Home - A Sequel
Chapter 2
A/N: This chapter picks up right after Seth and Jess settle on the bus ride back to Cabot Cove. Home is Chapter 10 in the OTP Prompts story.
Seth jerked awake as the bus lurched to a stop.
"Seth?" She put a hand on his arm as she leaned in closer to his ear. "I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I tried to wake you."
He put a hand over hers as he rolled his neck gently, trying to relieve the ache. He must have slept at an angle. And harder than he'd thought possible on a bus. "It's alright, Jess," he murmured. He shifted to look at her; she was so lovely. He was sure he looked like an escaped convict. He closed his eyes, inhaling the delicate scent of her fragrance so that he could fix it more firmly in his memory. He didn't want to forget a moment of this afternoon.
After a long moment, Seth squeezed her hand gently, then gestured for her to get up. "I'll feel more alert once I've had a chance to stretch my legs." A-yuh. And a good stretch they'll get too, since you abandoned your car up near Juniper Lake. He'd have to call Morris later to explain the situation. Maybe he could get a rental car until he heard whether he'd be able to fix his old station wagon. He allowed himself to put another gentle hand on Jessica's back as she walked towards the door and down the steps. He winced as he took the steps. That little nap hadn't done him quite the good he'd anticipated.
As soon as they were off the bus, Jessica took his arm and threaded hers through it. Feeling Seth stiffen, she smiled up at him as she set a leisurely pace towards Candlewood Lane. They didn't get very far before they spied Amos leaning against his squad car.
"Hello, Amos," called Jessica cheerfully.
"'Lo Miz Fletcher." He tipped his hat. "Doc," he said with a barely concealed grin. "Thought mebbe you two could use a ride this afternoon."
"That's awfully kind of you, Amos!" said Jessica. Amos, though Seth acidly, was practically tripping over himself: helpfully opening the car door for Jess and assisting her into the passenger seat. He made sure she was settled before closing the door gently. "Doc?" he asked. "You coming with?"
"A-yuh," said Seth testily. "Might as well."
"Come now, Doc," said Amos. "You oughta be thankin' me. You without a car for the time being and Miz Fletcher here can't drive." He laughed quietly as he listened to Seth grumble as he clambered into the back seat. Spent the better part of half an hour waiting for that bus. Worth it, though, to see him and Miz Fletcher get off the bus, her as pretty as a picture, not a hair out of place, and him looking like he just escaped from a chain gang. He took off his hat and slid into the driver's seat. "You know," he said, catching Seth's eye in the rear view mirror, "you oughta be thankin' me for more than just saving you a walk."
"That so?" drawled Seth.
"Sure is," said Amos, backing the car out of its parking spot. "You won't wanna go waltzing through town lookin' like that, Doc."
"Like what, Amos?"
"Like something the cat drug in, of course."
Seth could see Jessica's shoulders shaking and he couldn't help but smile. He'd told her on the bus that he was planning on courting her. Might as well start right now, by doing something she'd appreciate but would never expect.
"S'pose you're right, Amos, and I do thank you. It wouldn't do for me to walk through town looking the way I do right now." Seth took in both the shock on Amos' face and the stilled set of Jessica's shoulders. He must've surprised the laughter right out of her, and he felt a satisfied grin spread across his face. He leaned back against the backseat and winked at Amos. "A-yuh, Amos. I certainly do appreciate the ride."
"You're welcome, Doc," said a thoroughly perplexed sounding Amos.
Amos was mercifully quiet during the short trip to Jessica's house. As he pulled up to the curb, he turned to look at Seth, a question in his eyes.
"Amos," he began. "I'd appreciate a ride back to my place." Jess craned her neck to look at him. "After I escort Jessica to her front door," he winked at her. "That is," and he turned to look at Amos, "if you don't mind?"
"No, no!" said Amos. "I'd be happy to run you home, Doc."
"Thank you," said Seth as he exited the back seat, then opened Jessica's door and helped her out. She looked at him, a slight smile playing across her face.
"Thank you," she murmured, then she turned to Amos. "And thank you, Amos! It was very kind of you to meet us at the bus station." She smiled charmingly, and Amos, thoroughly flustered, threw her an offhand wave.
"See you in a minute, Doc."
Seth cupped Jessica's elbow and walked her to her front door. He smiled as she searched her purse for her keys, cupping his hands behind his back. The temptation to sweep her into his arms was just too great.
She lifted up her key ring with a triumphant smile. "Found them!"
What you do to me, woman. "'Bout time," he said with a barely disguised grin.
She stared at him for a moment. "You're heading home?"
"A-yuh. Can't court you properly without a car. Not to mention a shave," he whispered conspiratorially, and he was delighted to see the color rise in her face. "You gonna unlock that door, woman?"
Flustered, Jessica turned and fitted the key into the lock. "When will I see you again?" she asked in a low voice.
He allowed himself to squeeze her elbow again. "Just as soon as I can get hold of a car, Jess."
She turned slightly. "And a shave," and, smiling, she slipped inside and closed the door.
Seth took a moment to let the goofy grin he felt slide off his face before he returned to the squad car.
He swung open the passenger door and settled into the seat. Amos looked at him sideways. "Something seems different, Doc."
"I don't know what you mean, Amos. I'm the same as I ever was."
Amos shook his head as he pulled away from the curb. "No. No, Doc. Something's different about you. Miz Fletcher, too."
"Just exactly what are you getting at, Amos?"
"Now don't get all het up, Doc. I only meant I know Miz Fletcher was worried. That's all. And now she's not." Amos risked a look at Seth. "And you're not, either."
Seth smiled and settled even further into the seat. "That's true enough, Amos."
"You were mad enough that I'd brought her up there."
"A-yuh…although I should've known nothing would keep her away."
"She was right worried about you, Doc. I hope you know that."
"Indeed I do, Amos. And I'm grateful to you both for being there."
"Anytime," said Amos as he pulled into Seth's driveway. "Here we are! Whatcha gonna do about a car?"
"I expect Morris can get me a rental car. I've gotta have something to drive."
"A-yuh. You do still make a few house calls."
"House calls," murmured Seth. "Yes, I do." He shook himself, then turned to Amos. "Thank you, Amos, for the ride."
"No problem," muttered Amos as Seth got out of the car. He could have sworn he heard the doc whistling up the walk. Whistling! Something was definitely different.
Seth poked his head around the door cautiously. He would never admit this to anyone—although he suspected Jessica already knew—but he was cowed by Beverly. It wasn't intimidation, quite; it was more the tactics she employed. He found himself becoming so frustrated with her, so off-kilter by her relentless questioning, that he'd often tell her the truth of whatever she was after just to be rid of her. He did not want to see her today. He took it as a positive that she wasn't here, as her car wasn't out front, but you couldn't be too careful. He could hardly keep his campaign to woo Jessica secret for long, but he would shield them for as long as he could.
He hated busybodies. As a rule, Beverly wasn't a gossip, not per se. She was a vault when it came to patient records. He trusted her implicitly there. Interpersonal relationships, though. She had a mania for them. She was an avowed matchmaker, determined to ensnare any eligible bachelor in the tri-county area. She'd dropped a number of hints about various women through the years. Curiously, she never said a word about Jessica.
He took a few cautious steps into the waiting room, scanning from left to right. He sent a prayer of thanks and entered his office, where he sat down and picked up his phone.
"Letitia? It's Doc. I need you to connect me to Morris." He drummed his fingers impatiently. "Yes, Morris." He tapped his foot. "A-yuh. Car trouble." He nodded. "A-yuh, up at Juniper Lake." He exhaled in frustration. "Letitia? Could you let me speak with him? There might be one or two pertinent details he doesn't yet have." Another impatient shake of his head. "Thank you, Letitia. I'll let her know." He rolled his eyes as he waited for Morris to come on the line.
"That you, Doc?"
"It is, Morris. I expect you've heard by now."
"Not entirely. Heard you had a little trouble up at Juniper Lake."
"A-yuh. I'll need a tow over to Jerry's garage. More importantly, Morris, I'll be needing a rental car."
"Sure, sure. That shouldn't be a problem. I've got your policy right here. A-yuh. Rental car's part of your existing policy."
"Thought so, Morris, but I appreciate your checking for me. How soon can I get it?"
"Soon as you like. Policy'll pay for up to seven days. I can get someone to bring you the car."
"Delivery? That's included?"
"I send these fellas a lot of business. I'll handle this for you, Doc. You'll have a car before the end of the day."
"I appreciate that, Morris. Thank you."
"You've always done right by me, Doc. I owe you."
Seth found himself feeling oddly emotional. This Juniper Lake business had him at sixes and sevens. He cleared his throat. "Thanks, Morris. We'll talk soon."
"A-yuh."
Seth placed the receiver in the cradle thoughtfully. He never imagined he'd feel this way again, like a young man, full of boundless energy and desire. He'd want to put a damper on that, but for the time being, he could relish the feeling of excitement at having a date, an actual date, with Jessica Fletcher.
He shaved carefully. He regretted not having the time to run by the barber's and have Bill give him a proper shave. The few times he'd indulged in that, Jessica had commented on the scent of his aftershave. He wasn't embarrassed, exactly, to recall just how much time he'd spent in a department store in Portland trying to find something close. He smiled as he patted a splash of it across his cheeks and neck, then grimaced. He didn't want to take Jessica out for a meal. He certainly didn't want her to feel obligated to provide dinner, and he didn't particularly want to waste their precious time tonight cooking. This was step one of his plan to woo Jessica, and here he was without the means to carry out step one! At least he had the use of a car. He could drive them out of town. He could take her to a restaurant in Rockland. But he hadn't prepared for that. He had no reservation, and he'd only told Jess that he'd be by as soon as he had a car. And a shave. His mind would dwell on that thought. He thought she might be expecting a night in. Best not to think too carefully on that. He looked at his reflection in the mirror. Not bad, not bad.
So. He was all dressed up with no place to go. He didn't want to take Jessica just anywhere on a first date. He didn't want to stop at Mara's or the market to pick up dinner. That would only ignite a firestorm of gossip that he was looking to avoid. He strode to the kitchen. She'd often complimented his meals; he'd become a cook by necessity, but over the years it had become something of a hobby, and he enjoyed surprising Jessica with his culinary flair.
He flung open the refrigerator door and smiled broadly. He had a package of chicken thighs. It was a start.
He knocked on the front door, awkwardly juggling a grocer's bag while keeping a bottle of wine secured beneath his arm.
Jessica opened the front door, a bemused grin on her face, which changed quickly to alarm as she saw the unwieldy packages Seth was attempting to manage. "Seth!" she cried. "Let me help you!"
"I hope you'll excuse me, Jess, but it would be better if you just let me push on past you to the kitchen."
"Of course!" she said as she opened the door wider and moved to give him room. "Why didn't you come in the back?"
He put the bag of groceries and the bottle of wine on the table, then turned to face Jessica. "This is our first date, Jessica," he said quietly. "If things were normal," he grimaced. "I would have called in a reservation at McKinley's in Rockford, and I'd have telephoned you for a proper date. As it is…" He trailed off, clasping his hands in front of him, gripping them reflexively.
Jessica's heart went out to him. She crossed the room quickly and put her hands around his. "As it is, it looks as though you've come prepared to make us a delicious meal." She smiled at him, and his heart lifted foolishly.
He pulled his hands from hers and clasped them in his. "I've been remiss, woman," he rumbled softly. "I've been here five minutes at least, and I've failed to tell you how lovely you are." Jessica colored faintly as Seth lifted her hands to his lips. How could a woman like her be as modest as a nun?
She turned her face from his. "You flatter me."
Seth's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. "Does that upset you?"
"It's not like you."
"Mayhap it wasn't like the old me, but now…"
Jessica turned to face him. "What?"
He pressed her hands to his lips once more. "Now? Now I'm free to tell you all the secrets of my heart." He was pleased to see he'd surprised her. Maybe even shocked her, judging by her open mouth.
"Oh, Seth," she breathed.
Seth was quiet as the air stilled around them, then he leaned in and kissed her, gently, never letting go of her hands. He drew back so that he could see her face. It was his turn to be surprised. Tears were sparkling in her lashes. "Jess?"
She loosened her hands from his grasp and slid them around his neck. She drew him to her and kissed him deeply. He stood dumbly for a moment, then his arms tightened around her and they kissed for a long, lovely moment.
Jessica broke their kiss and buried her face in his neck. She murmured something and burrowed even closer to him.
"What did you say?" asked Seth in a low rumble, and she shivered in his arms.
She moved slightly, and he felt her breath on his neck. "This might sound forward, but I've wanted to do that for so long." He tightened his grasp on her reflexively, and she exhaled sharply. "Seth, you'll have to let me breathe a little!"
"Sorry. Sorry," he said as he relaxed his grip. He couldn't bring himself to let her go completely. Not now. Not ever. He began placing small kisses along her face and neck, anywhere he could reach, and he smiled as he heard her laugh quietly. He pressed her closely once more, then set her away from him. "This dinner won't cook itself, woman!"
After that first night, things were both easier and more difficult than ever. Courting her was surprisingly easy. He'd known Jessica was a woman of simple taste, which was a relief, as his anemic budget still didn't stretch as far as he wanted. He was far better off than he had been. He was out of debt and no longer responsible for Margie's expenses, but that didn't mean he was able to do all he wanted for Jessica. He'd have to woo her the old-fashioned way.
The following Saturday the weather was fine, so he packed a picnic lunch and drove them along the coast until they reached Harbor Park.
It was a beautiful day, and Jessica looked so bright and cheery in her striped boatneck, a casual coral button down shirt over it, jeans and sneakers. She looked like a teenager, and Seth had more difficulty than usual disciplining his thoughts. He shifted in his seat as he drove.
"Something wrong?"
Seth cleared his throat. "No, no. Nothing's wrong. Just eager to get to the park, that's all."
Jessica risked a hand to his thigh. "So am I," she said, smiling.
He felt foolish, absurd, lonely in his bed with the full knowledge that he didn't have to be. That he was choosing to be. That mere minutes away, Jessica lay in her bed, warm and inviting. He thumped his pillow irritably and turned over. Again.
The afternoon had been lovely. Jessica found the perfect spot in the park, and Seth spread the blanket on the grass and the food on the blanket. They laughed and ate; he noticed that she was touching him more lately: his shoulder, his arm. The way she smoothed her hand along his thigh as he drove nearly caused him to swerve, but he wasn't about to complain. He loved the feel of her hand in his, the skin of her neck against his fingers and lips. He loved her, and the wanting of her was constant.
After Seth packed up the picnic things and stowed them in the car, they hiked along the short, easy trail that looped the park. It was another beautiful spring day, and he marveled again at the feel of her arm threaded through his, the way she leaned into him as they kept a leisurely pace. He appreciated their silences, too. Comfortable, peaceful. Not fraught with tension and simmering anger. They were good together. He patted her hand and she smiled at him.
On the way home, he'd taken her to a roadside diner where they had a simple meal and talked of this and that. She'd hit a difficult patch in her latest book, and he regaled her with the latest gossip courtesy of the hospital's more garrulous nurses.
It had been an ordinary day. A good day. A perfect day. He knew that she knew exactly why he hadn't come in tonight. She knew him, and while that thought normally quickened his heart with gladness, tonight, alone in his cramped, poky rooms, he was anxious, unsure. What if she grew tired of waiting for him? What if she refused him? He knew Jessica had a more relaxed, more modern outlook. He knew she understood, to a degree, why he was so adamant about wooing her in the way of their youth. He would have to tell her soon. Sooner rather than later. Best to know for sure where he stood with her, rather than bumbling around and hoping he wasn't destined for the chop.
A/N: This is a quick story...just one more chapter and it will conclude. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Your reviews are such a pleasure to read. It's fun to connect with people who feel the same about Seth and Jess. (And George, but I digress...)