Tom and Judy departed for Miami on Thursday morning. He dipped into his savings for this trip, but Judy was worth it and she deserved it; they both did. They spent the next three days relaxing on the beach, making love in the hotel and hitting up the trendy, hot night spots. Before they knew it, it was Saturday night and they were heading home the next day. Tom and Judy sat across from each other at the seductive beachfront restaurant. The crisp linen, the candlelight and the sound of the crashing waves gave the best backdrop for the couple to spend a romantic evening together. The waitress brought their drinks and jotted down their food order. Judy and Tom continued to stare into each other's eyes after the waitress left the table. The mixture of the moonlight and candlelight gave Judy a sexy glow that mesmerized Tom. Her bruises had disappeared and she was as beautiful as a sun-kissed peach.

"What are you thinking about cutie?" Judy asked breaking the romantic silence.

"Thinking about how we are leaving tomorrow and have to get back to Jumpstreet on Monday." Tom answered.

"That's what you're thinking about?" Judy asked with a giggle taking a sip of her margarita.

"Well, that and how beautiful you look." Tom smiled extending his hand across the table to touch hers.

"Thank you." She accepted the invitation by lacing her fingers with his. "I wish we could stay here forever."

"Forever?" Tom questioned.

"Yeah!" Judy answered. "You could become an overpaid surfing instructor and I could open my own swimsuit shop right here in Miami Beach."

Tom chuckled as he pictured their beach bum life together in Miami. "Well, let's not take it that fast." he said.

"What do you mean?" she wondered staring into Tom's radiant face.

"Well, let's start with you moving into my apartment when we get back."

Judy choked a little on her drink as she sat it down and grabbed her napkin. "Are you serious?" Judy asked.

"Yeah, it's the next step."

"Tom, we just became a couple last week. The next step hasn't arrived yet."

"An official couple, we've been together for almost two months and I think we're ready."

"Does this have anything to do with what happened with Charles?" Judy questioned.

"A little, but I was going to suggest it before this."

"I highly doubt that." Judy said cynically. "I know you want to protect me, but moving in together?"

"We've been together every night since we started dating. What's the difference?"

"I don't know, Tom. It's such a big step and besides, I don't want to lose my apartment."

"I'm always sleeping over there anyway. I can move in with you instead. It doesn't matter; I just want to be with you."

Judy just stared at Tom as she pondered the suggestion of them living together. She realized how much she cared for Tom and that she knew that she was falling in love with him, but she didn't know what to say to the idea.

"Well…" Judy paused.

"Come on Jude." Tom encouraged an answer.

"Ok! Let's do it!" Judy said leaning over the table to give Tom a kiss.

Tom and Judy had gone from secret couple to official couple to living with each other in a matter of days. Tom had never felt this happy about anything in his entire life. For the first time, he actually thought he had found the woman he would spend the rest of his life with. He couldn't wait to get home and move Judy into his life completely.

"How's everything?" the waitress asked checking on them.

"Great! Absolutely great!" Judy responded.

"Do you have champagne?" Tom asked.

"Yes, sir! We have Krug Brut, Moet, Perrier…"

"Um, just bring us something nice." Tom interrupted.

"No problem."

"Not too familiar with champagnes?" Judy teased as the waitress walked away.

"It's sparkling and served at weddings. How's that?" Tom joked.

"That's perfect!" Judy laughed.

"Jude, I'm so happy with you." Tom said getting serious for a minute.

"I'm happy too." Judy smiled.

"Come here." Tom commanded as he leaned over the table to meet Judy's lips embracing her face with his hand.

"Here you go sir." The waitress said interrupting their moment.

"Thanks." Judy replied.

Tom popped the cork as Judy watched with enjoyment. Tom filled their glasses and sat the bottle into its bucket.

"What shall we toast to?" Judy asked picking up her glass.

"To us." Tom said picking up his glass. "Everything we've overcome in the past few days and to our next step in life together."

Judy and Tom smiled at each other as their glasses met.

THE END

Thanks to everyone who stayed interested in the story until the end. The reviews have been so uplifting and sweet that they encouraged me to write everyday. I'm working on chapter two for a follow-up story to this one. It will be pure humor between Tom, Doug, Harry and Judy. Please check in out when it's posted!