A/N: Greetings! Thank you all for the kind reviews on previous chapters. I'd toyed with this idea for a while, and to be completely honest, I did struggle to keep it within the rating. Maybe there's potential for another bit to be written... I must apologise, because no matter how much I read over this, it feels like some parts were written by Dr. Suess' frumpy younger brother. Maybe I'm just tired. I hope it's a pleasant read. Reviews, critiques, ideas are all welcome and appreciated.

Elizabeth's eyes fluttered open, she squinted slightly, waiting for them to adjust to the bright morning light. She was awoken by the gentle light filtering through the blinds and the distinctive aroma of bacon and pancakes wafting through the air. She sighed heavily and took a deep breath, taking in the combination of scents surrounding her, she pressed her nose into his pillow. Henry. She smiled as she breathed in his familiar smell. She smiled wider when she remembered why she now lay naked in Henry's soft, warm bed. Yawning wide, her muscles squeezed tight in a cat-like stretch, arching her back and pointing her toes. She'd never felt so relaxed and well rested, and her hips had never ached so beautifully.

Last night had far exceeded anything she could have planned, and that was precisely why it had gone so well; It had been completely impromptu. Always a planner, she was captivated by Henry's spontaneity. It was refreshing and endearing, always taking her by the most pleasant surprise. Simple and romantic, it was so them. He'd then taken her back to his apartment, they'd talked for hours, laughed and cried, and the rest simply fell away. She'd practically pounced on him, and they'd made love all night.

Both so intensely infatuated with one another, it was unsurprising that they were unable to wait long before giving in to their desires. Henry was arguably the best looking man she'd ever met. His kisses made her toes curl and as she'd now discovered, he was an incredible lover. Elizabeth had never understood the hype around sex, her experience had extended to just okay, but now she was realising that she was not the problem.

Henry was the perfect gentleman. He was patient and attentive, he never pressured her. The incredible relief of being able to finally connect in the most intimate way had only brought them so much closer. He'd helped her find a part of herself she didn't realise was missing. He completed her.

Rolling over again, she broke from her thoughts and reluctantly left the warm confines of his bed. Elizabeth grabbed one of his t-shirts to wear and padded out to the kitchen in the cozy apartment. She leaned against the door-frame, watching him move about, bare chested, messy hair, his boxers slung dangerously low on his hips. Her eyes roamed his body appreciatively, landing to stare directly at his backside. She hadn't noticed him turn to face her, and when she dragged her gaze back up his toned form, she met bright eyes and a heart-stopping smile.

"Hey, gorgeous. You hungry?" He asked with a chuckle.

She stood, speechless, clad in his oversized shirt only, having been caught ogling him in the kitchen. When she didn't answer, he strode across the small room. Wrapping his strong arms around her, he pulled her body flush with his and captured her lips in a searing kiss. Her body was on fire, and her belly swirled with desire as he kissed her fervently. When he pulled back, she released a sound of dissatisfaction, leaning in, trying to meet his lips again.

"Come on, Babe. You have to eat." He pecked her on the lips again.

She huffed in mock annoyance and followed to sit on the stool beside him at the kitchen bench. She dove into the delicious breakfast he'd prepared. She was starving, unsurprisingly given the nights activities, and moaned in appreciation as she ate.

"Henry, this is amazing. I didn't know you were a man of so many talents…" She flirted, giving him a wink. It was his turn to blush now, he smiled and dipped his head.

They ate quietly, giving one another the occasional flirtatious comment and knowing look.

-o-

Henry had woken first, disorientated by sleep, he blinked several times. Her deep sigh brought reality rushing back to him. Elizabeth Adams was in his bed. Elizabeth Adams was laying naked in his arms, in his bed. He smiled, sighing contently, wishing the moment would never end. He wanted to cook for her and have breakfast ready before she woke up, but was torn by the prospect of staying in the perfect comfort of the morning. His bed warm, and the most beautiful woman on earth in his arms, sleeping blissfully, whom he didn't want to disturb. He carefully untangled himself and threw on a pair of boxers. He watched her sleep for a minute, captivated by her beauty.

She didn't realise quite how taken Henry was by her, and he could tell. He would've waited years for her and, In a way, he had already, now knowing what he was missing without her. There were many times he'd wanted her, and he was sure that she'd have wanted him, but it needed to be her choice. He would never push her, wanting her to feel completely comfortable and at liberty. Henry would never forgive himself if she'd came to regret it. He knew that it would happen when the moment was right, and it had been oh so right.

He was a good cook, a natural, something he didn't have to think about. It was soothing and a great task for thought; He moved about the kitchen with ease, thinking about what the future may hold for them. He heard her enter the room, and turned to face her, spatula in hand. He gasped quietly, he followed long, lean legs with his eyes, landing on the hem of his t-shirt which rested dangerously high against her thighs. He'd never seen anything more provocative. He dragged his eyes higher, and it was clear that she hadn't noticed him turn; her eyes focused low on his body. Elizabeth's hair was a glorious mess, and she'd never looked more beautiful than she did in that moment. He smiled, waiting for her to snap back to reality.

"Hey, Gorgeous. You hungry?" Her eyes shot up to meet his, and she flushed furiously. Henry couldn't stay away, he quickly closed the distance between them and kissed her with everything he had.

-o-

Reclining on the couch in Henry's small living room, Elizabeth rested against him, wrapped in his arms. After hungrily devouring his excellent breakfast, they'd been unable to keep hands to themselves. They sat quietly now, enjoy the company one one another. Henry was reading a book, and Elizabeth's head rested against his shoulder, both exhausted from the day's activities. Placing the book on the table beside them, Henry wrapped his arms snugly around her. She sighed in content, snuggling deeper into his warm, safe embrace.

"Elizabeth…"

"Yeah?"

"I think I'm in love with you." The words fell from his lips before he'd had a chance to think. He didn't need to think, and he hadn't realised that his words were true until he'd said them. He braced when she remained quiet, panic struck him briefly, wondering if he'd bared himself too soon, wondering if she felt the same.

What Henry didn't realise is that Elizabeth's words had caught in her throat, her heart squeezed tight and she felt tears welling. She was speechless, and usually a woman of such expansive vocabulary, she was unable to find adequate words.

"Me too." She whispered, staring straight up at the ceiling.

"I love you." He said, now with more conviction.

She turned over so that they were facing, nuzzling one another. She pressed her lips down against his in a kiss so tender, he thought his own tears may fall. Their eyes met in what would be one of a lifetime of adoring gazes.

-o-

2016

Elizabeth rested against Henry's bare chest, her hand tracing lazy patterns through the fine dusting of hair. "That was…" She breathed, a lazy grin spreading across her lips.

"I know." He leaned down and pecked her on the lips. He let his own hands wander, threading his fingers through her thick, golden locks and gently massaging her scalp. She hummed in approval, tilting her chin up to meet him again. They kissed slowly and languidly, absorbing each others soft moans.

"Remember that night—" She began.

"On the river." He finished, giving her a wide smile, remembering the evening and the days that ensued.

"Yes." She whispered, gazing up at him.

He laughed, rubbing his hand over her shoulder and pulling her closer. "We didn't leave my apartment for days…"

She giggled, poking him in the ribs. He seized her arms and rolled them, pinning her beneath his body, a wide smile across his handsome features. "Kiss me." He murmured. She pecked him on the lips quickly, flopping back onto the pillow. "Properly…" He growled. With a wicked gleam in her eye, she gripped the base of his neck and pulled him in for a passionate, wet kiss.

"I love you." She whispered against his lips. He rested his forehead against hers and gazed into the crystal blue eyes he fell in love with.