Part 9

The sun peaked slowly through the window, resting on the couples' faces. As the light warmed her skin, Liz began to wake. Strong arms tightened around her waist as she moved slightly. Opening her eyes, she looked up from her place on his chest and looked into his brown eyes looking adoringly back at her.

"Good morning beautiful."

"Hi. Did you sleep well?"

"Always. You hungry? I can get up and make us breakfast."

Liz wanted to say no and remain in bed for a while, but her stomach answered for her as it growled noisily. She snuggled back into his embrace, hoping to prevent Michael from leaving the warm bed. "Let's just stay here a while."

Michael was about to agree, but as her stomach rumbled loudly again he decided it was time to feed the mother of his child. Besides, he wanted her to have plenty of energy for his plans that day. He leaned down and gave her a kiss before placing her back on the bed. Untangling himself from the sheets, he grabbed a shirt and handed her a robe. "You need to eat. I don't want you complaining you're too tired today. Go hop in the shower and I'll get breakfast ready."

Hearing her stomach again, she gathered her clothes and headed for the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later she was dressed and followed the wonderful aroma to the kitchen. Quietly she watched as Michael pour two glasses of juice and finished setting the table. Liz knew she didn't need someone to take care of her, but she was extremely grateful for everything that Michael did. Slowly she moved up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. "It smells wonderful. You're spoiling me."

"It was nothing. Take a seat. The bacon is almost ready." Michael began filling her plate with eggs, pancakes, and hash browns.

"You keep this up and I'm going to be fat."

Michael looked critically at Liz's figure. If anything, a few pounds could only improve her looks. Her recent weight loss had not gone unnoticed. Michael knew it was due to stress and planned to change that. "Not possible. Besides, I think you were most beautiful when you were pregnant with Jeffrey. You've lost a little too much weight recently and I promise you'll burn this off. I have plans for us after, so eat up."

Liz gazed at Michael expectantly hoping to receive more information, but he refused to divulge his secret plans. Liz caught herself thinking of a great way to burn off the calories. It involved Michael and the bed. Realizing her thoughts, she blushed and promptly began eating to hide her embarrassment.

After the dishes were cleared, Michael showered and dressed while Liz straightened up the cabin. When Michael finished, he grabbed two back packs with supplies for the afternoon. Walking into the living room, he spotted Liz standing by the window. "Okay, you ready to go?"

Liz looked at Michael in surprise. "Where are we going?"

"Out for a hike. Come on. Everything we need is in these packs." He guided Liz out of the cabin and into the fresh air. They spent the next few hours hiking along trails and enjoying the quiet. Eventually Michael stopped near a lake. After speaking with Mr. Parker and going over some maps, he found the lake would be a great place for a swim during the summer.

He began pulling out a blanket and food for a picnic lunch. "I know its not a gormet meal, but it's the best I could do. I figured we'd eat lunch and maybe take a swim before we start heading back to the cabin."

"Thank you. This is wonderful." Liz and Michael spent the next hour eating the small feast Michael prepared. The quiet and stillness of the woods was drowned in laughter as they joked and rolled around on the blanket. Liz finally gained the advantage and straddled Michael's waist, tickling him mercilessly. "About that swim you promised me, did you bring suits or are we skinny dipping?"

Michael raised his eyes brows in surprise. "What does Liz Parker know about skinny dipping?"

"Oh, I just might surprise you." Liz leaned down and kissed Michael on the lips. She didn't have to wait long for his mouth to part and his tongue to stroke hers. Liz shivered in anticipation as his hands moved under her shirt and began caressing her skin.

Remembering they were outside laying on the grass and not a soft bed, Michael pulled away and took a deep breath. "I think we need that swim now. If we don't cool down, things will go to far and you'll miss the rest of my surprises."

Disappointment left Liz as she wondered what other suprises were in store for her. "I hope its worth the wait. Come on. Last one in is an alien."



TBC...