Author's Note: I've loved this song for a long time. It's of the time this story is set in, and the original recording retains the truer feeling of the song than later versions made in the 1920s. Anne of Green Gables fans may recognise it from the third installment of the beloved mini-series starring Megan Follows Johnathan Crombie.

Song reference: Go to UTube and search "Let Me Call You Sweetheart Peerless Quartet" to hear the melody and lyrics.

It was a sunny day in Southampton as William Murdoch finally disembarked from theOlympic. It had been a pleasant trip, but he couldn't wait to get home to his wife. The schedule over the last few months had been particularly busy and had stayed so since the maiden voyage of the enormous liner.

It hadn't left much time between trips to spend with Ada, and he sorely missed her company, both during his days but especially at night. After once resigning himself to likely living the sea bachelor's life, it had surprised him how quickly he had become accustomed to her presence.

Married life had been wonderful, after four years of trying to cram their feelings onto paper and ink from a world away, to be in the same room together, wake up together, to go to bed and love each other as they wanted, then wake up together was everything he could have dreamt of. Even four years hadn't dulled their need to be together as much as possible.

His time at home between voyages was short, but they made the most of it, begging off from company whenever they could without being rude and immersing themselves in a bubble containing only they. Reading books together at night, she busy on some suffragette project or other while he worked away at his tiny model ships, the silence between them companionable.

He loved her so much, coming home to her was the best feeling in the world. They'd lose themselves in the moment, oftentimes so joyous to be together again that their enthusiastic kisses hello often transformed into breathless whispers, his coat shrugging off onto the floor of the foyer, Ada leaning into him, hands clutching at clothes. Kisses became more impassioned, laughing as they tried to go upstairs only to barely make it to the living room floor with its soft rug and fire burning in the hearth.

While he loved the sea and always would, he had to admit that having his wife cuddled up to him as she slept was one of the joys of his life. He couldn't even remember what it felt like to not have her by his side.

Hailing a hansom cab, William climbed inside and was pleasantly surprised to recognise the driver, who tipped his hat at the officer. "Ah, you're back Mr Murdoch, I trust the voyage went well?" The cab lurched away down the road, moving to and fro around other cabs and the occasional automobile.

"It certainly did Eddie," he said with a smile. "And how is your lovely wife? Children keeping her on her toes?"

"Aye that they are," replied the driver, "You know boys at that age, you were one yerself and I've heard enough of your stories" laughed Eddie, his moustache shaking with the movement. "I'm sure Claudia would love a visit from your Ada, last time she were at our house the boys had never been so quiet, she had such interesting things to tell them. Never heard 'em so quiet in all me life."

William smiled to himself. "She does have a way with the little ones, I can't deny it". They chatted away about various subjects as the carriage continued towards Belmont Road, where the Murdochs had their little home, not far from the church where they had married in 1907.

He looked up as the cab slowed to give way to other traffic. He saw the striped awning and colourful blooms of a florists' shop. "Actually Eddie, would you let me out here? I think I'd enjoy a little walk the rest of the way on this fine afternoon."

Eddie tipped his cap again. "Sure thing, Mr William. I'll put this trip on your account, you can settle it like usual end o' the month." He waved a farewell as William stepped down, closing the door behind him. "See you later!"

William hefted his duffle bag onto his shoulder and entered the store. A young shopgirl greeted him, and he smiled in return. "Will sir be requiring any help?" she asked earnestly. William demurred; he knew just what he wanted. "No thank you, I know which I would like, but if you could wrap them for me I would appreciate it." The girl smiled prettily, noticing his cap tucked under his arm. She gave him a look of understanding. "Finally home to your wife, sir? I'm sure she will love whatever you choose."

The next few minutes were spent with William pointing out his preferred blooms, and the assistant chattering away as she plucked out the best stems, identifying them as he chose. William pursed his lips for a moment, considering one more choice. Ada shunned the fashion for neatly placed, single type arrangements and preferred the varied bunches that William often brought home for her. She liked a mix of flowers and enjoyed working out what he was trying to say. He pointed at one last tub of flowers, which the shopgirl added to the bunch and proceeded to the counter to wrap them nicely with a ribbon and paper.

She worked quickly, her hands deftly tying the store's signature blue ribbon with a flourish. She looked up at William with a large smile. "It seems you missed her very much," she said playfully, considering his choice of blooms.

Purple violets -occupied with love,

honeysuckle –generous devoted affection,

lemon blossom –fidelity in love,

Queen Anne's lace –sanctuary,

and his final selection, everlasting pea -everlasting pleasure.

William blushed a little, but he was not ashamed. "Always," he said simply. The bouquet ready, he handed over the coins and shifted his cap to his head to free up his arm to carry the bunch of flowers.

With a word of thanks, William exited the store, the little bell tinkling behind him. It was a beautiful day. People were out and about shopping, laughing and meeting with friends. Somewhere nearby, a gramophone was playing, the notes drifting out an open window. He recognised the tune, humming along.

I am dreaming Dear of you, day by day

Dreaming when the skies are blue, When they're gray

When the silv'ry moonlight gleams, Still I wander on in dreams

In a land of love, it seems, Just with you

The song had been extremely popular earlier that year, and Ada had begun to sing it to him before he went away. He smiled at the next verse, she had cleverly changed the lyrics as she sang…

Let me call you "Sweetheart," I'm in love with you

Let me hear you whisper that you love me too

Keep the love-light glowing in your eyes so true

Let me call you "Sweetheart," I'm in love with you

She would sing 'in your eyes soblue' in reference to Will's, taking his face in her hands and giving him little kisses on his eyelids. It tickled, and he could never not laugh. It was always a bittersweet way to leave for a voyage, but the words and melody would stay with him for the entire voyage out and back, apleasing reminder of his love waiting for him to return.

He was almost home now, and he found his pace had increased without thinking as he sang to himself, waving here and there to people he knew.

Longing for you all the while, more and more

Longing for the sunny smile, I adore

Birds are singing far and near, roses blooming everywhere

You alone my heart can cheer, you just you

They knew better than to try and waylay him for a chat, when he was so close to home.Goodness,he thought,they must think me a love-struck fool!

A grin spread across his face then, for he did not care one whit. So what if he couldn't wait to see his wife, he wouldn't have settled for anyone who didn't make him feel that way. He hoped they never tired of loving each other as much as they could. Tomorrow was never promised, he knew that well enough, and he didn't want to take any chances.

He was almost at the gate now, a thrill of excitement raced down his spine. God, how he missed her when he was gone.My lovely Aid, what madman am I to leave you again?he thought.

Perhaps he'd tell White Star he'd come down with something and miss his next trip. William wasn't even shocked at himself. He'd never skived off in his life, but the thought was very tempting.

The gate creaked on its hinge as he made his way into the yard. He'd barely made it down the path when the front door flew open and there she was, his beautiful Ada, an apron over her clothes and paint smudged on her blouse.

She let out a cry of joy and launched herself at him, knocking his cap off in the process. "Will! Oh Will, I missed you so!" she cried, crashing her lips onto his, her arms snaking around him under his coat.

He dropped his bag, returning her embrace, kissing her fiercely in return, revelling in the feel of their bodies pressed together. He suddenly remembered the flowers, still clutched in one hand and broke off. "I got you these…." He trailed off as Ada took the flowers from him.

"They're beautiful," she said, before planting her lips firmly back on his. Will laughed into the kiss, before breaking it, their noses pressed together. "Miss me then, did ye?" he laughed.

Ada smiled, turning to wind her arm through his and threading their fingers together as he picked up his bag. "Always, my love, but especially moreso now."

They entered the foyer of the house, William placing his cap on the hatstand and wriggling out of his coat. Ada placed the flowers on the hall stand. Something in her voice caught his attention. "Oh? And pray tell why, I wouldnae thought your students left you much time for missing me," he teased.

Ada turned to him then, taking hold of his arms and looking at him, a soft smile spreading across her face. "Oh they keep me plenty busy, but something else will be keeping me busy soon," Her eyes gleamed as she looked up into Will's face.

God, she was pretty, he thought, and he pulled her closer to him before her words finally registered with him. He squeezed her shoulders then, almost not daring to respond. "Are ye saying… what I think you're saying….? he whispered, his breath having left him as his heart squeezed in hope.

Ada placed her hands on his face then, her eyes locked onto his. "I am, Will. You're going to be a father." Stunned, he could only stare as he felt a range of emotions pass over him. They'd wanted this for so long, had dreamed and hoped and now she was telling him that it would be true. Her thumbs passed over his cheeks, wiping away tears he hadn't realised had come then.

"Oh Aid, my lass, can it be possible to be this happy?" he murmured, pulling her close. "I thought the only thing I ever wanted was you, but here we are, you've proven me wrong again," he said, dropping a kiss into her hair as she burrowed into him. He felt her shake as she let out a chuckle. "Don't let Charles hear you say that," she teased, "he'll never let you hear the end of it."

William shook his head with a laugh. "Charles is never going to letushear the end of it. I know he and Sylvie have had a bet going on for ages about when this would happen. And he'll be ecstatic to know that Sylvie owes him," he broke off, thoughtful. "Well I don't know what she owes him but I'm sure he'll make it worth his while." he said with a devilish grin.

Ada laughed at that. "Speaking of worth your while, I believe I am owed something from my dear husband."

William drew back, lacing his arms around his wife's waist. He crooked an eyebrow, something about her tone was mischievous and he liked it. "Oh?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

"Yes, I believe I was promised something before you went away." She bent forward to whisper a reminder in his ear, her breath tickling his neck and making him shiver with delight. Oh, but he had been looking forward tothatall week. "I may owe you, my dear wife, and while I'd like to say the pleasure would be all mine," he lowered his voice and his eyes grew dark, "I make it my business that it is not all mine, butyourstoo." He fairly growled the last words.

With that, he bent to place an arm behind Ada's knees, and scooped her up into his arms much like he did on their wedding day, when they had come to this house for the first time as husband and wife. She squealed with laughter and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Then full speed ahead, husband. I have missed you so."

And they disappeared into their bubble once more, filled with whispers and sighs, loving caresses and passionate kisses, revelling in their time together until the sea called for William once more