Later that afternoon Tia and Derek arrived in Little Creek and walked into Dave's home. Derek went to the fireplace and built a fire.
" That will make it toasty in here." Tia said.
" Good I just felt like one and Dave likes people to be comfortable when they stay here."
" I can't believe he just let us come here."
" He does that for his family. In time I hope you can get used to it more."
Her hand ran over Derek's back gently. " Would you like to just curl up on that huge couch with me? We can unpack and find our room later."
" For now that sounds amazing tiger. Let's do that ."
Tia found a soft blanket in a pale gray color and brought it over to the couch for them. Then they both curled up in each other's arms and listened to the fire as it crackled softly.
Tia's fingers touched Derek's face gently.
" What?" He said softly .
" I just wanted to help you relax. You're safe with me and i'm here however you need me to be right now okay?"
" I love you."
She blinked for a moment. " I love you too Derek." One tear slid down her face.
" Hey I didn't mean to make you cry."
" I'm just happy, i've loved you for such a long time and now that I have found you again it's overwhelming sometimes."
" All right. " He kissed her cheek gently .
She moved and rested her head on his chest gently. " I can hear your heartbeat right now."
He smiled. " Well I would be lying if I said I didn't like you right there in my arms Tia. It feels right."
" Then why don't we stay here for a little while? It's not often that we get to just hold each other like this."
" You're right so I think we can spoil ourselves a little while we're both here on this unscheduled break from the real world."