A/N: Thanks to KarlieQ and Laurawritesfiction for encouragement.

Just a reminder: I don't own these characters nor do I make any money from them.

Seth stared at the note on his desk, as though if he just looked at it long enough and hard enough, it might disappear.

The pharmacist over in Brunswick called. I ok'ed the scrip, so you can pick it up today if you can make it before 4 o'clock. Beverly

Seth felt the warmth from his face radiate through his entire body. Not the pleasant tingle he felt when he was in Jessica's vicinity. Not the passion that surged through him as he held her close. No, this was the harsh burn of shame. Of all people to know. Beverly!

He took a few slow, deep breaths to calm himself. His rational mind knew that Beverly was a vault when it came to patients. He wasn't a patient of course, but she was sensitive, or could be, when the situation called for it. He grimaced. She'd been hinting lately, none too subtly, about Jessica. He groaned and scrubbed his face. Knowing she knew what he was filling in Brunswick was humiliating.

Beverly was his employee, and he, always intensely private, was never one to engage in even desultory conversation with a subordinate, much less something like this! He'd only intended to share this with one person, tonight.

He glanced at his watch. 2:30. He had enough time to run over to Brunswick, conduct his business, then return home to freshen up. He smiled as he thought of Jessica, and tonight. As he recalled, the pharmacy was only a few doors down from a florist that Jessica had declared charming.

"Jessica! Oh, Jessica!"

Jessica, who'd been scrutinizing a few limp romaine leaves, lifted her head and smiled in response. "Hello, Beverly!" Jessica greeted her warmly. She knew that, in spite of how he sometimes spoke of and to Beverly, Seth really did value her skills as a nurse. It was just Seth's way, and she smiled another, softer smile as she thought of him.

Beverly made her way over to Jessica, panting slightly. "I hoped I might run into you this afternoon, Jessica."

"Oh?" inquired Jessica politely.

"Yes. It's just….well, you know the doc." Jessica nodded expectantly. "It's our half-day today." Beverly, somewhat frazzled, looked at Jessica. "Well of course you'd know that, especially now that you and Doc have been keeping company. Officially," she added fussily.

"That's true enough, Beverly," said Jessica serenely. Jessica never minded being the subject of gossip. Most of it was harmless, and, really, what did it matter what anyone speculated about their relationship?

Seth was more sensitive. He took her reputation quite seriously. A little too seriously, if Jessica was being honest. In fact, she could make the argument that he took her too seriously. He treated her with such…reverence, really. She was still having trouble convincing him that she was a flesh-and-blood woman, same as any other.

Now that's where you're wrong, Jess, he said softly and brushed a gentle finger against her cheek. There's no other woman like you.

Flattering, and certainly romantic, and also…challenging. She sensed there was passion between them, or could be, but anytime she attempted to move closer or deepen a kiss, he put her off. Gently, carefully, but thoroughly. She knew he was attracted to her, even if admitting it caused her face to flush. She'd caught him staring often enough, even before their understanding.

She thought she'd communicated…clearly…that she was willing to go to bed with him. Wanted to go to bed with him. She knew him to be old-fashioned, a dedicated traditionalist, but they were of an age, and, after all, it was 1987, though she could just imagine his response to that reminder. What two consenting adults chose to do was no one's business but their own. She was confident she could stare down any of the gossips in town. And she was confident that Seth could as well. He only needed a little practice.

"Jessica? Did you hear me, Jessica?"

"Oh, Beverly…I'm so sorry. How dreadful of me. I was just lost in thought, that's all."

"That's alright, dear. I'm sure you've got a lot on your mind." Jessica gave her a quizzical look. "What with Doc and all."

Jessica became alert immediately. "What do you mean, Beverly?"

"I expect he's gone to Brunswick this afternoon. To pick up that prescription." Beverly gave Jessica a knowing look. She was surprised that Jessica's face was blank. "You know. His prescription? The one he had filled in Brunswick?"

Jessica shook her head slowly. "No, I don't, Beverly. What prescription?"

Beverly grew flustered. Doc was going to murder her for sure. That is, if Jessica didn't beat him to it. "It's nothing serious, Jessica! Just a prescription. He likes the pharmacist in Brunswick. He goes there a lot. For his prescriptions," she finished lamely.

"Does he?" asked Jessica, perplexed.

"Probably you were out of town the last time he had a prescription filled for himself."

"Beverly, I don't think you're being completely honest with me."

"Me? I'm honest as the day is long, Jessica. And speaking of, I really should go. I'm in a terrible hurry."

"Beverly," Jessica said. Beverly stood stock still. She'd forgotten that Jessica had been a schoolteacher. A very good disciplinarian, she'd wager. "What's wrong with Seth?"

Beverly covered Jessica's hand with hers impulsively. "Jessica, nothing is wrong with Doc." Not exactly. "I promise it's nothing to be concerned about." Not now that the two of you are an item. Unless Jessica didn't want…but that's ridiculous. Recollect how she used to moon about town with Frank Fletcher. No one had any trouble guessing just exactly how happy that marriage was! "I promise you, Jessica. Doc's alright. I expect you'll see him when he gets back."

Jessica frowned. She didn't like leaving it like this, but she knew when she'd been painted into a corner. And she suspected this was a conversation best finished in private. With Seth. She'd finish her marketing, then go straight home. "You're right, Beverly. I'm sure he'll be by as soon as he gets back."

Beverly nodded vigorously. "Jessica, I'd count on it!"

Seth grabbed his jacket and hat and headed to Brunswick. Only a 45-minute drive, he'd get there in plenty of time before closing. The pharmacy was on the corner of the pretty little town square. He'd brought Jessica there just a few weeks earlier to do some antiquing.

Jessica. He felt a foolish grin settle on his face, and he sighed. He'd been in love with her for what felt like forever. He thought he'd never have a chance with her, admonished himself constantly to be satisfied with friendship…to learn to truly appreciate the joys of having a friend like Jessica. And he'd mostly succeeded. But with each companionable stroll, each hug and good night kiss, it took more and more effort to discipline himself around her.

He fancied himself a good reader of people, and the story Jessica was now telling him thrilled him as much as it terrified him.

He'd lost Ruth when she was barely 40 years old. After that first winter of grief, he threw himself into his work, hiring a housekeeper he could ill afford to help him look after Margie. But it was worth it in the long run. Losing Ruth had devastated Margie, and Mrs. Phillips became a warm, available substitute. Seth shuddered to think what trouble Margie might have gotten into without the redoubtable Mrs. Phillips. He could have used a Mrs. Phillips of his own.

He was ashamed of the man he'd been, ashamed of those selfish indulgences. It was a different time, the 70s, and the hospital itself was an alien environment, disconnected from normal life. Time wasn't the same when you were inside, and staff, doctors in particular, could act with near impunity.

Never a man averse to gossip, he kept abreast of the goings on in the building. He listened, but seldom repeated what he'd heard. Some of what he witnessed he could pity, but he never thought he would stoop to such a level. And, had Ruthie lived, he never would have.

After a string of empty but complicated affairs that culminated in his stint at Juniper Lake, he vowed to be a better man. And he'd mostly succeeded.

When he decided to move back to Cabot Cove, he rang Doc Wilson, who was more than delighted to have a younger man—and a native son of Cabot Cove to boot—take over his practice. Seth kept busy, what with his small family practice and the shifts he picked up at the nearby hospital. He kept busy and kept his nose clean.

It was easy enough until Jessica Fletcher appeared in his office one day, complaining of back trouble. She'd been widowed for more than a year by then and, according to Beverly, was a published author. That beggared belief, so he stopped by the library one evening where Jane had checked out a copy of The Corpse Danced At Midnight for him. He stayed up all night reading the darned thing.

Their friendship deepened gradually, until one day he realized that he was in love with her. He'd done everything possible to keep her from finding out. He didn't think he stood a chance with her…he knew well enough the reflection that greeted him in the mirror each morning, not to mention his anemic finances…but then that business at Juniper Lake resurfaced.

She followed him there, of course. Followed him because she was worried for him. Followed him because something was troubling him and that troubled her. His heart never failed to clench when he recalled her words: But there's no power on Earth that would make me believe that Seth is the killer. The way she'd looked at him! In spite of his derelict appearance, he kissed her—after that detective had been arrested and all the interested parties had dispersed. He'd kissed her—softly, tentatively—but almost immediately she'd pressed closer to him and kissed him in a way that left him in no doubt of her feelings.

He shifted uncomfortably and gripped the steering wheel. He wasn't a young man any longer, for all that Jessica made him feel like a teenager. A randy teenager! And she'd been giving him broad hints that she was receptive to …to…he wasn't quite sure how to describe it. He'd resisted until now because she was special, a true lady, and he never wanted to feel as though he'd overstepped or taken advantage of her in any way.

But, God help him, he wanted to lose himself in her warm embrace, in the warm sweetness of her, wanted to give her all the love and affection and pleasure he had left within him.

All he had to do was pick up his prescription, buy a bouquet of flowers, and talk to Jessica. He didn't know quite how he was going to tick that last item off his impromptu to-do list, but he was confident that—if he could let her—Jessica would ease them along.

Jessica, who'd been watching for Seth's headlights, hurried to the door, keeping it open in spite of the chill. As soon as he came to the threshold, she threw her arms around his neck. He had to shift the flowers awkwardly in one arm as he held her with the other. She buried her face in his neck.

"Oh, Seth," she breathed.

"What's all this, Jessica? Are you alright?"

She drew back a little. "I'm alright! It's you I'm worried about!"

"Me?" Seth rocked back on his heels, surprised.

"I ran into Beverly in the market this afternoon."

"Oh," said Seth. "Do you think I could come inside?"

"Oh my, yes," she said, flustered, and if the situation had been different, he'd have been nothing but charmed.

She stepped back to allow him into the house, then shut the door behind him.

"I brought these for you, Jess," he said, more gruffly than he intended, as he held out the flowers to her.

"They're lovely, Seth. Thank you." She smoothed a delicate finger along the red petal of one of the tulips in her bouquet, then she looked at him.

"I'm alright, woman. I promise." She raised an eyebrow. "I just had a prescription filled in Brunswick. I like the pharmacist," he said, raising his shoulders in a half-hearted shrug.

"So Beverly said," said Jessica, a touch of frost in her voice.

Seth's face darkened. "It wasn't for her to tell you!"

"We can agree on that!" said Jessica tartly.

She turned abruptly and went to the kitchen, Seth following helplessly in her wake. He stood behind her as she pulled a vase from the cabinet, filled it with water, then trimmed and arranged the flowers. He put a tentative hand on her shoulder.

She took a shuddering breath. "You'd tell me, wouldn't you? If something were wrong?"

He wrapped his arms around her and was relieved to feel her sink back into his embrace. "I would. Of course I would." He kissed her neck. "I was planning on telling you, and only you, tonight." Jessica turned in his arms. She wanted to see his face. "Beverly took a call from the pharmacy." He sighed in exasperation. "Though what on earth prompted her to tell you about it, I'll never know," he groused.

"Seth!"

He put a gentle hand on her cheek. "Could we sit down?"

"Why do we need to sit down?"

He pulled the prescription out of his inside pocket and handed it silently to Jessica. She took it from him, peering at the package insert, then looked at Seth. "Sildenafil citrate?"

He cleared his throat, then looked her in the eye. "It's a drug that treats erectile dysfunction."

Jessica's face flushed. "I'm sorry, Seth," she stammered. "I had no idea," she said softly.

"I don't need them!" he protested.

"Wait. What?"

"At least I don't think I do. But I wanted them to hand in case I did…have some trouble." My god, this was excruciating.

"Oh," said Jessica. Then she began to chuckle.

"I fail to see what's so funny," said Seth, which only prompted her to further, and harder, laughter.

She wiped her eyes. "Oh, Seth," she said, struggling to get hold of herself. "You have to see the humor in it! I mean, I'm so relieved!"

"Relieved?"

"Yes! I've spent the entire afternoon worried that something might be seriously wrong." She sobered at the memory. "I couldn't bear that," she said quietly.

He pulled her into his arms and rubbed her back in slow circles. "I'm right here, Jess," he crooned. "I'm sorry I frightened you."

She drew back. "You did. Or rather, Beverly did."

"I'll deal with her!"

Jessica put a calming hand on his chest. "Don't be too harsh, Seth. It's obvious now that she assumed I knew about your trip. About the prescription."

Seth grunted. "Mayhap she did assume, but she ought to know better."

Jessica kissed him lightly on the lips, then handed the prescription packet back to him. She studied him for a long moment, a curious expression on her face that Seth couldn't quite place. "Ought we to find out whether or not you need those pills?"

Seth's breath caught in his throat. That was exactly what he was planning to propose, but hearing it come from Jessica was both titillating and terrifying.

"Seth?"

He tossed the prescription on the counter, then took Jessica's face in his hands and kissed her deeply. "Nothing would please me more," he said in a low voice. "Are you sure?"

Jessica stared at him for another long moment. "Very few things in my life have I been more sure of."

He hugged her fiercely. She drew apart from him, taking his hand to lead him up the stairs and to her room, leaving the prescription on the counter.

A few weeks later

"Hello, Beverly," said Eve cheerfully. "I didn't know you had an appointment today."

"Didn't you?" asked Beverly dryly.

Loretta looked up from combing out Beverly's permanent, a question in her eyes. Corinne stopped laying out her manicure tools. Eve arranged her coat and purse with exaggerated care.

"I only meant I hadn't seen you around lately."

Beverly looked at Eve's reflection in the glass. "I've been around, same as usual." As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted it.

Eve pounced. "But it hasn't been usual, has it?"

Beverly let the question lie.

"The good doctor seems to have a new pep in his step these days," remarked Eve slyly. Frustrated by the silence, she tried a different tack. "I tried to get in to see Doc the other day, but the office was closed." She began tapping her heel impatiently. "And when I called round to Jessica's, her place was dark." Eve put her hands on her hips and glared at Beverly's reflection. "And," she drew herself up, "the last time I ran into the doc was at the market, where he was whistling. Whistling, Beverly! And what's more, he greeted me politely and doffed his cap! What do you make of that?" finished Eve triumphantly.

"Whistling?" asked Beverly faintly.

"Whistling," said Eve firmly.

"Well," fumbled Beverly, but a sudden jingle of the bells Loretta hung on the door startled them all.

"Beverly," boomed Seth. "You about through here?"

Beverly jumped in her chair and put her hand over her heart. "Oh, Doc, you startled me! Yes," she said, then looked at Loretta for confirmation.

"We're nearly finished here, Doc," said Loretta calmly.

"You don't mind waiting a few minutes, do you, Doctor?" asked Eve.

"Hmph," Seth grunted. He rocked back on his heels and clasped his hands behind his back.

"How've you been, Doc?"

"Just fine," answered Seth. "And you?"

"Oh, I'm well, thank you. You seem mighty chipper these days."

"Oh?"

"I was just telling Beverly about the last time I saw you. You were whistling in the market."

"That doesn't sound like me."

"That's what I said," chimed Beverly, who slunk in her seat at a glare from Eve.

"Careful what you do say, Beverly," cautioned Seth.

"Why should she be careful, Doc? Why all the secrecy?"

"No secrecy, Eve. Only confidentiality. Can't be too careful, working with patients. You understand."

"How's Jessica?"

"Why should you ask me, Eve?"

Eve smiled. "Why shouldn't I ask you? You two have been spending even more time together, if that's possible."

Loretta quickly took off Beverly's cape. "You're all set, Beverly. Let's just get you rung up."

Seth looked at Eve as Beverly gathered her things. "If you want to know how Jessica is, you should ask her yourself, Eve."

"But that's just my point, Doc." she retorted. "You've been monopolizing all her time lately!"

Seth smiled, and Eve was struck by how different he seemed. She knew he was in love with Jessica. Everyone in the tri-county area knew that, but what if Jessica was in love with him? She enjoyed teasing Seth because it was so easy to rile him up. And rewarding. If she couldn't get a rise out of him about Jessica, then something was definitely different. "I would apologize for that Eve, but that would imply that I'm actually sorry. And I'm not. Not at all." He took Beverly's elbow and doffed his cap to Eve, Loretta, and Corrinne. "Afternoon, ladies," he said, still smiling, and walked Beverly out the door.

The morning after Brunswick

Seth woke with a start. Jessica, warm and soft, was stretching against him, and it felt indescribably good. "Good morning," he rumbled. He felt Jessica smile against his chest.

"Mmm, good morning," she said as she extended one of her legs long against him. He stifled a groan, contenting himself with palming small circles on her shoulder.

"How are you?"

Jessica laughed quietly and dropped a kiss against his chest. "Not quite as good as you, doctor," she said, looking up at him with a smirk.

Seth laughed, a short surprised bark. He squeezed her to him. "I wouldn't say that," he said quietly.

"I would," said Jessica firmly. "Last night was wonderful, Seth." She turned her face so that her chin was resting on his chest. "I felt so loved, so special."

Seth smiled as he stroked her face tenderly. He felt tears pricking his eyelids. "I'm glad, woman. You are special to me." He pressed her to him. "I do love you, Jessica. More than I can say."

She smiled up at him, then turned her face into his palm. "I love you, Seth," she murmured, then kissed his palm. She heard the sharp intake of his breath, and she smiled against his hand. She moved, settling her hips over his. "What would you like to do today, Seth?"

Seth groaned and rubbed his hands up and down her back. "Anything you want, Jess."

Jessica smiled. "I've never known you to be so agreeable."

Seth laughed again. "I think you're going to discover many new things about me, woman. You've called something out in me."

"Have I?" she asked languidly.

"You have," Seth breathed, and soon there was no need for words.

Jessica freshened Seth's coffee. "You should bring some clothes over. Toiletries, too."

Seth looked up at her in surprise. "Really?"

She smiled at him. "Really, darling. Unless you think this was a one-time event?"

"It was a two-time event," Seth reminded her with a wink, "and no, I don't." He took a sip from his mug. "You don't mind?"

"I wouldn't dream of depriving this town of even a morsel of tasty gossip." She laughed as Seth pinched her playfully, but then she grew serious. "But what about you, dear? I think you would mind."

"Maybe the old me would have, Jess," he said as he set his mug down and rose from the table to stand next to her. "But I told you this morning," he said quietly as he took the coffee pot from her and placed it on the stovetop. "You've called out something new in me." He gathered her close. "I'm yours, Jess," he rumbled, "and you can do anything you want with me. Just don't ever leave me," he whispered in her ear.

She buried his face in her neck and hugged him fiercely. "Never. Never, my darling. I love you, Seth. I'll love you for the rest of my days."

They stood in a silent embrace for a long moment. Seth drew back first. "That's good to hear, woman. Now, I'm not on call this weekend. How about we run over to Cape Elizabeth and do a little antiquing? Maybe have dinner at that little place we found last time?"

Jessica nodded. "I'd like that."

"Good. I'll run by my place and get cleaned up." He grasped her shoulders and smiled. "I'll bring a few things back with me. Deal?"

"Deal." Jessica put her arms around his neck and kissed him thoroughly. "I'll be waiting." Seth smiled, then he picked up his mug from the table, took a last sip, and rinsed it out in the sink. "I love you, Jess."

"I love you, too."

Jessica went to the window, staring thoughtfully at Seth's retreating back, watching him for as long as she could. He turned to wave, and she waved back, smiling at the loving gesture, knowing each of them were aware of her neighbors' twitching curtains.

She hugged herself as she remembered the feel of Seth's arms wrapped round her, his stubble lightly scratching her cheek, the subtle smell of his aftershave. She felt as eager and excited as she had in the days when she and Frank were courting. Life was new and fresh, and she sent a quick prayer of gratitude for this unexpectedly delightful fork in the road.

A/N: Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate!