Epilogue

Jaime sighed with contentment as she rested her head on the shoulder she knew was the only one she'd ever want to lean on. Steve pushed the armrest that separated them down into its slot between the seats and pulled Jaime closer.

"Nice thing about a private jet – no stewardess to tell me 'no'."

"This feels so good," she said, snuggling into his chest.

Steve had to agree. Rudy had done three days' worth of thorough exams to ensure that Jaime had suffered no ill effects, physical or otherwise, from her newly-returned memories, and pronounced her to be in perfect health, aside from being a little shaken by the whole experience. Jaime and Steve were now on their way to a government-owned villa on a private island near the Bahamas. There, they would spend two weeks together, relaxing, talking...and healing.

They'd both agreed to consider what was between them a new relationship, and just see where, if anywhere, it might take them. They could hardly wait to find out.

- - - - - -

Steve insisted on carrying in all of the luggage, spreading a blanket in the sand for Jaime to stretch out on. "I know you're perfectly capable," he said, answering her raised eyebrow, "but I'd like to do this, ok? I'll join you in a few minutes." Jaime gave him a quick, soft kiss and sat down.

"I'll be here."

Without needing to discuss it, Steve placed their luggage into two separate bedrooms. They both knew they might grow closer on this vacation...or they might not. After what had happened with Lisa, it would take some time for both of them – especially Jaime – to feel comfortable enough to climb into the same bed. If it happened on this vacation, great, but if not, there really was no hurry. Steve was content to wait and see, as long as he could do that waiting at Jaime's side.

He found her staring up at the clouds, something she'd always enjoyed when they were kids. "See any good ones?" he asked, grinning happily as he joined her on the blanket.

Jaime became noticeably more relaxed as Steve's arms encircled her. She pointed toward one large cloud cluster. "There's the Michelin Tire Man. Or you in a spacesuit."

Steve laughed, and it warmed him straight through to his heart when Jaime laughed with him. Their kiss was tender and filled with hope and emotion, and with the unspoken promise of two lifetimes spent in the way they'd always been intended – together.

END