They arrived in Chicago around noon on Thursday. Tony had been there several times when he played for the Cardinals. It was a city with a lot to do with a lot of energy, kind of like a miniature NYC. He could definitely see Angela enjoying herself here, and he could here too. Unfortunately it wouldn't be a feasible daily commute from Branford. They took in a show while they were there - a rendition of La Cage aux Follies. Afterwards they headed to dinner.

"Mmmm, it smells so good! What should we get, Tony?"

"I heard that make a mean deep dish pizza here. Should we do that?"

"Sure! Could we get the Margherita one?"

"Sounds good to me! Want any appetizers? Looks like they've got a special on cheese curds. Would you like a glass of wine?"

"Yes to the cheese curds, no wine though. I'll have some iced tea."

"No wine? You feeling okay?"

"Yes, Tony. I just would like some iced tea with pizza, that's all."

"Ok. Anything else you'd like?"

"No, that'll be good. I'm just going to the restroom."

Tony placed their order while Angela stepped away. He still found it odd that she didn't want any wine, but didn't want to push it any more.

"Whoa, you're pretty thirsty tonight sweetheart. What is that, your third glass of iced tea?"

"It just tastes really good, Tony. How's your beer?"

"It's ok. Not as good as my usual brand, but it's not awful either."

"Aww, sorry to hear that. This pizza is really good, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. Though I still prefer the New York pizzas more."

"I definitely agree with that! But this is a close second."

"That it is."

As they walked back to their hotel, they came across a little Italian bakery. "That smells delicious! Can we get some dessert, Tony?"

"Cannoli or tiramisu?"

"How about both?"

"You got it! Can we get two of the chocolate cannoli and two tiramisu to go please?" he asked the bakery clerk.

After they paid for and received their delicacies, Tony asked Angela if there was anywhere else she'd like to stop. "No, I think I'd just like to go enjoy the bathtub in our suite."

"Ah, mi amore, I'm thinking there's room for two in there. Do you think I could join you?"

"Yes, I think that could be arranged, my love."

"I love you, Angela!"

"I love you too, Tony."

While Tony filled the tub with some bath salts and warm water, Angela pulled out her surprise for him. She wanted to tell him in a special way, and almost blurted it out at the restaurant. She thought about waiting until they got back home to Idaho, err Iowa, but then thought that this weekend would be better. She could hardly believe it herself! But she had it checked three times to be sure.

"Angela, the water is ready."

" I'll be right there, honey."

As she walked into the bathroom, she looked even more lovely than when he'd first seen her naked all those years ago. But this time it was no accident. Something was different about her tonight, but he couldn't quite figure it out.

"Like what you see?" she queried.

"Mi amore, you are breathtaking! Come here..." She planted a passionate kiss on his lips before he could finish his statement. He lifted her gently into the tub without breaking their kiss. She deepened the kiss, opening her mouth to his tongue allowing its entrance into her mouth while she did the same to his. When he broke contact to catch his breath, she smiled that lovely smile of hers.

"You sure know how to take my breath away!"

"I know. But the look on your face told me that you were ready for it!" she smirked at him.

"Well, two can play at that game!" He pulled her into a tight embrace and a slow, deep kiss. She nearly melted right into him. Their bodies fit together so well, as if they were destined to be together. Their passion heated them more than the water swirling around them did.

"Tony, maybe we should skip the bath and head straight to the bed."

"No, I want to wash every inch of your beautiful, gorgeous, porcelain, beautiful body."

"You said beautiful twice."

"I always say it twice. And I mean it."

"Aww Tony, you're so sweet!"

"I think I'll start with your legs, your long beautiful legs. They were the first thing that attracted me to you. That first day, even with that old bathrobe, I could see those gorgeous legs. I've always been a leg man, but your legs are like none other I'd seen before or seen since. And then to discover your heart, your mind, and your soul. I was hooked very early on even if I didn't really know it then."

"For me it was your eyes. I could see in your eyes your passion, your humility, your honesty. That very first night, when you interrupted my date with Grant, you were my protector. Until then I thought I could do it on my own. Of course Grant wasn't attacking me, but as a single woman living alone with a young son, I realized right then that having you around wouldn't be a bad thing. And over the next eight years, I fell in love with you, every piece of you. And seeing you as my protector helped me realize just how much you loved me too. I think I realized that before I could even admit to myself my love for you."

"Sweetheart, the night at the hospital, when I had my appendix removed, I meant what I'd said. You were my saving grace, you helped me with Samantha, but you also helped me. I was no longer a single parent, no longer alone. I realized it was too soon to admit I'd loved you, which is why I didn't bring it up again the next day. Maybe another seven years was a bit too long, but we are together now, and that's what matters."

"Yes, that is what matters. I'm so glad for our deep friendship, our deep love for each other. Without that we would've never survived the past few years. Now let's move on to the next part of our evening. After all, we've thoroughly cleanse each other."

"I guess we have. So what's next on the agenda?" he asked with raised eyebrows.

"Follow me."