Jessica woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. She turned to look at the digital alarm clock on her nightstand: 6:18 A.M. She smiled and stretched. She felt as giddy and eager as a young girl. She didn't want to waste a minute of this precious time with Seth. Now that she'd finally acknowledged what he meant to her, she was ready to begin their life together…on their terms. Or rather, she'd have to determine whether he would accept her terms. She knew Seth was a traditionalist. She would have categorized herself as such just a few years ago. But she'd built a new life for herself, a life she hoped Seth would want to be a part of, would enjoy being a part of.

She stretched again as she thought of last night. She'd almost leaned in to kiss him, though she knew he would prefer to initiate their first kiss. She'd unsettled him, though, and she was glad of it. She kicked the covers off and reached for her robe.

She spied Seth looking out the window, idly sipping his cup of coffee. Predictably, he was dressed for the day. She tightened the belt of her robe and smoothed her hair. "Good morning," she called brightly. "Is there a cup for me somewhere?"

Seth turned abruptly and raised the hand that held his coffee to avoid sloshing it over the side. "Jessica! Good morning," he said, clearing his throat. "I wasn't sure what time you'd be up this morning. We were up kinda late last night."

"Not terribly so," she said lightly. "And I slept very well. DId you?"

"A-yuh." He made his way to the coffee pot and poured Jessica a cup. "Here you go," and Jessica walked over to him and took the cup from his hand, allowing her fingers to brush his.

"Thank you," she said and took a sip. "Oh, this is good."

"Maxwell House coffee," said Seth.

"Really? I suppose I expected a hotel like this to serve something more exotic. I've served this at home." She looked at Seth. "You're smiling…is this a Nashville thing, too?"

Seth grinned even wider. "A-yuh. The Maxwell House Hotel is over on 8th Avenue now. I've read that some of the Hee-Haw cast stay there while they're filming."

"Hee-Haw?" repeated Jess faintly.

"Yes, Hee-Haw. It's a variety show with lots of good music," said Seth defensively. "Don't worry. You'll remember I didn't put anything on my list about that." He huffed. "But it's not a bad program, Jess, if you like country music, which you will after this weekend."

Jessica laughed aloud. "So you keep saying." She took another sip of coffee. "Did you sleep well?"

"I did. You?"

"You don't have trouble sleeping the first night in a new place?"

"I'm a doctor, Jess! Residency cured any lingering sleep issues I might have had. I can sleep anywhere, anytime," he said stoutly.

"I'm envious! It feels like the moment I settle in somewhere, it's time to leave." She paused for a moment. "I slept better with you here." She took another sip of coffee and stared out the window. In general, she was direct and forthright. She believed in calling a spade a spade, though she wasn't without tact or diplomacy. And she had a great deal of empathy. She could imagine that Seth, being just a shade older than she, expected to be the wooer, not the wooed. She glanced at Seth and nearly laughed aloud again, but managed to smother the impulse. It wouldn't do to wound his vanity. But really, the look on his face!

Seth's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. How should he respond to such a provocative comment? If she even meant it that way. Jessica was a very direct woman. That was one of the things he appreciated most about her. She didn't hem and haw or attempt to obfuscate or outright manipulate like other women did. She told you what she was thinking, plain and simple. But lately, she'd been behaving differently. For one thing, she was more casually affectionate, touching his arm, patting his shoulder. She often held his gaze in a way that he found delightfully unsettling. And occasionally he caught her watching him from the corner of her eye, just as she was now. "That's... very flattering, Jess," he said in a low rumble.

She turned and favored him with a bright smile. "You're home," she said simply, and it was everything he could do to keep from pulling her into his arms.

"That means a lot to me, Jess."

"We mean a lot to each other, don't we?"

The air grew still and quiet in the room, and Jessica thought neither of them was capable of drawing a breath.

"That we do, Mrs. Fletcher," and the false heartiness in his voice told her that she'd pushed as far as she dared this morning. "Shall we venture out for breakfast?

She stifled a sigh. "I was told that Elliston Place Soda Shop offers a good breakfast. It's not too far from here. Does that sound alright?"

"Sounds just dandy, woman! Let's go!"

"Just hold on there, pardner! We don't even know when it opens! Let me call down to the concierge and find out."

"Why don't I do that, Jess, while you get ready. Here," and he reached for her cup. "Let me top you off before you get ready for the day."

Jess smiled at him appreciatively and tightened her robe absently. She noticed Seth's eyes straying to the neckline of her robe as he handed her a fresh cup of coffee. "Thank you," she said brightly. "I think I'll have a bath before we leave," she added mischievously as she turned on her heel and headed to her bedroom to get ready.

Seth sighed and took a sip of his coffee. "Hoo boy," he whispered to himself.

Seth opened the door to the restaurant and ushered Jessica in. They chuckled at the neon sign outside that included air-conditioning among the amenities of the restaurant, but they were both completely charmed when they walked through the door.

It was a real soda shop, the kind they'd both grown up with. Red vinyl stools ran the length of the counter and there were small tables and a few booths. It was bright, cheerful, and quite busy for a Thursday morning.

"Mornin' y'all!" sang a cheery voice. "I got two stools together at the counter, if you want 'em."

Seth looked at Jess questioningly and she nodded. "We'd love them," she said.

"Let me grab y'all some menus, and y'all can sit on down there." She gestured to the far end of the counter. Seth took Jessica's elbow and steered her through the crowded dining area. Their waitress met them on the other side of the counter and slid two menus over to them. "What can I get you to drink, hon? Coffee?"

"I think just some orange juice, please." Jessica smiled conspiratorially at Seth. "I've had enough coffee already this morning."

"And you, sir?" asked their waitress, Dot.

"I'll have a cup of coffee, please ma'am," said Seth, and was pleased that both Dot and Jessica smiled.

"Comin' right up, hon!"

They glanced at their menus, and Jessica decided fairly quickly that she wouldn't be having a terribly healthy breakfast this morning. Oh, well. They'd walk it off fairly quickly, she thought.

Dot returned with their drinks and took their orders. "If you don't mind my askin', where're y'all from?"

"We're from a little town in Maine called Cabot Cove."

"Maine! Well, I'll be. That's as far north as anyone I've waited on in here. Course we've had some folks from California, but never so far north as Maine. It gets pretty cold up there, I guess?"

"Indeed it does," said Seth. "I don't guess it ever gets too cold down here, does it?"

"Oh, we've had our share of snow. It can get downright chilly in the wintertime, but it heats back up again in the summer. Y'all are down here at the right time. Well, I'll put your orders in."

"Thanks, Dot," said Seth companionably. He looked around, thoroughly pleased. "We'll have to come back for a milkshake, Jess."

"Oh, dear. If we keep eating like this for the next few days, I'll have to jog three miles every day when we get back home."

"Don't you worry about that, Jess. We'll be walking all over the place this weekend. I've got it all planned out!"

"Do you now?"

Oh, boy. If he wasn't careful, that flirtatious tone would be his undoing. "I do, woman. Last night I decided against renting a car. We can cab everywhere we want to go, and we won't have to worry about parking."

"Where are we going?"

"Tomorrow I thought we could visit the Country Music Hall of Fame, maybe walk around Music Row-"

"Music Row?"

"That's where all the publishing companies and recording studios are. Well, not all, but the big ones, Jess. As much as this is a singer's town, it's equally as much a songwriter's town." He smiled at Jessica. "Then I thought maybe we could take one of those tours and see some of the homes of country music stars."

"Don't forget we have tickets to the Grand Ole Opry tomorrow night," Jessica teased.

"Har har. I'm glad we have tickets for the early show, though. I'd like to see some familiar faces tomorrow night. I enjoy some of the newer singers...Reba McEntire, The Judds. You'd like them both, Jessica, but I really want to see some of my favorites."

"Like Chet Atkins?"

"You remembered!" They laughed together, and Seth wanted to take her hand, but he just couldn't make himself do it. He spied Dot coming through the swinging kitchen doors. "Here comes our breakfast, Jessica. Let's eat, then we'll go on our next adventure." He winked at her as Dot set their plates in front of them.

Jessica wrinkled her nose. "Country ham?"

"Yes indeed," said Seth with a grin. "And red eye gravy!"

"What's that?"

"Just ham drippings and black coffee. It's mighty tasty. Want to try a bite?"

"Maybe." She looked dubiously at her own plate. "I've got enough food here to feed a family of five!"

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day," intoned Seth. "Next is lunch, then dinner." He laughed and Jessica smiled to see him so relaxed and carefree.

"You seem different this trip," she mused.

"Different? How so?"

"More relaxed, easy going."

"I do love it down here, Jess. Everything moves more slowly, and the people are so friendly! I used to take every opportunity to visit my cousins in South Carolina."

"I wonder you didn't settle here permanently."

"I did think about it," admitted Seth. "During the war. I spent some time thinking about how I wanted the rest of my life to be, presuming I actually managed to keep the rest of my life." He smiled, but Jessica noticed it didn't reach his eyes. "As soon as the war ended, I decided to apply to medical school. Somebody up there likes me, because I actually got in. And I met Ruthie not long after that."

"She was a nurse, wasn't she?"

"A-yuh," and Seth smiled at the memory. "Lively and curious. Whip smart. A real firecracker."

"You must have loved her very much."

"I did." He paused to look at Jessica. "No more than you loved Frank."

Jessica nodded. It felt strangely good and right to talk so openly about Ruth and Frank. "We were very fortunate, weren't we, Seth?"

Seth nodded, chewing his country ham thoughtfully. "Never thought I'd recover after losing Ruthie so early like that. Seems a lifetime ago now. I was a different person then."

"But I think that's true of most everyone, Seth." At his blank look, she continued. "Who among us is exactly the same as we were? Who hasn't been shaped by the experiences of life, good and bad. And neutral, I suppose." She paused thoughtfully and Seth was mesmerized by her active, lively face. He fancied he could see the gears of her mind clicking and whirring.

"Plotting another novel?"

Jessica laughed. "No. I was pondering whether a neutral experience could actually have an effect on someone's personality. I'm not sure."

"I think it's difficult for we humans to avoid categorizing any experience as good or bad or some variation, at least. Think how many judgements you make in a day. Countless and most of them are automatic, thoughtless. I think it requires intention in order to categorize an experience as neutral. Consider our breakfast." He pointed his fork at her. "I'll wager you have an opinion on every aspect of our experience here. Especially about my country ham."

Jessica burst out laughing. "I can't fool you, Seth. Your breakfast doesn't look or sound very appetizing."

"You're missing out, Jess," he said in a wheedling tone. "Are you telling me that country ham is an experience you won't be shaped by?"

"I'm telling you exactly that."

"More for me, then. Not that I need it." He glanced down at himself.

"You oughtn't disparage yourself, Seth. You're a handsome man," she said.

"You don't have to say that."

Jessica's temper flared. "When have I ever said something merely because I thought I had to?" She fixed him with a steely gaze.

He smiled softly. "That's true." He cleared his throat. "Thank you, Jessica."

"You're welcome. Now let's finish our meal and get on about our day," she said peremptorily.

Seth grinned. "Yes ma'am. I almost feel the need to salute." Jessica could feel her heart fluttering as Seth looked at her. They held each other's gaze for a long moment before breaking eye contact and, at least outwardly, concentrating on their remaining breakfasts.

"Where to now, Seth?" asked Jessica as they left the soda shop. They'd promised Dot to return for a milkshake before they left town. Seth drew Jessica's arm through his, and they strolled companionably down Elliston Place.

"Well, Mrs. Fletcher, right around the corner is Centennial Park." He sighed at Jessica's blank look. "You didn't do any research for our trip," he said grumpily. "Centennial Park has the world's only full-scale replica of the Parthenon, and they just added a statue of the goddess Athena."

"Mmm," replied Jess noncommittally.

"Just wait and see," replied Seth and they strolled along. It was a beautiful spring morning, and there was still a mild chill in the air. "Dot was right," Seth mused. We did come to town at just the right time." He looked askance at Jessica. "Somehow I don't think you'd enjoy the humidity. Like breathing through a wet washcloth."

"That doesn't sound very pleasant," remarked Jessica as Seth hurried them across the street.

"Look," he pointed. "There's the Parthenon." He smiled at Jess, and, for a moment, she thought she could see the boy he'd been. "No," he continued. "I don't think you'd like the humidity at all. I remember it was so hot that summer I was stationed here." Jessica started to ask, but Seth cut across her. "Down south, I mean." Jess nodded, intrigued. Seth seldom mentioned his time in the military, but she'd seen his dog tags once or twice. She'd never had the nerve to ask. Somehow, World War II seemed almost taboo, whereas Korea had seemed only to highlight the absurdity of war. Of course, having been married to Frank during the war, she'd seen firsthand his disdain of his commanding officers and the tactics he'd seen on the ground. She doubted Seth had the same kind of feelings. She was eager to hear whatever he wanted to share. "First thing I remember was the heat. It was like a wall…just hit you square in the face as you got off the train." He chuckled. "None of us Yankees were used to that. We weren't used to that legendary hospitality, either. But it didn't take long to get used to it."

"Oh, really?" inquired Jessica. "Sounds like there might have been one or two young ladies who were particularly hospitable?"

Seth patted her arm. "Jealous, are we?" They laughed companionably. "Here we are," he cried as they entered the park. It was a lovely green park right in the middle of the city. She noticed several students wearing Vandy shirts jogging through the park, which made sense, as Vanderbilt's campus was right across the street. She and Seth picked their way carefully across the green to the Parthenon.

"Oh my," she uttered.

They stood in front of the East entrance to the Parthenon, and they both looked up at the replica in amazement.

"It is impressive, isn't it? That's partly why they call Nashville the Athens of the South."

"Only partly? What's the other part?"

"All the universities in town, starting with your Vanderbilt." She smiled at him, and Seth's heart squeezed. One day, he thought. One day, Jess, I'll get the courage to tell you how I feel. "Ready to go in?"

"Ready!"

It was cool and dark inside the Parthenon, and Jessica wished she'd brought a sweater. They'd ambled through the museum's private collection of paintings, wordlessly deciding to save their visit to the Athena statute until last.

Seth noticed this morning that Jessica seemed always to be touching him: threading her arm through his, touching his arm to get his attention, holding his hand. Not that he was complaining; it was different, but not unwelcome. For years, he'd tried to hide his deepening love for her. He appreciated how hard she'd worked to build a new life for herself after Frank's death, and he was proud of her success, though he was almost equally as resentful of it. He didn't like it when she was away, and he certainly didn't like the company she kept, at least the company he knew about from scanning the papers. Which he would never admit to doing.

This trip was something special. They'd traveled together, of course, but this was the first time Seth had seen her so excited. It had been easy to see the girl she must have been in the wide grin and the sparkle in her eyes. He'd follow her anywhere, but he was particularly pleased to visit Nashville with her. He had a few surprises up his sleeve, and he hoped she would like them. Love them, you mean, he thought. Love you.

As they wandered, they came upon the stairs leading to main floor of the Parthenon, where the new statue of Athena was housed. "Shall we?"

Jessica nodded, and they began to climb the stairs. She leaned close to his ear as they climbed. "Is it ridiculous that I feel a bit apprehensive?"

Seth squeezed her elbow. "Not at all. We are about to be in the presence of a goddess. A 42 foot tall goddess, if I recall the brochure correctly."

They came up the stairs and, as they turned to enter the hall, both inhaled sharply. Reading about the replica and seeing it in person were two very different experiences. Jessica gripped Seth's hand, and he discreetly felt for her pulse. Quick, but not alarmingly so.

"Am I in good health, doctor?" asked Jessica pertly.

Seth grinned. He ought to have known how little escaped Jessica's attention. "As far as I can tell, Jess, you're in fine fettle. Just making sure you weren't overcome."

Jessica gazed up at the statue in awe. "Well, she is amazing. I had no idea…she's incredible."

Seth nodded. He noticed they were speaking in low voices, almost as though they were visiting a church. Absurd, and yet, wasn't he capable of imagining visitors a thousand years into the future, marveling at the truths he and Jessica believed in wholeheartedly? He looked at Jess. Her face was alive with wonder and perhaps even a little trepidation. He stood quietly with her, longing to know what she was thinking, but certain she'd tell him later.

Jessica was pensive as they left the Parthenon.

"You ok, Jess?"

"Who, me?" replied Jessica absently.

"Yes, you, woman! You seem lost in thought. Athena's very impressive, isn't she?"

"Oh yes," murmured Jessica. "Of course I'm familiar with some Greek mythology and I've read a few accounts of the time, but to see such a statue. The size…" she trailed off.

"She's new, you know. She's only been in the Parthenon for a few months now."

"Mmm. You know, Seth," and she gripped his arm reflexively, "I have a better understanding of why the ancient Greeks worshipped those ancient deities. I felt a curious, almost overwhelming desire to genuflect as we came into the, well, the temple, I suppose." She turned to look at Seth inquisitively. "Did you?"

"Nooo, but I did feel small, not just in stature, but in an almost psychological way as well."

"Exactly! Seeing her made me feel mortal, ordinary."

"I'd never call you ordinary, Jess."

Jessica's breath caught in her throat. The look he was giving her! She had to collect herself. They were in public, and she had a lecture to deliver in a few short hours. "Flatterer," she murmured and quickly changed the subject. "You know, I think Nashville would make a wonderful setting for a new book. I should make some notes while we're here." She sighed happily as she looked around. "It's a lovely city, and I'm having a such a good time already! I'm so glad you were able to meet me down here, Seth." She squeezed the arm she was holding.

Seth looked down at her and smiled. Maybe this trip was exactly what they needed. Maybe they just needed to get away from all the prying eyes at home, spend some time in a place where they could be alone. Thinking of last night caused his collar to grow tight. There was something in the air between them. Was she willing to find out what it was? Was he? What a question! He had to stop himself from leaning down and kissing her right this moment. They were in public, and she still had work to do. He cleared his throat and checked his watch. "It's 11:15, Jess. Should we head back to the hotel? I don't think it's a terribly far walk, but I can go back inside and call for a taxi if you'd prefer."

"Let's walk, Seth. I'd like to stretch my legs, and the lecture hall isn't far from the hotel, either." Seth took her elbow, and they began walking toward the hotel. "What will you do this afternoon, Seth?"

"Oh, a little of this and a little of that," he replied mysteriously. "I have a few things to tend to, but I'll be waiting for you in the lobby when you get back." He smiled at her. "But don't worry. You'll have time to get gussied up for our next adventure."

Jessica smiled back at him. "I can hardly wait, Seth. It'll be hard to concentrate on my lecture."

Did she know what she was doing to him? She must know. "Well. I'd better make sure our plans are worth the distraction."

They smiled at each other, and Seth tightened his grip on her arm as they made their way back to the hotel. Jessica wondered what tonight might bring.