Two dates down - one to go?! Will Liebgott stop being a tease? Will Evelyn stop being so stinking nervous? Their time is coming to a close in Europe - what will happen when they go?

Ha - as if I wouldn't give you a happy ending. Still plenty more to come! As always, thanks so much for the reviews! Keep them coming please! I think I would just about flip my shit if I hit triple digits! No, really. Flip. My. Shit.

August 15, 1945

Evelyn still wasn't sure how the men had managed it, but one morning she woke up to find the field near the tents had become a baseball diamond, complete with bases, soft dirt, and gear to play. As soon as breakfast was over, the men pulled her out to it, laughing and goading her.

"What's the matter, Evie?" asked Heffron with a grin. "Afraid we're gonna play hard?"

She grinned back and looped his hanging dog tags around her finger. Pulling him close, she replied, "Only way I like to play, Babe."

He groaned when she released him as she and the others laughed. They jogged to the field and quickly separated into teams. Before they got started, there was a surprise at the home plate.

"Who's in need of a catcher?"

Everyone turned to see Compton standing there, smiling. It took a moment for them all to react, but when they did, it was at a roar.

It took them all several minutes to welcome Compton back. When Evelyn finally got to him, she was pleased to see a familiar sparkle in his eyes, something she hadn't seen there since Holland. "How are you doing, Buck? Christ, it's good to see you," she said with a hug.

Compton hugged her back, pulling her up off her feet. "Evie, I can't tell you how good it is to see your face again." He put her back down before looking at her in the eyes. "Last time I saw you…"

He stopped and she remembered. It was when Hoobler had died. She placed a hand on his arm. "And look at us now. We look hell of a lot better, right?"

Alley snorted. "Course you're lookin' good, Evie. All Liebgott needs to do is look your way and…"

Sure enough, Evelyn began to blush and Compton's eyes widened at the sight of it as Alley's words sunk in. "I don't believe it. You and Joe?"

Evelyn swatted at him and gave Alley a glare, but he only grinned back. "Cut it out, guys."

"Hey Buck!" called Perconte. "Talk to Luz about the pool, but you might be too…" He shut up quickly when he caught sight of Evelyn's eyes.

Compton furrowed his brow. "Another one? But what about the pool for her - ow!" Alley hit him hard in the stomach.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes but held up her hands. "I don't want to know." She began to walk to her place in the outfield. "And neither do you, Buck! Save yourself!"

Alley winked to Compton with a promise to explain later. With a shake of his head, Compton put his catcher's mask on and threw the ball to Webster, the pitcher. "Game on!"

Evelyn squealed as she ran the bases. She had just hit the ball into the right corner of the field, but between Popeye fumbling it around and her speed, she had just rounded second base.

With all her might, she ran towards third, sliding in at the last moment and hitting the base with her hands.

"Out!"

Evelyn stood up and got in his face, her eyebrows raised in challenge. "Absolutely not! I was safe!"

Liebgott smirked and motioned with his thumb towards the bench. "Nah, doll. You were out." He grabbed at the waistband of her trousers and pulled her closer. Murmuring, he added, "Not quick enough for the likes of me."

She flushed, trying to remember what they were arguing about. "I was safe," she insisted, although quietly. His fingers against her abdomen sent a jolt through her.

He grinned. "You'll never be safe from me."

"OY! Throw the ball!"

Liebgott threw the ball over his shoulder, never taking his eyes from hers. "Are you free tonight?"

Trying to regain the upper hand, Evelyn crossed her arms across her chest and raised an eyebrow. "That depends."

"Depends on what?"

She grinned mischievously before stepping closer and whispering in his ear. "If I'm out. Choose wisely, Liebgott."

He reared back and chuckled. Narrowing her eyes at him, she chewed her bottom lip. She was pleased to see his eyes strayed down to it. She grinned again around it. Compton and Martin yelled at her to get back to the bench so that they could continue the game. "Guess you'll have to take your chances." With a wink, she jogged back to her team.

Compton shook his head when she stood near him. She rolled her eyes. "As if you've never seen some flirting before, Buck. You and Anna were relentless."

He grinned then, but got quiet. "Christ, I miss that broad. She was something else."

Evelyn quieted as well. "Me too."

Before the next batter could go up, they were surprised to see the officers had arrived in a jeep behind them. Speirs called them to gather round.

All the soldiers ran over immediately. They all had a feeling they knew what this was about. The bombings on Japan had happened earlier last week, but no one wanted to get their hopes up. They all knew what happened when they did that in the past.

Winters cleared his throat. "Listen up. Got some news."

And it was the best news. The absolute only thing that could cause all the worry, all the trepidation, all the fear to finally whoosh out of Evelyn all at once. Even her nerves waiting to see Liebgott make a move disappeared.

She lost track to the amount of hugs she was pulled into. Chest after chest, she was crushed against them, kissing their cheeks and receiving ones in return as they cheered, some crying in joy.

After Luz had finally released her, only to ride piggyback on Compton's back to the tents, she was free and Liebgott was standing there. When she saw him, a wave of realization hit her - they were going home.

He seemed to realize the same thing at that moment and he smirked. Seeing it, she didn't care if the officers were still around. She ran up to him and jumped into his arms, legs around his middle. Ignoring the hoots and whistles, she leaned down and kissed him. Pulling back she smiled, "About that date."

Liebgott smiled back before kissing her again. "One at a time, Cassidy. Let me take you out tonight, and then we'll talk about where we can go in the States."

"Hey! Quit smackin' lips already! It's time to celebrate!"

Rolling their eyes in sync, they followed Luz hand in hand and towards the party of men.

Easy spent the afternoon laughing, celebrating and drinking the daylight away. Trying and failing to allow the alcohol to burn away her nerves, Evelyn resumed chewing her lip as the evening began to darken.

She wished Liebgott never put so much weight on the third date. Or at least she wished he never shared with her about his meaning behind it. She was crackling with excitement, but at the same time her heart didn't want to rest from its constant thud. She knew how she felt and what she wanted, and although she was eager to see if they were on the same page, she was terrified if he didn't.

Just around eight, Liebgott picked her up after disappearing for the majority of the day. That didn't help her nerves when she realized that.

Silently, they walked together until he led them to the edge of the lake. Instead of just the stone pier she knew all too well from her swims, there was now a boat tied to a nearby tree, its outline clear and lit from the small, but bright lantern at the bow. Liebgott helped her step inside it.

Facing him, she watched him row until finally breaking the silence. Chatting away nonsensically, she talked about anything and everything, and she didn't miss the smirk on his face in response.

Evelyn tried to take in the beauty of where they were. Anything but looking at Liebgott. Her heart jumped every time she met his gaze. The still lake. The dark landscape of the mountains. The glow of the lantern from the boat. His eyes.

It must have taken at least half an hour before they arrived to the tiny island. It was obvious that he had been there earlier, more lanterns peppered the earth, leading deeper inland. They landed with a soft lurch. He jumped out and then held out this hand silently to help her down next. He didn't let go as they walked.

His thumb traced circles on the back of her hand, and she already thought she was going to burst from the contact. Even after everything they'd done together. She knew his touch better than her own skin, but it still felt new and electrifying somehow.

The air was warm and muggy. Evelyn was glad she hadn't worn her OD jacket. The summer didn't relent when the sun set. Just like her heart didn't want to relent tonight. It pounded in her chest. Calm down, Ev. It's just Joe.

With that thought, a random giggle pushed its way past her lips. He looked over at her and raised an eyebrow. "What's funny?"

She smirked to herself. "I was reminding myself that it was just you, that I shouldn't be so nervous…."

"I make you nervous, Cassidy?"

She smacked his arm with her free hand and grinned. "...and I said to myself, 'it's just Joe.' And then I remembered when I heard that last."

Liebgott groaned, tipping his head back but smiled. "I couldn't believe you and Anna."

"That was all her, I'm afraid. I wasn't to be trusted with knowing about Josette beforehand."

He laughed, squeezing her fingers. "It was hilarious after I got over the initial shock that Josette was more of a…"

"Joseph?"

He swatted at her and laughed again. "Sure. Thanks for the reminder. I haven't had a chance to get back at you yet."

"Bring it, Liebgott."

When he turned to look at her, she gulped. Even in the low moonlight, she could see the color of his eyes had darkened. "What do you think this is, Cassidy?"

Finally, he slowed to a stop. She turned and tears pricked at the corner of her eyes at the thought he put into tonight. More lanterns were placed around a plush, soft blanket. Nearby, she could see a tiny cave and a basket of food inside, nearby a bottle of champagne that she wondered briefly where he got.

While she took it all in, he let go of her hand to grab the bottle, popping it open and pouring into two, crystal glasses. He handed her one. She studied the beautiful glass. "Where did you get these?"

Liebgott grinned, proud of himself. "Bartered with Speirs. The man has entire household in his pack."

Evelyn laughed before looking around them once again. "Joe, this is amazing. It's…"

"All for you."

Her eyes flew to his and again her heart arrested. He stepped closer. "All for my girl." He clinked his glass against hers. "Cheers to you."

Evelyn blushed, his words still echoing in her head. Her voice stuttered. "Cheers to us." He smiled at that and took a sip of champagne, and she followed his lead. It went instantly to her head. "Wow. What did you have to barter for this?"

Liebgott shook his head. "Just a gift from Jolly Ole Saint Luz. You should threaten him more often, doll."

She tried to keep her emotions in check, but everything surrounding her was so new, so kind. "I can't believe you did all this," she murmured.

"It's just some candles and booze," he replied, but a pink tinged his cheeks. "You've had to had better than this."

Evelyn shook her head. "No, never."

Liebgott stepped close to her, reading her eyes. "You were engaged. You mean to tell me the asshole never lit you a damn candle before?"

She met his eyes and took a deep breath. "He wasn't really into any of this."

He stepped closer. "What? Romance? A damn lighter?"

She grinned a moment before he brushed his fingers into her hair. She closed her eyes at the contact. "None of the above."

His lips ghosted over hers before he whispered, "I hope you're open to change, doll."

The basket of food and the champagne were quickly forgotten. After dropping to their knees, Liebgott pressed her into the blanket before peppering kisses down her legs. Divesting them both of their boots, his hand clenched hard around the fabric of her shirt, seeking skin. Evelyn responded by doing the same and hiking him up to her until their lips met once again, causing their hips to flush together. Evelyn gasped at the feeling.

Liebgott pulled back, panting a bit. She saw the familiar look of determination in his eyes to slow down and she had to grin. "Time to become that cheap date."

He smirked but shook his head. "Not just yet. I've got somethin' to say."

Evelyn held her breath but let it out when he kissed the side of her neck before looking her in the eyes again. He was pleased to see her cheeks pink and glowing. He couldn't help but touch the warmed skin. "Christ, Cass, I wanna be able to make you blush like that with only a look every day. To make you laugh when I kiss that one spot under your ear." He leaned in and kissed the spot in question, and sure enough, she giggled. Grinning, he continued, but became serious. "I wanna be the only one that gets you so angry that you spit fire and then I can make it up to you one kiss at a time."

Evelyn was about to get lost, but she forced herself to the surface again. Before he could speak further, she blurted out, "I love you." His eyebrows shot up in surprise and she inwardly cringed at her awkwardness. Taking a breath, she continued. "I wanted to tell you before you said anything more, or even if you don't, but in case you might think it was just in reply to everything you said. I want you to know." She swallowed hard, her voice wobbly and soft. "That I love you."

It took a moment before Liebgott could respond; she was the only person ever to take him off guard. He slowly smirked. "Always need the upper hand, don't ya, Cassidy." And then he leaned down and kissed her deeply, pressing his body into hers once more.

When he pulled up again, she sighed before chewing her lip. He let silence hang, and her nerves began anew. He laughed when he saw it. "I'm sorry, but were you waitin' for me to say somethin' back?"

Evelyn chewed harder. "Of course not. You don't need to say anything if you don't feel it's the right time, or if you aren't comfortable."

"I'm kiddin', Cassidy."

She swatted his head and grinned, embarrassed. "You love tormenting me."

The grin slowly faded from his mouth before he responded. "Absolutely." He stroked his fingers painstakingly slow through her hair, his eyes never leaving hers. "But I love you more." And then he leaned in again, and kissed her with everything he had left to give.

Evelyn felt her heart thud and her limbs felt numb and on fire at the same time. She sighed happily and in relief as he pulled his body on top of hers, his weight delicious. Only her hands were free, and they wandered between his hair and up and down his back. Even through all of this, she felt that first drop of rain.

It took a few more hard, large splashes before they both paused, lips brushing one another, but frozen as they waited to see if it was in fact raining.

Actually, it had begun to pour.

Shrieking and giggling, they jumped up and gathered the blanket, boots, booze, and glasses before running into the cover of the small cave. It was hardly big enough to fit them both, but they were dry.

"Christ," muttered Liebgott as he watched as one by one the lanterns were snuffed out.

Evelyn grinned before surprising him and running back into the rain. She laughed as she was instantly soaked, but the water was warm. She stuck out her tongue to catch some, giggling and jumping into a puddle, bare feet and all.

He watched her and shook his head in wonder, playing like a little girl, but he grinned. She caught it and waved for him to come out with her. He shook his head again. "I'm good!"

Evelyn laughed again and gestured towards him. "We are young! In love! The war is over, Joe, and you're afraid of a little rain?"

"I'm not scared of anything, doll."

Evelyn met his eyes in challenge. Slowly, she peeled off her OD shirt, T-shirt, and trousers, never once breaking contact with his eyes. She tossed the clothes into the cave by his feet. "You were scared of little, old me once." He watched as she took off her bra and then her underwear; they followed the trek of her other items into the cave. She cocked an eyebrow. "Am I still scary?" And without waiting for him to answer, she sauntered towards the lake.

Liebgott's eyes followed her. "Terrifying," he whispered. In the next moment, he stripped down quickly and went after her.

Evelyn couldn't remember a time when she was so comfortable. Stretching slightly, she sighed happily into Liebgott's bare chest, her arms circled around his waist. The plush blanket was draped around them, and now with the sun up, she could see the beautiful details of the stitching, but she ignored it. Something else stole her attention.

She looked up to see him grinning at her. "Mornin'."

She grinned back. "Morning. Did you sleep well?"

"You mean the few hours we managed to get? Yeah, I slept great." His smile broadened at her blush. "How bout you?"

Evelyn burrowed closer into his chest, and sighed when his arms tightened around her. "Could go for a few more hours. We don't have to get back anytime soon, right?"

"We have all day. Passes end at four."

"Excellent. So if you could stay just like this and not move for the next half day, that would be great, thanks."

Liebgott smirked before slowly moving his hands lower. He felt her freeze. "You mean, I shouldn't do this?" He hitched her up his body, his fingers dancing across her skin. "Or this?"

Evelyn gasped softly at the feeling. Her body was deliciously sore, but his hands made all of that fade away. "No," she panted. "You should go lower."

Before he could reply, they both heard the crunch of a twig snapping underfoot. Their Army training both taking hold, they froze, their ears open.

"Hallo?"

Liebgott slumped in relief and smiled, but Evelyn's eyes widened in horror. "Who…?"

She didn't have time to find out. A very pretty, blonde Austrian girl walked up tentatively. With a squeak of surprise, Evelyn dove under the blanket, trying to hide every inch of her naked body.

She felt Liebgott's chest shake with laughter. He didn't seem embarrassed in the slightest. "Hallo, Emilia."

Evelyn listened as the two of them chatted in German. When Emilia and Liebgott laughed together, she soon left after that. He looked down at the mound of blanket on top of him. "It's safe, Cassidy."

She peeked out, hair wild, and looked around. Sure enough, the girl was gone. "Who was she?"

He shrugged before wrapping his arms back around her. "Emilia. Her parents own the land and helped set up everything with me yesterday, lighting the lanterns for me and such. Like I said before, my translation is not always the best. She thought we would be gone by six in the morning and I meant six at night."

Evelyn scowled. "That's convenient."

Liebgott studied her face for a moment before laughing. "Are you jealous?"

She smacked him before shaking her head. "No! It's just…" she squirmed uncomfortably. "She's just really pretty. Are you sure your translation didn't give her the impression that this set up was for her?"

He smirked. "You are jealous." She smacked him again. "And I'm sure. She was disappointed that she didn't get a good look at the girl that was worth all this trouble."

Evelyn reluctantly grinned. "I'm not jealous."

"You are, and it's cute. It's also a nice change of pace."

"How so?"

Liebgott shook his head before kissing her forehead. "A nice change from my own jealousy."

Her eyebrows flew up. "When were you jealous? And of whom?"

He rolled his eyes. "How about for three years and just about anyone that got one of your smiles? That includes Anna by the way. Never been jealous of a broad before."

Evelyn stared at him in awe. "Are you serious?"

He nodded. "Christ, you're blind, but then again, I did my best to hide it. Sometimes it came out." He waited a beat. "Dobie for one." He ran a hand through his hair, abashed. "I'll never forgive myself for the things I said to you that night."

She thought quietly for a moment before leaning up to kiss him softly. "If I forgave you, you should be able to do so yourself. But Jesus, I had no idea."

"Like I said, blind."

She reached up to smack him again, but he caught her hand, knowing it was coming. Kissing the inside of her wrist, he hiked her body up his even further. Evelyn sighed as his hands began to wander under the blanket. "How much time did you say we had?"

"Hours."

"And Emilia isn't coming back for awhile?"

"Nope."

"Pity. She could have gotten a show."