{When we last looked in on the newlyweds they were greatly enjoying themselves and the privacy of the secluded beach cottage. All thoughts of the seriousness of the decision to be made regarding Kendall's groundbreaking work had slipped their minds for the moment. Until the phone rang…}
... ... ... ... ...
Seth took a deep breath after Kendall told him over the phone that he might want to sit down to hear the decision that Robert and Evelyn had made.
Looking over at Jessica and nodding, Seth told Kendall, "Just a moment, Kendall, let me get situated," as he rested himself on one of the wooden kitchen chairs.
Jessica quickly rinsed and dried her hands from the soapy dishwater at the sink and came over to take a seat next to Seth. She gently covered his right hand with hers and gave him an encouraging smile.
Hazel eyes stared into curious blue ones. "Okay, Kendall, we're ready. What's their decision?"
"It's good, Seth. It's all good! Better than I expected, actually," reported the botanist. "But first, let me apologize for not coming by in person to give you the news. Billy convinced me that what he and I needed, what with the break in and all, was some time away. We've got the place buttoned up and we're leaving for my sister's house for a short vacation just as soon as I hang up."
Kendall continued, "Evelyn called very early this morning with their decision, but I didn't want to wake you and Jessica; it seems they forgot about the time change. I hope that I did the right thing by waiting a few hours…"
"Oh, yes. You did," interjected Seth agreeably as he remembered the amorous pursuits of the previous night and early morning and smiled over at his wife.
Jessica was unable to hear much over the phone but caught the twinkle in Seth's eye and found herself blushing slightly, for no discernible reason. She scooted closer and leaned in while Seth tipped the phone out a little so she could hear better.
"Seth, I don't know what you said to them, but Evelyn and Rob have agreed to everything that you proposed. I know what this cost you and I want you to know that I appreciate it more that I can say. I released the formula for my grain to the scientific community this morning via the internet and since I'm not in breach of contract I'll be staying here at Riverton."
"Why, that's just wonderful Kendall! We're so happy to hear that," enthused Seth.
"I'm glad too," a relieved sounding Kendall noted. "All the details will be spelled out by the lawyers and the new contracts will be coming to all of us in the near future but there's one additional point that Rob, of all people, suggested; and Evelyn and I agreed to it."
"What's that?" prompted Seth.
"We're going to kick back some of our profits from the estate for its maintenance. We all agreed that we'd like to see the Hazlitt Plantation at Riverton Gardens continue as it is for as long as we're around."
"Rob suggested that?!" a somewhat incredulous Seth clarified as Jessica gently squeezed his hand.
"Yeah, it surprised Evelyn and me too. He tried to explain it, but I didn't quite understand - something or other about doing a deed of great good and honor, or such. It sure didn't sound like something Rob would say, but there you go..."
"Hmmm. Yes, well, I do know someone whom that does sound like," said Seth as he looked at Jessica with a raised eyebrow. Jessica just smiled enigmatically back at him.
"Billy's here and poking me to go. But before I do, I just wanted to tell you that there have been several reporters from both the local paper and the Charleston press searching around for you two in hopes of an interview. Apparently you were spotted in Charleston and since they know you're down here I'm sure the local guys will figure out quickly that you're at the cottage. Oh, and I don't suppose you've been watching the weather forecasts, have you?"
"Why no, not at all," admitted Seth. "Why? What's up?"
"There's a pretty big blow coming across the Gulf and Florida," cautioned Kendall. "It looks like it's going to hit us sometime later on Sunday. The cottage has withstood hurricanes, so you'll be safe there or even in the manor house, but you'll probably be without power for a few days and all of the water is on a pump."
"That's important news! Thank you, Kendall. We'll let you go but we're counting on seeing you and Billy at our reception. The invites will go out just as soon as we can get to it."
"We wouldn't miss it Seth. Thanks for all you and Jessica have done. In case I don't see you before you leave, have a safe trip home and we'll see you in Maine," Kendall said as they made their good-byes.
Hanging up the phone, Seth looked over at Jessica with a wry smile. "'Deeds of great good and honor.' Now, why does that sound like something you'd say… Hmm?"
"Well, perhaps it's just Rob's true self coming through at a time in need," suggested Jessica with a poker face.
"A-yuh, well, that sounds good, if nothing else," chuckled Seth. "Actually, this is a better end to the whole estate mess than I thought possible. I'm glad that it's resolved. Although, with my giving the remainder of my inheritance back to the Hazlitt Plantation I'm afraid that now you're married to just an old Yankee northwoods doctor of modest means."
Gazing lovingly into his warm hazel eyes, Jessica slipped her hand onto Seth's forearm and squeezed it gently. "I'm married to the most generous man I've ever met; someone who gave away his fortune so that others would benefit from it not only in the present, but for the future generations. I'm married to one of the kindest and most caring people I've ever met; someone who's sat at a child's bedside all night just to be sure that their parents would see the dawn in their child's eyes and never bothered to bill them due to both parents being out of work. I'm married to my hero; the man who would have given his life to save mine…"
Jessica noticed the mist gathering in Seth's eyes but was oblivious to the tears forming in her own as she continued.
"I'm married to the man I'd dream about if I was far away and couldn't talk to him everyday," she confessed. "I'm married to the person I thought of ever time I watched a sunset. I'm married to the one person who can keep up with me, and put up with me. I'm married to the person I'd rather say 'good-night' to more than anyone else on this earth."
A tear slipped from her left eye as Jessica finished, "I'm married to the best friend that I've ever had - and I love you."
Rendered speechless by her heartfelt admission Seth moved in close and kissed the teardrop off of Jessica's cheek before he brought his lips to hers for a long, sweet kiss. Then he gathered his wife in his arms and they held each other as their emotions swirled about inside of them.
After a long moment the cawing of seagulls as they swooped with abandon above the cottage brought them out of their reverie and a sigh escaped Jessica while Seth slowly released a deep breath.
"I love you too, Jess. More than I can even begin to tell you…" Seth said as he pulled back to look into eyes that now mimicked the azure of the Sea outside the kitchen window. "I didn't realize that a part of me was missing until you told me you loved me and we got married. I know that I came alive when I was with you and when we were apart I just didn't feel - whole. Now I am, and it's all because of you."
They smiled gently into each others eyes and slipped back into another kiss. Eventually coming up for air, but still in a comfortable embrace, Seth sighed and brought up a question.
"It seems we have a decision to make. Stay here and evade reporters while we ride out the storm coming in on Sunday, or go somewhere else and continue our honeymoon. A Caribbean island, perhaps? What would you like?"
"This trip has been amazingly relaxing, fun, and oh, so romantic of a honeymoon," smiled Jessica. "I think I'd forgotten what it was like to go somewhere and just do whatever I wanted without a schedule to keep. But I don't know if I'd care to weather a blow here, especially if we won't have water. Shall we just go home tomorrow, dear? After all, we do need to get you packed up and moved - we have some nesting to do."
"That won't take too long," provided Seth. "Are you sure you don't want to go someplace else? This will have been a rather short honeymoon, what with having to leave early. I still have a week's vacation off."
"Well, since you mention it, the woods are lovely this time of year with everything coming into bloom, and I wouldn't mind getting a bit of fishing in. Maybe we could go up to Rockport for some stripers, too. Let's just finish our honeymoon in Maine," Jessica suggested.
"That's a jim-dandy idea! I'll call Caleb and see if we can get him and his boat for the end of the week, then I'll call for the private jet to meet us in Charleston. How about if we fly out Saturday afternoon and once we get home we can see about hiding out for a couple of days. Maybe get a cabin on a river and do a little fly-fishing as well."
"Oh Seth, that sounds wonderful! You sure know how to get to a woman's heart. Promise her fishing!" Jessica laughed. "Well, since we're leaving tomorrow why don't we do a little work and get our packing out of the way and then take advantage of this beautiful sunny day and wander around the gardens."
"A-yuh, and let's go for a swim and a walk on the beach later. We'll have to be sure to be on the shore around sunset and watch the full moon rising tonight, too," added Seth. "We have a lot of fun to get to - we'd better get started!"
To his delight, Jessica leaned in and gave him a great big kiss before saying, "As long as we're together, I'd be happy watching paint dry!"
Chuckling as they rose the duo then made quick work of packing their bags, except for the items needed for their trip home the next day. They tidied up the cottage before Seth called to make arrangements for the private jet to meet them at the Charleston airport and alerted the maintenance staff of their departure the following day.
"We're done with our chores, now let's have that walk in the sun," insisted Jessica as she plucked a wide brimmed, pale yellow straw hat from the tree near the door and sat it on Seth's head. He smiled in return as he selected a floppy, gaudy pink affair and dropped it atop her curls. "There, now you'll be protected from too much of a good thing," quipped the doctor.
"Seth! This hat is hideous!" griped Jessica. "Just promise me that you won't take any pictures."
"Couldn't anyway, Jess. We forgot to bring a camera!" he replied as he took her hand and led her outside to the stone garden paths.
... ... ... ... ...
They spent the early afternoon wandering about garden, the air fragrant with the scent of the many flowers in bloom and just a touch of a pleasant salty tang from the water below.
As they came back around to the house after tarrying in the garden for a long while Jessica remarked, "I'm not sure if it's the latitude, the ocean air, or the exercise, but I'm hungry again. I don't think I can wait until dinner. Let's see what we can put together for a late lunch."
Seth was totally amenable to the idea and he ushered her back into the house. "I'll grab some fixings for sandwiches from the fridge. I have a taste for soup. See if the cupboard has any soup in it, will you please?"
Seth was rooting around among the ample supplies still in the refrigerator when he heard Jessica utter a plaintive groan.
"Jess?" he said pulling back from the open door with an armful of provisions and looking over at her. "Is everything all right, honey?"
Jessica turned from the cupboard shelf with a can in her right hand and a raised eyebrow to face her husband. Seth knew there was trouble brewing when she then put her left hand on her hip and shook the can at him a little. He just didn't understand what he could possibly have done wrong when his head had been in the cooler for the last five minutes, so he took the direct route…
"Uh, is there something wrong?"
His relief was palpable when Jessica broke into a big grin and then began to snicker. "Seth, did you, perchance, have anything to do with ordering the foodstuffs for the cottage?"
"Gosh, no. I was pleasantly surprised to find it so well stocked, though. I think Evelyn did the shopping. Why, what have you got there?"
Biting her lips together to keep from bursting out in laughter, Jessica answered, "Oyster stew! There are a couple of cans of it in here and a couple of tins of smoked oysters and that's all there is."
Seth's guffaws could be heard in the next county.
Eventually they both stopped laughing and had a chance to prepare lunch; although it was interrupted a few times by bouts of giggling from both of them, as they finished the stew.
Sighing and shaking her head a little after their meal was complete Jessica commented, "Honestly Seth, we seem to be regressing. We're both acting more and more like teenagers!"
"Ah, there's nothing wrong with being young at heart. And, as I told you the other day, you, young lady, do make me feel like a kid again."
"You have the same effect on me! In fact, this body feels like a two year old right now and wants a nap. You know, I've always wondered; why is it that children fight their afternoon naps so much but as an adult you'd pay good money to lay down for twenty minutes or so in the afternoon?"
"One of the many mysteries of life," Seth answered just before a huge yawn. "I think I'll join you." And with that they cleaned up the dishes before lying down for a rest.
... ... ... ... ...
Coming out of a very pleasant snooze much later that they had planned Jessica and Seth hurried into their bathing suits and grabbed armfuls of towels before heading down to the water for a quick swim and a walk on the beach in the late afternoon light.
"It's a small blessing, but that storm seems to be bringing in warm air," Jessica noted as they recovered the beach ball and mats from the beach chest and set them upon the sandy oasis closest to the box.
"A-yuh," agreed Seth. "And let's not waste the warm water either. Last one in's a rotten egg!" he called with a grin at Jessica as he kicked off his foot wear and trundled down the wide sandy aisle towards the water, careful not to stray onto the many shells on either side.
Jessica kicked off her sandals and shook her head with a small grin as she scooped up the striped ball and then chased after her husband. Oh, yes. We've regressed, she thought. But at least it's to a fun age!
After a good time splashing about in the ocean Jessica tossed the beach ball to Seth and hollered, "Catch! And last one out's a rotten egg!" just before she made tracks out of the water and across the sand back to the beach mats and a dry towel.
Huffing and puffing when he finally caught up with her Seth wheezed, "I don't remember running in sand as being this hard. Seems I used to be able to do it all day…"
"Uh huh. And that was what, last week?" giggled Jessica as she handed him a towel.
"Guess my top speed nowadays is brisk walk," Seth said resignedly as his breathing returned closer to normal.
"So what if it is? As long as you get there. In the end - well, that's all that matters, isn't it?" countered Jessica. "Speaking of which, let's walk a bit and dry off while the sun's still out; it's going to set soon."
"As long as we're not jogging, I'm ready," grinned Seth as he dropped his towel and took Jessica's hand, leading her down the beach at a leisurely pace.
As they strolled back, hand in hand at the waters' edge, Jessica glanced up again at the sandy rise opposite the water and smiled to herself.
"You seem to be quite taken again with that bank of sand," Seth's teasing voice broke into her thoughts. "Is there something special about it, or is it a secret? Will I be seeing something about it in print in the near future, perhaps? Hmm?"
"Seth! Honestly, I believe that you've developed telepathic abilities! Yes, you're right, but I can't tell you more until I write it out."
"Ah, yes. I forgot that you have a superstition about that," he cajoled.
"Now Seth, you know that I don't have a superstitious bone in my body. It's just a… habit."
"Oh, so that's what they call it nowadays…" On they bantered good-naturedly as the sun set over the cottage and until they reached their oasis among the shells and plopped down for a well deserved rest as darkness fell about them.
Jessica draped two dry towels over the beach chest and she and Seth settled their backs against them. They had just gotten comfortable when a small arc of brightness over the black horizon of the Sea garnered her attention. "Look over there across the water. I think the full moon is starting to rise."
"Oooh, I think you're right. I read in the paper that it's supposed to appear particularly large tonight, being closer to the Earth than usual," noted Seth as the arc steadily enlarged and brightened as it lifted from the water.
"Mmm, look at that golden tinge. You can see why the June moon is called the 'honey moon,'" Jessica commented.
"Hey, that reminds me of a joke," smiled Seth. "Where do Moon people go when they get married?"
"I know I'm going to regret this," groaned Jessica, "but tell me, where do they go?"
Seth chuckled, "They go off on their honeyearth!"
Jessica groaned louder and then snickered and shook her head. "Seth, that was… well actually, that wasn't half bad. But I still think that you should keep your day job!"
"Boy, tough crowd," grinned Seth. "Beautiful, but tough," he said as slid his arm around her shoulders and leaned over to catch his wife's lips in a full, soft kiss.
Electricity trilled through her as his mouth pressed onto hers. Jessica's right hand came up to caress Seth's cheek and she nestled closer into the embrace as their arms came around each other.
The feel of his beloved's tongue tracing a path across his lower lip caused Seth to shudder slightly as his lips opened to hers.
While Seth plundered her mouth of its sweetness, Jessica lightly ran her fingertips down the bare skin covering his lower back - leaving trails of fire in their wake.
They lingered in the kiss, completely intoxicated by the moment, oblivious to the huge globe of the moon as it rose higher over the dark Sea.
A faint sound wormed its way into Jessica's consciousness only because it was out of place and her innate detective penchant made note of it.
The kiss continued as the silvery light cascaded down upon them.
Then Jessica heard the sound again and her finely honed intuition, born of unmatched keen observation skills, set off her internal alarm.
Resolutely but reluctantly pulling back from Seth's warm and insistent lips she whispered, "Seth! Did you hear that noise? What was that?"
"Hear what?" said Seth, still foggy from their amorous cuddle. He was just about to say that he hadn't heard anything when he did hear a faint strange sound.
Oh no, he thought. I hope the reporters haven't found us...
"Behind you," whispered Jessica, looking over his shoulder. "It came from over there - a grating sound. Look, something's moving!"
Seth immediately rolled over and protectively placed himself in front of Jessica; she had to peer around his large frame to see what was happening.
The moon had risen well above the horizon and cast a bright light on everything below as they stared over the layer of shells that covered the beach. Seth fully expected to find someone with a camera zooming in on their tryst. He and Jessica were both rendered speechless by what appeared about a dozen feet in front of them.
Turtles.
A dozen tiny turtles were climbing their way out of a depression in the adjacent sandy oasis and clambering over or around the sea shells that littered the beach as they made their way to the ocean.
Jessica and Seth remained motionless as more and more of the minute, hard shelled denizens made their way out of the nest. A few of the lucky ones found the sandy path that led to the water and took the easy route. Not to be outdone, their nest mates all began to follow suit, passing close by the two-legged creatures on the beach that night who remained inert; agog at the spectacle just below their feet.
"Loggerhead hatchlings!" Jessica whispered into her husband's ear and more and more of the ping-pong ball sized turtles joined the parade to the Sea.
Seth nodded and whispered back, "Yep, and look at the little buggers go. I sure am glad we didn't set up our mats over there. We're safe here being so close to the beach box, I think."
"Yes, but there may be more nests hatching tonight. We should go soon so we don't disturb them."
Seth nodded his agreement with the plan. "There's usually about a hundred eggs per nest," he recalled. "But at this rate they'll be done soon."
And in short order they were gone. Dozens of baby turtles making their way to mother ocean, and those females that reached adulthood one day returning to the same beach and playing their part in the continuing circle of life.
Jessica and Seth quickly collected their things and tucked the mats and beach ball back into the chest. They stood for a long last look down the silvery sandy path to the water and Jessica blew the little turtles a good luck kiss before she and Seth turned and made their way back up to the cottage.
After cresting the dune Jessica said, "I'm all for a shower!"
Seth's stomach let out a loud growl in protest.
"Well, that's a good idea, too!" chuckled Jessica. "I could use a bite of something myself. But first, a shower."
"I'm sure we can find a couple of dry towels in this bunch." Seth began shaking out the load he had in his arms. "Let's clean up first and then I'll treat you to a surprise I found earlier."
"That's an offer I just can't refuse," conceded Jessica as she led him to the outdoor beach shower. "My, it's so bright we don't even need a lantern. Let's just leave the door open."
"I've heard of a moonlight swim before but never of a moonlight shower," kidded Seth as they stepped inside.
Following another unnecessarily long and pleasurable shower they hung up the towels on the rungs and their swimsuits on the outside racks to dry before packing them in the morning.
"It's a good thing we had shorts and shirts out here drying. Streaking is so passé," Jessica deadpanned with a grin.
"Let me run in and get my little surprise ready," offered Seth. "Shall we dine on the porch again?"
"I'll take care of that while you get the goodies," agreed Jessica.
After Seth entered the cottage Jessica got busy rearranging the porch furniture. She moved two of the wicker chairs and the small table out onto the edge of the paver lined parking area, just adjacent to a trellis covered with a green leafed vine and with a view of the ocean. The chairs were next to each other with the table off to the side.
Seth stepped out through the cottage door with a full basket in his arms and caught sight of this wife gazing out to Sea as she stood by the provisional patio furniture, luminously ethereal in the light of the full moon. Jessica turned toward him after hearing the screen door close. Her blue eyes seemed to flash like lasers straight at Seth. His breath caught in his chest. Good Lord, she looks just like an angel, came to his mind as he stood frozen on the porch.
"Seth, do you need help?" brought him out of his static state and he descended the stairs and went over to her.
"Uh, no," he stuttered. "It's just that you're so beautiful!"
"Flatterer!" Jessica replied gently. "Here, sit that basket down on the ground and take that seat - I'll take this one." She smiled to herself as she guided him to the chair next to the trellis.
Once situated, Seth revealed his surprise. "While I was digging in the fridge earlier I found this," he exalted as he held up a good sized jar of caviar. "We have crackers to go with it."
"What?! No smoked oysters?"
Seth grinned sheepishly, and then drew out a tin of the smoked oysters from the kitchen cabinet. Jessica burst into laughter and Seth belatedly joined her.
Jessica's chuckles turned to appreciative "Aaahs" when he then plucked a bottle of Moët & Chandon champagne and two flutes out of the basket with a flourish.
After popping the cork and pouring two glasses of the bubbly Seth proposed a toast, "Here's to a wonderful honeymoon. Thank you dearest."
"It has been amazing, hasn't it. Thank you, honey for thinking of such an incredible place for us to start our life together. I love you."
"I love you too, Jess," replied Seth as they clinked glasses and then, after taking a sip, both leaned in and shared a kiss, each tasting the champagne on the other's lips.
Pulling back after the kiss, Seth took a deep breath and then looked at his flute with a puzzled expression. "This tastes like champagne, but it smells… different."
Unsuccessfully hiding a grin, Jessica instructed, "Turn around, Seth." He did so and found himself staring into a huge, trumpet shaped white flower made dazzling by the extra light of the moon. Glancing about he noticed the vine was full of the big blooms, some fully opened and other unfurling as he watched.
He turned back to Jessica with a child-like look of wonder and pure joy on his face. His expression made her heartstrings tug. "These smell of Heaven, and they're enormous! What are they?"
"Ipomoea alba, also known as Moonflowers. They only bloom at night. I noticed the vine on our walk this afternoon. That's why I set the table and chairs over here. Gorgeous, aren't they?" Jessica added as she inhaled deeply of the sweet scent. "It's the perfect end to our last night here," she said as she gently placed her left hand on top of her husband's.
Seth put his glass down and took her hand in both of his, then brought it to his lips and kissed it tenderly. Gazing over at her he whispered, "You're the reason this is perfect. It's just like Heaven. In fact, it's probably better than Heaven - there are a lot of stars to polish when a soul is up there!"
Jessica also set down her glass and placed her other hand on top of his. "I've seen Heaven, Seth," she whispered back as she leaned in closer. "It's right there ever time I look into your eyes…" and with that she touched her lips softly to his and gently pressed her left hand into his, snugging their wedding rings up close together as the soaring moon poured its blessings down upon them from above.
