Jessica awoke upon hearing a soft snore next to her shoulder. She vividly relived last night in her mind. First, when Seth admitted that he loved her. Jessica was caught by surprise but realized she loved him too. Not the way she loved Frank but, in a different way.

Second, she was relieved that Seth did not sleep with Lauren which had been gnawing at Jessica.

The night seemed so natural. Jessica did not feel a bit shy when she undressed before Seth. She soon realized that under his gruff exterior was the gentlest man alive. His kiss, his touch, his words of love whispered in her ear. He was a skilled lover, too.

She was brought back from her memories by a slightly louder snore. Jessica smiled to herself and gently nudged Seth. She thought he would roll over, but he opened his eyes.

"Mornin" he said, sounding less gruff than usual. Jessica beamed, "morning to you. I didn't mean to wake you." Seth chuckled, "Not'tall. It's 'bout time I get up. What time is it anyway?" He put on his glasses and noticed the clock said 7:30. He was about to get out of bed.

Jessica put her arm around Seth's middle, "Bah! No reason I can't stay in bed a little longer. My first patient isn't until 10:30 anyway." He rested his head against hers.

"Jess, I want you to know that what happened between us last night was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. When my Ruth died, I thought a part of my heart and soul just shriveled up. Sure, I accompanied the occasional female out on a date or two. Let's just say I'm no Paul Newman. I just…want you to know that you're the only woman I've made love to since Ruth's passing."

Seth looked up at the ceiling, he wasn't sure if he made a mistake telling Jessica all this. Seth was certainly too gentlemanly to kiss and tell, however he wanted Jessica to know their love making was something special.

Deep down Jessica knew what Seth meant. He rarely went on dates and preferred to stay in his home alone or at her house. She was touched that he felt safe enough to share his feelings with her.

"I understand Seth. The truth is, I haven't spent the night with a man since Frank's passing. Like you, I've had dinner with the occasional friend but nothing like this. I've felt this way about you for a long time but, I was afraid you were set in your bachelor ways. I was even more afraid of losing the life I now have. I'm not just Mrs. Fletcher, Cabot Cove English Teacher and the wife of Frank Fletcher. I'm Jessica Fletcher, mystery writer and guest professor at NYU."

Each one realized they had a new life after losing their spouses, but they were not completely whole until last night. They each filled a void.

"I felt like I was 25 years old again. You stoked a fire in me that I thought Smokey the Bear put out long ago!" Seth said with a chuckle. "I didn't cause you any discomfort, did I?" He began to get worried.

"Oh no, on the contrary," she responded.

"Jess, this doesn't change anything between us. Well…" Seth realized that wasn't entirely true. "I mean, things have changed but I would never expect you to give up your life that you've worked mighty hard to create for yourself."

Jessica picked up Seth's hand and kissed it. "I cherish you Seth and I'm glad our relationship has moved to a different level and I can't wait to further explore this new dimension to our current situation."

Seth gave her a smile and began to caress her cheek. A spark soon turned into a flame and the two made love again as the morning sun cast a glow through the slats that were slightly open within the blinds.

This time their thirst for each other could not be quenched fast enough. This time it was more primal than what proceeded the night before. Love-biting, sweat-building passion right to the crest that they met together as a couple.

They snuggled together, trying to catch their breath. They laid there for a few minutes when there was a knock at the door.

"Oh Hell, who could that be. I'm not expecting anyone for a few hours. You stay here." Seth jumped into his shorts and pants. He grabbed his shirt and began to button it on the way down the stairs.

He answered the door, a few buttons still undone. His hair damp but not messy because he wore it so short. "Lauren. I didn't expect you."