Chapter 3

Seth loved to watch Jessica prepare for bed. He loved to watch her prepare to go out, too...when he got the chance. You just love watching her, he thought. He'd taken so much for granted with Ruthie. He was determined to appreciate every moment with Jessica. She was so lovely, and not just physically. He felt a foolish grin spread across his face.

Jessica glanced at his reflection as she moisturized her face. "What?"

"Nothing," said Seth, still smiling. They'd spent an ordinary afternoon together, strolling along the busy streets of Bayeux, stopping in any shops that caught Jessica's eye, eating cake in the Hotel Reine Mathilde. It hadn't escaped his notice that she adroitly steered them away from anything overtly related to D-Day. She knew him, knew that he was struggling, and was quietly doing all she could to help him, a thought that lifted his heart. They'd finished the afternoon by eating an early meal at Le Petit Normand. Seth didn't wanted to admit it, but he was relieved to spend time alone with Jessica. More of last night's conversation had come back to him, and he didn't want to expose Jessica to more unnecessary unpleasantness. They'd be spending quite enough time with his friends as it was.

She smiled at him and finished smoothing the cream into her skin. She took off her headband and fluffed her hair. She'd already brushed her teeth, so she turned to face him. "You're awfully chipper this evening," she remarked, loosening the belt of her robe as she walked across the room.

"And why shouldn't I be? I've only got the most beautiful woman in Bayeux on my arm."

A faint blush rose along her neck. "Oh, Seth."

"I'm only speaking the truth, woman! Ask any of the fellas. Ask any man on the street. He'll tell you. You're a beautiful woman."

"That would hardly be appropriate," she said dryly as she caressed his cheek. "All the same. You're very flattering." She kissed him lightly, then continued to her side of the bed. "What's on the agenda for tomorrow?"

"You know the dance is tomorrow night." Jessica nodded. "Technically, we're free during the day tomorrow, though a group is going to tour Mont-Saint-Michel in the morning."

"Oh, I read about Mont-Saint-Michel! Could we go?"

Seth grinned at her. "I already booked us on the tour."

She clapped her hands. "I think you'll love it!"

"I love you," he said as he settled down into the bed. "I want to apologize again for last night, Jess. I don't know what got into me. That's not who I am."

"Of course not," she said agreeably, untying her robe and laying it neatly at the foot of the bed. Seth held the covers for her as she got into bed beside him. "It's already forgotten, Seth." She kissed his cheek. "I understand. At least as well as I can," she said quietly. She took his hand in hers and stroked his palm lightly. "I do love you, you know."

"I know, Jess," he said softly. "And it never fails to take my breath away."

They kissed for a few leisurely minutes, then Seth turned to switch off the lamp. "Tomorrow's an early start, woman." He kissed her lightly, then they shifted and he spooned against her, sighing contentedly. "I'm a lucky man, Jessica. A lucky man."

"I'm equally lucky, darling," she said. She tightened her arm around him. "I'm so glad we toured the cathedral this afternoon. Seeing the tapestry...I never thought I'd be standing in front of it."

"Nor I," said Seth. "I didn't feel small, exactly, standing in front of something so ancient. Standing in such an old, sacred building. I felt…peaceful, actually. It felt almost like I was a part of that tapestry. I could sort of see my life flowing through that tapestry. Like I wasn't so different from the people embroidered into it." He laughed self-deprecatingly. "Just a foolish notion."

Jessica squeezed him. "And you wonder why I love you so," she said softly.

He palmed her shoulder. "I'm glad we went today, sweetheart. That was a good thought, you know. I don't believe we'll have time to see anything but the nave on Tuesday," he said softly.

Jessica lifted his hand to her lips, then yawned. "I love you."

"I love you, Jess. I love you," he breathed. He'd never expected to feel this way again, to love, to joyfully anticipate the coming of a new day. It had been such a long time, and he loved her so. He kissed the shell of her ear. "Night, sweetheart."

"Good night," she mumbled sleepily.

Seth tightened his grasp of her and sent what was now his customary prayer of gratitude. Thank you, Lord, for bringing this woman into my life.

Jessica yawned as they waited for the tour bus. "Thanks for the coffee, darling." She smiled as she lifted her cup.

"I'm sorry for the early start, but the fellas said we should get there early to avoid the crowds. We can take a nap this afternoon." He winked at her.

She laughed. "As much as it pains me to admit it, I think I'll need one."

"Need what?" asked Ben, as he and Millie came up behind them.

"A nap," said Jessica.

"I suppose writers can get up anytime," remarked Millie.

"I suppose," said Seth, "but Jessica's an early riser. That's when the best fishing is."

"You fish?" asked Ben in amazement.

"I do. Seth and I go out quite a lot."

"You own a boat?"

Seth laughed. "No; our friend's got one."

Jessica hid her smirk. Cabot Covers would never believe that Seth referred to Caleb as a friend. Seth glanced at her nervously; she winked discreetly.

Gloria sang out her greeting as she and Chuck joined the group. "Looks like we made it just in time." Gloria peered through the lobby's open doors. "I think the bus is here."

Jessica threaded her arm through Seth's, and they chatted amiably as they walked to the bus. Gloria threw a warning glance at Millie, who shrugged and followed them out the door.

"Look at them, acting like a couple of teenagers!"

"Oh, Millie. For heaven's sake. They're holding hands, not necking on a park bench."

"Did you see them on the bus?"

Gloria dropped her voice. "Are you saying—"

"No, but there was a lot of touching and giggling going on."

Gloria looked nonplussed. "Giggling? Seth?"

"You have to admit he's happier than we've ever seen him!"

"We don't see him that often, Millie. In fact, I'd be hard pressed to remember the last time! What's the matter? Don't you like Jessica? She's been just as nice and friendly as can be."

"It's just…I mean, a published author. And a movie deal! Ben said she must be swimming in money."

"She certainly dresses well. I can't wait to see what she'll wear to the dance tonight."

"Something extravagant, I'm sure."

Gloria put her arm through Millie's. "Oh, Millie. Don't be such a grump. Jessica's been nothing but friendly to us both, even after that fiasco at the cafe. You know Ruth would want him to be happy."

"Ruth should be here. It should be Ruth walking around with us, visiting this place—"

"But she isn't here, Millie."

"The way he looks at her," whispered Millie.

"I know you and Ruth were close."

"We kept in touch," said Millie.

"Try to be happy for Seth, won't you?" Millie sniffed, and Gloria laughed. "There's a good girl. I'm sure Jessica would be perfectly sweet if we gave her half a chance. I know you'd get along if you let yourself."

Millie wasn't so sure about that. Jessica was so stylish, so elegant. Millie felt like a dowdy, old librarian next to her. And it rankled, seeing both their husbands cast appreciative glances her way. Millie knew she was being small, petty, but she just couldn't help it. She really couldn't.

"This has been a wonderful excursion, Seth," exclaimed Jessica, looking around. "Just think of the history! I enjoyed the tour so much. Thank you for booking us," she said, and kissed him on the cheek.

Seth smiled. Jessica was so easy to please. Why didn't he do it more often? Because you're a stubborn jackass. Just as quick he could hear Ruthie's voice, low and sweet. You aren't as stubborn as a mule, Seth. You only act that way. Sometimes.

"Penny?"

"What?"

Jessica smiled. "For your thoughts."

Seth smiled ruefully and took her hand in his. "Just thinking how easy it is to please you, and wondering why I don't do it more often."

Jessica squeezed his hand affectionately. "You do plenty for me, Seth. I'm in a fair way of being spoiled by you. Besides." She pulled a face at him. "I like you just as you are."

"And how've you two lovebirds enjoyed the morning?"

Seth turned around, flustered, and tried to drop Jessica's hand, but she tightened her grip. "We've had a wonderful morning," she said smoothly. "Haven't we, dear?"

Seth felt her warm hand in his, and he drew in a breath. "We certainly have, dear," and he smiled when he heard her chuckle. Seth looked around. "Where's Gloria?"

"Probably off with Millie, prowling around the gift shop. That woman could spend a dollar at the mouth of hell." He winked. "Not a problem for you, I imagine."

Jessica kept her face neutral and answered before Seth could. "That's one gift shop I hope to avoid."

Chuck laughed. "You're quite a cutup, Jessica."

Jessica squeezed Seth's hand. "If you'll excuse me, I'd like to freshen up before it's time to get back on the bus." Seth watched as she walked up the hill toward the abbey.

"Hoo whee! You've got it bad, pal."

Seth frowned. "What do you mean by that?"

"I mean, look at the way you two spent the morning." He jerked his thumb behind him. "Carrying on like...like a fella on weekend leave with his girl. After we practically begged you to tone it down Friday night. Not doing me or Ben any favors."

"You're full of bull," said Seth angrily. "We followed the tour guide around, just like everyone else."

"Not like everyone else! Do you see me holding hands with my wife? Laughing, whispering? You wanna tone it down." Chuck put up his hands in a gesture of appeasement. "That's all I'm saying." Chucked new out an exasperated breath. "Not to mention all I've had to hear about Jessica's books, her clothes, her travel. Then you two come out here—"

Seth held up a hand. "I'm gonna head back up to the abbey."

"And wait for Jessica? What? Can't stand to be away from her, Bluey? Or are you afraid somebody else might muscle in on your territory?"

"Chuck, I oughta—"

"Chuck? Chuck?"

Gloria came up, out of breath. "I've been looking all over for you!" She glanced at Seth. "Where's Jessica?"

"She went ahead to the abbey, hon. To freshen up," said Chuck.

"That's where I'm headed," said Seth, and he turned abruptly and began walking up the hill.

"What's gotten into him?" asked Gloria.

"That's what I'd like to know," said Chuck.

Jessica had insisted Seth take the window seat on the journey back. He stared out the window as she flipped through one of the books she'd bought at the abbey. Every so often, she'd run her fingers lightly across his hand or his knee. It thrilled and embarrassed him in almost equal measure. He shifted uncomfortably; he caught her glancing at him out of the corner of his eye. His Jessica was perceptive, alright. He'd have to do a much better job of hiding from her how those comments made him feel. It was just jealousy, pure and simple, and it was nothing to do with Jessica, with who they were together. Married or not. He suppressed a grunt and shifted again. Not doin' so hot, Bluey, he thought acidly. He took a few quiet, deep breaths.

He'd known it would be a risk, sharing a room in Bayeux. He thought his friends would understand, would more or less look the other way. It was 1989, after all. He smiled as he thought of Jessica's influence over him. Times were different. Margie had had a few live-in boyfriends, and, while he bemoaned the casual nature of her affairs, he recognized that such things had become socially acceptable. Not that something as simple as crowd behavior explained away his feelings on the subject. It was more that, as he grew older, he was able to understand more. No, that wasn't quite right, either. Jessica had helped him to unbend, to be less judgmental. Was there a less judgmental woman on the planet? It seemed she had boundless empathy for the foibles of others. She had such a generous, open nature.

He knew how lucky he was; he'd said as much last night. It was foolishness, pure poison, to let Chuck and Ben needle him into feeling guilty or ashamed of his relationship with Jessica. He could hear Ruth's gentle voice. Pay them no mind, dear. Besides, you're only doing what I told you to do. He couldn't help but smile at that. His Ruth was a firecracker, not unlike the fiery redhead sitting next to him. He reached a hand over to rest gently on her knee. She closed the book on her finger and looked at him expectantly.

"Nothing," he said gruffly. "I just...I'm just so glad you're here."

"I love you," she mouthed.

Seth nodded, squeezed her knee, then turned to look out the window again. He could feel tears pricking against his eyelids. Why, he couldn't—or wouldn't—say.

Seth opened the door to their room and held it as Jessica walked through. He was getting the hang of this lock. He put the key on the dresser. It was a mild annoyance, leaving it with the front desk every time they left the hotel, but he appreciated the security of it. He hadn't given a thought to the key when he sent Jessica back to the hotel that night and went to that bar with the fellas. The clerk sent her up with the key and a bellhop. Of course Jessica would know how to handle a situation like that. Any situation, he scoffed.

"What?"

"Who me?"

"Yes, you," she laughed. "Unless you think Inspector Clouseau is hiding in our closet."

"Har har."

Jessica raised her eyebrows. "So?"

"It's nothing, Jess." He scrubbed the back of his neck. "I guess I'm still tired from Friday night."

Jessica didn't think Friday night had anything to do with his mood, but she decided not to press him. They'd had a few busy days, and they weren't exactly spring chickens. Not old, she thought. Older. There's a difference. "You did say something about a nap," she said mildly. Seth crossed the room and pulled her into his arms, nuzzling her neck. Jessica laughed. "A nap, Seth. We'll be up late tonight dancing, won't we?"

"A-yuh, and I'll be holding the most beautiful woman in the room in my arms."

"Oh, Seth," protested Jessica.

"Oh, Jessica," he teased. He let his hands drift down her back to cup her bottom. "I suppose you're right. A nap would be the sensible thing to do."

"And we are sensible," said Jessica.

"Eminently," said Seth, as he dropped a few soft kisses along her jaw and neck.

"What time is the dance?" she breathed.

"7," said Seth.

"They'll serve dinner?"

"A-yuh." Seth continued to place soft kisses along her neck and behind her ear. He could feel her relax in his arms.

"And what time is it now?"

Seth pulled back and lifted his wrist. "It's just gone 2 o'clock."

"We could call down and ask them to ring us at 5."

"A-yuh," he said. "In a minute."

Jessica laughed. "A minute?"

Seth stroked her cheek. "Maybe more than a minute." He drew her into his arms and kissed her.

Seth was nursing a drink at the bar, waiting for Jessica. He'd learned that she liked time and space to get ready for more formal events. He smiled, thinking of the other things he'd learned about her since their trip to Nashville. He believed their friendship went pretty deep, and it had, but there was a whole new dimension to being lovers. And it wasn't mere sexual intimacy; their relationship was deeper even than that, and he was grateful. His past still had the power to shame him. He'd been a careless young man and an inexcusably careless widower. Having Jessica in his life was a gift he continued to wonder at. He was jolted from his reverie by a clap on the back.

"How goes it, Bluey?"

"I wish you fellas'd stop calling me that, Ben," said Seth evenly.

Ben ordered a drink from the bartender, then looked at Seth. "Jessica's not here, is she?"

"No, she's…still getting ready," said Seth circumspectly.

"You can say it, you know."

"Say what?"

"You two are sharing a room."

"Never made a secret of it."

"Noooo," said Ben. "Thank you," he said and raised his glass to the bartender in a mock salute. He took a sip, then turned to Seth. "But you never came right out and said it either."

"The particulars of our life are nobody's business."

"Just what are the particulars of your life?" asked Ben in a poor imitation of Seth's voice.

Seth cut his eyes at Ben. "Ours."

"Funny. Very funny." He took another sip. "You know, Chuck and I weren't kidding last night. You two are making it tough for the rest of us."

"Where do you get off saying something like that to me?" asked Seth incredulously.

"Look, Bluey, if Ruthie were still alive, would you two be holding hands, mooning over each other, so lovey dovey all the time?"

Seth drew in a sharp breath and held it for a moment. He didn't want to lose his temper, not least because Jessica was looking forward to tonight. She loved to dance, and he didn't take her out at home nearly as often as he should. As he wanted to.

And Ben couldn't know. Couldn't know what it had been like to lose Ruth. To see the life just drain out of her and him helpless in spite of all his medical knowledge. He couldn't have any idea the hell they'd been through. He took another slow breath in and out. Jessica knew.

"Makes the wives jealous, fractious," Ben continued blithely. "Your Jessica is a fine-looking woman. A fine-looking woman," he repeated with even greater emphasis. He cut his eyes at Seth. "You two look like you enjoy yourselves," he said slyly.

Seth felt his fist curl just as he caught a flash of red from the corner of his eye. Jessica was threading her way through the crowded lobby, and he couldn't take his eyes from her. She was wearing a fitted red dress that fell just below her knees. He noticed the modest v-neck with beadwork that gathered at the waist in a sort of starburst pattern. Her hair and makeup looked professionally done. She took his breath away, and he swallowed hard. Sometimes it was still difficult for him to believe that she was with him, that they were together, a couple. That she wanted to be with him. He heard Ben's low whistle behind him.

"Ben," warned Seth, without taking his eyes from Jessica.

"Hoo boy," said Ben. "She's gonna make every woman in that place look like—."

"Hello," said Jessica and she leaned in to kiss Seth's cheek. "Hello, Ben," she said happily.

"You look mighty fine tonight, Jessica," said Ben approvingly. "Mighty fine."

"Thank you," she said.

"Exquisite," said Seth softly and he squeezed her hand in his. "Would you care for a drink?"

"No, thank you," she said. "We're having dinner there as well, yes?"

"Yes," said Ben quickly. "I hope we'll all be sitting together."

Jessica turned to scan the crowded lobby. "I wonder where everyone else is." She turned to wink at Seth. "I worried I'd be late."

His heart clenched. He wanted to say something, pay her some smooth compliment, but the words just wouldn't come. He squeezed her hand again, and she brushed a gentle hand against his cheek.

"Here they are," said Ben, and he waved his hand to get Millie's attention.

Here we go, thought Seth.

During dinner Seth was reminded what a good hostess Jessica was. She was so easy and natural. She never met a stranger, and she kept the conversation at their table flowing. It was open seating, so naturally they all ended up together. Another couple joined them, and Jessica made sure to include them in the conversation.

"What's it like, Jessica?" asked Chuck. "Being a writer, I mean."

"It must be very glamorous," piped Millie.

Jessica laughed kindly. "It doesn't feel glamorous much of the time, Millie. It's actually just a lot of hard work."

Seth nodded. "I've seen her put together a few of these books now. It's not easy."

"You could help," Ben said. "I mean with the murder aspect."

Seth and Jessica exchanged a loving glance before Seth answered. "I answer a few questions from time to time."

"He's being modest," exclaimed Jessica. "He's been very helpful, providing me with all sorts of useful information."

"Useful information?" asked Chuck. "Is that what we're calling it these days?"

Before Seth could offer a retort, Gloria redirected the conversation. "Did you know the Queen Mother is attending the dedication of the stained glass on Tuesday?"

Seth glanced at Jessica as the table buzzed with details of the royal visit. She looked as serene and lovely as ever, and he relaxed as he felt her hand smooth along his thigh. He was embarrassed and angry; he hoped his face wasn't flushed. He took a sip of wine and looked around the table at his friends...these old friends. At 20, he thought he'd never met a better group of fellows. He thought they'd be together forever. Ah, well, he thought. You're still plenty dumb at 20 years old. He glanced at Jessica again, who was smiling and laughing, contributing an interesting tidbit here and there, never monopolizing, always smoothing. Seth took another sip of wine and willed himself to relax. Sticks and stones. Sour grapes. He and Jessica had something special; they were something special together. And they would spend tonight dancing. Jessica was an excellent dancer, and he was looking forward to holding her in his arms.

The organizers had hired a small orchestra, and its members set up just as dessert was being served. Jessica clapped her hands and turned to Seth, a look of delight animating her delicate features. "Let's dance, shall we?"

"As you wish," he teased as he stood and pulled her chair out for her.

"Be sure to save a few dances for the rest of us, Jessica," called Ben, and Millie and Seth gave him a look.

Seth cupped Jessica's elbow and steered her to the dance floor. She turned smoothly in his arms and they began to dance.

"Dinner was lovely, wasn't it?" she asked. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

"A-yuh," he said. "I thought the food was excellent. Good wine, too, as far as I could tell, anyway."

Jessica laughed, and he pulled her just that much closer to him, pressing his mouth to her ear. "Happy, darling?"

"And why wouldn't I be? I'm dancing with the prettiest girl in the room." Jessica laughed as he twirled her around.

"Oh, Seth," she said. "I'm so happy we came." She drew back so that she could see his face. "I can't imagine this is easy for you, for any of you, but I'm glad we're here." She leaned close. "It means a great deal."

Seth nodded and squeezed her hand. "A-yuh," he said gruffly.

Predictably, he'd been cut in on by Ben, but he was surprised when Millie sidled up to him.

"Dance with an old friend?"

"Glad to, Millie!" Seth took her in his arms as the orchestra began playing In a Sentimental Mood*.

"Jessica's a very interesting person, isn't she?"

"A-yuh," said Seth. Here we go.

"How long after Ruth died did you move back to Cabot Cove?"

Seth suppressed a sigh. "Must have been close to 10 years, best I recall. Margie was out of college by then. I wanted a quieter pace. Wanted to go back home."

"Did you know Jessica before then?"

"I didn't. Ruth and I didn't get back to Cabot Cove often, and I don't recall when Jess and Frank moved there. I knew Frank, her husband, a little. Went to school with his older brothers."

"And how did her husband die?"

"Heart attack" said Seth shortly.

"Does Jessica know about Ruth?"

Seth looked perplexed. "What are you getting at, Millie? Jessica knows I'm a widower. Of course I've shared stories of Ruth, and when Margie visits we talk about her mother quite often. I've heard stories about Frank, too." He paused a moment. "Of course we know about each other's spouses."

"I know that," huffed Millie. "I just wonder if she knows what a special person Ruth was."

Seth smiled warmly down at Millie. "I expect she does, Millie, just by how I talk about her. Ruth sure was something, wasn't she?"

"She was," said Millie softly. "We kept up with each other, you know."

"I know."

"It was hard, when she died."

Seth grunted. "A-yuh," he said. "Like God put out the sun."

Millie nodded. "I know how crazy you were about her." She met Seth's eyes. "I just don't want you to forget about her."

Seth nodded. "That's just not possible, Millie. She's in my thoughts every day." He was quiet as they moved around the floor. "I know she'd like Jessica."

Millie pursed her lips, choosing not to respond.

You bitter old sourpuss, thought Seth unkindly. He released her as the song ended. "Thanks for the dance, Millie." He escorted her from the floor, looking for Ben.

"You won't find him," she said quietly.

"Well," said Seth awkwardly. "How about some punch?"

"No, thank you. I'm going to powder my nose."

Seth watched as she weaved through the tables. An unhappy woman, he mused. Not without cause. Still, taking it out on Jessica wasn't the way to endear her to him.

Seth danced with Gloria, then a few other wives before retreating to their table for a few minutes.

"Taking a load off?" asked Gloria.

"A-yuh," said Seth agreeably. He jerked his chin toward the dance floor. "I thought you'd still be out there dancing."

"My days of dancing all night are long gone, Doc," said Gloria with a smile. "I see Jessica's still going strong."

"She's indefatigable," said Seth proudly.

"You love her very much, don't you?" asked Gloria.

Seth studied her face. "I do," said Seth. "Never thought I'd feel this way again."

Gloria stared at Seth for a long moment, then turned her gaze to the dance floor. "I feel so guilty about Ruth. We just didn't know what to say, what to do."

"I understand."

"Jessica's wonderful," she said abruptly. "I'm glad for you, Seth. Glad you've found someone who makes you so happy. Life is so short." She shrugged. "Don't let anyone spoil your happiness." Seth looked at her quizzically. "Millie means well; she really does. Life hasn't been easy for her. Life with Ben," she said pointedly. "Don't pay her any mind." She smiled widely at him. "Or me and Chuck, for that matter!"

"Nothing and no one is going to come between me and Jessica, Gloria. Ever."

She reached out and squeezed his hand. "Thatta boy."

Seth started; he recognized the familiar strains of Moonlight Serenade. Seth pulled Gloria's hand as he stood. "Come on, let's go get our dance cards punched." Gloria nodded and Seth hurried them to the floor. Seth caught Chuck's eye and nodded at Gloria. He scanned the dance floor and found Jess. He tapped her partner on the shoulder to cut in, and Jessica sank into Seth's arms gratefully.

"I've missed you," he breathed.

"Oh, Seth," she said dreamily while drawing closer to him. "This is one of my favorite songs."

"Mine, too, sweetheart." He gathered her close, and, as they swayed together, Seth could almost imagine them dancing in this ballroom 45 years earlier. He tightened his embrace as they moved along in a world of their own, unaware of the stares, gentle or jealous, they were receiving.

A/N: Moonlight Serenade by Glenn Miller is, in my opinion, probably the most romantic instrumental from WWII. It's immediately evocative of wartime romance. I was listening to Apple Music's WW2 playlist as I was writing this scene, and In a Sentimental Mood by the Benny Goodman Orchestra came up. I liked it because it was a slow song that wasn't too romantic. Perfect to be playing as Seth dances with someone else.

Thanks so much for the reviews. I've enjoyed reading them. To all the guest reviewers, I wish I could respond to you individually. Thank you.