Jessica was typing furiously on her keyboard trying to finish her story tonight. She had three chapters to go but already knew what she was going to say and how to sum up the mystery so she was eager to complete her book. She had been working all day and skipped lunch as she had a breakthrough and was eager to get it all printed on paper.

She got up to make a cup of tea and turned on the water to fill her kettle when her faucet sprayed water everywhere. She tried to turn off the spigot but it swiveled in her hand. Oh goodness! She was getting soaked. She knelt down and looked under the sink but all she saw were pipes and cleaning supplies. She got up from her knees slowly and walked carefully over to her phone. Hopefully Seth would be home.

"Seth! Help me! Water is running everywhere in my kitchen!" she exclaimed as soon as he answered the phone.

"I'm on my way!"

She tried to cover the faucet with a pail so the water wouldn't spray everywhere and had some success. Four minutes later Seth and Mort dashed into the kitchen.

Seth went under the sink while Mort stood shaking his head. "Mrs. F when I saw the Doc racing through the streets, I immediately followed thinking it was an emergency. I ran the siren until we reached your block."

"Thank you, Mort." She grabbed a clean dish towel and began blotting water out of her hair and face. "I couldn't find the shut off valve."

Seth crawled out from beneath the sink. "Hand me some paper towels so I can dry out under here. I'll have it fixed in no time."

Jessica handed him the roll of paper towels from her counter. Seth and Mort began discussing what was wrong but it was Greek to her so she excused herself to go upstairs and put on dry clothes.

Twenty minutes later she returned. Seth was still under the sink and Mort was assisting him by handing him various tools and giving a running commentary on all the plumbing disasters he's seen.

"Mrs. F, it's a good thing the Doc was home or you would have a huge mess on your hands." Mort handed her the pail now that it wasn't needed.

"Jess, it's pretty bad news, I'm afraid. I told you that replacing these pipes was in your best interests. I suggest you do it before winter."

"Seth, Tom Rivers said he can't get to it until October, earliest," frowned Jessica. "I hate to have someone come over from Morgan Bay when there's someone in Cabot Cove that can use the business. It's a large job."

"I don't think it can wait that long, Jess."

"Well at least show me where the valve to shut the water off is located."

Seth showed her where the valve was located and told her it was just for the sink. Her main shut off valve was outside.

Jessica thanked Seth and Mort for coming to her aid. It took nearly an hour to mop up all the water and wipe her counters dry.

She wasn't sure she could finish her book tonight. She kept getting distracted thinking about her pipes.

At one AM Jessica was doing more yawning than typing and decided to go to bed. Just one more chapter to go but she could barely focus.

She set her alarm for six AM and was asleep as soon as her head touched her pillow.

She dragged herself out of bed when the alarm went off and decided to take her shower first thing to wake her up. She washed her hair first then added conditioner before rinsing it out. She started washing her body when her shower head went berserk. The water turned cold and was spraying hard droplets of water on her. She shrieked and got out of the shower, wrapping a towel around her soapy body and trying to turn off the water. Nothing worked so she sighed and was resigned to call Seth.

She crossed her fingers that he was still home and not doing rounds at the hospital. Luck was with her and he answered. Promising to be there as quickly as he could, she tried to scoop up water to rinse off. It was too cold to shower in. She dried herself with a towel, feeling sticky with soap, and went to her bedroom to grab a robe. She belted it tightly and went downstairs to let Seth in.

He grumbled about the time but dutifully went upstairs to her bathroom. Her phone rang. It was Eve Simpson. Loretta had just called her because Corinne was walking by Jessica's house and saw Doc running inside.

"Eve, it's just plumbing issues. I'm fine." Jessica shook her head. They meant well but really!

Eve didn't let the matter drop so easily. "Jessica, at your age you have to pay attention to things like that."

"I know, Eve. Seth's already told me." Jessica covered the mouthpiece and sighed. "Look I'm sticky and need to wash up. I'll call you later." She hung up and went to the downstairs bathroom. She took a washcloth and wiped herself down, removing most of the soap and toweling dry.

She went back to her room and dressed for the day before tackling her half dried hair.

Seth was downstairs in the kitchen waiting on her. "I suggest you don't use your shower until tomorrow. I'll need to come back tonight and fix it."

"Thank you, Seth. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"You'd drown," he said drily.

After Seth had a cup of coffee and a muffin, Jessica sat down to finally finish her book. Two hours later, it was done! Her book was complete. Now she needed to tackle her plumbing problems. She spent the morning calling every plumber in the phone book. No one could even come before next week. She finally broke down and called a plumber in Portland that said they could come two days from now. It was the best offer she could find so she agreed.

She decided to bake a pie for Seth as a thank you. He loved her blueberry pie. She also made a couple of dozen snickerdoodle cookies for him. She called to invite him over for dinner and he accepted.

"I must say Jess, your pot roast is a delight and that pie was delicious." She peeked at the pie dish but opted not to have a second slice. He sipped his coffee and patted his stomach. "I would lose weight if you weren't such a good cook." He had been unable to repair her shower without going into her wall and she refused to allow him to start what was probably hours of work. The plumber would be there in a couple of days.

"Thank you, dear but your cooking is truly gourmet, mine is just plain home cooking." She smiled at him before bringing a dish to the table. "This is for you to take home. Consider it a sincere thank you for coming over so early in the morning."

Seth lifted the lid on the container and his eyes widened at the sight of the snickerdoodles. "Woman, you didn't have to do this." He grabbed one cookie and took a bite. "But I thank you! Delicious!"

They began a game of chess but Jessica's phone rang again and again. Everyone was concerned about her plumbing issues and seeing as Seth was there again, they wanted to know if they could help in any way.

"Loretta, do you know much about plumbing?" asked Jessica.

"Well, only my own but isn't it all pretty much the same?" replied Loretta.

"Let me ask, Seth." Jessica turned to Seth and asked him but he assured her that it was not true. A lot of plumbing was individualized. "Loretta, he said it isn't true and mine is particularly old fashioned."

Jessica hung up and returned to the match. It was late when Seth left and Jessica turned in immediately.

Seth wandered the aisles of the grocery store the following morning. He was approached by several women asking after Jessica. He assured them he saw her last night and she was well. They began telling him stories they heard of women developing incontinent problems. He wasn't sure of the connection but then people told doctors all sorts of things.

Adele Metzger sidled up to him in frozen foods. "Doc, you tell Jessica that she must do her Kegel exercises. It's very important for women. She didn't have children so she might not have heard about them."

Seth raised his eyebrows. Kegel exercises? How was he supposed to bring that up to Jessica? He shook his head and continued shopping.

Ideal Malloy approached him next. "Good morning, Doc. Jessica is a tea drinker. Please tell her a cup of peppermint tea every morning will have her flowing and a cup of green tea would give her control."

Seth stared after her as she walked away. He had only taken four steps when he realized what was happening. He let out a belly laugh right there in the middle of the aisle. He couldn't wait to tell Jessica.

Jessica was having her own nightmare though. She couldn't use her shower so thought she would take a quick bath. Once again, she couldn't stop the water from flowing and even though she removed the stopper from the tub, it was filling up slowly. She looked for the valve to shut the water off but didn't see it. She was only in her robe having removed her clothing before running a bath. It was one of her favorite ones too. Thick terry cloth that was soft against her skin and closed only with a belt. She removed one arm from her robe in order to stretch and reach the valve thingy but even when she turned it in either direction, the water didn't cut off. She would have to call Seth, again. She put her nightgown back on while calling Seth.

He wasn't home and not knowing what to do, she tried to siphon the water away with a hose running from the tub to the sink. She heard her kitchen door close and called out.

It was Seth who hurried up the stairs. Jessica was underneath the sink with a bucket trying to catch the water from a sudden leak from a pipe underneath.

Seth stood there staring at her legs. Her nightgown had ridden up, He didn't get the opportunity to see them much, at least her thighs were usually covered. He went behind the toilet and shut off the valve.

"Jessica, the shut off valve is behind the toilet in the bathroom."

"Why would they do that? Why isn't it under the sink?" she grumbled.

"That will cut off the water to the sink but not the tub or toilet. Let me get under there."

There was no ladylike way to get from underneath the sink. Keeping one hand on the hem of her nightgown to hold it down, she scooted forward until her head was clear and she rolled over and stood up.

"Just when I was enjoying the view," teased Seth. "Nice pair of gams."

Jessica blushed and punched his shoulder. Lately Seth had been making light innuendos that made her wonder if he was joking or not.

Seth crawled beneath the sink and pulled out a wrench he had in his shirt pocket. "I came prepared, just in case." It was a quick fix but he stayed beneath the sink staring at her legs.

"I was just admiring the view, Jess." He crawled out. "Are your legs as smooth as they look?"

"Seth, behave."

"I am, woman. I didn't touch them, did I?"

"You're too much of a gentleman to do anything so unseemly."

Seth made a grab for her legs and she shrieked and jumped backward. "Seth, I'm naked beneath my gown."

Seth stared at her transfixed. Did she say naked? He cleared his throat. "I'll just let you get dressed then. Any coffee downstairs?" He quickly made his escape.

Jess was downstairs five minutes later. She fixed a cup of coffee for her and offered Seth a donut.

"I have to tell you the latest news, Jess." He repeated everything he heard at the grocery store.

"Seth, did you correct them? My plumbing problems are with my pipes, not inside me."

"Well, no I didn't really have the chance and you know I wouldn't discuss your medical information with anyone."

Jessica groaned. Just great.

The plumber arrived the following morning and after an hour he gave Jessica the bad news. Major repairs were needed. It would take a couple of weeks. Not to mention the cost. He shut off the water to the house and told her he would begin immediately.

Jessica called Seth to inform him and he was sympathetic and grateful he wasn't a homeowner.

"I know it's an inconvenience Seth, but The Hill House is full. Could I stay with you for a few days?"

Seth mulled it over. Having Jessica over would be a big deal. His kitchen was too small to cook in, his guest room had a twin bed because the room was so small, and his bathroom was miniscule.

"It's no problem Jess. We can manage." Anything for you,he thought.

"I know there'll be gossip," she lamented.

"I'll take care of it, Jess. I'll be there to pick you up in a minute. Pack a bag."

Jessica went upstairs and quickly packed a small suitcase to last her a few days. She filled her toiletry bag, and took her favorite blend of tea. By this time two plumber's helpers had arrived and the three plumbers were digging in her yard. Seth came a few minutes later and drove her over to Loretta's.

"Why are we here?" asked Jessica.

"Patience, Jess." He got out of the car and walked around to open her door for her. Taking her arm, he led her into Loretta's beauty parlor. Eve Simpson, Phyllis Grant, and Ideal Malloy were inside as well as Loretta and Corinne.

"Good morning, ladies," Seth removed his cap as he greeted the women. "We came over because Jessica's plumbing needs major repairs and I'm counting on one of you to give up your place so Loretta can do a quick wash and set for Jessica."

The women jumped up and immediately urged Jessica over to the shampoo chair. They talked over each other as they gave her advice and then turned to Seth. "When is she getting it done?"

"In about two hours if we hurry," inserted Seth. "You know, you women don't like to go anywhere unless you're all dolled up."

Phyllis said, "Doc you're the best. Poor Jessica would have felt miserable." The other women were sympathetic.

Jessica turned and gave Seth an evil look.

"Will she have to convalesce long, Doc?"

"About a week or so depending on how well she does her Kegels," he said with a grin. "A word of warning to you ladies. Kegels are very important."

The women nodded in agreement and began speaking over each other to give Jessica more advice.

An hour after entering Jessica and Seth left the beauty parlor and headed to his practice.

"Seth, you're impossible."

"What do you mean, Jess." Seth stopped the car and ushered inside his house. "Those old biddies will spread the word far and wide that you're having surgery and getting well at my house so Beverly and I can take care of you. Now no one will gossip about you spending the night. After all, with plumbing problems you won't be… er… uh… doing you know."

Jessica smiled. That was ingenious, really. Jessica spent the next few days hiding away at Seth's place. She stayed upstairs during office hours enjoying lying around with a few good books, actually watching tv and having food brought up to her. Word had gotten out and women were dropping off food to the doctor daily. Jessica felt guilty but was able to assuage her feelings by remembering how awful the gossip would be if she just stayed here for actual plumbing repairs.

Seth had been a true gentleman. He tried to give her his bedroom but she refused. If she were in the hospital she would be in a hospital bed which was twin sized. His bathroom was small, she actually wondered how he managed in the shower without banging his arms on the sides. She had knocked her elbow against the door twice already. Seth refused to allow visitors and was strict about it so she was in relative peace and quiet each day. After working on her book the past three months, it was a wonderful respite.

Their evenings were spent enjoying the delicious meals sent over and playing chess. She tried to be a considerate house guest by keeping her bedroom and the bathroom clean at all times. Seth was fastidious about cleanliness. He drove over to her house every afternoon to check on the progress of the plumber and his helpers. It was determined she needed to upgrade all of her pipes as they were nearly sixty years old. It was a miracle she didn't have major problems years ago.

Since the plumbers were at her house making a mess, Jessica decided to go ahead and get a new roof now instead of waiting until next spring. The roofing was a three day job so she was thrilled to miss all the upheaval. Besides, she was enjoying staying with Seth. For the first time in a long while she was actually resting, recharging she called it. Her afternoons and evenings with Seth were also delightful. Last night the thought crossed her mind to kiss him goodnight. That was strange. She was fond of him, cared for him greatly but her desires had been tamped for years. Once Frank died, that part of her life died as well. Or did it?

Her new roof was completed in three days as promised and Seth drove her over early one morning to see it. They sat in the car across the street from her house and looked at her roof. She was pleased to see the clean lines. No more buckling or warped shingles. She couldn't help but remember the last time a new roof was installed. It was the year after they bought the house and it had sprung a few leaks. They could barely afford to replace it until Frank informed her if they gave up their vacation, they could manage. It was one of the few times they argued for more than a few minutes.

"It's a beauty, Jess." Seth's words burst through her memories and she focused on the house again.

Jessica sighed. "I never thought I'd have to replace the roof on my own, Seth. I know I'm capable but when I used to look at my future, I was never alone." A tear slipped out but she turned her head away to look out the window. She looked at her front lawn. The plumbers didn't have to dig up too much in the front but from the little she could see of the side of the house, her backyard was probably going to need replanting.

Seth sat quietly pondering why she seemed melancholy and figured it had to do with her husband, Frank. There were times he got steeped into memories of Ruth so he knew how she felt. He reached over and squeezed her hand. "You're never alone, Jess."

She returned the gesture. "Thanks, Seth. Let's go before someone comes by."

Seth started the engine and drove away. He drove around back when they got home and went inside. There were two hours before he needed to see patients so they had a leisurely breakfast and he tried to pick up her spirits.

Jessica spent the day holed up in her small bedroom. She didn't eat lunch and Seth, busy with patients, didn't see her until after office hours were over and Beverly had left.

He went upstairs after locking up and began heating up one of the dishes sent over. It was nice not having to cook sometimes and some of the women in town were great cooks. Personally, he felt they were trying to impress Jessica because instead of the usual chicken casseroles, there were veal, beef, and shrimp dishes, not to mention several bowls of clam chowder and lobster bisque. He was going to heat up one of the bisques to go along with what looked like a pasta dish with shrimp.

There wasn't any sound coming from Jessica's room so he went and knocked gently on the door. Dinner would be ready in about half an hour and he wanted to give her a head's up.

"Come in," she said, in answer to his knock.

She was sitting on the bed, looking at the picture of Margie that he kept in the room.

"I used to pray for a child," admitted Jessica, placing the picture frame back on the nightstand. "It's one of my biggest regrets that I couldn't give Frank one. Oh, raising Grady was wonderful but having an infant, a combination of the two of us, would have been wonderful."

Seth wasn't sure what to say. "You made a fine mother to Grady so I know you would have been a wonderful mother to any child you had."

Jessica nodded then stood. "Is dinner ready?"

"In a few minutes. I wanted to give you time to wash up."

She gave him a small smile as she passed him and walked down the hall to the bathroom. Seth returned to the kitchen to stir the bisque. He dished up the meal and set the plates at the table just as Jessica entered his small kitchen.

"You aren't getting depressed, are you, Jess?" He got up and picked up the basket of rolls from the counter. "You're looking mighty down in the mouth."

"Seth, do you ever smell changes in the air?"

"Ayuh, but I never know what the change is until it happens," he answered.

"Me neither," she agreed. "But I can feel it now."

Seth cleared his throat. "It appeared as though you were thinking of something specific."

"I've been dissatisfied being alone lately." She looked down at her plate then looked him in the eye. "I enjoy spending time with you, fishing, and playing chess. You're very well read and I love just talking with you. You're a great friend, my best friend."

"But you want someone to share more intimate moments, someone to wake up to in the morning, someone to share a big lonely bed?"

Jessica nodded. "I've probably taken longer than most people to want to feel loved again…I don't want to pry into your life with Ruth but even though you loved her, don't you want to experience that feeling again?"

"You can't snap your fingers and fall in love, Jess."

"I think you can, Seth. This morning I looked at my new roof and it reminded me of all the new things in my life since Frank died. My career, my independence, my ability to trip over murders…and you. And I realized I've slowly fallen in love with you." She glimpsed him before looking away.

"You're obviously happy as you are. You have Margie and now her family as well. Ruth has been gone longer than Frank so the opportunity to fall in love may have already happened but I thought you should know. It would feel like I was lying to you if I didn't."

"I've thought about us as a couple, Jess. I thought about how much we already spend so much time together but I guess I was waiting for a sign." Seth smiled. "I wasn't expecting you to hit me over the head with it."

"You don't mind?" she asked.

"You think I'd mind a beautiful woman telling me she loves me and is hot for my body?" he asked with eyebrows raised.

"Seth Hazlitt! That is not what I said." Jessica blushed clear to her hairline.

"That's what I heard, Jess." Seth rose and clasped her hands across the table. "Are you sure I'm the one you want, not just the convenient one?"

She cocked her head and looked at him. She could see the insecurity and disbelief battling in his eyes and yet she could see hope as well. "Well, there is the convenience factor. After all, who else could tame the Cabot Cove gossipers so easily? After Frank died I compared every new man I met to him, to see how they measured up but sometime over the past year or so I realized I was comparing the men to you."

She rose and pulled him out of the kitchen and down the hall to the guest room. Patting the spot beside her, he took a seat on the bed. "I just want to test something." He looked at her curiously. She wrapped her arms around his neck and placed her lips to his. She applied more pressure and the tight rein on his emotions loosened just a little. She licked his lips lightly, begging for entrance and his control held until her fingers held his face in place as the kiss deepened. He responded with an urgency that was overwhelming from the first.

"I knew the attraction was there," responded Jessica, after several moments passed. She placed her hand on his chest and felt how fast his heart was beating.

"Jess, you don't understand the fire you've lit inside of me," whispered Seth.

She placed her hand on his thigh and his leg twitched. "I think I do, Seth. why don't we go to your room."

Seth looked at her twin bed and thought of his queen sized one. "Good idea." He held his hand out to help her up and they left the room to enter his. "This is an unforeseen complication." He picked up the phone at his bedside table. "Eve? Doc Hazlitt. Listen I'm going to have to take Jessica to Boston tomorrow, She has some complications and will need to travel. Would it be possible for you and one of the other ladies to pack a small bag for her? You know what she will need and make sure you pack something for her to travel back home in. You will? Thanks. Just leave the suitcase on my porch. I'll get it when I return home this evening." Seth hung up the phone.

"Seth, you are making a bad habit out of lying to the ladies." She crossed her arms.

"I did not lie. I told you we had an unforeseen complication, which is how to woo you in this blasted town without everyone's nose in our business." He smiled smugly at her. "Now we have a week in Boston to enjoy and when we return you can tell everyone how you realized what a great man I am and could no longer resist my charms."

Jessica leaned forward and kissed his lips. "My hero." They burst into laughter. Jessica got on the phone to make reservations and Seth went to clean up the kitchen. He turned off all the lights when he was through and he and Jessica lay across the bed talking softly, listening for footsteps to announce her suitcase was on the porch. The occasional giggle escaped and Jessica held his hand as they waited. She half worried about the clothes Eve and probably Phyllis would pack for her but she could always go shopping.

Seth sat up when he heard the thunk of the suitcase being placed on the porch. The women left immediately since it was obvious they weren't home. He worried for a moment that it was too easy, too simple, things were bound to go wrong. Then he looked over at Jessica who was looking back at him and thought 'to hell with it' he finally had her in his arms and she was there to stay.