Nathan had been back to the house three days in a row. Removing the dust covers one by one, he'd been assailed by memories which had only served to slow his progress… that, combined with the fact that he hadn't been sleeping very much and it was making him ill. The doctors had warned him to take it easy for at least a couple of months, but he'd never been one to just sit around.

Today had been particularly difficult for him, as he'd turned his attention to the bedroom that they'd shared for such a short but wonderful time. He found himself running his hand over her pillow and along her side of the bed, before quickly changing tack and concentrating on emptying the drawers.  In one he discovered a stack of photographs and he was thumbing his way through them, a sad smile on his face.

"We had some good times, didn't we?"

He jumped at the sound of her voice and the photos ended up all over the floor.

Kristin crossed the room and knelt beside him to help pick them up. They moved closer and closer together until he looked up and found himself drowning in her beautiful eyes. Instinctively his hand reached out to caress her face. "Yes, we did." He continued to hold her gaze, unable to break away.  ~ God, I want to take you in my arms and never let you go. ~

"Nathan, are you alright?"

"What? Oh yes, I'm fine." He replied none-too-convincingly.

"Okay." She stood and helped him up. He staggered slightly and winced.

Kristin's voice was laced with concern. "You're not alright. Are you in pain?"

"A little." ~ Quite a bit actually. ~ He thought to himself.

"Here." She guided him back to the bed and helped him sit down.

"Sorry." He muttered. "A side effect of almost getting myself killed."

"Do you have any medication?"

"There's a packet of pills in my jacket pocket." He indicated the lounge, grateful to put some distance between them, her concern was almost painful in itself.

When she returned she was carrying a glass of water as well as his medication. If the truth be told he didn't feel well at all and he'd lowered his head almost to his knees in an attempt to stave off the dizziness that threatened to overwhelm him. She sat beside him and gently rubbed his back. "Here you go."

"Thanks." Kristin watched as he quickly took two tablets, giving her an indication of just how much discomfort he was in.

"You should lie down."

"I'll be fine."

"I'm still a doctor, and I do know what these things are for." She waved the pill packet in front of his nose.

"I guess you're right." He sighed. "I'm sorry about this Baby." The word left his lips before he could stop it.

Kristin smiled faintly as she eased him down onto the mattress and helped him swing his legs up onto the bed, removing his shoes for him.

"Thank you." He mumbled, already half asleep.

"You're welcome. Sleep now." Knowing that he'd be out for at least a couple of hours she headed off to make a few calls and find out just how bad his injuries had been.

An hour and a half later she was back at his side. He was still sleeping but he was very restless. She gently smoothed her hand over his forehead, brushing back a lock of sweat-dampened hair from his face. He moaned contentedly, but as soon as she moved away he began to fret again. Hardly surprising after everything he'd been through.

Filled with compassion she walked around to the other side of the bed – his side – and lay down, snuggling up behind him to give whatever comfort she could. Feeling his body relax into hers, she closed her eyes to the sadness filling her soul.

Nathan woke slowly from his drug-induced sleep. These days it was the only way that he could sleep. He felt a kind of inner peace that he hadn't experienced in a long time. Not since… He opened his eyes and looked into Kristin's sleeping face. The urge to touch her was all-consuming and it took every ounce of willpower he possessed to resist. He had a desperate need to
kiss her but his heart sank when he remembered that she was no longer his to love. She had a husband, a child…

As if sensing his scrutiny, Kristin's eyes opened and she smiled up at him. "Feeling better?"

"Much, thank you." Well it was almost true. The pain in his body had been replaced by an ache in his soul.

"You're welcome, again." She sat up and looked at her watch. "My God is that the time? I have to go."

He wanted her to stay, needed her to, but knew she couldn't.

Reading the distress in his eyes she said, "I could always come back tomorrow and give you a hand."

"No Kris. I'll send over anything I think you might want."

She couldn't leave without at least trying. "It's no trouble, really."

"What about Emma and…" He realised that he didn't even know the man's name. "…Her father?"

"What about them?"

"Won't they mind? Shouldn't you be spending your free time with them?"

"Emma and Ray will be with Cynthia tomorrow. They only stay with me when Cynny is away."

He looked confused and it suddenly dawned on her what he must have been thinking. "Oh no Nathan, no… Emma is my granddaughter."

Nathan gasped. "Your… Then it's not too late… I haven't lost you completely? There's still a chance for us?"

"I told you when I left that I would always love you. Nothing has happened to change that."

He pulled her to him in a tight hug. "I've never stopped loving you either." His lips descended on hers in a passionate kiss.
 
 
 
 

                                     **** The 'other' end ****