Dinner was served by candlelight. Sofia wanted to make his first dinner at home special…memorable, even if it was just soup. She saw the light in his eyes as he came into the room and took in the setting. He stopped at the table and looked from it to her. "Is the violinist late or something?" he quipped.

"No violinist, but I'm hoping that soon we'll be making music of our own," she smiled. Her own eyes twinkled in the candlelight.

"Music? That's what you're calling it these days…." He smirked. Then he grew more serious. "Baby, there's nothing I want more than to go tremolo over your strings, but my bow is in for repairs right now."

She stepped to him, her hand gingerly stroking the side of his face. "Its okay Jim," she said softly. "For now, the music is adagio, con amore. Eventually we'll get to the crescendo, con fuoco…molto espressione, con slancio."

His eyes had closed when she touched him, his senses focusing on the feel of her touch. As he listened to her, he was thankful that he had paid attention when she drug him to the symphony and other classical music performances. He actually understood most of what she said. "Con slancio?" The last term lost him.

"With enthusiasm," she whispered.

He opened his eyes to gaze into her promise filled blue ones. Suddenly the kitchen grew very hot. Something was simmering and it wasn't the soup. He wanted to make her pot boil over, but he was afraid that his torch wasn't capable of throwing that much heat. And, he had to admit to himself, he was afraid he might hurt something. The doctor hadn't said anything about when he could resume sexual activity, but then he hadn't asked either. Right now he was feeling it, though.

Sofia saw his change of demeanor and the subtle change in eye color as they went smoky. She knew what he wanted and she suspected his fear. As much as she wanted to act on what they both were feeling, she was determined to let him lead. When it happened, and she had no doubt that it would, it had to happen naturally and not be forced.

They ate quietly, flirting with their eyes over steaming bowls. Jeb bounded into the room just as they finished. Seeing his Daddy sitting in the chair, he toddled to him. "Daddy," he exclaimed. Jim pulled the boy into his lap and held him close, looking over his son's head at his mother. Sofia felt the intensity of his gaze and looked into his eyes, which revealed so much. He was happy to be holding his son but disappointed that their mood had been broken. The light that shone in his eyes was lust, pure and simple and her body immediately responded to it. Always the detective, he read her response. A small smirk worked the corners of his mouth as he nodded his head.

Life fell into a routine of PT sessions, doctor's appointments, periods of rest and an early bedtime in the Brass home. Both Brasses came to trust and depend on Maria for her help with the Brass men, although Jim needed less and less assistance every day. Finally the day came when his surgeon freed his jaw from its confines and he could move his mouth again. It was stiff and felt awkward, but he was elated. They celebrated with a meal that included solid food. "I never knew chewing could be so pleasurable," he said as he all but inhaled a small steak.

His PT was scheduled to end in three days also. His doctor believed the PT had done all it could do for him and it now was simply a matter of time before he was back to normal. At that appointment, he self consciously asked about marital relations.

The doctor chuckled. "You mean…you haven't already?" Shaking his head, he looked surprised. "I assumed nature had taken its course and that's why you hadn't asked the question before."

Jim smiled shyly. "I, um…I was afraid that something might go wrong…you know?"

The other man looked at him, understanding where his fear came from. "Jim, if you feel like it, then do it. That's my best medical advice for you at this time. And I mean that about everything; well, probably don't want to bump the head again anytime soon. But get out, do things, and then go home and take your wife to bed. I'm sure it will be good medicine for both of you." The doctor thought about the couple. He had seen many spouses help each other through a medical crisis but he had never seen two people more in tune. "You are a lucky man, Jim. Your wife knows just when and how to encourage you and then slow you down. I envy you, having someone so in tune with your needs."

Jim looked at the doc frankly. "Yeah, I am lucky, very lucky. And I thank heaven every day for her and marvel that she is with me."

Maria had driven him to the appointment and was waiting in the outer office. Jim stood to walk out the door but the doc spoke. "One last thing, Jim."

Jim turned to look at him as he finished. "When you get home, ditch that thing," he said pointing at the crutch he was using. "I want to see you back here in two weeks. And after that, I don't ever want to see you in here again." The man was smiling.

Jim agreed and thanked him. Yeah, he thought as he walked out to find Maria, everything is going to be okay.

That night Maria suggested that she stay with Jeb and that they go out. "In fact," she suggested to Sofia, "why don't you pack a little bag and you and Jim take a hotel room. Make a real romantic night of it."

Sofia looked at the woman and smiled salaciously." Oh Maria, I really do like the way you think."

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I have one more chapter in mind. But I have a thought for more beyond that if there is still interest. It would be more heartbreak and angst. Let me know what you think:-)