Epilogue

Jessica wheeled her carry-on luggage into her apartment. It was sleeting outside making it a dreary day but she was happy to have arrived safely. She had spent a lovely Valentine's Day in Cabot Cove with Seth but now she was in New York meeting with her agent and publisher before embarking on a two week book tour.

A year ago she and Seth had to work through many issues and upheavals but they managed to work together, compromise when necessary, and spend as many days together as possible. She went to several conventions with him and surprisingly enjoyed herself. She didn't attend many of the lectures but went sightseeing and took notes of her surroundings. They enjoyed dinners together and their nights were wonderful too.

July through December had been easy. January through June was harder but they weren't apart too often and never more than two weeks at a time. Nightly phone calls helped. Their relationship flourished and the next autumn and winter Seth had announced he was scaling back further and working three days a week now. He wasn't as fussy about finances although she never made a big deal about it. When he offered to pay, she let him. When her publisher paid, he allowed it, and when she paid he managed not to feel embarrassed or slighted.

She unpacked and tossed her things in the hamper or in her laundry bag for pick up. She immediately pulled out another suitcase and packed for her ten day book tour. She was adept at managing her travel preparations. She telephoned for Chinese take-out for dinner as she was too tired to cook and there were few groceries anyway. She took a quick shower and was in her pajamas and robe when her dinner arrived.

She was in bed by nine o'clock. Seth called promptly at 9:15, their prearranged time, and she had spent forty five minutes conversing with him and having uninterrupted pleasure enjoying his complete attention. She loved their phone calls while they were apart. Being a large priority in his life never felt better than their nightly phone calls.

She didn't participate in the theater anymore but she made sure Seth was available and always went to see him on stage. Their vacations brought them close. Seth loved the comfort of business class so much he no longer quivered over the cost. Their passion increased as the depth of their love grew. Seth brought up marriage every few months and they discussed it but always agreed to bring it up again later. On the plane ride over, Jessica decided it was finally time. She knew Seth would be pleased but she would wait until they were together again to let him know. His partner had expressed a desire to rent the rooms above the practice since she was working full time and Seth would be able to save the rent money for other things.

She snuggled deeper into her blankets. She missed not having Seth beside her. Her phone rang. She noted it was after eleven o'clock.

"I can't fall asleep," said Seth as soon as she answered.

Jessica laughed lightly. "I haven't fallen asleep either."

"I miss you," he rumbled.

"Seth, we hung up an hour ago." She smiled into the phone. "I'll see you in ten days."

"About that…" began Seth. "The final day of your book tour is in Miami. I was thinking of flying down and spending a few days with you in the warmth, enjoying the sandy beaches and eating at that Cuban restaurant you told me about a few years ago."

"Seth, that would be wonderful. Thank you, dear." He was so much more accommodating than she had expected.

"I love you, Jess."

"I love you, Seth, so very much."

Sleep came quickly after that second phone call. The next ten days flew by as Jessica traveled to Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. While she was in Jacksonville, Florida Seth called her to tell her he arrived in Miami and checked into their room. She would be there the following day and would spend an additional four days with Seth.

Seth met her in the lobby of the hotel and urged her to check in quickly. She smiled at his urgency and within minutes was walking to the elevator. Seth opened the door and allowed her to enter first. The first thing she saw were the flowers. Beautiful arrangements that scented the room and brightened the entire room.

Seth pulled her into his arms and kissed her. "I have missed you, dear lady."

"We talked every night, Seth."

"I've missed you every night," he replied.

"Well, Dr. I have a cure for that."

Seth chuckled. "Should I be afraid for my job?"

Jessica kissed his chin. "Not at all." She spread her hands on his chest before kissing his cheek and settling in his arms. "I'm ready to marry you."

Seth grabbed her around her middle and lifted her up. He planted dozens of kisses on her face and then just beamed at her. He walked over to his suitcase and returned to kneel before her. He looked up into her eyes so full of devotion and love.

Tears filled her eyes as Seth proposed and offered undiluted love forever. She was ready for the next step in their lives.