"So what was with the Public Display of Affection?" Taylor asked as they walked into their hotel room. Eric shut the door behind him and turned to her.

"I could ask you the same thing," he said. Taylor crossed her arms.

"Well, if you won't let me hug my future brother in law, then I think we may have a problem," she responded. Eric paused for a minute.

"Wait- they're getting married?" he asked. Taylor nodded her head.

"He asked my permission. It was actually kind of sweet," she said reaching for her cell phone. "That's weird," she said as she looked at the screen. "Wes called me." Eric grabbed his phone and looked.

"Me too- something's up," he said as he dialed Wes's number. Taylor sat on the bed and waited. Eric didn't say much, but nodded his head and agreed a lot. After a few minutes, he hung up and turned to Taylor with a down look on his face. "I need to get back. Apparently there's a situation at BioLab that they need me for," he said. He lowered his head a little and looked at Taylor.

"When do you leave?" she asked. She was going to stay in Blue Bay Harbor until she was sure Tori was alright. Eric began to walk over to her, but brushed past her to gather his things.

"Now," he said softly. Taylor watched as he gathered his things without another word- virtually ignoring her. "Wes said you can stay here as long as you need to," he said as he made his way for the door. Taylor grabbed his arm and hauled him back to her.

"So you're just going to leave without so much as a goodbye to me?" she asked angrily. He looked into her pale blue eyes that had now started to gather tears. "Not fifteen minutes ago you called me your girlfriend and now you're acting like nothing ever happened between us! Christ Eric, you told me you loved me and now you're acting like-"

Eric dropped his bag and pulled her in for a searing kiss. Taylor was frozen to the spot, not knowing what to do or think about what was happening. He pulled away and looked her dead in the eye.

"Taylor, I do love you. I have since that night on the Animarium, and I know I always will- please don't ever doubt that," he said as he placed a hand on her cheek.

"Then why are you acting like such a dick to me?" she asked trying to hold back her tears. Eric saw the look of hurt in her eyes. The only time he had ever seen her cry was when she was talking about Tori, or worrying about her. . . now he had pushed her to the breaking point. He felt his heart rip open when he saw a single tear roll down her cheek.

He pulled her into a hug and ran his hand over her back. "I'm sorry Taylor. I'm so sorry," he whispered. He knew that everyone she had been close to left her- her mother, father, and she almost lost her sister- he couldn't do this to her. "I didn't want to drag it out. . . I didn't want something like this to happen."

Taylor hugged him back "You have to go and help Wes- I know that and I'm fine with it. . . just don't walk out on me okay?" she whispered. Eric turned and kissed her cheek.

"I promise I'll never walk out on you," he said. Taylor pulled away and they met for a soft, tender kiss. "I'll call you later," he said as he backed out.

"Be careful Meyers. . . I love you," she said. Eric ran back to her and grabbed her once more, kissing her passionately.

"I love you too Earhardt," he said when they parted. He walked to the door and paused when he placed his hand on the doorknob. "Tell Tori I said congratulations," he said.

"I will," she replied. With that, he was gone. Taylor walked over to the bed and fell back onto it. She smiled when she inhaled- the bed spelled of both she and Eric. She leaned over and grabbed his pillow and held it close to her chest.

((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))

Tori woke up in her own bed, warm and safe at last. She could feel Blake's steady breathing on her neck. His arm was wrapped around her, holding her naked body to his. She sighed contently and brought his hand to her mouth, laying small kisses on his fingertips.

Blake's eyes opened to a forest of long blonde hair. He smiled as he felt Tori's lips on his hand. He took the hand and gently caressed her face. She turned slowly so she was facing him.

"Good morning," she said, closing her eyes again. Blake smiled and pulled her in closer.

"Morning Blondie," he said. Tori opened her yes and they kissed gently. He smoothed back a piece of hair that had fallen in her eyes. "How do you feel?"

"Better than yesterday, with the exception of being a little tired this morning," she kissed him. "But I'm not complaining," she said grinning. Blake began to rub small circles in her back, making her let out soft moans.

"So what do you want to do today?" he asked.

"I think I'd be completely happy if we just stayed here like this forever," she said putting her head right next to his.

Blake laughed a little. "I think we'll have plenty of time to do that while you recuperate. . . plus once we're married. . ." he trailed off as he began kissing her neck, making his way down her chest. Tori closed her eyes in anticipation as he moved to the top of her breast, but then made his way back to her face.

"Hmm, I love you Blake," she breathed. "I can't wait to tell the others. . ."

"Wait- run that by me again," Dustin said with a huge grin on his face. They were all at the academy sitting out in the sun. Tori had wanted to make that their first stop so she could see Sensei. Everyone was gathered by the lake, sitting on the warm sand.

Tori was sitting between Blake's legs and leaned back into him. "I said we're getting married," Tori repeated. Dustin, along with Cam, Shane, and Hunter, began to congratulate them. The happy couple returned to their seats and just enjoyed their afternoon with their friends.

"so when is all this happening?" Hunter asked. Blake shook his shoulders.

"not sure. We really haven't thought about it yet," he said.

"I have to check with Taylor and see when she has leave," Tori put in. Just then Taylor came walking around the corner of the temple. "Hey! We were just talking about you,'' she said as Taylor sat beside her. Taylor looked to Tori and gave her a half smile.

"hey. You alright?" Cam asked her. Taylor nodded her head.

"yeah Cam, I'm fine," she said. "So how are you feeling Tor?" she asked to changed the subject.

"I'm great. I honestly haven't felt this good in a long time," Tori said. "I have an appointment next week, and if that goes the way it should, I'll be back on the waves in no time." Taylor shook her head.

"Surfing. . . oh man," she said putting her head down. Shane knew what Taylor was thinking.

"C'mon Taylor, you know you want to," he said. Taylor shot him a death glare. "Why not? You can show off to you're little boyfriend! Where is he anyway?" Taylor sighed.

"He had to go back to Silver Hills. Something came up and he left this morning," she said looking down. Tori leaned over and put her arm around her,

"I think Shane's right," she said. Blake helped her get to her feet. Taylor gave her a questioning look.

"Tori-" she began.

"No buts. C'mon."

A few minutes later everyone was gathered at the beach. Taylor wore a pair of Tori's spare swimming trunks and a tankini style top. "I don't know how you talked me into this," Taylor said to her little sister.

"Hey- you always said that watching me surf made you happy, and since I can't right now, you'll just have to get out there yourself," she said handing her her board.

"Tori- the last time I surfed I was 10, and I believe that's when I decided NOT to be a surfer," she protested.

"Please?" Tori asked with her bottom lip stuck out. "For me?" Taylor gave her a sideways glance and picked up the board.

"I'll get you for this Victoria," she said. Tori gave her an evil look as Taylor ran down the beach into the water.

Taylor paddled out and looked out at the open water. Tori was right- she was feeling better. . . she felt her mother's presence all around her and smiled when she saw a good swell coming in. She turned the board and looked at the beach. She saw Tori and her friends staring, waiting for her to come back. Taylor looked behind her and saw 'Maniloa' on the tail. Instantly she thought of her mother. 'Please don't let me wipe out,' she thought to herself.

The wave came and Taylor rode it as best she could. The guys all watched as she went on the out rim of a small curl, but then she turned back out and road the flat end back to shore. Tori ran as best she could to Taylor as she came out of the water. Tori hugged her.

"You should keep up with it," Tori said. Taylor pulled away.

"I think I'll leave the water to you," se said as they walked backup to the others. They all had similar responses to Taylor's surfing as Tori did. Taylor took it in stride and followed Tori back to her van. Blake rode with Hunter back to Tori's apartment at Taylor's request. She needed to talk to Tori.

Taylor put the board in the van and looked at Tori who was standing with her arms crossed. "So what did you want to talk to me about?" she asked. Taylor grabbed a towel and wrapped it around herself.

"Well, I was wondering if you would mind me sticking around here for awhile- you know, help you out with everything. . . wedding stuff and what not." Tori smiled and hugged her.

"Tay, I would love for you to stay here, but the wedding isn't going to happen for a while, I don't think. I mean I have medical bills to pay, Blake needs a new bike-"

"Whoa whoa- why does he need a new bike? He shouldn't be worrying about shit like that when you need money," Taylor interrupted. Tori shook her head.

"He sold his bike for my board. Once he gets a new one, he can start racing again. . . it'll help- a lot." There was silence for a little while. "How long do you plan on staying for?"

"Until you're better." Tori smiled at her.

"C'mon. Let's get going."

((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))

"Hello?" Taylor answered her phone much later that evening.

"Hey," Eric said on the other end. Taylor's face instantly broke out into a smile. "How's Tori?"

"She's doing much better. She has an appointment next week and then they should know if she's in the clear. What's going on over there? Sounds like a party or something." Taylor could hear music and lots of people talking.

Eric was at the Collins Mansion, and yes there was a party going on. . . "I'm at Wes'. . . they're having a dinner function. The second I reached Wes' office at the lab, he threw me in a suit and said he had big news. I guess the thing they needed me to take care of fixed itself about twenty minutes after I got here," he said sadly.

Taylor didn't know what to say. "So, um, what's this big news Wes had to tell you?" she said trying to sound interested. She was more annoyed that he had driven all the way home for no reason. She heard Eric laugh a little on the other end.

"He's getting married." The line was silent for a moment.

"Who? I thought he said he wouldn't marry anyone but Jen," Taylor said.

"That's the big news- it is Jen. My guess is that Trip, or Katie, or someone in the future sent her back. She said that she was here for good and the next thing you know, they're getting married in a month."
Taylor was again in shock. She had liked Jen from the beginning, but she never thought she would see her again. They shared similar interests as far as military strategies and other things of that nature went.

"That's great Eric. Tell Wes I'm really happy for him. . . and Jen." She heard some laughter nearing him. "I should probably let you get back to the party."

"I just wanted to call and see if you knew when you were coming home," he said moving away from the noise.

"I was planning on staying here until after Tori's appointment next week, then after that I have to get back to the base to get things settled there. I probably won't make it back to Turtle Cove for another month anyway. . ." she trailed off.

"What about you spent a few days here before you head back to the base?" Taylor sighed and edged her way up on the bed.

"I miss you Meyers," she said softly. "I may have to take you up on that."

Eric grinned. "I'll wait till then." Eric heard Wes calling his name. "The prince is beckoning me," he said loftily. Taylor laughed a little.

"I'll talk to you soon then. . . goodnight Eric," she said.

"Love you," he said quietly. Taylor was in her own little dream world whenever he uttered those words to her- like she was on cloud nine.

"Love you," she said back. They both smiled and hung up.

Wes and Jen walked up to Eric as he finished his conversation. Jen leaned into Wes. "Who's he talking to?" she asked.

Wes smiled. "I do believe a certain yellow ranger we encountered." He said as they reached him.

"Did I hear right? Did you just tell someone you loved them?" Jen asked Eric. He gave her a small smile.

"Yes Lieutenant Scotts. You did. And yes it was Taylor," he said looking to Wes. Wes and Jen both got a goofy grin on their faces. "You guys make me sick," he said laughing.

"Well where is she? I really would like to see her again," Jen asked. Eric then began to walk back into the house, telling Jen and Wes about his adventure to Blue Bay Harbor, and about the other Rangers.