This chapter is a bit short...I just haven't had the time to work on the story with work and summer class. I've enjoyed working on this story and hope to add more chapters soon. Thanks to all the reviewers...you're great!!
Chakotay held Kathryn as her body was racked with sobs. His heart broke as he listened to her cry. He now understood what had been plaguing her the last few days. She's afraid something will happen to me...just like Justin. Chakotay moved his hand up and down her back to some how try and soothe her. He wasn't sure if it seemed to be helping because Kathryn's sobs began to subside.
Leaning back, Kathryn looked at Chakotay with a tear stained face. "Oh Chakotay...I'm so sorry."
"What do you have to be sorry for Kathryn?" He brought his hand up to her face to wipe away the tears. "I'm sorry for getting so emotional, for letting my fears take over." She brought her hand up to cover his. Chakotay moved off the couch and knelt down in front of Kathryn, bringing her hands to his chest. "Kathryn, I love you with all my heart. We are soulmates in this life and although I can't guarantee something won't happen to me tomorrow, or next week, at this very moment I'm not going anywhere."
"But what if I send you on a mission...." she tried to hold back the tears again, "...one where you never come back. I can't go through that loss again or the added burden of my decision." She took her hands away from Chakotay and wiped away the tears that came.
"There are no guarantees in life, but I intend on remaining with you until my dying day. Whether that is a month or fifty years from now. I'm going to be here for the birth of our baby. I'm going to be here to watch him/her grow up. And..." Chakotay paused as he looked into Kathryn's eyes, "I hope to be here for the rest of our children...that is, if you want more?"
Kathryn wasn't sure what to say. All she knew was that this man truly did love her. She slid off the couch into Chakotay's lap and let him hold her. "I love you Chakotay." They sat like that for several minutes before Chakotay started to shift his weight. "Kathryn, I think we need to get up. My legs are beginning to fall asleep." She let out a small laugh and helped him back up to the couch. She leaned against his body and let him wrap his arms around her. "Chakotay, how did I ever get so lucky to find someone like you?"
"Well, you came looking for me, I guess that's a start." He let out a laugh and that made her smile. "You know, its getting pretty late and you need to get your rest." Kathryn sat up and looked at him. "Chakotay, do you mind if I sleep here tonight?"
"Of course, I'll take the couch and you can have the bed." Kathryn looked at him, knowing he didn't understand what she was asking. "I...um...well..." God, I sound like a love struck teenager. "I was actually wondering if I could sleep in bed with you. I need you to hold me tonight. I've failed to mention, but I've been having nightmares too."
Chakotay placed his hand on hers and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Come on. Let's find you something comfortable to wear." They went into Chakotay's bedroom and he looked through his closet until he found a shirt for her to wear. He knew that with her small frame, it would work perfectly for her. He gave the shirt to Kathryn and she went into the bathroom to change. While she did that, Chakotay changed as well, and then climbed into bed. A few minutes later Kathryn emerged. Chakotay couldn't take his eyes off of her, "you look beautiful Kathryn." Blushing, Kathryn climbed into bed, wrapping his arms around her and whispering into her ear, "Goodnight, sweet dreams." With that they both fell asleep.