Louisa sat in bed with a silly grin on her face, laptop in front of her. She'd been on her computer, reviewing the school budget when she heard the 'ding' of a new email. It was from Martin.

When she'd sent her last email to him, she'd been curious as to how he'd take it. She knew he was a logical man, but she'd never been that direct with him, telling him she liked compliments. She had debated about where to start in teaching him how to be a partner, and seeing him take her directions to heart, and even encouraging her to be frank with him about her needs was heartwarming.

His compliments were so incredibly… Martin... so sweet and heartfelt. She loved that she got to see this side of him. She knew people wondered what she saw in him, but underneath that gruff exterior was an incredibly sensitive, earnest, and amazing man. She knew that their relationship would never be without its challenges, how could it… they were so different as people. But if they could learn how to be with each other, bring out the best in each other, maybe they'd have half a shot of being happy and growing old together. And reading Martin's email to her had cemented it. He was trying. They'd would inevitably hit road bumps along the way, but he was worth the effort.

Looking at the clock, she knew it was too late to start a reply to him. She put her laptop away, lay back on the pillows and drifted to sleep with a smile on her face.

XxxxxxxxxX

The next day, Louisa was nervously loitering behind Martin as he examined one of her students in the sick bay. A fight had broken out in the playground over lunch, and the teacher on yard duty had broken it up before too many punches were thrown. Unfortunately, Billy Dunmore had come off worse for wear, and was currently having his swollen eye examined by Martin.

"Right, no concussion. The area around his eye is swollen and bruised, but it should go down after a week or so. When you get home, apply a cold compress to the area 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 48 hours. If he develops any complications, come see me at the surgery."

"Oh thanks Doc. I'm sure he'll be fine… I copped a few shiners back in my day'n there ain't nothin' wrong with me." Mr and Mrs Dunmore shook Martin's hand and ushered Billy out the door.

Louisa watched them go, almost more nervous now she was alone with Martin.

"Right… thanks for coming Martin. I was hoping it wasn't serious, but his eye bruised up so quickly I felt I had to call you"

Martin packed up his bag and turned to face Louisa.

"Yes… Umm… with head injuries it's always best to be safe…"

They stood there, looking at each other in silence for what felt like an eternity to Louisa.

Say something! She thought. Anything! Now that he was in front of her though, her mind was blank. Somehow, writing to him was easier. This is ridiculous, it's Martin. The man you've known for three years. The man you're in love with. The man that you're writing to! It's Martin! That's the point though… it's Martin. Everything has changed, yet nothing has changed. These thoughts were racing through her mind, when finally Martin picked up his bag. "Right… I'd better get back then... "

"Oh...ok"

He walked passed her and as he did, she instinctively reached out and grabbed his free hand. He turned back to her, looking to where her hand was holding his. His eyes were questioning as he looked back to her face. He has beautifully expressive eyes, was the last thought running through her head as she stood on her toes and kissed him.

She closed her eyes and revelled in him... The feel of him, smell of him, the taste of him. It was exquisite. Slowly they pulled apart and she opened her eyes, smiling as she looked at him.

"Martin, don't take this the wrong way, but don't you dare say anything. Not a single word." The corners of his mouth turned up at this, and unable to resist, she lent back in to kiss him again, his medical bag falling as he brought his hands up to cup her face.

The door behind them flew open and they jumped apart. Martin bent down to pick up his bag, and Louisa reached up to push a lock of hair behind her ears, both avoiding eye contact with their intruder.

"Sorry to interrupt Miss Glasson, but the head of the school board is on the phone for you and said it's urgent."

With one look back at Martin, who was now regarding her intently, she turned to leave. "Right, thanks. See you later Martin."

He nodded, and watched her leave. It was a good day.