Even their early start wasn't enough to beat the DC traffic. Not that they were in a hurry. As a matter of fact, neither of them had seemed to mind the slower miles at the outset. They had been warmed by the chance to look deeply into each other's eyes, for as long as the snarled rows of commuters would allow. But now they were picking up speed, with the northeast landscape quickly passing by, the horizon flickering between trees and bits of guardrail.
The Citroën was cozy and Jane looked as gorgeous as ever behind the wheel. Teresa couldn't stop smiling as he maneuvered from one lane to the next, like a classic Hollywood star. This car really did fit him perfectly. Vintage, stylish, and one of a kind. His trademark grin triggered immediately upon glancing at his love, seeing her smoldering in his direction.
"Like what you see, Lisbon?" He flirted.
"Nope." She grinned.
Jane grinned even bigger. "Liar liar pants on fire!"
"I'm not lying!" She insisted, still smiling ear to ear - like she had a secret that was ready to burst at any minute.
"High voice!" Jane was quite entertained. "Okay, not a lie, then. I'm happy to play along my dear." He practically glowed, as he held one hand up from the wheel in submission - happy to indulge his favorite human in whatever flirty game she was playing. "So then, what do you mean, 'Nope'?"
"What I mean is that I do not merely 'like' what I see, handsome. Rather, I hopelessly love and adore what I see - so intensely that it's nearly impossible to control myself right now." The corners of her mouth drew up in the most delightfully seductive grin, as her eyes glimmered at him.
Her fiancé was visibly affected by her words, as the car abruptly picked up speed.
The sudden burst of propulsion caught Lisbon off-guard. "Jane? You're driving kind of fast, don't you think?" Her hands gripped the seat, as soon as he hit the accelerator.
"I'm driving just fast enough." He countered. "After all, we can't have your self-control being tested any longer than necessary, my dear. And I admit that my own inhibitions are dissolving quickly under the heat of your passionate gaze, Teresa."
"We really should address that, soon, Patrick," she swooned, her eyes gleaming like embers desperate to ignite in full flame. Her fingers combed through the curls between his neck and the headrest.
They were still nowhere near the historic spa-like bed & breakfast Jane had reserved to kick off their week in the country. And while they were both looking forward to relaxing in their suite and exploring the gardens surrounding, neither could think that far ahead right now - both captivated by the passionate fervor that was pulsing between them.
Jane spontaneously exited the freeway, and followed a back-road to seemingly nowhere. Once they arrived at what may have been the most remote spot between DC and Harpers Ferry, he found a makeshift parking place along the riverbank, and turned to capture Teresa in a desperate embrace.
She held him with equal intensity, only loosening her grip enough to connect with his lips, unleashing a passionate string of kisses.
After a few sweet whispers and tender caresses, the two grew frustrated with the console between them. Plus, Jane was concerned that Teresa might bump a rib on the steering wheel - undoing some of the healing she'd successfully managed. "Should've taken the Airstream, I suppose," he said dejectedly.
"I disagree, sweet Patrick," she purred. "Seeing you behind the wheel of this car is absolutely titillating, and I am finding the view quite satisfying."
Jane's expression grew more flirtatious. "I mean, we could move this to the back seat?" he hummed, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
Lisbon pulled him close, tenderly massaging his cheek with her own. "This car is sort of an extension of the house, you know," she whispered in his ear. "And we did agree to christen every room…" She nibbled his earlobe for a delightful moment, before lilting gracefully to the seat behind them, with catlike prowess.
Jane's eyes grew wide and expectant. "My dear, it's wonderful to see you so pain-free!"
"It's nice to be so pain-free, gorgeous! AND - I've got almost all of my flexibility back." She winked.
In a flash, Jane was out one door and in the other, joining Lisbon in the back. He immediately pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss. "Care to test that theory?" he smoldered.
"Research is so important, I agree…" she panted, loosening the buttons of his vest.
"Mmm…. Here's to science!" Jane growled, loosening some other items from his beautiful love.
The windows of the Citroën grew steamier by the minute, as the river rushed by. Serenaded by the melody of the water, and protected by the privacy of fogged glass, and the shade of trees, the lovers freely melted into one another - thoroughly enjoying their 'scientific' pursuits.
An hour later, Jane had talked Lisbon into a quick skinny-dip. The water was refreshing, and the current was manageable, so the swim left them feeling renewed, and thoroughly rejuvenated.
"Ready to continue our journey, my dear?" Jane asked brightly, delighting in how the natural setting augmented Lisbon's already-radiant beauty.
Teresa quickly nodded in agreement, towel-drying her hair. She was equally enamored with him, in that moment, admiring how the sunshine reflected off his drip-dry curls. The glow had a halo-like quality, and she giggled to herself at the irony. Jane would be the first to admit that he was no saint, though Teresa had told him many times how she firmly believed that God had brought them into each other's lives at the perfect time, and had nudged them that much closer one night at a hotel in the Keys.
Soon the car was back in motion, with the countryside opening before them. Jane and Lisbon daydreamed, in concert, as they gazed contentedly at the scenes beyond the windshield. Occasionally, they glanced at one another, just long enough to smile, or to give a gentle hand-squeeze.
The loving endorphins were still coursing through them both, as they checked into the stone structure that was their semi-private residence for the next several days. Teresa leaned into Jane, as he checked them in. He surprised her with a couple's spa package, that included a fully-stocked basket for a picnic lunch anywhere they desired, on the grounds - or in the nearby park.
Once they and their things were settled into the cozy, rustic suite, Jane suggested that they hike to a picturesque picnic spot. In his research for the week, Patrick had discovered an intermediate-level hike that led to an overview called The Point. His plan was to arrive at that spot during a less-crowded time of day, allowing for more privacy - and hopefully a light dessert of mutual petting.
Teresa was glad for the chance to walk somewhat briskly. Her ribs were nearly back to normal, but the extended healing time had impacted her running fitness. That aspect had compounded her feelings of helplessness and frustration during that process, exacerbated by her typical lack of patience. So, it was extremely freeing to have the opportunity to get back into a healthy fitness routine. The way Jane glowed, as he watched her reveling in the exercise, was revealing. When planning, he had known exactly how this activity would affect his partner. He beamed as if he could see her psyche healing right before his eyes. The bigger payoff, though, was the wide-eyed look she gave him at her first view of the trail's destination.
The Point opened to an impressive hillside vista, featuring a miles-wide view of the valley where the Potomac meets the Shenandoah. Jane placed the basket at his feet, and stood beside Lisbon, sliding his right arm around her waist. "What an amazing view!"
"It is absolutely beautiful!"
"Second only to you, my dear," he hummed, gently holding his cheek to hers.
With that, she turned and pulled him close. "Thank you, Patrick. You know how much I needed this week - and also this hike. I love you so much for taking such thoughtful care of me."
"It's my pleasure, Teresa. I love you so much for allowing me to care for you. There was a time when you'd have shut me out when you felt weak or upset. The fact that you readily lean on me now makes my heart swell. I can't tell you how deeply moving it is to know that you trust me in such a way, my dear."
"It was the trust fall that did it, Jane." She winked.
In mock sincerity, "Really?"
"Nah." She poked, wryly.
She covered his pretend pout with a kiss "But that did show me how absolutely adorable you could be when you're being ridiculous," she glimmered.
"Aw, shucks!" Jane put on a shy face, but his eyes were sparkling with mischief.
Lisbon angled her chin and grinned, in anticipation of whatever her favorite trickster had up his sleeve.
He moved the picnic basket to a nearby rock and expertly shook the checkered blanket onto the flattest part of the surrounding grass. He reached for her hand, and guided her to the blanket, "May I help you to your seat, Madame?"
Jane was always overflowing with charm in situations like this, she thought, smiling sweetly as she settled onto the covered ground. "Why thank you, Monsieur!"
Patrick assembled two plates with sandwiches and fruit, then opened the accompanying wine - pouring generously into the provided unbreakable stemware. The partners enjoyed the view, and each other's company, as they nibbled at the provisions and sipped Sauvignon Blanc.
"So, my love, how are you feeling? Ribs holding up after such a strenuous trek?"
"I haven't felt this good, physically, in weeks, Patrick. Thank you for planning all of this, love." She leaned against him as they reclined against the rock, breathing the fresh air and pondering the pastoral scene.
"Oh!" Jane suddenly hopped to his feet. "I almost forgot the best part!"
Yep… Here it comes! She thought, remembering the ornery sparkle she'd seen in him earlier. "Forgot what?" She shrugged with her arms out wide, playing the part of the clueless partner - as if she hadn't been waiting for this, she giggled.
Gathering something from an interior compartment in the basket, Jane danced spryly back over to Lisbon. He plunked down, surprising her a bit, leaving just enough space to present an ice cream sundae and two spoons, like a magician. "Et viola!"
Lisbon's face lit up. "Thank you, Patrick!" She exclaimed with delight.
"You are most welcome, my love!" He smiled wide, quite proud of pulling off the dessert surprise.
The next few moments were mostly silent, with the two lovebirds fully enjoying the fast-melting ice cream, smiling intimately at one another, eyes glistening with mutual affection.
"I adore you, Teresa," Jane rumbled, warmly. "If I could marry you this minute, I absolutely would."
"I feel the same way, sweet Patrick," she glimmered back. "Should we get back and plan a little?"
"That is a wonderful idea, my dear - let's go!"
The betrothed quickly gathered their supplies and leftover snacks into the basket for the hike back to their suite. Pleasantly surprised to find the return route was mostly downhill, they made excellent time, arriving to their door just as the shadows were getting long.
They shared an unhurried bath in the luxurious soaker tub, and then cuddled together on the couch, in the fluffiest of robes, warmed thoroughly by the fire burning on the stone hearth.
After relaxing into each other for a time, Jane moved to grab a notebook and pen. "So, my love, who shall we have as guests for our marriage?"
Lisbon smiled with elation, just imagining the day when she would get to officially claim him as her own - and be claimed by him in return. They whittled away the remaining hours of the day by listing their dearest friends, stopping to remember favorite stories from time to time. Once they felt they had remembered everyone, they rewarded themselves unremittingly for their hard work… well into the night.