates. Dinner was a tense affair, riddled with arguments and snide remarks.
"This wasn't what I planned for the evening," Jim murmured to Johanna as she washed the dishes and he dried.
"I know," she whispered. "We'll make it up later on."
He gave her a tight lipped smile in response, his anger and regret that their vacation had been spoiled overwhelming him.
Once everyone was settled into their rooms for the night, Johanna slipped out the front door and headed for the lake. She had caught sight of Jim from the upstairs window as he had headed in that direction. As she approached the bank, she saw him angrily skipping rocks across the water, fireflies lighting up the rapidly darkening sky. "Hey," she said softly as she neared him.
"Hey," Jim replied gruffly as he skipped another rock across the water.
"I'm sorry that this happened," Johanna murmured as she laid a hand on his arm.
"It's not your fault; you didn't invite them."
"Neither did you," she reminded him. "You fought for us…they just don't take a hint."
"That's the truth," he grumbled. "Sometimes I feel like I'm still 10 years old and getting pushed around by my big brother."
"We all have those moments, honey. Once in awhile Frankie still gets the urge to boss me around…and sometimes he uses Greg to get me to do what he wants."
"Who knew that nieces and nephews would turn into weapons of guilt?" Jim remarked.
She laughed softly. "I guess we didn't read the fine print when we signed up to be aunt and uncle."
"We sure as hell didn't."
Johanna rubbed his arm. "It'll be okay."
Jim shook his head. "It's not going to be as good as it could've been."
"We'll manage."
"I can't believe my mother piled up the guest room," he grumbled. "It's a God damn mess in there."
"Your mother didn't strike me as the pack rat type."
"Oh the attic at home is crammed with stuff," Jim replied. "I guess she needs space so she's hauling some of it up here. The real question is why didn't she put it in the attic?"
"It's like she knew," Johanna jested.
Jim said nothing but the thought that his mother had master minded the interruption of his vacation had been flicking through his mind in an endless loop ever since Michael had said that she was the one he had asked permission from.
"Maybe we can clean the room out tomorrow and stay in there," Johanna suggested.
"That room is packed, Jo; you saw it. We wouldn't be able to get much done with the kids underfoot because you know they'd want to be in on it. Besides, then we'd have to listen to the complaints about us sharing a room."
She sighed. "Then we'll just have to make the best of things."
"Sounds like the story of our lives," he remarked as he wrapped an arm around her waist.
Johanna slipped her arm around him and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "I'm sure there are better times ahead."
"There better be…if anyone pops up unexpectedly at the beach, I'm just going to blow a gasket."
She gave his waist a squeeze. "That wouldn't be pretty."
"You better believe it wouldn't be," he said seriously. "I have a feeling I'll be blowing one before we leave here."
Johanna had that feeling too as she hugged him; she'd do her best to keep things from getting out of hand. She'd do what she could for his sake.
A few days later, Johanna stood in the kitchen, washing the dishes from dinner as Jim occupied the three oldest children outside. 'Princess Madelyn' as she had privately dubbed his sister, was seated at the island with her magazine…doing nothing as usual. To Johanna, it appeared that Madelyn believed she was to be waited on hand and foot. She didn't lift a finger to help with cooking or the clean up. She didn't help with the children. She threw her wet towels wherever it pleased her, hogged the bathroom and more than once she had used all the hot water during her long showers.
Madelyn didn't seem to care about anyone's feelings but her own. She shunned the kids when they wanted her attention; she had even turned the cartoons they were watching on the TV in the den the morning before. She complained incessantly about anything and everything. The worst of her attitude and snide remarks seemed to be directed at Johanna. It didn't matter what she did, Madelyn found fault with it. She didn't like anything she cooked, she didn't like how she folded towels, she didn't like her attempts at conversation. Madelyn didn't seem to like anything…especially her.
Johanna suppressed a sigh; she didn't really know what to make of it. She and Madelyn had gotten along before but now the other woman brimmed with animosity and she didn't think it was just because Madelyn was disgruntled about her plans being upset. Whatever the reason was, she found herself making a concentrated effort not to lash back too often…but that was getting to be a hard rule to stick to.
The sound of blocks tumbling to the floor pulled her from her thoughts and she glanced to the corner where Alicia was playing with her blocks. The little girl rubbed her eye but she didn't cry as Johanna expected her to; instead she began to play again. Johanna rinsed the pot she had been washing, retreating back into her thoughts.
Michael and Natalie didn't seem to have any qualms about taking advantage of their good fortune of finding babysitters at their vacation destination. They were in town enjoying themselves more often than they were at the cabin with their children. At the moment they were in town enjoying a quiet, romantic dinner and had plans for a movie and drinks afterward…while she and Jim were left with the task of feeding the kids their dinner, entertaining them and eventually getting them bathed and put to bed. It looked as though Michael and Natalie's plans always outranked hers and Jim's. They were either left with the children at the cabin with barely a moment's notice or they were joined by some combination of the kids for any outings they did take. Their romantic vacation had gone out the window.
Even their plans to go fishing again had disintegrated. Mikey and Danny had begged to go along and then Michael had decided that he was going along as well. Seeing that it was turning into a men's outing, Johanna had decided to stay behind. She spent the time playing Barbies with Angie on the porch while Natalie and Alicia napped and Madelyn sulked. Jim hadn't been happy…but then again, he hadn't been happy since their guests arrived.
Johanna picked up the dishtowel and began to dry the dishes. She had a feeling that she and Jim had spent more time with the kids than each other. The boys always wanted him outside to play and when Angie didn't join them, she wanted someone to play Barbies and tea party with…and that person seemed to be her since Natalie kept pleading 'vacation' and Madelyn told the girl a flat no and not to bother her. She and Angie also found themselves entertaining Alicia as well. It wasn't the kids fault that their parents had shoved their care off on someone else in the name of vacation. It wasn't fair to them and it wasn't fair to her and Jim; but she didn't say anything; in fact she spent a lot of time biting her tongue for Jim's sake. She could make the best of things…but she saw his aggravation grow daily. She had been elected cook, maid and babysitter. Jim and Madelyn had argued several times and he and Michael weren't getting along as well as they usually did.
She couldn't help but feel like a small part of it was her fault for being there. It seemed as though his siblings support of their relationship only went so far. She was fine for social gatherings and for babysitting…but it felt like they didn't approve of him bringing her to the family vacation home. It made her uncomfortable…it made her feel like they didn't think she was good enough for their brother after all…and then there was that big deal they made about them sharing a room. So much for modern times, she mused. She hated it when people tried to make her feel like she was doing something wrong because she was involved in an intimate relationship with the man she loved…without the benefit of a wedding band.
A soft sigh crossed her lips. Their beach getaway couldn't get there soon enough for her. She loved the kids but she was growing weary of their time together being interrupted…and she missed him at night. She missed their late night talks when they cuddled up together in bed. She missed waking up with him…she missed their intimacy. She just missed him and she was eager to reclaim their vacation. From the corner of her eye, she saw Alicia get to her feet and toddle away from her blocks and toward Madelyn.
"Up, Maddy!" Alicia pleaded as she held her arms up to her aunt.
"You're too big to be wanting held all the time," Madelyn remarked as she continued to flip through her magazine. "Go play with your toys."
Johanna saw Alicia's lip tremble as she looked up at Madelyn. "Pease," the little girl pleaded.
"No; go play."
Alicia whimpered as she lost her balance and fell on her bottom. Tears filled her eyes and she turned her head, spotting Johanna at the counter. She held her arms up. "Up, Jo?"
Johanna smiled and wiped her hands on the dish towel. "Come here, sweetie," she said as she crossed the floor and lifted the toddler into her arms. Alicia smiled, rubbing her eye before she nuzzled into Johanna's neck. "Are you getting sleepy?" she asked her.
"Bath," Alicia said as she remained snuggled against her.
She rubbed a hand against her back; clearly Alicia was ready to settle into her bedtime routines. She glanced at the clock, it was 6:30; she was sure that by the time Alicia was bathed and given her snack that it would be close enough to her bedtime to put her down for the night. "I'll get you bathed," she told her as moved back to the counter. "Let's finish putting these dishes away and then it's bath time, okay?"
Alicia's head bobbed in response. "Mommy?"
"Mommy will be home soon," she replied as she put the plates in the cupboard. "We'll take care of you until she gets back."
"How do you stand to have those kids hanging on you all the time?" Madelyn asked; her gaze on Johanna as she continued to put dishes away with Alicia perched on her hip.
Johanna turned to look at her. "It doesn't bother me. Alicia's only a year and a half, she's still a baby; she wants to be cuddled, especially when she's sleepy."
"And the other three?"
She shrugged. "They're normal kids; they like attention and affection."
"They're too old for that nonsense of hanging on people."
Johanna's eyes narrowed slightly. "They're not constantly hanging on people and they're not too old to want attention and affection. They're good kids."
"Seems to me that every time I look at you there's a kid attached to you," Madelyn remarked. "Especially Angie, she's up your ass every waking moment."
"She is not," she said sharply. "If you look around, you'll notice she isn't in here, she's outside with the boys and Jim. And so what if she was? I'm not someone she sees all the time; I treat her the way she wants to be treated. I give her attention. When I was her age I followed my aunt around in same manner, it wasn't a big deal; all kids do it."
"You're not their aunt," Madelyn retorted snidely.
So it was going to be that way, was it? Johanna thought to herself as her gaze turned cool. "Do you have something you want to say, Madelyn? Because if you do, let's get it out in the open right now."
The other woman shrugged; flicking a lock of caramel colored hair over her shoulder. "I can't help thinking that maybe Mom's right. I mean you do seem to move right in; pitching in at birthday parties, buying gifts for the children, winning them over, charming the men, eating with my grandmother, walking around here like you own the place. Maybe she's right; maybe you are trying to weasel your way into the family. Maybe you do have them all fooled…but you don't fool me or my mother. You've got Jimmy hooked, that's for certain; I guess all that's left is reeling him in enough to get the ring so you can call it a smashing success."
"I wasn't aware of the fact that you had a problem with my relationship with your brother," Johanna retorted. "Not that it's really any of your business. As for fooling people, I think you're the one who owns that job, because I'm seeing your true colors leaking out. I think you're a bit two faced; you act nice and put on a show one time and then the next the knives come out. Well that's fine; I deal with people like you on a daily basis. I'm not now, nor have I ever been, trying to weasel into your family. I have no need to, I have my own family. All I've ever done is be myself; you see my mother raised her children to have manners and to not think we're better than anyone because we're not…just like you're not, Miss High and Mighty. The few gifts I've given these kids are nothing compared to what I spoil my own nephew with. I didn't know it was a crime to get along with people or to try to get know the people that mean the most to the person you love. I love Jim and my only motivation is to be with him as long as he'll have me. It has nothing to do with anything your mother likes to carry on about and fill your head with. You know rumor has it that you complain an awful lot about her attitude and yet you seem to act like her at times. I don't know why you suddenly have a problem with me and I really don't care…"
"You're not family," Madelyn interrupted. "You don't belong here."
"Yeah, I know that's the story for publication," she retorted. "But you know what I think? I think you had plans to sneak someone up here yourself and your plans got ruined when you got here and saw that everyone had the same idea. So now you want to be a bitch to everyone, including four kids who've never done anything to you but love you. None of us is having the vacation we planned but we're making the best of it, except for you of course. As for your earlier point of me not being the kids' aunt, I'm aware of that. You're their aunt and yet you don't act like it."
"Excuse me?" Madelyn said tartly.
"You heard me. Every time one of these kids wants to spend time with you, you give them the brush off. Alicia adores you, watches every move you make and every time you refuse to hold her you're breaking her heart."
"Oh please," she laughed. "She's not even two; she doesn't know anything yet."
"That's what you think," Johanna said sharply. "What about Angie when she asks you to play with her? Do you think it doesn't hurt her feelings when you tell her not to bother you?"
"I'm not playing Barbies; I'm not a child."
Her brow rose. "Are you sure about that? Because I think you pout like a child. What's wrong with playing Barbies with your niece for an hour? Is it beneath you?"
"Yes it is; it's beneath any real adult."
"And yet you didn't mind playing baseball at that picnic last summer."
"That was different; that's sports."
Johanna gave a nod. "I see; and I'll have to beg to differ about it being beneath an adult to play with a child. What's your excuse for ignoring Mikey when he wanted to show you the picture he drew?"
"I'm not interested in childish scribbles but I suppose you are."
"That's right, I am…I have three of them hanging in my office."
"I wasn't aware that the scribbles of children were appropriate art work for a law firm."
"It's my office, I can decorate it any way I please," she remarked. "Danny asked you to read him a story last night; you told him no."
"I don't sing lullabies and I don't read stories," Madelyn retorted. "That's Natalie's job.
"I think it's the job of every person who's involved in a child's life. I'd like to think that you're only treating them this way because you're pissed off about your plans being ruined but I've been to three birthday parties where you've acted the same way. You give the gift, the required hug and kiss and then you don't want to be bothered. You're an aunt in name only so don't act offended when they look for that type of affection elsewhere."
"Why don't you mind your own business? Better yet, why don't you go be with your own family? You're not needed here…and you can feel free to take my brother with you, it won't bother me at all."
"You'd love for us all to leave, wouldn't you?" Johanna replied. "Then you can make a phone call and get your plans back on track. Why is it so important that your little rendezvous happen here? Why don't you take it somewhere else?"
"Because I should have a right to come here just like everyone else!"
"You do," she told her; "But Jim said that you don't like it up here…so why stay? Why make plans to come up here for a getaway? Surely there are places you like better that you could've gone to. What are you hiding, Madelyn? Who were you sneaking up here?"
Madelyn raised her chin smugly. "The man I'm seeing, not that it's any of your business."
Johanna nodded. "I see…and why is this man such a secret? Jim's had his suspicions for awhile that you were seeing someone. Why haven't you introduced him to anyone? Why don't you mention him or want to be seen with him?"
"That's my business. Maybe I don't flaunt my relationships like some people I could name…like you and Jim."
She wasn't ready to let Madelyn off the hook yet; she deserved to suffer a little for the way she had been treating everyone. "Is this man someone you think the family won't approve of? Does he have a job your mother will deem beneath you?"
"No," she spat.
"Does he have a criminal record?"
"Of course not!"
"Is he younger than you?"
"No."
"A different race?"
"No."
Johanna paused as she came to the one she suspected. "He's married isn't he?"
Madelyn's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes shooting daggers at her. Johanna gave a quiet laugh as she shook her head. "I'm right, aren't I? You're seeing a married man, that's why you wanted to come up here…no prying eyes, no questions to be asked, no worries of being caught. Am I right, Madelyn? Is your man married?"
"It's a bad marriage," she remarked.
Johanna scoffed. "I guess so when you're a cheating lout."
"You don't know anything about him! His wife is horrible, she doesn't understand him."
"Really? That's the oldest line in the book, Madelyn. If she's so horrible, why doesn't he just get a divorce?"
"Because of the kids," she retorted.
"Oh my God, he's got kids too. Does he know that you don't like kids?"
"Yes! And he said he doesn't care because he's not too crazy about them either."
"Then why is his children a reason to stay in this marriage?" Johanna asked. "Why doesn't he do them all a favor and walk away?"
"Because it wouldn't look good for his career," Madelyn stated as if the answer should be obvious.
"And what is his career?"
Madelyn clamped her mouth shut as Johanna eyed her. "Hmm, must be something big if you think his occupation can identify him."
"He wants to go into politics," she said tersely.
"That figures," Johanna remarked. "Politicians are career liars."
"Like lawyers aren't?" the other woman retorted.
She smiled coolly. "Hey, I'm not the one screwing a married man, you are."
The smug smile on Madelyn's lips faded. "He loves me."
"I have a feeling he only loves himself…if he really loved you, he'd do the right thing by his wife and you."
"It must be nice to be perfect like you!"
"I never claimed to be perfect. You're the one walking around here acting like it was a crime for Jim to bring me here to a family home when all the while you had planned to sneak in your married boyfriend. Elizabeth would drop dead if she found out you're seeing a married man."
"She better not find out," Madelyn warned. "If she does, I'll know it's because of you and I'll come after you."
Johanna laughed. "Oh, I'm shaking with fear at the thought."
"You don't think I'd come after you?"
"You can come," Johanna replied; "But make sure you bring someone to pick you up off the floor when you do. I assure you that I know how to throw a punch."
Madelyn glared at her. "You just keep your damn mouth shut."
"I'm not telling anyone anything," she told her; "But I expect you to watch your step for the rest of the time we're here because I'm only going to take so much of your snide little remarks before I pick up the phone and notify Elizabeth Beckett about the kind of woman she raised. She's good for criticizing me and wanting to call my mother and tell her what she thinks of me; well maybe she ought to look closer to home."
"So now you're going to blackmail me?" Madelyn asked. "That reeks of the trashiness that my mother accuses you of."
"No; I'm not going to blackmail you; I said if you don't back off I'd call and tell your mother and I mean it. And if anything reeks, honey, it's your married man who doesn't have any respect for his wife and children…and no respect for you."
"I know what I'm doing," she declared.
"I hope you do," Johanna replied. "Because I think you're going to be in for a world of hurt. I'm sure you can find a man more worthy of you, Madelyn. Why would you do this to yourself?"
"Spare me the sisterly advice," Madelyn retorted. "You're not my sister and you never will be…regardless of it Jim's stupid enough to marry you. I used to think you might be good for my brother but I don't anymore. You're so fake; you act all sweet and nice but I can see the bitch in you."
"It takes a bitch to know one," Johanna replied. "If anyone's fake, it's you. You're two faced. You ought to be glad that your brother's happy…he wants you to be happy, but you seem determined to make people miserable just like your mother and I think maybe that's because you know what you're doing is wrong. I think somewhere inside you know you're not cut out to carry on a long term secret affair with a man who clearly never intends to make a real commitment with you."
"Go to hell, you bitch," Madelyn seethed as she slid off the stool she had been perched on.
Johanna's eyes narrowed. "You first."
The back door opened and Jim and the kids came inside before Madelyn could respond. "Is there a problem?" Jim asked as he picked up on the tension in the room.
Johanna smiled. "No problem; I was just getting ready to take Alicia in for her bath, now that Angie's back, I'll help them both and you can help the boys."
He nodded and directed his attention to the kids. "Take your shoes off by the door so you don't track dirt through the house."
"Don't you think you're a little old to be playing in dirt?" Madelyn asked tartly as she surveyed the dirt on her brother's clothes.
Jim eyed her. "Don't start, Lyn; I'm not in the mood for anymore of your crap tonight. Maybe you ought to go jump in the lake and cool yourself off."
"Why don't you go jump in it and take your girlfriend with you?"
"Knock it off, Madelyn," he said sharply. "I'm not doing this with you tonight."
"Come on, Jim," Johanna said as she moved away from the counter. "Let's get the kids bathed and settled for the evening.
He nodded and they each took their designated charges to get baths while Madelyn remained alone in the kitchen, stewing with anger that someone knew her secret.
After making sure the kids were asleep, Johanna stepped out onto the porch, quietly closing the screen door behind her before she moved to the far end of the porch where Jim was standing, his hands gripping the wooden railing. "What are you thinking about?" she asked softly as she laid her hand on top of his. Madelyn had made a few snide remarks to him as they tended to the kids but she felt that his mood was deeper than that.
"Nothing good," he answered.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not here…my sister has a past history of eavesdropping and I wouldn't doubt it that she's near a window just waiting to listen to every word we say."
Johanna squeezed his hand. "Then let's go for a walk."
"What about the kids?"
"They're asleep…and Madelyn's in there if they need something."
Jim took her hand as he nodded, gently tugging her along with him. They were silent as they walked away from the house and she could feel the tension that filled his body. He stopped when they got to the bank of the small lake and he pulled at her hand, urging her to sit down with him.
Johanna kicked off her flip flops and dipped her feet into the water. "That feels good," she sighed as the cool water enveloped her feet.
"Does it?"
"Mhmm, it's just right."
"I'm glad something is," Jim remarked gruffly.
She rubbed her hand against his arm. "What's wrong?"
"Everything," he answered. "I wanted this to be good…I wanted us to be alone."
"We had some alone time," Johanna soothed.
"Not as much as I wanted. We were here first…I feel like they should've left."
"I think your sister's staying to be spiteful. She's hoping we'll all leave so she can carry out whatever plans she had," she told him, not even considering the idea of spilling Madelyn's secret. It wasn't her business and she hoped that as long as no one knew then maybe Madelyn would wise up and get herself out of that situation.
"Oh I see the spitefulness," he replied. "It's been a long time since I've seen her act this badly. I see her being catty to you and it irritates the hell out of me. It's uncalled for."
"I can handle her," she remarked.
"I know you can but you shouldn't have to. She never acted like this around you before. She always seemed like she supported our relationship…I thought you could be friends."
Johanna laid her head on his shoulder and wrapped an arm around his midsection in a makeshift hug. "She's just mad right now…and I think your mother has been filling her head with nonsense."
"I don't doubt that," he muttered. "Sometimes Lyn acts just like her. She doesn't see it but the rest of us do."
She brushed a kiss against the underside of his jaw. "It's okay."
"It's not."
"Honey, don't let your sister upset you so much. She's been catty and I don't really like how she treats the kids but it's nothing I can't handle. Madelyn wants to make everyone miserable because she's mad."
"She's succeeding."
"Don't let her."
"It's too late," he replied.
She gave a soft laugh. "It'll be okay."
"I don't know about that."
"What else is bugging you?" Johanna asked.
"Michael and Natalie."
"What about them?"
"They should've left."
"Apparently they don't agree."
"Why should they?" he asked. "If they stay they have free babysitters. They're off enjoying a date and we're stuck with the kids. I feel like we've been stuck with them the whole time. It's not the kids fault and it's not that I mind spending time with them…it's just…."
"It's just what?" she murmured.
"It's just that I feel like Michael and Natalie saw us and saw the opportunity for themselves to have a lot of free time. They're slipping off every chance they get while we have their kids. You're cooking for everyone…"
"I don't mind," she interrupted. "I like cooking and you know I planned on cooking for us."
"I know, but I didn't plan on you having to cook every meal. I was going to take you into town a few times to eat. You shouldn't have to be cooking big meals to feed everyone. We shouldn't have had to change rooms to suit everyone…we shouldn't have to sleep in separate rooms like we're teenagers," Jim stated as he pulled a few blades of grass and twisted them with his fingers. "Everything's gone wrong. We were supposed to be getting away from everything and everybody and yet here we are in the thick of the family. I'm waiting on Andrew to show up next."
Johanna smiled at him. "As long as it isn't your mother."
Jim chuckled quietly. "If she shows up, I'm going out there in the middle of the lake and end it all."
"I can't let you do that," she giggled. "You're not leaving me behind with all of them."
"You're right, I can't leave you to that fate," he laughed as he wrapped an arm around her and tucked her against his side. "I feel bad though; when we came up her after New Years I told you that I'd bring you back this summer…I wanted it to be good."
"It hasn't been bad."
"Not the first day and a half…but the rest hasn't been very good."
She could still feel tension in his body and she curled her hand around his hip in response to it. "We can leave," she said softly. "We could come back some other time."
"I've been thinking about it," Jim remarked. "But our reservation for the beach doesn't start for another three days."
"We can find somewhere else to go until then. I'm sure we can find something to do."
He gave a slight nod. "Maybe that would be best. I can't help but feel like this wasn't an accident."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean it wouldn't be like my mother not to tell Dad that she had told Michael that they could come up here…and I know my Dad; he would've told her that he already said I could have the cabin this week and that she should call and tell Michael to wait until next weekend. Knowing her, she told him that she called when really she didn't, letting them come up here on purpose to spoil our plans."
She sighed softly. "I hadn't thought of that…I wish I could say that it wasn't possible but we both know that it is."
He gave a nod. "I know…and I've been thinking it the whole time."
A plan began to formulate in Johanna's mind. "I think we've earned the right to have a fun night," she told him.
Jim angled his head to look at her. "What do you have in mind, sweetheart?"
She smiled. "Maybe a late night swim."
He grinned. "That sounds appealing…the question is, can we get away with it without being interrupted?"
Johanna's eyes sparkled merrily. "Of course we can; since we're being treated like teenagers that need to be chaperoned, we'll just do what teenagers do."
"Meaning?"
"Sneak out when everyone is asleep," she answered.
Jim laughed. "Now that's a good idea. You know, if we get in the car and go down the road a little piece, there's an old dirt road that cuts off and goes deeper into the woods and comes out at this little clearing. The water isn't as deep there and you can see the moon a little better. It's secluded…nobody would know we were there. You can't see the place from the main road."
She smiled as she shifted to see him better. "We could take some blankets and a basket of food in case we get hungry."
"That sounds good; what time should we go?"
"How about midnight?" she asked; excitement fluttering within her.
"Perfect," he murmured before capturing her lips in a long, sweet kiss. "I love how your mind works."
"It has its moments," she quipped, her fingertips grazing against his cheek.
"More than just moments," he replied; drawing her back for another kiss. "You make sure you wear your bikini…I haven't gotten to see you in it nearly enough."
"I will be wearing it at the beach, you know," she laughed.
"I don't care; I don't want to squander any opportunities…did you only bring one?"
"No," Johanna giggled. "I brought a few."
"The hot pink one from last year?" he asked hopefully.
"Maybe," she teased, her lips brushing his.
"Sounds like a yes to me," he remarked, his hand beginning to roam her figure slowly. "Wear it tonight."
"Say the magic word," Johanna whispered; her tone flirtatious.
"I demand you wear it," he laughed while trailing kisses along the curve of her face.
"That's not the magic word."
"Please," he said dramatically; his mouth skimming against her throat.
"Please what?"
"Please wear the hot pink."
She laughed. "That's not the answer."
Jim gave her a grin. "Please wear it or I'll call my mother to come up here and then you'll be sorry."
"Now that's just cruel," she exclaimed, giving his shoulder a shove.
"Cruel but effective…right?"
"I guess you'll just have to wait and find out," she retorted, giving him another playful shove.
"You want to play that way?" he asked, giving her a light shove back.
Her brow rose in challenge. "Maybe I do," she answered, reaching out and giving his shoulder another soft shove.
He returned the gesture and then tickled her before she could retaliate, making her laugh as she tried desperately to get the upper hand. She used both hands to shove against him, pushing him down, but he caught her off guard, wrapping an arm around her waist and rolling her beneath him, pinning her hands to the ground. "I've got you now, Sassy," he said triumphantly. "Now you have to surrender."
"Never," she said as she squirmed, trying to free herself.
"You can't win," he told her. "You must wear the pink or be subjected to my mother; what's it going to be?"
"The pink," she laughed.
"That's what I thought," he gloated as he released her hands.
Johanna laughed, her hands moving to fist the material of his shirt as she looked up at him. He smiled down at her, his hand moving to brush back a lock of hair from her face and then he lowered his head and kissed her. The spark ignited, their kisses lingering as they forgot their troubles for a few minutes. His hand had slipped beneath her shirt and was exploring her slowly as her fingers dug into his back, the world around them forgotten until a voice shattered the quiet that had surrounded them.
"Some babysitters you two are," Michael stated.
They jerked apart, annoyance flicking across his face as he eyed his brother. "Do you mind?" he asked him.
"A little when you're supposed to be watching my kids," Michael replied.
"They're asleep," Johanna stated as she straightened her top. "And Madelyn's with them."
"And who said we wanted the job of being your babysitters anyway?" Jim asked. "This is supposed to be our vacation too."
"It doesn't hurt you to do me a favor," his brother replied. "Natalie and I have to take our opportunities when they present themselves. You two could've waited until we got back; you know Madelyn isn't the warmest person these days."
Jim got to his feet and held a hand out to Johanna to help her up. "Yeah; I know all about your opportunities," he retorted. "That's why you didn't want us to leave, you saw your chance for free babysitters."
"You'll do the same thing when you have kids."
He scoffed. "I'm going to make sure it's you that I do it to."
"I don't know what the big deal is," Michael remarked. "All you had to do was feed them, entertain them and then put them to bed."
"It's clear that you don't get it," Jim replied. "We were here first and then you had to come and horn in on our vacation."
His brother sighed. "Are we really going to go through all of that again? It's bad enough it's a daily spiel from Madelyn. It's not my fault that there was some miscommunication along the way. I'm the oldest and I have a family, so if anyone should've left, it should've been you."
Jim shook his head. "Not when I was here first and what does having a wife and kids have to do with it?"
"It means this is a family home, a destination suitable for children and not your private love shack."
Jim felt Johanna stiffen at his side and he knew that she was thinking that the comment was a thinly veiled way of saying they were doing something wrong…that it was being implied that she didn't have a good moral character. "I don't think I like what you're implying," he stated. "We came here to get away until it was time for us to go to the beach. We're adults, what we do is our business and we don't need anyone's permission. What's with you all of a sudden? Are you adopting Mom's old fashioned attitude?"
"No," Michael retorted. "I don't care what you two do in your spare time. I just don't want it going on while my kids are under the same roof."
"You're such a hypocrite," Jim replied.
"I'm not being a hypocrite. I'm just saying that it's better for an unmarried couple to have separate rooms when there are kids around."
"Because we don't know how to lock a door, right?" he asked. "How is us sharing a room any different from them knowing that you and Natalie sleep in the same room? Do you really think that we'd let them see or hear anything they shouldn't? We have more respect for them and ourselves than that. It's too bad no one else has any."
"It's different because Natalie and I are married," Michael stated. "I think too much is being made out of this. I only came looking for you because we came home and you weren't there…you're supposed to be with my kids."
"The kids are fine," Jim said firmly. "Johanna fed them and took care of Alicia while I took the other three out to play for awhile. We bathed them, gave them their snack, read them a story and put them to bed. Madelyn's in the house, she's capable of getting someone a drink of water. What more do you want?"
Michael sighed. "You're like a brick wall sometimes, you know that? You get that from Mom."
"Insulting me isn't going to get you anywhere. The kids weren't left unattended. If you're worried about the care they're getting then stay home and take care of them."
"You're in a hell of a mood," his brother remarked.
"I can't imagine why."
"I can," Michael stated. "I think it has to do with separate bedrooms."
"You act like that's all we do!" Jim exclaimed.
Johanna laid a hand on his arm. "Jim," she said softly. "Let's just leave in the morning, okay?"
"We are," he replied, taking her hand as he glanced back at his brother. "I love those kids and I enjoy spending time with them but you and Natalie were taking advantage. I hope you enjoyed yourselves tonight because you're back on the clock tomorrow."
"You don't need to run off," his brother said. "We can work things out so we all can enjoy ourselves."
"It's too late for that," he replied. "And if you want to think less of me for it, so be it."
"Alright, little brother," Michael said. "I see you're in the mood to be stubborn so we'll talk about it some other time."
"There's nothing to talk about," he stated, tugging Johanna along with him as he headed back in the direction of the house.
Johanna squeezed his hand, feeling the tension in his body once again. "Do you want to leave tonight?" she whispered.
He shook his head. "No; we have plans."
Her gaze met his. "You still want to?"
Jim smiled. "More than anything."
The corner of her lips tipped upwards in a smile. "Midnight?"
He gave a nod. "Midnight."
"What do you think?" Jim asked that night as he and Johanna looked at the view of the clearing that he had brought her to.
"It's perfect," she replied. "It's like a little hidden treasure."
He slipped his arm around her waist. "It's all ours for the night…no relatives, no kids, no interruptions."
Johanna smiled. "I'm so glad we came."
"Me too," he said, breathing a sigh of relief as peace surrounded them.
Her gaze darted to the dark woods that surrounded the clearing. "There aren't any bears or anything, are there?"
"No, I wouldn't have brought you here if there were bears. They stay further up in the mountains. There's probably a few deer running around but they won't hurt you."
"I can handle Bambi," she replied. "But I don't want to see any bears."
"You won't," he promised.
Her mind at ease, Johanna walked back to the car and got out their beach towels before kicking off her flip flops. She stripped off her shorts and tank top, revealing her pink bikini.
"Thank you," Jim said appreciatively as his gaze moved over her.
She smirked at him. "Happy now?"
"Very," he stated as he moved towards her.
Johanna dodged his hands. "Are we going swimming or not?" she giggled.
He sighed. "I suppose if that's first on your list…"
"Well I am the one who suggested a midnight swim," she reminded him.
"That's true…and I wouldn't want it said that I deprived you of your plans."
She held her hand out to him. "Then let's go."
Jim took her hand and led her to the bank of the lake. "You said it isn't as deep in this spot," Johanna said. "Is it deep enough for diving?"
"Yeah; it's deep enough, go ahead."
"You first," Johanna told him. "If you don't kill yourself then I'll dive in."
Jim smirked at her as he swatted her backside. "It's good to know how much you trust my word."
"I trust you completely on important things," she giggled. "But other things need tested."
Jim edged toward her with a wicked grin. "What are you doing?" she asked as she backed away.
"Nothing, sweetheart; you can trust me."
"Not with that tone of voice I can't," she laughed.
'Sure you can, come here."
"No."
"Come on," he goaded.
"No!" she exclaimed as she started to run from him.
He easily caught her and she found herself swept up into his arms. "Jim, don't you dare," she exclaimed as he carried her toward the edge of the bank.
"I'm just helping you dive in," he laughed as he tossed her into the lake.
Johanna screamed as she hit the water and when she broke the surface, she tried to glare at him but failed as laughter spilled from her lips. "Jim Beckett, I'll get you for that!"
Jim laughed and dove into the water, swimming toward her but keeping out of sight as she searched for him. He grabbed her, making her scream once more.
"Got you twice!" he said as he grinned victoriously.
Johanna splashed water in his face. "The night isn't over yet; there's plenty of time for revenge."
They swam and played in the water, the moonlight bright as it shone upon them. Eventually they tired of their games and swam back to the bank and pulled themselves out of the water for a break.
Johanna spread out the blankets they had brought and they settled down with the cooler of food they had quietly packed and brought along for a moonlit picnic. They spent their time speaking of unimportant things, relaxing as they teased each other, stealing kisses and flirting; recapturing the moments they'd been denied. Clouds began to slide across the moon, the wind picking up and a rumble of thunder sounded in the distance.
"Oh no," Johanna muttered. "I'm not ready to head back yet."
"We'll just wait in the car," Jim told her as he helped her gather up their stuff to throw back in the trunk. "It might just be a quick thunderstorm moving through we can wait it out."
"What if it's a long storm?"
"We'll still wait it out," he replied. "We'll be safe in the car…I'm sure we can find ways to amuse ourselves."
She eyed him as the first raindrops hit her skin. "I have a feeling I know where this might be heading."
Jim smiled. "But you'll never know for sure unless you get in."
"In the back, right?" she quipped as she moved to the open door he was standing beside.
"It's cozier."
"Uh huh."
"Get in," he laughed; "Unless you want to stand out here in the rain instead of being with me."
Johanna smiled and shook her head as she climbed in the car. "This feels like one of those moments my mother warned me about."
"It's a good thing you don't listen to her," he remarked as he climbed in after her and shut the door. "I wouldn't want you feeling guilty in the morning."
She laughed. "I never feel guilty with you."
As the storm swept across the area, steam coated the windows of Jim's car, partially blocking out the flashes of lightning in the distance. Through the static of the radio, the Guess Who's These Eyes drifted through the speakers, mingling with the rumbles of thunder as they made love in the backseat. It wasn't the ideal spot for such things, Johanna mused when it was over, she didn't like feeling so confined when it came to space…but she couldn't deny that it had been a perfect moment. Her hand found Jim's, their fingers entwining as she smiled up at him, a breathless 'I love you' on her lips.
He kissed her tenderly, his fingers gently squeezing hers as he prolonged the moment for as long as possible. He felt a trickle of sweat slide down his back and took note of the slickness of her skin against his. Jim pulled away reluctantly and cracked the window, a cool, rain scented breeze swept through the car, obliterating the humid air inside and caressing Johanna's heated skin, making her shiver in response. A rumble of thunder echoed in the distance, the rain slowing to an intermittent pattern of raindrops against the glass. He smiled at her as he turned back to her, his hand falling against her hip in a loving caress. She smiled in return, shifting onto her side to make room for him as he moved to settle in next to her. He captured her lips in a soft, tender kiss that lingered as he revealed in the feel of her tucked so closely against him. She fit so perfectly, like she was modeled to fit every angle and plane of his body whether they were making love or just holding one another. His hand tangled in her hair once more, her bobby pins long since lost and the ponytail holder as well. He was glad for it, he mused as he kissed her again; he liked her hair down anyway.
"You know, I don't usually do this," Johanna murmured, her tone sassy, matching the smile that tilted her lips upwards.
"Do what?" he asked; his hand leaving her hair and moving to rest against her waist.
"Carry on these types of liaisons in backseats," she remarked, her lips skimming against his as her hand splayed against his bare chest.
Jim laughed quietly. "Well, sweetheart, if we're going to be chaperoned like teenagers and sneak out like teenagers, we may as well go all the way in the backseat like teenagers."
"I guess you have a point," she said before stealing another kiss.
"Of course; I'm always right about these things."
She laughed and squirmed as his fingers hit a ticklish spot. "That may be but we're not going to make this a habit; it's not very comfortable."
"Seemed incredible to me," he breathed, his head dipping to press kisses against her collar bone.
Johanna sighed contentedly, her eyes closing as his hand continued to roam, his mouth warm against her skin as he gave his attention to her neck. "It was amazing, no doubt about it," she whispered.
His smug laughter filled her ear. "Just what the doctor ordered."
Johanna giggled in response. "It has been lonely the last few nights."
"Tell me about it," he muttered. "I can't stand having to have separate rooms. I miss you…and not just because of this…but because I want to be with you…I like falling asleep with you."
"Me too," she whispered. "I miss our talks at night."
Jim caught her lips in another kiss. "We'll be out of here by noon," he promised. "Although at the moment I could just stay right here."
"I guess I had a good idea about having tonight to ourselves," she gloated.
He laughed. "Is this where I bow to your greatness?"
"No," she grinned. "I think you've sufficiently worshipped me for the moment."
"Are you sure? Because I can always start over," he quipped.
"I'm sure," she giggled. "Besides, I told you we weren't going to make this a habit…backseats are too confining for my taste."
"But they do in a pinch," Jim replied. "You know you enjoyed it."
"I believe I already confirmed that…but I still prefer somewhere more spacious."
"I understand," he said; "But sometimes you have to compromise when a need arises."
She laughed. "And is this a compromise you've thought up on your own or did you have help from that associate who sometimes drives your thinking?"
"We have no comment about that statement."
"Uh huh."
"But you have to admit, sweetheart; sometimes you just have to make do with what you have at hand…and backseats are pretty handy for these emergencies."
"I didn't realize that we were having an emergency," Johanna replied with a laugh.
"We were definitely having an emergency…it rained; trapping us in the car…we had to create warmth to make it through the storm."
"It's summer, honey; we weren't in danger of freezing."
"If you had shunned me, I'm pretty sure I would've felt the chill in the air," he remarked.
"But I didn't shun you."
He nodded. "That's because you understood that it was an emergency situation and warmth was needed…we did have to get out of those wet clothes…you'd be cold in that wet bikini."
She shook her head at him. "You always have a way to justify it, don't you?"
Jim grinned at her. "Anytime, anywhere."
"I once again have that feeling of having sold my soul to the devil."
"I'm a gentle devil, sweetheart; you have nothing to fear."
Her fingers skimmed against his chest. "We're still not doing this all the time."
"You're right," he said with a nod. "We should save this for special occasions.'
Johanna smirked at him. "Says the man who looked in my underwear drawer and remarked that everything looked like a special occasion to him."
Jim tickled her. "That statement stands," he laughed as she tried to wiggle away from him but found herself with nowhere to go. "And I meant that this would be our special vacation thing."
"Are you getting too cheap to take me to a hotel?" she teased.
"Not at all; I assure you that there's a very nice hotel in your future."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"Me too," he murmured as he captured her hand and pressed a kiss against her palm. "Now that the rain has stopped, how about another swim?"
She wrinkled her nose as she thought of her damp bikini lying on the floor of the car. "I don't like putting a wet bathing suit back on."
A wicked smile spread across his lips. "Then don't put it on."
Her eyes widened slightly. "What?"
"You don't really need it."
"You don't think so?"
"No; it would just get in the way."
"How do you figure?" she asked.
"Honey, everyone knows you're not supposed to wear clothes when you're skinny dipping."
Johanna shook her head. "No, no, no."
"Come on," he goaded. "You know you want to."
"Nope."
"It'll be fun."
"I'm not going to do it."
"Haven't you ever done it before?" he asked.
"No! And I don't intend to break that habit."
Jim chuckled. "You've led a sheltered life, sweetheart; I have to teach you about baseball, I have to teach you skinny dipping…emergencies…."
She smirked at him. "You're probably surprised that you didn't have to teach me more important things."
He caught her meaning and grinned. "Don't underestimate me, I can teach you plenty of things…and then you can teach me some things…there's nothing more beautiful than mutual teaching."
She smacked his shoulder. "You're so bad."
"That's not what you were saying earlier; would you like me to quote you?"
"No! And you know what I meant."
Jim laughed. "So about that swim?"
"Not happening."
"Come on; it'll be fun and adventuress. No one's going to see us, it's still dark and you can't see this place in the daylight anyway."
"Have you done it before?" she asked as she eyed him.
"Yes," he answered.
"With who?"
He smiled. "Is that jealousy I detect in that tone and the narrowing of those pretty eyes, sweetheart?"
"No; just undying curiosity."
"It was with a lot of people."
Her brow rose. "Is that right?"
"It was a drunken college party," he told her. "It would be much more fun and special with you."
"Uh huh."
"I'm serious," he laughed. "Come on, let's do it…no one will ever know but us."
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because I do not make a habit of walking around naked."
"You'll only be walking to the bank naked, after that you'll be in the water."
"There's still that matter of being naked."
"I don't see that as an issue," he replied. "You're naked now."
"In a dark car…and I'm wedged between the back of the seat and you, I feel a little covered."
He smiled, his hand gliding over the curve of her hip. "Sweetheart, you're gorgeous; why do want to hide your body all the time?"
"I don't hide it; if I did I wouldn't be wearing bikinis."
"You know what I mean," he said with a quiet laugh. "You're fine not having clothes on in bed but the second its time to get up; you have the sheet wrapped around you until you find something on the floor to put on…like I haven't seen everything that you have."
"Well maybe the show's over at a certain time, did you ever think of that?" she asked.
"It doesn't need to be over, especially when it's just the two of us behind locked doors."
"I wasn't raised to walk around naked."
"I wasn't suggesting making it an all day habit, I'm just saying, you don't have to be so modest."
"I'm afraid I'm too set in my ways about that. You're lucky I walk around in bikinis…I got grounded for the first one I owned."
"Your father?" he questioned.
"Yes; there was a lot of yelling involved. I'm lucky it didn't put me off bikinis completely."
Jim laughed. "Well I can't really blame him; after all, you're his daughter and he doesn't want people leering at you….but since he's not here and I've been given your express permission to leer at you, let's have some fun and go for it."
"I don't think so," she replied. "And as for your earlier statement, I'm not gorgeous, not even close."
"Now that's where you're wrong," he remarked. "I don't know what you see when you look in the mirror but what I see is perfect and gorgeous and no one can compare and I don't want to hear a word otherwise."
A shy smile touched her lips. "You're not too bad yourself," she whispered, brushing a kiss against his lips.
He smiled. "You noticed."
Johanna rolled her eyes. "Can't even pay you a compliment without your head swelling with conceitedness."
"A dip in the lake might take me down a few pegs," he goaded.
"By all means, go right ahead," she laughed.
"Not without you; skinny dipping isn't any fun alone…you can wrap the towel around you until we get to the water."
"Jim," she sighed.
"You know you want to."
"I don't think so."
"I know the real reason you won't go skinny dipping with me," he stated.
"What's that?" she asked.
Jim smiled smugly. "You're chicken."
"I am not!" she exclaimed in outrage.
"Yes you are; you're just a chicken…so much for that sassy badass image of yours."
"I don't have to be naked to be badass."
"But a true badass doesn't care if she's naked or not," he goaded. "Chickens on the other hand always want to fluff up their feathers."
Her lips curved into a smirk. "You better watch it, jackass or you're going to be offering condolences to your 'associate' as term him."
"Hey sweetheart, it's not my fault that you talk the talk but don't walk the walk. It's alright, I love you anyway…you know I'm fond of chicken."
She slapped his arm. "I am not chicken!"
"Prove it," he grinned. "Show me that Sassy McKenzie doesn't back down from a dare."
"Oh, now it's a dare?" she asked.
"I think it almost has to be," he laughed. "I mean you are the one displaying chicken tendencies."
Johanna glared at him and gave him a shove, making him laugh as he had to grab the back of the front seat to keep from falling off the seat he was sharing with her. "Getting feisty?" he asked. "I heard chickens were unpredictable."
"That's it," she stated as she rose up and reached over him to grab one of the towels that had been thrown in the front of the car. "Let's go…let's see if you turn chicken at the last minute."
Jim laughed. "Hey, it was my idea, I'm not afraid to skinny dip."
"I'm not afraid either!"
"Then let's stop talking and go," he replied.
"Open the damn door and we will," she retorted.
"Alright," he stated with a grin as he got up from the seat. She wrapped the towel around her before following his lead and climbing back up front to get out of the car. She hesitated for a split second as he got out of the car and held his hand out to her. "Change your mind?" he asked.
"Never," Johanna replied as she got out, keeping the towel clutched tightly around her.
He took her hand. "Be careful walking, the grass is slippery."
"I can't believe we're doing this," she muttered.
"You're the one who wanted us to have fun," he quipped. "You have to go big or go home."
"That's the same motto that got you kicked out of the boy scouts."
"So you know it's been tested," he laughed as they came to edge of the lake. "You ready?"
"You go first," Johanna told him. "I'm not jumping in until you're in there, I'm not going to have you change your mind and me be the only one in there naked."
"Alright," he said, giving her a hand a squeeze before he released it and dove into the water. "See nothing to it," he told her.
"Is the water colder now that it rained?" she asked; keeping the towel wrapped around her.
"No; the water's just fine…you're not backing down are you?"
"And be branded a chicken for the rest of my life? I don't think so," Johanna remarked; her chin jutting up a notch in arrogance.
Jim grinned. "Then come on in, sweetheart."
She gathered her courage, keeping her eyes on him as she allowed the towel to drop to the ground.
"And you think you're not gorgeous," Jim stated, his eyes glued to her as she stood on the bank, the light of the moon casting her aglow. "You're the prettiest thing I've ever seen."
A blush spread across her cheeks and she fought the urge to grab the towel and wrap it back around herself but she pushed away the bout of modesty as he moved closer to the bank's edge and reached for her to help her into the water. She gave in, allowing him to gently pull her into the lake with him. Her breath caught for a moment as the cool water lapped against her skin.
"That wasn't so bad now, was it?" he asked smugly.
She smirked at him as her arms looped around his neck. "For a brief moment there, I thought about kissing you but I think maybe I won't now."
"Oh I think you will," he stated, his arms tightening around her waist as she made a show of trying to slip away.
"You think so?"
"Mhmm."
She grinned at him. "Prove it."
Jim laughed as she threw his words back in his face and as her giggles filled the air, he caught her lips in a passionate kiss. "See, told you so," he remarked.
"That's my line," she retorted.
"That may be…but for tonight, it and you are mine," Jim stated.
A lazy smile spread across her lips. "That suits me just fine."
As the sky began to lighten, Jim and Johanna were still in the water. She looped her arms around his neck as they watched the sky lighten into shades of pink and gold as the sun slowly rose, casting the world aglow around them.
"Beautiful," Johanna murmured as the first rays touched the water, the morning songs of birds filling the air.
"It is," Jim agreed as he tightened his hold on her. "It's the kind of moment I was hoping we'd have more of here."
She kissed him. "We had this one and it's perfect…the sun rises over the ocean too, you know."
He smiled. "I know. I'm sure we'll make up some sunrises and sunsets at the next stop."
A sassy grin spread across her lips. "I'd say we're already off to a good start," she murmured seductively as she pressed herself closer to him, the water lapping against their skin.
Jim caught her lips in a kiss. "You know, it's still very early…there's no need for us to hurry back."
"I know," she murmured, stealing another kiss.
He laughed softly as he nuzzled her hair. "I thought you claimed you weren't that kind of girl…that we weren't making a certain location a habit…"
Amusement sparkled in her eyes. "I make exceptions when I'm on vacation…but if you don't want to indulge…"
"I didn't say that," Jim remarked with a laugh. "You can't get out of it now."
"Good, I didn't want to," Johanna replied as she slipped away from him to begin the swim toward the bank. "We better get a move on."
Jim watched her slice through the water for a few moments, enjoying the sight and reveling in the moment before he followed behind her.
By the time Jim and Johanna returned to the house, breakfast was taking place. Conversation in the kitchen ceased as they stepped through the back door but Jim had heard the words 'running off like a couple of kids' before their appearance had silenced the talk.
"Where were you?" Michael asked as he pinned his gaze on his brother.
"Out," he answered as he took the cooler to the sink to empty it.
"Out where?"
"Out for a swim and a picnic," Johanna remarked while putting the basket away.
"In the dark?" Natalie asked.
"That's the best time," she replied. "There's a sense of peace."
"What about the thunderstorm? Was that peaceful?" Madelyn asked tartly.
Johanna smiled. "I found it to be exhilarating."
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" his sister muttered.
"We took refuge in the car," Jim remarked.
Johanna suppressed a smile as she thought about their refuge from the storm.
"Did you ever think people might be worried when you couldn't be found?" Natalie asked.
"You were all asleep," Jim stated as he sat the cooler by the basement door.
"Until the storm rolled in. It woke Danny and he looked for you since you were supposed to be in their room."
Jim crossed the kitchen to his youngest nephew and ruffled his hair. "I'm sorry I wasn't there, buddy."
"It's okay," Danny replied, clearly over being startled in the middle of the night.
"Why didn't you take us with you?" Mikey asked.
"It was past your bedtime," Jim answered.
"We could've stayed up late," Angie remarked in between nibbles of toast.
"It was for grownups only," Johanna told her. "We'll take you some other time."
"Let's go today," Mikey declared. "We can fish and swim. Can we go, Uncle Jim?"
"Maybe your Dad can take you," Jim told him. "Johanna and I are leaving today."
"Why?" Natalie asked.
"Because it's time for us to move on. I'm sure my brother can fill in the details."
"Jim," Michael said. "There's no need to leave. So your plans got changed a little, it's not a big deal."
"You don't get it," he replied. "And I'm tired of explaining it to you."
Angie slid down from her chair and ran to Johanna's side, her small hand wrapping around hers as she looked up at her. "Don't you like us anymore?" Angie asked sadly.
Johanna lifted the girl into her arms. "Of course we still like you, we love you."
"Then don't go," she cried.
"We have to," Jim told her.
"Why?"
"Because we have other plans."
The girl held on tighter. "But who's going to play Barbies with me?"
"Mommy and Aunt Maddy will play with you," Johanna replied as she rubbed Angie's back.
"No they won't. Mommy says she's on vacation and Aunt Maddy don't like me or my Barbies."
"That's not true," Madelyn exclaimed.
"See," Johanna told her. "Aunt Maddy loves you and she's going to play Barbies with you this afternoon; isn't that right, Madelyn?" she asked, pinning the woman with a sharp look.
Madelyn's lips pursed together in a perfect imitation of her mother's as she narrowed her eyes at Johanna. "Yes," she answered in a clipped tone.
"But I'll miss you and Uncle Jim," Angie said sadly.
"We'll miss you too," Jim said, moving closer to run a hand over her blonde curls.
"Maybe one day before summer's over, Uncle Jim and I can take you and your brothers and sister somewhere fun for a whole day."
"Really?" Angie asked, angling her head to look at Jim for confirmation.
"Yes," he said with a nod. "We'll take you somewhere before summer's over."
"You promise?" Mikey asked, breaking his silence.
"We promise," Jim told him.
Danny slid down off his chair and ran to Jim, wrapping his arms around his leg. "I don't want you to leave, Uncle Jim."
He picked the boy up and hugged him. "I'll see you soon, buddy; I promise."
"Are you really going to upset these kids by leaving?" Michael asked.
"It isn't something we want to do," Jim stated; "But we do have other plans."
"I think its sour grapes," Madelyn retorted.
He eyed his sister. "You'd know all about sour grapes, wouldn't you? You've been mad the whole time because whatever you had planned fell through. All you've done is walk around with your bad attitude, making snide remarks to everyone and brushing off the kids. You better watch that, Lyn; you really are turning into Mom."
"I'm nothing like her!"
"You're exactly like her."
"No, I'm not. You're the one who's changed and it's all because of your girlfriend like Mom said," his sister remarked, flicking a hand in Johanna's direction.
Johanna sat Angie on her feet. "Go finish your breakfast," she told her.
Jim put Danny down as well and sent him back to the table with his sister. "I haven't changed," he remarked.
"Yes, you have. You let her rule your life. You just let her waltz in and take over."
"I haven't taken over anything," Johanna stated.
"Don't listen to her, Jo. I think she's just jealous and she needs to get over it. Let's go get packed and get on the road. I'm not going to waste time doing battle with them again today."
She said nothing but offered the kids a smile before following Jim's lead and leaving the kitchen. They quickly packed up their stuff and loaded the car as the children watched them sadly from the porch. They hugged and kissed the kids and Jim gave them ice cream money to help ease the goodbyes. They got in the car and left without a word to Michael, Natalie and Madelyn.
They drove in silence with the exception of the radio for the first half hour and then Johanna glanced at him. "Do you feel better now?" she asked.
Jim nodded. "Yeah, I do. How about you?"
She smiled. "Much better."
"I know, we should've left sooner…but I guess it was a point of pride to stick it out as long as possible."
Johanna laid a hand on his leg. "I understand; I probably would've done the same thing if it had been my brother and sister."
"I guess they bring out the worst in us."
"All the time," she laughed.
The curtains of the hotel window rippled in the breeze as Johanna came out of the bathroom. The room was dark with the exception of the light from the tv and last vestiges of dusk outside the window. She could see well enough to find her bag so that she could shove her laundry into it and then she crossed the room to the bed where Jim was already dozing lightly. She smiled as she climbed in beside him, brushing a soft kiss against his cheek. They had been lucky to find the hotel they were staying in, it wasn't far from the beach front hotel room that they'd move to in two days and she felt as though it was just as nice. They were in the heart of the shopping district, something she was sure would provide Jim with ample opportunities to tease her about. She didn't mind, she was ready to slip back into that bubble that they always found themselves in when it was just the two of them. Johanna curled up at his side, her head on his chest and fingertips gliding softly against his skin. Jim stirred, his arm wrapping around her.
"I thought maybe you were going to stay in the bathtub all night," he murmured lightly.
She laughed softly. "I felt like soaking for awhile. I've been taking quick showers the last few days…and I did spend some time in the lake last night."
He grinned as he pressed a kiss against her hair. "I won't be forgetting that anytime soon."
"If my mother ever finds out what you talked me into, she'll probably have a stroke."
"We won't tell her," Jim replied. "We won't tell my mother either."
"Definitely not your mother; I'm sure she frowns on skinny dipping."
He laughed quietly. "Yeah, she frowns on anything that involves the removal of clothing, with the exception of bathing."
"I don't know; she seemed to be against me bathing in your apartment."
"Well that's because you might corrupt me with your wicked ways and tempt me to take my clothes off," he teased.
Johanna raised her head to look at him. "If anyone's doing any corrupting it's you. Look at what you've talked me into last night."
"I know," he said proudly. "I talked you into the back seat and out of your bikini…and then I talked you into the lake without your bikini. It was a night filled with glory to say the least."
"You know, it's really not attractive to gloat," she remarked.
"And yet you know you want me anyway," he replied as he gave her waist a gentle squeeze.
"Who told you that?" Johanna laughed.
"You did."
"When?"
"Last night in the backseat."
"But this is a new night," she reminded him. "Last night is over and in the past."
"You still want me. I could talk you out of this nightgown," he said confidently as he pinched the soft cotton material between his fingers.
"Not tonight you can't," she replied. "Remember; we agreed to relax tonight…and you already had a start on that; you were asleep when I came out of the bathroom."
"Well I had to do something while you laid in there in your bubble bath; leaving me all alone."
She smirked. "Poor you having this nice big bed all to yourself and the TV too. The things you have to endure; it really is a shame."
He tickled her side. "You better watch it, Sassy."
"Or what?"
"Or I'll have to teach you a lesson."
"I think I'm familiar with your lessons."
"Maybe I'll surprise you," he replied.
"You'll have to surprise me some other time, I'm too tired tonight."
"I know," Jim murmured, his fingers working their way into her hair. "I was just teasing you. I'm tired too."
"I know; we must be tired to be laying in bed when the sun has just barely gone down."
"Well we were up all night and all yesterday…and today."
She nodded as she snuggled closer, his skin warm beneath her cheek. "I'm glad we found a place to stay."
He couldn't resist teasing her. "We could've always gone back to the Balfour."
"No way," Johanna stated. "I did my haunted hotel duty with you."
"It was fun," he replied.
"Maybe for you; a ghost didn't cop a feel with you."
"Well maybe if we went back I'd find one who would," he laughed.
She raised her head to look at him once again. "I'm not enough for you?"
A grin touched his lips. "You're plenty, sweetheart."
"I better be."
"Hmm, that sounds serious," Jim remarked, a smile playing on his lips.
"You're damn right it is; I didn't like to share my toys and I don't like to share my men."
"Men?" he asked, his brow rising. "I thought I was the only one."
She flicked his nose. "You know you're the only one. You're mine and I'm not sharing."
He smiled as he caught hold of her chin and brought her closer for a kiss. "You don't have to worry; I'm all yours."
"It's a good thing…you don't want to know what I'd do to you if I caught you with someone else."
"I'm sure it would be painful."
"Very painful," she remarked. "It would the slow torturous kind of painful as well."
"I understand completely."
"That's good; I've been down that road before and I don't ever want to see it again."
"I know, sweetheart. I'm not fond of that road either."
Silence fell between them for a few minutes as they allowed the TV to distract them. When the show they were watching went to a commercial, she broke the silence. "We're going to have to get the kids some kind of little gift to make up to them for leaving early."
"I was thinking the same thing," Jim replied.
"We have to think of somewhere to take them too; we promised."
"Maybe we can take them to a carnival or an amusement park or something."
"Do you think we can manage all of them in that kind of setting?" Johanna asked.
"I have faith in you," he quipped.
"Me?" she laughed. "What about you?"
"I'll assist."
"I think it should be an equal partnership."
"We'll negotiate the details at a better time," Jim replied.
Johanna giggled softly. "Avoidance of the issue, I see."
"Yes; avoidance at its finest," he agreed. "We wouldn't want anyone to say the wrong thing and upset our reclaimed vacation, now would we?"
"No; we definitely don't want that," she replied; her lips brushing a kiss against his before settling against him once more. "I'm so glad we're here."
"Me too; I'm also glad you didn't mind an early fast food dinner because I really didn't want to go out tonight," he laughed.
She smiled as she entwined her fingers with his. "It didn't bother me a bit; I like McDonald's burgers and fries."
"I know, but tomorrow I'll take you somewhere nicer."
"I'm not worried."
"We're going to get this vacation back on track and forget that mess we just left behind."
"Not all of it," Johanna murmured as she shifted to see his face. "I don't ever want to forget last night."
A small smile touched his lips. "We'll keep that one."
"And the first day and night we were there; that was pretty nice too…but last night was perfect," she whispered as he drew her near for another kiss.
"You're right, it was," he replied. "I guess we always find a way somehow."
She nodded. "Yeah we do."
"It's good to be like this again," Jim said quietly as he tightened his hold on her.
"Mhmm," she agreed; sleepiness washing over her. "I missed you too."
His hand moved against her side in a soft caress. "I love you."
"I love you too," she whispered. "No matter how many times our plans get interrupted.
He gave a soft quiet laugh. "We're going to try to cut back on interruptions. Goodnight, sweetheart."
"Goodnight," Johanna replied as her eyes closed; her mind full of thoughts of how they'd make the rest of their vacation count.
Authors Note: Up next…a bump in the road.
