We would like to thank ALL our loyal readers for your support while we have been away. In the next few weeks, you will see our stories being reposted here for all of you to read along with several NEW stories we've written while we've been away.

We appreciate all the kind messages we've received for our readers...we didn't realize how many of you were reading our stories, lol. It has brought HUGE smiles to us and we hope you'll continue to stick with us as we re-post some old favorites and hopefully new favorites. Thanks again!

CaineSpeedle & Speedfanatic05

Now for the good stuff!

**WARNING: STRONG SEXUAL CONTENT AND LANGUAGE! You Are Warned**

"For her this rhyme is penned, whose luminous eyes, brightly expressive as the twins of Leda, Shall find her own sweet name that, nestling lies upon the page, enwrapped from every reader. Search narrowly the lines!-they hold a treasure Divine-a talisman-an amulet that must be worn at heart. Search well the measure- The words-the syllables! Do not forget. The trivialest point or you may lose your labor! And yet there is in this no Gordian knot which one might not undo without a sabre, If one could merely comprehend the plot."

From "A Valentine" by Edgar Allan Poe

Coming out the bathroom of the motel they had gotten, Calleigh dried her hair with a towel as Christopher sat at the small table in the corner of the room. After having stopped late to get a room for the night, he had ordered them some food to be delivered as she showered. Going over and placing her dirty clothes into a small bag he had provided for them, she went over, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Noticing he was quiet, she continued to dry her hair and spoke softly, "You okay, Christopher?"

Staring out, Christopher remained quiet, even as she addressed him, his mind running in every direction. He had tried to show her his devotion, but it seemed as if she wasn't responsive to his attempts. Their conversation earlier hadn't sat well with him and it continued to press upon him that he wasn't making any ground with her.

Finally turning to look at her, he smiled sadly and shook his head, "Just thinking. How are you feeling?"

"Better. My uh…my leg's looking better also. It's not as red as it was and the heat has also gone down." Setting the towel aside, she got up and went over, sitting in the chair next to him, "Thank you for stopping and getting me that shampoo and all. It felt good being able to shower with real soap instead of the hotel stuff."

"No problem. Is there anything else that you need?" he asked as he looked away from her. He could feel his heart breaking, knowing that she was just playing a role. Getting up swiftly, he sunk his hands in his pockets and kept his back towards her, speaking softly, "I can get you something else if you like, Calleigh."

Hearing the sadness in his voice as he said her name, Calleigh's shoulders slumped slightly and then looked down. Needing to keep him in a good mind frame, she got up, going over to him and standing close, placed her hand onto his back, "I'm fine, but thank you for asking."

Moving from her touch, Christopher exhaled heavily, "We only have a few more hours until we get to Nevada, but we still need to get some rest. Tomorrow's a big day."

Raising a brow, Calleigh nodded and took in a deep breath, releasing it slowly. Hearing a knock at the door, she looked towards it, "Dinner's here. Want me to get it?"

Waving nonchalantly, "Do what you need to do, Calleigh. I'm not hungry. The money's in my wallet on the bedside table." Walking slowly to the bathroom, he stopped to take a look at her and then sighed heavily, knowing that this was coming to an end.

Watching him for a moment, Calleigh and then the door closing, Calleigh looked around the room. Going over and getting his wallet, she went to the door, opening it and revealing a small older woman with a bag of food. Smiling, she handed her the money and then closed and locked the door back. Realizing she had just let an opportunity to get away go, she placed his wallet back and carried the food to the table.

The sound of the water starting up in the bathroom caused her to look towards the closed door and then back to the food as she set it out for them and then took a seat, waiting for him to come back out.

Taking his time in the shower, he mulled over his actions, saddened that now that he saw past her contrite pretenses, that he saw nothing that reminded him of Evelyn. He'd forgotten that he left her without any boundaries, and he was sure she was going to take advantage of it.

Finishing and wrapping a towel around his waist, he stepped out to see the dinner laid out and her sitting patiently, waiting. Arching a brow, he asked, "Why haven't you started eating?"

Giving him a small smile, she shrugged, "It would have been impolite of me…and my momma didn't raise me to be rude." Standing up and limping slowly over to him, she stood before him, looking up into his eyes, "Please, have dinner with me."

Unable to take his eyes off of her, he reached for her face and touched her cheek softly, "You really want to have dinner with me?"

Staring into his blue grey eyes, Calleigh nodded slowly, "Yeah, I do. You gave me a chance to leave, but I wanted to stay."

Stunned, Christopher wrinkled his brow, "You're just doing this. You have no inkling of being with me in the least bit."

Breathing out heavily, Calleigh turned and went back to her chair, taking a seat. Picking up her fork, she kept her eyes down on the food, "Fine, then just kill me and be done with it. That's probably what you were gonna do anyways, just do it now."

Hearing the sound of sadness in her voice, Christopher sighed and started for the table, but then stopped, "Give me a second. I have to change." Turning, he went for his clothes and got dressed quickly, returning back to her. Sitting down, he looked over the meal and then to her, "I don't want to hurt you, Evelyn, but I don't want to lose you either."

Noticing he was back to calling her Evelyn, Calleigh nodded and pushed her food around with her fork. Lifting her eyes to him, she shook her head, "Don't you think if I wanted to go I would have made a run for it? You gave me that chance, I didn't take it. I stayed…with you."

Christopher nodded and then grinned, "You did stay. You want to stay with me." His mood was buoyant and suddenly, his heart no longer felt as if it were going to break. He took a forkful and slipped it in between his lips as he stared at her, seeing his future with hers. He couldn't think of the dark thoughts that had taken over him, now he had the light of her acceptance to guide him out of them."I can't wait until we get to Nevada. Things are going to be so much better."

Happy with getting him turned back around and trusting her, Calleigh smiled faintly and took a bite of her food. Chewing and then wiping her mouth, she asked, "Tonight, when we go to bed, can you read to me?"

The fork stopped in mid air and he stared at her, perplexed at her request and arched his brow, "You want me to read from Poe tonight? Evie…you know we only do that when we want to spend intimate time together. Are you sure?"

Swallowing hard at his statement, her hand stilled as she slowly looked up at him, "I…I didn't know." Letting her fork fall from her hand, she got up, walking away from the table and over to the window, keeping her back to him as she lowered her head and smirked.

Putting his fork down, Christopher followed and stood a few paces behind her, wanting to reach out to her, "Are you ready for that, Evelyn?"

Keeping her head down, Calleigh shook her head no and bite her lip before replying, "I…I was just hoping it'd help me sleep. And now I've hurt you."

Remembering that she had requested time, he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, "I'll read to you, if that's what you need."

Turning slowly and looking back up at him, she nodded, "I want to hear your voice as I fall asleep. That's why I asked you."

The fragile sound of her voice pulled him and he nodded again, smiling, "Anything that you need, Evelyn, anything that you need."

Taking in a deep breath, she gave him a small smile and stepped forward, closing the distance between then. Keeping her eyes up with his, Calleigh's hands snaked around his waist and then she turned her head, laying it against his chest. Hoping that he'd think she was being more receptive, she smiled and sighed against him, letting him feel her relax somewhat.

The feeling of her in his arms sent a surge of heat through his body, his arms wrapping around her protectively. He could feel her arms squeeze his waist and in response, his eyes slid close, the bliss unlike anything he'd ever felt. The feeling of relief was something akin to coming home after an arduous journey, and as he clutched her closer, he knew that he truly belonged with her.

"I love you, Evie. Always," he whispered into her golden hair. Keeping his eyes closed he kissed her head reverently and stood, allowing her to use him as an anchor.

Letting him hold her within his arms, Calleigh inwardly cringed at the closeness, wishing it was Horatio instead that was holding her. Lifting her head from him, she gazed up into his eyes, giving him a small smile, "Thank you for understanding, Christopher. It means a lot to me."

"I'm glad that we're starting to understand each other more. I wouldn't have it any other way," he responded as he pulled away from her. His eyes moved across the planes of her face, taking in every aspect of it, his smile growing with every second. The more he took her in, the more the love bloomed within him, and he allowed it effortlessly as if it were never gone. Reaching to caress her face, he asked, "Are you still hungry or do you want to rest now?"

"Why don't we rest, Christopher. We can save the food for later," she replied softly as she closed her eyes and leaned into his touch.

Her continued proximity enthralled him and for a second, he forgot to breathe, releasing the breath in a rush. Struggling to part from the warmth, he nodded towards the bed and smiled, "Get comfy, I'll put the food away and grab the book." Allowing his hand to linger on her skin, he asked, "Any preferences from Poe?"

Not really knowing his work all that well, Calleigh played it off the best she could, "How about your favorite. I want to here it, okay?"

Christopher chuckled and nodded again, waving her away. As he worked, he thought of the perfect piece that just so happened to be his favorite and chuckled, running the verses in his mind. He could've easily just recited it, but she wanted the connection of him reading to her while they laid in each others arms, allowing the natural course of their relationship. In truth, it still perplexed him somewhat that she was still unreceptive to some of what he thought should come easily for her, but he was content in that she was starting to warm to the thought of spending her life with him. This time, he wouldn't allow anything to stand in the way of his – or her happiness again.

Finishing with his work, he came to his side of the bed and reached down, grabbing the mammoth volume. The weight of the book sent a pleasurable sensation through him, to be able to share his passion for the written word with her, to make that connection once again had him positively giddy. He'd gone so long without her in his life, it seemed like eons since the last time he held her, that he wanted to spend every waking moment pleasing her. By adhering to her requests, making her more comfortable, a surge of pride flowed through him and he smiled widely as he turned to her and settled against the head board of the bed. She snuggled closer as he began to thumb the pages, and his heart rate tripled, causing him to stumble slightly.

"Ah…um…let's see, my favorite…" he whispered as his smile widened. Finding the page, he began to read slowly, methodically, her warmth encroaching upon him. It was as if he had found paradise anew.

Listening as he read incase he'd asked her questions, Calleigh laid there fighting the urge to lash out at him and take back the control he'd thought he had taken from her. Biding her time, she knew Horatio and the others would not give up looking for her and were more then likely right behind them. As he turned the page, she placed her hand onto his chest wanting to make sure he thought she was coming around to him and wouldn't have any doubts.

When he closed the book, she moved her head, looking up at him and smiled, "That was beautiful, Christopher."

"Yes, but none of it holds a candle to you, Evelyn. The most beautiful words would be put to shame next to you." Placing the book next to him and turning to face her, he reached up to caress her cheek and grinned, bringing his face closer to hers. Searching her eyes, he whispered, "I'm glad you enjoyed the words, it's only logical that the actions follow." His finger trailed down from her cheek to her jaw line and he focused on his finger as he continued, "When we made love, you were passionate, as if you wanted to drown me with it. You smothered me in the love that you held for me, Evie. I couldn't get enough of it-of you. I…I want to feel that with you again."

"We will, Christopher…" Calleigh whispered as she stared at him. The close proximity was one she didn't want, but knew in order for this work it had to happen. Swallowing, she took in a deep breath, closing the distance between them and her lips going to his, touching his softly. Letting her eyes close, she pretended it was anyone but Larken so she'd be able to at least get through it.

The electrical touch of her lips to his infused him with energy and he moved on her almost hungrily, wanting more of her. Feeling her hesitancy, however, he reined his desires in and slowed his pace, being rewarded with her touch on his face. Pulling back from her, he smiled sheepishly as he cupped her face, bringing his forehead to hers and exhaled lightly. The joy that he felt at their contact was indescribable, and it led to hope for more.

"I'm sorry, I could've approached that differently," he explained after a moment of silence. Unable to stop caressing her face, he laughed, "It's just that…you're addicting. Already, I want more of that."

Upping her role, Calleigh smiled and whispered, "I don't mind if we kiss, Christopher…I liked it. This is our new start with each other, one that we can take time to enjoy and learn more about each other." Tracing his jaw line to his chin with her finger, she smirked, "We have our second chance."

"Our second chance," he parroted, looking down at her. He saw her smile and took her hand into his, bringing her fingers to his lips to kiss them softly, "This time we're going to get it right."

Wondering what Evelyn ever saw in this man, Calleigh continued to smile, the monster that he seemed to be gentle when not faced with a threat. When he looked back at her, she smiled more, "I want to know everything about you, Christopher…and I want you to know everything about me. No holding back."

Furrowing his brow, he paused for a moment, but then relented, realizing that this was only fair. He couldn't expect for her to cleave to her new life if she knew nothing about it. Pushing himself away from her some, he repositioned to face her completely and raised his eyes to hers, staring deeply into them, "What do you want to know, sweetheart? My life is an open book for you."

Smiling more at the fact he was going to open up to her, Calleigh took his hand into hers, "I don't know where to start…I guess, like a book, from the beginning. Like, when were you born and where? What was your childhood like?"

"Well, let's start with the basics first then. I was born, August 23, 1961 in Rhode Island to Marion and Jack Larken. I didn't know Dad much, as he left when I was just two, but my mother," he paused for a second, feeling a darkness coming over him. He couldn't help the feelings that were coming, allowing them just a sliver of access to him now. Gripping her hand slightly, he pulled himself back from the damning images and shook his head, "Mother had her own way of raising me. She was abusive, both psychologically and sexually, and that led to…well, let's just say difficulties in being able to relate to people." Sure that the silence was telling of her disgust, he bit the inside of his cheek and continued on, "I got into a lot of trouble, and by the time I was a teenager, I had the choice, either do something with my life, or perish. I chose to do something."

Listening intently to him, Calleigh took in all the information he was giving her, sure that this background information into his life would help somehow. When she saw him falter before talking about his mother, she tried to remain open minded, hearing the abuse he had endured with her. When he paused, she squeezed his hand, giving him the courage to continue and spoke softly, "No child should have to have gone through what you did. But it's good you decided to do something with your life…to change it for the better."

"Yes, because if I hadn't, I'm sure I would've killed my mother." As if not missing a beat, he continued on, loosening his hold on her hand, "I joined the Navy, got away from Rhode Island and saw the world. I realized that there was still something missing, so when my time in the Navy was up, I decided to act on what my CO used to call, too much smarts for one man. I went to school, fell in love with the written word and started working as a teacher in Nevada. I was about to start my tenure at UNLV when I met you at a gallery opening. For me, it was love at first sight, but you needed…convincing. So we dated, and I gave you the world, then you gave me your heart. There was nothing stopping us, we got married and lived in Nevada for a few years before a position came open at Miami University- your writing was starting to flourish…things were going so well."

Giving him a small smile, she nodded, "And they will again, Christopher. We have each other now and that's what matters." Bringing his hand to her lips, she kissed him softly and smiled, "You were in the Navy though? I bet you were handsome in uniform."

Feeling the color rise in his cheeks, he shook his head, "I wouldn't know, but there were a fair share of women who thought so. None of them held my attention, it was as if I knew I was looking for someone. Nothing mattered until the day I met you."

Smiling at him, she nodded and bit her lip innocently, "And now we're together."

"Yes, we are, and now, I don't plan on ever letting you go." Reaching for her, he rubbed her cheek with his thumb slowly, staring deeply into her eyes. There was an unreadable look there, but he didn't worry himself with it, instead he inched his face closer to hers, his lips brushing against hers lightly. The kiss was infused with a sort of passion that he yearned for, but he could feel her pulling away and after a second longer, he released her and narrowed his eyes at her, "Something wrong, Evie?"

Forcing herself to blush some, she smiled, "When you kiss me, it's like familiar but also new to me. I've never felt anything like that before."

"I know what you mean," Christopher responded as he relaxed more. He saw the surprise in her eyes and laughed, brushing his fingertips across her nose, "Our kissing, apart from making love, was one of the things that you loved to do the most. You used to tell me that you landed the best kisser in the world."

"That's because I did," she replied with a small giggle to help bring on more trust.

Christopher grinned at her giggle and shook his head, "You remember the first time we kissed?"

Her smile dropped somewhat and she lowered her eyes, trying to get them to look saddened. Blinking slowly, she let out a small sigh, "I want to…more then anything I want to." Looking back at him, she licked her lips, "That's why I said I didn't mind us kissing, because I want to remember us."

Somewhat disappointed, Christopher shook his head, "Don't worry, we'll get those times back. You know what they say, practice makes perfect." Moving in more, he prepared himself for more, closing his eyes to savor her taste.

At his advancement, Calleigh prepared herself the best she could before his lips met hers once again. Closing her eyes, she could see Horatio's face, his bright blue eyes smiling back at her, letting her know everything would be alright. When Christopher's tongue ran over her lips, she slowly parted them, not wanting to, but she didn't want him thinking she was turning him away again. His tongue mapped out her mouth before stroking her tongue, coaxing it along. When both needed air they parted and Calleigh forced a smile as her eyes remained closed.

Slowly opening her lids, she saw his staring back at her and whispered, "I think you were right about practicing…because that was perfect."

His hands drifted from her face and down her body, lost in the moment. He wanted to feel her love again, to quench the need. Ghosting over her breasts, he sighed and bit his lip, trying to pull himself back from the passion. Leaning to kiss her again, he spoke, "I want you so much, Evelyn. I need to feel you."

Letting him kiss her again, her hand went to his, moving it to her waist and holding it there. Pulling back from him and smiling, she nodded, "Christopher, when we do make love, I don't want it to be in a hotel room…I want it to be in our bed so it's special."

"Special," he repeated breathlessly. Grasping hold of her waist, he smiled faintly, "Yes…special." Moving away completely, Christopher opened his eyes more and nodded, "When we get to Nevada, we will start our lives over again."

"I want that. I want that with you," Calleigh replied softly. Reaching to him, she took his hand in hers, looking at it. After a moment she raised her eyes back to him and smiled, "Your hands look so strong."

"To protect you," he whispered lovingly. Kissing her head, he smiled, "I'll always protect you, Evie."

Smiling, she nodded and whispered, "And I'll never leave you again, Christopher."

"That's good, because, I can't live without you," he declared almost ominously. Pulling her closer, he inhaled her scent and exhaled lightly, closing his eyes. He lived through losing her once, but if he lost her again, he was sure that he wouldn't survive. Slowly opening his eyes, he whispered, "And I know you can't live without me."

Keeping her arms around him, she closed her eyes and shook her head, "No, I can't…I…I need you with me now."

"You don't have to worry any more, Evie. We're going to be together forever."

When he reached over to turn out the light, Calleigh remained still in his arms. Staring out into the darkness of the room as one of his hands gently rubbed her upper arm, she thought about what her next move would be. When they got to Nevada she would have to be stronger in order to hold him off until Horatio and the others reached her.

After a long day following more leads, Tim was glad to have made it back to the room in one piece. Aside from missing out on a potential good time, Tim was in a foul mood for another reason as well. It had been almost two days since he'd last talked to his daughter, and he was feeling it deeply. Just the thought of her sitting in Syracuse with her grandparents had him picking up the phone and dialing their number, waiting almost impatiently for someone to answer. When they did, he smiled widely, "Hello?"

Smiling at the sound of her oldest son's voice, Miranda Speedle set down her book, "Timothy…is that you? Where are you? Are you okay?"

Hearing his mother's voice, Tim smiled and then shook his head, "I'm alright, Mom. I'm in Vegas, and we're in a holding pattern." Not wanting to talk about the case, he sighed, "How's my Emma, what is she doing?"

Getting up and going over to the window, she looked out into the back yard seeing her husband outside with their granddaughter and the dog. Chuckling some, she sighed, "Your father has her up on Max's back riding her around like he's a pony."

"She's got Dad wrapped already. Do you mind if I talk to her for a minute? That is if she'll allow you to get her off of Max." Tim hoped that he would get a chance to talk to her, closing his eyes tightly as he pictured her.

"I'm sure she will, Tim. She misses you." Opening the window and smiling, Miranda called out, "Emma, you daddy is on the phone, dear."

Looking towards the window, Emma smiled brightly as Donald stopped Max. Sliding off the giant dog, she took off running for the door and then inside, all the while calling for him, "DADDY, DADDY, DADDY…"

The sound of her exuberance met his ear and he palmed his chest, feeling the heat of his heart warming at her voice. He truly didn't know how much he missed her until hearing her voice, knowing that she was thousands of miles away. When she finally got to the phone, he smiled widely and spoke, hearing the joy in his own voice, "Emma! How are you, baby? Daddy misses you so much!"

"I miss you too, daddy," Emma said, her smiling staying with her. "Are you coming home, daddy? Did you find the pretty lady?"

At her question, Tim sighed and ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head, "No, sweetie, we haven't found Calleigh. You'll have to stay with Grandma and Grandpa a little longer. Are you okay?"

"Yeah," she said as she went over to the big overstuffed chair and climbed up in it, "Granny bought me some new dresses and got my hair done pretty when she got hers done. She said it made me look more beautiful."

"I wish I could see it, baby. I really do miss you, Emma," Tim answered as he rubbed his eyes hard. The ache started in his heart and he tried to push it down, as so not to get Emma upset. His voice cracked slightly as he finished, "I'll be done soon, sweetheart."

Sitting back in the chair, Emma looked down, her fingers playing with her shirt hem, "Daddy, can we still go to Disney World when you come home? Member…you promise we could?"

"Of course we can, as soon as we get back." He smiled and sighed heavily, now staring into the bright blue skies of Las Vegas wishing that she could be there with him. Trying to keep himself together, he shifted the conversation to other things, "Tell me what you've been doing, Emma. You've been a good girl, haven't you?"

"Yeah. Grandpa took me to the park and to the restaurant and he showed me how to make apple cookies and even let me help make them," she replied with a small smile.

"Apple cookies, that sounds good. Grandpa taught you how to cook? He must've really needed your help. Did you do a good job?" His voice sounded hopeful, wanting to keep her happy despite their distance.

Smiling more and bringing her feet up under her, Emma nodded, "Yep. We even fixed Granny lunch and brought it to her. She said it was the best she'd ever had. And today, Grandpa let me ride Max like a pony. It was fun."

"It sounds like you're having a great time, I wish I was there with you." Glad to hear that she was making good of their time apart, he finally smiled and nodded, "Have you seen your Uncle anywhere around there?"

Giggling some, she sat back again, "Yeah. He's at work now though. He's gonna bring me the new Ice Age movie tonight so we can watch it. Granny said we can even fix kettle corn so we can eat it while we watch."

Tim smiled more as he took a seat and relaxed more, even allowing a short laugh escape, "Be careful that your Uncle doesn't burn the kettle corn. He's notorious for that."

Giggling, she scratched her neck, "That's what Grandpa said. He said me and Granny should make it being we won't burn it." Seeing her inhaler, Emma sighed, "Granny had to give me a treatment last night. Me and Grandpa and Max were playing before bath time and I got too hot and couldn't breathe again."

His brow furrowed and he sat forward anxiously, running a stiff hand through his hair at the news. She hadn't needed a breathing treatment in a while, and it always made him uptight when he couldn't be there for her. A hint of worry hit him and he sighed, "You're okay now, though, right Emma? You know you shouldn't get so hot. Do I need to remind Grandpa again?"

A small smirk crossed her face and Emma giggled again, "Granny yelled at Grandpa for us playing so hard. She said he was being a big kid." Moving in the chair again, she got up on her knees, "Daddy, can we get a dog like Max? I'll help take care of him. He can even sleep in my bed with me."

"Whoa, wait a minute, kiddo. You want a dog?" Tim arched a brow at her request and then asked, "How are we going to take care of it, Emma? I work, you go to daycare, no one would be around to feed …" Already knowing that this was a battle that he was going to lose, he relented and sighed lightly, "Alright, we'll look into one when we get back home. Sound good, sweetie?"

"YES!" she replied excitedly. Seeing Miranda come back into the room, she looked at her, "Granny, daddy is gonna get me a dog like Max!"

"Really? Well, that's a big responsibility," she smiled as she took a seat on the couch.

"Daddy, can we call him Max too?"

"You can't come up with a better name than Max? Try and think of a better name, and we've got a deal, okay?" Glancing at the clock, he counted forward three hours and narrowed his eyes to slits, "It's close to bath time, you're not making any messes are you?"

"No, Granny won't let me. She only put's a little water in the tub and some bubbles. She says I don't need more than that," Emma replied as she moved over to her grandmother and took a seat next to her. "She even got me a hair thing for when I don't need to wash my hair."

"A shower cap," he answered easily as he smiled more. It seemed as if Emma was adjusting nicely without him around. He sighed knowing that taking her there was the best thing he could've ever done. Even still, he felt the pang of loneliness and the smile dropped, "I really do miss you, baby. I'm glad you're having fun with Grandpa and Granny."

Dropping her eyes some, she sighed, "I miss you too, daddy. I want you to hurry up and come back home. I don't want you to have to work anymore."

"When I get home, I'll take some time off, okay, Emma? Then we can go shopping for a dog and go to Disney World. Sound good to you, sweetheart?" Tim could practically see the wide smile on her face and smiled more himself. To hear her happiness was worth more to him than gold. "But you have to be good, okay?"

"I will…I promise. You can even ask Granny and Grandpa. I've been being very good like you told me," she replied as Miranda chuckled and wrapped her arms around Emma.

"I know they will keep you in line." Taking another look at his watch, he exhaled heavily, knowing that he was going to have to cut this short. Hesitantly, he spoke, "Give Granny and Grandpa a hug for me, okay?"

"I will, daddy…and a kiss too." Taking a deep breath, she frowned some, "Don't be gone much longer, daddy. I miss you and want you home, so does Granny and Grandpa. We miss you."

"I miss you all too," he answered quietly. Letting a small smile arise, he sighed, "Now go take a bath and keep it clean. I love you."

"I love you too, daddy," she replied softly and then blew him a kiss. Handing the phone to Miranda, she looked up at her, "Daddy said for me to go take my bath."

Running her hand through Emma's curls, she smiled, "Your water and bubbles are already waiting on you. Go on in there and get undressed and I'll be there in a minute." Watching as she went, Miranda placed the phone to her ear, "Tim?"

"Yeah, Mom, I'm here," he answered, wiping his eyes. It was hard for him say good bye to her, especially when they were so far away. Gathering himself, he looked out of the window and shook his head, wondering himself, just how long this was going to take. "Thanks, Mom, for everything."

"You're welcome. You know you both are welcome here." Looking towards the hallway, Miranda smiled, "Emma's doing really good, Tim. I don't want you worrying about her. You concentrate on doing what you have to out there and coming back home safe."

"Don't worry, I won't do anything that will keep me from my little girl any longer than I have to. It's killing me right now that I can't be there to tuck her in, or read to her. You are reading to her, right?"

Smiling and snickering some as she got up and went to check on Emma, she sighed, "Your father is. Matter of fact they both fall asleep as he's reading to her. I've had to wake him up a couple nights so he could come to bed."

"Yes, she's known for making a few stories up herself," Tim responded as he smiled. He was happy that Emma was doing well, that they were all doing well. "Look, Mom, I've got to go, give her a hug and a kiss for me."

Looking in the bathroom and seeing Emma getting in the tub, she smiled and moved back from the door, "I will, son. Just you…you be careful, okay. We want you to come home to us safe."

"Don't worry, Mom. I know to duck," Tim chuckled. He could hear her groaning and amended, "I will, Mom. Take care, and love you."

"Love you too. Now go get you some rest, you sound exhausted. We'll talk more again when you call back," she stated in her motherly tone with a smile.

"Okay," he answered with a yawn. Rubbing his head even more he was surprised that he was as tired as he was, almost unable to keep his eyes open. Hearing her hang up, Tim folded the phone down and placed it on the bed, taking a second before lying back himself. In no time, he found himself drifting, and succumbed to the darkness to dream of this ending.