I'm tardy with my once a week post but I'm trying. Two days late isn't so bad is it? As always, reviews and comments are welcome.

As she had promised, Sam joined Christopher in their bed that night. To his chagrin, she hugged the edge, obviously not wanting to disturb his ribs. He appreciated her consideration but found the arrangement most unsatisfactory. "Sam?" he said softly after several moments of consternation.

"Just sleep, remember?"

"I do. Mmight sleep bit better with you nearer..."

"Christopher, you won't sleep well if I do something to upset your ribs. You know what the doctor said about keeping them quiet."

"But either you come closer to me or I try to get to you. Wwhich one you suppose will aggravate my ribs more, hmmm?" He smiled subtly as he heard her resigned sigh. "Alright. I give in. But I wish you would have told me how stubborn you can be before I agreed to marry you," she groused as she scooted closer.

Christopher almost chuckled. "My love, you've seen me through some very telling situations. I thought you already knew." He grinned subtly as he watched Sam overcome her urge to nudge him in the side with her elbow in response.

The two settled under the covers and soon Christopher was asleep, content with his wife next to him.

The next few days passed quietly, with Christopher feeling stronger each day until finally he ventured downstairs for a good part of the day. His activities were limited to reading in his chair and a short time tying flies at the table before Sam ushered him back to their room for a nap. Christopher made a show of complaining but in truth was glad to have a lie down. He'd spent too long at the table with the flies and his ribs were troubling him, though he daren't let on to Sam.

But Sam was more observant than he'd credited her and as soon as he was settled in the bed, she scolded him. "You over did things, didn't you?" Christopher quickly weighed how best to answer but before he could, she continued. "And before you try to tell me that you are alright, I can see the pain in your face, Christopher. You seemed comfortable enough in your chair so it must've been the time at the table. Right?"

Feeling very much like a chastised child, Christopher decided it best to get his scolding over."Rright. Will give the flies a rest for a few more days, mmmm?"

"Yes, you will." She stood over him, hands on hips, looking every bit the overly taxed Mum and god help him, Christopher found it quite... stimulating. "You umm... you..." He thought his eyes must be wide open with a stunned expression because it was truly the way he felt. Not for the first time, Sam was making him speechless.

"What?" She sounded bemused. But her expression spoke of her frustration with him.

"Yyou... I... " He sighed, which sent a twinge through his ribs. "Ssam, can't tell you enough how much I love you."

A grin softened her features and she huffed. "You're impossible," she said softly. "And I love you too. But really Christopher, you must be more careful."

"I will, love; promise. I ummm, I'm realizing how very much I miss our... wull, time together... here." His smile tucked down as he watched Sam take a deep breath, ready to launch into him again but she merely blushed instead. Very quietly she replied, "so do I."

CFSS

The weekend came and Christopher stared out the window glumly. Noticing his mood, Sam inquired about it. "What has you so low today?"

"Mmmm?" he looked up distractedly.

"Something has you down today, Christopher; and I want to know what it is." Her tone was concerned but demanding.

"Oh, erm... nothing really," he said dismissively. "Just...," he gaze went back to the window.

Looking for herself, Sam couldn't see anything of special interest and frowned. "What is it, Christopher?"

"Nnothing really, just a bright day out... tthinking about the fish, is all."

Sam looked out the window again. "Well, the river is out of the question. But if you're feeling up to it, perhaps a stroll down to the Stade? Or Perhaps the High Street? I know I would like to get out for a little while, breath some fresh air. Might be good for us, both of us, to get out for a little while. I've at least been able to go out to the shops, for all the good it did as paltry as the pickings are, but at least I was out of the house for awhile and you've been stuck inside since ... since you were injured. Why, it's no wonder that you're a bit morose having been locked away inside going on three weeks. But if you don't think your ribs are up to it... or we can start out but if you are having any difficulty at all we can turn back. Yes, that's just the thing; I'll get our coats." And just like that, Sam disappeared from the room leaving Christopher feeling somewhat staggered by her sheer energy. But as the initial feeling wore off, he settled into a warm acceptance; his Sam was back.

Sam was right, Christopher reflected as they strolled arm in arm along the beach. The fresh air was doing him some good. It felt glorious to be outside, breathing in the sea air and taking in the warmth of the sun. There was a gentle breeze that was blowing bringing a hint of the warmer weather that soon would be coming. That reminded him of a conversation they'd had upon their arrival back in Hastings.

"Sam, it'll soon be summer. Have you given thought to where we should go on our belated honeymoon?"

Sam stopped and turned to look at him. "No, I haven't. I thought you... well, I suppose I really didn't think I just assumed, but you seemed to have an idea of where we should go, so of course I just ... well, I just assumed, that's all."

A grin tugged at his mouth as he listened. There had been times, especially early on in their acquaintance, when he'd found her ramblings annoying. But after all that had happened, he took pleasure from them. He supposed they were a sign of her indomitable spirit, a spirit he cherished in her. But she was waiting for his response, so he turned his thoughts to that.

"Suppose we could go up to London."

"Bbut... that's ... well, it's just ... that ..."

His mouth folded into one of his signature upside down smiles as he watched her mentally search for a proper rely. Feeling a warmth he was only just now becoming accustomed to, Christopher decided to save her. "Right, not really getting away, is it? Perhaps farther north? The Cotswolds? Or perhaps farther north to the Lake District?"

Sam grinned and ducked her head. Then suddenly she looked up. "Do you suppose... I mean... I know its awfully far and all but..."

"Where, love?"

"I... I've always wanted to see Scotland, or at least part of it. Do you suppose... I mean, it is so far..."

"Scotland it is, my love. We'll start planning what we might see while we are there. July perhaps?"

Her features broke into a delightful smile, one that was so bright it was even reflected in her eyes. "Yes, July would be lovely."

"Settled then. Scotland in July." They fell back into step as the couple turned to make their way back to Steep Lane.