July 21st, Baggage Claim, General Edward Lawrence Logan International Airport, Boston, 11:00 am...

Skye couldn't believe that it was over. Her fourteen glorious months of stargazing in the Australian outback; gone. And she was getting married in 22 days. Though she hadn't admitted it to anyone, not even herself, she was scared to death. Marriage! It wasn't that she didn't want to get married, in fact, she could think of very little she wanted to do more, but there was something so eternal about marriage.

That wasn't even what worried her, though. It was the fear that her marriage wouldn't be that eternal. So many marriages didn't last these days. To her, there was something terrifying about putting so much trust in someone's hands, when they could just decide that they were done one day, and walk out. Sure, she trusted Jeffery with all her heart, but even he had voiced a concern about musicians and marriage, and he wasn't even twelve yet at that time.

Yawning, she decided that she was too tired to think to much about it. After all, Australia time, it was three in the morning. Sitting down on her suitcase, she pulled out her latest green book. She had some serious catching up to do on her research journals. Sighing, she set to work.

"'Saw a red giant though the 80x tele on Wed. Not sure if this is an effect of the thick atmosphere here or a benefit of little light pollution, but it appeared to be purple in color.' As fascinating as that might be, Skye, I would appreciate a bit more passionate a welcome." Whirling around, she stared at the man reading over her shoulder. Se hadn't even heard him come up.

"Jeffery!" Leaping to her feet she threw her arms around him and kissed him soundly. He stumbled backward a bit at the force.

"That's more like it!" he exclaimed once he had pried his lips from hers. "Have you been here long?"

"No, only about 15 minutes. My flight was early. God, I'm glad to see you!"

Grinning, she kissed him again. He moaned softly, as he reluctantly pushed her away.

"Not here, Skye. Come on, let's go."

As they pulled out of the parking lot, Jeffery turned to look at her.

"So, how was it? I haven't talked to you since I left, and we honestly didn't talk that much about it when I was there. Was it everything you expected?"

"And more. Oh, Jeffrey. It was incredible. I've never experienced anything like that before. All those stars. Every night was prettier than the last. It was unbelievable."

"Maybe we'll have to go back someday."

"I'd love that. How did the rest of your tour go?"

"Great! I have officially decided that I love to travel. China was one of my favorites. That and Europe." She smiled tiredly.

"Not Australia?" He winked at her.

"Well, that had it's highlights, too. But really, Skye. We should go to Europe one day. I'd think you'd like it. Anyway, the tour was really cool, but it isn't something that I would want to do all the time. It was really draining. You know, late nights, long flights, new hotel rooms to get used to. Fun for a while, but after that it's a drag. I wish you could have been in South Africa with us, Skye. Skye?"

Glancing over at her, he smiled. She was sound asleep. Gosh, she was gorgeous. Her blonde hair was spread over the back of the seat, and there was a small smile on her face. He was getting very, very, lucky. 22 days from now, she would be his forever. At least, he hoped it was forever. He knew enough musicians to know that you had to work to make a music-marriage combo work. He just hoped he could figure it out.

22 days. In a little more than three weeks, he would be standing next to her, saying the words that would bind them together for life. As excited as he was, it made him nervous to know that this was a life-changing step for him. As he pulled up to her house, he turned off his car. Leaning over, he gently shook her shoulder.

"Skye." Nothing. "Skye?" Still nothing. "Skye!" She didn't move a muscle. Shaking his head, amused, he got out and grabbed her bags out of the back. Knocking on the front door, he turned back to look at the car. She was still sound asleep.

"Oh, hi, Jeffery!" Penelope Breskow stuck her head around the door, smiling as she saw what he was looking at. "Asleep?"

"Very."

"Got it. Here; I'll take her bags up while you go get her."

"Alright."

Jogging down the front steps, he opened the side door, smiling as he watched her sleep. He loved her so much. Gently, careful not to wake her, he picked her up, shutting the door with his foot. Dr Breskow joined him as he carried her into her bedroom. She pulled back the covers, as he laid Skye on the bed. As she pulled off her shoes, he sat down on the bed, leaning forward and planting a soft kiss on her mouth. He had missed her so much. Quietly, the two crept out of the room, and downstairs.

"You're so good to her, Jeffery." He smiled and sat down at the kitchen counter.

"It would be hard not to be. She's an incredible person."

"One in a million, that one is. You're a lucky man."

"Thanks, I know." Smiling softly, he sighed. "Dr Breskow, can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"You never married. Why is that?" She smiled, and got a far off look in her eyes.

"That's what you think. I was married, Jeffrey. I was married to the most wonderful man in the whole world. We were married at 23, and he died on his 25th birthday. I could never bring myself to remarry." Slowly, she sat down on the stool next to him. "It's funny; it's been a bit over ten years, but I still miss him. I guess I still love him."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know."

"No, Jeffery. I don't mind talking about him; it's helps me remember. Why did you ask, though?"

"Well, I'm getting married in 22 days, and..." Here he trailed off.

"And you're getting a bit worried?" He nodded sheepishly. "That's nothing to be ashamed of, Jeffrey. Something would be wrong with you if you didn't feel that way. What's the hardest thing?"

"I guess just worrying that it won't work out. Musicians a notorious for have very short marriages. I really don't want that."

"I see. Have you talked to Skye about this?"

"Yeah; but I wasn't even twelve at the time. I don't think it really counts."

"Oh, so this is a long-lasting affection between the two of you."

"Yeah, but it was entirely one-sided." Smiling, he chuckled. "She was so oblivious. I mean really; I was besotted with her for nearly a decade before she finally realized it. And even then, I had to tell her myself." Dr Breskow laughed.

"That seems about right for Skye." She glanced at her watch. "Look, I hate to kick you out, Jeffery, but I have to go teach."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize what time it was."

"Neither did I. And Jeffery, don't worry. You and Skye were made for each other."

"Thanks."

"Just one last thing, I promise. I wanted to tell you both together, but I think you should know. As a wedding gift, I'm giving you and Skye this house." He stood perfectly still for a moment, not sure he had heard right.

"Oh, my gosh. Are you sure?"

"Yes. I wanted to upgrade anyways, and I can't think of any better owners for it."

"Wow. Thank you so much! That's insane!"

"Hey, it's my decision, and I'm sticking to it. See you later!"

"Okay. Would you ask Skye to call me when she wakes up? Thanks again!"
Shaking his head in disbelief, he headed back to his car. Things were beginning to look up.

There it is. We have a wedding coming up!

Platypus - Thanks! I'm sorry I skipped the soccer game. :-( I just wasn't feeling 'inspired' :-)

Randomsarcasam42 - Thanks! I hope you enjoyed this one.

Mahogany night - Thank You!

Guest - Thank you so much! That's very sweet of you to say. :-)

Thank you all bunches! The next one should be up soon!