Bridger leaned back in his chair rubbing his eyes. There was only a certain amount of time you could look at design specifications and diagrams before your brain decided to shut down and Bridger had reached that point several minutes ago.

As much as he relished the thought of rebuilding the SeaQuest, it was a tiring project. So many decisions... so many changes... so many details. It could boggle your mind. Bridger was glad they hadn’t needed to start from scratch. As soon as he took command of the old SeaQuest he’d had ideas on how to change her and he’d started working on new designs. Thank God for off-site storage. If he hadn’t kept copies of all his work off the boat it would have burned up with the first SeaQuest when he crashed it into the magma river.

The building of the new SeaQuest was going faster than any of them ever imagined. After only nine months the modules making up the exterior of the boat were almost complete. It was taking on that familiar shape that made Nathan reminisce about the first SeaQuest and the time he spent in it. He tried to dwell on the good times and forget about the end. The nightmares were appearing less and less in his dreams and he liked it that way. The nightmares were no fun at all.

Lucas stuck his head in the office where Captain Bridger did his design work. The Captain was leaning back in his chair with his eyes shut. He looked tired. He almost always looked tired these days. Lucas wished he could get him to take a break and relax a while. Just then Bridger opened his eyes and spied Lucas watching him.

“Hey there kiddo, how’s it going?” Nathan asked as he straightened up.

“It’s going great. Tim and I were working on the communications suite and I think we’ve got that problem with the ionization scatter from the WSKRs figured out.”

Bridger nodded, impressed, “Terrific. Anything we can do to improve the feedback from them is appreciated. Sometimes it’s like looking through a dirty glass when the scatter gets in the way.”

Lucas looked pretty excited. More excited than solving the ever-present scatter problem would warrant. Nathan grinned as he waited for the boy to get around to telling him what he wanted. Finally Lucas blurted out, “Captain, Tim and Miguel are going to take the holiday weekend off and go to Disneyworld. They asked if I could go with them. Do you think I could?”

Bridger grinned. He didn’t think he’d ever seen Lucas so excited. He hadn’t taken a break or a vacation since they started working on the new SeaQuest and he definitely deserved the time off.

“Sounds like a good idea to me. Sure, go and have yourself a great time.”

Lucas’ face lit up. “Thanks, I’ll go tell the guys. They said we’d leave right after work, about six if that’s OK.” Bridger nodded and Lucas turned to leave but then turned back again looking concerned. “Are you sure you’ll be OK alone all weekend?” he asked Nathan.

Nathan chuckled. “I’ll try to stay out of trouble. Go ahead, enjoy yourself and don’t worry about me. I’ll find something to do for the weekend.”

Lucas grinned and took off running down the hallway.

Bridger leaned back again. A slow smile crossed his face as realized how he could best spend the long weekend. Nathan pulled the vid-screen close and dialed a familiar number.

After a couple of rings the smiling face of Kristin Westphalen appeared on his vid-screen. “Hello Nathan. What a lovely surprise,” she said in her melodically accented voice.

“Hi. It occurred to me that you and I have been working too hard. I thought I’d check and see if you were interested in a late dinner tonight.” It seemed that no matter how hard they had tried over the last month or so, they had just not been able to spend much time together.

“As a matter of fact, I am free tonight,” she smiled. “How late were you thinking of?”

Bridger’s smile widened. “Not real late, about seven or so. I’d probably pick you up about 6:30. I was thinking that we deserve to splurge. How about if we go to the Siren of the Sea.”

Dinner at the Siren meant four-star food and dressing up. “That sounds wonderful. Does that mean you’ll wear a tie?” Kristin said in a teasing voice.

Nathan chuckled. “I’ll wear one if you like... and since if I don’t they won’t let me into the restaurant. So is it a date then?”

“It’s a date. I’ll see you about 6:30,” as she closed the connection.

The rest of the afternoon seemed to fly by. Nathan made the dinner reservations and Miguel stopped by to double check with Bridger about the plans for the weekend. They had reservations right in Disneyworld and would pick Lucas up at the house right after work and bring him back sometime on Monday afternoon. Lucas stopped by several times looking more excited each time and right at five Lucas was waiting to go home. This was one day that Bridger wasn’t going to be allowed to stay late.

Lucas fidgeted all the way to the house and when they arrived he ran in and gathered what he needed for the weekend. It was nice to see him get this excited about something. When they showed up, Bridger confirmed some final arrangements with Tim and Miguel and they were gone.

“Just 6 p.m., perfect timing”, thought Nathan. He went into the house to change for dinner. After digging out a suit coat and pants, Bridger stood contemplating his sparse collection of ties. He never wore the blasted things unless it was necessary. A small smile crossed his face as he found the perfect tie for the evening. His black, white and red Mickey Mouse tie was perfect.

With a little hurrying, Nathan was able to make it to Kristin’s house by 6:35 and to the restaurant by seven. The hostess led Kristin and Nathan to a small table in a dimly-lit part of the restaurant. As they perused the menus, Nathan cast an appreciative glance over Kristin. Her dress was made of a shimmery ivory material which accented her russet hair. The top was sleeveless and its cut emphasized her ample cleavage. She wore a matching open jacket to ward off the coolness of the evening. The waiter came to take their order interrupting Nathan’s visual exploits. After he had left, Nathan leaned towards Kristin.

“Have I told you that you look gorgeous this evening?” Nathan covered the hand she had rested on the table with his own.

“You haven’t, but thank you very much,” Kristin smiled, pleased. She’d taken special care with her outfit tonight. She wanted to make the evening special. “And you’re looking very handsome, if I might say.” She made a small face. “Although I do wonder about your choice of ties.”

Bridger leaned back and fingered his tie with his free hand. “Actually, there’s a reason for this tie. It represents where Lucas is this weekend.” Kristin flashed him a quizzical look. “Tim and Miguel are spending the weekend in Disneyworld and they asked Lucas along. Believe it or not, he’s never been there. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so excited.”

Kristin tilted her head. “Lucas is gone to Disneyworld?” she asked.

“Yup,” Bridger leaned a little closer. “Off to visit Mickey.”

Kristin raised her eyebrows and her voice was pitched just a touch lower. “All weekend???”

“Until Monday afternoon,” was Bridger’s reply.

Kristin appeared to consider this for a moment. “So you’re all alone?”

Bridger slowly answered, “I might be... depends.”

Now it was Kristin’s turn to smile. “Depends upon what?”

“It depends upon if I get a better offer.”

“I don’t suppose...” Kristin hesitated slightly “...that you’d like some company this weekend, would you?”

Nathan ran his thumb over the back of Kristin’s knuckles and gave her a soft smile. “I would love some company this weekend, if you’d like to come.”

Kristin’s voice had acquired a husky timbre. “I would like nothing better than to spend the weekend with you...” She reached up her hand and stroked his jawline with her finger. “I don’t suppose you’d like to leave now... would you?”

Nathan chuckled at her anxiousness. “Two problems with that. We’ve already ordered and I’m hungry.”

“I’m hungry too,” said Kristin, it was obvious she wasn’t talking about food.

Just then the waiter appeared with their food. “Besides which,” said Nathan, “we’ve got all weekend... and I have a feeling we’ll be needing our strength, my love.”

Kristin nodded. “We will if I have anything to say about it.”

They exchanged small talk as they finished the rest of the meal. Each filling in the other on their work and adventures since the last time they had talked. After dinner the couple walked out to Bridger’s car and Nathan held open the passenger door for Kristin.

“We’ll have to stop by my place to pick up a few things if that’s OK,” Kristin said as Nathan got in the driver’s seat.

Bridger looked over at her and smiled, “No problem. After all, we wouldn’t want you to not have anything to wear all weekend... would we?”

Kristin brushed the side of his face with the back of her fingers. “No... we wouldn’t want that.”

After collecting a small case of essentials from Kristin’s place they were again on the way to Nathan’s house. The first part of the trip was spent in a comfortable silence as they passed through the busy streets of the city. As the traffic decreased and the road opened up Kristin absently moved her hand to Nathan’s thigh and started a gentle massage.

After a short time Bridger said, “You keep that up and we’ll never make it to the house.”

A small chuckle came from the other side of the car and the hand was removed... only to move up to the back of his neck where Kristin’s fingers played with his collar and hair.

Nathan’s breath was coming quicker. His voice held a little tone of frustration. “Honest... I’m driving as fast as I can.”

“I know,” said Kristin in a low voice. “And we’re almost there.” She removed her hand from his neck and placed it in her lap. “I’ll behave myself.”

Nathan cast her a quick glance. “But only for now, right?”

This drive was taking far too long, thought Kristin. “Only for now.”

Five minutes later they pulled up in the drive of Bridger’s house. He’d purchased this house soon after moving to New Cape Quest to build the new boat. It was perfect for his purposes. Just far enough away from the rest of the world but close enough to go to work. His house was on the tip of a reef island which was connected to the mainland by a bridge. The ferry ride across the bay got him to the shipyard quickly. The drive around the arm of the point and across the bridge took a lot longer but put him in the city itself.

The house was right on the water and Bridger had built a pretty respectable dock. He liked to sit there in the evening and watch the sunset. It was also a place to go out to talk to Darwin when he could. Since Lucas had condensed the old vocorder into a single box that didn’t need the boat’s computer to work he’d spent many hours talking to the dolphin and testing out Lucas’ prototypes. To allow for the tide and the ravages of Mother Nature the house was built on piers. Kristin walked up the stairs followed closely by Nathan with her bag.

They entered a spacious screened porch with comfortable seats and tables. Bridger unlocked the double doors leading into the house. He switched on some soft lights next to the couch. “Let me just go put this in the back,” he said, indicating Kristin’s bag and he walked to the back of the house.

Kristin kicked off her shoes and walked out onto the porch. She gazed across the water listening to the soft sounds of the surf and looking at the reflection of the moon on the water. She’d been to Nathan’s house before but it had never been so quiet. Lucas and other members of the SeaQuest crew had always been there before. The peacefulness of the evening relaxed her.

Nathan returned. For a moment he couldn’t see Kristin and then spotted her out on the porch. He moved to the doorway.

“Would you like some wine?” he asked.

Kristin continued to look out at the water. “No, thank you,” she answered.

Bridger moved a little closer. “How about something to eat?”

Kristin turned her head to look at him. He’d removed his jacket while he was gone. He could see her small smile in the moonlight. “After that meal?? I don’t think so.”

Nathan moved next to Kristin. “Is there anything you would like,” he asked.

She reached out and again fingered his tie. “You,” she said huskily.

Any distance between them evaporated as Bridger leaned down and their lips met in a kiss that was at first light and playful. Bridger’s hands spanned Kristin’s ribcage and then slid around to her back as Kristin first laid her hands on his chest and then brought them back around to feel the muscles of his shoulders. The kiss deepened as they pulled their bodies together. Each of them needing to touch and feel the other. Their hands roamed restlessly while they tried to become ever more familiar with each curve. After a long while they ended the kiss, each of them breathing raggedly. Bridger gently kissed Kristin on the forehead and then moved his mouth down to kiss first her temple and then her ear. His mouth and tongue continued their roaming down the delicate length of her neck until he found the curve where her shoulder met her neck. He then moved back up to her tenderest of spots right below her ear and anointed it with tiny kisses.

“Nathan, do you think we should move this inside?” Kristin asked in a low, panting breath.

Nathan pulled back and gave her a short kiss on the lips. “Probably.”

They moved inside into the living room and Nathan secured the doors. As he turned back into the room Kristin again moved to him and the kissing resumed even more intensely than before. Their lips met and parted as their tongues entwined and the kiss became ever deeper and their breath came rapidly. Nathan ran his fingers through Kristin’s auburn tresses and gently stroked the outside of her ears. They pressed closer together, Kristin’s hands moving from Nathan’s back to his buttocks as she strove to feel every part of him.

Nathan again broke the kiss and started raining tiny kisses along Kristin’s jaw and down her neck. Kristin moved her hands to Nathan’s tie and loosened it until it came away. She unbuttoned the buttons of his shirt, desperate to feel the touch of his skin. Nathan moved his hands beneath the light jacket that Kristin wore and slid it off her shoulders. The feeling of his rough hands on the skin of her back made Kristin give a soft moan. Kristin pulled the tails of Nathan’s shirt out of his pants and his shirt joined her jacket in a pile.

Bridger’s exploration with his mouth and tongue had moved from Kristin’s shoulders to the soft depression at the base of her neck and then slowly moved down until he was nuzzling between her breasts. He gently slid the straps of her dress off her shoulders and uncovered her bra.

He lifted his head and looked at Kristin. He grinned, “I knew there was a reason I loved you. Front clasp bras are so much easier to handle than the ones you have to fight from the back.”

“With the cut of this dress I didn’t have much of a choice,” she smiled back.

Bridger busied himself with releasing the bra. It fell away revealing ample, tender breasts. “Somehow, I don’t think we’re going to make it into the bedroom.”

Kristin moaned as Nathan started to gently suckle and lick her breasts, “I don’t think so. I hope you’ve got a comfortable couch.”

“We’ll just have to find out,” said Nathan as he led her around to the other side of the couch. Before they reclined on the couch Nathan slid his hands down Kristin’s sides and slowly removed the rest of her dress. Kristin’s hands busied themselves with his belt and his pants soon joined the dress on the floor. The couch was wide and easily held the both of them. Kristin lay under Nathan as his lips and tongue resumed their exploration of her body. She caressed the back of his head as he lavished his attention on her breasts and then moved down to kiss and nip at every spot of her stomach.

Nathan’s hands moved from Kristin’s ribcage to slide under the fabric of her panties. Kristin lifted her hips and Nathan slowly removed them. Kristin guided Nathan back up until their lips could meet again and they shared a kiss that was at once tender and desperate. Kristin moved her hands down Nathan’s side, reveling in the feel of each rib as she touched it. She continued lower and slid the last piece of clothing they had on off. Nathan settled against her and she could feel the rising urgency in his touch. Their hands seemed to be everywhere and the touches served to increase the desire in both of them. Their kisses moved everywhere, first on the lips, then to the neck, now on the shoulder.

Nathan stopped his kissing of Kristin’s ear only for a moment to whisper softly, “Have I remembered to tell you lately how much I love you?”

She looked into his now dusky blue eyes. “Yes, you have, but it’s nice to hear anyway...” She paused ever so slightly and continued in a serious voice. “I love you too, Nathan. More than I’ve ever loved anyone before.” Their lips met again in a deep, lasting, burning kiss. Bridger shifted slightly and their two bodies met, joining as one. They moved together, the motion taking them to new heights and their release was announced with a chorus of joy.

Afterwards as they tried to catch their breaths, Nathan kissed Kristin softly. He rolled over on his side. “Shit!!” he exclaimed as he rolled right off the couch and onto the floor.

Peals of laughter came from the occupant of the couch. Kristin peered over the side. “Are you alright?” she gasped.

Nathan rubbed his head where he hit the floor. He grimaced, “I think we need to move this party into the bedroom.”

Her melodic voice replied, “I think you’re right...” She started laughing again, “Before you get hurt any worse.”

“I love you too, darling,” he said as he sat up.

The couple gathered their clothing and moved to the bedroom where they continued their lovemaking until they fell asleep in each others arms.

Kristin suddenly awoke. She was entwined with Nathan’s body, his leg across hers and his arm resting against her stomach. She tried to identify what had woken her up. Then she heard it again, a soft shuffling and low voice could be heard from the living room. She jiggled Nathan.

“Mmmmm?” was the only answer she got.

Now she whispered low, “Nathan, wake up. There’s someone in the house.”

"Yeah, you and me,” he answered groggily. “Go to sleep, Kristin.”

Kristin elbowed him in the side. “No, there’s someone in the living room. I heard them,” she whispered more urgently.

Nathan rolled over onto his back. “Uhhhh, what time is it?”

“A little past two. There really is someone there,” she whispered.

“Kristin...” Nathan started. He became fully awake as a soft crash and low voice was heard from the living room.

“I told you so,” Kristin whispered fiercely. She listened to the voices. “It’s Lucas... I thought he was in Disneyworld.”

“He was... and I can hear Miguel too. Let me go see what’s going on. You stay here,” he said as he climbed out of the bed.

“No problem. It’s not like I’m going anywhere.” She made a face at him.

Bridger pulled on a pair of shorts and his robe and walked down the hallway to the living room. All the lights were out as three dark figures moved around the room slowly. Nathan found the light switch on the wall and the lights to either side of the couch came on revealing Lucas and Tim helping Miguel up after he had apparently tripped over a chair. All three looked up at him with sheepish smiles.

Lucas spoke first. “Um, hi Captain. We were trying not to wake you up.”

Bridger stared at the trio for a short time. “I gathered that... I thought you guys were going to Disneyworld.”

Miguel had regained his feet and this time he answered. “We were but my car broke down. We had a heck of a time getting it back this far.”

Tim chimed in, “And we were hoping you wouldn’t mind if we slept here. Just for the night.”

All three of them looked exhausted. Miguel and Lucas had smudges of grease across their shirts and their pants showed where they had wiped their hands. Bridger moved further into the room until he was in front of the couch. His eyes had spied a flash of material sticking out from under the furniture.

Miguel sighed. “And I don’t think my car would make it home...”

Nathan nodded slowly. It looked like there was no way out of this one. “Sure, no problem. You’ll have to sleep on the couch and where ever else you can find.” He bent down to give the couch a quick check and indicated the direction of the car with a nod of his head. “Did you park the car OK and remember to bring in some clothes?”

All three of the young men glanced towards where the car was and Bridger quickly snatched the piece of material from under the couch and stuffed it into his robe. By the time they looked back Nathan stood upright in front of the couch.

They all nodded and Miguel said, “Yeah, we got that piece of garbage of mine off to the side just in case you needed to use your car and we brought our bags in. We didn’t like leaving them in the car.”

Bridger shook his head and sighed. He turned back towards the bedroom. “You guys better see if you can get some sleep. Goodnight.”

Goodnights echoed back as he returned to his bedroom. Nathan opened the door and slipped into the room closing the door after him. Kristin was sitting up on the bed with covers gathered around her. Nathan noticed that she found one of his t-shirts and was now wearing it.

“Miguel’s car broke down,” he said in answer to her inquisitive look. He moved into the room and sat on the edge of the bed. “They’re going to sleep here tonight.”

“Oh, they are, are they?” Kristin answered softly and then hesitated a moment. “You know, I did consider climbing out the window.” The corners of her mouth twitched a little.

"House is on piers. Second floor.” Nathan was having trouble keeping a straight face.

“I realized that. I think we’re stuck,” Kristin said with a smiling grimace and slightly shaking voice.

Nathan put his hand inside his robe and drew out the garment he had retrieved from under the couch. “Oh, and you forgot to get this when you picked up your stuff. It was under the couch.” He passed her bra over to her.

Kristin looked at the bra in her hand and then looked up into Nathan’s face. The situation got the best of them and Nathan fell back across Kristin as they both broke into peals of laughter.

“Well, he took that pretty well,” Tim said after Bridger had left.

Lucas grimaced. “Better than I thought he would. He’s not normally really pleasant when you wake him up in the middle of the night.”

Miguel moved around in front of the couch. “We’d better decide who’s sleeping where.”

Lucas looked at the other two. “I don’t know about you guys but I’m...” He broke off and they all turned as noisy laughter was heard from the back of the house. Lucas looked surprised. “I guess he’s taking it really well.”

Tim glanced at Lucas. “Not just him,” he said as all of them realized that the light tones of female laughter were mixed in with Bridger’s.

Lucas froze, stunned. He suddenly recognized the other laughter which was coming from the bedroom. A very uncomfortable look crossed his face as he said to the other two, “Um, excuse me a moment.” He walked down to Bridger’s room where the laughter had pretty much subsided. He knocked softly on Bridger’s door. “Um, Captain, sir?”

Nathan opened his door to find Lucas standing in the hallway with his back to the door. At least he had to give the boy credit for modesty. Lucas stammered, “Um, I think we kind of interrupted you. We can find somewhere else to sleep if you want us to.” He was surprised when Kristin answered him in a kind, soft voice.

“Lucas, it’s alright... you can turn around.”

Lucas turned around to find the Captain standing at the door in his robe with a small smile on his face and Kristin sitting up in the bed dressed in a t-shirt. “Hi, Doc. Really, we can go somewhere else for the night.”

Kristin smiled at the boy and Nathan just sighed, “Look kiddo, we were bound to be found out sooner or later. You guys stay here... it’s not a problem.”

Lucas still looked doubtful until Kristin said gently, “Lucas, it’s alright. You’re already here. You may as well stay... after all, it’s your house too.”

“Well, if you’re sure,” Lucas said doubtfully.

Nathan patted the boy on the shoulder. “We’re sure. Go get some sleep.”

Lucas just nodded. “Alright, goodnight sir, goodnight, doc,” and he turned back towards the living room.

Kristin’s and Bridger’s soft goodnights followed him down the hallway.

An hour or so after sunrise Kristin and Nathan softly walked down the hallway into the living room. Tim was asleep on the couch, Miguel adorned the recliner and Lucas was camped out on blankets on the floor. All three were sleeping soundly. Miguel snored softly. The couple moved into the kitchen. They had both dressed and were wearing jeans and sneakers. Bridger wore a UEO polo shirt and Kristin was dressed in a long sleeve oxford shirt with the cuffs turned up.

Bridger turned and looked at Kristin. “You could leave if you wanted. Lucas would be the only one who knew who you were and I’m sure he’d keep the secret.”

Kristin smiled at his serious face and voice. “Is that what you want?” she hesitated. “Would you like me to leave?”

Nathan pulled her close and gave her a quick kiss. “No, I don’t want you to leave... but if you want to, I understand.”

Kristin laid her head against his chest. “No, I think I’ll stay.” She felt his smile and the quick tightening of his arms.

“So, do you think we should feed these guys?” He pulled his head back and Kristin looked up at him.

“I suppose so.” She broke their embrace. “Let’s see what we can find for them.” Kristin did a quick inventory of the items in the refrigerator and the pantry. “I think we’ll make them French toast but I’m going to need you to go out and pick up a few items.”

Shortly after, Nathan left with his list of necessities. Kristin busied herself in making the batter for the French toast and started cooking up the meal. Bacon sizzled in the skillet and she started cooking up the French toast.

Tim woke up to the wonderful smell of bacon cooking and the sound of someone moving around in the kitchen. He found his glasses on the coffee table and wandered into the kitchen, not sure what... or who... he’d find. A woman was standing with her back to him taking bacon out of a skillet. He knew that back.

“Good morning, Dr. Westphalen,” he said softly.

Kristin turned with a genuine smile on her face. She hadn’t seen Tim for at least four months. “Good morning, Tim,” she said as she hugged him. “How have you been?”

Tim returned the hug. “Very well, thanks... and how about you?”

As Tim and Kristin exchanged pleasantries and small-talk Lucas and Miguel made their appearance. Both looked pretty disheveled and uncomfortable. Kristin’s open, friendly behavior soon had them all relaxed and joking. Nathan returned from the store with the milk, eggs and bread Kristin needed. In addition he had picked up some orange juice and fruit. The three young men sat around the table as Nathan and Kristin served up what they considered to be a dream breakfast. Once everything was on the table the Captain and Doctor joined the hungry men.

As they finished breakfast Tim was the first one to mention the delicate situation. He looked embarrassed. “Doc, we really want to apologize for interrupting you and the Captain last night.” The other two nodded looking appropriately apologetic.

Bridger grinned mischievously. “You didn’t interrupt anything. We were asleep.” That earned him a glare from Kristin.

Kristin was more serious and comforting. “Really gentlemen, it’s alright. We were bound to be found out sooner or later. I’m just sorry your day went so bad yesterday. Have you considered what you’re going to do?”

Nathan had to admire the way she smoothly redirected the conversation. He looked at the three of them. “If you want to give it another try you can use my car. I think I can guarantee that it’ll make it all the way to Orlando.”

Both Tim and Miguel appeared surprised at the Captain’s offer but Lucas countered, “What about you two? I imagine you’ll want to leave the house sometime during the weekend...” The grins from the rest of the table made Lucas realize what he had just said. He stuttered, “You... you know what I mean.”

Nathan regarded the boy fondly. This had to be a bit difficult for him. “No problem. We can take my bike to Kristin’s and pick up her car. That’ll give us some wheels if we need them.” He turned to Miguel. “For that matter, why don’t you let me see if my mechanic can have a look at your car. He’s pretty good and we might be able to get it fixed for you by the end of the weekend.”

Miguel looked relieved. “That would be great Captain, if it’s not too much trouble, but I think that as of last night it isn’t going anywhere. We ended up pushing it for the last block or so.”

“No problem at all. I’ll call him now and see if he can come and tow your car.” Bridger wiped his face and got up to go to the vidphone.

Lucas pushed back from the table. “Well, I don’t know about you guys but since the shower’s free I’m going to clean up a bit before we get going.” He got up and headed for the bathroom.

“I’ll see about getting ahold of the hotel and make sure we’re still good for tonight and tomorrow,” Tim said and he also left the table.

Miguel smiled over at Kristin. “And I’ll give you a hand with the dishes. I don’t think any of my rude friends said it... but that was a great breakfast.”

Kristin smiled warmly at Miguel. “You’re quite welcome. It’s not often I get a chance to cook for a crowd... and I’m afraid that French toast is my forte. There isn’t much else that I cook very well. Believe it or not, Nathan is a much better cook than I am... and your offer of help with the clean-up is gratefully accepted.” She started picking up the plates and carrying them into the kitchen.

Nathan joined them with the news that Miguel’s car would be picked up within the hour and he went out to leave a key in the car for the repair guys. After the kitchen was once again clean and tidy Miguel went to the bathroom to take his turn at the shower.

The mechanic showed up and Nathan went out to talk to him. Kristin came out of the kitchen drying her hands and spotted Lucas standing out on the dock. She went to join him. Hearing the squeak of the dock planks as she approached, Lucas looked back over his shoulder.

“Hi there,” she said tentatively.

Lucas grinned. “Hi yourself.”

Kristin leaned her arms on top of a piling and looked out at the water. “I just wanted to check with you that you’re OK. I kind of intruded into your territory last night and I’m not sure how you feel about it.”

Lucas smiled, remembering his reaction the last time he’d caught the two of them together. He looked over at Kristin. “You know, if this had happened a year ago I probably would have been pretty upset... but things have changed.” He again looked out at the water and continued in a faraway voice. “Last year when the Captain went to my dad and told him he wanted me to live here, I was amazed. I was all prepared to get dumped off onto someone or another... I’ve gotten to know him pretty well in the last year.” Lucas turned towards Kristin and continued earnestly. “He’s got this big heart. You know, like the biggest heart I’ve ever seen.”

“I know,” Kristin couldn’t help but agree.

“I figure that he’s got a heart big enough for both of us... I’m OK with it, Doc... and he loves you... you make him happy. He deserves a bit of that,” Lucas ended softly.

Kristin put her arm through Lucas’ arm. “That’s a good thing... because I most certainly love him.” As they walked back to the house arm in arm Kristin asked him, “I’m curious though. You have a perfectly good bed in your bedroom, so why did you sleep on the floor last night?”

Lucas brightened to a soft crimson. “Well, my room’s kind of close to the Captain’s you know... and well, you know. I didn’t want to intrude or anything so I figured it’d be better if I slept in the living room.”

Kristin gave his arm a quick squeeze. “Lucas, I promise I’ll try to remember that this is your house too and try not to put you in an embarrassing situation.” She gave him a grin. “That is if I know that you’re going to be here...”

At that Lucas grinned. “I guarantee you that next time I change my plans I’ll call the Captain and let him know before I step foot in the house.” They were both smiling now.

Miguel and Tim were waiting for Lucas.

Miguel called, “Hey buddy, the car’s packed and we’re ready to roll. How about it?”

“I’m ready anytime you guys are,” Lucas called back. He slipped his arm away from Kristin and went to join the others.

Kristin moved to stand next to Nathan and he slipped his arm around her waist. The young men piled into the car and waved as they pulled out.

“See you on Monday,” Tim called.

“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Lucas put in, only to be smacked by Miguel.

Nathan and Kristin waved until the car was out of sight. Kristin leaned her head on Nathan’s shoulder.

“Alone again,” murmured Kristin.

“Yeah. I saw you talking with Lucas. Is he OK?” Nathan asked, concern showing on his face.

Kristin gave him a comforting nod. “He’s fine. He says he’s figured out that you’ve got a heart big enough to hold the both of us.”

Nathan leaned his head on hers. “Yeah, so what do you want to do with the weekend?”

Kristin appeared to think for a while before replying, “I think I’d like to go back to bed.”

“Like some company?” asked Nathan as he planted a short kiss on her forehead.

“Mmmm, yes please,” said Kristin as she turned towards the stairs. Holding his hand she pulled him towards the stairs to begin the second half of their weekend.