December 23rd
 

Nathan Bridger, soon-to-be retired Captain of seaQuest, stood at the bar and
surveyed the scene before him, chuckling to himself. Just about everyone who
had been connected with the submarine over the past almost ten years was
there, albeit in the strangest collection of costumes. Whoever had thought
of a Masquerade Ball for the Christmas/Retirement party had been inspired,
he just wished that he had some idea of who was who, but that would be
revealed later.

He sighed as he thought about all the people he had come into contact with
over the years… Friends and enemies, acquaintances, loved ones, forgotten
ones…

A bulky figure, sporting a Cyrano De Bergerac nose, came up beside him and
slapped him on the shoulder… It could only be one person… "Hello Bill."

"Nathan… How did you know it was me?" He asked, disappointment in his voice.

"An inspired guess." Bridger laughed as he removed the hand from his shoulder.

"Very amusing. And what exactly did you come as?"

"Hey, the party is supposed to be in my honour. I didn’t dress up because I
didn’t want to embarrass anyone. It would be terrible if they couldn’t find
the guest-of-honour."

"Yeah right." Bill laughed. "Pity though… You could have come as a beach
bum… You were pretty good in that role."

"Ha ha… Is Janet here?"

"She’s around somewhere. Lucas is looking for you."

"I know…" Bridger sighed. "He’s been trying to talk me into staying on."

"Why don’t you? It’s not like you have a lot else to do."

"Gee thanks. No Bill… Things have changed since we first started out. We’re
moving too far away from the science and towards the military."

"Yeah, but with the possibility of another war around the corner, that’s hardly surprising. They’re going to need people like you if worst comes to worst."

"I don’t think so. It’s time for me to make way for the younger men, and
anyway, I’ve fought enough wars for one lifetime."

"What will you do? Go back to the island."

"Probably, I have a couple of weeks to decide."

"Well, don’t lose touch, old friend."

"I won’t."

Noyce slapped Bridger on the back again. "I’d better go find Janet. Happy
Christmas Nathan."

"You too, Bill."

As his friend moved off he returned to his study of the guests. There were one or two he could pick out… Lucas as Robin Hood with his band of Merry Men which probably included Ortiz, O’Neill and Krieg… Dagwood doing an amazing impression of the comic character, The Incredible Hulk. He marvelled once more at how far the Dagger had come since they first met. But the rest were difficult to recognise… One of the rules was, if you didn’t wear facial
make-up, then you had to wear a mask.

There were several Cleopatras… one of which he suspected was Wendy Smith, although it could have been Lonnie Henderson, and a few French courtesans, whose assets he couldn’t quite place. Stirring himself, he decided to find Lucas and get their conversation over with.

He was halfway across the room when someone crashed into him and went
tumbling to the floor. Reaching down, he hauled what seemed to be a young boy, to his feet.

"I’m sorry, Sir. I wasn’t going where I was looking." The voice was a strange mixture of American with another, underlying accent, and exaggerated French.

"Not advisable in this crowd."

"No, Sir. Have you seen my mother? I can’t seem to find her."

Nathan looked around hopelessly and shrugged. "Well, since I don’t know who
you are, I can’t say."

"Oh, forgive me." The boy said contritely. "I’m Louis, heir to the throne of France." He finished with a flourishing bow and a sweep of his hat.

Bridger smiled in amusement, the young man was certainly taking this very
seriously. "Pleased to meet you, Sir." He replied with a bow of his own. "So that would make your mother…"

"Why, Marie Antoinette, of course."

"Of course."

The boy smiled up at him and he felt a strange sensation in his stomach, a bit like butterflies but not quite. "Never mind, I’m sure I’ll find her. It was nice to meet you, Sir." With that he disappeared into the crowd.

Robin Hood and his Merry Men were quickly at his side. "Do you know who he
is, Cap’?"

"No… no I don’t… Why?"

Alan a Dale piped up. "Because it’s been driving us crazy trying to figure out who he belongs to. We have a pool on it."

"It’s nice to see you too, Ben."

"Oh…" Krieg shut up, but another voice joined in.

"Come on Sir, you must have an idea. Who do you know who’d have a seven
year-old kid?"

"He’s seven?"

"About that… I asked him."

"You would, Tony. Anything to win a bet." O’Neill’s voice came from behind his Will Scarlet mask.

"Well, Cap’?"

"I have no idea."

"Are we looking for a male or female?" Ben asked.

"Good question."

"Female." Bridger replied absently.

"How’d you know that?"

"I asked." He deadpanned.

"I suppose you didn’t ask her name?" ‘Friar’ Ortiz asked.

"As a matter of fact, I did."

"And…?" Came the exasperated chorus.

"Marie Antoinette."

"I don’t remember a…" Ben started, and the others all laughed. "Okay, okay,
I get it."

The evening wore on and Nathan figured that he’d danced with just about
every woman there, except for the elusive Queen of France. The lights were
dimmed and the slow ballads started to play, interspersed with Christmas
favourites, one, of which, brought reality crashing in on him. ‘Lonely This
Christmas…’ Lord wasn’t that going to be the truth…

He felt the touch of a hand and then someone was in his arms. She didn’t
speak, just pulled him close and swayed with him to the music. They moved in
perfect harmony, pressed cheek to cheek, and he could feel her gentle breath
in his ear, the warmth of her body against his… And then the song ended and
she was gone…

An excited group of outlaws gathered around him. "Well, Sir… Who was she?"

Nathan stood entranced.

"Sir? Captain Bridger? Who is she?"

"Who?"

"Who?! The woman you were dancing with… Marie Antoinette… What did she say?"

"Nothing."

"Nothing? But…"

"I haven’t a clue who she was." He continued to stare vacantly.

"Sir, are you alright?" Lucas questioned. "You look kinda spaced."

With an effort Nathan dragged his mind back to the group. "Yes, I’m fine."

"Well, I think it was Wendy Smith." O’Neill offered.

"It’s definitely Katie." Ben disagreed. "She always said that she wanted a kid one day."

"No, it was neither of them."

"You’re sure? After all you said she didn’t speak."

"She didn’t."

"Then how…?"

"It didn’t *feel* like Wendy."

"And you know this because?" Krieg prompted - the innuendo in his voice obvious.

"Because he knows what she feels like…" Piccolo responded.

"Don’t ever tell me how you know that." Lucas grimaced.

There was a drum-roll and then the lights went up. Noyce was on the stage
announcing a surprise presentation for Nathan, but no one was really surprised. Bridger groaned and made his way forward.

When the clock struck midnight all the lights went down and the announcement
came that it was time to de-mask. Six pairs of eyes waited anxiously for them to come up again. When they did the hall was filled with surprised laughter.

"See, I told you it wasn’t Katie!" Tony smirked.

"Or Wendy." Krieg crowed.

"Then who…?" O’Neill questioned.

They looked around frantically and saw the little boy, now unmasked. Krieg
made a dash for him and practically dragged him towards the expectant group.

"Where’s your mother, kid?" Piccolo asked.

"James… My name’s James…" He sounded almost frightened by the sudden
attention. "She’s… she’s around here somewhere."

"Cap’, are you okay?" Lucas asked for the second time that night.

"Yeah, why wouldn’t I be? You’re the ones with all the money riding on this.
 In truth he wasn’t okay at all, there was something about the child…
Something that he couldn’t quite put his finger on.

"Do you want me to go and find her?" A small voice asked, desperate to get
back to the safety of his mother’s arms.

"Yes." They chorused in unison.

"Be right back." He ran off, grateful to get away from the strange group.

"We’ll be at the bar, kid." Tony called after him. "The Captain looks as
though he could use a drink."

They’d just about given up hope, and were arguing as to who had scared him
the most, when he finally reappeared. "I found her."

They turned as one and Nathan gasped. "Kristin."

"Hello Nathan… Guys…"

"Now *that’s* what I call a surprise!" Krieg stammered.

They spent a half-an-hour or so on introductions and general chat, but Nathan couldn’t seem to find his voice and Lucas had slipped away almost immediately. Eventually Kristin made her excuses, telling them that she had to get James to bed, and took her leave.

December 24th

Nathan cleared up his lunchtime dishes and deliberated what to do with the
remaining day. He was half-tempted to go back to bed. He hadn’t slept that
well, his mind filled with images of what might have been, and trying to figure out for the millionth time, why Kristin had left him all those years ago. Could there have been someone else, all along? Was that why? After all, judging by the age of her son, she couldn’t have waited long after… Her son, somehow it seemed so strange. That she would even contemplate having another child was something he hadn’t ever considered.

A surge of anger, combined with jealousy, washed through him, followed by
something else… He could still feel her in his arms. Their closeness, her warm breath… how could he not have known who she was? His body had certainly
recognised her, even if his brain hadn’t. He was startled, by the ringing of the doorbell, frowning as he went to answer it… he wasn’t exactly expecting visitors.

"Hello Nathan."

"Kris? What on Earth are you doing here?" He saw the shock in her eyes. "I’m
sorry. You were the last person that I expected to see. Come in, please." He
stood back to let her enter. "Is James with you?"

"He’s in the car."

"Well, bring him in." ~ Safety in numbers. ~ He thought to himself as his body betrayed him once more, reacting to her presence. A few minutes later they were all settled in the living room.

"You haven’t changed the place much." Kristin observed.

"No… You know me, I like things where I can find them."

"I remember… Is Lucas here?" She asked tentatively.

"No. He has a place of his own these days. I’m expecting him on the 26th
though."

"That’s nice."

"Mmm…"

There was an awkward silence between them, eventually broken by James. "Is
it all right if I go out on the beach, Sir?"

Nathan’s brain screamed ‘No!’ but he held it in and said, "Of course. Darwin
should be out there somewhere."

"Really?" The boy asked excitedly.

"You know about Darwin?"

"Mum told me."

Nathan flinched inwardly, but didn’t know why. "Come on, I’ll introduce you."

"Thanks!"

"Are you coming, Kris?"

"What? Oh yes… yes, of course."

They both watched James as he made friends with the dolphin and then Nathan touched Kristin’s shoulder, "Can we talk?"

"If you’d like." She replied a little hesitantly.

"I’d like. There are things I need to know."

"I know. James, why don’t you stay out here with Darwin for a while? Darwin… Take care of him."

Dolphin and child nodded in unison as they turned back towards the house.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Coffee would be nice."

"I should have guessed." He smiled sadly. "Won’t be long."

Returning a few minutes later, he placed two mugs on the coffee table. Kristin was sitting on the sofa, absently picking at a piece of non-existent fluff on her jeans. Unable to wait any longer, he whispered softly, "Why, Kris?"

She looked up nervously. "I thought you might like a visit."

"That’s not what I meant. Why did you leave me?"

"Nathan, I…"

"Please Kristin… It’s been tormenting me for almost eight years. I have to
know."

"I thought it was for the best."

"Oh please! Best for whom? You?"

"For both of us. You were still getting over Carol’s death and I…"

"Do you really think that I would have even started a relationship with you, let alone asked you to move in with me, if I wasn’t ready?"

"I don’t know. I just thought…"

"Why didn’t you ask me?"

"I… I…"

His irritation was growing, he knew by her evasiveness that she wasn’t telling him the whole truth. "Jesus, Kris… I’ve spent over seven years wondering, trying to figure out what I did wrong. I think I have the right to know!"

"I thought it was for the best," she repeated earnestly.

"You were wrong."

"Nathan, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea." She reached down to pick up
her bag but when she stood he grabbed her wrist.

"No! You’re not going to just run out on me again. Not without a proper
explanation."

Kristin tried to pull out of his grasp. "You’re hurting me."

Taking a deep breath he put a stranglehold on his temper and let her go.  "I’m sorry… I’m sorry…" He turned his back and walked to the window, gazing out at the boy on the sand.

She sat down again, heavily. "So am I, Nathan. I never wanted you to be hurt I thought it would make it easier for you."

"Make what easier?" He asked without turning. "I don’t understand."

"I know…" Kristin wrapped her arms around herself protectively and studied
his back, smiling as he laughed at something that had happened outside.

"I just wish…"

"Wish what?"

"That things had turned out differently. I mean, if you’d stayed we might have…" He broke off.

"Might have?"

Nathan was silent for a while and then in a whisper he said, "He could have
been mine…"

She bit her lip but didn’t speak.

"If you had stayed then maybe… He could have been ours… He could have been my son."

Kristin clasped herself tighter, hands trembling, knowing that it would be now or never. "He is your son." She confessed quietly.

Hearing his strangled cry, she crossed instinctively to him, sliding her arms around his waist and resting her tear-dampened cheek against his back. She remained still and waited for his reaction. It had to be painful for him… it was for her.

"Tell me…" He finally choked out.

Kristin moved away again and stood at the other end of the window, both of
them looking out to sea. "When seaQuest was destroyed I honestly thought we
could make a go of it, really I did. Despite what you said, I knew that you were still grieving for your wife and son, but I still believed it could work, given time. And then I got to thinking about my past record with men and I realised that I was kidding myself. Every time I’ve loved someone, I’ve screwed it up and…"

Nathan seemed to find his voice. "You wouldn’t leave just because of that.
There’s something else, isn’t there?"

"No…" She hesitated. "Nothing…"

~ Liar ~ Nathan thought to himself, but instead he asked. "Were you pregnant
when you left? Of course you were… but you left anyway."

"I didn’t know. I’d thought that, at my age, I was…"

"You’re a doctor, for God’s sake!" He interrupted angrily.

"Yes, but I honestly didn’t realise."

"And when you found out, you still didn’t come to me. Tell me!"

"I tried… I called but…"

"But?"

"You weren’t in." She finished lamely.

"And you didn’t try again."

"No."

"Christ!" He could feel his anger resurfacing but something was niggling at him. She was still being evasive and it just wasn’t like her. Keeping his voice as calm as he could he prompted, "And later?"

"There were problems. My age… and the fact that I’d miscarried before… I
didn’t want to tell you only to have you lose another child. I couldn’t do that. Then, when James was born, I heard you’d gone back to sea."

"And you didn’t think to contact me? You didn’t think that I had the right to know?" His voice had risen and Kristin was suddenly frightened.

"I couldn’t… I… Lucas would have…"

"Lucas? What the hell has he got to do with this? Does he know about James?
You could tell him, but not me - is that it?" He’d finally lost control of his temper and was practically shouting at her.

James appeared in the doorway and saw his mother crying. He stormed over to Nathan and stood in front of him, hands on hips. "You made my Mummy cry.
Don’t you dare shout at her!"

The combination of the boy’s determined stare and Kristin’s tears tore at his heart and he turned away.

Kristin sniffled. "It’s alright, darling. Mummy’s fine."

"But he made you cry. You never cry."

"No he didn’t… not really."

"Can we go home now, please? I don’t like it here anymore."

"Soon darling. You go back outside with Darwin and…" She noted the stubborn
look on her son’s face. "Mummy’s okay, really."

James gave one more scathing glance at the older man’s back and ran outside.

"He’s definitely your son." Nathan quipped.

"There’s a lot of you in him too."

He didn’t reply or even look at her.

"Look, I’d better go." She was about to call the boy when Nathan’s voice
stopped her in her tracks.

"And a Merry Christmas to you, too."

Kristin’s tears started to fall again. "I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…" She crossed the room to him and he turned and swept her into his arms.

"So am I, Baby. So am I… What happened to us, Kris? I need to know the
truth… Please…"

She nodded and tried to move away, put some distance between them, but
Nathan held her tightly. "Kris…" He lowered his head, his mouth seeking hers as it had so many times.

"Hey Cap’, I just thought I’d stop by and see…" Lucas stopped mid-sentence,
the scene before him silencing anything else he’d been going to say.

Kristin pulled away abruptly "I’d better go. I’ll call you." Before Nathan could even think she’d grabbed her purse and jacket and was halfway across the beach.

"I knew it. I knew they were right about her." Lucas exclaimed triumphantly
the moment Kristin had disappeared. "You know, the guys on the boat even had
a long-standing bet as to just how many ex-husbands the Doc actually had out
there."

Nathan barely managed to hold his tongue, as the younger man continued on,
unaware of just how deep a hole he was digging for himself. "And what about
James’ father? Where do you think he is, while she’s here coming on to you? I’m glad now that I did what I did all those years ago!"

"And what exactly did you do?" Came Bridger’s measured response. His hands were thrust deeply into his pockets and clenched into fists.

Kristin was just putting the smaller gifts onto the tree when there was a knock on the door. She listened for a moment but there were no sounds of carol singers, frowning she walked to the door to open it. "Nathan."

"Hi." He shifted nervously from foot to foot.

"How did you…?"

"Lucas."

"Oh." She studied his drawn face. "You look shattered."

"I am."

After a moment of indecision she stepped back to allow him in. God knew what
the boy had told him this time, but she needed to get everything out into the open. "Come in."

She led him into the living room and pointed to the sofa. "Sit."

"Thanks."

"Would you like a drink?"

~ God, would he ever. ~ "Please."

She returned with two glasses, one of whiskey and the other, wine.

"Thank you." He took a large gulp and relished the burning sensation as it went down.

"Is everything okay?" She asked tentatively.

"No."

"Oh."

"You should have come to me Kris. Told me what was going on."

"I couldn’t."

"Why?"

"It wouldn’t have been fair. What with losing seaQuest, and the Board of
Inquiry… You didn’t need to have to deal with our petty squabbles as well."

"So you left."

"I couldn’t see any other way around it. I knew how much you cared for Lucas
and…"

"I cared for you too… I loved you."

"I know. But Lucas was so against me being there. He didn’t want to share you with anyone and I…"

"You should have discussed it with me."

"How could I? Excuse me Nathan but Lucas and I can’t live together in the same house, so you have to choose which one of us stays? There was no way
that I was going to put you in that position."

"It hurt Kris… Coming home to an empty house that day. It hurt more than I
ever thought possible."

"It hurt me too. I almost gave up… And then I found out about the baby."

"You should have come to me." He repeated sadly.

"I told you… I didn’t want to worry you. You had enough to deal with… And
you and Lucas were so close…" She stood abruptly, crossed to the tree, and
started to fiddle with one of the decorations. "…I wasn’t sure that you’d pick me," she added almost inaudibly.

Nathan was up out of his seat in a flash and pulling her close to him. "You
were that unsure of me?"

"No, I was that unsure of myself. I’d heard the talk on the boat. I knew about the betting pool. Everyone was just waiting for me to fall flat on my face and I was afraid they’d be right."

"Kristin, look at me." He tilted her chin up with gentle fingers. "Do you want to know what I would have done?"

Her expression was wary, uncertainty in her eyes.

"Oh Kris, I’d have told Lucas exactly what I told him tonight… That I loved
you… I loved you more than life itself. I would have given him the choice. He could either stay with me, knowing that you would be a part of my life, or go his own way… back to his father or his grandparents. I would never have let you go, no matter what."

Kristin buried her face in his chest. "You must hate me."

"Why?"

"For running away. For keeping James from you… For…"

"Bringing my child into the world alone and risking your life to do it…? For
keeping him safe… For allowing me the chance to meet him."

"Don’t! Don’t try to make me into some kind of heroine, I’m not. I…"

"You are to me. And I’m so proud that you’re the mother of my son. He couldn’t want for a better one."

She looked up at him then, a hint of a smile on her face, and his breathing almost stopped. "Kristin… I…"

"Mum, I’m home!" James burst through the door and the couple separated,
Nathan moving back to the sofa and taking another gulp of his drink.

"So I see… and hear." Kristin smiled.

"Sorry… Mum, is…"

"It’s okay, Baby, everything’s fine. Now, tell me what you’ve been up to. Did you enjoy the party?"

The boy spent the next hour telling his Mum all about the games they’d
played and what they’d had to eat. They were all laughing by the time he’d
finished the tale of the useless magician and the white rabbit that got away.  He then produced a couple of presents from his knapsack. "I didn’t open them. I wanted to, but I didn’t."

"Put them under the tree, darling."

"But, Mum…"

"No buts… Under the tree - you know the rules."

"Okay," he replied sulkily, doing as he was told.

Kristin glanced up to see Nathan watching them intently, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Are you okay?" She mouthed silently.

He nodded.

"Time for bed, young man."

"But, Mum…"

"What did I say about those ‘buts’?"

"Yes Ma’am…" He sighed.

"You go ahead, I’ll be along in a minute."

"Okay." He looked at Nathan, still unsure of him. "Goodnight, Sir."

"Goodnight James."

When Kristin finally made it back, Nathan was staring into his empty glass.

"Would you like another?"

"I should go."

"Oh…" She tried to hide the disappointment that washed over her. "I suppose
you have plans."

"No, not really. But I’m sure you do."

"Sort of… But only one that’s carved in stone." She could tell that despite his offer he was reluctant to leave. "We have a spare room. You’re more than
welcome."

Nathan couldn’t believe just how much he wanted to stay. "It wouldn’t be fair to…"

Kristin smiled and took his glass. "Hungry?"

"Yeah… yes I am."

"Then join me in the kitchen."

Watching as she dried the last of the plates, he suddenly knew what had been
missing from his life. This was what he wanted now, more than anything else in the world… For years he’d fought against it… even when he was married to
Carol… And when Robert was born… He’d still remained at a distance from it
somehow. Choosing a life at sea, in the Navy. There was something between
Carol and himself that just didn’t quite gel, somehow. Manilow Crocker had once told him that he and his wife Helen only got along from a distance and he knew that it was a similar situation with him. He loved Carol very much and knew she loved him, but when they were together for long periods of time the cracks started to show. It had probably been his fault, his long absences had put a distance between them - they’d led almost separate lives.

With Kristin, even in a strange house, he felt as though he belonged. Maybe
because they’d shared the same interests, done the same things. She’d spent
time in his world and he in hers. Carol had never even been aboard a submarine, let alone served on one for eighteen months. It was just like his
perverse nature… When he’d had the whole family scene, he hadn’t been sure
that he wanted it. And now he was sure, could he really have it?

"Shall we go into the other room?"

"What? Oh, yes, of course."

Kristin grabbed the bottle and a couple of glasses and followed him back into the living room. While he poured the wine, she turned out the lights, leaving just the Christmas tree to illuminate the room before sitting in a huge over-stuffed armchair in front of the fireplace.

"Will you tell him?"

"What?"

"About me."

"Of course…" She sounded surprised. "Why wouldn’t I?"

"I didn’t know if… it’s been so long since…"

"You’re his father Nathan. Of course, I’ll tell him."

"You called him James."

"Yes, after my brother. I hope you don’t mind?"

"No, absolutely not. I’m just grateful that you didn’t call him Nathan."

Kristin smiled.

"You didn’t, did you? I mean, his middle name?"

"No."

True to the perversity of his nature a pang of disappointment shot through him. "Does he have a middle name?"

"Yes. His name is James Robert Westphalen."

"Robert…" Nathan choked.

"Yes. I thought it would…"

He stood suddenly and moved to the window, staring out into the dark.

"I’m sorry, I thought it would please you." She said, the distress evident in her voice.

Nathan crossed the room and knelt on the rug in front of her. "It does. It was a shock that’s all. I didn’t expect you to… Thank you, Baby."

Kristin smiled down at him and he made himself comfortable at her feet as she began to tell him about their son’s childhood, his education and interests. It was very late when she finally stopped talking. Nathan had been mesmerised throughout.

"Well," she stood and stretched. "James and I have an early start in the morning. We have a few calls to make and then I need to talk to him. Goodnight Nathan."

"Is it alright if I stay in here for a while? I’m not ready to sleep yet."

"No problem. Help yourself to anything you need. I’ll see you tomorrow… er…
later today."

"Goodnight Kris, and thank you."

"You’re welcome. Sleep well." She gave him a quick kiss on the cheek.

"You too." Nathan responded, his hand going to the place where her lips had
been.

December 25th
 

He awoke slowly and took a few moments to check out the unfamiliar
surroundings, feeling the revelations of the past couple of days beginning to overwhelm him again - but in a good way. He could hear the sound of laughter coming from the kitchen and smiled to himself. ~ God, he could happily wake up to that sound for the rest of his days. ~ A thud and a squeal finally persuaded him to get out of bed.

After taking a shower he went in search of Kristin and James, finding them on the living room floor wrestling over a Christmas present.

"Just one…"

"Nope."

"Pleeeease…"

"Nope."

"But…"

"You know the rules Mum, no buts…"

She stuck her tongue out at him and then caught sight of Nathan in the
doorway. "Erm… we have company." Wriggling out from under her son she blew the hair out of her eyes. "Good morning."

"Good morning. Is there a problem here?"

"Nothing I can’t handle." James grinned.

"So I see."

"Okay, I give in. Breakfast anyone?"

"Please." Both men said together.

"James, go and wash your hands."

"Yes, Ma’am." He saluted and headed for the bathroom.

Nathan helped her to her feet.

"You know something, Nathan… Sometimes he’s so much like you, it hurts."

Soon after breakfast mother and son went out on their Christmas visits.
‘Delivering Christmas cheer’ Kristin had called it. Although, he’d gathered
from the conversation, that they actually went to the children’s ward of the local hospital.

Christmas Day… He paced the room nervously, knowing that Kristin intended to talk to the boy before they came home. The boy… His son… He closed his eyes for a moment - This time, given the chance, he’d get it right - and then
resumed his pacing. ~ God, he missed the beach. ~ He knew without a doubt
that she wouldn’t stop him from seeing James whenever he wanted - if, the boy wanted, but he needed more… so much more.

Rather than have Kristin return home to a worn carpet he decided to nip back
home and pick up a few things. And go for a long run while he was there.
Grabbing the spare door key, he headed for his car.

Two hours later, he was sitting in the armchair and fighting the urge to either reach for the whiskey bottle, or run. ~ What if James didn’t want to know? ~ He couldn’t really blame him. After seven years without a father, why should he accept one now? He was obviously close to his mother and there was no way he would stay where he wasn’t welcome. Parallels with Kristin’s predicament all those years ago sprang to mind. ~ Would he have the strength and courage to walk away, as she had? Why hadn’t he realised before, how devastating it must have been for her? ~

The door opened and mother and son walked in, their faces serious. James
excused himself and went straight to his room.

"Kris?"

A too-cheerful smile lit up her face. "Hi."

"How did it go?"

"I explained to him as best I could and now it’s up to James. I’m not going to make the decision for him."

"Are *you* alright?"

"Yeah, I’m fine. Just give me a minute…"

Nathan found himself alone again, a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. The last thing he’d ever wanted to do was cause a rift between mother and son. He was debating with himself whether to just leave when James reappeared in the doorway.

"Hello, Sir."

"James."

"I’m sorry if you thought I was rude before. Will you be staying here for the rest of Christmas?"

"I’d very much like to, if it’s okay with you?"

The boy nodded and disappeared again to be replaced almost immediately by
Kristin. "Do you like all the usual Christmas Fare?"

"Yes."

"Any preferences?"

"None. It’s been a long time since I’ve even had a proper Christmas dinner."

Kristin smiled and turned to leave.

"Kris?"

"Yes?"

"I understand now."

"Understand what?"

"Why you did what you did. I almost did the same thing myself, just now."

"I’m glad you didn’t."

"So am I… whatever happens."

She smiled again and headed back to the kitchen.

He was trying to decide whether to offer his help when James approached him.
"Sir?"

"Yes?"

"Would you like to see my room?"

"I’d love to." The young man shyly took his hand and Nathan fought the urge to grab on and hold tight.

"It’s this way."

Nathan dabbed his mouth with his napkin. "That was delicious, thank you."

"You’re welcome."

"I didn’t know that you were such a good cook."

"Lucky he didn’t come a few years ago, eh Mum?"

"James Robert Westphalen!"

"What happened?" Nathan asked, encouraging the boy.

"You don’t want to know."

"Yes I do."

"Now stop it, both of you!"

"We had turkey, and Mum…"

"Don’t you dare!" Kristin scolded, waving a wooden spoon in his general
direction.

"Oops… Bye…" The boy scooted from the table and into the living room, his
mother in hot pursuit. By the time Nathan joined them, Kristin had him on the sofa, threatening to tickle him to death.

"Help." James reached out to Nathan in an effort to tag him.

"Oh no… You’re not dragging me into this."

The boy wriggled and squirmed but couldn’t break free. "I give in."

"Really?" She asked, tickling him again.

"Yes." He gasped. "Mum, I’m gonna be sick."

She let go of him immediately and he moved quickly out of reach before yelling, "Fooled you!"

Kristin let out a mock growl and chased him all the way to his room.

"Sanctuary!"

"Drat! Okay, you win… this time. You can come out now."

"Uh-uh… I’ve heard that before." He giggled.

"Your loss… I’m going to open my presents." She walked away, looking towards Nathan who had come out to watch the fun, and motioned for him to go back into the living room, before hiding in the broom closet, jumping out as an
excited James passed by and grabbing him in her arms, holding him fast.  Gotcha."

"Aw Mum…"

"Aw Mum, what?"

"I love you." He kissed her on the cheek and made a break for the tree.

Nathan sat quietly and watched as they opened their gifts. James was opening
an especially big one and he was startled when the boy leapt to his feet with excitement. "Oh Mum… thank you… thank you…" He threw his arms around
her and hugged her tightly for a few minutes. "Look, Sir…"

He was handed a large box, which turned out to be a model kit of the current
space station.

"You like these?" Nathan asked surprised. "I thought kids of your age were
all into computers and virtual reality."

"I like those too, Sir. But it’s not the same as building something with your own hands."

"You see… I told you, you were alike." Kristin interjected.

"Did you build something, Sir?"

"I helped build seaQuest." Bridger admitted modestly.

"Wow!"

"Your father designed it, too."

"Really?"

"Really."

"Wow!" He exclaimed again and returned his attention to his mother. "Did I
get the right perfume? Cynny helped me with it."

"Yes darling, it’s perfect - thank you."

"What did she get you?"

"Erm…" She held up a slinky long black nightie and much to Nathan’s surprise
 the young man went over to inspect it.

"It’s silky."

"Yes it is."

"Do you like it, Sir?"

Nathan almost blushed at the thoughts that had been going through his head.
Clearing his throat, he replied. "Very much." His gaze locking with Kristin’s.

"Then, so do I."

"I think that’s everything." Kristin broke the moment.

"No Mum, there’s one more."

She looked around her but couldn’t see anything.

"It’s in my room."

"Go and get it then."

He disappeared and Kristin shrugged at Nathan’s unasked question. When he
returned he was carrying a plastic bag. "I’m sorry it’s not wrapped, but it’s not really that sort of present." He apologised, handing it to Nathan.

Bridger closed his eyes against the sudden riot of emotions engulfing him.

"Open it, Sir."

Nathan gasped as he carefully took out a beautifully crafted model of a
Spanish galleon.

"It’s the first one I ever made. The first good one, anyway… I thought you
might like to have it."

"Thank you. It’s beautiful."

"Merry Christmas, Sir."

Unable to fight the impulse, he pulled his son into his arms and held him close and after a few seconds he felt the boy reciprocate.

Kristin sniffled and they broke apart. Her son turned a worried face to her. "Did I do something wrong, Mum?"

"No darling, you did fine." She held out her own arms to him and he ran into
them. Nathan stood and moved to the window in an effort to regain control of his emotions.

"Why don’t we go and call Cynny? We can wish her a Merry Christmas and thank her for her presents."

"Okay, Mum."

Ten minutes later Kristin returned and walked up behind him, stroking his
back gently. "You alright?" Nathan hastily wiped the tears from his eyes.  It’s okay, I’m alone."

"I didn’t expect… I mean, he’s so forgiving."

"He has nothing to forgive you for. He knows that it wasn’t your fault Nathan. He understands that."

"I’ve missed so much of his life."

"And there’s so much more to come."

"I can’t even begin to tell you how much that means to me. I won’t let either of you down, Kris. I promise."

"I know that."

"You’ve done a wonderful job of bringing him up, I wouldn’t want to interfere with that."

"We’ll work it out. Now, why don’t you go and see if you can give your son a
hand with his new model kit?"

"You don’t mind?"

"Of course not."

"Thank you, Baby."

Kristin couldn’t help but smile at the easy way he’d lapsed into calling her that and at how right it felt.

Almost three hours later Nathan stretched and groaned as his back muscles
protested.

"Are you alright, Sir?"

"I’m fine. Just too old to be sitting in one place for so long."

"That’s what Mum always says."

Nathan smiled. "Talking of your mother, I wonder where she is."

"I bet I know."

"Where?"

"She’ll be in her den working."

"At Christmas?"

"Yeah, she has a lot to do… what with her research and marking papers."

"She teaches?"

"Lectures. Mum says she’s no good at teaching, but great at lecturing people
 She’s wrong though."

Bridger laughed, remembering some of the one-sided discussions they’d had in
their time.

"But, I bet she’s asleep."

"Really?" He laughed again and James immediately went on the defensive,
seeming suddenly far older than his seven years. "She works too hard. She
spends half of the day with the students and the rest trying to do her own
stuff. Then she has to look after me and help me with my homework. And, when
I go to bed, she grades all the papers, sometimes until very late. It’s not fair that she has to do all that on her own. If I were older, I’d help her."

Nathan crouched down in front of him. "You love your mother very much, don’t
you?"

"Yes, Sir. She’s a great Mum. Just don’t tell her I said so."

"It’ll be our secret."

As they approached the study door, he stopped and put a finger to his lips.
She’ll either be asleep at the desk, or on the couch covered in exam papers.

Sure enough, she was on the couch.

James moved quietly to her side and picked up all the strewn sheets, carrying them to the desk and stacking them neatly. Nathan joined him.

"You’ve done this before, haven’t you?" He whispered.

"Lots of times." He replied softly. "Do you want me to wake her up?"

"No. I have a better idea."

"What?"

Nathan placed a finger against his own lips and then moved to the couch,
picking Kristin up in his arms and breathing a sigh of relief as she snuggled into him without waking. He carried her to the bedroom and gently laid her on the bed, before stepping back so the boy could cover her.

James watched with interest as Nathan brushed the hair back from his mother’s face and gazed at her lovingly, before abruptly exiting the room. He followed thoughtfully until he was in the kitchen.

"How about you and I making supper for your Mum, for a change?"

"Okay, Sir. That’s a great idea."

They worked together, Nathan doing the slicing and dicing and James showing
him where everything was kept, until the dining table was covered in sandwiches, salad and other goodies. Nathan had his doubts about the Twinkies, but James had assured him that one day a week, he was allowed to
eat whatever he wanted, so he’d left it at that, not wanting to upset the precarious friendship that was developing between them.

"Would you like to go and wake Mum?"

"No, you do it. I’ll make some drinks."

"Okay." He slipped off.

"Mum… Mum…" He shook her gently.

Kristin opened her eyes and tried to get her bearings.

"It’s time to wake up, Mum."

"How on Earth did I get here?"

"The captain carried you, and I covered you over."

"Thank you, darling." She kissed his cheek and then stretched luxuriously.

"Feel better?"

"Much… thank you."

"Mum, can I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"Do you love Captain Bridger?"

Kristin hesitated. She’d never been anything but honest with her son and she
wasn’t about to start lying now. "Yes darling, I do… very much."

"Oh." James folded the cover and put it on the chair. "I think he loves you too."

"Really? What gives you that idea?"

"Oh, I don’t know. The way he carried you in here as though you were
something precious that he didn’t want to drop. And the way he looked at you
and brushed the hair off your face as you slept. I do that sometimes because I love you."

Kristin pulled him down beside her and held him in her arms. "Would you mind
very much if we did love each other?"

"I’m not sure. If you love him, does that mean you’ll love me less? Or that you won’t have enough for both of us?"

"Of course not, darling. The love I have for you is ‘Mummy’ love and no one
gets that but you and Cynny."

"And if you loved the captain, it would be…?"

"Grown up love… and that’s entirely different."

He considered carefully for a moment. "Then, no… I wouldn’t mind. But only if he helped you and did his chores like me."

Kristin ruffled his hair. "I’m sure he would, Baby. I’m sure he would."

"We made food."

"You did?"

"Yes." His expression turned guilty.

"What’s wrong?"

"I kinda fibbed to him."

"About what?" She studied her son’s face. "Oh no, let me guess… Twinkies!"

"Yes. Are you angry with me?"

"Well, I should be… but since it’s Christmas…"

His face lit up. "Thanks Mum. You won’t tell him I fibbed, will you? He might go away and not come back again."

"Oh darling, he wouldn’t do that. But I won’t tell him, it’ll be our secret."

"Promise?"

"Cross my heart."

"Come on then." He grabbed her hand and tugged. "I’m hungry."

Kristin walked into the kitchen with her son and stared in amazement at the
array of food. "My God, you’d think we were feeding the entire UEO!"

"No," Nathan laughed, "Just two hungry men and a mouse."

James giggled at the thought of his Mum being a mouse, but was pleased at
being called a man.

"Come on Mum, you’ve hardly eaten anything."

"Yes I did, too much actually."

A flicker of concern crossed the young boy’s face and he touched his mother’s hand. "You’re okay, right? You were just tired."

"I’m fine darling, truly."

"Okay."

Nathan had the feeling that he’d missed something important, but he didn’t want to spoil the mood, so he remained silent.

"In that case," James continued. "It must be time for…"

"Twinkies!" Both men yelled out together and Kristin groaned.

"And what’s wrong with Twinkies?" Nathan asked, winking at his son. "I’ll
have you know they’re traditional American food. A staple diet when growing
up."

"They’re sweet and icky and…" Kristin shuddered. "And they have absolutely
no nutritional value at all."

"That’s the whole point."

"But you’ve got to know how to eat them." James chipped in.

"You mean, like this?" Nathan picked one up and made a hole in the end, scooping the cream out of the middle.

"That’s it!" The child squealed gleefully. "See Mum, I told you." He took one and proceeded to do the same thing. Your turn."

"I’d rather not."

"Oh go on, pleeease…"

"Pleeease…" Nathan mimicked.

Kristin shook her head in disbelief. "You know, there are some similarities
between the two of you that I’d rather not have found out about." Nevertheless, she picked up the offending item and nibbled as they had, grimacing at the sickly taste.

"Now you curl your tongue and suck out the middle."

"I can’t."

"Of course you can."

"No, I can’t curl my tongue."

"Everyone can curl their tongue." James protested.

"Actually… they can’t. It’s a genetic thing."

"Ge-ne-tic?" The boy struggled.

"That’s right, it’s passed down through your family, like hair and eye colour and colour-blindness."

"Oh. But if I can do it, then you must be able to, ‘cause you’re my Mum."

"Afraid not."

"Then I got it from…"

"Me." Nathan confirmed.

"Along with a whole slew of other annoying habits." Kristin added.

"Habits aren’t genetic."

"You could have fooled me."

Nathan watched with amusement as Kristin surreptitiously got rid of her
Twinkie. "Kris?"

"They make me ill - sorry."

"Must be another ge-ne-tic thing," James commented. "Cynny won’t eat them
either."

Both adults burst out laughing.

While he did the washing up, Kristin and James snuggled together on the sofa
to watch a Disney movie. It was James’ favourite… ‘Toy Story’. When Nathan walked in, the boy snuggled even closer to his mother so that he could join them. Kristin smiled at the surprised look on his face. As the final credits
rolled James was almost asleep.

"Time for bed, I think."

"What are we going to do tomorrow?" The child mumbled.

"I hadn’t really thought about it."

"We could spend the day on the beach." Nathan offered.

"Can we Mum, please?"

"If you’d like."

"Yes please!"

"Then run along and get ready for bed." He scooted out of the door at
breakneck speed.

When they were finally alone, Nathan asked the question he’d been bottling up for hours. "Are you sure you’re okay? You hardly ate anything this evening."

"Yeah… I was just tired this afternoon and I had a niggling headache. As for
the food… I really wasn’t hungry."

"Okay, but if my being here is too much for you, or I can do anything to help, just let me know."

"You’re being here is the best thing that’s happened to me in a very long time."

James joined them again, this time clad in pyjamas. "Goodnight Mum."

"Goodnight darling. I’ll be in, in ten minutes."

"Mum, could I talk to you outside?"

"Of course." She got reluctantly up from the comfy sofa. "Is something wrong?"

They walked out into the hall and Nathan could hear whispered voices. When
they returned Kristin nudged her son forward and he stood in front of the older man nervously. "Sir, would you put out the light for me tonight?"

Nathan’s voice was choked as he replied, "If you want me to."

"Yes, please." He fled the room.

He looked up at Kristin with tears in his eyes. "Does this mean…?"

"We’re getting there, Nathan. We’re getting there."

It hadn’t been more than ten minutes before Kristin heard her name being
called. A stab of panic went through her at the thought that something might
have gone horribly wrong but she put on a brave face and walked through the
bedroom door.

"You rang?"

"I just wanted to say goodnight."

She let out the breath she’d been holding. "Goodnight, darling." Crossing to
the bed she bent down and kissed him on the forehead. "Sleep tight, little man. I love you."

"Love you too, Mum."

The adults made their way to the door.

"Goodnight, Dad."

Nathan grabbed Kristin’s hand and swallowed past the lump in his throat.
Goodnight… Son." Leaving her to turn off the light, he walked swiftly back to the sofa and collapsed onto it, head in his hands.

Kristin followed behind and poured him a stiff drink, reaching out a hand she brushed his hair with her fingers. "You okay?"

"I don’t think I’ve ever been less okay in my life. He did say what I thought he said, didn’t he?"

"Yes Nathan, he did."

"He called me Dad…" Nathan whispered softly. "He called me Dad."

"Well that’s what you are, you know."

"Yes, but somehow I never thought he would. God, do you know how long it’s
been since…"

It was Kristin’s turn to kneel. "I know my love, I know."

"And how long it’s been since you called me that."

He looked so overwhelmed that she took him in her arms and held him until
he’d regained his composure.

"God, I needed that."

"I know."

"You always did. Oh, how I’ve missed you."

At last their lips met in the kiss he’d been longing to give her since he’d first set eyes on her. It was sweet and long and gentle.

Kristin stood and poured a drink for herself before joining him on the sofa,
willingly snuggling into his embrace. They flicked through the TV channels
until they found an old movie and then settled back to watch. Each content just to hold and be held.

The 26th was spent, as promised, frolicking on the beach. They’d transported
the leftover food - Twinkies and all - back to Nathan’s and had a picnic on the sand. If Nathan had been disappointed that Lucas hadn’t put in an appearance, he hadn’t shown it. Playing in the water with Darwin and his son
for hours, while Kristin relaxed on dry land. He’d promised her that she
wouldn’t have to lift a finger and he’d kept his word. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d had such a carefree day.

By the time they’d packed up and he’d given the boy a tour of the house, it was getting late and as they drove home James had fallen asleep in the back of the car.

"Thank you for today, Nathan. I really needed it."

"I know. James mentioned that you’d been ill."

"Oh, it wasn’t anything serious."

"You’d say that if you were dying."

She smiled. "Not quite. But I just haven’t been on top form lately."

"I’m not surprised. You work too hard, you always did."

"My, you two have been talking about me, haven’t you? Anyway, as I recall,
you were pretty good at that yourself."

"Yeah… well… that’s all in the past."

"You’ve decided to retire, then?"

"Yes."

"What will you do?"

"That depends."

"On what?"

He was saved from answering as they arrived at their destination and he
pulled the car into the driveway, quickly helping Kristin out, before retrieving his sleeping child from the back seat and carrying him inside.

"Should we wake him?"

"No. Why don’t you undress him and put him to bed while I take a shower."

He looked up as Kristin entered the living room. She was wearing a silky robe, her hair was still damp and she had very little make-up on. She shifted self-consciously under his gaze.

"I guess I’m not the way you remember. A little careworn and saggy in all
the wrong places. Oh, and I colour my hair." She added softly.

"I’m older too, remember."

"Yeah, but it always looks so much better on a man. Anyhow, I wanted you to
see what you were getting into… The whole deal, no frills. Give you a chance to back out."

He reached out a hand and when she took it, he pulled her down beside him,
gently caressing her cheek. "You’re as beautiful to me now as you were when we first met."

"Oh please… Do you still wear glasses?"

"Only to read."

"Then maybe you should get your eyes checked again."

Nathan had the uneasy feeling that the rest of his life hinged on what he said in the next few moments. "Baby, look at me. Have I ever lied to you before, about anything?"

"No." She admitted reluctantly.

"And I’m not going to start now. You’re beautiful Kristin… extra lines,
coloured hair and all. And definitely not saggy… In fact, you’re too thin. And I wouldn’t want you any other way."

The look in his eyes told her it was true and she snuggled into his embrace.
"Thank you."

"No… thank you, for everything. This is the best Christmas I’ve had in a very long time."

"Even without Lucas? I didn’t mean to drive him away."

"Kristin, it’s not your fault. He behaved abominably."

"He was a kid."

"So is James."

"I know, but James had someone to love him."

"As did Lucas. Two people, if he hadn’t been so selfish."

"But…"

"You didn’t drive him away, Baby. He did that to himself."

She didn’t reply, just hugged him even tighter.

"I love you, Kristin. I never stopped loving you."

She looked up at him then, tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. "I love you too, Nathan. God, I’ve missed being with you."

Their lips met in a kiss filled with longing, tongues tangling erotically before they relaxed once more.

"You’ve done so much today, is there anything that I can do for you?" Her
meaning was obvious.

"Later. Just let me hold you for a while."

"I can do that, wait one minute."

She stood and walked over to the cd player, slipping in a disk before turning out all the lights, except for those on the tree and then settled beside him again. He immediately gathered her in his arms.

"Okay?"

"Perfect."

They stroked each other gently, caressing with feather-light fingertip touches. Kristin slipped her hand inside his shirt and heard him groan. She smiled against his chest.

Neither of them knew or cared how long they’d been there. It just seemed so
right somehow. Nathan’s whisper hardly disturbed the silence. "I want you, Kris. I want you so badly."

She extricated herself from his embrace, stood and held out her hand to lead
him to her bedroom.

Their lovemaking was passionate and exciting, but with an underlying familiarity, which put them at ease with one another, so neither held anything back… To Nathan it felt like coming home after a long voyage.

He rolled onto his back, bringing Kristin with him and holding her closely to his side. "Hey, I thought you said you couldn’t curl your tongue?"

"I lied." She admitted wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

He laughed softly. "God, I’ve missed this."

"Me too. We were always so good together."

"We still are."

"Mmm… Talk to me Nathan, I’m falling asleep and I don’t want to… not yet."

They chatted about this and that… About James and Cynny and why he’d decided to leave the UEO, feeling the intimacy that they’d both missed so badly, returning with every word, every smile and laugh…

"James tells me that you’re teaching now."

"I’ll bet he didn’t say ‘teaching’." He felt her smile against his chest.

"No. Actually, he said ‘lecturing’. It reminded me of the first time I ever saw you."

Kristin laughed.

"Do you enjoy it?"

"It’s okay. Well, I like the students… it’s the Board that give me problems.

"Like?"

"They say my methods are unorthodox."

"Well, you never did play by the rules."

"Did that bother you?"

"No, why should it? I like a bit of individuality."

"Good." She slipped out of bed and grabbed her robe. "Because I’m about to
turn another tradition on its head."

He stared at her in complete confusion as she walked round the bed until she was at his side and kneeling down.

"Nathan Bridger… These past few days have been the happiest I’ve known in a long, long time and I know now that we were supposed to be together. I can’t bear the thought of being without you anymore. Will you marry me?"

Nathan just stared at her incredulously, completely unable to utter a word
until her bottom lip began to tremble, jolting him out of his stupor. "Yes Kristin. Oh God, yes."

He pulled her close and kissed her fervently, his hand straying down to untie her robe and slipping inside. Suddenly she broke away and stood up.

"Kris?"

Crossing to the chair, she picked up his boxers and threw them at him.  "You’re going to need these."

Nathan was flabbergasted. He was sure that he hadn’t said or done anything
wrong. "Kris?" He asked again.

Putting up a hand to warn him off, she slipped her nightie back on just as they heard a soft knock on the door. "Mum."

"Just a minute."

"You knew he was out there?" Nathan asked surprised.

"I heard him open his door… Years of practice… Come in, darling."

A sleepy looking James entered the room and crossed immediately to his mother’s side. "I heard voices. Is something wrong?"

"No. As a matter of fact, everything’s perfect."

"Okay." He walked over to the bed and snuggled in beside Nathan. Kristin
quickly joined them.

"Are you awake, Baby?"

"Mmm…" He mumbled tiredly.

"We have something to tell you."

"What?"

"Daddy and I are going to get married."

"If that’s alright with you." Nathan added.

James sat up and looked at first one and then the other. "That’s great! It
means that Mummy will have someone to take care of her, just like she takes care of me. You will take care of her, won’t you Sir?"

"For the rest of my life, if she’ll let me."

"Oh wow! I can’t wait to get back to school!"

"You never want to go back after Christmas."

"That’s because of horrible Justin. Whenever we write about what we did and
what presents we got, his is always best, ‘cause his parents are rich. It’s
always Santa brought me this, or Santa brought me that…"

"Santa?" Nathan laughed.

"Oh yeah, he still believes in Father Christmas. But this year I’ve got him beat because I got something that money can’t buy… I got a daddy."

Nathan pulled him close and kissed the top of his head. "And I got a family.

"What did you get, Mummy?"

"I got a day off."

They both laughed. "Seriously Mum."

"All right. I got love and laughter and happiness and…" She looked down and
saw that their son was already fast asleep.

"And?"

"The world’s greatest lover." Kristin smiled.

"Merry Christmas, my love."

"Merry Christmas, my life." They kissed over James’ head, tongues dancing
once more.

"God, I want you." Nathan groaned.

"Tomorrow."

"What about?" He indicated the sleeping child with a nod of his head.

"James is going to Cynthia’s for the day… Only neither of them knows it yet."