Adrian Monk stood looking at his reflection in a full length mirror in the guest bedroom at Natalie's house where he had been staying since his release from the hospital. As he stared at his own image, he touched his fingertip over the dark circles under his eyes that his recent trauma had produced and then brushed that same finger over the thin pink scar that ran from near his Adam's apple towards his sternum. Before he reached its end, he felt Natalie's dainty fingers reach around and take hold of his hand, drawing it downward even as she planted a kiss on the back of his neck, wrapping her other arm around his waist.
"Stop." She whispered, gently chastising him for worrying about the slightly haggard appearance his ordeal had brought about. "You're gorgeous."
Monk shied away and turned around, shaking his head. "No…I'm not. I look old. Your daughter is going to think you're marrying an old man."
"Oh, she is not! You are hot!" she replied, placing her arms around his neck and pulling him closely to her for a deep and searing kiss. "So, hot…" she said again as she kissed just to the side of his mouth and began trailing kisses down his neck, grazing his cricothyrotomy scar and working her way towards his t-shirt.
"Uh…sweetheart…um….Julie is going to be here any minute now. Uh…don't you think that maybe…I don't know that we need to cool all this…hotness and finish getting ready for…"
"Let her wait." Natalie grinned pulling his face towards her again and kissing him hungrily.
Monk leaned against the dresser with his hands on her waist as she nearly bowled him over with her enthusiasm. "Or maybe she can wait…" he smiled, leaning in to kiss his fiancée once more.
"Wonderful idea. I should have thought about that!" She teased, kissing him back just before they heard the front door open.
"Oh gosh! She's here! She's here!" He said, urgently!
"Mom. Mr. Monk. I'm home." Julie's voice called from the front hallway.
Natalie looked up at her fiancé and ran her fingers through the hair around his temple. "Alright. Just remember what we talked about."
"I know…but I still don't know why we can't tell her together. I mean don't you think that would be more appropriate? You know…together."
"Adrian, you know why I wanted you to be the one to tell her."
"I know…I know what you said, but, here's the thing...what if she doesn't like it – you know, our engagement?" he asked.
"She's going to be thrilled." Natalie said. "Do you trust me?"
"Yeah, but…"
"It'll be fine. I promise. You'll do great."
Monk looked at the floor, not the least bit more comfortable with the arrangement, but Natalie just grinned at him then reached up and kissed his cheek once more. "I'll keep her occupied while you finish getting ready." Then, with a mischievous twinkle in her eye she swatted him on the rear as she left. "Then we can catch up with your hotness later." She winked leaving a dumbstruck Monk behind.
It took him several seconds to compose himself after that conversation and when he did, he simply shook his head and thought about how different life was going to be with Natalie as his bride; but not different in a bad way. She pushed him beyond his comfort zone, which was generally good. He just wasn't sure how good it was on this particular evening.
After Natalie's wedding debacle, Julie Teeger took off to Baja, California with a couple of her College friends for a few days at the beach. They had pre-arranged for her to go because Natalie was supposed to be on her way to Tokyo and they knew that Julie would need cheering up. She was just returning from the trip the day that Steven attacked Monk at the hospital and since that time she had heard very little from the couple since Natalie was spending most of her days at the hospital while Julie had to attend to school. In addition to this, the three times that she visited Adrian in the hospital, her mother was less than forthcoming about the status of their relationship so she was left wondering what happened between the infamous public breakup with Steven Albright and his kidnapping of her on the Navy Yacht. Julie was nobody's fool, however. She strongly suspected they were together given the way they were looking at one another and smiling all the time and this is what she expected to have confirmed when she was invited to this 'special dinner' for three.
As she walked into the living room she was greeted by Natalie with a giant hug.
"There's my sweet girl!" Natalie smiled! "I sure do miss you."
"Hi, Mom. I sure miss you too…although…" Julie looked over towards the hallway leading to the guest bedroom. "I'm surprised to hear you saying that considering your…um, house guest?"
Natalie bit her lip and looked towards his room, "Well, that doesn't hurt – that's for sure." She smiled.
Julie giggled and at that moment Adrian came walking down the hallway dressed in a casual white oxford button down shirt that had the first two buttons unbuttoned and a pair of indigo-colored dress denims that were of a style and cut that she knew her mother had been the one to purchase them. Considering everything he had been through, he looked very well.
"Mr. Monk!" Julie said, rushing over to hug him. Adrian stiffened out of habit, but then gently wrapped his arms around Julie's back returning the hug.
"Good evening, Julie. How are you?" he asked.
"I'm great." She replied. "And, you're looking good. Color's good. You look stronger."
"I'm feeling stronger." He replied. "Your mother and I go on walks. That's helping to rebuild my strength."
"Well, I must say you're wearing it well." She responded. "Along with the change in wardrobe."
"My wardrobe?" he asked, confused.
"Yeah. You look hot in those jeans." Julie answered.
Monk's eyes darted to Natalie who was suppressing a laugh and shrugged. "That's what I keep telling him. He's a hottie. He won't believe me, but now you have the word of both Teeger women."
Monk's face grew a little flushed and he shook his head "Yeah…well, I think you're just being biased." The two ladies grinned.
The three of them remained standing in the living room and Julie took notice when Adrian placed his hand on the small of Natalie's back. He rarely if ever touched her in such a way – further confirmation to the younger Teeger that they were together.
"So, Mr. Monk, what all have you been doing since I saw you last?" she asked, looking between the two.
Monk rocked nervously back and forth on his heels as Natalie leaned over, placing her hand on his shoulder and whispered something in his ear. He nodded, and Natalie looked back at Julie and smiled.
"I'm going to go finish making dinner. Why don't the two of you head out to the cabana and talk. I'll call you in when it's done." She said.
"Cabana?" Julie asked, confused. "We have a cabana?"
Natalie just grinned. "Yes. We have a cabana. One of Adrian's projects. He can tell you all about it."
Monk threw her a mildly agitated, yet friendly, look and glanced at Julie. "Yes. Follow me. We have much to discuss."
Julie looked at her mother who was positively beaming but she gave her no hints as to the reason why. If for no other reason than sheer curiosity, she followed.
Walking out into the backyard it was very apparent that Monk had been quite busy – obviously not physically on his own as he was still recovering, but his fingerprints were now all over her mother's beautiful and now very symmetrical back yard. Solar lights lighted a pathway to the new cabana which was made of warm cedar posts and matching flooring and white canvas 'walls' which tied to posts with a medium blue sash. It was beautiful. Topping the structure was a tin roof whose underside had been painted the same shade of blue as the sash and was lighted by a singular square fixture that gave the entire area a warm glow. Inside the cabana was a couch covered with the same white canvas with matching pillows and two matching chairs along with a coffee table.
"My goodness!" Julie stated as they entered the open-air building and took a seat. "This is gorgeous! How on earth did you get this done so quickly? It must have cost a fortune."
"Thank you." Monk replied, looking around and rubbing his palm nervously on his pant leg as the two of them sat. "There's this guy in my unit who I helped on a cold case from a few months ago. Not a homicide, a burglary. They had taken his grandfather's antique clock. Nobody else had been able to help him with it, and well, I figured out who had it in a couple of hours. He runs a landscaping and outdoor furniture store on the side and has been bugging me for months that he wanted to do something nice for me in return for my service; and, so…while I've been cooped up here and unable to work, I thought it would be a nice thing to do for your mother. Particularly since she's been taking such good care of me."
"Oh, it was. VERY nice." She replied. "He didn't do all of it for free though?"
"No." he responded. "I pretty much got it at his cost. But, she's worth it."
Julie smiled and things were awkwardly quiet for a few moments.
"So… you wanted to talk to me?" she asked.
Monk again rubbed his hands over his pant legs, looking nervously towards the house and watching as Natalie continued working in the kitchen, occasionally looking out the window herself to check on their progress.
"Um…yeah…I mean, yes…your mother…well, she wants me to… um… be the one to tell you about some changes that have been taking place." He said quietly.
"Changes?" she asked, looking between him and the window.
"Yes. Between your mother and I." he responded.
"Oh?" Julie asked with a slight smirk.
He nodded then leaned to the side hoping to see Natalie. "I…I can't do this alone…" he said suddenly as he stood, nervously tip toeing and looking for his Natalie to come and rescue him. Natalie saw him and pointed insistently at him to sit back down. He huffed out a breath of frustration then looked over at Julie who by now was looking at him expectantly and he sighed.
"Are you thirsty?" he asked. "I could maybe go in and get us something to..um, you know…get a drink?"
"No. I'm fine." She said, reaching out and touching his arm. "What's wrong? You seem very nervous. It's just me."
Monk looked into her eyes and saw her disarming smile. She was right. This was Julie and she loved him and she loved her mother. He was being nervous over nothing. He tilted his head a little then rolled his shoulder and smiled.
"Nothing's wrong." He began. "In fact, everything is finally right and we wanted you to know. You see, Julie, as you know, I have been a part of your and your mother's life for eleven years now, ever since you were eleven." He said, beginning his rehearsed speech.
"Yes." She said, giggling. "That makes it even."
Monk paused and smiled as the thought hadn't dawned on him. "Yes. That's…that's perfect. Just…perfect." He drifted off and stopped talking for a moment and she touched his arm again.
"You were saying?" she asked.
He looked back at her with a nervous smile. "Huh? Oh, yeah. Okay…well, a lot has happened in our lives over those years and your mother and I…well…we've grown…closer. She, she's my best friend and has been for quite some time, and well…somewhere along the way, she became more than that."
"You're dating!" Julie said excitedly, expecting a nod or other quiet confirmation.
"Actually, no. Not technically." He replied. "I've not gotten to take her out on any dates yet, unless you count before, which weren't really dates because well…we weren't officially…"
Julie leaned forward unsure of where he was going.
He looked over at her realizing he was rambling. "Julie. Your mother and I…we're together. As a couple. Romantically." He looked at the floor of the cabana searching for words totally missing the broad grin that was appearing on his future step-daughter's face. Julie's eyes brightened as she looked towards the window. Her mother was watching from the sink, noting clearly that Adrian was still talking.
"I know that this might be a shock to you." He said.
"Oh! But it's not!" Julie replied.
"Huh? It's not?" he asked, looking towards her in surprise.
"No. No way!" she said. "I've watched you two for years and I saw how you were with each other and how much you loved each other. I knew that you were still unable to move on from Trudy, but I've hoped for something like this for years."
Monk's face registered relief. "You have?"
"Oh, yes. I mean, I don't think I was the only one either. Everyone could see it."
"They could?"
Julie shook her head. "Oh, yes. Most definitely. You two were meant to be."
Monk smiled. "Wow. Really? I didn't realize that we came off that way."
"You couldn't help yourselves. It was just there. It just took you seeing it."
Monk pondered that. "Yes. You're right. It was there, but I just had to see it. Just like with Trudy. Once I saw…"
Julie smiled. "So, when are you two going to go on your first official date."
Monk shrugged. "Sometime soon." He responded. "You know, we have a lot to do yet to get ready for the wedding and all…"
Julie's eyes widened. "The…the what? What did you say?"
Monk looked over at her shocked expression with confusion. "We're preparing for the wedding?"
"Wedding?" she asked, grabbing his arms. "What wedding? You…you and mom?"
Adrian looked at her. "Um…yes. Your mother and I are getting married. Are you okay with that?"
Natalie heard the excited scream from the cabana and knew that he had finally given her daughter the word. As she looked out at the two most important people in her world she smiled as she saw Julie throwing her arms around Adrian and his precious smile and then watched as an animated Julie was saying something to him rapid fire that he found amusing – no doubt talking about her own plans. She knew this would be her reaction, but Monk had felt so insecure about the whole situation and how Julie would accept the change in their status that she wanted him to have the pleasure of seeing her daughter's love for them for himself. Drying her hands off with a dishcloth, she joined them outside.
Monk laughed as Julie jumped up from her seat and went running out into the yard, nearly knocking Natalie over with her hug. The same rapid-fire words were coming out of her mouth and Adrian sat back enjoying the happiness of his two girls.
"You're crying?" he asked. "Why are you crying?"
Julie came running back into the cabana dragging Natalie along, "Because we get to be a family! We're going to be a real family! A Mom, a dad, and…oh my gosh! Maybe siblings?! Can we have siblings?!"
Natalie laughed. "Julie!"
"No, seriously Mom! I've always wanted a little brother or sister. You're still young enough. Please? Pretty please?" she said.
Natalie shook her head. "We'll see." Then grinned at Monk who was so genuinely happy and relieved that a week's worth of stress had simply melted away.
"Oh, gosh! Have you guys called uncle Jonathan? He's going to be so excited." She said.
"Well, no. Not yet. You're the first we talked to." Natalie answered.
"Oh goodness! Stay right here!" Julie said, heading in towards the house. "I'll call him. I want to be here when he hears what you have to say. Ooohh…and Grandma. She's going to go spaz!" Monk and Natalie both shifted a little in their seats, knowing she was right – and not necessarily in a good way. But Julie didn't stick around to talk any longer; instead, choosing to turn around and run into the house to get her uncle's phone number in Venice.
Natalie walked slowly into the cabana and took her place next to Adrian, snuggling into his side as he wrapped his arm around her. "And here you were worried how she would take it."
Monk nodded. "You were right. She took that a lot better than I expected her to."
"Told you." She replied.
"Yes, you did. And you heard what she said about siblings." He smiled.
"Yes." Natalie replied softly, enjoying the fact he was talking so freely about the idea of children. Knowing how much he regretted not having children with Trudy and how much she had wanted to have more children with Mitch, the idea that bringing a child into the world could be a blessing that they could share made her feel overjoyed. She didn't get to bask in that though for too long however, since now that her daughter had given her tacit approval to their marriage her relieved boyfriend was in a playful mood.
"So, she'll probably really love us having dextuplets." He teased.
Natalie moved away from him, looking at him with a raised eyebrow. "We're not having dextuplets, unless you're having them."
"Well, they are very small." He grinned.
Natalie shook her head. "I don't even think there is such a thing – at least with humans. So just get that out of your head!"
Adrian grinned. "Oh, come on now – Nat-lie. If she's this excited over the wedding just think how excited she'll be at that."
"My name is Nat-a-lie, so don't be Nat-lie-ing me, mister. Those dimples in your cheeks only get you so far. Besides, I don't think you're thinking this through."
"What do you mean? Ten times the excitement."
"And ten times the number of mouths to feed."
"Yes. That's true. Means we just need ten extra place settings at the table."
"And ten times the number of diapers to change…"
Monk made a disgusted face. "Well…when you say that…"
"And ten times the number of clothes to buy and college funds to pay for and weddings."
"Alright…alright…point well made." He replied. "Maybe ten isn't always…and you didn't hear me say this…the perfect number."
Natalie sat back against him as he wrapped his arm around her again. "No, maybe not in quantity – but how about this, let's say we agree to have ten times the amount of fun raising our one…or two babies…as we would ten."
Monk nodded. "I think that could be arranged."
She looked up at him and smiled. "You do, do you?"
"With you, future Mrs. Monk, I feel like anything could happen."
"Hmmmm…" she smiled. "Natalie Monk. I love that. Mrs. Natalie Monk. It has a ring." She said.
"I agree. I say we change it as soon as possible." He replied.
"As soon as possible? What are you thinking?" she asked.
"Before the end of the Summer?" he suggested.
"August or September?"
"Or July…" he kissed her neck. "Or June."
Natalie turned and took his face in her hands and kissed him on the lips. "I would love a June wedding; but, since I have finally found the man of my dreams, I don't want to rush this wedding. Soon, yes. But, Mitch and I eloped and I never really got a wedding like one I wanted. Can we maybe make it Mid-September? An intimate event with just our closest friends and family?"
"Anything you want. Sky's the limit, just so long as you're mine at the end of the day." He replied.
Natalie leaned over and kissed him. "That's an easy ask, because I'm yours already. Always."
"Always." He repeated as they kissed again.
Later that evening, the couple sat on Natalie's couch watching the ten o'clock news and seeing for the first time news coverage over Steven Albright's arrest. Authorities had kept his arrest a secret for a few days because they were still in search of Nadia Steubens, but with her now in custody and fully cooperating, the press finally got the scoop.
Tonight's Top Story - Government Officials in Washington D.C. have announced the arrest of a Navy Surgeon for his role in an elaborate conspiracy involving treason, espionage, and murder.
Sources say Lieutenant Steven Albright, a veteran of both Gulf Wars was arraigned today in San Francisco County Criminal Court and ordered turned over to United States Naval Authorities for his role in the murder of Lieutenant Commander Mitch Teeger in 1998 while the former was serving as a part of NATO forces in Kosovo. Teeger, whom the Lieutenant served under, is believed to have discovered Albright passing along state secrets and arms to members of the Serbian military. According to prosecutors, Albright realized that he was about to be exposed and arranged for a hit on Teeger who was in his early thirties at the time with a wife and six-year-old daughter.
In addition to the charges by military officials, Albright faces several state and federal charges including, but not limited to, two counts of first-degree murder associated with the deaths of San Francisco Movie Critic, Molly Evans, and dance instructor Svetlana Yaroslav, a Serbian native. Albright also faces charges for the attempted murder of famed San Francisco detective Adrian Monk.
Monk was released from the hospital and is said to be doing well, recuperating at an undisclosed location. He is expected to make a full recovery.
Albright, who was recently engaged to Monk's long-time assistant, Natalie Davenport Teeger, widow of the late Lieutenant Commander, has been transferred to the United States Military Prison at Miramar where he is set to appear before the court-martial in what will likely be the United States Military's first death penalty case since 1961. More on this story as it develops.
The news on Channel 10 seemed almost other-worldly to Monk and Natalie as they sat together on Natalie's couch in a room lit only by the glow of the television screen. In fact, neither of them would have believed the generally 'polite' Lieutenant capable of such malevolent doings had they not lived it themselves. Still, there it was. Evil personified had almost destroyed them both – and yet they prevailed, a fact for which they were eternally grateful.
The next several weeks were a time of recovery for the duo. Seeing that he was off duty for at least two months, he and Natalie spent much time together going on walks together and talking and just enjoying the new beginnings which Spring always seemed to bring. Emotionally, they both agreed it would be good to visit Dr. Bell together in order to deal with the Post-traumatic stress of what Steven had put them through and in order to better deal with the loss of Molly. Each of the two blamed themselves in some way for her death and Bell was able to help show them that the only one who was at fault for that tragic event was now in prison awaiting a likely death sentence for his crimes.
Visiting her grave, Adrian was finally able to shed soul-cleansing tears over the loss of her and Natalie sat beside him, holding him and allowing him to hold on to her as that release came. And he was able to return the favor as they visited Mitch's grave together and she was finally able to release the burden of fearing he had deserted for all of those years.
But these simple acknowledgments weren't the only ways that their loved ones would be honored.
Mitch was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his valor and Adrian was there to watch as Natalie and Julie accepted it on his behalf. And, Molly's maternal grandparents, the Ellisons, created a journalism scholarship in her name in order to honor her memory; and Monk was well enough to stand with them on stage at Berkeley when it was dedicated.
Trudy's father and mother purposefully took time to meet Natalie and Julie after the event and introduced themselves; and at the end of the evening, Trudy's mother Marcia was able to affirm that not only was she happy to see Adrian letting go of his grief for her daughter but finding happiness with Natalie as well. She knew that Trudy would be ecstatic for him and would absolutely adore Natalie. He knew this as well, but hearing it from Trudy's mother still meant a lot. That dark chapter of his life had finally come to an end and he was embarking on a new beginning. He was a blessed man and he knew it and he fully intended to savor every moment of that blessing from that day forward.
FOUR WEEKS LATER
The beginning of July was a time of barbecues and ball games and much busyness for Adrian and Natalie. Between preparing for the wedding and doing interviews with the press, with the police, doctor's visits, and putting the finishing touches on the new detective agency, it scarcely allowed time for the two of them to have the quiet romantic alone times that they both had come to enjoy.
Monk had moved back to his apartment two weeks after being released from the hospital, as soon as he was strong enough to climb the stairs – not because he didn't enjoy staying with Natalie; but, because with their wedding coming up so soon he had a lot of things to sort through before shutting down his apartment. The small bachelor's pad would have been just fine for the two of them; however, given their future plans and the sentimental value the small gingerbread house in the San Francisco had for the Teeger ladies, Monk gladly relinquished his home of nearly twenty years in exchange for this new life.
And so, it took a bit of effort in those early days of Summer for the two of them to steal away, but Monk managed to clear their calendars and whisk her away in his car for a day of no cell phones and no interruptions up at his cousin's farm. He requested that she dress casually and seemed very excited which made her happy.
Pulling up to the property, Natalie glanced sideways at her boyfriend and imagined that what he had planned was going to be similar to the last time that they were up there – a romantic time where they could have lunch together and dance and talk and watch the sun go down; but, this wasn't the case. Oh, he brought their lunch up with them but Adrian had a completely different target in mind as Natalie was soon to find out.
Driving up the bumpy path towards the field, Natalie watched as their special rendezvous spot came into view but became confused with Monk continued driving and they passed it.
"Did you just miss your turnoff?" she asked, with curiosity.
Monk looked over towards her and smiled. "No. We can visit there later. There's something else I'd like for us to do this afternoon that I think will be to all of our benefit."
"What's that?" Natalie asked.
Monk reached into the backseat and pulled out some rolled-up pieces of paper. "We're going target shooting."
"Really?" she asked. "Up here?"
"Yes. There is a section of woods towards the back of this property where we are somewhat isolated and can shoot into a hill. I brought some plastic bottles and such to shoot into and also some paper targets." He replied.
"Oh. You want to get me someplace isolated?" she teased.
Monk's eyes turned towards his fiancée, "Yes. You don't want to shoot someplace where there are people. Someone could get hurt."
Natalie sighed.
He looked over at her. "What's wrong? You don't sound happy."
"Oh, it's not that, it's just…oh, never mind." She replied.
"No. Talk to me." He responded.
"Well…" she paused. "We've been so busy the past few weeks and I was kinda hoping…I don't know… for a little romance? "
"Target shooting is romantic." He responded.
Natalie raised an eyebrow in disbelief. "When have you felt romantic shooting at targets?"
"Trust me. You'll enjoy it. Just give it a try." He said.
"I've given it a try before. I don't really like guns, but Mitch taught me how to use one when we were married…"
"Yeah. I know you said that." He replied.
"What? You don't believe me?" she asked.
"Oh, I believe you." He answered. "It's just…well, sweetheart; I think you may be a little out of practice."
"What makes you say that?"
Monk paused. "Uh…the fireworks show in my hospital room."
Natalie bit her lip. "Well…I was nervous. Steven was going to hurt you." She replied.
"And the time you shot me in the leg."
Natalie cringed. "Oh…oh, yeah…"
"And the time we both held rifles on your parent's neighbor, Paul Buchanan."
"What was wrong with that?" she asked, as he pulled his SUV off the road and up a rocky trail.
"You were holding it under your arm. The recoil would have knocked you all off kilter. Might have broken your wrist."
"But I thought that's how you were supposed to hold it. Are you supposed to hold it over your shoulder so you can look through the scope?"
"Not if you don't want to lose an eye. Brace it with your shoulder."
"Brace it?" she asked.
"Yeah. Wait just a few minutes. I can't tell you." He replied, turning into a spot under some trees. He unbuckled his seat belt and turned around. "I'll have to show you."
Monk took about thirty minutes getting every target properly set up so that they were all even and each plastic bottle and jar arranged in a manner that they were perfectly symmetrical before returning to the car and opening up the hatch. Raising the carpeting in back, Monk revealed a veritable arsenal of handguns, a sports rifle and a shotgun.
"Woe. What is all this?" she asked.
"Going to try several different styles." He said. "Don't worry. It'll be fun."
"Fun?" she said, incredulously. "Adrian Monk is saying something will be fun?"
"Yeah. What's the problem?"
"Nothing." She smirked. "Let's do this."
Monk picked up a handgun that he thought would best fit Natalie's hands then loaded it for her. Reaching into a box, he picked up some protective earmuffs and walked behind her, slipping them over her head. She reached her hands up as he did so, placing her hands over top of his, then batted her lashes at him with a flirtatious grin. Monk bowed his head and tried to press through with his lesson.
"Okay, sweetheart. This here is a .380. It's a smaller caliber weapon. A lot of ladies like to carry them. They are better for protection than say a .22 and are really concealable. Give it try."
Nervously, Natalie reached out her hand for the pistol and took it from him. Immediately, she put her finger inside the trigger guard and swung the gun haphazardly his way. Monk's arm shot out immediately and blocked her from going any further.
"Ho-ho-hold on…j-j-just a second. Not like that, sweetheart." He said, reaching over and very carefully taking the handgun back. Natalie was startled and listened closely.
"First two rules. Never put your finger on the trigger unless you want to shoot. And, second never, ever, ever, ever, EVER point a gun at something you aren't willing to destroy." He said. "In case I need to clarify, that would include me. Don't point the gun at me. Even if you're mad."
"Sorry." She replied, embarrassed. "I didn't realize I had done that."
"It's easy to do. That's why you have to practice. Now, hand me your hand." He took her hand in his and raised it to his lips. He kissed her hand then once again placed the pistol in it. Still holding her hand, he stepped behind her and leaned over her from behind to where she could feel his warmth through her shirt in back. Reaching around her, he physically moved her to where her body was aligned properly and showed her the proper finger position outside of the trigger guard, showing her how to hold her arm so that the gun was always pointing away from him and towards the ground. Then, he released her. Needless to say, she was feeling just a little distracted by the time he stepped away.
"Okay, sweetheart. Let's see how you do. Shoot the target."
Natalie held the handgun up in front of her face and squeezed the trigger. The bullet went high and missed the target.
"That…that's okay." Monk replied, stepping back in and again standing behind her, adjusting her stance with his hands and then using his hand to lower her arms just a tad. "Just take your time. Try again."
She lined herself up with the target and fired off the shot again, and again, with the same result. In defeat, she lowered the weapon and sighed.
"Don't get frustrated." He said. "You're doing fine."
"I stink." She replied.
"No…not at all." He said. "Let's try you with a 9mm. It'll have a little more recoil but I think you'll like it. It's a bit more accurate."
Monk walked back to the car and retrieved a different pistol – this one being a little larger but also made of plastic and therefore lighter.
Adrian again stood behind her, attempting to adjust her stance.
She lowered the gun and turned her head up towards him and smiled. "You know, if you keep wrapping your arms around me like that, I can't be held responsible for what I do." She raised and lowered her eyebrows. Monk swallowed.
"Um…sorry." He blushed then took a step back. "I didn't mean to…be a distraction."
She smirked then walked back up to her position, raised her arms, aimed and fired. This time, the bullet grazed the top of the sheet, nowhere near the bullseye.
Monk frowned and was determined to help her overcome this challenge.
"Just keep shooting. I'm going to watch what you're doing." He stood to her side, this time watching her every movement rather than watching where the shots were going, building his expert opinion.
Finally, he shook his head and asked her to stop.
"How are you aiming?" he asked.
"What do you mean? I'm pointing the barrel towards the target." She replied.
"Are you using your sights?" he asked.
"My sights are set on you, if that's what you mean." She teased, tongue in cheek.
Monk couldn't help but grin, but quickly got back to business. "I think that's the issue. Use your sights. Those two little posts right there." He said, pointing at the raised section on the top of the gun. "Focus on those and let the target be sorta off in the distance. Just get the sight lined up where you want it to go."
Natalie followed his instructions and shot. Again, the shot went high but it was closer.
"Maybe it's just the gun." She suggested.
"Not the gun." Monk shook his head. "You're doing better with the nine, but it's gotta be something else." He walked up and took the pistol from her hand, effortless shooting three rounds dead center in the middle of the paper.
"Show off." She smirked.
"Comes with practice." He said.
"Well, maybe I'm just no good. I told you I don't like these things." She said.
"I understand." He said. "But given what we're going to be doing, you may be in some situations where there is some danger. I want for you to be able to protect yourself. Let's try again."
Natalie sighed and took the pistol from him and again assumed her stance. He stood fairly close to her watching her every move as she fired off four more rounds. With each shot, she felt more and more inept; but Monk was spotting a pattern. He ducked his head and the dimples in his cheeks went on full display. Natalie lowered the gun and turned towards him in irritation.
"What? Are you laughing at me now?" she asked.
Monk threw up his hands. "Oh, no….no not at all. I'm not laughing."
"Then what?"
"Tell me this. When you look at the sights, where does the little circle line up?" he asked.
Natalie looked at the gun. "What little circle?" she asked.
Monk grinned and bit his lip. "The little circle in between the posts. Is it in alignment with the posts?" He again got behind her, this time bending down so that his left arm was around her waist and his cheek was next to hers. He pulled her arms up and instructed her to assume the stance. Natalie held the gun up and tried to aim but then shook her head. "I don't know what you're talking about. What circle?"
Adrian stood up with a smile and then gently rubbed her back then kissed her on the cheek. Stepping to the side he had an almost triumphant look on his face. Reaching into his shirt pocket, he pulled out his reading glasses. "Here. Maybe these will help." He suggested.
Natalie's lips parted as she looked between the glasses and him, then she pursed her lips, tilting her head. "Really?"
He nodded with a grin and took a step back. She took the glasses from him and then put them on her face. "Don't laugh." She said.
"I'm not laughing. You look adorable." He smiled.
She gazed at him with a grin and then picked the gun back up. Holding it in position she chuckled and shook her head.
"You see the circle?" he asked.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah…." She said, with a sigh. "I see it."
"Great! Mystery solved!" he responded. "I guess this explains your driving too…"
"Adrian!" she protested.
"Just kidding, sweetheart." He said. "Try again. Only this time, line the circle up in the middle of the sites to where you want to shoot."
Natalie did as instructed and fired off another round, dead center in the middle of the paper. She squealed with excitement!
"I did it! I did it!" she exclaimed, swinging around with the gun in her hand to see Adrian's reaction.
He screamed and squatted on the ground, throwing his hands over his head in self-defense.
She pointed the gun away from him and towards the ground. "Oh! Gosh! Sorry, honey!" she said, placing her free hand over her mouth.
"Rules number one and two." He repeated.
"Yes. I'm so, so sorry!" she replied.
"Never forget them!" he said.
"Oh…I won't!" she said, walking over to him. "I am so sorry!"
"Okay!" he said, standing back up and brushing himself off. "That's okay." He gently took the firearm away from her. "I think maybe we've done enough practicing for today. Time to put things away and go have lunch."
"Over at our special spot?" She asked, hopefully.
He smiled softly. "Of course, my sweetheart."
"Oh wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Did I seriously do okay?"
Monk walked with her back towards the car. "You did a terrific job, once you got the hang of it – and could see." He chortled. "We'll just have to keep practicing, and you'll get better. I promise."
"You'll still shoot with me?"
"Yes. Absolutely. Wouldn't have it any other way."
She took him by the arm and walked with him. "Hey, Adrian." she said.
"What, sweetheart?"
"You were right. This was fun." She smiled and scrunched her nose up then kissed him on the cheek.