Here's to Us

Ben Warren lay in bed with his wife, Miranda Bailey, behind him. Before he even opened his eyes, he could hear his children, running down the hall and shouting at each other. He chuckled and thanked God that the weekend was nigh. The kids mostly slept in on the weekends and he didn't have to put up with all the noise in the morning. Though they hadn't been as loud this week. "Tell your children to stop all that yelling," Miranda said hugging his waist.

"I can't. I'm asleep," he said reaching for her hand and bringing it up to his chest.

"Come out of the bathroom, Dani!" Their fifteen going on sixteen-year-old, Tuck, shouted.

"No! I just got in here!" His thirteen-year-old sister, Dani, told him.

Ben moaned: "I am going to hurt them."

"Spousal privilege," she said before she kissed his back and got out of bed.

In the hallway, he heard: "Your father had a long night," she said. "And an ounce of quiet will be appreciated. Or I will get loud." Then his wife lowered her voice and everything became a mumble. Miranda returned, winking at him.

"Are you coming back to bed?" He asked, slightly turned on. "I'd like to hear you get loud."

A smile hit her face and his heart flipped. "No, sorry, babe, but I need to get to the hospital early."

He nodded. "Okay."

"Rain check?"

"Of course," he said dejected. They'd been on opposite schedules for three weeks and he would be lying if he said he didn't miss running his hands over her curvy body. Just the thought sent him into a spiral.

"Alright, I'm gone," she said kissing the side of his mouth as she left for work.

"Have a good day, babe," he said closing his eyes. Five minutes later, his son was standing over him. "We need a ride to school."

Ben groaned. "Aren't you driving yet?" Tuck's eyes lit up. "No. No, you cannot drive."

"Yet."

"Right, yet. I'll be right down." In front of the high school, he said: "Do I need to pick anyone up after school?'

Dani shook her head. "I have Cheer. So, I'll get a ride."

"I'm taking the bus because… I have detention, so—" Tuck tried to hurry out of the car.

"Whoa! Stay put, young man. Why?"

"Well," Tuck started. "There's this girl…"

"Say no more, my boy," Ben said shaking his head. "I love y'all. Have a good day at school."

After grabbing breakfast from a nearby diner, he headed back home. Off for a couple days, he decided to do some work around the house. The fence needed patching, Dani's bookshelf had a crack in it, the brakes on Tuck's bike needed fixing and his car leaking something. He sighed and got to work. By the end of the day, everything he started had been finished, dinner was in the oven and he was reading a book in kitchen. The kids were the first ones through the door. "Daddy!" Dani called out.

"In the kitchen!" He responded. His daughter came in and gave him a hug. The girl had his entire heart. He still thought it was unbelievable that she was literally a piece of him and that he and his wife had created an entire beautiful human. "How was school?"

"It was okay. How was your day?"

"Quiet. And please keep it that way."

"Okay," she smiled.

"Smells good, dad. What is it?" Tuck asked going to the oven.

"You touch that handle and I'll put you in a headlock," Ben laughed putting his book down. The two of them had been friends before they'd been father and son and it was the basis of their relationship. "Go get cleaned up for dinner." The two of them bumped fists. As Tuck left the kitchen, Miranda walked in, pinching the boy's cheeks before she breezed in, setting his heart ablaze. "God, you are fucking gorgeous."

"Language, Benjamin," she said walking toward him. He stood up and wrapped his arms around her body.

"I'm sorry," he said nonchalantly.

"You're not."

"No, I'm not." He licked his lips. "But I do want you."

"Easy there, tiger."

"It's been a long time, Miranda."

She put her lips to his ear. "I know. And we're both off this weekend, so we can discuss it later." They kissed slowly.

"I… will… be… waiting," Ben said giving her a kiss after each word.

She pulled away and headed for the door. "I promise it will be worth it."

During dinner, Ben watched his kids talk about their days. When it came to him, he recounted the list of things he'd done and basked in their praises. "What about you, sweetheart?" He asked Miranda.

She put her hands beneath her chin. "So," Miranda began, her face glowing with a smile, "your father and I are going away this weekend."

"Wow," Dani said at the same time Tuck was saying: "Really?"

Ben's eyes widened. "We are?"

"We are," she told him. "And!" He could see that she could barely contain her excitement. Neither could he. "We leave in the morning and you two will be staying home alone."

"Yes!" The kids shouted.

"Wait a minute," Ben said. "Wait a minute. Wait… a… minute."

"You two, clean off the table, wash the dishes and such." She jerked her head and he followed her into the living room. They sat on the sofa, she put her legs on his lap.

"We're going away this weekend?" He asked full of confusion. Usually he was the one doing the spontaneous getaways. He would pick her up from work and they'd leave for a night on the town or an overnight trip to a hotel for much-needed rest and relaxation. So, this was completely new and unexpected and he was really shocked. And delighted. But he was itching to know one thing. "And you don't mind leaving the kids alone for a night." She held up two fingers. "Two?" Miranda nodded. "Wow.

"I mean, unless you want to bring them." He laughed. Ben loved his children, of course. They were his pride and joy. But a weekend without their fights would be heaven on Earth. "I didn't think so. It's not a getaway if we take them."

"True," he said nodding.

"This also gives us a chance to see how much we can trust them," Miranda explained. "I made a deal with them at the beginning of the week that if they behaved, they'd get something this weekend."

"A weekend alone."

"Yes. With money for pizza and a fridge full of snacks."

"What about their practices?"

"It's handled, hon. Ros said she could pick them up and drop them off and would be available if they needed her."

"That sister of mine," Ben smiled.

"I love her." She winked at him. "See, you're not the only one who can sweep someone off their feet."

"I see." He leaned in and kissed her. "I can't wait to do that all weekend." She giggled and draped her arms on his shoulders. "Where are we going, my love?"

She shook her head and pulled him closer. "All you have to do is take a ride with me."

He raised an eyebrow. "All I have to do is come… with you?"

Miranda hit his arm. "You make everything dirty."

"You mean hot?"

"No. Nasty."

He put his hand on her thigh, squeezing it. "Sexy."

She inhaled against his cheek. "Stop," she whined in his ear.

"Fine, but as soon as we get to where we're going—you're mine."

"Is that a promise?"

Before going to sleep that night, Ben and Miranda packed. She still wouldn't tell him where they were going, so he tried to mirror the outfits she was putting into her bag. In bed, he held his wife from behind, kissing her back. Her surprise had flipped a switch in him. "I'm really looking forward to whatever you have planned," he whispered against her neck. Her body shook. He snaked his hand down to her legs, easing them between her thighs. She clenched them, holding his hand in place.

"Tomorrow," she said turning over in his arms. Her perfume wafted into his nostrils and he obliged, moving his hand to her waist.

"Tomorrow."

In the morning, Ben looked over the coffee table to the kids. They were about to leave and were running down the rules of the house. "Okay," he said, his face serious. "No friends—period."

"At all," Miranda threw in.

"The only people you let into the house are family members."

"Right. And if you leave to go to the park or to the store, go with each other and let your Aunt Ros know. Lock up good and don't let anyone know you're alone."

"Even our friends?" Tuck asked.

"Yes," Ben said.

Ben nodded. "And we don't want any phone calls about petty stuff."

"Not one," Miranda echoed. "The first one we get, we're coming straight home and that's it on the whole 'staying alone' trust thing."

Tuck and Dani nodded. "What counts as petty?" The youngest asked.

"Dad, Tuck won't move from in front of the TV," Ben mimicked.

"Mom, Dani ate my food," Miranda added. The four of them laughed. "But we're serious, okay?" Her voice firm but loving. He really adored his woman.

"Yes, ma'am," the kids replied.

"Alright, then… we're out of here," Miranda said hugging them.

"Be good," he told them. Ben hugged his daughter first, then his son. "Your sister is your responsibility. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," he said.

In her car, Ben sat in the passenger seat and let it back a bit. "What do you think?" Miranda asked.

"I think we'll get twenty calls before we reach our destination," he laughed.

"Oh, stop it. They'll be fine."

He was usually the more laid back of the two, but so much was happening in the world he just wanted them to be safe. As a firefighter and a doctor, he'd damn near seen it all. "I know," he said pensivelyno.

His wife touched his leg. "Trust me."

"Always." They pulled off. It had been so long since they'd had uninterrupted time to themselves, that Ben couldn't think of things to talk about. Each conversation kept circling back to their kids or the hospital or the fire station and he didn't want to talk about any of those things. After driving for an hour, Miranda exited the highway and drove to a rest stop. "I hope this isn't the surprise."

She laughed. "No. We, uh, just need gas. And more snacks."

"I'll pump the gas," Ben and Miranda said at the same time. He forced a smile. They both started speaking again: "I'll get the—"

Miranda held up her hand. "I will get the snacks. You do the gas." He just nodded. Back in the car, he asked if she wanted him to drive. "I'm good, babe."

"Alright." He turned to her.

"What?" He didn't respond knowing she knew what he was thinking. "We just have to get back into our groove is all."

"Okay, so, how?"

"I don't know. But in about another hour, we will figure it out."

"What made you do this?" He asked. The question had been on his mind for a while.

She sighed. "I just know that we needed a break."

"What aren't you telling me?" Miranda sighed again. "Stop sighing and talk to me."

"It… it's nothing. The smallest thing."

"It must have been enough to spark this road trip."

"I always want to take trips with you, Ben. I just… we just don't have the time. And the kids and our jobs… there's never enough of it." He saw that she was near tears and squeezed her leg. "I'm fine. Just… exhausted," she chuckled.

"So, what happened?"

"I saw you laughing at your phone last week." He was so confused. "You laughed and then you didn't show me what was so funny and it… I… I know you didn't do it on purpose and it's really no big deal. Trivial and insignificant."

"Baby, why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want to make a big fuss about it because it sounds ridiculous."

"'Cause it is," he laughed. "You know how many times lately you'd hurt my feelings if I thought too deeply about it?"

"What?"

"Yeah, you've been leaving so early in the morning lately. So, after a long shift, I have to take the kids to school. I pick them up, drop them off, I do dinner and help with homework." Ben found that he couldn't spouting off the grievances he'd been holding in. "And kisses are few and far between and sex has been a lovely dream—"

"Exit to the right," the GPS told them. "Take Cranberry Road for five miles."

Ben hadn't even noticed the soft music playing beneath their conversation. They didn't speak for a long time. "Maybe we should have taken separate trips," Miranda said.

He scoffed. "Now, that is ridic—"

"Your destination is up ahead on your right," GPS interrupted.

Miranda said nothing and Ben felt like shit. This was taking a turn neither of them expected. And maybe it was a necessary turn, but it burrowed a hole in his stomach. "We're here," she said.

Out of his window, Ben saw a huge, nice-looking cabin. Looking through the windshield, he saw deer grazing on the lawn. So deep into their… whatever it was, he hadn't noticed where they were or where they were going. He got out and walked around the car. Miranda was already out and heading for the open trunk. He shook his head. This was going to be a long ass weekend. Let's start over, he wanted to say. I'm sorry. Instead, he helped with the bags and walked into the house after his wife. The smell of wood tickled his nose. She sneezed. "Bless you," he mumbled.

"Thanks."

"This is beautiful, baby. Really," he said walking over to her.

She moved away and made her way up the stairs. "I'm going to check the rooms. "

"I'll check this floor and the basement," he offered.

It took him less than five minutes to do so, but he stayed in the basement longer, plugging in a video game and getting entranced. "Ben?"

"Yeah?"

"You're still downstairs?"

"Yeah."

The stairs creaked as she came down and he paused it. "Oh, this is nice. The kids would love this."

"They would. Maybe we could bring them up here some time," he smiled.

"Maybe," she said.

Ben pulled out his phone. "I'll just text them to let them know we're here."

"Already done. And I've texted Ros."

He nodded. "I'll help you put away the food."

"It's done."

"So, what do you want to do?" He asked, feeling useless.

"Well, I'm going to take a shower."

He smirked. "Is that an invitation?"

"No." Ben's face fell. "Enjoy your game." When he was alone, Ben took a deep breath. He'd pissed her off. He heard the water start in the quiet house and he followed it up the two flights of stairs. When he knocked on the door, she shut off the water. "If you're trying to scare me, that's not funny." Miranda pulled back the curtain.

"I'm not," he said putting his hands up. She closed the curtain and turned the water back on. He reached into the shower and spun the knob.

"What the—?"

"We need to talk."

"We don't have to do it now, do we?" She asked putting her hands on her hips. Ben tried to swallow a grin as she scanned his wife's body. He wanted her so badly. When she caught him looking at her chest, she turned slightly while crossing her arms. "Go on now."

He nodded and left to find another bathroom. In the shower, he tried to come up with different ways he could have responded to her question. We don't have to do it now, do we? He could have got into the shower with her, he could have demanded that they talked. Drying off, he wrapped a towel around his body and looked for the room where their bags were. He found Miranda getting dressed. "Hey," he said.

"Hi."

"Uh, what do you want to eat? It's a little after lunchtime and I'm hungry."

"It doesn't matter."

"How about I whip us up something?"

"I'll do it," she told him fervently. "I'm not completely useless when it comes to domestic activities." He tried not to roll his eyes as she stormed past him. By the time he reached for her, she was out the door and down the stairs. Fifteen minutes later, he followed her. She was making sausage, grits and eggs. After lunch, Miranda cleaned up the kitchen, sending Ben elsewhere. Seeing her move around the kitchen reminded him of what he'd said and how dumb he sounded. Maybe the last few weeks, he'd done more housework, but prior to that, it'd all been on her. This was marriage—give and take and sharing the load. And he'd been an ass. Ben walked over to Miranda and put his arms around her waist. She tensed up. "Yes?"

"Nothing. I just want to hold you." He put his chin on her shoulder. "And to say… I'm sorry." Miranda's body softened. "I'm really sorry."

She turned around and he saw tears in her eyes. "This is not how this was supposed to go."

"You said a thing, I said stuff. And it all came out wrong."

"I… I didn't know…"

"Neither did I. I think I just needed ammo and said some shit and let's start over. Please." Ben used his thumb and wiped her face.

"I love you."

"I love you." They leaned in for a kiss.

"Hold that thought." She put the last pan back into the cabinet. Standing back in front of him, she asked: "Where were we?" He licked his lips before pushing them against hers. Miranda let out a moan and he smiled.

Ben heard rustling outside of the door. "What's that?" He looked in the direction of the noise.

"I don't hear anything," she said turning his head back. But he couldn't concentrate. He'd heard something.

"I wonder whose car that is out there," a voice said.

"Did you invite someone?" He asked. She shook her head, her eyes wide. "Hello?" Ben called out, pushing Miranda behind him.

"Hello?" The voice answered.

"Why are you in our house?" Ben asked walking toward the door.

"Ben, no!" Miranda yelled. Footsteps came around the corner and stopped. Ben stopped, too. He heard the distinct sound of a gun being pulled from a holster. It clicked loudly in the silence.

Heart racing, Ben spoke clearly and slowly: "My wife and I are kitchen and we don't have any weapons, so please put away your gun." His voice was strong as his heart leaped in his chest. Miranda squeezed his arm. Two people came into the kitchen. Ben surveyed them quickly "What are you doing in our house?" He asked again.

"We're not," the white man laughed. He looked like he belonged on "Duck Dynasty". "I'm Mikey. This is Sarah," he said pointing at the woman standing next to him.

"Ben. And my wife, Miranda." She was still holding on to his arm tightly, almost cutting off his circulation.

"Er, sorry about the gun." Ben said it wasn't a problem. "But I don't think you two are in the right place."

Miranda pulled her phone out and showed it to Ben. "Babe, this isn't the same cabin."

She shrugged. "They all look the same to me and had you not been arguing with me, I wouldn't have gotten it wrong."

"I'm sorry," Ben said again to his wife. "Mikey, thanks. We'll just get our things and be going." Finally, in their correct cabin, Miranda and Ben sat on the sofa, recounting their run-in. "Are you okay?" He asked. Her legs laid across lap and he rubbed her feet.

She nodded. "You?"

"I was scared," he admitted, "but I would have protected us."

Miranda grabbed his hand and slid her fingers between his. "For a moment, I thought I could lose you."

"Not that easily." She made a face. He knew she was afraid of losing him and being left alone. "Hey, hey. If it makes you feel better, will start carrying my gun."

She shook her head and sucked her teeth. "You know I don't like that thing."

"What about this thing?" He pulled her into his lap causing her to straddle him and kiss him passionately. Miranda pulled off her shirt revealing her bra. Ben wrapped his arms around her, unhooking it. He took a second to admire her breasts before putting his mouth on one nipple. Her head went back, relishing the feeling. The bud stood at attention as he flicked it with his tongue. Miranda grabbed her other breast and practically shoved it into his mouth. "God!" She yelled, rocking on top of him. She didn't even know it, but he was so close to an orgasm. Ben gently pushed her from his lap. Miranda lay back on the sofa and pulled off her pants as he did the same.

"Here is good for you?" He asked. "Are you going to be comfortable, baby?"

"Shirt," she answered. He laughed. Some of their best sex came from when they weren't on the bed. Dropping to his knees, he dipped his head between her legs, kissing and biting the skin. His mind was full of all the things he wanted to do to her body; that he hadn't been able to in a while. A finger slipping into the depths of her body made her tremble. Another inside of her, made her cry out.

"Feels good?" He asked.

"Yes, baby," she whispered while scratching his head.

His fingers moved faster as he kissed below her waist, striking his tongue against her, moisture dripping into his mouth and onto his moustache and beard. He eased another digit into her as she rocked against his hand. It took great coordination to satisfy her, doing everything at once, but he did it; making her come, screaming into his mouth as they kissed. "Just like that," he said pleased with himself. He pulled his hand from between her legs and licked his fingers, watching her watch him.

Miranda grabbed the back of his head and pulled him in for a kiss. "I love when you do that," she growled. She kissed down his body, pushing the front of his boxers down.

"Damn," he breathed. Her mouth covered his organ and he touched the back of her head softly, feeling the rhythm of her moving up and down, hypnotizing him. Miranda circled the tip with her tongue and he almost exploded. A soft gagging made her remove her mouth and she put her lips on his. "That feels so—"

"Shh!" She said digging her nails into his thighs. He opened his legs some more and pushed his hips a little to bring on his impending orgasm. Miranda stroked him with her hands while slowly kissing the throbbing head.

"Shit!" He yelped, coming loudly and wildly. He let go of his breath and fell backwards. Miranda crawled into his arms.

"What are you thinking?" She asked after kissing him deeply. He shook his head. "You gotta be thinking something. I mean, I can't stop thinking stuff."

He sighed. "I'm thinking that I married an amazing woman and that I love her so much." Miranda laughed and it was like music to his ears. They would be okay. "What, uh, are you thinking?"

It was her turn to sigh. "I'm thinking that you're perfect for me."

"Aww, my love," he said, putting his lips on the top of her head. "But I'm really thinking that I'm glad we got those off because I was going insane!"

Miranda fell into him, laughing loudly. "We still got it," she said pushing back her hair.

"Damn right, we do."

She inhaled against his naked chest and he skated his fingers on her neck. "With those kids, there was a chance..."

"Never," he said cutting her off. "So, why'd we come to a cabin? A hotel would have worked just fine."

They stood up and straightened their clothes. "I just literally wanted to get away from people. And, unlike with a hotel, we don't have neighbors. I mean…" She licked her lips. "We do, obviously, you almost got us killed by one." Ben made a face. "But they can't hear us."

"Well, they might hear you," he said. She hit him as he laughed.

"So, we don't have to be quiet. And there's so much to do out here."

Ben watched Miranda's lips moving, calling out to him. He kissed her softly. "And so many places to do them in."

"Oooh. I guess we have a… love shack, baby," she sang. Even jokingly, her voice was angelic.

"Love shaaaack, that's where it's at," he added.

His wife shook her head. "Don't do that."

"Sue me."

"Don't tempt me," Miranda told him, reaching for his belt loop.

Ben grabbed the remote and turned on the TV, landing on a basketball game. Within fifteen minutes, he was asleep. His dreams weren't often vivid, but he could see this one clearly. He and someone else were playing a game against two other people. Just as his team had a handle on things another player joined the other team, making it uneven. A touch on his shoulder made him groan. He opened one eye. "Yes?"

"We've been asleep for hours." He sat up. "What time is it?" He asked.

"Almost two o'clock." Ben rubbed his face, slightly disoriented. "Want to find the beach?"

"There's a beach?"

Miranda nodded. He touched her arm, pulling her down on top of him. "It's in walking distance, too," she said. He ran his hand down her cheek, settling his hand just beneath her clavicle bone. "How about we…" She kissed him softly. "Change and head that way. Maybe find some food? Have a picnic on the beach? Then, we can come on back…"

"And then?" He teased. She blushed. "Go on, say it. You want to jump my bones." Miranda hit his arms and started to stand up. He held her in place. "Not so fast," he whispered, kissing her expertly. He bit her bottom lip gently, sucking on it. "We got time."

After getting dressed in dark green swim shorts and a black t-shirt, he roamed the cabin waiting for Miranda. It was very beautiful. The ceilings were high and it was furnished comfortably with a lot of amenities. A huge TV, fireplace and a whole shelf of games: board, card and video. For a second time, he wished they'd brought the kids. "Alright, I am ready," Miranda said coming down the stairs.

Ben met her at the bottom. Her blue jean shorts were shorter than he'd ever seen and it sent him into a mild frenzy. She was also wearing her a long, white t-shirt printed with a band he had never heard of. "My God. You're stunning."

"Please."

"I'm serious. I love this casual, relaxed look on you."

"Are you saying you don't like the skirts and dresses I usually wear?"

Ben made a face. "Hold on, who said all that?" She chuckled. "Do you have a bathing suit underneath that?" She lifted her shirt to show a deep cut black suit. He bit his bottom lip.

"Stop it. Got our jackets?" He held them up. "The blanket and towels?" He nodded. "Let's go."

It turned out that "walking distance" meant trekking down a long hill. They held hands and took pictures. They also were able to talk, the same way they should have in the ride up to the cabin. But with their orgasms, a lot of the air had been cleared and they were free to just be Ben and Miranda. They stopped to kiss occasionally under the huge trees, appreciating the nature. They passed by a cabin which doubled as a BBQ restaurant. "How far away is the beach?" Ben asked the cashier as he paid for their food.

"About two minutes down the road apiece," they said.

"Is that a real two minutes?" Miranda asked lifting the bag from the counter. The three of them .

"had a good laughA real two minutes. Enjoy."

Sure enough, two minutes later, they found the beach. "Wow," Ben said grabbing her waist from behind and putting his head on her shoulder.

The shore was sprinkled with families. "Tuck and Dani would love this."

"Next time," he replied, squeezing her tighter, kissing the side of her head. The two of them found a spot that was mostly away from the other beachgoers. After calling the kids to make sure everything was okay, they settled onto their blankets. Eating their food, they talked while listening to the sounds of the beach scene. The people laughing, the water slapping against the shore, the birds calling, it all provided the perfect soundtrack for their little picnic. Full and satisfied, Miranda leaned against him reading a book as he ran his fingers along her arm, reading saved articles on his phone. He'd always loved the dimples in her arms and the way the skin popped back up when he touched her. Everything about the woman made him fall in love. On the last page, she closed the book, sighing. "That good?"

She nodded. "I love how I got through those last chapters without having to be called in or having to break up a fight or find something that someone lost."

"And I love just being with you." He lifted her chin and kissed her. It was one of the most natural things in the world for them. She stood up. "Where are you going?" Taking off her shirt and shorts, she walked toward the water. "Ahh! Wait for me!" He pulled off his shirt and threw it on top of their blanket, running to catch up with his wife, the usually reserved woman was strutting toward the water, her hips and ass swaying, trapping him once again. Miranda dipped a toe into the water and shuddered. "Cold?"

She lifted her foot, flicking the water in his direction. "Oh? We're doing it like that?" She ran away as he rushed her, putting his arms around her. With a quick bend of his knees, he lifted her and moved her further into the water.

"Benjamin Warren! Stop! Put me down!" She yelled while laughing and slapping his hands.

"Say sorry."

"No," Miranda replied defiantly. He put her down and watched as the water rose to the top of her thighs. A smile stretched across his face when she looked at him with her semi-angry face on. Ben couldn't stop himself from biting his bottom lip. He was so turned on. "Don't look at me like that."

"Like what?" He said. The tiniest smile appeared on his lips. He hadn't let her go and the waves from the water pushed them closer together.

"With those eyes." She imitated his look and he cracked up. "Yeah, see. I know that face."

"It's my 'I Really, Really Want You' face." He spoke softly, dropping his voice an octave.

Her hands slithered around his neck. Taking the cue, he leaned in for a kiss, sliding his tongue into her mouth tasting the next sixty years. When she pulled away, he still held on to her, never wanting to let her go. So deep in thought, he didn't hear her talking to him. "Ben?"

"Huh? What'd you say?"

"Are you ignoring me?" He shook his head. "What were you thinking about?"

"You."

"You're so full of it," she told him, walking back toward the shore.

"I'm serious. I really was."

Miranda reached back for his hand and he followed her. They found their stuff and sat down on the blanket. Ben pulled out a deck of cards from the game shelf at the cabin and dealt them a few cards for Blackjack. This was the essence of Ben and Miranda, simple and easy. The couple chatted as the sunlight began to fade. Forgetting that they'd walked there, they slipped into their jackets and headed to the entrance of the beach. "I am NOT walking up that hill in this darkness," she said adamantly.

"Me either," he chuckled as he took out his phone. His battery was dying. "Shoot. My battery is low."

Miranda checked her phone. "Mine, too."

He sighed. "We could ask someone for a ride."

She gave him the deadliest look. "I would rather spend the night out here."

Turning to her, he said: "Is that an offer?"

"Hey now, we crossed sex on the beach off our list, remember?" She said bumping him gently with her hips, conjuring up memories of their first and second honeymoons.

"You're right." The first one had been slightly disastrous with Miranda getting an infection after they had sex on the beach without a blanket and without a care in the world. She demanded a mulligan and, of course, he obliged. Promising her that their next rendezvous on the shore would different and itch-free, she obliged. And the sands and their worlds were rocked, several times over. "So, what do you want to do?"

"I don't know," she said hooking her arm in his, "but I'm exhausted."

"Heeey, don't we know you?" A gruff voice said approaching them. Ben looked up and into the eyes of Mikey. His wife was beside him carrying a big bag. "Ben and Miranda, right?"

"Right. And you're Mikey. And you're…" Ben searched for the woman's name.

"Sarah, hon," Miranda reminded him.

"Yes, forgive me. Sarah." The four of them shook hands.

"Are you two coming or going?" Sarah asked switching her bag from one shoulder to the other.

"We're on our way back," Ben shrugged, "but our phones are dead and we can't call a taxi or anything."

"Never mind a taxi," Mikey said. "We'll give you a ride."

"Would you?" Miranda asked. "Thank you!"

"Yeah, thanks, man," Ben replied. In their car, Miranda and Ben sat in the backseat. She leaned against his chest and he locked their fingers together.

"So," Sarah said. "Are you two just here for the weekend?"

"Yes. A quick, romantic, little getaway," Ben told her.

"That's really lovely."

"How long have you two been married?" He asked.

"Going on five years," Mikey answered. "Best five of my life."

Sarah giggled, "What about you?"

"Ten," Ben and Miranda said together. She caught his eye and rolled her eyes. He kissed her nose.

"Alright, here's your humble abode," Mikey said as he stopped in front of their cabin.

"Thank you!" They called out.

"If you needs anything, you know where we live." The four of them laughed and Ben took Miranda's hand leading her into the house.

"Whew!" Miranda said, placing the stuff she was holding into an empty space across from the pantry. "That was almost a mess."

"Yeah, you would have had to carry me on your back," Ben responded. Picking up a pillow, she hurled it in his direction. He sidestepped it, smiling. "It's chilly in here. What if we turned on the fireplace?" He offered.

"And lay in front of it?"

Ben nodded slowly. "Naked."

"You're about as subtle as a stampede," she said as they walked to separate bathrooms and showered. He finished before she did and warmed up their BBQ. When Miranda emerged from the bathroom, they sat on the couch watching a movie. In the middle of it, she picked up the remote and paused it.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just…"

"No ellipses, babe. Speak."

She twisted her lips. "I just didn't come all the way up here to watch a movie."

He pulled his head back. "You love scary movies."

"I know. But I love talking to you more," she replied.

She used to have such a problem communicating her needs with him that when she did, he had to pay attention. In the hospital, she was the boss and told everyone what to do and they did it or she'd get on their ass. In the bedroom is where he found that she would follow rather than lead; having previously been in a marriage that drained her of her sexual prowess and desires. Now, she was versatile, submitting or dominating at will. And he loved every second of it. Ben nodded and took the remote, turning off the TV. "You have my attention."

"Let's talk."

"Okay, how are you? Really?"

She shrugged. "I'm good. I'm okay. You?"

He put his plate down. "I'm really good. And enjoying this trip." Miranda put her plate down as well and picked up her soda. "Did you know that the first two times I saw you I literally cursed out loud?"

She pursed her lips, holding back a smile. He'd told this story before. So often that their kids knew it, too. "Tell me about it."

"So, the first time I saw you standing with two residents who'd been arguing or something and without saying a word. I mean, your lips didn't move, you had them apologizing and scurrying off and I said to myself: 'Well, shit!'" He laughed and she joined in.

"You didn't!" He nodded.

"I surely did! You had me shaking in my scrubs."

She laughed and pulled the blanket up to hide her face. "I may have had some moments back then."

"Back then?" He raised an eyebrow and she pushed him, sucking her teeth. "And then, uh, oh! I will never forget being in the cafeteria about a month or so into the merger and you were sitting with Torres eating and you laughed at something and, um… the only thing I could say was: 'Goddamn'. Your laugh was the most beautiful sounds I'd ever heard. Still is." He watched her blush, near tears. As tough as she was, she was just as sentimental as anybody else. "And Knox goes: 'What, Warren?'" They laughed bittersweetly. Knox had been his best friend and Dani's godfather. They'd lost him a few years ago and it still hurt to remember. Miranda reached for his hand. "And I went: 'Nothing.'" He smiled to himself. "Nothing. That's what I told him. Can you imagine that?" Miranda wiped away a tear. He swallowed, kissing her cheek and then her lips quickly. Ben cleared his throat and reached the bowl of popcorn, pretzels and chocolate. Finding a piece of popcorn and chocolate, he offered it to her. She nodded, looking at him seductively. His fingers brushed her lips. "Do you remember the first time you saw me?"

She rolled her eyes, still chewing. "Saw you or really saw you?"

"Whichever," he shrugged.

"During the second day of the merger, I saw you talking with Richard on my way to the OR."

"Every time you tell that story, I can never see that moment," he said eating some of the mixture.

"Because you had your back to me."

"Now, I'm embarrassed."

"Don't be." She stuck her hand in the bowl and put some chocolate to his mouth. As Miranda pulled her hand away, he grabbed it, kissing her palm. She inhaled sharply. "I said I wanted to talk."

His lips traveled up her arm. "We did a little talking, so now we can do some not-talking. And we can talk while we do that." The wiggling of his eyebrows set her off and she chuckled loudly.

"Fine. Let's talk." Standing up, he pulled her from the sofa into his arms and they kissed toward the bedroom, stumbling and pulling off clothes, eager. Miranda stopped suddenly and moved into the bathroom. Before he could ask if she was okay, he heard her throwing up. Hurrying into the bathroom, he saw his wife leaning over the toilet. "Ugh, don't look at me," she said. He ignored her, grabbing a towel, wetting a corner and wiping her face. "Get out and let me wash up please, hon. Please."

The second "please" let him know that she didn't want him to press the issue. "Okay, baby. Take your time. I'll be right out here." He kissed the top of her head.

After grabbing the snack bowl and a couple of sodas and water, he returned to the bedroom and laid on the bed. Seeing that Tuck had called, he called back. "Hey, dad," the teen said answering the phone.

"Hey, son. What's going on?"

"Nothing. Just checking on you two."

Ben smiled. "We're the grown ones, are we not?"

"We still wanted to make sure you were okay," Dani said in the background.

"We're good. Wait, are you two… gasp, in the same room?"

"We're playing a game," Tuck told him.

"Together?" He heard them laughing and like their mother's, their laughs made his heart quake.

"Bye, dad," Tuck laughed.

"Bye, daddy!" Dani shouted.

"I love you both," Ben responded.

"Love you!" Tuck said. Dani echoed the sentiment and Ben waited for Tuck to end the call.

Miranda finished showering and came back into the room. "I think it was the alligator BBQ."

"No one told you to be experimental," he laughed.

She climbed into bed next to him. "You know something?"

"What's that?"

"You have a nice laugh, too."

"Thank you, babe. Now relax." He moved behind her and held her waist, stroking her hair with his free hand.

"I'm sorry for ruining the night."

He shook his head. "You didn't ruin anything, okay? Do you feel better?"

"I feel a lot better," she sighed, pushing her body into his. "So, if you want to try again…?"

"We can just finish our movie in here and go to sleep with chocolate on our clothes and hands. How about that?"

She sat up, giddily. "I'd like that."

"I thought you might." The next morning, Ben rolled over. "Good morning to my beautiful… and I'm all alone."

"Who are you talking to?" Miranda said walking into the room. She had a smile on her face and a bag in her hand.

"To my damn self because you aren't here. Where'd you go?"

"I woke up so early and I didn't want to disturb you, so I took a little walk and then drove down to the store."

"You did all of that?" She nodded. "C'mere and kiss me. I was worried."

"You just woke up," Miranda argued. She kissed his cheek. He grabbed the back of her head and slipped his tongue into her mouth.

"You're feeling better."

"I am."

Rolling out of bed, he headed to the shower. "What's on the schedule for the day?" He asked wrapping a towel around her waist and finding his wife in the kitchen.

"I chose the beach, so you can choose something. Coffee's in the pot and there's coffeecake on the counter." Getting his food, he thought about what they could do. What he really wanted to do was cuddle in bed and make love. They'd been so close before Miranda had gotten sick last night. Hopefully, tonight would be different. He picked up a few of the brochures left on the table for them to explore. "I know I said you could pick, but there's a mall like thirty minutes away. Do you want to go?"

"We don't have to walk do we?" He chuckled while biting into a piece of the cake. "And this is really good."

"It is! I sampled some in the store."

"We should take some back to the kids."

"Right, speaking of kids—"

"Yes?"

"I… I called them this morning. Ros was taking them to Dani's game."

"Good," he said moving his chair closer to her. He nuzzled his chin with his nose. "I like the shopping idea, by the way." She giggled. "And I think I want to try something different."

"I think I know what that is." He cocked his head to the side. She tilted a brow.

"Oh, no, that's on tonight's schedule." In the car, he wouldn't tell her where they were going and she became frustrated when he wouldn't say. "You don't like that, do you?"

"I'm not talking to you."

"Fine. Then, I'm not going shopping." She lifted a shoulder. "Don't be like that."

"Then tell me."

"No, woman. Just ride with me." He held her hand and grooved to the music.

Arriving at their destination. They looked around at the people milling about. "What is this?"

"Well," he said moving behind her, "before we go shopping, I thought we could go tubing or go on the chairlift. We could do both." He spoke quickly, waiting for her to interrupt with a combination of "I'm not doing it" or "You're out of your mind". Neither came.

"Okay. Tubing first. It sounds fun."

"Water or summer?"

"Both. Then the chairlift." She turned around and shocked him with a kiss. "I'm excited!"

They spent the better part of the day, drifting in the water, speeding down grassy hills and gliding in the air. Going to the nearby food trucks and grabbing some food, he pointed to one of the menus: "Hey, I see alligator BBQ over there."

She elbowed him in the ribs. "That's not funny." Wanting a change, they headed to the mall. "Are you giving me a limit?"

"Are you going to try buy up everything?"

"I'll get you something, too."

"That's all I'm asking."

They moved in and out of the stores with Miranda feeling the need to buy something in every store. His arms and hands were full of bags and boxes inside of bags. He dragged his feet to the next store. "You don't have to come in this store," she laughed.

"You're sure?" He asked flopping onto the nearest bench before she could answer.

"I'm sure." She gave him a wink before going inside. They filled the car with the bags and drove back to the cabin. "I am exhausted. I almost passed out in the middle of the mall."

"Not with my bags you didn't." He made a face. "You're a mess!"

"I'm going to shower and then I'm going to take a nap."

"Right behind you."

"Really?"

"Not like that. Don't be such a horndog."

He inhaled and squeezed her waist. "I can't help myself."

Once he was finished in the bathroom and had washed the day off, he fiddled with the radio and turned on some music. Taking a few minutes to turn on the fireplace, he watched it glow and crackle. Their great day was going to turn into a good night. Going into the second bedroom, he pulled the comforter, sheets and pillows off of the bed and spread them in front of the fire. He scrounged around for another cover and put it on top to give the pallet more cushion. "Music, fire, sex… dinner!"

Miranda came out of the bedroom just as he was putting a full pan of deliciousness into the oven. "Smells kinda good in here."

"I put on a little something-something," he said popping his shirt a little.

"I meant the food," she told him, rolling her eyes. "What's on the menu?"

"Baked chicken and potatoes with garlic and parmesan."

"Mmm. I can't wait to have some of that."

"I can't wait to have all of you," he said. "Why don't you head into the living room and get settled on the couch." He grabbed a bottle of wine and two glasses before joining his wife. They were unintentionally matching; both in grey sweatpants, Miranda with a black tee on while Ben had on white. She looked so comfortable and cute. Her feet dangled off the edge of the chair. She caught him looking and smiled. He poured the wine and handed her a glass. Raising his glass a bit, he said: "I know the last couple of, uh, days—"

"Weeks."

"Okay, weeks, have been trying, but we're here. And still in love. So, uh, here's to love."

"To love," she repeated. "And here's to us."

Ben nodded. "To us." They each took a sip of wine and moved closer together. Miranda put her glass to her lips. He mirrored her action and glanced at her over the top of his glass, the smell and taste of the wine enchanting him. He jerked his head toward the fireplace. "You see the setup I have over there?"

"I see. Who's getting down there?" They chuckled.

"Me and you." He stood up and took her glass, putting both stems on the table. He held out his hand and waited for her to grab on to it. "Let me give you a little tour." She smiled and stood up feigning reluctance. "So, you hear the playlist, plus, I have the fire going to keep us toasty for a few hours." He stood behind her, putting his lips to her neck. "And the little hotspot on the floor for… uh, recreational use."

"And the food is in the oven," she said turning to face him.

"And the wine has been uncorked," he told Miranda softly. In the dim lighting, he could see her batting her eyelashes slowly, making his body throb against hers. Ben wrapped his arms around her body and an inaudible gasp escaped her. Her hands were on his waist, slipping her fingers into the band of his sweats. Touching the back of his head, she pulled him down for a kiss. His tongue shot out of his mouth in haste; he needed to taste her. The kiss was long and deep. It left him breathless. He sat down on the pallet and looked up at his wife. There were several moments when he fell in love with her again no matter how many times it happened. And looking at her face just before they made passionate love was one of them. Her brown eyes just made him weak. Grabbing her hand, he pulled her down gently and she dropped to her knees. He sat up straight and kissed her again. Ben knew they could both explode from kisses alone.

"What about the food, baby?"

"We have time," he said running his hand over the back of her head, through her hair. Miranda reached for the bottom of his shirt and pulled it over his head. He did the same to hers and if he wasn't already sitting, he would have been floored by seeing her breasts bounce in front of his face, waiting patiently for pleasure. "You are so damn gorgeous."

"Thank you. Not bad yourself." He responded by sliding her pants over her hips and went right for her button, collapsing her frame. "God!" She cried out. He rubbed her body in a tedious fashion as she squirmed, her moans switching from mere whispers to guttural moans. Miranda grabbed his wrist. "Okay."

"Okay," he echoed, nodding. Ben held her and flipped them with ease. He pushed down his pants and removed them unceremoniously as his wife watched him, her fingers trickling over her chest, massaging her nipples. "Damn." Another kiss on her lips and then on her chin started a path downward, pausing several times to reacquaint himself with her body. It had been so long since they had time to themselves. Time to just be in love and make love uninhibitedly. They needed this. He needed this. At her stretchmarks, he bit her tenderly. Yanking off her pants, he said: "No panties either?"

Miranda shrugged. "I'm just… prepared." His wife grabbed his face and pulled him back up. "I want you now, baby."

"Now?" He teased. She gripped his back, her nails sinking into his skin. He shuddered and she laughed. She knew him just as well. "It's like that?"

Ben gave her hair the smallest tug, lifting her chin. He attacked her neck with kisses that would make her wetter and open her right on up. On cue, her legs spread. He exhaled deeply as he slid into her. Miranda's body arched to meet his first thrust and he crumbled on top of her. "Yes," she purred. She kissed his shoulder, licking him. "Jesus! Just like that." He furrowed his brows and moved his hips to the music playing in the background.

"Miranda," he breathed in her ear. "Baby, I…"

"Yes?" Her voice rose, tingling his spine. He lifted a little and sucked on her nipples, apologizing for the neglect. Creating a rhythm, he pleasured her. Her hips smashed against his and he tunneled into her. She felt so good that he never wanted to stop. But he also wanted to come badly. The line between the two was thin and— "Ben?"

"Yes, Miranda?"

"Was that the timer?"

"I don't know." He sat up some more and began pumping faster. A hand went to her clavicle and slid to the base of her neck, pressing slightly. Ben saw her bite her bottom lip and release it, smiling up at him. "Fuck!" He hooked his arms underneath her, trying to go as deeply as he could.

"Benjamin!?" His mind was elsewhere and he didn't say anything. "Benjamin," she whined louder.

"What, baby?" He slowed down and tried to give her his full attention. "Yes, my love?"

"I… unh, unh, unh! God! Yes! Right there! Right! There!" She screamed. He smiled. "I think I heard the timer."

"Focus, baby," he groaned.

"Okay. Okay." The couple stared at each other as he sped up. They didn't take their eyes off of each other. The passion radiating between them.

"I have been waiting for this."

"You have?" She asked, stroking his head. Miranda brought him in for another kiss, her lips going to his ear. She swiped her tongue along his lobe. "Give it to me. Show me how long you've been waiting."

Her whispers broke him. "Shit! I'm coming." He orgasmed hard, his body jerking inside of hers. His heart was racing so fast, it felt like someone was knocking on his chest. The sound rang in his ears, deafening him temporarily. A minute later, she was rocking against him wildly, riding her own wave. *Ding* "I hear it now," he said as his body relaxed. Miranda cracked up. Easing out of her, he stood up and headed to the kitchen.

"I really like the view."

"Don't objectify me," he said over his shoulder.

"Be careful around that thing," she told him.

Checking the food, he pulled the pan out of the oven. Ben turned it off and walked back toward his naked wife. He climbed under the covers with her and held her as they faced each other. "I am so happy right now. You make me happy."

"I do?" Miranda asked softly.

"You know you do.

"You make me happy, too." Ben couldn't help the grin that was plastered across his face. He leaned in and kissed her chest. "I love you."

"I love you," he said closing his eyes.

The easiness and enjoyment of having sex came back naturally. They couldn't keep their hands off of each other. After dinner, they cleared the table, making love on top of it as Ben prayed it didn't break beneath them. Then again in the bedroom, shaking the bed and once more in the shower. He'd never forgotten what she tasted like, but he did miss it. In the morning, as they packed the car, Mikey and Sarah wandered over to them. The couples exchanged good mornings. "Leaving already?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah, we have to get on the road," Miranda said with a smile.

"Well, be safe," Mikey said shaking Ben's hand. "Hopefully, you'll come back up here."

"Definitely, it's beautiful," Ben told him. Miranda and Ben waved goodbye as Mikey and Sarah walked away. "Can I drive now?" He asked.

"Yes, please." Their conversations on the way back home were lightyears better than the ones they had going to the cabin. It made his heart flutter to think that there was so much he didn't know about her; that he'd yet to find out. And vice versa, but they had so much time to do so. "So, how'd I do?" She asked him as the song changed.

He turned down the music a little. "With what?"

"Planning a romantic… whatever. That's usually your department."

"A-plus," he said smiling at him. "This was a fantastic weekend."

"Well, don't get used to it," she giggled.

"Too late. I'm spoiled now." He picked up her hand and kissed it, biting it her skin softly. Pulling into the same rest area, they got out of the car. "You get the snacks, I'll do the gas," he said getting out and opening the door for her.

"Thank you." She kissed him hard, making him rise.

"Mmm, not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

"Because I love you."

"Well, I love you, too."

Before they got home, they picked up some lunch. The kids were at school and they sent text messages to them to let them know that they were back. Ben and Miranda checked the house, making sure that everything was okay. Satisfied, they ate and then retired to their bedroom. "Whew! I am beat!" He said pulling off his shirt and pants and getting into bed.

"I'm right behind you," she replied sitting on the edge of the bed. He watched her undress meticulously and it turned him on. Crawling to her, he grabbed her waist, kissing her ear. "Ben!"

"Yes, dear." He nibbled on her ear and unhooked her bra.

"I thought we were tired," she wshipered.

"We were until you started stripping."

She scoffed and tapped his arm. "I was not stripping!"

Laughing, he got off of the bed and stood in front of her at the foot of the bed, admiring her breasts. "We can get one more in before the kids get home."

She took a second to think about it. "Maybe even two." Taking the hint, they moved up on the bed, he released her from her panties and began savoring her. "Yessss," she hissed.

A piercing pain beneath his ribcage made him open his eyes. He looked over to see Miranda staring at him. "Ready for Round 3 already?" He asked kissing her chest and inching closer to her. She shook her head. He'd already had two orgasms and given Miranda three, they'd picked up the kids, caught up on their respective weekends and had dinner. They were now in bed. He looked at the clock and saw that it was really early in the morning.

"I can only wake you up for sex?"

"You can, but I didn't say that."

"I'm kidding."

He tickled her stomach until she surrendered. "So, what's up?"

"I just wanted to talk."

He groaned. "More talking? Baby, it's… three o'clock in the morning."

The only light was the one from the bathroom a few feet away, but he could see the seriousness on her face. He sat up, putting his back against their headboard. "I'm sorry, babe. Okay, okay, okay, I'm listening."

She sighed and sat up, too. "Um—"

His heart was thundering in his chest. He didn't know what she was going to say. "Wait, is it bad?"

She shook her head. "No."

Ben was still nervous, but at least the thoughts of one of them moving out and her leaving him and taking the kids or asking for another sabbatical were pushed away. He sighed. "Alright. Lay it on me."

Miranda took a deep breath and turned to him, putting her hand on his face. "I'm pregnant." He blinked slowly. Had he heard her correctly? Another kid? A baby? "Hellooo? Say something, Benjamin Warren. You're scaring me."

"Wow," he said jerking his head back.

"Is that a 'good wow' or a 'holy shit wow'?"

"Not gonna lie. A little of both." She laughed first and he joined her, hugging her waist and kissing her chin. "A baby?"

She nodded. "That's why I was up so early yesterday. I wanted to get a pregnancy test. To confirm."

"So, you've known for how long?"

"Officially, a day, but I've had a feeling for about a week."

"And you're just telling me?" He questioned.

"Well… I needed time to let it sink in. Don't be mad."

"I'm not mad, Miranda. Another kid—a baby is a blessing. I promise I'm happy."

"You are?"

"Of course, babe. This… this is great news."

They each let go of the breath they'd been holding on to and hugged tightly. "I think so, too. I can't wait to find out how far along I am… we are."

"Ohhh, so, that's why you threw up?" She nodded. "So, it wasn't the BBQ?"

"You know what?" Miranda turned her back on him. "Goodnight."

"Okay, okay," Ben laughed. "Hold up, didn't you have some wine?" She nodded. "You tried to get wasted with my child inside of you?"

"Now, you're just being dramatic," she said shaking her head. "It was the tiniest sip. Just for our toast. Remember 'here's to us' and all that?"

"I remember. This was the perfect weekend." Putting his body against hers, he whispered: "Thank you."

"Hmm? For what?"

Rubbing her belly, ready and excited for the new things to come, he said: "Where should I begin?"

"At the beginning. Start at the beginning."