Kenny worked night shifts for the next three weeks, which proved to be wonderful for Kim. She would leave for his place after her parents left for work. They would spend the entire day together. They usually spent the morning in bed. Kenny was always tired after his shift but once he saw Kim waiting for him to get home he could not force himself to go to sleep right away. They would spend the afternoons out of the house. They went for picnics, and walks. They saw a few matinee movies and took long drives in the country. Kim would make dinner for them and they would spend the evening in bed or lounging on the couch in each other's arms until he had to leave for work. Kim would head home after he left. His schedule kept the questions to a minimum in the Brock household. Kim was sure that her mother was on to them but as of yet she had not approached the topic again. Jimmy was completely clueless.

On the last afternoon of Kenny's night shift he surprised Kim with a romantic boat ride and picnic. He picked her up and they drove to a secluded park at the river edge. When they arrived he led her to the rowboat at the shoreline and helped her get in. He had been planning this for some time and knew exactly where he wanted to take her. There was a place not far down the river where a small bay had been created. The bay was lined with willow trees that hung over the waters edge. Once inside the world was forgotten. He knew that this would be the perfect place to take Kim. He rowed the short distance while Kim relaxed in the one corner of the boat. As he rounded the corner to the bay Kim let out a soft squeal of delight.

"Oh Kenny this is beautiful. Thank you." She said with a smile.

"Well I can't take credit for the trees, but the picnic I can." Kenny said leaning across the boat giving Kim a quick kiss.

"You cooked?" Kim asked.

"Yes . Well actually no. Everything is cold foods."

"I figured. I love it anyways." Kim kissed him back. Kenny knew how to cook and in fact he was all that bad at it but he only ever cooked when he had too. As she pulled back the boat rocked and Kenny grabbed her arms to steady it. "Nothing like rocking the boat?" Kim laughed.

"Let's just eat. Wine?" Kenny suggested.

Kim nodded. He moved over to her side and together they finished up the picnic basket that Kenny had brought. The afternoon was calm and relaxed a perfect ending to an amazing three weeks.

"What's next?" Kim asked as the last cracker was devoured. Her eyebrows shot up as Kenny stole her lips for the 100th time that afternoon. "Here?" Kenny's reply was soft and gentle but left no doubt in her mind the answer was yes. She easily slid down deeper into the boat. Kenny joined her but found that Kim's tiny frame fit much better in the base of the boat than his as it threatened to tip. The sudden shake sent Kim into a fit of laughter. "Kenny's Stop!!"

"You don't mean that, do you?" He replied laughing himself.

"Of course not. Just don't tip us." Kim smiled. She slid over to allow Kenny more room. As he met her side to side he wrapped his arms around her waist and connected their lips together again. They sunk into each other, freeing the restrictive clothing. As the moments flew by and their connection deepened Kim had the most wonderful feeling, one of peace and completeness. She had never before felt so free to be herself than she did with Kenny. The boat continued to rock with their steady movements and the small waves that they created were as smooth as their passion. As sensations passed over them each were filled with a relentless desire for one another.

"Kim" Kenny said in a deep breathless voice. "I love you."

Kim looked up into his eyes. "You what?"

"I love you. I have for so long."

"Kenny, you just separated from Max. How can you say that you love me?"

"Well I never expected this type of reaction." He mumbled to himself. "Kim I have known you since you were a little girl. I often wondered what would have happened to us if we had continued to date before you left for college. From that first time, when you kissed me I felt something. And know being here in your arms, day after day. I know what it was. It was love Kim. I will never forget that moment." Kenny looked at Kim with a mixture of pain and joy in his eyes. The thought that she didn't return his love was breaking his heart.

"Kenny, I don't know what I feel. I know that I want to know but I just can't commit my heart that quickly. I have too many times and it never turns out well." Kim secretly knew that she did love Kenny and had since she first saw him when he had started at her father's police station. But she wasn't about to confess everything, especially when Max was still so close. Kenny didn't say anything and she knew that she had hurt him. "Kenny I know that I have great feelings for you but I just need more time." Kenny nodded and sat up.

Within an hour they were back on shore. Kenny pulled the boat out of the water while Kim carried lunch to the truck. The ride was silent and painful for both. As Kenny pulled up to Kim's house he looked in her direction.

"Kim, I know how I feel. Love was taken from me too quickly. I am determined to make this work. Take all the time you need." He leaned over and gave her a gentle kiss on the lips. They paused there for a moment and Kim pulled away.

"Thank you for a lovely day." She said looking into his eyes. She wanted to tell him so much more but couldn't.