{Chapter 19: Part 2}
''I think''; Naomi said as she picked up a piece of straw she found on the porch; ''I'll go and sit over there next to Jess''; Naomi said as she pulled up a chair next to Jess
and sat down. With the straw in her hand and a playful grin on her face. When Naomi noticed Jess's eyes start to flutter open she tickled his face with the straw playfully.
When his eyes opened a little more, Naomi did it again. ''Hey, sleepy-head''; Naomi said playfully when Jess opened his eyes all the way. Hey, Naomi, who are you callin' a sleepy-head?;
Jess said with a playful grin. You, silly; Naomi said with a little laugh. Was that you ticklin' me with a straw, Naomi?; Jess asked playfully. Of course it was, who else?; Naomi said
with a smile in Jess's direction. How are you feeling, Jess?; Naomi asked smiling. I'm feeling a lot better, Naomi; Jess said with one of his warm smiles. My arm is'nt so stiff now, either;
he added. That's good, Jess; Naomi replied. Can you move it at all, Jess?; she asked. I can move it some, Naomi; Jess said, smiling at her. That's good; she replied. And Jess, if you get
bored, Daisy and I can find you something to do around the house if you'd like; Naomi said helpfully. I'd like that a lot, Naomi; Jess said with a grin. Beats sittin' around doin' nothin'
all day; Jess added. I know you're bored, Jess, but you need to get healed up so you can keep busy since that's what you like to do; Naomi said as she patted his shoulder playfully.
And it looks like you need a shave again, Jess; Naomi said playfully as she tickled his chin with the straw again. Oh, do I now, Naomi; Jess said with a mischievious grin in her
direction as he grabbed the straw and tickled Naomi's face with it. Stop it, Jess, that tickles!; Naomi laughed. So you're ticklish, are you?; Jess said playfully. Yes; Naomi said, in between
laughs. Okay, I'll stop then, Naomi; Jess said grinning. I really don't mind, though, Jess; Naomi said laughing. Hey, you've got dirt on your nose, Naomi; Jess said grinning.
''Oh, that''; Naomi said with a laugh, ''I was sweeping inside''. That's what I figured, honey; Jess said smiling at Naomi. Here, let me wipe it off with this, Naomi; Jess said as he pulled
a bandana from his pocket. There you go, clean as a whistle; Jess said with a grin. Thanks, Jess; Naomi said, playfully ruffling Jess's hair. Looks like you need a hair cut, too; Naomi said matter of
factly. I know, Naomi; Jess said jokingly. If you'll come in the kitchen, I'll help you with both, Jess; Naomi said, tickling his cheek with her fingers. The floor should be dry by now; she added.
Naomi; Jess said softly. Yes, Jess, what is it?; Naomi asked gently. Would you mind if I was to kiss you, Naomi?; Jess asked softly. No, I would'nt mind at all; Naomi said as Jess touched her cheek with
his good hand. In fact, I'd like it a lot, Jess; Naomi said as she wrapped her arms around Jess's shoulders gently. I love you, Jess; Naomi said as his face came closer to hers and they kissed. I love you,
too, Naomi; Jess said when they separated. I hope you'll stay around for a good while, Naomi; Jess said softly. I'll stay for as long as you want me to, Jess; Naomi said as she wrapped her
arms around him gently. Now, what do you say to going inside and letting me clean you up, Jess?; Naomi asked with a warm smile in Jess's direction. That would suit me just fine, Naomi;
Jess said, giving her one of his warm, bright smiles he used for people he loved. Or for any good person. Come on then, Jess; Naomi said as she helped him up and they went inside the house.