Reflections Chapter 63- The Question, a castle fanfic

Authors Note: Thanks for your reviews; and I'm so sorry for the long wait for this chapter. I hate when months pass between updates and I always feel badly about it. Hopefully this chapter will be worth the wait.

Chapter 63- The Question

"Miss Jo," Angie Beckett said as she scooped up a spoonful of ice cream from her dish; "Is Uncle Jim mad at us?"

Johanna smiled at the little girl; her gaze sliding to her scowling pensive boyfriend who was sitting next to his niece in the booth. "No, lady bug; he's not mad at us."

"He looks mad," Angie declared. "Look at him; his face is all scrunchy."

Johanna gave a soft laugh. "It is a little scrunchy, isn't it?"

"He looks growly…like a tiger," four year old Danny declared.

She smoothed a hand over the little boy's hair as he sat next to her. "I won't let him growl at you, Cowboy," she assured.

"Him mad?" Alicia asked; pointing her tiny finger at her uncle.

"No; Uncle Jim isn't mad," Johanna remarked; although she was sure he wasn't too happy about their date turning into babysitting; but she had been in Jim's office when his brother came; telling him he was their last hope; that Mikey had a school event that both he and Natalie needed to be at and they didn't want to drag the other three children with them and take away from Mikey's moment in the spotlight. She had volunteered to take the girls and Danny…Jim shooting her daggers until Michael made his escape. It hadn't been a pleasant ride home. He was so not happy with her…in fact if he was mad; it was definitely directed toward her. Honestly she hadn't thought it would be a big issue; he'd been tense for days…she thought maybe some down time with the kids would loosen him up; she felt more relaxed spending some time with the kids. She had enjoyed their trip to McDonalds for dinner…it was a mostly silent dinner on Jim's part as he stewed about the circumstances but she and the kids had kept things lively. Angie had requested her favorite ice cream parlor for dessert and Jim had grudgingly drove them all their, declining any ice cream for himself and not even fighting her about who would pay when she stepped up to the cash register and paid for the treats she and the kids had chosen.

"If he's not mad," Angie said; "How come he looks like that?"

"How come he's not talking?" Danny asked.

"Him sad?" Alicia chimed in.

Johanna cuddled Alicia as she sat on her lap. "He's not sad, sweetie. Uncle Jim is just tired. He had a long day at work. Being a lawyer is a hard job and sometimes it's frustrating…like when your homework is really hard or you can't figure out the game you're trying to play."

Angie and Danny nodded in understanding and she breathed a sigh of relief; Jim clearly wasn't going to help her. She scooped up a bite of ice cream for Alicia and fed it to her as Angie pondered her uncle. "Maybe Uncle Jim needs a new job since his makes him mad."

She smiled. "What do you think he should do if he stops being a lawyer?"

"Baseball," his niece replied. "Baseball makes him happy."

Johanna laughed a little as she glanced at Jim. "What do you think, Jim? Do you want to give up the law and see if you can make it in the major leagues?"

He scoffed. "I don't think so."

She shrugged. "Any other suggestions, Angie?"

"I don't need career counseling from a six year old," Jim declared.

Danny looked up at Johanna. "See; him growling."

She nodded. "I do see that; can I sit Alicia down beside you and you and Angie make sure she doesn't go anywhere?"

"Where you going?" he asked.

"I'm going to take Uncle Jim over there," she said, pointing to the trash cans; "And see what I can do about that growling; I'll be able to see you the whole time. Watch your sister."

"I'll watch Danny and Alicia," Angie promised around a mouth full of ice cream.

"I'll watch 'Licia," Danny stated stubbornly; his small hand wrapping around his baby sister's.

"You can both watch her," Johanna stated as she got up from the booth and sat the two year old down by her brother. "Jim, can I see you for a minute."

"You can see me right here," he stated snidely.

"Now, J-A-C-K-A-S-S," she spelled out.

"Oh, Miss Jo is spelling," Angie said. "When Mommy spells, Daddy gets in trouble…Uncle Jim is in trouble."

"Eat your ice cream," Jim told her.

"Don't be mad at me because you're in trouble," his niece declared. "I'm a good girl; you must be being a bad boy because now Miss Jo has to spell and take you away for a talk; that's what Mommy does when Mikey and Danny are bad; she takes them away so I can't hear."

"There's a 30 year old trapped in a six year old's body," Jim muttered as he got up from the booth.

"You gonna give him a time out?" Danny asked as they began to walk away.

"You better believe it," Johanna said. "You three stay there; I'm watching."

They moved to the area by the trash cans; Johanna positioning herself so that she could watch the kids at the table. "Okay, Jim; what the hell is your problem?" she asked quietly; her tone sharp and demanding.

"You know what my problem is," he snapped.

She sighed. "It's one evening; it's not going to kill you."

"You had no right to volunteer us and change our plans!"

"For God's sake, Jim; all we planned on doing was going out to dinner. I don't recall any big plans of going to a concert or the theater…"

"I'll never take you to the theater so you don't have to worry about that."

"Yes, I know; you've told me countless times. Anyway; all we planned on was going out to dinner; and we still did that."

"At McDonalds…with three kids," he retorted.

"So? I like chicken nuggets. The kids behaved themselves. You're the one acting like a bear."

"This isn't the evening I had in mind. We already did this once with your nephew."

Johanna rolled her eyes. "Yes, I know; and it turned out just fine. Tonight would be just fine if you'd just let it."

No it wouldn't, Jim thought to himself. He wanted to take her out for a nice dinner; create a romantic moment and propose. Instead; Miss I love children and don't mind rearranging our lives to spend time with them, had volunteered them for babysitting duty because she had been sucked in by a sob story. If he didn't love her so much and hadn't spent so much on a diamond ring, he'd be tempted to throttle her.

"Maybe I didn't want to spend my evening with three kids," he retorted. "I wanted to spend it with you."

"You are," she said sharply. "We're alone together plenty of times and we'll be alone together after they leave…but with the way you're acting tonight; I think you need to go home once the kids are picked up and be by yourself."

"Why wait until they're picked up?" he asked. "I can drop all of you off and go on my way if that's how you want it."

Johanna rolled her eyes. "For God's sake, Jim; what was so important about tonight that's making you act this way? We have dinner together most days of the week here lately. You were your brother's last resort to take the kids; don't you think Mikey deserves a little one on one time with his parents? Don't you think he deserves to have some attention of his own? I know there were times when I was tired of competing for attention with my siblings; I'm sure you got tired of competing with your siblings too and just wanted your parents to come to something that mattered to you without the others along. He's a little boy who has a lot of activities to share with his parents at school tonight. You're his uncle; you love him; the least you can do for him is let him have this time with his parents without his siblings. What's wrong with you tonight?"

Everything was wrong, he thought to himself. He wanted to propose; that ring was burning a hole in the drawer he had it hidden in. Now that he had made up his mind, he didn't want to waste time. He wanted to get right to it and get the asking over with. Two days after he had bought the ring he had thought that he had a good moment and was about to ask her that important question when the phone rang, her mother needing her attention and bringing an end to the cozy moment they had created. The following day hadn't been any better; work had ruined a date he had asked for…now the kids had interrupted. He couldn't stand this; he couldn't take the pressure. This proposal business was so stressful…and he didn't have a clue about how to make it the perfect magical moment she deserved; although he kept trying to think of ways.

"Jim," Johanna said with exasperation, smacking his shoulder. "What is wrong with you tonight?"

"Nothing," he snapped. "I just didn't want to do this but you had to go and volunteer. I had a long day at work; I just wanted to be with you; not chaperoning three rugrats and their happy meals."

Her brow rose. "Are you sure that you like kids?" she asked; "Because I have to admit that sometimes it doesn't seem like it."

He sighed; he couldn't afford for her to think that he didn't like children…especially when he had essentially already promised to give her a baby one day…and the proposal would seal that fate. He liked kids…he loved his nieces and nephews…he just didn't want them around tonight when he had planned to take that leap. "You know I like kids," he said gruffly.

"Sometimes I wonder," she replied. "Those three kids over there are convinced that your mad at them; you've barely said a word to them all night…they're acting more mature than you are."

He blew out an aggravated breath. "What do you want me to do, Johanna?"

"Stop being an ass; that would be a start," she retorted. "After that; start being like the uncle they're used to having around. We can go out tomorrow night; it's not that big of a deal."

Easy for her to say; he thought to himself; all she had to do in all of this was be surprised and say yes…she would say yes…wouldn't she? It was a thought that kept rolling through his mind; what if she didn't say yes? What if she thought it was too soon? Could he convince her of a long engagement in that case? God this was stressful; how did people manage to get through this?

"Jim; are you listening to me?!" she exclaimed in a hushed voice; exasperation on her face.

"Yes; I'm listening," he shot back. "Why don't you try it sometime?"

Fire flashed in her eyes. "Stop it," she hissed. "You're acting like a child who didn't get his way; and you're making those little kids feel like they did something wrong. They didn't do anything to you; if you want to be mad; be mad at me, but do it after they're on their way home…and if you can't do that; then leave them with me and go on your way."

It was tempting, Jim thought to himself; but he couldn't do that. He didn't want the kids to see him walk out on them. It wasn't their fault; it was their parents fault for not having reliable babysitters. It was Johanna's fault for falling for every sob story. He blew out a breath. "I'm not leaving without all of you," he stated.

"Fine; then quit being an ass and act like a normal person. I know you know how."

He gave a nod. "Fine; and the next time you hear a sob story about needing a babysitter; you pretend you don't here it."

She sighed. "Fine, Jim; I'll never watch any kids again; okay? But let me say this; if being around kids when it's inconvenient for you is going to make you act like this; then maybe you shouldn't have any of your own…because you can't get rid of your own after a few hours."

"I like kids," he hissed. "I just don't want any around when I have plans. Why can't you get that?"

"I do get it; but why can't you have some compassion? I didn't offer to take the kids to tick you off; I offered for Mikey's sake."

"I know," he breathed. "It's fine; but next time; when I say we have plans, can you just keep your mouth shut and let someone else be the good Samaritan?"

Johanna glared at him. "Sure; no problem…and I hope you can find a good Samaritan to sleep with you tonight because it sure as hell won't be me. When the kids finish their ice cream; take us home. When they get picked up; hit the door behind them because I am not putting up with your attitude tonight. I have to be in court in the morning and I'm not going to have you aggravating me all damn night."

"Jo," he sighed.

"Don't even," she retorted; her eyes on the kids; watching as Danny fed his little sister a spoonful of ice cream. "You've done pissed me off. We're going back to the table and play nice in front of the kids. When they leave; you can leave and I'll find my own way to work tomorrow."

"Jo; don't be like that," Jim said as he grabbed her wrist. "We've been in a good place lately…I don't want to fight…please."

"I didn't start it!"

"You kind of did," he replied; "I'm not the one who changed our plans."

Johanna eyed him. "Don't act like I'm the only one who changes plans. I've been stood up plenty of times lately due to your client and his need of dinner meetings, so don't act like it's all on me. Things happen sometimes; get over it. We could've still had a perfectly nice evening together tonight but you had to act like a big baby and that you can blame yourself for. Now go sit down, talk to those kids and quit being an ass."

Jim didn't appreciate being lectured but he wisely bit back a sharp retort that would've started an even bigger fight. "Fine."

"Good," she said sternly. "And make it all believable; they're not fools."

"I know," Jim remarked as they began to move back to the table. "The only fool here is me."

"I'm not even touching that," she remarked; walking away swiftly so that she could catch the bowl of quickly melting ice cream that was about to fall off the table.

"Did you get in trouble?" Angie asked as they sat back down.

"Yes," Jim replied; doing his best to keep gruffness out of his tone.

"Good," she replied; "That's what happens when you're being mean."

"I wasn't being mean!" Jim declared.

"Yes you were," Angie remarked. "That's why your face was scrunchy; you were being mean and mad."

"You look mean, Uncle Jim," Danny added.

"I do not."

"Uh huh," his nephew replied. "You were growly."

Jim sighed. "I'm sorry, Danny. I won't be that way anymore."

"I'm glad," he replied; "I don't want you to get time out…that's not fun, Uncle Jim. I had time out yesterday and it was boring."

He nodded. "Yeah; I know…I'm going to be on time out later and it's really going to be boring too."

"That'll teach you," Danny said. "Mommy says when you're bad there are things…what are they called, Angie?"

"Quences," Angie answered. "You gotta pay quences."

"I think you might mean consequences," Johanna gently corrected; "But you're right; when you're bad, there are consequences to pay."

Danny gave Jim a serious look. "You gotta pay your quences, Uncle Jim. When the quences are over, then you can play again."

Jim gave a nod. "Thanks for explaining that to me; I don't know what I'd do without you, Danny."

"You'd be in lots of trouble," his nephew replied. "You wouldn't know about your quences."

"I'd tell him," Angie declared.

"There's no disputing that," Jim remarked.

"Are you still mad at us?" his niece asked; a hand on her hip as she turned toward him.

"No, sunshine; I'm not mad at you," he replied. "I'm just having a bad day."

"You should've had ice cream," Angie remarked. "It would've made you feel better. It makes me feel better."

"I think that only works for girls," he replied.

Angie shrugged. "Mommy says you don't know unless you try."

"Do you sit around and take notes of everything your mother says?" Jim asked.

"No; I can't write that many words yet," the girl answered. "I can write my name and some little words though."

"I know; I'm very proud of you; I knew first grade would be more to your liking," he replied.

"Finish up your ice cream," Johanna instructed. "We need to get back before your parents or they might worry."

Jim caught Johanna's eye and tried to offer a silent apology but she only narrowed her eyes at him; unreceptive to his attempt. He'd have to work on that once the kids were out of the picture.

After the kids had been picked up at Johanna's apartment, Jim squeezed the back of his neck and faced her sheepishly. "Do I get to launch a defense while they get out of the building and the neighborhood so I don't have the shame of being put of here while they're in the vicinity to see it?"

"You've got five minutes," Johanna said as she sat down on the couch.

He gave a small sigh of relief; he had expected thirty seconds or less. "What can I say?" he asked. "I'm sorry; I was being an ass."

"Admission of guilt is always nice," Johanna said; a touch of sternness in her tone.

Jim smiled a little, his eyes moving over her; taking note of her crossed legs and her arms folded across her chest; her dark hair loose and draped over her shoulder. She looked so prim and proper…she had her lawyer face on, all business and no nonsense, ready to take her prey apart like a pro. It was so very appealing…and suddenly he was thinking about all the improper things he'd like to do to her.

"Is that the end of your defense?" she asked. "Because I have to say; I find it lacking…especially coming from a seasoned lawyer such as yourself."

His smile had a touch of wickedness in it. "I got sidetracked."

"Oh? Having trouble thinking up excuses for your asinine behavior?"

"No; I was distracted by you."

"By me?" I'm not doing anything."

"That's what you think," he murmured. "You can do so very much without even being aware of it."

"Meaning what?" she asked with an arched brow.

God, that was an incredibly appealing look too, he thought to himself. "Meaning; you're very sexy," he remarked without thinking.

"Really?" Johanna asked; "You're taking your defense in this direction?"

"What defense?"

"Oh my God; really?" she exclaimed.

Jim tried to shake off his thoughts for a moment. "Oh, that…I mean; I'm sorry…and you're still very sexy…you look all prim and proper in one moment and then you get that look on your face…that badass lawyer look…it's so very sexy."

Johanna rolled her eyes. "There's nothing sexy about this outfit," she remarked, looking down at her navy blue skirt and white blouse. I'm still in my work clothes…totally unsexy."

Jim shook his head and moved closer, perching on the coffee table in front of her; his hand reaching out to take hold of her foot. "Trust me, sweetheart; you're wrong," he said as his fingers fumbled with the buckle on the ankle strap of her shoe, but finally he released it and slipped it off her foot, letting it fall to the floor as his hands slid sensuously up her leg; his fingertips seeking the top of her thigh high pantyhose and rolling them down.

"What are you doing?" she asked; "You're supposed to be defending yourself."

"I'm helping you out of your work clothes," he remarked as he picked up her other foot and took off her other shoe; his hands making the same slow sensual caress up her leg as he reached beneath the hem of her skirt to remove her hose.

"Jim," she chastened; desire stirring within in her as he gave in and kissed the side of her knee after pulling the thin nylon material away.

"What, sweetheart?" he asked; his lips and fingers trailing along her leg.

"This isn't exactly fair," she murmured.

"Who said anything about being fair?" Jim asked. "As a seasoned lawyer you should know to always read the fine print."

"I wasn't aware that your defense came with fine print," she remarked as a kisses landed against the inside of her thigh.

He looked up at her and smiled. "Well now you know."

"I thought we were talking?"

"We will," he replied as moved to the couch, his fingers quickly finding the buttons of her blouse; his lips seeking hers.

"Jim…"

"Don't fight it," he murmured; his hand slipping between the buttons he had opened. "It's part of my please forgive me for being a jackass defense."

"Since when?" she asked; a hitch in her breath as his mouth landed against her neck.

"Since I took your first shoe off."

Johanna sighed, her fingers sinking into his hair for a moment before his lips captured hers; his hands moving stealthy as he tried to rid her of her blouse without her notice but she managed to pull it from his grasp with her unoccupied hand. "This isn't over," she said breathlessly.

"I should hope not; we've barely gotten started."

She pulled his ear. "Not this; I meant our discussion."

Jim shook his head. "Let's not think about that…let's think about making you more comfortable by getting you out of these work clothes."

"Why? So you can get to work on me?"

He grinned. "It's never work with you, sweetheart….it's a lot of things, but it's never work."

Against her better judgment, she kissed him passionately. "As soon as this is over, we're finishing that discussion," she told him sternly.

"Whatever you say," he replied as he rose from the couch and tugged her along with him. "Let's take this matter into chambers."

"I shouldn't be letting you get away with this," she declared as she allowed him to lead her to her bedroom.

"I know, but I'm just so damn irresistible to you," he quipped; pulling her into the room and nudging her to her bed.

"I could resist you if I wanted to."

"Clearly you don't want to," Jim remarked; finally managing to divest her of her blouse.

"Only because I like to finish things that get started," Johanna replied. "Which is why we're still going to finish your defense as soon as this is over."

"That could interrupt round two though," he said as he reached for the zipper of her skirt.

"There will be no round two…that's your punishment for being a jackass," she stated; her fingers falling to the buttons of his shirt.

"That's harsh," he murmured against her neck. "Since you've already issued punishment, I don't see much reason to continue the defense later."

"Well…you could consider it an appeal…and if I like it; I might rescind your punishment."

"Fine," he said, pushing her skirt off her hips. "Now let's get back to business at hand…it doesn't require as much talking."

Johanna smirked at him. "We're not going to make a habit of this…you will not get out of things all the time just because you took my shoes and pantyhose off…without me asking."

"I was under the impression that I had a standing invitation to strip you anytime…I'm pretty sure you told me that."

She eyed him as she allowed him to gently push her down onto the bed. "I'm not sure I recall that…we'll have to discuss that too."

"Women," he sighed; his lips leaving a fiery trail down the column of her throat. "So much discussion."

"Men; so little discussion," she retorted.

"It's something you need to practice right now," Jim remarked. "I'm going to help you by keeping your lips occupied."

She opened her mouth to speak but he cut off her words with a searing kiss, and every time she started to say something, he'd bestow another one upon her until she slowly lost interest in conversation; her thoughts scattering as he slowly drove her crazy and made her temporarily forget the discord of the evening.

Awhile later, Johanna abandoned Jim as her pillow and moved into her usual spot. "Where you going?" Jim asked; his hand moving after her, trying to draw her back. He was comfortable and warm; content and happy with the feel of her against his body.

"It's time to finish our discussion," she answered as she pulled the covers around her more tightly.

"What discussion?"

"Jim."

He sighed. "Right…okay; I really am sorry for tonight. I didn't mean to be a jackass."

"Then why were you a jackass?"

He shrugged. "I don't know."

She arched a brow at him. "Really?"

He smiled. "You drive me crazy when you look at me like that…it's very enticing."

Johanna smacked his chest and moved to the edge of her side of the bed. "No more sex tonight. I want answers."

"Can I help it if I find everything about you so attractive?" he asked. "Is it my fault that you're gorgeous and highly desirable? Is it my fault that your badass look gets my blood moving even faster than your normal look…and that gets things moving pretty fast as it is. I am not to blame for any of these things."

"There's a time and a place."

"That might be a matter of opinion."

"That could be but we're talking anyway; so tell your friend to settle down and take a nap."

"You know he prefers the term 'associate'," Jim remarked. "You don't want to offend him, do you? He loves you…he's pretty sure you're fond of him too but don't make him question it…because then you'll have to forget about this talk and prove to him that you're sincere in your feelings."

She couldn't help but giggle and she knew it would mar the sternness she wanted to portray…but then she figured that image was marred when she allowed him to so easily persuade her into bed. "You're incorrigible."

"I know; that's one of the things you like most about me."

"Uh huh," she scoffed. "Now seriously; what was going on with you tonight? What's been going on with you the last few days? You've been distracted and somewhat irritable."

"I'm sorry," he murmured as he reached for her hand. "I haven't meant to be that way."

"I know you wouldn't be that way on purpose…except for maybe tonight; tonight seemed to be a bit on purpose."

"I've just had things on my mind," he replied.

She moved closer once more; her fingertips caressing his face. "What kind of things?"

He breathed deeply…if they had been somewhere nice; somewhere where she could be dressed up and there were flowers and candles; all the pretty things women liked; he would've told her exactly what was on his mind. He would've told her how much he loved her, how much he wanted to spend every day and night with her. He would've asked her to marry him. But they weren't somewhere special…they were in her bed; their clothes scattered on the floor; no ring, no flowers, no candlelight. The moment squashed once more.

"Hey," she said softly; her hand cradling his cheek. "You know you can tell me anything; don't you?"

"Yeah," he replied with a nod. "I know."

"Then what is it, honey?"

He couldn't tell her the main reason; he couldn't tell her that he had a three carat diamond in the drawer at his apartment that was driving him crazy because he wanted to see if it looked as good on her finger as he thought it would. He couldn't tell her that his opportunities to propose kept getting waylaid. "Its just work," he replied; it wasn't totally a lie; he did have a stressful caseload at the moment.

"What about it?"

"Three high pressure cases; you know the ones….a lot of money involved in each one."

"I know; and you'll win them all and it'll be a lot of money for you," she replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "And you can use some of it to take me to dinner."

He chuckled quietly. "That's a given, sweetheart. If I win all three; I'll spoil you rotten."

She smiled; her lips brushing against his. "You don't have to do that; I was just teasing."

"I know; but we always celebrate our wins…and if I do get all three; I might want to take a long weekend…and persuade you to do the same. Maybe we could slip away somewhere."

"That sounds nice," she murmured. "Where would we go?"

"I don't know; somewhere warm? Maybe I could take you away for your birthday…we could go to Florida for a few days."

"You don't have to be that extravagant for my birthday," Johanna told him with a soft smile.

"It's not extravagant; maybe we could celebrate more than just your birthday," he replied; thinking that maybe they could belatedly celebrate their engagement as well…surely an engagement warranted a special celebration.

"Like what?" Johanna asked.

He was silent; his mind working frantically to think up something so that he wouldn't spill the beans about his plan to propose.

"Valentine's Day?" she finally said as she saw the look of concentration on his face.

"Yeah," he smiled; "It might be a little early but it could be a birthday and Valentines present."

She gave a soft laugh. "You just want me in a bikini."

Jim shrugged. "Well the trip is a gift for you; the bikini show would be a gift for me…mutual giving, sweetheart; we're all about mutual giving."

"Mhmm; but we were talking about what's going on with you. Anything else besides work?"

"No," he lied.

"Are you sure; because tonight was…well; you know how you were."

"I know…and I'm sorry. I just…I just wanted to be with you, alone."

"I know…but sometimes it's nice to help someone out, isn't it? Especially when it's kids you love."

"Yeah; but I love you more," he replied. "It's just been a long few weeks; a lot of stress mixed in between the good moments that we've managed to create and I just wanted you all to myself."

"And look; you do have me all to yourself," she replied; "Just like I told you you would. It was only a few hours."

"I know…"

"The kids thought you were mad at them."

"I know…I'll pick up some Barbie dolls and Hot Wheels as apology gifts."

"Good idea; one doll for each girl and a couple Hot Wheels for Danny; don't overdue it or there won't be anything to get them for Christmas."

"Right….oh God; Christmas shopping," he groaned. "It's time for that again, isn't it?"

"Sure is…but we can go together for most of it. Do you want to start next weekend?"

"Yeah, sweetheart; that would be good. Maybe we can get done earlier this year than we did last year."

"We might. Anything else we need to talk about that's got you bothered? Are you sure there's nothing else?"

If she only knew; he thought to himself. "No; there's nothing right now…is there anything else I need to do to gain your forgiveness?"

A smile slid across her lips. "Well…it would gain you a lot of points if you wanted to get up and get my pajamas so I don't get cold."

Jim pulled her close. "Sweetheart, I'll keep you warm; you don't need them."

She allowed his kisses for a few minutes and then put a hand against his chest. "I was serious about no round two…or three…whichever one were on now; I have feeling round two happened while I was still in a haze from round one."

He grinned. "I'm good like that."

"You are," she said; giving him an affectionate pat before she moved to get up. "But no more tonight; I'm serious."

"Why?" he asked as she searched the floor for her lingerie to slip on.

"Because I have to get some sleep," she told him as she moved to the chair and grabbed the pajamas she had tossed there that morning. "I have to be in court in the morning."

"It's still kind of early," he replied as she made her way back to the bed and slipped beneath the covers. "It's barely 10:30."

"I didn't say I was going to sleep this second; we can keep talking…we're just not starting anything else right now…because this seems like one of those occasions where it'll last until dawn if I don't stop it now."

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

Johanna kissed him. "Believe me, honey; there's nothing I like better than spending a whole night wrapped up in you…but I really do have court in the morning and I need to be rested. You're not the only one with difficult cases."

"I know; you're right; I'm sorry…I just can't get enough of you sometimes."

"I'm glad," she smiled; "I feel the same way about you…and I promise; this coming weekend will be all about us and I'll be willing to stay up all night with you."

"Deal," he murmured. "Am I forgiven for tonight?"

"Yes; buy the kids apology gifts and take me to lunch tomorrow and be your usual charming self and all will be forgiven," Johanna told him before kissing him.

"You've got it," he replied as he pulled her close and settled her against his chest once again. "I love you, Johanna…you know that, don't you?"

She smiled as she glanced up at him. "Yeah; I know…do I give you doubts?"

"No; I just want to make sure that you know that I love you more than anything."

"I love you too," she whispered. "Are you sure there isn't something wrong?"

"Yeah…I just like to make sure you know how much I love you."

"I do; I feel it all the time," Johanna said as she wrapped her arm around him tightly. "Do you know how much I love you?"

"I do," he murmured; his fingers sinking into her hair. "You go ahead and sleep now…tomorrow will be better; I promise."

"I'm not worried," she answered. "And if there's anything I can do to help you; let me know."

The only thing he needed her to do was to say yes, he thought to himself. "I'll let you know, sweetheart."

The next morning during a lull in his schedule, Jim paced his father's office. "How am I supposed to do this?" he asked. "How am I supposed to propose? Every time I think I have a plan, something comes along to interrupt it."

"You need to relax, son," Robert said as he leaned back in his leather chair. "You don't have to make a big production out of this."

"But isn't that what women want?" he asked. "Some big gesture that they'll remember forever?"

"Jimmy; she's going to remember the moment forever no matter what happens. Don't over think it. Your mother didn't require a big production…in fact our engagement was a very simple affair. I proposed to her while we were sitting on a porch swing."

Jim scoffed; he was still angry with his mother for the stunt she had pulled on Thanksgiving and he had yet to speak to her. "Any regrets?" he couldn't help asking.

"No; I thought the moment was perfect."

"That's not what I meant," he replied. "I meant any regrets about asking?"

Robert chuckled. "Occasionally…but all men have that momentary regret during a time of discord. But the point is, it was a simple moment; no big production. Your mother was pleased and happy."

"Yeah, but Mom isn't exactly typical of the female species…if you know what I mean."

His father nodded. "Lizzie is in a league of her own…but I'm sure whatever you plan will be just fine. Keep it simple; Johanna will be pleased no matter what you plan for her. Did you get the ring?"

"Yeah," Jim answered as he dug into his pocket. "That's one of the reasons I stopped by; I wanted to show it to you and I'm not coming to the house. I had an unexpected break this morning; I'll be able to run it back home when I leave."

Robert took the small black velvet ring box from his hand and cracked it open. He whistled softly. "That's a beautiful ring, Jimmy," he said as he studied the diamond. "How many carats is it?"

"Three," he replied.

"I bet that cost you enough."

"Yeah…I still hyperventilate every once in awhile when I think about it. I don't think I've ever written out a check for that amount of money before. I took it out of my stock dividends account."

Robert gave a soft laugh. "Don't worry, my boy; the price will be well worth it. I say it's a very wise investment. She'll love it."

"I hope so," he replied as he took the ring back and looked at it. "It just looked like it belonged on her hand…like it was made for her."

"She'll be very pleased with it," Robert assured. "Just like she'll be pleased with your proposal no matter how it occurs."

"But it should be special."

"It will be; you don't need to over think it. Any moment where you're asking a woman to marry you is special."

Jim shoved the ring back into his pocket and raked his hand through his hair in frustration. "How can I not over think it? Everything I think up gets interrupted."

"Maybe you're trying too hard to find the moment, Jimmy. What's your hurry?"

"What do you mean what's my hurry?" he asked. "Everyone yells that we move too slow and when I want to pick up the pace you say 'what's your hurry?" Make up your mind!"

Robert laughed. "I meant what's your hurry with popping the question. Why does it need to be done right this moment?"

"I've got the ring; I want to do it!" he exclaimed.

"But why do you feel like it needs to be as soon as possible? She's not pregnant is she?"

"No!" his son exclaimed; outrage spreading across his features.

Robert chuckled. "You can't blame me for asking; you've already had one recent scare."

"We're more careful now," Jim retorted.

"I should hope so," his father replied; "But listen, son; just relax and let it happen on its own when the moment is right."

Jim gave his father an exasperated look. "How is the moment going to be right if I don't plan it?"

His father sighed. "Relax! Don't go overboard in planning; she'll love it no matter what. Trust me; women are more easily pleased than you seem to think. Don't worry so much; it'll be fine…and she's going to say yes."

He blew out a breath. "I hope so."

"She will."

"I still don't know how to do this," Jim stated as he finally dropped into a chair.

Robert pondered the situation for a moment. "Take her up to the cabin for a romantic evening," he suggested. "You can pick up dinner on the way up there; light the fire and some candles; let the moment create itself."

"I can't take her to the cabin," he said with a shake of his head.

"Why not?"

"Because the last time I took her to the cabin with the idea of creating romantic moments; Michael and the tribe busted in and stayed for the duration of our vacation...we had to leave early. I'm not taking that chance again. Michael already interrupted my plans as it is. I was going to take Johanna out to dinner last night and try to create the moment but she was in my office when Michael waltzed in with his sad tale of need a babysitter woe and the next thing I know it's dinner for five at McDonalds."

Robert couldn't help but laugh. "Well think of it this way; you know you're getting a wife who loves children and will be a good mother."

"If I ever get to propose!" he exclaimed. "I was going to do it the other day but her mother called and that was the end of that. We were supposed to go out tonight to make up for last night and now there's a staff meeting after work and that always takes forever. It's like the universe is against me."

"I wouldn't say that…maybe it's just delaying you so your perfect moment will come when you least expect it."

"I don't want it to be when I least expect it…I want it to be when she least expects it…which she probably doesn't expect it all because I have a habit of being a jackass when we're fighting. I'm sure she's still a little convinced that I'll never propose."

"Well then you don't have to worry about making a big deal out of things; you'll blow her mind just by asking."

Jim sighed. "You're not being helpful, Dad."

"I gave you an idea; you didn't like it."

"I like it; I just don't want to chance a family intrusion…and I did take her up there last winter."

"Doesn't mean you can't take her again. I could put the word out that everyone needs to stay away from the cabin…I could say I'm having it fumigated or something."

Jim shook his head. "No; I'll think of something else I guess."

Robert gave him a sympathetic smile. "Why don't you just give yourself a break…take a little more time to think about how you want to propose. What about proposing on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?"

"No," he said with disdain; "That's so cliché! Everyone proposes on either Christmas or Valentine's Day."

"How about New Years Eve?"

"That's probably the third most popular time for engagements," Jim declared. "I'm not doing a holiday proposal; no. She deserves better than a cliché."

"Then maybe you should wait until after the holidays. When is her birthday?"

"February 4th and I'm not waiting that long to do this."

"That ring is burning a hole in your pocket; isn't it?

"Yes! I want to get the hard part over with!"

"That's probably why it's being such a difficult moment to find," Robert remarked. "You're trying to rush it. Just let it happen on its own."

"You're not being as helpful as I had hoped," Jim said honestly.

His father smiled. "I know, son; I'm sorry…but you're just going to have to figure this one out on your own if you're going to veto the suggestions I gave."

"Believe me, Dad; I wish you had a suggestion that I could use."

"If anything better comes to mind, I'll let you know," Robert promised. "But I have a question for you."

"What?"

"When do you plan on seeing your mother? She asked about you last night…she's hinting at me to smooth things over for her."

Jim shook his head. "I'm not there yet…I'm still so angry with her that I don't trust myself to be in the same room with her."

"I don't blame you," his father replied; "But, uh; when are you going to give her the good news of your impending engagement?"

Jim smiled. "Oh; that's going to be her Christmas present."

"Oh lord," Robert said; "Holidays sure are getting a bad name in this family. That's not what you're in a hurry to propose, is it?"

"No; I wouldn't do that to Johanna. I'm just anxious to get the proposing part done so the ulcer that's starting to form in my stomach can clear up. If it doesn't happen before Christmas, then I'll save it for another special moment for Mom…but I'm hoping it's Christmas. She ruined my Thanksgiving and I'm going to make sure her bells are jingled for Christmas."

His father shook his head. "You're playing with fire, son."

"Your wife struck the match," he replied. "Anyway; I think Christmas is the perfect time to share the news with the family; if it should happen by then. And then after I make my announcement, I'll be joining Johanna at her mother's for dinner."

"Your mother isn't going to like that either."

"Yeah," he smiled; "That's part of the beauty of it; she'll get my good news and my absence. It's the perfect gift for a mother who deserves a lump of coal."

Robert laughed. "You're probably right; and don't worry; my lips are sealed. I'm not going to tell a soul."

"I appreciate that," Jim replied as he glanced at his watch. "I better get going so I can take the ring back home. I'll talk to you later, Dad."

"You better," his father stated. "I want to know how it goes once the moment occurs."

"You'll be the third person to know," Jim promised.

"The third? Who's first and second."

"Me and Johanna," he quipped. "See you later."

"I said no," Johanna declared the next afternoon; her gaze scanning the restaurant for Jim but not finding him.

"I don't see why you can't have lunch with me, Johanna," Harvey Ballinger complained as he remained standing by her table.

She blew out a disgusted breath and hoped Jim would hurry. She had gone to law school with Harvey…she hadn't liked him then and she liked him even less now; especially now that she had to deal with him in court. "I've got several reasons, Harvey; and I'm pretty sure I've already mentioned them."

"I don't recall hearing any good reasons," he remarked.

"That's because you don't shut up long enough to listen," Johanna retorted; "But I'll go over it for you once again. First of all; it isn't very ethical to have lunch with the opposing counsel of an active, ongoing case. Two; I already have a date for lunch; my boyfriend. He should be here any minute. Three; I don't want to have lunch with you. I'd rather poke myself in the eye with this fork than have lunch with you. Get lost."

"Boyfriend," Harvey scoffed; ignoring the rest of her list of reasons. "I just bet you have a boyfriend."

Her brow rose and temper flickered in her eyes. "Excuse me?"

"Oh come off it, Johanna; you know how you are. All through law school you acted like no man was good enough for you. You'd let a few chosen ones wine and dine you once in awhile and they were dropped in a few weeks because you were still pinning over Cade Rutherford…and all you were to him was a naïve piece of ass," he said with a laugh.

"What's the matter, Harvey; you jealous? It's a piece you never got and you never will…you never got to wine and dine it either. Of course; from what I understand, you don't get to wine and dine anyone too often; five minutes of your obnoxious behavior is about all any reasonable woman can stand. I know I wouldn't put up with you."

"Because you think you're better than everyone. You think you deserve some big rich, well connected man…well, baby, you have to learn that you have to stay in your own class."

She smiled. "You're right; I do have to stay in my class; but unfortunately for you; you're still nowhere near my class…so start walking; and by the way, my name isn't baby. It's Miss McKenzie to you, seeing as how were on opposite sides of this case."

Harvey smirked. "You're going to lose, baby," he said, brushing a knuckle against her cheek.

Johanna slapped his hand away. "I told you not to call me that and if you touch me again; I will stab you with the fork; don't even think for a minute that I won't."

He didn't seem the least bit bothered by her threats. "I see you didn't deny that you were going to lose."

"That's because as a professional; I don't discuss my case with the opposition…you might know that if you had paid more attention in law school…if you had then you might not have finished in the bottom of our class; unlike me, who finished fifth," she remarked. "But rest assured, I will kick your scrawny ass."

Harvey chuckled. "Whatever gets you through the long, cold, lonely nights."

Her eyes narrowed, a sassy smirk curving her red lips upwards. "My nights may be long; but they're far from cold and lonely."

"Sure," he snickered. "Where is this fabulous boyfriend of yours that you keep mentioning? Shouldn't he be here by now?"

"He'll be here; I'm not worried. You seem to be awfully worried about it though. If you're waiting around to see if he's more impressive than you are; I can save you some time. He is. He's a million times more handsome than you; more charming, and more of a gentleman than you could ever hope to be. He's warm, kind, funny; has a wonderful personality…all things that you lack. He's very smart, successful and a better lawyer than you can ever hope to be. Now be on your way."

"Come on, Johanna; stop being a snob. Someone has to tame you; it may as well be me."

Johanna burst into laughter, drawing the attention of a few other patrons. "You?!" she exclaimed as she laughed. "Tame me!? Oh my God, Harvey; you're more delusional than I thought. You're not man enough to tame me…I know little boys who are more manly than you."

Harvey's face burned with indignation. "They were right when they named you the ice princess in school. That's exactly what you are; an ice cold bitchy princess."

"Icy?" Jim stated as he came up to the table. "I don't know about that; she seemed pretty damn hot last night…and every other night, if you want the truth," he remarked as he moved to Johanna's side and leaned down to give her a kiss. "I'm sorry, I'm late sweetheart; I got caught in traffic."

"It's alright; I knew you'd get here," she said warmly; "But what did I tell you about bragging?"

He grinned. "To only do it when necessary and it seemed to be," he replied. "Who's this idiot? Is he bothering you? If you're being bitchy I'm sure he gave you plenty of reason to be."

Johanna nodded. "That's Harvey Ballinger; we had the misfortune of going to law school together. He's still mad that I wouldn't date him then and won't date him now. Unfortunately, he's the opposing counsel for the case I have in court right now. He's been harassing me to have lunch with him ever since the judge called a recess…he followed me here."

"Is that right?" Jim said as he eyed Harvey. "So clearly you don't know how to take no for answer?"

Harvey shrugged nonchalantly. "She has a reputation for playing hard to get."

"Really? I hadn't heard that," Jim replied. "I did hear that she had a reputation for good taste and not dating idiots who call her names."

"She's earned her titles," Harvey spat.

"He thinks I need to be tamed," Johanna said as she glanced up at Jim. "He thinks he's the man to do it."

Jim laughed. "Well let me set you straight, Harvey," he said, his tone a bit menacing. "My girlfriend is not in need of being 'tamed' as you term it…and if she was; you wouldn't be the man for the job…"

"And you are?" Harvey said brazenly; interrupting his speech.

"I'd be better at it than you; but I'd never try," he remarked. "Johanna doesn't need to be tamed, nor do I want her to be. Every trait she has, I want her to keep…I want her to stay sassy, bold and free. A real man doesn't tame a woman; he loves her for who is she and what she is; sees her traits as qualities; not flaws. She's not a horse being broken; she's a human being and you'll never get a chance to 'tame' her or anything else. I'm pretty sure she's probably already told you to leave her alone and you haven't done it; so now I'm telling you…and if I ever catch you near her again or hear you speaking to her in that manner again; I'll beat the living hell out of you and then we'll see how tame you are. Now get away from our table before I throw you through the door."

"You can have her," Harvey sniffed.

"He's already got me," Johanna declared. "I told you that."

Harvey spun on his heel and stormed away. Johanna breathed a sigh of relief as Jim settled into the chair across from her. "Thank you," she murmured.

"No problem; sweetheart. I'm always happy to chase off your pesky admirers," Jim replied with a smile.

She giggled softly. "I'm glad."

"It's pretty much a part of my job," he remarked. "I can't have you thinking I'm slacking."

A soft smile remained on her lips, her gaze warm but serious. "I liked what you said…about not wanting me to be tamed."

Jim's fingers reached for hers and curled around them. "I meant every word…I always want you to be yourself; I wouldn't want you any other way. I sure as hell don't want you being overly meek and submissive like Sharon seems to be lately."

Johanna squeezed his fingers. "That's good because I don't know if I'd know how to do those things."

He chuckled. "Good; you just stay the way you are…and if he bothers you again; let me know; I'll take care of it. I'll take you back to court after lunch…I think I'll walk you to the courtroom just to make sure he keeps his mouth shut."

"I like the sound of that; not that I'm worried about Harvey; I did threaten to stab him with a fork; but just that I get a few extra minutes with you."

"You threatened to stab him with a fork?" he laughed.

"He touched me; I didn't like it."

Anger blazed his Jim's eyes. "I'll kill him. Where did he touch you?"

"My face," she said; "No need for you to go to jail. "He was telling me I need to learn to stay in my 'class'."

Jim scoffed. "Well he needs to learn that he's so far away from being in your class that he may as well be in outer space. You didn't tell me you were going up against a former school mate."

"I didn't know; Kevin Francois was supposed to be on this case but apparently he's having legal trouble of his own and they sent Harvey to replace him…I wanted to smack my head of the table when he waltzed in. I didn't like him in school and I don't like him now."

"Can't say that I blame you."

Johanna took a sip of her water as Jim looked at the menu. "I wasn't aware that I had the nickname Ice Princess in school," she remarked.

"He probably made it up on the fly, Jo; he seems like the type of ass who would."

"That's true," she agreed.

Jim gave her a grin. "And don't worry; I can refute any claims of iciness…your hotness melts me all the time."

A sly grin spread across her lips. "Well maybe as a thank you for being my hero and rescuing me; I'll melt you again tonight," she said; her tone low and seductive.

"I like the sound of that, sweetheart," he replied; the rest of his statement cut off as he caught sight of the waiter heading their way.

After they placed their lunch orders; Johanna glanced across the table at Jim and smiled. "I love you," she said softly.

"I love you too...and I'm sure you could've handled him on your own."

"I know…but it's nice to know that I don't always have to do everything on my own. It's nice when we can take care of each other."

"I agree," he murmured; thinking about how he always wanted them to be a team.

"I was thinking," she said; her fingers finding his once more.

"About what?"

"I was thinking maybe we could go out tonight to make up for last night…I'm sorry that I volunteered us to take the kids; I didn't really think it would upset you but it did, and I'm sorry," she said sincerely.

Jim shook his head. "It's alright; no harm done…but if you feel up to going out; I'm all for it."

"Good," Johanna replied with a smile. "Where do we want to go?"

An idea suddenly formed in his mind; tonight could be the night to propose. He needed a nice venue and his mind worked quickly to think of one. "How about Tavern on the Green?" he asked; recalling that she had wanted to go there ever since it had reopened at the end of August.

Johanna's eyes lit up. "Tavern on the Green? But I thought we were saving that for a special occasion?"

He shrugged. "Being with you is enough to make it special," he said; thinking to himself that the evening could be made even more special with that question being asked and that ring sliding onto her finger…which should also help fend off her admirers.

"Can we get in this late?" she asked.

Jim was pretty sure he could swing it; Andrew had connections in the real estate and restaurant world…and his brother owed him a favor. "I think I can swing it…I know someone who owes me a favor. Maybe we can get a nice table in the Crystal room."

"Oh," she breathed; her green eyes glittering with excitement. "Everyone has been raving about the Crystal room; they say it's so beautiful and you can look out over the gardens…I've heard it's very romantic in the evening."

He smiled; that was just what he wanted. "I'll get us in there; no matter what," he promised.

"Are you sure we shouldn't wait until the weekend to go there? We might not be able to get in until late."

Jim gave a shake of his head. "Don't worry about it; we'll let tomorrow take care of itself. We'll go tonight; we deserve a pick me up."

A wide smile spread across her lips. "I'm so excited," she murmured. "Everybody has been raving about the place since it reopened; the renovations are really supposed to be nice."

"We'll see for ourselves tonight," he promised; glad to see her excited; this was just what he wanted. She'd get dressed up, they'd go somewhere she'd been clamoring to go to; somewhere they hadn't been before. They'd get a table in that Crystal room; money was no object; a nice meal, a bottle of champagne…and he'd propose. It was going to be perfect. He'd have to buy roses after work. This was going to be exactly the moment he wanted. A smile spread across his lips at the thought of it. It would be a night to remember.

When Jim stepped into her office at the end of the day, Johanna instantly knew that something was wrong. "What happened?" she asked; her stomach clenching with trepidation as he closed the door.

"I hate that son of a bitch," he declared.

"Who?"

"Sebastian Crane," he remarked; "That pompous windbag I've been dealing with for weeks."

"Oh no," she murmured; having a feeling she knew what was coming.

"I'm so sorry, Jo," Jim said; anguish coloring his tone. "I refused to take his stupid dinner meeting; I told him I had plans and I was tired of having to rearrange my life at the last minute every time he called for one of these ridiculous meetings. We fought about it and he went upstairs to Roche…"

"Oh God; he didn't fire you, did he? Because if he did, I'm walking out of here with you."

"No."

"Suspended?"

"No; I just got my ass chewed out while Crane got to watch and he stood there gloating and I just wanted to smash my fist in his face. Roche told me what my client wants comes first; not my personal plans. I'm taking the meeting or I'd be out the door."

"Bastard," Johanna muttered.

"I wanted to punch them both," Jim said as he paced. "I'm so sorry, Jo…I got you all excited to go out and I didn't even get to call for the reservation. You were looking forward to it and so was I…I'm so sorry."

The look of anger and frustration; the emotional look in his eyes that told of how terrible he felt to disappoint her cracked her heart in half and she moved toward him to enfold him in her arms. "It's alright," she murmured. "It's not your fault, honey. I'm not angry; we'll go some other time."

Jim held her tightly; seeing his perfect evening crash and burn before it even got started. "But I wanted it to be tonight…I wanted to give you a special night; a nice place we've never been to; candlelight and soft music, a nice meal. I wanted…" he trailed off; realizing that he was about to spill the rest of his plan. "I just wanted tonight to be special…just the two of us. You were so excited…so was I."

"I know," she murmured; her fingers slipping into her hair at the nape of his neck. "But I'll be excited again the next time we plan to go…it'll still be special. Maybe we can go this weekend; then we won't have to worry about work."

"I just wanted tonight," he whispered into her hair. "I just wanted us to have a nice night; alone, together."

"I know," she said as she pulled back enough to catch his lips in a kiss. "But it's okay."

"It isn't…this keeps happening. Everything we plan keeps getting interrupted lately by either work or family…I can handle the family interruptions but when work wants to overtake every part of my life and keeps me from the plans we made…it just drives me crazy. I hate disappointing you; especially when you've been looking forward to going Tavern on the Green. I loved how excited you were…and now it's ruined."

Johanna kissed him tenderly. "Honey; I'm always excited to be with you," she said softly. "Yes; I was excited to go there with you but things happen sometimes and it was out of your control. I know this jackass keeps intruding on your personal time and I don't think it's right either but I'm not going to hold it against you. We've had a rough few weeks…not relationship wise; but everything else wise it seems like."

"That's the truth," he muttered; his forehead leaning against hers. "You're the only bright spot."

She smiled and cradled his cheek; her lips seeking his once more. "You're my bright spot too…everything will be okay. This weekend will be ours; all ours, no interruptions; no work, no phone calls, no anything but you and me."

"I hope so."

"It will be; trust me."

His fingers dug into her waist gently as he held on to her. "I just wanted to be with you tonight…I don't even know when I'm going to get done with that jackass and when I am done I'll probably be in a horrible mood because I'm sure he'll take his time and make me suffer for trying to get out of it…I don't want to chance taking that out on you so I'll probably go on back to my place. I don't want you to think…"

"Shhh; I know," she replied, stealing another kiss; desperate to ease his distress.

He sighed deeply; frustration pulsing through his veins; making him want to punch walls and tell his client to go to hell. But he didn't want to lose his job…couldn't afford to lose it when he was thinking of marrying Johanna. A man needed to be able to support his wife. He thought of the ring that would remain hidden for yet another night and he ached to gather her up and run away with her. Why couldn't anything be easy for them?

"It's going to be alright," Johanna said softly. "We'll get our alone time back; we always do."

He nodded but at the moment he felt like all of his plans were doomed. "Are you ready to head home? I've got time to take you home before I have to go put up with him for the evening."

"Just let me finish packing my briefcase and get my coat on," she told him.

"No hurry, sweetheart; the bastard can wait…and if he can't; he can get on the fastest train to hell he can find."

Johanna smiled. "Don't give in to the temptation to punch him, honey. I mean I have no problem bailing you out but it might not be good for your career."

"I know," he replied. "I'll do my best to behave…for you; not for anyone else."

"Deal," she said; pressing another kiss to his lips. "I'll be ready to go in a minute."

He sighed as he watched her…no proposal again tonight…that was a trend he desperately wanted to break.

As Jim trudged down the hallway to his door that evening, he realized that his predictions had been correct. Sebastian Crane had been in the mood to punish for his so called 'insolence' and he had griped about everything and anything; dragging out their meeting until the waiter came nearly three hours later and told him that they needed the table. He blew out a breath; he had also correctly predicted that Crane would leave him in a foul mood…although truth be told; his mood had been foul before he had even gotten there. He couldn't wait to have Sebastian Crane out of his life for good.

Jim shoved his key into the lock and turned it, pushing open the door and stepping inside.

"Welcome home," Johanna said, smiling as his gaze met hers in the dimly lit room.

"Jo," he said; his gaze taking in her unexpected presence, the few candles on the stands and coffee table; giving the room a soft look. He noted her silky black robe that was tied tightly; only revealing to him that pair of shapely legs he admired so much. He couldn't help but wonder what she might have hidden beneath that scrap of silk but he shook the thoughts away. "What are you doing here? I dropped you off at your place."

"Waiting for you," she replied as she got up from the sofa and made her way toward him. "A few minutes after you left I got to thinking about some things and decided to come over. I figured you'd need a friendly face…some consoling…someone to rub the stress induced knots out of your muscles…and anything else you might need."

Warmth flooded his body as she raised up on her toes to kiss him; her fingers falling to the buttons of his coat and flicking them open for him.

"You weren't afraid of my possible bad mood?" he asked; allowing her to take his briefcase from his hand.

"I'm not afraid of your bad moods," she said as she sat his briefcase in the chair where hers was already sitting and then reached for the coat he had shrugged out of. "Especially when I'm not the reason you're in a bad mood."

"You're definitely not the reason," he replied as he shed his suit jacket and tie; tossing them over the back of the chair before catching hold of her as she walked by. He drew her close, his lips seeking hers in a passionate kiss. "I missed you," he murmured.

"I missed you too. Did you eat?"

"No; I wasn't eating with the son of a bitch. I was forced to order or we wouldn't have been allowed to keep the table so I ordered lobster."

Johanna gave him an odd look. "You hate lobster."

"I know; I let it set there on the table….he still had to pay for it…it was one of the most expensive things on the menu…sounds a bit petty but it made me feel a little better," Jim remarked.

She gave a soft laugh. "I would've done the same thing. I'm glad you didn't eat though; come into the kitchen, I made dinner."

"You didn't have to do that, sweetheart."

"I know; but I knew you most likely wouldn't eat with him."

"He pissed me off too much for that," Jim remarked. "I wanted to be eating dinner with you."

"And now you can," she said, taking his hand and tugging him along to the kitchen.

Jim stepped into the kitchen; his gaze landing on the table that she had draped with one of her fancy lace table cloths; it was set for two, his plain white dishes and her wine glasses; candles on the table and the counter tops, the room glowing softly. The radio was on but turned down low; the scent of a home cooked meal lingering in the air. He couldn't help but smile. "What's all this?" he asked.

"A home version of our date," she remarked. "You said you wanted us to have candlelight, soft music and a nice meal…I can provide all three."

"I was supposed to provide it," he replied.

She smiled. "You can provide it next time; tonight is my treat now…and you wouldn't want to argue with me; now would you?"

"Definitely not," he grinned; "That could dampen any plans you have for later…after all, you did promise to melt me at lunch."

Johanna pressed a kiss to his lips. "All in good time, darling," she murmured seductively.

"I'll do my best to be patient," he quipped as she nudged him toward his chair. "What's on the menu tonight?"

"Chicken fettuccini alfredo," she answered; moving to the stove where she had been keeping it warm.

His brow rose. "Is that the new recipe you mentioned that you wanted to try?"

"Yes," she answered as she dished up their meal. "It was in that article I read about restaurant food that you can make at home."

"You had time to do all of this?" he asked in astonishment.

"It didn't really take long," Johanna admitted. "I shoved some things into a bag at home to bring over; once I got everything set up the way I wanted; I ran out to the store and got a pack of chicken; I had the other ingredients with me from home. It actually doesn't take all that long to make and cook; I've been keep it warm for the last half hour."

"It looks good," he remarked as she sat his plate down in front of him.

"Let's hope it tastes as good as it looks," Johanna replied as she went back to the stove and took the pan of breadsticks out.

"Breadsticks too?" he asked; "Must be a special occasion."

She gave him an amused smirk. "Don't you even act like I never give you breadsticks," she chastened lightly.

Jim chuckled. "Now that you mention it, I do recall eating breadsticks on several occasions."

"I thought you would," she replied; moving back to the fridge to grab the two small salads and then making another trip to grab the bottle of white wine that she had chilled.

"White wine?" he noted as she opened the bottle and poured it into their glasses. "I thought you were partial to red?"

"I like both," Johanna answered; "But when serving a chicken dish, it's best to serve white wine. The flavors go better together."

"I see," he replied. "We're looking pretty high class here tonight."

She gave him a playful smile. "Here at Johanna's Café, we aim to please."

"You'll never hear any complaints out of me about that."

"Good to know…try that and put me out of my misery, please," she said as she picked up her glass of wine.

Jim dug into the chicken fettuccini alfredo and took a bite, savoring the taste of the flavors on his tongue. "That's delicious," he said sincerely.

"You really like it?"

He nodded; scooping up another bite. "Yes; I think it's great…I'm glad I didn't eat with Crane."

"Me too," she replied as she took a bite of the newest addition to her recipe collection. "It is good," she remarked. "It came out just right."

"I'll be happy to see it entered in the meal rotation," Jim replied as he picked up his wine.

"Consider it done, honey; and by the way; I unplugged your phones."

He smiled. "Plan on having me all to yourself, do you?"

"At least until we have to drag ourselves back to work in the morning," she quipped; "And if we could get out of that; I'd try to persuade you."

"Trust me, sweetheart; it wouldn't take much persuading. I'm glad you unplugged the phones though…with the way our luck has been running."

"We're not accepting phone calls or visitors tonight," Johanna remarked. "We're out on a date."

"I'm still disappointed that I didn't get to take you where you really wanted to go tonight," Jim said. "You were probably mentally reviewing your closet all afternoon to pick out a dress."

"I was," she admitted; "But I'll just put that dress on hold…we'll get there. Like I said, maybe you can get us in this weekend."

"I promise," he murmured. "I won't disappoint you a second time."

Johanna gave him a soft understanding smile. "We've had plans change before; you don't have to be so upset about it. I understand; I'm not mad."

"I know…but I just wanted us to have a special evening."

"And we are," she replied. "As long as I'm with you, I don't care where we are."

Jim smiled; knowing that she was sincere but the embers of his dismantled proposal plan still gnawed at him. "I know; but I just like to give you nice things."

"You do," she assured. "You've always been good to me, Jim…I'm always hoping that I'm living up to that in an equal way for you."

"Of course you do," he said without hesitation. "Look at all this…you did this for me; for us…you always make everything better."

"I try," Johanna said softly; her gaze holding his. "I hate to see you upset…I always want to take it away for you."

"You do," he confirmed; "You always make the bad things go away. That's one of the things I love most about you."

Her fingertips brushed his. "It's something I love about you too."

"Then I guess that all that matters tonight is that you and I are finally here, on the home version of our date…with telephones unplugged and we'll make sure the door is locked."

"Right," she agreed. "Nothing else matters tonight except you and me."

The words echoed in his mind as he resumed eating. He thought briefly of salvaging his proposal plan but then brushed the idea aside. Tonight was a night she was creating for them; it wouldn't be right to steal her thunder and propose. His proposal had to come on a night of his own making…and he had a feeling it wouldn't be the following day either…something told him Crane would be meddling in his life for the rest of the week; keeping him from what he wanted so badly. He thought of the ring hidden there in the apartment and hoped that she wouldn't find it. She didn't make it a habit of rummaging in his drawers unless she was putting laundry away or looking to steal one of his shirts for the day. It should be safe…she didn't have any reason to be in the drawers. She had clothes with her; she was, he presumed already dressed for the night and she would've taken those things from her own assigned drawers. He was sure it was safe in its hiding place. A soft sigh crossed his lips; he couldn't wait for the day when it would rest on her finger instead of lingering in the back corner of a drawer.

Later that evening after dinner had been eaten and half the bottle of wine had been drank; Jim laid on his stomach in his bed; a feeling of contentment wrapped around him as Johanna's soft, slender hands worked the knots from his muscles. She was so damn good at that, he mused as he felt the tension in his body releasing; his anger and frustration over work dissipating as her nearness and her touch unleashed more pleasing thoughts and ideas.

"Are you feeling better?" Johanna murmured; hearing a sigh slip from his lips.

"Mhmm…you're good at what you do, sweetheart."

She laughed softly. "In that case maybe I can say I have a career to fall back on if the law doesn't work out."

Jim shook his head. "No; I'm the only client you're allowed to have."

"Is that right?"

"Yes; those precious hands of yours are mine…they sure as hell aren't going to be touching Harvey."

"Eww," Johanna replied; "Don't even put that thought in my head. I don't want to be sick."

He chuckled. "Don't worry; I'll never allow it to happen. That string of admirers better just go form a line somewhere else; because you're all mine."

"Staking your claim, huh?"

"Sweetheart; I'm pretty sure it's been staked for longer than either one of us realizes."

She laughed softly. "That's probably true…after all, I thought of you as mine long before you truly were."

"I've always been yours, sweetheart," he murmured. "Don't ever doubt that…it might of seemed like I wasn't sometimes, but I was…I always will be."

The sentiment made her breath catch for a moment and she found herself dipping her head to press soft kisses against his back as her hands continued to move over his skin. "I've always been yours too," she whispered. "Always."

"I know…and you always will be."

"I love you so much," she said softly; her lips skimming over his shoulder.

"It's mutual," he remarked; shifting beneath her to turn over; his hands cradling her waist as she remained hovering over him. "I love you too…more than you know."

She caught his lips in a searing kiss; his hand moving to tangle in her hair. He drew her back for kiss after kiss; the atmosphere crackling in the candlelight that surrounded them. "I take it that we're moving on to the next part of the evening?" she asked huskily as his lips parted from hers once more.

"You have promises to keep," Jim murmured; his hand reaching for the sash of her robe. "And I'm very curious to find out what you might be hiding under here."

She pulled back to allow him to untie the sash, her body still straddling his hips as he went about his task. The black material parted; revealing to him an emerald green silk nightgown trimmed in black lace. He smiled in appreciation; his hands moving to slip the robe from her shoulders. "This must be new," he remarked as his fingers fell against the material.

"It is," she confirmed. "It's just something I picked up a few weeks ago…in case some sort of special occasion would arise."

"Special occasion," Jim repeated with a grin. "I do love your special occasion piles."

"So I've heard," Johanna remarked with a saucy smile before kissing him. "I thought maybe you'd like green…."

"I do," he said; his hand moving against the sleek material that hugged her curves. "You're gorgeous in green…it goes well with your eyes…and you know how much I love your eyes."

"I've heard rumors," she said playfully.

"I can confirm those rumors," he quipped, his fingers finding the short hem of her nightgown and tugging it upwards.

Johanna tsked at him. "Here you claim to like my new nightgown and yet you're in such a hurry to take it away."

"Only because you want me to, sweetheart," Jim said with a grin. "You can't deny that; can you?"

"No; I can't deny much when it comes to you."

"Just the way I like it," he declared as he tugged the nightgown upwards and rid her of it, tossing it to the floor; a smile still gracing his lips as his fingertips fell against the matching lingerie. "These must be new too…I've never seen these before."

"You must be very deserving for some reason to get all of these surprises," Johanna remarked sassily. "What is it that you've done that's earned you so much?"

"I have no idea but I'm not going to fight it," he quipped.

She laughed and he couldn't help but think about how much he loved that sound. His hands roamed her body; one sliding to her back to bring her closer to him, catching her lips in a kiss. Conversation ceased; the world outside forgotten as they slipped further into their own private world. His hands were greedy, tugging at the scraps of lace that still covered her as he felt her fingers on the button of his pants; but she shooed his hands away; taking away his control; making him play her game instead. She liked to slow it down; drag it out, make him impatient; she wouldn't give in until she was good ready, no matter what he said, begged or how rough his hands might get. He had to play by her rules; he was well aware of it…and yet he always seemed to earn himself a penalty; thinking he could rush her; thinking he could take back the control…and then she'd make him wait longer…and he had to admit; sometimes he did it on purpose just because he liked her playfulness; this boldness that would creep out from the deepest reaches of her soul when she'd decide to take the lead. He liked the way she'd whisper in his ear; the way she teased…it drove him insane…frustrated him to no end when she wouldn't move things along until she was good and damn ready…but he loved it. He liked allowing her to have her ways just as she always allowed him to have his. It made for long, steamy nights…and he wanted all of them he could get.

When it was over and they were still breathless and tangled together; her slick skin against his as she rested against his chest; he buried his fingers in her hair; threading through the tangles he had created. "I'm going to give you a note to give Harvey tomorrow," he remarked.

"Oh?" she asked; angling her head to look at him. "What's it going to say?"

"It's going to say that you've been thoroughly examined…there's not a damn bit of ice to be found anywhere. Definitely not icy…more on par with scorching hot lava."

She giggled. "I don't know if I can let you write that note…it might seem like bragging."

"It's part bragging and part public service announcement," he declared. "People need to know that you can only be handled by someone with the correct procedures and abilities…amateurs could get burned by your hotness. You have to be left to a professional."

"And you're the only qualified professional, right?"

"Exactly; sweetheart. No one else can handle the job."

Johanna kissed him. "You won't get any argument out of me about that."

"That's good; because I'm not recovered enough yet to teach you a lesson."

She gave him an amused smirk. "Did I exhaust you, honey?" she asked saucily.

Jim shook his head. "Not at all; I'm just resting up for my second wind…and then you're in trouble."

"I like trouble," she whispered; a gleam in her eyes; "As long as it's with you."

"It's always going to be with me," he remarked; his hand cradling her face and bringing her close for a kiss.

"Harvey said my nights were long, cold and lonely," Johanna told him, shifting to lay next to him.

"Well I've got news for Harvey," Jim stated; "Your nights may be long…because I like to make sure of it; but they will never be cold or lonely."

She smiled. "I told him the same thing."

"Great minds think alike," he murmured.

She laughed softly, her head finding its way back to his chest. "See…I told you our home version of date night would be just as special."

"You just love to say I told you so, don't you?"

"Yes," she replied; "Especially when I'm right."

Jim chuckled quietly; his fingertips trailing along her back. "Okay; you're right…you turned it all around and made everything perfect; chased away the bad mood and made me feel better…now what do you want for that; a medal, a cookie…new shoes?"

"I was going to say just you but then you mentioned shoes…can I get you and shoes?"

"No; only one grand prize per entry," he quipped; "You know the rules."

She sighed dramatically. "Well then; I guess I'll just go with you as my prize."

He held her tighter; his head dipping to press a kiss to her hair. "That's what I was hoping for."

"Like there was ever any doubt that's what I'd pick," Johanna replied. "I'll always pick you."

"I'll always pick you too," he murmured; if he had his way; she would be his prize forever…if the universe would just cooperate and let him propose.

Jim felt restless and frustrated as he made his way to his door Friday night. He had been hoping that his mood would be improved by the end of the work week; but luck seemed to be against him at the moment. He still hadn't found time to propose; still hadn't thought up a new plan…and had vetoed two more of his father's suggestions. Frustration kicked in his veins; he had a feeling he was going to have to wait until after the holidays and he hated the thought of that. Once his mind was made up, he hated to wait. When he decided that he wanted to do something, he wanted to do immediately…and if it wasn't for wanting to make it special for Johanna; he would've done blurted it out by now.

He blew out an aggravated breath; he had a feeling his proposal problems would've been taken care of by now if it hadn't been for Sebastian Crane. God he hated him...and the hatred grew every day. The man was still being a thorn in his side; demanding pointless meetings…that always had to occur after hours. Crane was taking special glee in it now that he had tried to refuse a few days before; well, that was alright; wait until the bastard got his bill; because he was having Sally charge double for every after hours meeting. He wished he could charge triple seeing as how he had to cancel his usual Friday night date with Johanna again. She understood, as always, but he worried that she'd get fed up with all the cancellations before he got this case finished.

Jim sighed and shoved his key into the lock of the door; at least he was getting to come home to her tonight; although he had greatly enjoyed her surprise appearance a couple nights before; but it was her weekend to stay with him and he was looking forward to having her to himself for awhile. When Crane had breezed in with his last minute demands; he had handed Johanna his car keys and told her to drive herself home; snow had started to fall and he hadn't wanted her walking or standing around waiting for a cab. It had taken him forever to get a cab home but at least he knew she was safe and waiting for him.

He stepped inside the apartment and dropped his briefcase by the door before closing it and brushing off the snowflakes that clung to his coat sleeves. He could smell dinner cooking and he could tell that Johanna had bumped the heat up a few degrees…in deference to her always being cold once the temperature dipped below 70 degrees.

"Hey," Johanna said softly as she stood in the door way of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel.

Warmth spread through him at the sight of her, clad in her faded blue jeans and her favorite red sweater. She looked right at home…and he always felt more at home with her. "Hi, sweetheart," he murmured; dropping his coat on the chair so that he could move toward her; his hands circling her waist as soon as he was near enough and drawing her close for a kiss.

"Dinner is ready," she murmured.

"It's probably been ready for awhile," he replied as he held her close. "You could've gone ahead and ate; you're probably hungry."

Johanna shook her head. "No. I don't come here to eat alone and sleep alone. I come to be with you."

"I'm sorry I'm late…that I had to cancel our plans again."

"It's alright," she said as she took his hand and tugged him into the kitchen. "It's probably best that we didn't venture out. When I was coming home I heard on the radio that we're supposed to get several inches of snow. I stopped at the store and got us some extra groceries in case we end up snowed in…the expected totals vary depending on what station you listen to."

"That's the truth," Jim replied. "I always think of it this way; it's New York City; we can get anywhere between and inch and twenty inches; prepare accordingly."

She grinned. "That's why I went to the store; in case we hit that deeper end of the scale."

"Good thinking, sweetheart. What's on the menu tonight?"

"Nothing as fancy as the other night," Johanna replied as she sat plates of lightly toasted bread on the table. "It felt like a good night for soup so I made my grandmother's vegetable soup that you like so much."

"That sounds good…did you make extra?"

Johanna met his eye as she sat the bowls on the table. "Don't I always make you extra?"

"Yes," he grinned; "But you never know; you might slip up one of these days and then what I would I do?"

"You'd probably cry and beg me to make more."

Jim nodded. "That's possible."

She got them each a drink and then settled down at the table with him. "So; any progress with the jackass?"

"No; but I found myself seriously considering blowing his case on purpose."

"But you can't do that because you have more pride in your work than that," Johanna remarked while dipping her spoon in the bowl.

"Unfortunately," he muttered.

She laughed softly. "Jim."

He smiled. "Well; you know how it is sometimes…and I don't want to impress him; I don't want him coming back. I refuse to be his lawyer again…I'll quit first."

"I don't blame you; he's an arrogant son of a bitch. He seems to think he owns the world."

"You can say that again; but let's forget about Sebastian Crane; he's ruined enough of my life. How was your day? Did you wrap up your case?"

"Yes I did," she replied.

"And did you kick Harvey's ass?"

"I sure did," she said with a bright smile; raising her cup of tea in salute. "You should've seen the look on his face."

Jim grinned. "That's my girl."

Johanna beamed with pride. "I told him better luck next time…he glared at me and then stormed away."

"What did you do then?"

"Laughed loudly so he'd hear me."

He laughed. "I don't think you'll have to worry about him asking you out again."

"Good; because I'm already taken…and even if I wasn't; it still wouldn't happen."

"I still think you should've given him my message," Jim remarked.

"What message?"

"About your lack of iciness."

Her cheeks warmed in remembrance. "It's enough for me to know, honey…we really don't need to brag about our…exploits."

"Exploits; I like the sound of that…especially now that it's the weekend and we've promised to monopolize each other."

She laughed. "Does that mean we're not going to be going out much this weekend if the snow is light?"

"Well, you know what they say, the weather outside is frightful; but the fire is so delightful…"

Johanna smirked at him. "We don't have a fire."

"Oh sweetheart; you are so wrong…we've got plenty of fire."

She laughed softly as she shook her head at him. "I don't know what I'm going to do with you."

Jim grinned. "Don't sell yourself short; you've come up with plenty of good ideas…trust me."

She bumped his leg with her foot. "Eat your soup…and then maybe later we'll discuss it."

"I do love having a good discussion with you," he remarked; lifting his spoon once more.

Later that evening, Johanna was perched on the arm of the couch, staring out at the falling snow. "Let's go for a walk," she said as she tore her gaze away from the scene outside the window.

"A walk?" Jim replied; "It's nearly 10."

"I know that," she answered; "But it looks so pretty out."

"Why don't we wait until morning?" he replied.

"Because it won't be as special in the daylight," she remarked as she rose from the sofa. "Besides, maybe a walk will do you good. You still seem a little on edge and you won't be able to rest until you clear your head."

If she only knew the half of it; he thought to himself as she came towards him and settled upon his lap.

"Please," she said; a smile curving her lips as those green eyes stared into his soul.

"Johanna," he breathed; not too keen on the idea of going out into the cold just to walk in the snow at dark. To him, snow was snow no matter the time of day.

"I could make it worth it," she whispered seductively.

His brow rose inquisitively. "May I ask how you plan to do that?"

She grinned. "Well if we go out for a walk, I'll get cold...and I'll be inclined to let you warm me up."

He smiled. "You're good."

"Is that a yes?"

"How can I say no to an offer like that?"

Johanna laughed lightly; glee in her eyes. "I knew you'd see it my way," she told him before pressing a kiss against his lips and slipping away from him to grab her coat.

"Somehow I knew I would too," Jim remarked, resigning himself to the idea as he got up to get his key and his coat.

They set off hand in hand in the snow, and Jim couldn't help but be moved by the childlike excitement that radiated from her as snow crunched beneath their boots.

"Isn't it pretty?" she asked as they wondered through the unusually quiet streets.

"Yes," he answered. When he looked at it through her eyes he could see the beauty of it. There was a peaceful stillness in the air and the newly fallen snow had yet to be soiled by the grim of the city. They found themselves in a small park, a short distance away from his apartment and as they passed a bench, she scooped up some snow from the back of it and tossed it at him.

He looked at her in surprise and caught the flash of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, so you want to play, do you, Miss McKenzie," he said with a grin.

She giggled. "It looks that way, Mr. Beckett."

"I have to warn you," he told her; "I'm pretty good with a snowball. I did play baseball all through school."

"Oh I'm so afraid," she quipped.

His eyes danced with amusement. "You better be afraid."

She laughed and scooped up some more snow and threw it at him. "You better catch up," she remarked. "I'm up by two."

"Not for long," he replied as he grabbed a handful of snow and threw it at her.

The game was on and they chased each other through the park, throwing snowballs at each other until finally he caught her around the waist, and pulled her down into the snow. She squealed, grabbing for a handful of snow and trying to shove it into his face.

He laughed as he dodged her attempt, grabbing his own handful and rubbing it into her face. Her laughter filled the air as she brushed it away; and he couldn't help but think that it was the most beautiful sound in the world…she was the most beautiful thing in the world; laying in the snow; her cheeks red, her green eyes gleaming with amusement and mischief. Love for her overwhelmed him and that elusive moment he had been searching for was suddenly there without notice. The words slipped from his lips with barely a thought to them.

"Marry me," he said quietly.

"What?" she asked; laughter still in her voice as she sat up beside him.

His hand cupped her cheek and drew her close, kissing her lips. "Marry me," he murmured again; only half realizing what he was doing.

Seriousness swept across her face as she studied him; searching his face to see if he was joking or not. "What?" she asked again; sure that she must've misheard…she had to have misheard; hadn't she? Surely it was the cold and sudden thud of her heart against her ribs that had her imagining those words, right?

Oh God, Jim thought to himself as it sank in that he had let those words slip. His hand dropped from her face; her eyes still focused upon him as snowflakes fell around them.

"Jim…what did you say?" she asked softly. "I'm…I…I don't think I heard you right."

He gave a slight shake of his head; he was screwing this all up; she couldn't even believe what she had heard. Oh God, he had blown it; his one chance and he had blown it…and there was no going back now. "I said marry me," he repeated. "I want you to marry me."

Her eyes widened; her mouth opening slightly but no words coming out as she stared at him, feeling breathless, feeling like she was caught in some kind of dream. Was this really happening?

Her surprise and silence unnerved him and he got to his feet; raking a hand through his hair as he looked down at her, the quiet around them suddenly seeming so loud, allowing him to hear his thoughts more clearly than he would've liked… he had blown it…there was no question about it.

…to be continued