When she had found out later that night, Lilly was shocked that John had gotten reservations for a very expensive restaurant. Once inside her breathing had literally stopped, taking in the beauty of the place. It was immaculate with usual design that she never had seen before. The smell of the food, well added to the mixture of love and romance.

Inside Salsa music was playing in the background, while the two sat down together looking over both of their menus. However Lilly's attention focused on everything else but that, for she never quite expected anyone to have taken her out to such a lavish upscale restaurant.

Anyways as the band played on, Lilly watched as people danced on the floor. Everything was perfect right; well almost everything. After the waiter had served them their drinks, she immediately sipped down her martini until realizing that it was John's Bloody Mary; which had made her cough violently.

worried now that someone might had seen her doing that, Lilly then excused herself to the bathroom before splashing cold water onto her face. Drawing in a single breath, she then pulled herself together then rejoined John back at their table.

Much to her own surprise, an apple martini was sitting there as Lilly nervously sipped it. This however proved to be just way too strong for her, before she settled for just water.

"Nice place" she commented, not wanting to ruin their dinner together.

John too looked around" Thought you might enjoy something different, Lil. Sorry about the drinks".

She knew that he was being plainly a gentleman, but also knew that he still wasn't used of dating yet. Having sex last night, Lilly could in fact tell that John had gotten over his bedroom shyness but everything else he was working hard to improve at. However at times, she would be the person to first make conversation; not him. That was usual for John whom was a Lieutenant but perhaps it was better to be a man who didn't brag or think too much of himself.

Sure he could joke and be carefree, but John liked to take her out on the town. However Lilly enjoyed every single moment while any thought of work never came into mind. Yes Miami Beach seemed to be making Lilly calm and serene, as she sat there listening to the band now playing some Cuban music.

"Care to dance with me" Lilly asked" Or do I have to drag you"?

Taking his hand, she then led him out onto the dance floor. What John didn't realize is that Lilly loved dancing; especially how her whole face lit up. She was merely a goddess while he twirled her around, before being dipped. As her long blonde hair fell backward, John peered into two blue orbs seeing that special twinkle that he adored so much.

While resuming dancing together, Lilly laughed softly while enjoying the high light of feeling like the luckiest woman in the world. In her eyes she truly felt this way; but perhaps letting the past go was a good thing after all. She couldn't do anything to change the past, however just living in the moment made her feel happy and light.

There wasn't a single trace of work on her mind; since it was now running with blank thoughts. As the music then slowed, the two made their way back to their table to eat. Not surprisingly they were having a candlelight dinner outside; underneath both the moon and stars. They weren't on the ground floor either; but on a balcony that overlooked a Pond.

"Didn't have to do this" Lilly whispered while digging into her salad.

John's hand then touched hers" You deserve it, I'm glad we're together" his eyes now filling with more love.

She took also saw it, knowing that this relationship was only going to get better; not worse like all the other failed ones. With a small smile, Lilly resumed eating while a cool Miami breeze blew lightly around her. However she never felt compelled to turn on her cell and check up on the case; in which she knew nothing about.

Lilly made a point to just relax without interference, besides John was right. It had been a long time quite possibly even more; since she could ever do this. Come to think about it, she probably never had a time; work, taking care of her mother. As that thought reentered her mind; Lilly began to refocus herself being here not on the past.

When the fork had dropped, John then stood there holding out his hand. While they danced slowly, her heart kept a steady beat with his. With a small exhilaration of breath, she took in the scent of his cologne while dancing to their of rhythm of their love.

Then their eyes met up, as John's lips slowly touched hers. After the third time his was on hers, but this kiss was much better than the one with Kite. For she knew that her heart could only beat that way, only when John was kissing hers; in a way it signaled a sign of a very true love.

"You are beautiful" he said, now speaking in a soft voice" I like you this way" eying her summer dress. Lilly smiled as she got her purse" Don't tell you, you already paid"?

Taking her hand, she knew all too well that John was clearly treating her. Miami Beach nightlight was now in full bloom however the two, then decided to take a long walk on the shore together. As their two barefooted feet felt the coolness of the tides waters, Lilly took in a deep breath knowing that if she would have died; she would have missed some of the things that were beautiful to her.

Facing each other, John then captured her lips again" I love you"

"I love you too" now not being afraid to tell someone that, normally those three words, sent waves of quills that were ready to poke up and guard those fortress walls. This time Lilly knew it was love and that she did in fact love him.

Out of the blue, John then scooped her up bridal style as he carried her along the shore. Her laughter echoed with delight, but the combination between the breeze and being in his hands created more roses in both of their hearts.

By the time they had gotten up to the stairs, Lilly rested her head on his shoulder ; still watching the tide going in and out while had seemed to match each breath of hers she had taken.

"Never realized how peaceful the water really is, could have died not ever knowing the quietness that it brings" pausing to let out a breath" Makes me feel calm, you know".

As John listened he understood what she meant, knowing that this shooting did effect her whole life, but he knew she had recovered from it" I couldn't forgive myself if I had lost you that day"

Their hands were together like glue, but Lilly knew she could open up and know that he would never think any less of her" Wasn't your fault; I did remember you doing that. You first told me that you loved me".

"Still do Lil" kissing her hair" That's why I took care of you when came home".

Lilly let out a sigh, while watching a seagull swooping downward before flying away. Life was going on, but she too had also moved onward with her own life. Like the social worker had said, take inventory of your life; which Lilly had done.

Combined with her new outlook on life, she also had a great man whom now had a special place in her heart.

"Thought I almost saw the light, how bright it was at the end. For a moment everything went quiet, my mother was standing by my side. It was like her telling me to hold on, that I can make it".

His hand was gently rubbing the small of her back, knowing that Lilly still in fact missed her own mother; despite her drinking habits. John remained silent while continuing to listen, knowing that it good that she was getting this off of her chest.

However Lilly then quickly stopped, not wanting to ruin their vacation together. Besides she was enjoying herself, and not wanting to go home and face work all too soon. As another couple walked along the shore; the two of them watched while their thoughts just lingered in both the crystal clear air.

By the time they had gotten back to the hotel, Lilly turned on the water to the whirlpool tub wanting to further indulge herself. After lighting several candles, she then slipped into the warm water enjoying the tranquility of both peace and quiet.

While situated in the bath, Lilly's eyes opened to find John handing her a glass of white wine. This also added to the mix, before he then closed the door behind. After applying a facial mask onto her face, she lay back and began to do some meditation.

By the time that Lilly had opened her eyes, she felt a million times better. That and giving herself a facial was one of the ways, which helped her to relax. Upon coming out of the bathroom, she saw John asleep on the couch with the ten O' clock news playing while a remote resting on his chest.

Leaning downward her lips then briefly touched his, before draping a blanket over him. However their vacation only was getting better.