7.
Hanging up the receiver, Tammy walked over to the window and looked out. It now seemed even stormier than before - the rain was streaming down the glass, making it difficult to see out, but she could tell that there were dark, thunderous clouds overhead and the already strong wind was picking up, becoming quite a gale. She hated to think of Terry driving such a long distance in these conditions and shivered involuntarily, wrapping her arms around herself, rubbing her hands up and down her arms. Thoughtfully, she ran a hand over her abdomen and a little smile played across her lips - even though she would probably worry about him right up until the moment he arrived at the door, she knew she would be lying if she said she wasn't pleased he was on his way home. When she had thought he wasn't going to return for another couple of days, her heart had sank, but now everything was going to be just fine. She had been stupid to think even for a second that he wouldn't be happy - he loved her and she knew that. Even if he didn't tell her, which he did, little gestures made it obvious. She smiled as she remembered the morning he had left and how sweet he had been. She had been feeling unwell and he had been so concerned, making her breakfast and watching her like a hawk, thinking she hadn't noticed. She had been leading the way to the door as they were about to leave for the airport, but strong arms had slipped around her waist and gently but firmly prevented her from reaching the door.
"Don't I get a goodbye kiss?" he had whispered in her ear.
"Of course!" she had replied innocently, "At the airport."
"I mean a PROPER one." he had practically pouted.
"Ohhh!" she had nodded suggestively, "A PROPER one?"
Turning in his grasp, she had snaked her arms around his neck and leaned towards him. She had brushed his lips fleetingly with hers before deepening the kiss with excruciating slowness; running her tongue over his bottom lip before slipping it into his mouth to tease his own, then pulling away.
"Does that count?" she had asked mischieviously, hearing his moan of protest at her withdrawal.
"Better make sure." he had grinned in response, one hand sliding to the small of her back to press her closer as his lips claimed hers.
Tammy remembered wishing that moment didn't have to end, but all too soon, Terry had reluctantly broken the kiss.
"We should go. Are you sure you're feeling better?" he had asked.
"Well, that wasn't the best cure for lightheadedness ....." she had joked, but the look of concern on his face had made her stop. "Terry, I'm fine now." she had reassured him, "Now, lets go or you'll be late."
"Just promise me you'll go see a doctor, just to make sure everything's okay, if it happens again." he had begged.
She had laughed, but he had been insistent and she had duly promised. Now he would soon hear the result.
*****
In the car park in front of the airport, Terry found a black rental car waiting for him and he wasted no time in throwing his bags into the trunk before jumping into the driver's seat and starting the engine. While it was raining, the weather was nowhere near as bad as it was at home, and Terry made good progress. Although he couldn't wait to get home, he was careful to obey the speed limits and avoid taking changes - he knew Tammy was right, it would be better to be late than to be involved in a careless accident.
After driving for many hours and covering quite some distance, Terry made quick stop to refuel and get some dinner as he hadn't eaten since early that morning; he detested the food they served on planes. Once back in the car, before he continued his journey again, he decided to give Tammy another call.
"Hi, Tammy," he said when she answered the phone, "It's me again."
"Hey, honey, I was just thinking about you - where are you now?"
"About halfway home, but that's only a guess. Just wanted to warn you, it could be the early hours of the morning before I arrive, so don't wait up for me."
"Like I could sleep!" she scoffed, "I can't wait to see you."
"Same here," he smiled, "Same here. Love you."
"Love you too, Terry. See you soon."
"Bye, baby."
As Terry drove closer and closer to home, the rain started to beat down more and more heavily and the wind grew stronger and stronger. He was also starting to get tired as it was very late. As a precaution, he wound the window down a little, the cold air keeping him focused on the road, and he turned up the radio.
*****
Meanwhile, Tammy curled up on the couch in front of the television to wait for Terry. She had made herself a big mug of hot chocolate and she set it on the little table in front of her, grabbing the remote control and a cushion. Finding a channel she could watch, she settled herself comfortably in preparation for her long wait for Terry, in spite of what he had said. She had made up her mind that she was going to tell him her news as soon as he returned and she would not be happy until she had done exactly that. However, she was unable to concentrate on the programme and instead found herself unable to concentrate on the programme and instead couldn't help watching the clock until she eventually dozed off even though she had been determined to stay awake.
*****