Adam began the process of moving into Bret's house. Because of the lack of time, and their shift hours, Bret hired a professional moving company, not only to pack and move Adam's things, but Jay and Heath's as well. It was a belated wedding present and highly appreciated.
Adam also opted not to have his own room. He told Bret if he was going to try this, he'd do it all the way. This was a huge step in trust for the doctor. Randy had once asked Adam to move in with him, before the drinking and abuse started. Adam had refused. Chris too had suggested moving in together after they were engaged, he refused then too. It never felt right. For a moment, he wondered if he had moved in with Chris, would they still be together? He cleared that thought. If Chris would have fooled around on him then, he would have had no home to go to.
Yes, the Helmsley's carriage house was his haven of refuge. It scared him to death to leave his comfortable abode. At least he was making an effort. After all he was twenty-eight, and the Assistant Head of the Emergency Department. It was time he grew up and took a chance. Bret was the only one who had given him the courage.
"Well son, that's the last load. I want you to know I'm proud of you. I couldn't be any more so if you were my real son. Shawn and I will miss you. You'll always have a place here if you need it. Shawn wished he could have been here, but he got called in. See you in the morning. Take care kid. I love you, you know," Hunter said in a gruff, emotional voice. He tried to hide the fact that he had tears in his eyes.
"I love you too, Hunter. You've always been my protector, I'll miss that. Thanks for giving us a home when ma died. I'm sure she rested in Heaven better because she knew we were safe with you and Shawn. Take care of Heath and Jason. Tell Shawn thanks. See you tomorrow, bye Hunter," Adam too had emotion in his voice as he hugged the father figure.
With that, Adam got into his Mustang and followed the moving van to his new home on Newcastle Drive. When he pulled into the driveway, Bret was standing outside. He pointed for Adam to pull into the three car garage. He parked and jumped out. Seeing Bret was a surprise, as he was in the middle of a shift. Bret was directing the movers. It wasn't a lot, just Adam's clothes and personal items. He left the furniture and kitchen things for Jason and Heath. But, only after they'd agreed to take good care of them.
"Hey you. I thought you had to work?" Adam said as he went into Bret's open arms and kissed his lover.
Bret broke the kiss, rather reluctantly, he and Adam hadn't had sex in a while because of shift work. "I am. We do have radios you know. Chief said as long as I wasn't gone too long, it would be okay. I forgot to give you this," Bret said as he handed Adam a garage door opener.
"Oh, the car will love being in the garage, especially in the winter. Hunter wouldn't admit it, but he had tears in his eyes, I did too. It was hard to leave. I can only do this because of the strength you give me," Adam said softly as he leaned into Bret's embrace.
"Hunter can be a softy when he wants to. Any word yet on the time off for the camping trip?" Bret asked as he led Adam into the house. He pointed out the bedroom to the movers as they brought in the first boxes.
"Hunter's been working on the first week in August or the last week of July. Oh get this, Wade asked if he could go, he wants to experience the great American outdoors. Hunter said he'd love to have him, so it's harder with three main doctors out for a week. However, Heyman is all for it, he thinks Hunter and Shawn both need the time off. He even said he'd take a few shifts in the ER. Got time for lunch?" Adam explained, then asked as he watched the movers. They were experts.
"Weasel doing shift work again. Yeah, Shaw told me about Barrett, maybe we could lose him in the woods or something. No, sorry, I have to get back, but you eat. This is your home now too, anything is yours to eat or drink. You already know where to put your clothes. Here are your keys," Bret instructed as he handed Adam a key ring with a set of house keys. The fob on the ring was a brass copy of the Denver Fire Department logo.
"Ha! That's a good idea, we could send Wade on a snipe hunt. I will Bret, I'm hungry. Yes, and I promise not to invade your rail of the closet. I can't wait till tomorrow night. This ass will be all yours," Adam blushed furiously as the movers came back into the living room just as Adam spoke of his ass.
"Good timing, Sugar. I'd better leave on that note. Here this is for the movers," Bret said as he handed Adam an envelope. It contained a cash tip for the moving men.
"Um, yeah. Be careful out there, Bear. See you tomorrow. Love you," Adam said softly as he drew into Bret's embrace.
"I will, you too. Love you, sweet Sugar," Bret whispered back with a kiss to Adam's lips. The couple parted company.
As Adam watched Bret leave, a bit of fear ran though his spine. This house was large, and felt so empty and scary. Adam jumped when the mover suddenly spoke to him, "We're finished, Doctor Copeland. Sorry, didn't mean to startle you, Sir."
"It's alright, no problem, I was lost in thought. You going to my brother's now? Oh, before I forget, this is from Captain Hart with this his thanks," Adam spoke as he handed the head of the crew the envelope Bret had given him.
"Yes, Sir. We'll have it done by tonight. Thank you for this. Well, good luck in your new home, Sir. Have a good day," the man said with a polite handshake. The four men left to finish the rest of the job they were hired to do.
Once again, fear gripped Adam a bit. Now that he was totally alone, the house seemed ten times bigger and ten times emptier. "Okay, Adam. You're a grown up man, get a grip," he muttered to himself. Adam decided he'd probably feel better after some food, then busy himself with unpacking his things. Once his own mark was in the house, he was sure that would help. The physician went to the airy kitchen.
After a rummage through the pantry, he settled on a can of chicken noodle soup. He smiled, it reminded him of the first meal he'd shared with Bret, and besides, chicken soup cured anything and made the house smell good. He made a ham sandwich to go with the soup. While he waited for the soup to heat, Adam boiled up a concentrate of tea bags and sugar. He added the brew to cold water and ice in a plastic pitcher. Adam ate his lunch at the table with the beautiful view of the woods and mountains beyond.
Bret and Adam had tried to time the move when they would both be off work, but their shifts just didn't mesh. While disappointed, they both knew it would be that way so no point in complaining.
Adam cleared up the remains of his lunch. At least Bret was as careful about being tidy around the house as he was. Both Randy and Chris had been walking tornadoes. When he finished in the kitchen the doctor went to the bedroom. All his boxes were neatly stacked at the foot of the bed. He started with the clothes that would be hung in the closet. It went fairly fast. He'd already sorted out what he wanted to get rid of when he'd packed back at his apartment.
He'd taken the clothes, the box of stuffed kittens and the things they had bought at the mall, on the day of the plane crash, to the shelter where the Heritage Heights refugees were staying. They were grateful for the items. The kids loved the toys and books. The residents thanked him profusely.
Adam went to the dresser. Bret had given him three of the six drawers. Socks and undies in the top. T-shirts and sleeping pants in the middle and in the bottom drawer he put things like scarfs, gloves and other miscellaneous items. His small jewelry box, cologne, and picture of his mom went on top in a neat arrangement. The more of his things that he put around the house, the more at home Adam felt. Bret had told him to save going up to the attic for last.
In the living room, Adam put his favorite crocheted blanket over the back of the couch. The ivory yarn went well in the room. His mother had made the blanket while waiting for Adam to be born. Jay had one of the same ivory yarn. Both boys treasured their blankets. When lying under them, it felt like their beloved ma was hugging them, keeping them safe and warm.
He hung the painting of the mountains Bret had loved so much over the fireplace. It was going to be a surprise. He'd told Bret he was going to leave it for Jay and Heath. He couldn't wait for Bret to see it. Adam also hung his family pictures neatly on the foyer wall. Bret's family photos hung there as well. When done, he thought the two families blended well together.
Before he realized it, it was nearly seven pm. Adam made another ham sandwich and drank a glass a milk. He ate a pear for dessert. While he was used to living alone, he wasn't used to so much space. As night drew darker, the emptiness surrounded him.
Adam had thought about going to the attic and seeing what surprise Bret had for him up there. As he went to the narrow door that hid the attic stairs, he changed his mind. It was too dark and scary up there. Didn't the ghosts always hide in the attic? He didn't want to find out.
The doctor felt foolish, but his fears were his fears. He would get used to the darkness and being alone. Maybe he never realized how lonely he was before because he felt so safe in his apartment. Adam decided this was good for him, he could learn something from this. He wasn't sure exactly what, but something he was sure.
Adam took a shower, got into his sleeping pants and curled up in the bed. As soon as he got a nose full of Bret's scent from his pillow, Adam felt better than he had all evening. He turned on the TV that hung on the wall, opposite the foot of the bed, and picked up his book. The doctor nearly jumped out of his skin when his cell phone rang. He smiled when the ring tone registered in his ears, "Your Sex Is on Fire" was the one he's assigned to Bret.
"Doctor Copeland..." Adam answered professionally, just in case wires got crossed. Better not to embarrass himself, it had happened before.
"Hi, Sugar. You all settled in?" Bret's voice calmed the fears in Adam's heart immediately.
"Hi, Bear. Yes, all unpacked. I was just in bed reading. How are you doing?" Adam asked his lover with a warm voice.
"Good. I'm alright, the boys are playing cards, and I'm catching up on paper work. So, what about the attic?" Bret asked in a curious tone. He'd thought Adam would have been excited to tell him about it.
"Oh um, I'll look, tomorrow, after work. Okay, I was too scared to go up there, alone, in the dark. I have a lot to get used to," Adam said sheepishly. Saying it aloud made him sound like a weak fool.
Bret chuckled a bit, "Okay, Sugar. Wait till tomorrow when I get home. We'll go up together. You'll get used to the house. I'm proud of you, I really am. It was a big step you took. I promise, I'll never break that trust."
"Thanks Bret. I just never realized how sheltered I was. I needed to do this. Okay, I'll wait. I am curious about the attic now. What do you want for supper and when do you get home?" Adam asked as he snuggled down deeper in the bed. He was totally calm now.
"You'll be fine. The security system is the latest in technology. Curiosity killed the cat. Surprise me for supper. If we're not on a run, I'll be home between six and seven. You can listen on the scanner if I'm late." Bret said in a comforting tone.
"Okay, Bear. You sound tired. Better get some sleep. Be careful. I love you and look forward to loving you more. See you tomorrow," Adam said with a yawn. Since talking to Bret, he felt safe and even more relaxed.
Bret laughed again, "I think you're the tired on, Sugar, I am too though. I love you, more than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow. Night my sweet Sugar," Bret said in a loving tone. He blew a kiss into the phone.
"That's a wonderful thought. Night my Bear," Adam said softly. He returned the air kiss, then ended the call. He was able to fall asleep in a matter of minutes.
Adam woke up feeling rested. In the daylight the house was warm and welcoming. He made breakfast and started their supper. He put together a crock pot of chilli. He used some ground venison he thawed overnight. It had come from Shawn's last deer hunt. He just hoped Bret would like it.
He wore his dark blue scrubs under his doctor's coat. Adam gathered up his things and after setting the security code, went out to the garage, got in his car and left for work. It felt like the first day of a new life, and in many ways, it was.
It was a rather normal day in the Emergency Department. One thing was different, the atmosphere was lighter, Wade was off. It didn't happen often that Wade was off when Adam was on shift, but it was better that way. Work was a lot less; stressful.
It was starting to show that Wade was after something, but no one could put their finger on exactly what. They all kept their opinions of the Englishman to themselves. Adam, however, was totally unaware and considered Barrett a friend. Wade was annoying sometimes with his snobbish ways, but a friend never the less. Maybe it was because Adam felt bad about rejecting Wade for Bret. However, he knew he'd made the right choice.
Adam treated the usual. Sometimes the routine cuts, scrapes and broken bones got boring. Then a severe case would come along, a life would be saved, and it confirmed their jobs were anything thing but routine and boring.
During lunch, Adam filled Shawn and Hunter in on how the move went. They also informed Adam that Jay and Heath were settled into the carriage house. Shawn was tired, he had to work back to back shifts. He told Adam he'd miss him at home. Shawn always knew Adam would see to Hunter while he caught up on his sleep.
Before he went home, Adam went upstairs to check on Chris. He was making a rapid recovery, even his tawny hair was growing back quickly. They made even more peace between them. Chris was truly sorry he'd hurt Adam, but Adam said it was probably best in the long run. When Adam saw Chris and Evan together, he knew they were right for each other.
Evan turned out to be a strong-willed young man. Despite his own broken leg, he was the driving force behind Chris. He didn't put up with any of the rock star's bullshit. Adam actually admired the drummer, and he knew Chris would be well looked after.
That chapter of his life was closed, forever. Adam had a new future to look forward to as did Chris. It gave them both a peaceful feeling as they wished each other well in their new; romantic ventures.
Adam stopped at the grocery store on the way home. He stocked up from the list Bret kept on the fridge, plus he added things he wanted and liked. He bought the things to make corn bread as it would go well with the chilli. He stopped at the store's bakery and bought a couple of slices of blueberry cheese cake, then headed home.
When Bret got home at six fifteen, he smiled. It was nice to pull up to the house and see; life. When he opened the door from the garage to the kitchen he was caught by the wonderful smell of supper.
"Bear!" Adam exclaimed as he walked into the kitchen. His long hair was damp and he was wearing a dark blue, silk robe that ended at his ankles, his feet were bare. He ran into Bret's open arms.
"Oh you feel good, Sugar," Bret said softly as he wrapped his arms around the silk clad body.
"So do you, oh so do you" Adam replied as he melted into Bret's embrace. It was so nice to have someone to care about and be cared for in return. They kissed each other deeply. Adam moaned softly as Bret's hands wandered into the robe and rested on his hips. The flesh under the thin straps of the thong he was wearing, tingled.
"As much as I love this, go shower. Supper will be ready when you're done," Adam said in a soft whisper.
"I could just eat you, lots of protein you know," Bret's voice was low and husky. He eyes were dark with desire.
Adam flushed dark red, "Bear! Go. Shower!"
Bret laughed, "Yes, Sir!" he gave a military salute with a bit of a wink. He hurried off to take his shower.
Adam giggled, it was really nice to have someone come home to him. He picked up Bret's brief case and put it next to his on the foyer table, they looked nice sitting side by side.
The doctor finished making their supper. He grated some sharp cheddar cheese for the chilli and cut the corn bread into serving sized squares. He'd just finished pouring two glasses of ice-cold milk, when Bret reappeared. He was wearing a t-shirt, sweat pants and socks on his feet.
"Venison Chilli?" Bret asked as Adam ladled up two bowls of the delicious smelling food.
As he sprinkled the cheese on top of each bowl, Adam spoke. "Yeah, I hope you don't mind that I used the meat. I do a lot of crock pot cooking, especially when I work days," he explained as he added a dollop of sour cream to the center of each bowl of chilli.
"Not at all. Shawn is always generous. He gives most of the meat to the food bank, but he also shares with me. He knows I love venison. This looks wonderful," Bret said as he carried the two bowls out to the deck. Adam followed with a tray that held the milk and corn bread.
Adam had set the round, redwood table on the deck. He'd put a huge pillar candle with flowers around it in the center. It looked pretty and they had a wonderful view of the mountain sunset.
Bret held Adam's chair out for him. The chair was a bit cold on his butt, the robe was think silk and a thong really offered no protection. He was so happy though, he hardly noticed it.
"This is really nice, you did a great job," Bret said softly as he too sat down. Even Davy never thought to do something like this. Davy could be soft and tender, but he wasn't overly romantic, at least not as much as Adam.
"Thanks. Now, tell me, what's up in the attic? I thought you said I could use it for an art studio," Adam asked in a confused tone.
Bret finished his bite of food with a swallow, "Delicious, really delicious. You'll see after dinner, be patient. Now how did your day go?" Bret asked with a wink and smirk as he ate heartily.
Adam too ate with gusto and in between bites he filled Bret in on work, then he listened while the fireman told about his three days of work. They always chatted so easily together even on the smallest matters.
Bret ate four bowls of chilli and three pieces of corn bread, and drank two glasses of milk. Adam at two bowls each with a piece of corn bread and drank a glass and a half of milk. They decided to save the cheese cake for later.
As they did the dishes, Bret complained that if Adam kept feeding him like this, he'd get fat. Adam laughed and said he knew a way for Bret to get plenty of exercise, and then flashed Bret by seductively pulling his robe off his shoulder and winking at the Captain coyly.
Bret gave a low wolf whistle and swatted Adam on the ass firmly, "I thought you wanted to see the attic? Freeze the leftovers or take to work?" he asked as he held up the large plastic container of leftover chilli.
"Take to work. There's just enough for three, I'll share, unless you want it. Yes! Attic!" Adam said thoughtfully, then excitedly.
"No, share it at work, Shawn will love it. Okay, attic it is," Bret said as he pushed the "start" button on the dish washer. He then took Adam by the hand and led him to the attic stairwell.
"Close your yes and trust me. I won't hurt you or trick you. I just want you to be surprised. Just remember, in the daylight it will look better," Bret said honestly as he held fast to Adam's hand.
"I do trust you, Bear, more than anyone else," Adam said as he closed his eyes as a show of his faith.
Bret led Adam up the stairs, he clicked on the light, "Okay, open your eyes, Sugar." Adam did as requested, he blinked a few times and looked around the room. Bret had turned the space into a full blown art studio.
"Oh Bret, this is; remarkable. You did all this? For me?" Adam was stunned. There was a professional easel, canvases, paints, brushes, sketch pads, colored pencils and drawing pencils. Every possible thing a professional artist would want or need.
"Yes. I thought if you had place to go, you might be inspired. I'm not trying to force you, just encourage you," Bret said worriedly. He hoped Adam took it all the right way. He wanted to be supportive, not pushy.
"Bear this is wonderful. No, no I just need someone to kick me in the pants, you did that. I've been drawing again, now I can paint. The light will be fantastic in the daylight. And these lamps are perfect for the evenings. Thank you, Bret, thank you so very much. You're the only one that's cared enough. Randy thought it was a waste of time and Chris, well, he just never showed an interest. Shawn and Hunter cared, but you know how busy they are. Jason tried but he nagged too much," Adam spoke while he fingered all the art materials.
Bret smiled, "I'm glad you like it. That's what I wanted to do, just support and encourage. Give you the tools. Besides, I have my workbench in the garage. We each need our own thing," Bret took Adam in his arms. He looked into the beautiful hazel eyes. He loved Davy deeply, but Adam was worming his way into his heart, in a huge way.
"You are right about that, we each do need our own space and place, where we can do our own thing. Right now though, Captain Hart, I want to do my own thing with you. This ass is all yours to do with as you please," Adam's voice was low and seductive as he toyed with the hair at the base of the firefighter's neck.
"You little slut, I'll fuck you till you can't walk. Now get downstairs and get in the bed," Bret growled deeply. He kissed Adam roughly, he pulled on the long, blond locks as he bent Adam's head back.
Adam whimpered at the older man's roughness. It always charged him sexually, to be treated like a dirty slut, especially when Bret was so damn good at it. It was so different from the rough handling from Randy. Randy's was abusive and motivated by anger. Bret's was commanding and motivated by love, trust made the difference. Adam nearly fell over his feet as he flew down the stairs.
Bret laughed, the joy and happiness Adam brought him was worth the money setting up the art studio had taken. After Davy, he'd given up all hope of falling in love again. In love? Yes, Bret Hart realized he was totally, hopelessly in love with Doctor Adam Joseph Copeland. He chased down the stairs after Adam; his hope and future followed as well.
As Adam rushed to the bedroom, he realized he was happier than he'd ever been in his life. Not even Chris had made him this happy. He thought after Chris, he'd never fall in love again. In love? Yes, Adam Copeland realized he was totally, hopelessly in love with Captain Bret Sargent Hart. He ran into the bedroom; his hope and future followed as well.
Bret got to the bedroom, he stopped short. Adam was standing on the bed, moving his lithe body to the beat of the music playing on the bedside clock/radio. The beat was slow, almost sensuous. Adam moved from the bed to the floor, he moved towards his lover. His robe opened as he walked, each step revealed his muscular, but smoothly soft, creamy thighs.
When he got to Bret, he stood in front of him, his right hand reached over and slid up the firefighters chest. His left hand untied the belt on his robe. All the time his hands were busy, his hips swayed to the beat of the music.
As Bret watched Adam's movements, he felt the heat growing between his legs. His eyes darkened and filled with lustful desire. There was something else, hidden behind the lust, the one thing that made Adam more confident; love.
The Captain hooked his fingers into the band of Adam's barely there, aptly colored, fire engine red thong. He knelt and slid the thong down Adam's long, curvy legs. Adam raised each foot in time to the music, allowing Bret to totally remove the fabric. Bret tossed the bit of material across the room.
Adam hooked his fingers under Bret's chin and indicated for the man to stand again. The physician moved and swayed to the music as he used the firefighter as dance pole. Arms and legs entwined around the strong, muscular body. Bret had never been so turned on before. He'd never been used as a dance pole before either. When Adam's leg wrapped around his waist, he nearly lost it. The movement made Adam's robe slide off his shoulders. His long blond hair was mussed in such a way that he already looked he'd had a long romp in the bed.
With a deep growl, Bret grabbed Adam around the waist, "If you don't stop, you're going to be in real trouble! No only will you not be able to walk, you won't even be able to crawl," his voice was like hot wind in Adam's ear. Bret emphasized his intentions with a nip to Adam's left ear. It made the blond whimper.
Adam curled his body even more around Bret. His fingers entwined in the hairs at the base of the firefighters neck, "Is that a threat or a promise?" Adam's voice was as lust filled as his lover's.
"Oh Sugar, that is a promise. Now, get that robe off, get on the bed, spread those naughty legs open and show me how much you want me," Bret's words were forceful and commanding. They sent a shiver down Adam's spine.
Adam moved toward the bed, he dropped the robe from his body with a "swish" of silk. When he got to the foot of the bed, he crawled across the mattress on his hands and knees. His hard cock bobbed, his heavy ball sack swayed as he moved. Each forward motion gave Bret a flash of his pinkish, puckered hole. Bret watched as Adam's body teased him. It only took a matter of seconds for him to strip out of his clothes, his fire training did have a few other good uses. His own cock was leaking and throbbed with desire.
Adam lay on his back. He pulled his legs up and spread them wide, "Want you, need you," he whispered in a needy whimper. He reached down with his right hand and began to stroke his cock with slow, seductive movements.
"See how hard you make me. Get over here and show me who's boss," Adam continued to speak in a lustful whisper as he kept stroking himself.
Bret let out another growl as he moved toward the bed. If Adam wanted to play rough and dirty, he wouldn't disappoint his boy. He watched as Adam played with himself. It was making the Captain's cock so hard it ached. He remained silent as he leered at his lover. He was teasing Adam and he damn well knew it.
Adam whimpered, he wanted Bret; badly, "Please Bret, please. I need you to fuck me, now!" his hand pumped his cock faster.
"Shut the fuck up you slut. I'll fuck you when I want, you naughty little whore!" Bret growled again. He moved even closer to the bed. Both he and Adam were so sexually charged, it almost snapped and sizzled in the air.
Adam's reply came in the most sluttish, whorish, moaning, begging whimper Bret had ever heard. He was torn between torturing his boy further or just fucking the daylights out of him.
Bret took hold of his own cock, "You want this big, juicy dick in your tight, dirty, little hole?" he continued to tease as he climbed onto the bed.
"Yes, oh please! YES! Fuck my dirty hole, please!" Adam was nearly crying with wanton desire. He pulled his cock even harder, his hips began to thrust up as he fucked his hand.
That was more than Bret could take. He laid on his back next to the lust filled doctor. He grabbed the tube of lube and slicked up his own shaft, he had a plan. He hoped Adam was agreeable. Rough was one thing, force was another.
"Come up here and ride my big dick," Bret husked as he looked at his lover. Adam nearly whimpered with pleasure. He moved to Bret and straddled his slim hips. Hart had every intention of prepping Adam first, but the doctor took him by utter surprise. With a groan, Adam lined his pucker up with Bret's shaft. He slowly impaled himself on the hard shaft of quivering flesh. It stretched and burned like hell. He whimpered and moaned as he worked himself onto Bret's cock.
Bret's eyes rolled back, it felt so damn good. Adam was so tight and hot. He only worried that he was hurting his lover in a bad way. "Easy baby boy. I was going to prep you first," Bret said in a worried tone. His hands rested on the tops of Adam's thighs.
Adam's arms were braced on Bret's muscular chest, his palms over the firefighters nipples. "I'm okay. Like it hard, fuck me, Bret. Just rip me open!" he cried out in hesitant, panting breaths.
Bret knew then Adam was alright and more importantly, trusted him enough to "play" rough. It meant a lot to the Captain and he intended to reward his beautiful lover.
The firefighter and physician proceeded to have one of the hottest and dirtiest rounds of sex either had ever experienced. Their souls were deeply connected. It enabled them to trust each other and that made all the difference.
They came together with roaring screams. The kind of screams that left no doubt of the tremendous pleasure they had just experienced. Had any other living creature heard them, they would have been jealous. Adam fell on top of Bret, his spent body wrapped in Bret's arms. His cum ran down Bret's sides and Bret's dribbled from Adam's well used hole, down his thighs.
With the feeling of sexual satisfaction coursing through them, the couple fell into a deep, contented and relaxed sleep. They knew in their heart of hearts that after this, they absolutely, without a doubt, belonged to each other, totally and utterly completely.