He woke before she did, which was rare. In the morning, they could always be found in the same position. Sid laying on his stomach, his legs sprawled while Caroline burrowed in next to him, her cheek pressed up against his ribs, her lower leg tangled in his. His arm typically slung across her back, curling her into him as her light puffs of breath tattooed into his skin. Mornings with her were his favorite. They were the quiet time before the world and its expectations and responsibilities barged into the little life they'd formed together. It was times like this that they were more than boyfriend, girlfriend. They were family.

From his vantage point he could see just the top of her head. The chocolate waves flowed down her bare back which was soft and warm under the heavy hold of his arm. Carefully he shifted himself, pulling his arm away and twisting over onto his back. Giving a slight moan of protest, Caroline rolled with him digging herself now into his right side, her nose rubbing at his skin, her naked body pressing fully into his before the lure of sleep swept her away again. Sid draped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close as she showed no sign of waking soon. He thought to the night before. Arriving home late after a long long day. The game had been brutal. Tough, physically exhausting. Wanting nothing more than to sleep in his own bed, Sid had been antsy on the flight home. The team plane had been quiet. Everyone had worked their asses off that night to pull out the W and were barely able to keep their eyes open. Sid on the other hand just couldn't sleep, he was too keyed up and impatient to get home. Eager for the reunion he'd come home to Caroline cured up in the corner of the couch. The sight had assaulted him. In a world of variables, she was the constant and here was proof of that. He'd dropped his stuff and peeled off his jacket, his tie long gone and quietly approached her. He'd sat on the couch looking at her, the table side lamp cast a glow on her face. The bruises were nearly gone, a slight yellowish tinge beneath her eye was nearly all that remained. The road burn that had been raw and red days earlier were healing nicely. Her cheeks were pink, her nose covered by the light smattering of freckles that made her seem younger than she was. She was at such peace. Her face void of hurt, anger, concern and all the other emotions that had taken over the past few weeks. It had been so good and he'd fucked it up. Sid was always one who took a lesson from something, no matter how tough it had been. He had to. That was the only way he could make sense of things. So he had to believe that this roller coaster of late meant something. Was building them up to take on anything. Stifling a yawn, he'd scooped her up as if she weighed nothing. He'd never say anything but the past few months she'd leaned up a bit. He still enjoyed the fullness of her ass and slight pouch in her belly but over time they'd changed. He smirked to himself wondering if the new "exercise regime" they'd taken on was the reason. Whatever the reason her body, soft and supple, pliant in his hands continued to turn him on like no woman ever had. It was the most wonderful thing about love. Being with someone you loved and cherished brought a level of arousal he hadn't anticipated. He'd been with beautiful, gorgeous women. Perfect in every sense of the word, but none of them burned under his fingertips like Caroline's skin burned. None of them touch him with such reverence and care that he felt every nerve ending was short circuiting. And with none of them had he lost himself so completely that he didn't know where she ended and he began. There were times when Caroline was pressed so tightly to him, that her heartbeat matched his heartbeat. Her skin melded into his skin, and when she looked at him, really looked at him it was most soul bearing, intimate, vulnerable feeling he'd ever had. And also the absolute best.

And now he held her. His hand wandered from around her shoulder to her waist, his large hand sweeping over her bottom, still enough fullness to his liking. His fingers brushed against the dip where her ass ended and her thigh began. It was so soft. His hand swept up and down her flesh until the semi erection he'd woken up with had gone full mast.

Caroline felt his hands on her. It was more soothing than erotic. Just comforting and intimate. It warmed her and pulled her from unconsciousness to her current surroundings. She rubbed her cheeks against him, then brushed her lips against his smooth skin. Heavy-eyed she glanced up at him and found his complete focus on her. She managed a sleepy smile, "Good Morning."

His eyes crinkled in that she loved as an intimate smile grew on his face,

"Morning."

Realizing that he was totally awake and as it seemed had been for a while, she gave him a curious look, "Whatcha doing?"

"Watching you," he said, his eyes dancing playfully.

Her cheeks reddened.

Smiling he drew her in and kissed the crown of her head. "Is that creepy?" he asked, his tone light.

He felt her smile against his chest. "A little bit."

He pulled her hand from its resting place on his chest and moved it lower. "Then this is probably even creepier."

She took him in her grasp immediately and turned her head up to face him. "Not creepy," she whispered, gently squeezing the length of him as her hand moved up and down instinctively. "More like pervy," she bit her lip, "But I kinda like pervy." And with that she raised her mouth to his and captured his lips in a thorough kiss.

They stayed like that for a while, kissing lazily, mouths moving slowly and deliberately, tongues heavy and sluggish exploring each other. Caroline's hand moved languidly over his penis, the pad of her thumb caressing the tip gently. Finally Sid didn't think he could take much more.

"I'm going to cum in your hand like some teenager," he said, dragging his mouth from hers.

"That's ok," she said smiling up at him, her body laying halfway over his as she went in for another kiss.

He accepted her kiss, then dragged his mouth to her jaw line and nipped playfully at the skin.

"Not for me," he replied and in seconds had her underneath him as his body sought hers. To his delight she was more than ready for him and he slid into her easily. They rocked together, finding their natural rhythm. Sid's hands encased Caroline's as he buried his head between her neck and collarbone, tasting the flavor that was so distinctly her.

Sometime later, they lay sated. Boneless and lethargic. Embraced in the afterglow. Their quiet solace interrupted by the sound of grumbling stomachs. Caroline giggled and announced she would make breakfast. Sid made his way to the bathroom, while Caroline searched his dresser drawer for a t-shirt to wear. She opened the second drawer where all his shirts lay neatly folded and arranged and a familiar black box caught her eye. Glancing quickly at the bathroom drawer, she listened for the buzz of his electric toothbrush. Upon hearing it, she picked up the box, snapped it open and there was the ring. It had been just over a month since that night, but it some ways it seemed like ages ago. Caroline stared at the large diamond that glistened as soon as the sunlight hit it. She looked at it, mesmerized by the colors that reflected out and into the room. She heard the water turn on and knew he'd be back. Quickly she snapped the box shut and placed it back under his clothes. Caroline grabbed a shirt and shoved the drawer closed haphazardly. Slipping on the t-shirt she made her way out of his room and to the kitchen. Seconds later he emerged from the bathroom, ready to start the day. Walking by, the drawer caught his eye. He paused for a second, his eyes trained on the second drawer down, only half way closed. Sighing, he pushed the drawer in and made his way out into the kitchen.

"So what should we do today?" Sid asked over a mushroom and green pepper omelet. He was sitting at the marble island watching Caroline as she flipped the other omelet onto her plate and took her place next to him. She leaned over and tucked a bit of his hair behind his ear and shrugged.

"Anything," she replied, picking up her fork and cutting into the eggs. Before she knew it, he hauled her to him, kicking away the stools and lifting her onto the island, his legs bumping her knees apart as he fell into her. His hands delving into her hair as his mouth crushed against hers. She tried to speak, completely taken aback by this random burst of desire but it was just muffled against his insistent mouth as he kissed her long and deep. Quickly she gave up figuring it out and kissed him back with equal fervor. The simple gesture of hers had turned him rock solid and filled him with an insatiable need for her. While the eggs got cold, he peeled the t-shirt from her as her small hands quickly pulled at his nylon shorts. They were joined instantly. Caroline dug her nails into his back as he filled her, pounding into her steadily. Noises of appreciation poured from her mouth as he spoke words of encouragement into her ear. She couldn't think of anything as his hard solid form pressed up against her, the delicious pressure of him filling her, stretching her, completing her, as they fell into a steady motion. Breakfast and hunger pains completely forgotten. To be honest either would be happy if the day's plan just turned into how many flat surfaces they could find to fuck on.

After some creative positions and an hour or so later they collapse on the couch. Feebly Caroline crawled into his lap, her arms around his neck, her head resting on his shoulder. They were quiet, each catching their breath from their zealous reunion.

"Why do we always end up with cold eggs?" Caroline said smiling into his neck.

"What about it scares you the most?" he asked, ignoring her statement.

Caroline didn't need him to clarify.

"All of it," she whispered. All humor from her voice gone.

"It's overwhelming," he said. It wasn't a question.

"Yeah."

"Because of who I am?"

"Because of who I am." she replied. "Because I as much as I want to, I cant wrap my mind around it. There's so much to think about. I have so many questions, so many...uncertainties. Not about us, just about making it all work."

"Shoot then."

Caroline turned to look at him, moving off his lap, but he held her in place.

"Ask me a question."

"Where would we live?"

Sid didn't miss a beat. "Here during the year, Nova Scotia in the summer. But only if you want that. If you wanted to stay here. I'd understand. We could do short trips in the summer, lots of guys do it. I can train anywhere."

"Do you want children?"

"Yes."

"How many?"

"I'd always thought four, but it's your body I imagine its up to you."

She thought for a moment. "Four would be nice. It would be busy," she mussed.

"What else?"

"Would you want them to play hockey?" It was a silly question but her mind was racing thinking of these imaginary children.

"I'd like them to, but mostly I'd just want them to do what they love. I was lucky enough to find my passion at an early age and spend my life doing it. I would wish that for them."

She was tentative about the next question. "What would we do about the money part?"

He was silent for a moment, then spoke. "I'd imagine what's mine would be yours and vice versa."

"I'd sign something." her voice quiet.

"Absolutely not." he replied quickly.

"But what if..." she trailed off, not really wanting to focus on the idea that they'd ever be apart.

"What if nothing." his voice firm.

She was afraid of what to say next, but if they were going there, then...
"How can you be so sure?" She stared at the picture frame on the side table, it was a photo of him and his family at what must have been a lake in Canada. Sid and his dad held up fish, while a young Taylor and Trina smiled into the camera. She couldn't look at him all of a sudden.

"Hey," his voice soft. The pads of his fingertips touched her chin and turned her to look at him. She faced him, but her eyes darted to the side. "Look at me."
Finally her eyes met his. And when she looked at him, really looked at him she had to wonder where the concern came from. His eyes held such tenderness, such reassurance, such love.

"I love you. It's that simple. Call me crazy but I have a feeling you're not after my money." He gave a wistful smile, "I want to build a life with you, start a family, grow old together, do all the things people do. I can't predict the future, but who can? You gotta have a little faith." He smiled at this and brushed away the tears that were slowly trailing down her cheek.

Unable to speak she just nodded.

He pulled her closer to him. "It's ok to be scared, overwhelmed, freaked out. But please Care don't ever doubt that a day will go by that I wont love you and want you to be mine forever. You and me. That's it. We're a team, no matter what happens, how tough things get, how bone headed I can be…at the end of the day I love you. I'll always love you and for me that's enough."

Caroline nodded, her eyes welled up, "Me too. I love you. So so much." She pressed herself fully into him.

"Now I have a question for you," he said looking at her seriously when they finally pulled apart. Caroline felt her heart race. Now, was it going to happen now? While they were sitting naked on his couch at 11 o'clock in the morning?

"Will you…cook me some new eggs?" His face broke into a grin.

Caroline didn't think twice as she grabbed a nearby throw pillow and slung it across his head.

"Ow!"

They had to get out of the house. Caroline didn't think she'd be able to walk the next day if they kept up their current speed. Sprawled out on the bed wearing just a towel cinched around her, she looked over at Sid and his matching white towel secured tightly around his waist. His fingers were flying over the screen of his iPad as he checked and replied to some email. He'd promised only 15 minutes of hockey stuff then he was completely disconnected for the rest of the day. Now what to do with the remainder of the day…

"Golf?" Sid suggested. Caroline crinkled up her nose and shook her head.

He tried again, "Movies?"

She shook her head again, "No, I want to be able to talk."

"Ok," he thought for moment, his face a mask of concentration. "Zoo?"

Caroline didn't want to shoot all his ideas down, but the zoo in the spring on a school day was not her idea of fun. But he was on the right track as an idea came to her.

It was still completely hidden after all these years. Thirty minutes out of town, right on the OH/PA border. She and her brothers had discovered the clearing on a hike as kids. For years they'd visited the state park with their parents. One time they'd gone off the beaten path and a long while later they'd found an area where the trees weren't so thick and a steady stream stemming off the Ohio River ran through. The hilly area had created a series of small waterfalls that seemed completely anonymous to the world. She wasn't sure if she'd be able to find it. But the memories were etched in her mind so clearly. She hadn't told him where they were going. All she'd said was a picnic. He and his bottomless stomach had agreed easily. Caroline insisted on driving. They stopped at a Whole Foods on the way out of town stocking up on breads and cheeses (for her), cold chicken and fruit (for him) along with a bottle of wine. The storms had kept most people away and the ground was damp. But sun was shining now and a beautiful and rare warm day had been born. She'd led him by hand through the series of turns and twists. And just when he was sure they were completely lost, the forest became less dense and the sound of running water filled the quiet.

"Here it is!" Caroline exclaimed. She hadn't been here in years but it was exactly the same. The familiar surroundings brought about a rush of memories and suddenly it felt special that he was here with her. It was a beautiful sight. The trees reached high into the sky, the sunlight filtering through the branches not yet bloomed. There was a slight cliff that overlooked the stream and the heavy rain had the waterfalls moving at a steady pace. The ground was a mix of grass, old leaves and twigs laying like carpet.

"It's beautiful," he said, looking around. He meant it. He'd never seen such a peaceful place in the states before. Sure the mountains of Colorado and the beaches of California came close, but this place was different, more intimate. It reminded him so much of Canada that he felt a pang of homesickness for just a brief moment.

Caroline looked pleased and slipped her hand back into his, squeezing it gently. "Isn't it lovely?" she breathed, taking in the sight then turning her head up to him.

He just nodded.

Leaning up she pecked his cheek then grabbed the bags from his grasp. She ran ahead and quickly unzipped the sleeping bag they'd picked up from her house when she'd stopped to feed Eliot. Laying the nylon side down, she smoothed out the blanket and knelt down to begin unpacking the grocery bag. They feasted on treats and sipped at the wine taking in the beauty of nature. It was so tranquil, so peaceful. It was just what they needed. They chatted and joked. Kissed and laughed. Caroline had developed a weird fetish of getting Sid to catch things with his large mouth, so she delighted in tossing grapes in his direction. He of course caught nearly ever one. They lay quietly after eating. Sid outstretched on the blanket, his hands laced together behind his head. Caroline lay next to him, his elbow and bicep serving as her pillow. They fell in and out of a light sleep, a much needed nap. The sounds of the water and birds their lullaby. After a short while Caroline opened her eyes and leaned over him taking his lips in hers.

"Are you awake?" she whispered against his mouth.

"No," he replied sleepily, the fullness of those lips stretching into a wide grin.

She swatted at him and then turned to her side, spooning herself into him. Keeping one hand behind his head, he pulled the other arm around her.

"I saw those boys yesterday," she told him.

Sid jerked more awake now. Turning his head down to face her, she looked up at him, a sad look on her face.

"Dont be mad," she said quietly.

"What happened?" he asked cautiously.

She told him the whole story, leaving out the part about breaking down in her classroom.

Sid just looked at her gob smacked.

"I didn't want to tell you over the phone and well, there's been a lot to talk about. That's why I haven't said anything til now. I wasn't trying to hide it from you," she added quickly.

Her eyes searched his, "Are you upset?" she asked tentatively.

He shook his head. "No. No, of course not. I wish I could have been there with you. You know, support."

Caroline gave a gentle smile, "I wish that too. But it was good. Closure you know? I'm just glad its over. Tomorrow I go back." her voice was hesitant but firm, gauging his reaction.

He just stared at her.

"Are you sure you're not mad?" she asked unsure of the look on his face.

"You just amaze me. That's all. I just can't get over you sometimes. You're one of the bravest people I know. I've always thought so you know."

Color stained her cheeks.

"Oh I don't know about that..." she said flustered.

"You are...more than you give yourself credit for."

Caroline felt uncomfortable by the compliment and thought how to change the subject. The conversation with Pete popped into her head.

"Hey, there's this thing. Well it's more than a thing. It's a special dinner on Friday. A ceremony. We're gonna be honored by the education committee and they will present the check for the grant we got. I think a congressman or someone is going to be there. And...we can bring a guest. I know you have a lot-"

"I'll be there," he interrupted.

Caroline looked surprised. "Really? Are you sure? "

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world," he said seriously. "This is a big deal. It's your accomplishment and I want to be there to cheer you on. After everything you have done for me, it's the least I can do. Friday is an off day whether we win or lose tomorrow, so I will absolutely be there, supporting my girl."

Caroline felt her face grow even hotter but the grin on her face was dangerously turning permanent. Then without warning she squealed in excitement sitting up and embracing him as he came up with her. She hugged him tightly.

"This means so much to me! I wanted you to come so bad, but I didn't want to pressure you with everything going on. But I've worked so hard on this and you can meet everyone and they wont bother you too much I promise, I'll make sure. Only a few schools were selected and we were one of them. It's going to change everything for Garfield and those kids." She was talking a mile a minute. Sid just let her talk, informing him of every detail as he listened attentively, knowing that he'd neglected being there for her with this. He could finally make it right.

Caroline insisted they go down to the waterfalls. Treading gingerly she sidestepped her way down the steep slope to the bottom of the falls where the stream flowed. Over the years it had widened and now looked like a legitimate river. She stood on a rock as Sid came up behind her. They watched the water for a few seconds, then without warning Sid peeled off his long sleeved shirt and began toeing off his shoes.

"What are you doing?" Caroline asked looking at him.

"Come on, let's go swimming." he said excitedly.

"Sid, it's probably freezing." Caroline reasoned.

"Nah, it's warm today." His hands were at the button of his jeans and Caroline felt the inexplicable need to look away.

"Caroline, it can't be that cold. It will be fun." He shoved off his jeans and stood in just his boxer briefs. His fingers played at the waistband. "Skinny dip? There's no one around."

Caroline's eyes widen. "No, I mean ok, I'll go in with you but not skinny dipping, what if someone comes?"

"I highly doubt it, you said it yourself this place is completely secluded." he replied.

Caroline did remember saying that as they fell further into the brush seeking out the spot.

"Brave remember?" he said raising his eyebrows and smirking at her.

"Not that brave," she muttered as she peeled off her t-shirt.

He watched her as the shirt came over her head. She pulled off her socks and shoes, then set to work on her jeans. Sid couldn't help but feel a stirring in his briefs at the sight.

Finally she stood awkwardly in just a light coral bra and panty set that could easily pass for a bikini. Despite the fact he had seen her naked more times than he could count, most recently just a few hours ago, she self consciously curled her arms around her middle covering herself. Sid just rolled his eyes and grabbed her hand, pulling her into the water.

They swam around for a while, the water was considerably deep and was chilly at first but they adjusted rather quickly. Splashing and laughing the whole thing was disgustingly sweet and wholesome. Caroline ducked under the water and emerged pushing the wet strands of hair back, as the water dripped from her eyelashes and nose. "It actually is pretty refreshing," she commented happily.

Then she saw it. There floating on the surface of the water. Sid's underwear. Her eyes darted from the floating fabric to his face. He wore a wicked smile and curled a finger towards her.

A rush flowed through her. But she played coy. "Sid..."

"Pervy, right?"

She nodded.

Then in an instant he crossed the distance and shot an arm out and curled it around her waist, pulling her close like she was a prize fish he'd just caught.
Flush to his chest, he smiled ferally. "Lucky for me you kinda like pervy."

And again her words can back to haunt her.

But she wasn't complaining.