Wolves of the Pacific

by greenpeach20

In 1902, Renesmee Cullen grew tired of the tedious life of moving around with her family and decided to make the journey west as a mail order bride. Yet a chance encounter with a reddish brown wolf would change her life forever.

99. Chapter 99

Chapter 99

As she promised she would, Natalie kept her chin up and shadowed the head waitress and improved with every day she worked. She would still be reminded she needed to smile, but by the end of her first week of work, she'd been able to work without being shadowed or looked after. Ada María was dancing most every night and had even convinced Mrs. Taylor to periodically let her do her own dancing to some jazz music and the patrons seemed fond of the show. Natalie was surprised when she realized working really was making her feel better. It kept her occupied, she was talking to people again and she was even making money to contribute to the household. She felt like she was being useful for a change instead of moping around doing nothing. When he saw the improvements to Natalie's mood, JJ finally ceased his skepticism and even went to the inn after work from time to time to give Natalie encouragement.

Amber was gaining confidence as well while working for Kevin. By the time Natalie finished her first week of work, Amber was an equal partner in all the work that Linda did. Amber still assisted Kevin single handedly but was able to assist Linda with the other cases. Anna obtained work at the Synagogue helping to run the little daycare they had. Typically toddlers whose parents both worked the mother needed someone to look after their children for the day for whatever reason. Within a few weeks, Levi was ready to start looking for an apartment that they could move into, though Kevin continued to reassure there was no rush. He even tried convincing Levi to stay long enough so they could afford a down payment on a house instead. Anna tried to convince Levi of the same and he did eventually relent but encouraged Anna and Amber to contribute to that fund so they could afford a place as soon as possible. That evening after dinner, Kevin was in the candle room with Amber with the door wide open and Anna and Levi outside in the living room.

"Why is Levi so determined to leave? Makes me think I'm not being a good host," Kevin joked.

"You know how daddy is," Amber said as she was dipping the candle in the wax. "He doesn't like having to depend on you. He wants to get us out and taking care of us on his own. Between you and I, having to live here has him feeling….I guess slightly emasculated. He doesn't like having to depend on his future son-in-law to keep a roof over his and his wife's heads. He just wants to return to being independent. Part of it is returning things back to the way they were."

"I see," Kevin said. "I just don't want you all to think I expect you out as soon as possible. I would rather help a little and make sure they get a house close by. Levi's alright with that at least isn't he?"

"He is with the way you framed it," Amber said with a light smile. Then she giggled just a little.

"What's funny?"

"I'm just imagining years from now when we have children. I thought about maybe our child got in trouble for something and just running off to grandma's and grandpa's for protection."

Kevin chuckled, "I tried that when I was a boy. It didn't work."

"Which grandparents?"

"Both," Kevin chuckled. "One time I didn't want to go to bed or something so I left our teepee back when we'd still lived in one and marched over to my grandparents' teepee. They were not very sympathetic to my plait as I'm sure you can imagine."

Amber smiled, "That sounds like something your grandparents would do from what I've been told of them. I wish I could have met them."

"Me too," Kevin said sadly. "You would have loved Grandma Sara. She would have loved you. She was one of the sweetest women I've known in my life. I'm relieved she died in her sleep and lived to a ripe age, but I just wish we could have been there to see her one last time. I'm told Grandpa had vehemently insisted she be buried on the island where we bury our chiefs so he could be buried with her."

"That's very sweet I think," Natalie said. "I know that's what mom and daddy will want when they pass away. I just hope it'll be a good long time before that happens."

"It will be," Kevin reassured lovingly. He was silent a moment watching Amber dip the candle to create the correct pattern and followed her to a chair while she got the candle ready for carving. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure," Amber said.

"Have you enjoyed working at the Law Firm?"

"I have," Amber smiled. "I've felt a lot better since working again."

"I'm glad to hear it," Kevin smiled and then looked down at his hands. "Have…or how are you feeling about…." Kevin wasn't able to finish his thought and rubbed the back of his neck.

"About getting married?" Amber asked after she realized what he was referring to.

"Yeah," Kevin finally said. "You seem like you're starting to feel much better. I won't push if you're not ready but….I just thought I'd ask."

Amber nodded absently while she carved. She finished the candle and dipped it in the water before leaving it to hang for a moment. "I don't know," she finally answered honestly. "I want to marry you. I just don't know if I'm ready to."

"Alright," Kevin smiled reassuringly. "I just wanted to ask." Amber glanced out the door to see if her parents were listening. Anna was napping against Levi's shoulder while he read the paper, appearing engrossed in that.

"I don't know if I'm ready to be intimate again," Amber admitted in a hushed voice. "I know you'd never force anything but…..I don't want our first night as husband and wife is just going to bed because I'm not ready to give myself over to my husband."

"I know," Kevin said. "I don't want you to think I'm forcing the matter or anything."

"You're not," Amber reassured. "And I appreciate that."

Kevin smiled at her lovingly. "One day. When you're ready." Amber smiled back and secreted a kiss from him before taking the candle to flatten the bottom on an iron and then dipping in the varnish.

Anastasia and her mother had sped through arrangements for hers and Harold's wedding. She determined they would marry in April, finally finalizing the color scheme to spring colors. She'd sent the Save the Date notifications by October and had Alphonse had even made arrangements with a local newspaper that the wedding would be featured in the papers upon Ana's insistence. To her, the wedding of a Princess's daughter to a wealthy lawyer from a good well to do family was certainly news worthy. Alphonse wasn't quite in agreement with that, but he didn't argue. In truth, he wasn't certain the newspaper was needed given the guest count had somehow reached 500 people and counting it seemed. Ana had invited cousins and family in Paris that they never spoke to as well as cousins in Austria that Alphonse never spoke to. Clients were being invited, their families were being invited, even Kevin's relatives were being invited which took them all by surprise.

"Is she planning to invite the whole state?" Amber asked Kevin when she saw him looking at the save the date at his desk back home.

"Wouldn't surprise me," Kevin chuckled a little. "She's a socialite more or less. It's to be expected."

"She's a spoiled princess more appropriately," Amber sighed.

"She is a spoiled little princess, but she's a good girl," Kevin said. "When were you planning to make that unity candle for her?"

"Closer to the date," Amber said. "Usually, we'd finish a candle for brides about 2 months in advance. It gives them time to replace it if something happens or for us to redo it if it's not perfect or we made a mistake. I already told Alphonse."

"Okay," Kevin said. "Are you excited about the wedding?"

"Not particularly," Amber admitted. "Does she even know all the people she's inviting?"

"Not a chance," Kevin chuckled. "She might know Embry, but not well enough to invite him. She's never met Kyle I'm rather certain, but he's been invited too. Kyle might go if Evalina can come with. I suspect the highly likelihood to be that you and I will go and that's about it from my side. Your parents are welcome to come if they want, though."

"That's alright, Kevin, we wouldn't want to impose," Levi said from the couch while he read the paper and made Kevin laugh a little. "Also, Kevin, I don't suppose America has Beer Halls."

"Only bars I'm afraid," Kevin said. "Although I'm sure they still sell beer."

"If you're free Friday evening, perhaps we could go drinking. I don't think we've done that since we lived in Germany."

"I'd say that's true," Kevin said. "I'll be home early and we'll go out drinking together."

"Only three beers," Anna said sternly.

"Yes, darling," Levi said and Kevin grinned but stayed quiet. Amber looked at Kevin with a gentle smile.

"If you drink more than that, we'll know," Amber said.

"Yes, darling," Kevin answered and Amber giggled before leaving the office so Kevin could finish what he'd been working on. Kevin went on patrol that night. Embry was there as well and Kevin asked if he'd like to go drinking with him and Levi on Friday with Embry agreed sounded like fun and said he'd invite a few people. Since it was appearing there would be a lot of people joining them, they agreed they'd go drinking at the inn in Forks. "Levi," Kevin said to Levi that morning when they were in the car driving to work together.

"Yeah?"

"I hope it's alright, but I invited Embry to join us this Friday. He'll be inviting several others so we thought it would be fun to go to the Inn in Forks. Is that alright? Or would you rather just you and me go to a bar in the city?"

"We'll save that for another night," Levi said. "I don't think I've really gotten to know many in your family except your parents and grandparents."

"Then after work, we'll drop Amber off at the house and go straight to Forks. I'll warn you, I'm a fast driver. Usually it takes about three hours to drive to Forks if you go north of the mountain, but I can get us there in an hour and a half."

"Isn't that illegal to speed like that?"

"Only if you get caught," Kevin joked.

Levi laughed but it was in nervousness. Then Kevin dropped Levi off at the bank and got him and Amber to the Law Firm for their day. By that Friday, Embry had invited Nathan, Travis, Peta, he'd convinced JJ to join them, Taraq and Bayaq to go drinking with them at the inn. They agreed they'd meet there at 7 and spend the night if need be. Kevin picked up Levi from work, they dropped off Amber at the house and promised they'd be safe, and started the long drive to Forks.

"How have you been enjoying the bank?" Kevin asked.

"It's been therapeutic if you can believe such a thing," Levi smiled. "It's good to be working again. We're doing well in raising the money for a down payment on a house. We might even be able to afford a house in that neighborhood."

"I'll gladly help if you need a little more for a down payment if it means you and Anna can stay close. Amber and I were joking once that it would be nice for your grandkids to be able to stop over to yours and Anna's house when we're mistreating them."

Levi laughed, "Anna will love that thought. When you and Amber first spoke of getting married, that was the one thing that made us apprehensive of it. That being that we'd be in Europe and you two would be here and we'd only see our grandchildren during the summer or Hanukkah."

"I can reassure you with complete certainty you'll see them whenever you want. Then when you get bored with them, you can send them right home."

Levi chuckled, "I'm sure we'll never get bored with them." Levi sighed a little and laid his head back against the headrest of the seat. "You know, I've never been so happy to talk to you about these things. When can Anna and I finally expect these grandchildren you keep talking about?"

Kevin lost his smile momentarily, "I can't say for sure. It'll depend on when Amber's ready to get married."

"Why the delay?" Levi asked. "How long have you and my daughter been engaged?"

"18 years," Kevin said with a sorrow in his voice. "Fuck me, I can't believe it's been that long. Sorry to swear, but-"

"It's alright," Levi reassured.

"You know, when I first told her I wanted to marry her, we used to talk about it all the time. If I'd told you right then and there how I felt….I can't help but wonder what would have been. I keep thinking we'd have married long ago and we'd already have our children together. She'd asked me once whether we'd have had a boy or girl by the time it had been three years since I'd given her that bracelet. I tossed a coin and determined we'd have had a son by then. To think we could have had a fifteen or fourteen year old son by now."

"No point in thinking of what might have been," Levi said. "It would be more productive to think of when you two will actually marry."

"I truthfully don't know," Kevin said.

"You don't know?" Levi asked. Kevin was silent as he stared out onto the road, taking deep breaths.

"She said she's not ready to marry me yet," Kevin finally admitted. "When I came home, she said she wanted to wait and I told her I'd respect her decision."

"Did she explain why?" Levi asked, but Kevin didn't answer right away. He wasn't sure he was comfortable telling him.

"It's a personal reason," Kevin finally said.

"A personal reason she explained to you?" Levi asked and Kevin nodded. "I recall Anna telling me that Officer Schneider had…grown to favor her. Is that true?" Kevin hesitated but eventually nodded.

"Kyle's fiancé killed him before I could get to him," Kevin muttered cruelly.

"I see," Levi said. "So that's what this is about."

"More or less," Kevin said.

"You can speak bluntly with me, Kevin," Levi said. "You'd already been honest with me about the extent of yours and Amber's relationship. And despite what I told you, I'm not so stupid to think it never happened again after that."

"Levi-"

"It's alright, Kevin," Levi sighed. "Once you've tasted the forbidden fruit as it were, it's hard not to eat. I learned that first hand when Anna and I were engaged to marry. As to Amber, I assume what happened doesn't change anything from your end?"

"Of course not," Kevin said. "I've told her as much. I told her I'd wait as long as she needed."

"But it's starting to weigh on you," Levi said what Kevin didn't want to admit.

"Not even a few months and I'm growing impatient," Kevin muttered, not bothering to deny it. "I didn't let her know, but when she said she wasn't ready, that was like salt in my wounds. After all this time of me promising her this and that, I finally have a chance to make good on everything I promised her and she's not ready. Maybe I deserve it."

"Why would you deserve it? Kevin, what happened isn't your fault."

"It's a moot point," Kevin said. "I should have just put my foot down and got the three of you into America."

"As illegal aliens? I don't think so."

"Better illegal aliens than criminals in your own home," Kevin said.

"You and Amber seem to share the same problem. You're both dwelling on the past. You're not solving anything by doing that."

"Then all I can do is sit back and wait," Kevin said.

"No," Levi said. "You both need to encourage one another. Working at that Law Firm has done good for her. It's given her a renewed sense of normalcy. So take it another step further and start courting again. Take her to movies, go to the park together, anything. Anna and I will tag along to keep things appropriate. We'll even go to your partner's daughter's wedding with you both. I'll not turn down a free party."

"Do you think that would be alright? I don't want her to think I'm rushing her."

"You aren't rushing her, Kevin," Levi said. "You're reminding her why she fell in love with you in the first place. That's what you need to do. She'll never be willing to move forward if you don't help her put the past in the past and remind her of the future you two have together. Don't you think?" Kevin didn't take his eyes off the road, but he did smile.

"I think I'll do that," Kevin said. "Thank you for the advice, Levi."

"Not at all," Levi said. "You made my little girl happy. It's time you did that again."

"I'm glad we could have this talk," Kevin said. "I don't suppose we can keep this between us."

"Of course," Levi nodded.

Levi spoke a little more of his new job during the drive, trying to help Kevin get his mind off things for the night. That night was supposed to be about catching up and recreating good times. When they arrived in Forks, Embry and everyone he'd invited were already at the inn standing outside waiting. Ada María and Natalie were already there for work and had promised Mrs. Taylor would reserve a large table for them and that they were welcome to a few rooms if they found they'd had a little too much fun. Natalie took care of their table and when she came over, Nathan was quick to offer encouragement.

"How has the night been so far, Natalie?" Nathan asked.

"It's been alright," Natalie said. "I'm getting better. We have a lot of regulars and they're very nice."

"That's good to hear," Nathan said. "We'll all be nice to you; I promise. So when's Ada going to be on next?"

"I think she'll be on in another twenty minutes," Natalie said. "She's rather popular, so be prepared for cat calls."

"She's awfully proud of it too," Nathan chuckled. "Does this place have anything besides beer?"

"The bar serves bourbon and whiskey and soda."

"I'll take a beer then," Nathan said. Everyone else ordered a beer as well and Natalie left to put in the order at the bar and put in the order for the food they'd asked for.

"Natalie seems like she's feeling better," Kevin said.

"I wasn't keen on this at first, but it really has helped," JJ admitted. "She still has moments where she gets really depressed, but she says she hasn't been having as many bad dreams and she's in a much better mood."

"I'm so sorry about your loss," Levi said to the group. "I know I've said it before, but I feel it bears repeating. I only knew him for a short time, but what I knew of him I was very fond of. You really do look just like him, JJ."

"So I'm told," JJ said. "I've been told that most of my life honestly. It used to make me so proud but now it just depresses me. Sometimes I can't stand to look in the mirror because of it."

"Well, your dad was a good looking guy," Peta said. "Don't let inheriting his good looks make you feel guilty." JJ shrugged and just fiddled with his napkin. Not long after, Natalie returned with all the beers. She gave JJ's his last and gave him a kiss on his head.

"Don't go too crazy, okay JJ?"

"Yes mom," JJ mumbled, feeling slightly embarrassed but holding Natalie's hand a moment before she walked away. After they started drinking, Levi sighed a little.

"I miss German beer," Levi said.

"Me too," Kevin said.

"Do you think you'll ever want to return to Germany?" Embry asked. "I don't mean to live but to visit."

"It won't be for a very long time if we did," Levi said. "I've quite liked it here actually."

"I'll bet," Embry said. "How have Anna and Amber liked it here?"

"Anna's fond of it," Levi said. "Amber's started to like it more since Kevin got her that job with his law firm. She's starting to be more like herself again."

"She's been doing great," Kevin smiled and looked at Levi knowingly. A song changed that was being played by the band and they glanced at the stage and saw Ada María come onto stage to start dancing to some Jazz.

"Is she alright to work?" Levi asked. "I thought you two just had a baby."

"Yeah, Gabriel," Nathan said. "Scarlet and Ariel are okay to look after Jaedynn and Gabriel. If there's a problem, my mom is just down the hill. Ada María's here to help look after Natalie but she also wanted to return to a more night fancy life. She used to run a bar in Brazil and she still owns it. Her brother's been looking after it for her. She misses it."

"She did strike me as a free spirit when I first met her," Levi said.

"She's certainly that," Nathan said and smiled while he watched her on stage. "She's liked being able to dance again. She likes being fawned over like this." As if for emphasis, a few men in the front row began to whistle as Ada María did her twists and spins that made the skirt of her dress fly and show off her legs.

"She's a very talented dancer," Levi said.

"She was taught how to tango by a woman in Colombia. I think it was Colombia. Before that, she was training with a circus. She has training as an acrobat and everything."

"How old is your wife?" Levi asked after trying to conceive the length of time for all those events.

"Older," Nathan said with a light chuckle. Everyone at the table had a small laugh at that and Levi took the hint and didn't push. It wasn't as though he didn't know what they all were but knowing that, Ada María's age really was irrelevant.

"How has married life been treating you two?" Levi asked.

"It's been great," Nathan said. "She's been great with Jaedynn too. Given it was thrown on her lap, she's taken greatly to helping me raise her."

"Jaedynn just turned a year old, right?" Peta asked.

"Yeah, she's a year old now," Nathan said. "I used to worry she wouldn't like me or might be scared of me or something when I came home but she's been the sweetest thing. She's a hyper little thing and is easy to amuse."

"She's a cute kid," Embry nodded. "How's Gabriel been?"

"He's been good," Nathan said. "Kid's growing like a weed. He's already creeping onto looking about Jaedynn's age. Ada's already used to it since Ariel grew up that way, but I'm used to how Scarlet and Jaedynn are growing up."

"I remember Amber growing up that way," Levi said. "We'd been worrying about her Bot Mitzvah before she was even five. She grew up too fast on us to be sure."

"Amber's 29 now isn't she?" Peta asked Kevin.

"Yeah, she's 29," Kevin nodded solemnly.

"Is she still not ready to get married?" Embry asked.

"Yeah," Kevin said.

"I'd told him he needs to start taking her out more often," Levi said. "There's a lovely park down town that I know she'll enjoy. It has hiking trails as I recall. That sounds like it might be relaxing."

"Maybe we can do that Sunday," Kevin said. The jazz number that had been playing ended and Ada María left the stage to the sound of resounding applause and she smiled at them all as though each man was the only man in the room. "She has a talent for making them all feel special it seems."

"She does," Nathan chuckled. A few minutes later, Ada María came out just as Natalie had come to the table with their food they'd ordered.

"How're you enjoying your drinks?" Ada María asked as she rubbed his shoulders.

"Kevin and Levi are complaining the beer's not as good as German beer," Nathan teased and Ada María giggled.

"I'm sorry the beer isn't to your liking, gentleman," she teased.

"It'll do," Kevin played along. "You look like you're enjoying yourself up there."

"It's good to be back on stage," Ada María said. She leaned down so she was right by Nathan's ear. "Mrs. Taylor may have to watch herself before I buy this place right out from under her."

Nathan chuckled, "If anyone could do it, you could. Speaking of which, have you heard back from Marcello?"

"I got a letter the other day with my share of the money the bar earned most recently. I replied to him that we'd go to Brazil next summer and we'd iron out the details of the business. It'll stay my property as far as I'm concerned, but we can make arrangements for Marcello to be a full time manager. He has been the past five years already."

"What about your parents? Has he said anything about whether or not they know about the wedding?" Nathan asked.

"He said in his letter they haven't returned to Brazil yet. He thinks they're likely back in Chile by now so it'll be a while before they return to Brazil."

"Do you think we'll see them when we go back over the summer?" Nathan asked.

"That's the more likely scenario I'd think," Ada María said. Then she kissed Nathan's cheek and straightened upright. "I'd better get ready for my next skit. You boys have fun." Ada María walked away leaving the men at the table to talk.

"Travis," Kevin said, noticing Travis was picking at his food. "How've you been? I haven't had a chance to talk to you in a while."

"I've been fine," Travis said. "I got a job up in Port Angeles working for a manufacturing company."

"That's good," Kevin said. "Have you gotten any word on Pvt. Barker? He stayed in Europe right?"

"Yeah," Travis nodded. "I haven't heard anything. I don't anticipate I will."

"should have shot him when I had the chance,"Embry muttered to himself in Quileute. "Ungrateful Pigeon doesn't appreciate a good thing when it slaps him across the face."

"Who's Pvt. Barker?" Levi asked.

"No one important," Kevin said. "Just a friend we'd met from the war."

"I told my family about it,"Travis continued in Quileute. "About Oscar and my preferences."

"What did they say?" Peta asked.

"Not much of anything,"Travis said. "They said that was alright and mom said she just wanted me to be happy."

"I knew they wouldn't be upset with you,"Embry smiled reassuringly. "Now if only that worthless bird had been worth your time."

"Things might not have ended up the way I wanted, but I still love him,"Travis said and returned Embry's smile. "I know you're just trying to be supportive, but it's really alright. I've come to terms with it."

"If you say so," Embry mumbled, unconvinced, and took a sip of his beer.

"Is everything alright?" Levi asked Kevin.

"Yeah, everything's fine," Kevin reassured. "Sorry to speak Quileute. It's our first language, so it's a habit sometimes."

"No, I understand," Levi said. "Anna and I do that all the time. Frustrates the other congregants something awful."

"They can be patient," Kevin said. "Speaking of, I don't suppose you and Anna have made the Rabi waver any in letting Amber and I have a Jewish wedding?"

"We're chipping away at him for you," Levi said. "I've gotten him to agree to you two setting a date and then being willing to talk," Levi chuckled a little.

"Better answer than I ever got," Kevin smiled.

"You'll be in for a long day," Bayaq said. "If you and Amber are having a ceremony downtown and another back home, how do you plan to get everyone from the city to the beach?"

"The people that are invited to that ceremony can get there rather easily," Kevin said. "The Quileute ceremony will be strictly family."

"What about Levi and Anna?" Taraq asked.

"Kevin managed to drive us here in an hour," Levi said. "I can't say I was calm the whole time you were driving, but if any of your other relatives can get us to the beach that fast, I'm sure it'll be fine."

"I assure you, my grandparents can drive faster," Kevin joked and when Levi shivered they all laughed.

Despite the beer being less in quality to what Levi remembered from Germany, he swallowed down three beers but did not exceed that as Anna had asked. However, they all did a round of Whiskey together – straight – and that put everyone in an even better mood. Kevin and Levi opted to use the rooms at the inn to sleep off their drunken state they'd gotten themselves in while the others returned home. Nathan and JJ stayed until Ada María and Natalie were done for the night and walked them home. Kevin and Levi didn't leave the next day until it was approaching noon. They were lucky enough to catch the end of breakfast at least, but Levi couldn't stomach more than some strong coffee. Kevin was in better shape so he was able to drive them home. He took his time driving home so Levi could nap the whole drive. By the time they'd returned back to Kevin's house, Levi had already slept off his hangover. He felt better enough to suggest that, perhaps, they should all take a walk through the neighborhood together, all the while giving Kevin a knowing stare from time to time.

"So did you and the others have a good time?" Amber asked Kevin while they were all walking together. Levi and Anna had, conveniently, slowed so they were a few feet away from Amber and Kevin, giving them some modest privacy, though Amber hadn't seemed to notice.

"We had a great time," Kevin said. "Only three beers, like we promised."

"I'm happy to hear it," Amber said. "How is everyone doing?"

"They're doing fine," Kevin said. "Travis is working now and so is Embry. He's gotten back into construction. He actually helped build the park we're all going to." Kevin chuckled a little. "They're some spinning toy on the playground. I can't remember what it's called, but he and the others had a hard time installing it so when he got back to my house, he told me our future children had better appreciate it."

Amber smiled, "If he set it up, I'm sure they'll love it. Is he saying it's not safe?"

"I haven't heard of there being any problems with it except kids spinning for too long and giving themselves motion sickness."

"Well, Embry can't be held responsible for that," Amber giggled. As they got closer, she could overhear all the kids that were playing in the distance. There were a few kids taking up the road playing baseball together. "Should they be playing in the street? They might get hurt."

"I'm more worried they'll break someone's window," Kevin said. "As far as I'm aware, the district is redoing the baseball diamond behind the playground, so they'll have that back soon. I think there's a big open field where they can play football too." Kevin looked at Amber and noticed she looked a little sad. "What's wrong?"

"It just occurred to me we don't have any of our pictures anymore," Amber said. "Remember that picture you'd sent me years ago when you still attended Yale? You'd gotten a picture with a dog."

"Handsome Dan," Kevin said.

"Yeah, Handsome Dan. You'd sent me a little toy of Handsome Dan too. There are so many things we lost either when we fled Germany or when we went into hiding."

"I'd rather you and your parents be safe than worry about a picture of me from college," Kevin said. "My mom has a copy of it if you want it."

"I'm tempted to ask," Amber said. "But if it's hers, I can't take it."

"She can get a copy made," Kevin reassured. "I'm sure it wouldn't be any trouble." Amber smiled a little but didn't continue. "I'm sure mom has some other pictures she'd be willing to give to you or make copies of if you wanted it."

"If she doesn't mind," Amber said. "There are so many things you gave me that I don't have anymore. The star you gave me, your dog tags, the pictures, and your letters. They're all gone." Kevin saw a tear start to form but he gently brushed it away before it could fall.

"Better material things than you," Kevin said. "I can replace all that other stuff."

"I know," Amber mumbled. "I just miss them." Rather boldly, Kevin took Amber's hand in his reassuringly.

"I'll talk to dad later and ask about those pictures for you," Kevin said and kissed her head. He heard Levi clear his throat from behind them. Amber blushed and pulled her hand away and Kevin smiled a little, slightly amused. "Sorry about that."

"It's alright," Amber said and tucked a curl behind her ear. The flash of her ring on her finger and the bracelets she wore made him smile a little more.

"I don't think we've ever been on a date with your parents present before," Kevin said. "It's always been us in the candle room or in the living room so they could keep an eye on us."

"I suppose this is the more appropriate way for us to go out," Amber said, blushing a little more. Soon they reached the park Kevin had mentioned and it was packed with children and mothers sitting on the benches together keeping an eye on their children talking about the latest radio airing of The Guiding Light from the previous day.

"That's the toy I was telling you about that Embry helped install," Kevin said, pointing at a spinning disk with bars on which children spun. A little girl was sitting on it while her friend or sister held onto one of the bars and ran around, spinning her.

"I can see how that might get nauseating," Amber said. "They look like they're enjoying themselves though."

"The kids love the playground to be sure," Kevin said. "Kids have it good. When I was a boy, we had to entertain ourselves by climbing trees and cliff diving. We never had much more than a swing in my grandparents' back yard." Amber snickered. "What?"

"You sound so old," Amber said as she fought a laugh.

"I'll remind you that your means of entertainment were much the same," Kevin said with a smile.

"Mom and daddy always made sure I had nice toys," Amber said. "You did too as a matter of fact. You'd given me a teddy bear when I was little. I loved that bear."

"They're still popular as far as I'm aware," Kevin said. As it turned out, one of the ladies at the park was a woman from the synagogue, so she invited Amber and Anna to sit with her and talk. Levi went over to Kevin as the three ladies talked. Kevin located that woman's son and kept an eye on him, watching the young boy play on the monkey bars with a few other children.

"This is a lovely playground," Levi said. "Embry did a great job with it."

"I'm glad you approve," Kevin smiled. "The elementary school is a few blocks from here. When I'd checked into it, I heard good things about it."

"And this playground's not a very long walk from your house."

"I think there's a house for sale down the road from here," Kevin said. "I could look into it and see if you can make an offer on it."

"If it's the house I'm thinking of, then that's too big," Levi said. "A two bedroom is more than sufficient since it'll only be me and Anna once you and Amber marry. A second room can be for the children to use if they ever spend the night, but that would be all we'd need."

"That's probably better," Kevin agreed.

"Besides, I doubt we could afford quite so big a house," Levi said. "Not now anyway. With Anna and Amber both pitching in, I think we can afford a down payment by January."

"I'll gladly help if you'd like," Kevin said.

"Yes, Kevin, I know, but that's alright," Levi said and then chuckled. "You keep up this pestering and you'll start making me feel bad about turning you down."

"I'd prefer to just make you agree," Kevin joked.

"You can help by keeping your eyes peeled for a nice little house in the neighborhood for us," Levi smiled. "We'll keep that on hold for the time being, though. Then once we've put down that money for the house, we can start saving up for the wedding again."

"I'll pay for the wedding," Kevin said. "I'll insist on that."

"Generally, the bride's family pays for the wedding," Levi said.

"I know, but I still want to pay for it. You can help of course, but I don't want there to be anything denied her."

"What would she want that it might be so expensive?" Levi asked.

"I haven't asked for specifics yet," Kevin said. "We never really got a chance to go that far. But once we can start planning, I want it to be everything she ever hoped for and more."

"Are we looking at the type of wedding Miss Heidelberg's getting?" Levi joked.

"If that's what Amber wants," Kevin said. "I want it to be the best day of her life."

"It will be, Kevin. No matter what you set up, it will be. It will be because she's marrying you."

"I know," Kevin said. "I still want it to be special."

"Just don't go too crazy," Levi finally relented with a gentle smile. "It's not a transaction or something like a royal wedding. It's about the two of you." At such a mentioning, Kevin suddenly thought back to Alphonse's wedding. Everything had been breathtaking about the whole day. The food was great, the view was spectacular and the music had been perfect for the ballroom dancing. Yet what stood out to him on that day was how miserable Alphonse had been. Ana too, of course, to be fair to her.

"It won't be like Alphonse's wedding," Kevin said. "Even if only by the fact that we want to get married."

"So your business partner was 'set up' as it were?"

"Effectively," Kevin said. "As I recall it, his mother told him to either get married or lose his inheritance so he agreed to marry Ana. The irony of it all is he lost his inheritance anyway after the crash. And his father to boot."

"You'd said his father hanged himself did you not?"

"He did," Kevin nodded. "It was a hard time for all of us. I'm relieved we moved past it. But now we're in a boom and everyone's eager to take advantage of it."

"So I've noticed," Levi said. "I think so long as you and Amber are getting married it'll be the best day of her life. Don't let yourself worry so much. Let's focus on setting a date first."

"You're right," Kevin said.

Kevin watched the boy he'd been looking after as he ran around the playground with the other children like a bat out of hell. He seemed to find one thing he wanted to play with only to see another thing he wanted to play with and going to the next thing. Kevin started picturing it was his and Amber's child running around the playground. They'd talked about it so much and he missed it. He missed just discussing the hypothetical with her. He pictured their children spending their time at the playground after school or going to their grandparents' house or them all spending Hanukkah together. He pictured a little boy or girl helping Anna make mushroom tarts and latkes or Matzo Ball soup or a roast for a holiday. He pictured those same children on the beach at La Push playing in the water with other kids and climbing trees and playing with their cousins.

"You alright there, Kevin?" Levi asked, taking Kevin out of his trance. "You seem miles away."

"Sorry," Kevin said. "I was just daydreaming."

"Anything in particular?"

"Just the future," Kevin said.

They stayed at the park for a while until the woman Amber and Anna spoke to invited them all to her house for some coffee. They ended up staying for dinner before all returning home for the night. As Levi had suggestion, after Amber and her parents had returned from the Synagogue, Kevin invited Amber to join him in the forest preserve for a picnic. Levi and Anna joined them and they enjoyed the afternoon together until finally returning home for Anna to cook dinner. She also made coffee after dinner, so Kevin took his cup to his office to get to work on a few things for Monday. He said goodnight to everyone when they went off to bed and promised he'd not be long. He ended up remaining in his office another hour just working before there was an interruption in the form of a gentle knock on the frame of the open door. Kevin looked up and saw Amber in her nightgown.

"Is everything alright?" Kevin asked.

"I just wanted to check on you," Amber said. "You've been working since we finished dinner."

"I'm just trying to get this case together before court tomorrow," Kevin said.

"You'll be out of the office all day, right?"

"Pretty much," Kevin nodded. "I'll need to leave early, but you and Levi already know that right?"

"I reminded daddy before he went to bed," Amber said.

"Sorry to drag you both out of bed so early," Kevin said. "I'll try to be out by a reasonable time."

"If you can't be, that's alright," Amber said. "We can take the bus if we need to."

"Still, I'll do my best," Kevin said. "I'll be back in the office Tuesday. By chance, do you know off hand if I'm meeting any clients that day?"

"You have three appointments scheduled," Amber said.

"I thought I only had one," Kevin said.

"You did until Friday afternoon," Amber said with a guilty smile. "Two people called in saying they needed to see you right away and you had some free space, so I penciled them in. I'm sorry I didn't mention it. I'd forgotten to tell you."

"It's alright," Kevin said. "I'll take care of it."

"How much longer do you think you'll be? You need to get your sleep more than me or daddy need to."

"I'll be up in just a minute," Kevin said.

"Alright," Amber said. "I'll come and get you if I don't hear you after a minute."

Kevin smiled groggily, "You don't have to Amber. I'll get to bed soon; I promise."

"Alright," Amber repeated and turned to leave.

"Amber," Kevin said, stopping her and making her look at him again. "Could I be so bold as to ask for a good night kiss?" Amber smiled timidly and blushed before walking over to his desk and leaning down to plant a gentle kiss on his lips. It was brief and chaste, but it was enough to make Kevin feel just a little better. When she pulled away, she smiled at him.

"Good night," she said. "Unless I have to come down and get you."

Kevin chuckled, "You have my word. Just another minute."

"Alright," Amber said and gave him once last kiss. "Good night then."

"Good night Amber. I love you."

"I love you too."

She stepped away and returned upstairs so Kevin could have his minute. As he promised, he stopped working and went to bed for the night and they all woke up early to get to work for the day and, in Kevin's case, get to court. From that weekend on, any chance Kevin got he would take Amber out to do something. He took her and her parents to dinner several times on Friday evenings, he'd take them all to a movie here and there, and he'd even convinced Levi and Anna to join them at a Jazz club. It started to feel like the days when things were alright and they'd been in Berlin. But there was no end to it and made it all the better. Kevin made sure to talk to Renesmee about getting copies of a few pictures that Amber used to have but had lost. Any pictures Amber had, Renesmee had her own copy and promised she'd make sure Amber would have them as well.

In the meantime, Levi, Anna and Amber continued putting money aside for a house in the neighborhood. Levi was also able to save up enough money to finally buy his own car. It was nothing crazy. Just a simple, used car to make sure he could get to and from work on his own without either Kevin or Levi having to inconvenience one another. Because Levi had his own car now, he took over driving Amber to work rather than her going to work with Kevin. For propriety's sake. Kevin was still able to take Amber to dinner some nights if Harold invited Kevin to come with him and Anastasia. Alphonse would join them as well. While Amber wasn't great friends with Anastasia, she was starting to warm up to her. She was beginning to see her as Kevin might see her. She's a touch spoiled, sure, but she's a good girl.

"Amber," she started during their dinner together, "I don't suppose you can make candles for the tables could you? I'm thinking it can be part of the centerpieces. The guests can fight over who gets to take them home," she giggled.

"That wouldn't be an issue," Amber said. "Do you want them to look the same as your unity candle?"

"Oh, no, certainly not, mine and Harold's candle needs to be special," Anastasia smiled. "Ours should be mostly white with accents of our colors, but the other candles should have less white and more focus on the wedding colors. Harold, don't you agree?"

"That sounds lovely," Harold said.

"How many tables would it be for?" Amber asked.

"Um," Anastasia was thoughtful a moment and then looked at Alphonse. "How many people did the hotel say would be to a table, daddy?"

"10-12," Alphonse said. "Speaking of which, have you and Harold worked on the seating chart?"

"Oh, no, we still need to do that," Anastasia said. "Darling, when should we do that?"

"Shouldn't we confirm for sure who's coming before we worry about that?"

"But we haven't sent out the invitations yet," Anastasia said. "Daddy, when are we sending those?"

"Several of those invitations are going out of the country, so you and your mother had best send those as soon as possible," Alphonse said. "I'd suggest no later than November."

"And they need to RSVP by April so we'll know who's for sure going to be there in May," Anastasia nodded eagerly. "Oh! Back to your question Amber, we're expecting about 650."

"Hold on, when did that go up to 650?" Alphonse asked.

"My mother's side has family in New York she reminded me we need to invite," Harold said.

"150 of them?" Alphonse said.

"Mom also mentioned she has family that still live in Russia we need to invite," Anastasia said.

"Oh for shit's sake," Alphonse muttered. "Alright, so 650 people give or take. Divide that by 12." Harold took out a pen and did the long division on a piece of paper but shook his head.

"That brings us to an odd number," he muttered. "We can seat 10 to a table and have 65 tables."

"Is there even enough room in that hotel for that many tables?" Amber asked.

"They said standard capacity is 500," Anastasia scratched her head. "But we can't just retract the invitations."

"They've not been sent," Alphonse said. "It can't be retracted if it wasn't sent yet. Don't worry, I'll talk to your mother. See if I can't see her to see reason for a change."

"Daddy, please," Anastasia said sternly. "I suppose I'll have to get back to you on how many candles we'll need."

"The sooner the better," Amber mumbled. "For that many candles, I'll need all the notice I can get."

"Of course," Anastasia nodded. "I'll let daddy and mother….'discuss' the guest list further."

"500 is more than sufficient," Alphonse said. "It's not as though you even know the majority of those guests. Either of you."

"I'll talk with my parents a little more about that guest list too," Harold nodded and then looked at Kevin. "Naturally, Mr. Black, you and Amber are still invited."

"I'd certainly hope so," Kevin teased and looked at Anastasia. "I'd say I'm certainly more of an uncle to you than any that are related to you by blood."

"Most certainly," Alphonse said.

"Oh, Uncle Kevin, speaking of weddings," Anastasia said. "Have you and Amber decided when you want to marry?"

"We're still planning, so there's no date set just yet," Kevin answered kindly. "Now, I realize I'd promised you could be our flower girl, but obviously that was when you were three. I don't know if you still want to be our flower girl."

"You did promise me I would be did you not?" Anastasia smiled and winked. "I see no reason I can't still be your flower girl. Assuming that's acceptable to you Amber."

"What about your nieces?" Amber asked. "Wouldn't Ivory want to the our flower girl? Or maybe Jaedynn depending on how old she is."

"Oh, well if you have nieces, then it should be them," Anastasia said. "It's alright, Uncle Kevin, I'll be happy just to be at the wedding."

"We'll talk about it more a little later," Kevin reassured. "Let's focus on your wedding for now. I'll warn you I expect front row seating for myself and Amber. And seating near Alphonse's table too."

"Of course, Uncle Kevin," Anastasia smiled like a giddy little girl. When it was the end of dinner, they parted ways, Anastasia returning home with Alphonse, Harold returning to his own home and Kevin taking Amber back to his house.

"Did you enjoy yourself tonight?" Kevin asked.

"I did," Amber smiled. "Once you get to know her, Anastasia really is a sweet girl."

"She is," Kevin smiled. "Anna will be thrilled when she finds out how many candles Anastasia's planning to buy. How much would you charge for those candles?"

"At the charity we charged $4 for the candles and $2 for the soaps, but those were a lot simpler," Amber said. "For what she's asking for, I think we'd need $10 for the unity candle, we can do the candles they'd use to light it for $1 each and the others we could do $7 per candle."

"$467 dollars isn't bad," Kevin smiled.

"It's certainly not," Amber smiled. "You don't think that's too much do you?"

"For what she's asking for, I don't think so," Kevin said. "If Alphonse argues, I'll negotiate with him a little. Worst case scenario, I won't let him agree to any less than $465."

"I don't mind giving her two free tapers," Amber said. "It could go towards mom and I opening a shop together." The thought made her face light up and Kevin smiled back at her. "Do you think that would be enough to buy a shop downtown?"

"It's certainly on the way," Kevin smiled. "I can start looking for you if you'd like."

Amber shook her head, "We'll wait until after the wedding when we're paid for the candles. She can even act as a positive advertisement."

"She'll brag to anyone that'll listen if you'd like her to," Kevin said. "There will be no shortage of people at that wedding that would love to have one of your candles."

"Maybe I should carve some soaps to put around the candle," Amber suggested. "I'll put those in free of charge."

"Even better," Kevin said. "Give her more to brag about."

"Do you think I should start now? Get 50 done now and just add if need be?"

"Couldn't hurt," Kevin said. "Does the candle room have the space to keep them?"

"I don't think so," Amber said. "I'll need to find a way to pack them gently."

"I'll help you with that if you like," Kevin said. "We'll find a safe place to store them too."

"Somewhere cold," Amber said. "They can't be anywhere too warm or they'll soften and it'll ruin the carving."

"I'll look into that and see what I can arrange," Kevin said. "Also, I hear next weekend the neighborhood is holding a little Halloween party for all the kids at the school. Did you want to go?"

"That sounds like fun," Amber smiled and then her eyes lit up. "Maybe we can take some of your nieces and nephews."

"That's a great idea," Kevin smiled. "I think Ada and Natalie are working that night, but Nathan can always come with all the kids. Maybe I can send an invitation to Marcus and Aidetzi to bring Naevia and Marcus junior."

"Absolutely," Amber said. They smiled at each other a moment before Kevin returned his eyes fully to the road. "Thank you for all this by the way."

"For what?"

"Making me go out and do things. The picnics, the movies, dinners. It's all helped make me feel better."

"That was the idea," Kevin smiled. "I'm glad to see it's working."

"Linda has offered to take me out to go dancing with her and a few of her friends before. I didn't go last she asked because I was nervous to be around so many new people. I told her maybe next time."

"Next she asks, you should go," Kevin reassured. "Tell them to bring their boyfriends or husbands and I'll go with if you like. Otherwise I'll stay at the office and wait for you. I can get some work done while you go have fun."

"Do you think mom and daddy would be alright with it?" Amber asked.

"I'm sure so long as you're not out too long, they won't mind. Especially if they know I'll be nearby or with you just in case."

"I'll ask her about it Monday then," Amber said, excited now at the possibility. But when a thought came to her, she looked sad again. "I wish I could have said goodbye to my friends."

"Do you know if…" Kevin started but didn't finish.

"They fled to Israel," Amber said. "I know that for a fact. Gertrude's father had tried to convince daddy to take us with and join them, but he refused and took us to France instead."

"So long as they're safe," Kevin reassured. "That's what's important. Talk to Linda on Monday and she'll happily introduce you to her friends. You're making friends at the Synagogue too and my family."

"I'm happy for it," Amber said.

For a moment, Kevin was tempted to take her hand, but he resisted and only smiled at her which she returned. Levi and Anna were waiting downstairs for them and they all went to bed for the night once Kevin and Amber returned home. On Monday when Amber came into the office after Levi had dropped her off at work, she broached the topic of a night out with Linda and she was eager to offer a day. They settled on the coming Friday unless Linda couldn't get everyone together. She promised she'd try to get some of her friends to bring their boyfriends and that Kevin would be welcome to come as well.

About that time, Kyle received a letter from Evalina relaying the good news that they had finally been given a date they could get married. They'd jumped on the opening and their Catholic ceremony in Rome was secured for October of 1948. So they had a year to plan and get things together. Kyle went to Renesmee with the news and they made a note that the Quileute ceremony would be early September and they'd leave for Italy immediately after that. Renesmee eagerly let Jacob know they would be going to Italy next year and Jacob greeted the news with happiness for the ceremony but passing indifference at going to Italy. Evalina's letter also promised that she and the family would be returning for Christmas before leaving again for Italy and return for the Quileute ceremony. Until they could be together again, Kyle had to content himself with their letters and getting the hospital ready. While he continued squirreling away money, Kyle and Carlisle continued the logistical end of permits and other required documentation.

Naevia, on behalf of her parents and little brother, eagerly accepted Kevin's invitation to go to the Halloween party being hosted by the elementary school near Kevin's home. Nathan agreed he would bring all the kids, JJ and Scarlet included, and Alice and Rosalie made little costumes for all the children to wear. Levi and Anna opted to enjoy an evening in while Kevin took the large group to the school. Since she'd had a wonderful time with her the night before, Amber invited Linda and her boyfriend to join them at the school. JJ and Scarlet largely kept an eye on all the kids making sure they stayed out of trouble. Ariel stayed largely with Nathan holding Gabriel in his arms while Nathan held Jaedynn. Gabriel and Jaedynn were just dressed up nicely rather than little costumes. A band was playing while the kids played games together and the parents either joined their kids in play or stood back to watch. Naevia and Marcus made sure to stay close to their cousins just in case and Marcus was on high alert the whole time, though Kevin reassured if there was any trouble of any kind, they'd leave right away. However, aside from some surprised stares, no one said anything.

"I assume this is the school's gymnasium, right?" Amber asked.

"I think so," Kevin said. "The kids look like they're having fun already."

"I wish Ivory could have come," Nathan said. "She would have loved this."

"You're all going to Las Vegas over Christmas to visit aren't you?" Kevin asked.

"Yeah, we'll be there most of December and part of January. After that, she'll spend the summer with us."

"Do you think Tamara would be willing to move to Washington?" Kevin asked.

"No," Nathan said. "Her family's in Las Vegas and it wouldn't be right of me to make her move here. It's the same reason we aren't moving to Las Vegas. The arrangement we have is the best we can do right now I'm sad to say."

"So she's not coming here again until next year?"

"The plan's actually to take her with us to Brazil over the summer," Nathan said.

"Oh, right," Kevin said. "Did Tamara already say that was fine?"

"I haven't had a chance to talk to her about it yet," Nathan admitted. "I'll bring it up once we get there."

"Will she be alright with it do you think?"

"So long as I get her back home before the school year reopens, I think she'll be fine with it," Nathan said. Jaedynn squirmed in his arms and Nathan looked at her. "Everything alright Jaedynn?" She started humming in agitation trying to form what she wanted.

"Wa," she said.

"Water?" Nathan asked and Jaedynn nodded. "Alright, Jaedynn, let's get you some water. Does anyone else was anything?"

"I'll take some water," Amber said. A few others confirmed they wanted water as well so Kevin went with Nathan where all the food and beverages were held and got cups of water for everyone. Nathan focused on helping Jaedynn drink her water from the cup without spilling it or spilling as little as possible. After she had her water, Jaedynn noticed the bucket of water with all the apples, saw kids bobbing their heads in to get the apples and started pointing.

"Daddy," she mumbled while pointing at the apple bobbers.

"You want to play with them, Jaedynn?"

"Yes!" Jaedynn said and Nathan chuckled and kissed her cheek. "Kevin, let's see if any of the others want to bob for apples too."

They collected the kids, Ariel and Gabriel included, and waited their turns for a chance to bob for apples. Gabriel was just a little bigger than Jaedynn now, but he was still too small to get his head into the bucket himself. He was about as tall as the bucket when he stood beside it, but that was it. Ariel held up Gabriel and Scarlet helped so all three of them could dip their heads at the same time. Nathan helped Jaedynn after the first three took their turn. She couldn't get a hold of it and when she tried to bite, it kept slipping, so Nathan caught an apple so it wouldn't drop and gave it to her for later. By nine that evening, most of the kids were tired and the Halloween party ended for the night. They all returned to Kevin's house and they set up blankets and pillows so everyone had a place to sleep. Linda and her boyfriend returned home after saying their goodbyes and Linda promised she'd see them on Monday. Anna got coffee ready for everyone while Amber took the opportunity to hold Gabriel. By then, Gabriel was out cold and sleeping soundly on Amber's shoulder.

"He's very cute," Amber said to Nathan.

"He is when he wants to be," Nathan teased and rubbed Gabriel's head. His hair curled a little and it was full and thick. "He's growing up too fast. So is Jaedynn for that matter."

"To think Jaedynn's older than him, but he'll be growing up much faster than her," Scarlet snickered a little.

"Won't that be interesting?" Amber giggled and rubbed Gabriel's back. "How has Ada been?"

"She's doing great," Nathan said. "She's really liked working at the inn."

"She was a dancer when you two men wasn't she?" Amber asked.

"Yeah, she was. She owns her own bar in Brazil and she'd dance for the bar. At this point, her brother runs the bar for her and he send her share of the money."

"Have you met her brother?"

"Yeah, I've met her brother, just not her parents. I'm looking forward to that despite dad's memory of them. At least Raphael. Yaretzi seems sweet from what I've seen."

"Grandma's really nice," Ariel said. "Grandpa's rough around the edges but he's nice once you get to know him."

Nathan patted Ariel's head, "I'll take your word for it."

They all drank coffee together effectively waiting for all the kids to fall asleep. Ariel fell asleep against Nathan's shoulder while Jaedynn slept in Scarlet's arms. Amber had fallen asleep on Kevin's shoulder, so he stayed downstairs with everyone else and let her sleep. Wanting to get it done before they left for Las Vegas, Nathan left that Monday to go back to the east coast to add to the tattoo on his back. He located the artist that had completed the tattoo and gave the story of how he and his wife were expecting another baby – he couldn't very well say their son was already born – and said if it was a boy they were naming the baby Gabriel and if it was a girl, they were naming her Gabrielle. He knew Gabriel was an angel, so he asked the artist to add a dove to the tattoo so that it was standing right beside the lion. It was an easy and quick addition and because it was so quick, Nathan decided he wanted one more addition to it. He told the artist his wife's name and a few things about her and asked if they could add her to the portrait. He had a picture of her from when Ariel was a baby and showed it to the artist so he could make the woman he'd add look like Ada María. He took an hour to sketch out what the addition would look like and when Nathan gave his approval, the artiest got that last part added.

The artist placed the woman to the right of the tree sitting beside the lion, the blue bird and the dove. The woman was looking forward mostly with her head tilted, her hair in a tight bun with a rose in there and she wore the best approximation Nathan could explain of the dress she'd worn when they first met. It neared an appearance of a pin up but save for the woman's breasts being slightly pushed together in a sensual way, the woman was rather tame compared to other pin ups the artist had made before. Once it was done, Nathan used a mirror to see it as he'd done before and the addition to the tattoo seemed as natural as though it had always been there. The artist joked with Nathan that he needed to make sure to come back when he and his wife had another baby. Nathan took the afternoon to let his tattoo finish healing before making the run back to Washington. By the time he got back, it was the wee hours of the morning and Ada María had already returned from work. Nathan found her asleep in bed and walked over to sit on the side. He placed his hand on her back and she moaned before opening her eyes and smiling at him.

"How was your trip?" Ada María asked.

"Productive," Nathan smiled. "I added to the tattoo."

"How has Gabriel been depicted?"

"A dove," Nathan said. "I got one more thing added."

"What's that?" she asked. Nathan reached over to the lamp and turned it on and gave Ada María's eyes a moment to adjust. Once they had, he turned his back to her so she could see the tattoo. She went up to sit on her knees and get a better look. She saw the dove, but she also saw the pin up. "Is that me?"

"Yeah," Nathan said. "It occurred to me it didn't make sense for you to not be on there."

"I'm touched," Ada María said, really meaning it. "Is it healed enough for me to touch it?"

"Go ahead," Nathan said. Ada María guided Nathan so his back was more so in the light and she looked at the tattoo. The artist had done a wonderful job especially since it was so small. Her nose and features were present as was the bun with a flower and her red dress.

"It's beautiful," she said.

"I think so too," Nathan said and turned around to face her. "He told me to be sure to come back when we have another baby."

"Later," she said and leaned over to kiss him. "Doesn't mean we can't have our fun in the meantime."

Nathan smiled, "I'd say so."

Nathan kissed her again and made love to her until they both fell asleep. They were woken up by Jaedynn who'd somehow gotten out of her crib and came to Nathan's and Ada María's room to wake them for breakfast. A few weeks later, they all got on a train together to go to Las Vegas.

"You've never been to Las Vegas, right Ada?" Nathan asked her when they were on the train.

"No, this will be a first for me," Ada María said. "I'm looking forward to it. Salvador wasn't such a dry heat as I'm told Las Vegas would be but any heat is wonderful given how cold Washington is."

"You don't think anything happened to the house in Brazil do you?" Scarlet asked.

"Marcelo's looking after it," Ada María reassured. "We'll have a place to stay while we're in Salvador."

"Good," Nathan said. "I paid enough for that house."

She smiled up at him and laid her head on his shoulder affectionately. It took a few days to get to Las Vegas by train, but it was midday when they arrived. When they got off the train, Ada María had to stand in the sun and just bask. The hot sun felt so good on her skin and she sighed in contentment. She insisted they walk from the train station to Tamara's house so she could enjoy the sun. As they approached Tamara's house, Nathan could see Tamara and Ivory in the lizard enclosure in the back yard feeding the lizards. Eventually, Ivory was the first to notice Nathan and the others were approaching and she grinned.

"Daddy!" she cheered and leaped out of the dragon's den and ran over to Nathan. Nathan kneeled down so he could catch her once Ivory reached him. Nathan straightened out to stand once Ivory was in his arms and he voiced endearments to her asking how she'd been and if she missed him while Tamara got out of the dragon's den and approached.

"Hey, Tamara," Nathan said.

"Hey Nathan," Tamara smiled and they kissed each other's cheeks. "So how was your trip?"

"Long," Nathan said and then looked at Ivory. "But it was worth it."

"Daddy, daddy, see the dragons? We have one that's as big as my arm!"

"You do?" Nathan asked. "Well, you'll have to show me." Nathan walked to the enclosure still holding Ivory while Tamara said hello to everyone, especially Ariel.

"You've grown quite a bit since I last saw you," Tamara said, stunned to see an apparent teen before her.

"That's what we do. We grow up fast," Ariel smiled. "I already love the weather here."

"It's a dry heat too, so it doesn't suffocate you like humid heat does," Tamara smiled.

"It's not Salvador, but it'll do," Ada María joked and hugged Tamara. "So let me introduce you to Gabriel."

"Ah yes, Nathan told me about you," Tamara smiled and looked at Gabriel. "You're a handsome little thing." Gabriel smiled at Tamara but stayed close to Ada María.

"Forgive him, he's just being shy," Ada María said. "He'll warm up to you before you know it."

"Well, I look forward to it," Tamara said and then turned her attention to Scarlet who was holding Jaedynn. "So you're as beautiful as ever," Tamara said.

"You too, Tamara," Scarlet smiled and hugged Tamara. Jaedynn hugged her too and Tamara smiled.

"Oh, thank you, Jaedynn. How are you?"

"Okay," Jaedynn said.

"Just okay? Aren't you happy or excited?" Tamara started tickling Jaedynn and making the little girl giggle.

"It's good to be in Las Vegas again," Scarlet said. "It's been too long."

"It has," Tamara agreed. "Mina and Lida are excited to see you. They're at work now I think, but they'll be over later with Dan and Meg."

"So they are coming over later?" Nathan asked, having returned from being shown the big lizard Ivory was bragging about.

"Yeah, they're coming over for dinner. I told them you'd all be here. They're eager to finally meet Ada María."

"After all I've heard, the feeling's mutual," Ada María joked and Nathan smiled.

"How've they been?" Nathan asked.

"They're doing alright," Tamara said. "Dan's working at the Hoover Dam again as a maintenance guy."

"He must love that job," Nathan joked.

"It pays enough that he grins and bears it," Tamara said. "So are you working since the war ended?"

"No, I haven't gotten back into the market," Nathan said. "Ada María's working for the inn we have in town that's added a stage and bar in recent years."

"Ah, yes, you mentioned that in your last letter," Tamara said. "How have you liked it?"

"I love it," Ada María smiled. "It gives me more to do than be a house wife."

"I know what you mean," Tamara said. "I'm lucky that Ivory comes with me to work every day, but if I had to stay home, I don't know what I'd do with myself even with Ivory around."

"Do you like going to school with your mom?" Nathan asked Ivory, but she shook her head.

"Mommy's tough on me," Ivory complained.

"Well of course I am," Tamara said. "I can't let the other kids think I'm playing favorites now can I? Besides, I expect more from you."

"Mommy," Ivory protested but Nathan chuckled and kissed Ivory's cheek.

"Don't do that, Ivory. She's right."

"You wouldn't be so hard on me," Ivory protested further but Nathan snickered.

"Ivory, if you were living with me, your grandma would be your primary instructor and I've got news for you: she's stricter than a nun. You'd be begging to come back home to your mother after a week."

"Na-uh," Ivory said.

"A-huh," Nathan smiled. "Take it from someone who has had your Grandma Renesmee as a teacher: your mommy's much nicer."

"Listen to dad, Ivory," Ariel said. "Grandma's a stickler if ever there was one."

"And hell, you kids have it easy compared to when I was a kid," Nathan said. "I dare say she's gone soft by comparison."

"Well none of us were as difficult as you were, daddy," Scarlet poked fun and Nathan laughed.

Eventually, they finally went inside and Nathan, Ada María, Scarlet and Tamara sat together catching up while Ariel played with all the other kids. A few hours later, Meg and Dan arrived with Lida and Mina who eagerly said hello to Scarlet and pulled her outside so the three of them could talk and star gaze while Mina had a cigarette. About the same time in December, Evalina and her family finally arrived back in Washington. Some of them stayed with the Cullens while Evalina, Alphonse, Dante and Amadora stayed at Kyle's house. He was happy to share news of any progress with the hospital and proud to tell them that they'd received all the permits and documentation and could begin construction once the snow cleared. Kyle and Evalina never had a moment alone together, but being together more than made up for any lack of privacy. Kevin joined Amber and her parents for Hanukkah, having bought them a new menorah made from gold and everything, and they kept the menorah in the window as was traditional, sang the prayers every evening while lighting the new candle, and every evening, Anna made a nice dinner for which every other night Kevin's relatives would join them.

Every day of Hanukkah, Kevin would give Amber a new present. The first night he gave her his dog tags he'd reserved after returning home from the war. That alone had her crying appreciatively and she wore them the rest of the night and all of the following day. The second night, Kevin gave Amber a little teddy bear toy. The third night, she received a tiny figure of Handsome Dan to replace the one that had been lost. The fourth night, Kevin gave her three framed pictures of him from his time at Yale, including the picture of him with Handsome Dan as well as a picture of him in his uniform back from when he'd fought in the Great War. The fifth night, he gave her a new Star of David that was simple gold. She brought several of them with her to work as she got them. She had the pictures Kevin had given her on her desk as well as the figure of Handsome Dan. All things Linda was rather jealous of and was alarmed to see a picture of Kevin looking so young and yet realizing he'd barely changed a bit. On the final night of Hanukkah, Kevin did something a little more secretive. He gave her a new pair of earrings with a card that was disguised as a simple 'I love you' card, but on the bottom of that card was a little note that said, 'Check under your pillow tonight'.

Amber was giddy the remainder of the night, wearing the diamond earrings Kevin had given her but eager to find out what she was sure was her real gift for that night. They all had a big dinner, Kevin's relatives present as well, and enjoyed coffee together and just talking. Amber stayed seated with Kevin the whole night trying to focus on everyone when really her mind was on what was under her pillow. Late into the night, Kevin said good night to his family so they could return home and Anna practically dragged Levi and herself up the stairs to their room about ready to fall asleep where they stood. When they were in bed, Amber was about to enter her room as was Kevin until she stopped him.

"So there's something for me under my pillow?" she whispered and Kevin turned to look at her.

"Just one last thing I needed to replace," Kevin said with a smile. "I hope it's not too much."

"Thank you for everything," Amber smiled. "This is the best Hanukkah I've ever had."

"You've still got one more gift Amber," Kevin grinned and even winked at her. "Good night. I'll see you in the morning. I love you."

"I love you too," Amber smiled and slipped into her room closing the door behind her. She waited until she heard Kevin's bedroom door open and close before she went straight to her bed, not bothering to change into her nightgown, and reached under her pillow.

It was exactly what she'd expected. What she'd been hoping for: a thick, several page letter. Her name was written on the envelope with Kevin's graceful script. She pulled out the pages from the envelope and unfolded all the pages starting with the first page. She read the letter in the moonlight as she'd done many times before hoping this was the type of letter she was hoping it was. And indeed it was. It was even written in French.

My Dearest Amber,

While letters are no longer a requirement given our current living situation, there is still the matter of simple romanticism. I remember when I came off the train returning home and saw you on the platform. It took far too long to return home, but seeing you again made the wait worthwhile. I wasn't truly home until you were in my arms welcoming me. I promised you that night I would give you all the time you need before we move forward with a wedding or anything of that nature. I would however, if you'll permit me, love to give you a vision of what we've shared in the past and can share in the future.

I've missed the feel of your hair laced through my fingers and the taste of your lips on mine. Even now, I remember the taste of you and how warm your lips are. The sensation of your tongue on mine, the sweet taste of you and how it makes my head spin. I admit, I've imagined us together in the candle room downstairs so many times. I've envisioned lifting you from your bed and carrying you down to that room in the dark of the night, closing the door so no one could see us and making love to you over the well or on the table. We'd done so once before and I know how you loved it.

I've envisioned as much occurring on my office desk here at home or the kitchen. Those are places we've never made love in before. Ever since we became engaged, I would have fantasies of you cooking dinner as I came home seeing you in an apron, perhaps with flour on your cheek as you cooked. I imagined putting everything down, going to you and making love to you on one of the counters or against the fridge or on the table. More than likely, I'd cause the food to burn a little, but I'd eat what you made me regardless. When I imagine making love to you in my office, I picture that I'm working tirelessly and you come to me to relieve that stress. I recall telling you such a fantasy before in a previous letter.

I picture you walking up behind me and rubbing my shoulders. It would undoubtedly take nothing for you to reduce any tension I would be feeling. You never fail to make me feel better and calmer. Except, of course, in the heat of passion, but that is intentional. After a brief shoulder rub just to ensure you've captured my full attention, I'd hold and kiss your hand while I guided you around the chair into my lap. Once you're comfortable, I'd put my hand on your leg and trail it up taking your skirt with me until I was touching your hip. I still remember how soft your skin feels under my fingers when I touch you. You're so warm under my hand and like satin. I remember the desire in your eyes when I would touch you that way. Your eyes would darken and become hooded with need and your heart would start to race with a labored breath. I can still see it in my head and I miss it.

Of course, my hand wouldn't stay on your hip. It would go over your thigh and delve between your legs into the heat at your core like a siren's song calling to me. Do you remember the feel of me like I remember the feel of you? I can still remember that warm, tight, wet heat on my fingers as though I'd felt it yesterday. I remember how you would whimper while we kissed. How you would moan when my fingers would curl inside you and my thumb rubbed your sensitive center until I brought you to climax. Every time I would pleasure you and we would make love, that was my favorite part: feeling and hearing how I've pleasured you and satisfied you. Knowing that I was able to give you pleasure never fails to gratify me. It wouldn't end there, of course.

After bringing you to climax with my fingers, I'd open your blouse so I could look upon your breasts and taste them. I love how your nipples pebble just from my touch and stare. I love how they taste and feel on my tongue when I lick and nip at them. I especially love hearing you moan with pleasure. I'd ensure I kissed your neck too. I know how that tickles and makes you whimper. But I would have to ensure I kissed my way down your body, tasting your skin along the way until I pushed aside that skirt and pulled away your panties so I could bring you pleasure all over again. Try to imagine lying back on my desk and lacing your fingers though my hair while I licked and nipped at your core. Imagine the feel of my breath on you while I have two fingers deep inside you and my tongue driving you closer and closer to another release. I wouldn't stop until I heard you cry my name and a shiver went up your spine as your body crumbled from my fingers and tongue.

It still wouldn't stop there though. By that point of touching you and savoring every inch of you, I'd be rigid. Hard and ready to effortlessly slip inside you. I long for that moment to feel you again and for my eyes to roll into the back of my head. I can't say I'd be gentle at first for how long it's been. Once feel of you on me and I may very well devolve into a mad man, desperate for a release only you can give me. I would need to ensure you reach orgasm again before I did myself. I love watching you moan and cry when I make love to you. I love seeing you let go and take me with the same passion and need in which I'm taking you. I love to watch your eyes glaze with desperation with each thrust as I'm bring you closer and closer until it's too much and climax once again. I'd follow shortly after. Whenever I envision moments like this between us, I always picture remaining inside you, not ending the union.

I remember looking at you after and seeing a woman spent. I admit seeing you like that always made me proud. It affirms for me that I've satisfied you and made you feel good. In this fantasy, I'd take you straight upstairs to my room – our room – so we could fall asleep in each other's arms. Perhaps the next morning, I'd wake up to you already on top of me with me deep inside you while you bounced up and down atop me. I think I've fantasized about making love to you in every room in this house. Now that you're here living with me yet just out of my reach, it's made the images intensify and made me want you more.

Have you noticed when I stare? Have you ever caught me watching you while you and Anna cook or when you're in the candle room carving. I don't always get to, but I'll stare at you at work too. Sometimes I'll look up and see you filing or talking to Linda and I'll stop what I'm doing just to watch you. Every time I see your legs in those nylon stockings, the line of the seam on the back perfectly lined up, it renders me desperate. Even what little I can see is erotic. You're always dressed professionally, yet for all the good it does for me, you very well could be naked. I can remember so vividly the temple that lies in hiding.

Do not think I forgot such allegories. This faithful disciple has prayed and prayed for years, fervently in fact. But he's been away from his goddess's temple for too long and longs to embark on that pilgrimage again when I've been deemed worthy of the journey again. To taste the nectar of you more blessed than holy water and sweeter than manna. Pale peach silks and satin with a curtain of gold and a view of the ocean from looking into your eyes. A temple to be envied and beauty that shames Aphrodite herself. I'm so fortunate to have loved and been loved by you and am grateful for the power you hold over me. I'd have it no other way.

I love you, Amber. With all my heart and soul and fiber of my being I love you. Until we're together again, I shall cling to those memories.

Those memories of you will suffice for now. The memory of your warm skin inside and out and the sound of pleasure when I've pleased you, ever the dutiful servant I strive to be.

Until then, I remain your devoted fiancé, your lover and obedient servant.

With All My Love,

Kevin

Reading the letter made Amber's heart flutter and her stomach turn with need. She remembered everything Kevin described and, for the first time in a long time, she felt desire. She felt longing. She felt her body tingle and curl with each description, trying to imagine it in her mind and trying to remember. She was saddened when she realized how much trouble she was having remembering the feel of Kevin. After everything that happened, she'd pushed such feelings and memories from her mind, feeling ill from the mere thought. When she'd been freed and things were returning to normal, those feelings lingered and even seeing Kevin again hadn't made them go away. But Kevin had reminded her, if only in words, how wonderful he felt and how tender and loving he was and the reverence with which he always treated her. She was reminded how much she wanted him. She glanced at the clock and saw it was 10 in the evening. They had work in the morning and Kevin would likely already be asleep. But she wanted to go to him, if only to thank him for the letter.

She spent minutes debating if she should or shouldn't but ultimately she put the letter down and went to the door. She stopped at the door though and glanced down at herself, realizing she was still dressed. So she went to her nightstand and changed into her nightgown. It wasn't the one from home, but it was a decent duplicate of it with short sleeves and long dress with her breasts in tasteful display. More importantly, her new necklaces were in full display. She also still wore the bracelets he'd made her and the tiny diamond earrings he'd given her and the engagements ring he'd presented to her months before. She took the tiny pins from her hair so the loose curls fell to her shoulders and when she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt as though she were a girl again, nervous and unsure yet wanting to please Kevin. When she was in her nightgown, she finally left her room and snuck across the hall until she reached the double doors to the master bedroom where Kevin slept. She pressed her ear to the door and could vaguely hear his light breathing.

She contemplated whether or not she should leave him to sleep, but ultimately she decided to go inside. When Amber stepped inside Kevin's room after gently opening the door, she saw him lying on his stomach, his bare back visible while the remainder of his body was hidden until the heavy blankets. His arms were tucked under his pillow and his head was tilted to the side. Amber quietly closed the door behind her and approached the bed. She thought for a moment to leave and just let him sleep, but she continued forth until she was able to sit on the edge of the bed beside him. The movement made him groan and jump just a little, his eyes shooting open with a stare that frightened Amber before it immediately gentled.

"Amber," Kevin said with sleep heavy in his voice as he turned onto his back.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to scare you," Amber said.

"It's alright," Kevin said and rubbed his face. "War makes a man a light sleeper. It'll pass eventually."

"Are you sure?"

"It did the first time," Kevin said. "But then, the Great War wasn't quite so traumatic for me."

"I'm sorry," Amber said again before Kevin sat up after rubbing his eyes.

"Really, it's okay" Kevin said. "Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, everything's fine," Amber said. "I just wanted to thank you for the letter. Maybe I should have waited until morning but-"

"It's not exactly a letter we want Levi or Anna to be privy too," Kevin gave her a groggy smile. "I have a whole stock pile of letters like that. I was planning to keep putting them under your pillow until Christmas morning."

"Should you really be telling me this?" Amber smiled.

"No, but at the moment I'm a little too tired for discretion," Kevin smiled back. "Were my attempts at romanticism well received?" Amber blushed a little and nodded while looking down at her hands. Kevin saw her started twiddling her fingers shyly and debated whether or not to take her hand.

"I think I needed something like that," Amber finally said. "It reminded me of back home when you would return to America and all I had of you were your letters. Those nights when I'd miss you more than usual and I'd read those erotic letters to me. It reminded me what it felt like to…." Amber blushed more profusely and Kevin smiled. He remembered when their romance had just blossomed and she would blush when any intimate topic came up.

"It's been so long since I've seen you blush this way," Kevin blurted out and Amber looked at him briefly before looking away, her cheeks becoming an even rosier hue and it made Kevin chuckle just a little.

"You keep this up, my cheeks might stay red," Amber mumbled and Kevin laughed a little more.

"The hue suits you," Kevin said. He moved on the bed so he was a little closer to her and leaned forward just enough. "Since I returned home, have you ever imagined us like that? Or wanted it?"

"I never really thought about it," Amber said. "Not to the extent of imagining it. It's been so long and I could never think of us. It was always….you know what I mean. But I always wished things could return to normal and be as they were. I feel terrible for putting off our wedding, for not giving you more than a kiss at best and anything that I used to do but don't anymore."

"I promised you I'd wait a lifetime for you, Amber," Kevin said. "And I meant it. I don't want you to think that letter I gave you was me trying to pressure you."

"I know it wasn't," Amber reassured. "I know you're just trying to help me feel better."

"Did my letter make you feel better?" Kevin asked.

"It did," Amber smiled a little with a nod. "It reminded me what it felt like to want you."

"Really?" Kevin asked and Amber nodded. Then Kevin had an idea. "Do you remember when I would kiss you in the cover of that candle room until you were dizzy? Do you remember how I'd touch you all the while until you would orgasm and go weak at the knees?" Amber nodded. "For a long time, that's all I would do to you until that night when we got home from the Jazz club and we made love in the guest bedroom."

"I remember," Amber said. She looked down when she noticed Kevin place his hand on her knee.

"Maybe we could do that again," Kevin said. "We can test the waters as it were. I'd be a bold faced liar if I said I didn't miss you but if you want me to stop, I will. Just say the word and it stops."

"What about you?" Amber asked.

"I'll worry about that," Kevin said and gently pulled up the skirt of her nightgown so he could touch her bare skin and he felt her shiver. "Do you want me to stop?"

"No," Amber said and rested her forehead against Kevin's. She licked her lips a little and her heart was starting to race.

Her tongue ended up touching Kevin's lips and so he pressed his against hers. He kept the kiss gentle, forcing restraint while trailing his hand over the skin of her thigh until he reached between her legs and touched her. The fabric of her panties impeded his fingers but he kept rubbing her there all the same. He could feel just how affected she'd been by his letter. Amber wrapped her arms around Kevin's neck and he wrapped his free arm around her waist so he could pull her closer. When he did, he could more easily slip his hand into her panties to touch her. Kevin fell backward on the bed pulling Amber on top of him while his fingers slipped inside her. When he had, she was so wet and warm on his fingers and she whimpered into his mouth while they kissed. Amber unwrapped her arms from his neck and placed them in his chest instead and then Kevin pulled his lips from hers.

"Are you alright?" he asked. Amber nodded and returned to kissing him just as they'd been kissing before.

Kevin groaned and turned so Amber was beneath him on her back. He lifted his arm from beneath her and rested it above her head while he kissed her and continued to thrust his fingers in and out of her while he planted his thumb on her clitoris and started rubbing her. She whimpered and wrapped her arms around his neck again trying to pull him closer. While Kevin touched her, Amber could feel Kevin's erection against her thigh. So he reached her right hand down between them trying to touch him, but it was beyond her reach. Kevin smiled against her lips before pulling away. He started kissing her cheek and along her jaw down her neck until he was kissing her chest. He felt her start to shiver, so he moved along and kissed her through the fabric of her nightgown. Amber hand her hands on Kevin's shoulders while he was kissing down her body. He pushed her gown aside so her hips were bare, only her panties still on.

"Kevin," his name was uttered in a breathy moan from Amber.

"Do you want me to stop?" Kevin asked.

"No," Amber whispered and lifted one hand so she could lace her fingers through his hair and rubbing his head.

Kevin pulled away her panties with his free hand while he kept his fingers inside her. When he returned to rubbing her clitoris, she cried a little and sighed. Kevin kissed from one hip to the other down her thigh thrusting with his fingers and applying pressure with his thumb in the meantime. Amber sighed and whimpered and squirmed while Kevin pleasured her. Then he stopped teasing her and finally replaced his thumb with his tongue and Amber squeaked and then sighed. Amber brought her hands up to her breasts and started rubbing them through her nightgown and started to moan. She stayed as quiet as she could while Kevin pleasured her. She was trembling and felt as though it was too much but she didn't want him to stop. Amber returned her hands to Kevin's head, lacing her fingers through his short hair and rubbing his scalp the way she suddenly remembered he liked. She was remembering a lot despite her mind being blank with pleasure. When she felt like her grip might get too tight, she put her hands on his shoulders and laid her head back enjoying each wave of pleasure from Kevin's tongue.

"Kevin, I'm-"

"I can feel it, Amber," Kevin whispered to her. He curled his fingers earning another moan and brought her hands over her mouth to silence herself as though out of instinct. "Keep your hands on me, Amber," Kevin said. "Let me know how it feels."

Amber put her hands on Kevin's shoulders and bit her lip to hold back from making too much noise while Kevin thrust his fingers in and out of her while his tongue tickled her clitoris until he finally felt her inner walls crushed down on his fingers. She shook and cried from the sensation, bringing her hands to her mouth again to hold back the noise. Kevin kept up his ministrations until he felt her start to calm and pulled away from her once she was satiated. Amber sighed as she gently brought her hands down and on her chest while Kevin came up and kiss her neck. He kissed his way to her ear and nipped at the lobe, making her shiver again. She wrapped her arms around his neck again while he maneuvered himself fully above her.

"Happy Hanukkah, Amber," Kevin whispered in her ear.

"Happy Hanukkah," Amber managed to whisper back. Then she realized she could still feel Kevin's erection on her hip. She started to move her hips so she could align with him, but Kevin hovered above her.

"I'll take care of it," Kevin said.

"But-"

"Not tonight, Amber," Kevin smiled down at her. "I want to bring us back to how it was, even if it means starting from scratch." Kevin gave her a kiss on the cheek again before helping her off the bed and going so far as to walk her back to her room.

"Kevin," Amber whispered and looked up at him.

"Really, Amber, I'll be alright," Kevin reassured with a smile. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Okay," Amber finally said. "I love you."

"I love you too," Kevin smiled and leaned down to kiss her. It remained a brief kiss and he pulled away almost as soon as it happened. "Sleep tight, Amber."

"You too," Amber sighed and watched as Kevin returned to his room. He turned to look at her and smiled before going back inside and Amber smiled back and didn't return into her room until Kevin's bedroom door had shut.