Beginning, Section II, Next Section

Chapter 4 - Summer Begins

Posted on 2009-09-19

In no time at all Beth and the girls were into their summer routines. Teaching both sessions of summer school kept her mind on all the grading and the girls were looking forward to their own adventures. Beth didn't forget the Stephens family, and one very tall member in particular that swept into her life, but she chose not to dwell on what she was certain had no real future. She was a little surprised nonetheless when her cell phone let out a chirp during an afternoon session.

She looked puzzled until one of her students explained, "That means someone texted you, Ms T."

"Oh," she walked toward her purse. "I've never been texted before. I have no idea what to do."

The class started laughing. "You've got to be kidding. Get it out, I'll show you what to do." the young man got up from his desk.

"It can wait." Beth had a strict rule of no cell phones or any electronic devices in her classroom and she felt she should abide as well.

"Oh, come on, Ms T," another student implored. "You have to learn how to text. What if one of us was trying to reach you?"

"You would use the phone or email me like I tell you to do."

"Come on, class is almost over…" the phone chirped again.

"Alright, alright…" she pulled out the phone and handed it to Craig, a bright but totally uninspired junior who immediately started teaching the teacher.

"OK, first you push this, and then you push this, and then you're good to…hey, this is a text from George…who's George Ms T?" The class started laughing and egging Craig on to read it out loud. Before Beth could snatch it away Craig said, "'Beth, miss u; hope u are OK can we talk 2night? George…'"

The class was making cat calls and oohing and ahhing. "That's short for Georgiana." Beth's face was still red. "She's a young lady I met at some friends who asked for some help with English."

The class was not pleased. "Man, Ms T, you need to get a life. You're not getting any younger…" Tabitha in the front row put in her two cents.

"Thank you all so much for your concern for my personal life. It's just fine, thank you very much." The bell rang. "And I'm saved by the proverbial bell. See you all tomorrow."

They streamed out and onto whatever kids did during the summer as Beth looked down at the phone. Georgiana would laugh at what her text produced. Beth felt a twinge of regret. I do need to get a life, some time for myself or something…

A pleasant surprise awaited Beth in the mail that evening. She had applied for additional funding through a government agency set up for children with developmental disabilities for Jeannie's summer camp. Because of the additional staffing and training of that staff, Jeannie's camp was more expensive. Teaching summer school was one way that Beth could afford sending her, and she really wished Jeannie could go more than one week out of the summer. Although Best missed her terribly during that week, Jeannie had the time of her life and Beth was glad for it. A letter from the agency informed Beth that they could subsidize half of the expenses. One for the home team!

Armed with some additional resources, Beth decided right then to pack the girls back into the car and go to the local Y. She was again pleased to find that since Jeannie had special needs, she received a discount. She signed the girls up for swim lessons and herself for water aerobics twice a week. They celebrated with the rare trip to McDonalds and all was right in her daughters' world.

Later that evening, Beth turned her computer on to check email, when her eye caught one from Georgiana asking her to call her when she was able. Wonder what's up? When the girls were tucked and kissed for the night, Beth dialed Georgiana. Seeing her caller ID, Georgiana excitedly answered the phone, "Hey, Beth! I'm so glad you called. I have great news!"

Beth laughed at her enthusiasm, "Well, by all means, you must share it right now!"

"I have a boyfriend.' She said proudly.

"Oh really?" Beth was hoping she knew who the lucky guy was.

"Oh yes. Beth it was so cool. He had been so weird around me lately; I didn't know what to think. Then all of a sudden he called and wanted to come over…"

"Georgiana…"

"What?"

"Just who is "he"?"

"What?"

"Who's your boyfriend, silly girl?"

"Justin. It's Justin. Didn't I say that?" she was genuinely confused.

"No, you did not. But I was hoping it was Justin."

"Oh, Beth, I've liked him for so long. I was afraid I'd always be the little tag along, you know. But it gets even better…"

"I'm afraid to ask…" Beth didn't want to hear some kind of confession.

"Seth got off his butt and asked Rachel to go together. Isn't that perfect?"

"I can only imagine. And how is your dear brother taking all this?" Beth was imagining Will turning gray overnight and laughed.

"How do you think? We've always just group dated, you know? Then it changed, for me anyway, a few months ago. We are having so much fun, Beth. He makes me feel pretty, and like my feelings matter. That's important, isn't it? And then Will gave us both "the speech.

"And what speech might that be?" Beth was giggling again.

"Oh, not that one. Juanita bungled that a long time ago. Will was beside himself when I had my first period. That's a funny story I'll have to tell you sometime. He still refuses to buy my supply. No, I mean we got the speech about not getting too serious. Remembering our curfew, stuff like that."

The two talked for over an hour about all the girlie things that go along with your first boyfriend. Beth was amused and flattered that Georgiana felt at ease to talk about all of this with her. A part of her felt like a teenager talking with her and the other part wanted to protect all four of these young people experiencing all these emotions for the first time.

As they were getting ready to hang up, Georgiana asked Beth if she could call her regularly, just to run things by her. "Some things you just can't tell your brother, and since I'm dating Rachel's brother, we agreed that would be kind of weird to talk about everything about him."

Beth gladly agreed. She knew Marie would be grateful to know her kids were being careful and trying to be mature, so as far as Beth was concerned, she was in the best possible position. She put the phone down excited for her young friend and quickly shot off an email to Marie teasing her that she had the inside scoop on her kids. Beth would never betray any confidences of Georgiana, but she was glad to be part of this with Marie and Ed. She smiled imagining Will coping with all these new emotions that would be out of his control.

Over the next several weeks, Beth enjoyed her aerobics and the girls were well cared for by the staff. She also began doing laps while the girls created interesting art work. Though by no means overweight before, Beth began to see changes in the way her clothes fit and rejoiced that she was feeling more energized and not as stressed. She also began noticing a man doing laps at the same time that nodded and smiled and seemed to be watching her over the last couple of sessions. Although she was a little self conscious she had to admit she liked being watched.

One particular Saturday morning, the girls were watching cartoons at a neighbor's house, so that Beth could slip out to complete her laps for the week. She noticed that he was already in the pool, and they performed their silent greeting ritual. He was already out of the pool when she finished. "I thought it was time I introduced myself instead of appearing to be stalking you," he laughed and extended his hand. "I'm Jim Peters."

Beth laughed, "Well, you were beginning to get an air of mystery about you. I'm Beth Thomas." Nice strong handshake.

"I just moved here the beginning of June, and I definitely like what I've seen so far."

Beth didn't know if he was being sincere of if that was a come on line, but she decided to go for sincere. "This is my hometown, so I'm not that objective, but it will do."

"I've been living in the Cleveland area, so this is a refreshing change of pace for me."

"Well, there's no love loss between Greater Cincinnati and Cleveland, you know. Mention the Browns or the Indians and you may be in big trouble." Beth smiled mischievously.

"I'll remember that in my next sermon." He looked at her closely for her reaction.

"Sermon?" was the cautious reply.

"Yes, I'm the pastor at the Methodist church just down the street from here. We always move in the summers. Easier on the families, if you have one." He was still studying her.

"And do you…have one?"

"My daughter just graduated so she is flying my nest in August. She's going to Miami, so the old man can still keep a close eye on her." He laughed. Nice laugh lines appeared on his face. Why are they laugh lines on men and wrinkles on us? Focus, woman.

"How convenient for her dad, then. And I'm sure mom is happy as well." OK, so I'm fishing…

"Mom is up in Cleveland and not at all happy, but that's the way it goes sometimes." Still looking for a reaction…

"Oh, I'm sorry you had to be separated. Will she join you soon?" Pull back the hook; fish is married.

"I wouldn't think so; we've been divorced for several years. I know, shocking that a minister is divorced. Not my choice, but I'm better for it, I believe." He smiled weakly.

"I see." Beth wasn't sure how to process that information. "Well, regardless, welcome to the neighborhood." No sense in letting that piece of information spoil a nice conversation.

"Beth, do you have plans right now? Would you like to go get some coffee somewhere?" Again with the tentative smile.

"Well," now it's my turn to look for a reaction. "My daughters are at a neighbor's, so I'd have to call to see if that was alright." Smile still there but waning a bit.

"Look, I have to admit that I've stayed behind before, and I've seen you pick up your girls. They are adorable and lively to say the least."

"Oh, so you have been stalking me?" she laughed.

"I'm caught, so I might as well confess all seeing is that it's good for the soul. Your neighbor, Sue, told me about you and by her description I wondered if it was, indeed, the woman I had dubbed "the mermaid of the Y". She confirmed that it was you. That's why she offered to babysit the girls. Congregations take great pride in setting up their pastors."

"Wow, and a co conspirator, I don't know if I should be flattered or a little scared of both of you," she teased him.

"I would definitely go with the flattered. Please call Sue and check out my story. I'll wait."

"Well, I can't say I'm exactly dressed to go out, but if you don't mind a "Teachers are a grade above" T shirt and cut offs, then just give me a sec and I'll see you out front" He nodded and headed towards the men's locker room as Beth grabbed her towel and practically danced toward her designated door. Holy mackerel. A date with a living breathing man, and a minister no less. Even if it's just coffee, it's the most action I've seen in well, forever it seems like.

Beth quickly showered off the chlorine and dressed. She had no make up with her, but she reminded herself that he had never seen with any on anyway. She called Sue who was ecstatic that her plan had worked. Sue could be a bit of a busy body, but Beth knew her heart was in the right place, so she was willing to put up with the inevitable third degree that she knew would follow the coffee date.

They drove separately to a Starbucks that wasn't too far away, ordered their lattes and actually had a very nice conversation. That was really all Beth could say about it, though; it was nice. No spark, no zing, just nice. But sometimes nice is good. Nice can move to good. Not everybody has to give you a charge. Nobody really is Mr. Darcy, are they? Not everybody is Will Stevens either…Whoa, there. Where did that come from?

Beth decided not to think too much about that one, and accepted his invitation to dinner for the following Saturday. Naturally, Sue was eager to watch the girls and was satisfied when Beth said she had a nice time and that Jim seemed to be a nice man. Beth was beginning to hate the word nice.

Georgiana and Beth talked at least once a week and emailed in between. The young woman was grateful for the gentle way Beth advised her on things, not just on Justin but in general. Beth was easy to talk to and non judgmental. She also told hilarious stories on Justin as a boy which Georgiana used to her great amusement and Justin's vexation. Happy to hear that Beth was feeling good and enjoying her relaxation, she would gently insert stories about Will here and there in the conversation determined that Beth not forget her big brother. And she strategically planted Beth updates to her brother in their interactions as well.

Imagine Georgiana's surprise when Beth casually told her that she had coffee with a man she met at the Y who then invited her out to dinner. Trying not to appear anxious, Georgiana asked all the right questions like what did he do for a living, was he funny, good looking and did he live with his mother. She managed to last through the entire conversation in every manner civil, but as soon as Beth hung up, she texted Rachel, Justin and even Seth who was just down the hall: 911 project P&P

Will was not enjoying his summer no matter which way he looked at it. There was a bit of a drought which was never good for a farmer. He had several mares that would foal around the middle of August which was when he had planned to take the family on an elaborate vacation to the Bahamas and beyond. He was short handed and although both Seth and Justin worked for him in the summers they were preoccupied with other interests this year. And those other interests were usually underfoot and driving him crazy. To top it all off, Beth had never once asked to speak to him or email him or text him or…Good Lord, now I'm sounding like a teenager.

He thought that if he kept his mind on his work he would soon forget Elizabeth Thomas, but she was not one that could be forgotten easily. And of course, it seemed Georgiana talked about every chance she got. "Beth didn't know how to text." "Beth is so excited for the four of us." "Beth has been swimming at the Y and really loves it. I bet she is looking too good right about now." Yeah, I bet she is.

It was all enough to drive him to distraction. Riding Magic every morning wasn't doing the trick anymore of allaying all his emotions. His nightmares were more intense than ever, so when he wasn't screaming for his family, he was calling for Elizabeth to come to him and save him. No, Will was not enjoying his summer at all.

Once Justin and Seth realized that they looked at Georgiana and Rachel as more than just annoying girls they had to put up with, they still didn't know how to handle them sometimes. It wouldn't do anymore to tell them to scram or to just walk out of the room, or to yell for Will or Ed or Marie. They now to deal with these two young women. Sometimes it was more than their male minds knew to do. Logic rarely worked, getting frustrated certainly didn't work and giving into them just to keep the peace wasn't always an option either party took kindly to employing.

Now was one of those times.

When Seth got the page, he raced down the hall to Georgiana's room. "What in the world is going on?"

Georgiana held up her index finger to wait as her cell and her land line were both ringing. "Rachel," she said into her cell. Hang up and get on with Justin. He's probably in his room. Then we'll put you on speaker so we all can talk." Georgian clicked off quickly and dove for her land line. Seth thought it interesting that she picked up Rachel's call first, put decided not to tease her at that moment. "Justin. Let Rach in your room. I'm going to put you on speaker so all of us can talk. 'K?"

"As if we have any choice, Geo. You summoned us with some big 911, so spill…" Seth wasn't always the most patient person, so Georgiana gave him her best impression of "the look". It paled by comparison, but still did the job.

"Can everybody hear everybody?" When that was confirmed, Georgiana told the other three about her conversation with Beth.

"Oh, this is not good. Not good at all." Rachel obviously understood Georgiana's alarm.

"Big deal. So she had coffee with some preacher dude and they're going to dinner. I think she entitled." Seth, on the other hand, not so much.

"Of course she's entitled. Nobody said she wasn't entitled. That's not the point. Geeze, Seth." Honestly, how can he be so dense?

"So she's entitled, but not with anyone other than Will?" Seth ventured. BINGO. Georgiana knew there was a reason why she liked Justin so much; he understood. Actually, he was just a really good guesser.

"Yes, Yes, that's it Justin. We've got to come up with a plan to get these two together. All my little hints and stories are getting us nowhere."

"You mean, getting them nowhere." Honestly, how can Seth be so annoying?

"Whatever. We've got to think, guys. She just can't fall for another guy. Will needs her; I just know it." Georgiana was on the verge of tears.

"Beth needs him, too." Rachel said quietly while her brother nodded in agreement.

"And they say we can't see what's right in our faces," Seth added as his mind started whirling. "Look, Justin, we lost the bet in the swimming pool races and now we have to help them figure out how to get Fitzwilliam and his Elizabeth together. Cause I'll tell you what, I'm not watching that movie again anytime soon."

Chapter 5 - Project Pride & Prejudice

Saturday approached quickly and Beth was busy getting ready for the first real date she had in more years than she cared to recall. Callie continued running into the room to give her mommy barrettes, necklaces and other baubles. She was more excited than Beth. Sue said that she would stay with the girls at their house so that she could put them to bed. That left Beth without an excuse if the date wasn't going well. She always tried to have an escape plan. Unfortunately she had used them before.

She wore her hair up as it was very hot and humid, a typical Cincinnati mid July evening. A bright tulip skirt and sleeveless blouse was chosen which Beth felt was presentable wherever they were headed. Sue showed up about fifteen minutes ahead of schedule and clucked over Beth's preparations as well, so it was definitely a team effort. Jeannie was outside most of the time unconcerned with all the doings for her momma. She was withdrawing quite a bit lately and both Beth and the psychologist were concerned that she might be heading toward a significant incident, so she tried everything to keep pulling her back into the real world and not the one inside her little head.

Jim arrived right on time with a mixed bouquet of bright hothouse flowers. Callie was thrilled and begged to have one so she could pretend she was going on a date. Beth knew the flower would keep her entertained in her fantasy for quite awhile. Jeannie finally came in and was disappointed that the flowers didn't smell, so she went back outside to the swings without saying goodbye to her mom. Sue scurried them out the door and Beth found herself escorted to a nice sedan waiting in the driveway. There's that word again. Just relax and have fun. No expectations, no comparisons to certain gentlemen.

There was an Applebee's not far from Beth's house, so that was a logical choice for someone new in town who was also being thoughtful of a mom with a special needs child who may need her. Beth was touched by his thoughtfulness, but something inside her called for a little more adventure, a little more romance. Then she chastised herself for being critical. The evening was all a first date should be with good conversation in a very public place and then a walk around a park that was adjacent to the restaurant.

At one point, Beth felt Jim's hand brush against hers and she thought he was going to try to hold it, she quickly drew her hand up to sweep some invisible stray hair from her face. Why are you being this way? You're not even giving this guy a chance. Soon enough they were walking to the car and heading back to Beth's house.

Jim got out of the car and walked around to let Beth out. He walked her up to her front porch. Beth wasn't sure what to expect, so she was grateful when his lips just brushed her cheek as he thanked her for a great evening. She said the same and was unlocking the door when Jim asked her if she would consider coming to his church in the morning.

"Oh," Beth didn't quite know what to say. "Considering what you told me of your congregation, I don't think I would like to be on display as the pastor's "date". Does that make sense?" She was laughing, but the concern was evident.

"I see what you mean. Maybe another time then. I would like to see you again, Beth, but a whole week seems too long. Would one night this week work?" This time he did get a hold of her hand and his thumb was caressing it.

"Well, my schedule is kind of tight between swimming lessons for the girls and Jeannie has OT and the psychologist on Monday and Thursday evenings. I'm sorry." And she was…a little.

"How about I just drop by one night to take you and the girls out for ice cream, then?"

This was a tough one. Beth hadn't considered whether to let him into her world and the girls' this quickly. She didn't know whether that was a good thing. She didn't want the girls to get attached considering her own feelings were rather ambivalent. Over thinking again, missy. Just be spontaneous. "Tuesday evening would work for us after swimming, like around 7:30." She found herself saying.

"Sounds great. May I call on Monday to confirm and chat a little?" his thumb was still moving across her hand as he spoke.

"Umm, sure. The girls are usually in bed around 9, so anytime after that would be fine." It wasn't a bad sensation, feeling a man's hand around hers…

"OK then. I did have great time, Beth. I look forward to more." He squeezed her hand and then took his leave waving once he was in his car. The perfect gentleman.

Georgiana waited until she couldn't take it anymore and called Beth at 9:45. She was supposed to be paying attention to her boyfriend as they watched a movie in her family room, but she was so anxious about Beth, Justin was feeling a little bit neglected. "Go on, Geo, just call her. I want to know what's happening, too. She hasn't told my mom a whole lot about this guy, either. Mom wants her happy but she's in the Will fan club too."

Beth picked up right away and was a little surprised to hear Georgiana. "Isn't this universal date night? Why are calling about this old lady's date?" She teased.

"Because first dates are important, no matter how old you are. Tell all, Beth."

Will had walked into the room trying to find a magazine he'd left. The two love birds on the couch had their backs to him when he entered, so they didn't know he was there when Georgiana dialed Beth's number. He wasn't really paying any attention until he heard Beth's name, then his ears perked up.

"So what did you wear?....where did you go?....then what did you do?....oh, yes, a walk in the park is very nice…" she stuck her finger in her mouth pretend gagging. Justin suppressed a giggle. Will suppressed a gasp. Beth was on a date.

"OK, you're at the door, did he kiss you?" Georgiana rolled her eyes up to heaven. "Oh, come on, Beth. Details… on the cheek is nice for a first date."

Will knocked over a glass that was on the table, notifying the couple he was there. They both spun around and stared at him as he tried to pick up the glass and cover up that he was eaves dropping. Georgiana was furious; Justin was laughing. "Just a minute, Beth. I've got to go kill a bug. Talk to Justin." She handed him the phone as he laughed.

"Fitzwilliam Stevens, how long have you been standing there?" she demanded moving quickly across the room.

"Good Lord, you sound like ma. I can be wherever I want in my own house." He sounded defensive, and he knew it. "I was just getting a magazine."

"You're right, Beth, I should have offered to go kill the bug, but it's a very big bug, and a little scary to be honest. Georgiana is very good with bugs…" Justin was laughing at his own joke thoroughly enjoying watching this little drama play out.

"Will, you were eavesdropping and you know it," Georgiana demanded.

"Sorry. Really, you don't know how sorry I am. I'll leave you two alone now." Will turned on his heal to leave. Beth was on a date.

"Hey, wait a minute," Justin said into the phone as he walked up to Will. "Will just walked in and wants to say Hi." He shoved the phone in Will's chest even as Will had his hands up making the no way wave.

He really had no choice but to take the phone. But not before "the look" was leveled at Justin who tried to look as innocent as possible as he scooted out of the room and out of the house as quickly as possible, Georgiana hot on his heels. He knew he was in trouble with both siblings, but he was getting tired of everyone pussyfooting around.

"Hello, Elizabeth," Will said hesitantly.

"Hello, Will." Equally hesitant reply.

"How are you…and the girls" Good Lord, man, just talk.

"We're fine in hot and humid Cincinnati. And you?"

"Fine. Enjoying your summer vacation?" Going on dates…

"Yes. Nothing big planned though." Could this be more awkward?

"Oh. And how are the girls?" Wait, I asked that already.

Beth laughed, "They're still fine." Obviously, he was just being polite. He didn't really want to talk to me.

By this time, Georgiana was back in the room and shaking her head at her brother's feeble attempt at conversation. "You're pitiful" she whispered.

"Shut up." Oh, good Lord, "Not you, Elizabeth. Sorry." Just shoot me now, please. "Well, nice talking to you. Here's Georgiana now." He threw the phone down and stormed out of the room.

"What was that all about?" Beth didn't know whether to laugh or be insulted.

"Nothing. Something came up and he had to leave. Now where were we…"

Will was pacing up and down the hallway in front of his bedroom. "What is the matter with me? What spell does that woman cast every time I'm around her?" He couldn't believe that he was either a blithering idiot or an insulting egomaniac whenever he was in her presence. It's not supposed to be like this. Shouldn't it be easy with someone you're attracted to? Shouldn't it just feel right?

Will stopped in front of a picture of his mother. In the early days after the accident, he would actually stand there and talk to her. He even moved it lower on the wall so it was the same height as she was. He wasn't sure when he stopped literally talking to her, but there were plenty of times he had conversations in his mind, trying to think of what she might have said to him or how she would have guided Georgiana or Seth.

His father had taught him so much about running the farm and breeding that although he missed him greatly, he rarely felt at a loss what to do when it came to the businesses the family owned. He had never planned on being in charge of the farm; his art and his passion for using it to help people was to be his primary focus. All that changed that winter day as well.

But the everyday things in life like what type of milk to buy for the kids, which peanut butter did they like and why in the world wasn't Georgie potty trained yet – those were the things that Will felt hopeless to master. When those questions were answered by Sylvia, Juanita or the kids turning up their noses, Will set himself on autopilot just to keep it together. But in the quiet of the evenings when the kids were in bed, he would stand in the hall and weep, begging his mom to somehow guide him through explaining to Georgie why she couldn't see her mommy and daddy. How could he help Seth to stop screaming all the time? What could he do to stop hating Richard for being so weak and running away from it all? Sometimes the answers came to him, other times it seemed he could never do enough, never be enough for what was left of his family.

He looked at her picture again, "Mom, they're almost grown now, but I can't seem to let them go. And then there's this woman; you would love her. You're the one who gave me this ridiculous name and made me read that book to learn how to be a man who loved deeply and cared for others. I think I found her, mom. I think I really found my Elizabeth and I'm blowing it. You've got to help me, mom." He stood there a little while longer and then went to bed. Her heard Georgiana come upstairs and close her door, and he prayed for peace and some sort of answer.

Although Beth thought the little conversation with Will was strange, she decided not read anything into it. She had to admit it was good to hear his voice and she did enjoy the tales that Georgiana would tell on him. She still was hesitant given what she had heard that day in the church, but she knew Georgiana believed him to be the best of men and clearly Justin felt comfortable enough to not only work for him, but to date his sister and be in his company so much

The ice cream date went as good as could be expected. The girls were impressed that ice cream was part of the package, so they were quite content. Jim was patient with both girls and seemed to want to understand the challenges facing Jeannie. He said all the right things and did all the right things, but to Beth, it just didn't feel right. She was actually grateful that in two weeks she and Callie would be going to Hocking Hills for a few days while Jeannie was at camp. Maybe she could put some things in perspective while she was away.

Meanwhile, Project P&P was in full swing at the Stephens' farm. Georgiana had asked enough questions of Beth to know where she and Callie were staying on their three day trip. She was on the website of the cabins with her other project partners huddled around the monitor.

"It looks like a nice place, doesn't it? Beth says she's gone there for several years now and knows the owner quite well." Georgiana liked having the inside scoop.

"OK, but how are you going to convince Fitzman to go there in just two weeks' time? Our plans for Bahamas got scrapped; why do you think he'll go anywhere else?" Seth was trying to play devil's advocate.

"Well, doesn't your family do something every summer, Seth?" Rachel was trying to figure out a line of reasoning. "Maybe you could convince him to go there because you could be home in less than three hours if something with the horses went wrong."
"Maybe, but what's there to do down there? He's not one to just sit around, you know."

Justin told the group that he had googled Hocking Hills and found out about Old Man's Cave and the hiking trails all around there. He said there was a huge park and Lake Logan was very close to where the cabins were located. "There's also canoeing down the Hocking River and then there's shopping and antiques and stuff."

"See, Seth," Georgiana was convincing him "We could say that we wanted to do some exploring but the town offered things to do as well. I wouldn't be lying if I said that a friend of mine goes every year and loved it."

"I've never been inside a cave; that might actually be pretty cool." Seth was coming around. "But, do they have at least a three bedroom cabin available at such sort notice?"

"Well, that's another catch." Georgiana frowned, "Beth has booked the only three bedroom, but what if we call the owner and ask if she could ask her to trade. We could offer to pay for her trouble."

"It might work, Geo" Justin was impressed with his girlfriend. "I just hope this all doesn't backfire some how."

"They're supposed to be together, Justin. Georgiana and I are not crazy. Mom knew what she was doing when she wanted to fix them up. They just got off on the wrong foot."

"Will can be pretty intimidating, you know." Justin was thinking of "the look".

"Beth doesn't play around, either. She can be one tough cookie. But, you know, as much as I love Jeannie and Callie, Beth still looks really sad sometimes." Justin looked at his sister who was shocked that he noticed those things. "Yeah, I do pay attention sometimes. She just looks tired. Mom says all the time she doesn't know how she does it especially now that Beth's mom is gone." Justin stopped and looked at Seth and Georgiana to make sure he hadn't said anything to upset them.

"You know, Will is just getting rid of us, Geo, do you think he'd want to take on two kids again and one with some serious issues?" Seth wanted his cousin to get a life now.

"I don't think Will knows what he wants. That's why we're here. We owe him to help get him some happiness." So the group agreed and the plan set in motion.

"Will?" Georgiana bounded into Will's home office.

"Hmm?"

"Will, I've been thinking about where we can go while Richard's home and before Seth leaves next month."

"Oh, I can't wait to hear this…"

She stuck out her tongue, "Seriously, a friend of mine was talking about how her family goes to Hocking Hills every year and they love it. Have you heard of it?"

"Isn't that somewhere near Columbus or something?"

"Yep. Eastward. It's not far from Athens, you know where Ohio U is. We could check out that campus while we were there even."

"Well, what's there to do there?" That's all Georgiana needed. Armed with their Google search, she told Will of all the activities and that she even found a great place for them to stay.

Will was just a tad leery of how Georgiana was so interested in Old Man's Cave all of a sudden, but it made sense to get away for a few days but not too far incase there was an issue at the farm. "So, tour guide, I assume you've talked this over with Seth."

"Yep. He's all for it. We can bring the jet ski along too cause there's a lake really close to the cabins." This is working; come on, Will take the bait…

"OK, you've sold me. It does sound nice. Seeing some rolling hills would be a change of pace from the flatland of Northwestern Ohio. If it's fine with Richard, sign us up."

Georgia mumbled something about Richard loving the idea when in fact she had not told her cousin. Will didn't question it and handed her his credit card to make the reservations. "I'll take care of it all, Will. This will be fun."

Will still thought something was fishy, but he decided to trust his not so little sister and let her plan the trip. Georgiana practically skipped to her room to call Richard to tell him that Will said they were going to Hocking Hills and that they were going to have a great time. She congratulated herself that the logistics part was over and that nature would take over from there. Georgiana was a little naive.

Chapter 6 The Hills Are Alive

Posted on 2009-09-25

Packing for Jeannie's camp was almost a fulltime job, but the days flew by quickly and soon they were dropping her off on Sunday afternoon. Jeannie was so excited she could barely contain herself. Beth had everything she needed to give to the nurse and the counselors and she knew from past experience that Jeannie would have a great time. Trying not to feel guilty, Beth also needed a little break, too.

"Momma, I'm going to camp for the whole week!" Jeannie was jumping up and down as Beth was registering her.

"I know, honey. You will have so much fun. Remember to have listening ears and to be kind to people and animals, OK."

"OK, Momma." And with a kiss and a hug, she skipped away with her counselor never looking back. Beth stared at her daughter's antics for a few seconds, gave a long sigh and then looked down at Callie, "It's just us till Friday, my girl. What do you want to do now?"

"Momma, can we just be?" was the wise reply.

Focusing on Callie was a joy for Beth. She missed Jeannie terribly, but so much of their lives revolved around Jeannie's temperament that to have a few days solely for Callie was the right thing to do and just what the psychologist had ordered. Tuesday morning, they were up and packing and singing on their way up I-71.

As Callie took a little cat nap in the car, Beth reflected on her last date with Jim the previous Saturday. It was their third date and she hadn't kissed him yet and still felt uncomfortable even holding hands. He questioned her if there was something wrong, and she honestly told him she didn't know. She told him that she didn't want to rush into anything and he agreed, but he still seemed disappointed when she only offered her cheek for their goodnight exchange.

On paper, he's everything I've always thought I wanted. The divorce issue bothers me a little, but I'm sure there was a good reason why it happened. Still, I don't need to lead him on if I truly don't have any feelings for him. Maybe things will become clearer over the next several days away from everything.

After the totally botched telephone conversation with Elizabeth, Will knew he was wound too tightly. He walked down the hall to his old room several times, touched the knob, but didn't go in. He had moved into the master bedroom when the kids were still quite young to have a little more privacy. His old room was filled with his past before the accident: his textbooks, his awards and his art. He hadn't picked up a brush or even a pencil to draw forever it seemed.

The last thing he painted was so full of rage, it actually scared him. He cleaned up that night, put a lock on the door, and rarely entered it since. The kids used to ask him what the big deal was about his room. He never answered and they quit asking. But that night, he walked down the hall one more time, this time with the key and he unlocked it.

Of course, it was quite a mess with cobwebs and dust everywhere. The paints were dried as well as some ink, but his charcoal was still there as were several easels and sketchbooks. He took a couple of sketchbooks and pencils and shut the door. It was too oppressive in there to think, so it was enough that night that he went in and actually thought about drawing again.

Georgiana was in rare form as she scurried about getting ready for the trip. Will had never seen her so engaged in going somewhere unless you counted their first trip to Disneyworld. He shuddered at that memory then laughed to Georgiana, "Honestly, Georgiana, you are acting like you're going to see Mickey Mouse again."

"Ha. Ha. Big Brother. Can I help it if I want to have a good time? And we will, you know. I just know it."

Richard was going to meet them there and then drive on up to the farm. He had several weeks of leave built up and he was going to tell them that soon he would be going back to the Middle East. This time to Afghanistan. He was also planning to tell them that this was it. He was going to leave the army and come home for good after this mission. Richard felt he was ready to face his demons now and step up to the responsibilities that Will had shouldered on his own for so long. He would tell them all of this before he left again. He was hoping for some peace.

The Stephen's entourage made it to the cabin with only one missed turn which of course Will blamed on map quest and not his driving. Wisely, his two passengers said nothing as they backed up and then turned onto the property. Georgiana knew that Beth would not be there until the next day, so she planned to go to the cave in the morning leaving no chance for Beth or Will to know the other was there too soon and bolt.

Richard was waiting for them as they pulled in. He was already unpacked and offered to bunk with Seth. Seth was pleased that he wanted to do that, and besides, they had decided to let Richard in on the plan so that he could help. Therefore, they could use their room or Georgiana's to confer if they needed to.

The cabin was to their liking as was the small town just a few miles away. They bought what they needed at the store to grill out that evening and then had a roaring campfire to top off the night. Will was glad to see the hot tub and he and Richard enjoyed the relaxing soak under the stars before finally turning in.

Will lain in bed that night hoping that the quiet here would inspire him to draw something. Anything. He knew he had a lot to say and that his art could express it for him, but nothing had come to him yet. Be patient. It will come. It has to come back.

He awoke before the others, started a pot of coffee and walked out onto the porch. There was a cool breeze blowing and as he looked down the open glade, he saw a doe and her little one frozen upon sensing his intrusion. Backing up to the door, he took in the sight while reaching for his keys on the counter just inside. Walking as quietly as he could, he reached the truck and tried to open the tailgate without startling them further. All the while, he was trying to remember every detail of the two animals before him.

They took off as he was rummaging around trying to find his sketch pad that he had buried so no one else would see it. He shut everything and went back on the porch. For the first time in years, something was coming to him and his pencil seemed to have a mind of its own. He remained that way for over an hour until he heard voices inside the cabin. As if coming back from a trance, he shook his head and looked down at what he drew. Instead of the doe and its young, the sketch was of Beth with her girls chasing butterflies in the glade. He sat there with his mouth hanging open, totally shocked at what his hands had created. He shut the book and stashed it under the cushion just as Richard came out with the coffee.

"What time did you get up? This is supposed to be a vacation, you know" Richard was chuckling as he handed Will the coffee.

"I was just ready to get up. It's beautiful here. I was enjoying listening to the creek and the birds. There were two deer a minute ago." Will tried to sound nonchalant.

Richard had been awake for awhile as well. From the window, he saw Will get his sketchpad out of the truck. He didn't understand why Will didn't share that he was drawing, but he decided not to say anything about it – for now. "Oh, yes, communing with nature and all. Good for the soul."

"One can always hope. And you need all the help you can get." With that, the group got ready to drive to Old Man's Cave and go exploring for the early part of the day.

Beth and Callie arrived in the town by late morning. Since they couldn't get into the cabin before one, Beth drove down to the lake. Callie changed in the car and scurried onto the beach ready to build sand castles and run into the water. Beth put on Callie's water wings and let her enjoy the freedom. Spreading out a towel, Beth read a book while continually looking up at Callie. She had made quite a sand castle and was proud to show off her work. After rinsing off with some water Beth had in the car, they took off to go to the store and then the cabin.

When the owner of the cabins had called to ask Beth if she would be willing to take the two bedroom cabin instead, Beth thought it was a little presumptuous of the people to offer to pay for her troubles, but she shrugged it off as not looking a gift horse, so she relinquished her favorite cabin for the two bedroom. There was nothing wrong with it; she just liked the 3 bedroom set up on the hill and could look down on all the others. For some reason, she just felt a little safer up there.

Driving down the road that led to the cabin, Beth could feel herself relaxing with every turn on the twisty incline. Callie was going down the list of all the things she would be doing at the cabin and with her mom for their special time. She had asked Beth several times about Jeannie and if she would miss them as much as they missed her. Beth answered that although they missed each other they would be having so much fun in their own way that it wouldn't seem bad.

The only other time they were separated was when Jeannie had to go into the hospital for medication adjustments. Over the past two years, Jeannie was in three times. Callie missed her terribly and worried over her sister. Each time, Callie began to understand a bit more that her sister needed extra help sometimes to keep her from hurting herself and others. As she got older and more advanced, Beth worried that Callie would resent her sister and all the issues that come from her condition, but actually Callie became more of a little mamma to Jeannie.

Seeing the driveway up to cabins, both girls let out "Yippee" and Beth pulled in. It really didn't take long to unpack the car, so they made quick work of it. Callie was tired, and she quickly snuggled in her bed. What is it about kids and water that wears them out? Beth didn't mind, as she had just a few things more to get out of the car and then she was looking forward to a nice soak in the hot tub.

The cave was cool and damp and they all had a great time exploring the rooms and coming out back into the daylight. Georgiana was very conscious of the time and they were all teasing her by calling her the cruise director. Undaunted, she never lost track of what her true mission was for this trip. Richard teased her that she would make a great drill sergeant.

They had packed a lunch and drove to the stone house located in the park. Enjoying the shade and listening to distant hikers and the birds, Will and Richard started nodding off a bit. "Oh, no you don't. You're not going to sleep and leave Seth and me to wander around. If you want to do that, we'll head back to the cabin." She noticed the time and knew that Beth would be there by now.

When they pulled in, Richard remarked that their neighbors must have arrived as they passed the cabin below them. Will was looking at the glade and didn't even glance toward it as they passed. Seth and Georgiana looked out anxiously then at each other. They both crossed their fingers as they got out of the car.

Richard called dibs on the shower, so the two teens said they'd wait inside to cool off. Will said he was going to look for some kindling for the fire tonight and haul some firewood he saw when they drove in. Walking around and between the cabins he already had a armful when he heard a noise down below. He looked up from his kindling retrieval but he couldn't believe his eyes and let out a gasp and dropped the kindling.

Beth was walking from her car attempting to place her mp3 player in her ear. She had changed into her bathing suit and was going to listen to some music while in the hot tub. She heard a twig snap and then a gasp, so she looked in the direction of the noise and stood there with her mouth hanging open watching all the twigs fall to the ground. It couldn't be!

They both stood there frozen for what seemed like an eternity. Beth came to first and called out, "What are you doing here?"

Will just kept staring. He couldn't help but let his eyes travel the length of her body. She had looked good before but he began to appreciate all that the Y had to offer. My, Lord, she looks beautiful. She has no idea either…He suddenly realized he was staring and that she had said something and was awaiting an answer. "WWWhat?"

Beth was very conscious of his gaze all over her. She was blushing as she knew she was doing the same thing. Why? Why does he have to be so devastatingly handsome? So this is what he looks like without a dress shirt all buttoned up. Earth…Earth to Beth…I said, "What are you doing here?"

Neither one realized it, but they were walking toward each other. Will heard her question this time and then he stopped moving again and ran his hand through his hair. It dawned on him suddenly, "Oh, she's good. I've got to hand it to her. She's good."

Beth stopped too. 'Who, who's good? You didn't answer my question." They were getting so close they could have almost touched each other.

"Georgiana and probably the whole blooming bunch of them. Want to see the cave my foot." Beth looked at him quizzically; then the light dawned on her as well. They both turned and looked up at the Stephen's cabin and saw a curtain quickly close. "I should go up there and tan her hide…"

"But you won't." They looked back at each other and then started laughing. "So you booted me out of my favorite cabin?"

"Well, apparently I will go to any length for my family's comfort. I'm sorry if she caused you distress over that." He moved a little closer.

"Oh, no problem, especially since you so kindly offered to pay for my inconvenience." She took a step toward him as well.

"We control freaks know there is a price to pay sometimes. It seems that condition runs in my family." Another step. They were inches apart now. He could see the sparkle in her eyes and she could see the desire in his. That should have scared her, but it didn't.

"Will, I need to apologize for the way I acted that day…"

"Elizabeth, I don't think you really need to do that…" he shook his head as he looked down at her mouth. Stop it, man. You can't rush this.

"No, Will, I need to. Is it possible that since our meeting again has been arranged from above so to speak," they both looked back up at the cabin, "that maybe we could start over." He nodded. "Then…Hi. It seems we're going to be neighbors for the next couple of days. My name is Beth Thomas. But you can call me Elizabeth."

Will laughed, "So nice to meet you, Elizabeth. I'm Fitzwilliam Stephens and you may call me whatever you chose, as long as you keep talking to me." His laugh turned into a self conscious smile as he offered her his hand. She took it and they shook, but they didn't release.

Screams and shouts came from the cabin. Richard had just stepped out of the shower and he came bounding out with just a towel wrapped around him. "What the devil is going on?!" He saw Seth and Georgian hooting and hollering and then reaching for their cell phones. "What are you two doing?" He walked the rest of the way over to the window forgetting he was half naked, and pulled open the curtain. It was a good thing he had knotted the towel because he quit holding it as he stared. "Who is…what is he…wait…is that…Good Lord, when did this happen?" He spun around to the teens.

"About two minutes ago," Seth answered as he kept talking to Rachel.

"I'm always the last to know everything. But believe me, I will know everything soon enough." He stomped back into the bathroom, but he had a smile on his face.

"Elizabeth," Will didn't want to let go of her hand, so he didn't. "I'm sor…"

"Whatever for, Fitzwilliam? Unless you are guilty of stealing some of my firewood." She teased.

"No, I just…you look…I don't know what I'm saying."

"I have that effect on people." She didn't want to let go either, but she was quite conscious of being watched by more than one person as she stood there in just her bathing suit. She could feel her heart beating wildly, and although she realized that she had been longing for his touch, they couldn't stand like that all day.

Will felt as if they were frozen in time. Maybe we can start over again if I can learn to put two sentences together and my heart doesn't leap out of my chest.

"I don't have a plan here." He still didn't want to let go.

"Clearly, somebody did." They both turned to look at the window which again had the curtain fluttering. "Do you want to go in there?" Please say no.

"No. I'd rather try to talk to you like a normal, rational human being. I seem to not be able to do that when I'm around you." She started to pull her hand away. "Did I blow it already? What did I say?" She kept walking up to her porch and through the door. He stared at the door trying to figure out what to do next. Beth came back out pulling a sundress over her heard and then she sat down on the swing and patted the seat next to her. He seemed to bridge the distance in one leap.

"You worry a lot, don't you?" She looked at him with concerned amusement, or was it amused concern.

"More than you could ever know." He sat down next to her searching her eyes for what he might find there.

This is maddening with him so close, but we need to talk. "Why, Will? Why do you have to be in control so much that even though people tease you about it, you still try to control everything, and from what I can tell, everyone around you?" She knew it was a bit forward, but this had been burning her since the first day they met.

"I don't know…well, I do know, but, do we have to get into this now? Can't we just be?" Of course, Will didn't know that was the second time she had heard that question directed her way in just as many days. Maybe she was the control freak.

"Alright, alright. But at some point, Fitzwilliam Darcy Stephens, you will have to answer to Miss Elizabeth Jane Thomas." She smiled.

"Your middle name is Jane?' he laughed.

"Don't change the subject. And yes, could it really be anything else?"

"I suppose not. Can we go back to shaking hands? I quite liked that part of meeting you, Elizabeth." He took her hand and looked again into her eyes for some sign.

"You're not Jim," Callie said as she entered the porch rubbing her eyes. "Only Jim holds momma's hand like that."

Will sat up straight and let go of Beth's hand. She scrambled to sit up as well and to address her daughter. "Callie, this is Will. Don't you remember him from Justin's graduation?"

"Yes. He's the big man who yelled at us in the gym." She said pointing her finger at Will accusingly with her other hand on her hip.

"I didn't yell…"

"Not helping, Not helping. Callie, Will did not yell at us that day. We just are not used to a man with a big voice like that. He was trying to help us." She reached out to her daughter to give her a hug.

"He's still not Jim, momma. Jim gave you flowers and then you held his hand."

"Oh really? Tell me more about this Jim, Callie." He was jealous, but he was also finding it quite humorous that for once he was not in the hot seat. Beth was clearly squirming.

"He bought us ice cream."

"Flowers AND ice cream. He must be a very nice man." He was smiling the whole time at Beth.

"Yes he is. Miss Sue says that he could be my daddy some day."

"What! Callie, Miss Sue should have never said that to you. Momma is just friends with Jim." Beth was turning red and didn't know how to read Will.

"Who is Miss Sue?"

"She's our neighbor. She likes Jim a lot. She says he's a great preacher." Callie was still trying to defend Jim.

"AND he's a preacher. I know when I've been beat." He went to stand up, but Beth pulled him back on the swing. He was laughing, but Beth could see hurt in his eyes.

"Callie, can we talk about this later? Guess who is in the cabin over there? Do you remember Georgiana, Rachel's friend?"

With perfect timing, Georgiana and Justin were just coming out of the cabin. Callie squealed with delight and the three were off and running through the glade.

"Lucy, you 'ave some 'splaining to do." Will mimicked as he turned his full attention to her.

"Well…" she tried her best Lucy voice and then got serious. "Didn't Georgiana tell you that I was, that I had a few dates with…oh, you yelled at me in the gym!"

"Flowers?"

"From Krogers I'm sure."

"Ice cream?"

"OK, maybe I shouldn't have let him meet the girls so soon. This is new territory for me."

"Holding hands?"

"Your honor, I object. Badgering the witness." She was nervous. She couldn't tell if he thought this was all too funny or all too much to deal with.

"I will repeat the question on the grounds it will determine just how jealous I need to be…even though we just met."

"He's a minister for Pete's sake."

"He's a man."

"Well, I should hope so."

"Elizabeth…"

"Ok, Ok, only holding hands. That's it."

"You're kidding me."

"No, I'm not; that's it. In three dates, that's it."

"Oh, but he tried, didn't he," he leaned in very close to her face.

"I don't see where this will do anyone any good…" she half heartedly tried to pull away.

"But you wouldn't let him, would you." Closer still.

"No." she barely whispered looking at his lips.

"Because you were waiting for me." He sat back up with a smirk on his face.

"Of all the egotistical…" she sputtered as he turned and grabbed her hand again while he was laughing.

"Say it, Elizabeth. Say you were waiting for me." He was serious now.

She paused and saw the pain back in his eyes. "Yes, Will. I was waiting for you. I didn't know it, but I was waiting for you."

That was all he needed to know for now. The prosecution rested.

In the few minutes that it took Richard to throw on a clean shirt and shorts, Seth explained Project Pride and Prejudice, or P&P as the guys like to call it. Needless to say, he was quite impressed at what the four were able to accomplish and with Georgiana's insight into the entire situation.

They walked out into the great room with Georgiana still watching out the window. "Alright, commander Stephens, you can stand down now. Let the two have some privacy. I was absolutely right when I said you would be great in the military, but from hereafter, I prefer to be briefed before a major military operation, OK?"

She turned to him with a laugh, "OK, but only if I know you'll agree with me."

"Georgie…" he was smiling, but she knew he meant business.

"OK, OK. But you know I'm right about them, don't you."

"I think you may be, but Will does not like to be manipulated, especially in the romance department, lest we all forget Candace and Gloria."

"Ugh" came from all three.

"Well, that was different. She was crazy." Seth defended Geo.

"Which one?" laughed Richard.

"Take your pick." Seth grabbed Georgiana and they headed out the door.

Although Richard was aching to go outside, he thought it best to wait a bit. He laughed to himself when thinking of what the kids had engineered. They love him so much. They just want him happy. So do I; I just hope he can forgive me leaving this one last time.

Will and Beth sat and watched as Seth and Georgiana chased after Callie. They were all laughing and Seth motioned that they were going to walk into the woods. Beth nodded her approval. "They're really good with kids. I noticed that even at Justin's party."

"Yeah, I know. I wish I could take credit for that, but it's in both of their natures. My parents loved kids. If it were up to them, they would have had a dozen, so Georgiana gets it honest. Seth just has a huge heart. Period. Sometimes I think he loves everyone and everything even though he tries to hide it by being Mr. Sarcasm."

"That must run in your family, too." She wanted to ask him about Seth's parentage, but decided this wasn't the time.

"Touché, madam. Now, I'm starved. What plans did you have for dinner? Hey, sorry to be so dense, but you do have two children, right? Where's Jeannie?"

Beth told him all about Jeannie's camp and the advice from the psychologist to get away with Callie for some quality time. He looked a little worried. "Have things been bad with her? Are you disappointed that I'm here getting in the way of your time with Callie?"

Wow, he can really be insecure. I would have never guessed. "She's been off in her own world a lot lately, and it gets difficult pulling her back sometimes. I've been waiting for a big explosion, but it's really been kind of typical. To answer your second question, I am not disappointed, and you will not get in the way of anything.."

"Even with Pastor Jim?" he teased.

"That remains to be seen. You did say something about dinner, didn't you?" They got up and walked over to the Stephens' cabin and hollered for Richard.

"Men and their grills. What is the deal, Georgiana?" Beth, Callie and Georgiana were sitting on the deck of the Stephens' cabin waiting for the meat to be done. The corn was cooked, baked beans baked, strawberries clean and cut, and Beth had even run into town for baking mix to make a short cake. Done. Meat, not done. "I'm not married, never lived with my dad, and yet I know that you don't come between a man and a grill."

"You crack me up, Beth. Callie, do you know your momma is funny?" she looked down at Callie who was busy making a daisy chain necklace.

"My momma is funny when she wants to be. She is good at everything. Right, momma?" Callie brought the necklace to Beth to put on.

"Yes I am, Callie. And don't you forget it." Beth laughed. "Thank you for my beautiful necklace. I shall wear it all evening."

They could hear the men arguing about whether the meat was done. Beth looked at Georgiana and they started laughing again. "Watch this…I do this to Ed all the time. Hey, guys!" she yelled. "Georgiana and I decided we want hotdogs instead of burgers, OK?"

"What?!" Richard yelled back. "We're almost done with the burgers now."

"You said that five minutes ago, so now we've changed our minds. We want dogs."

"Well, that's going to take another hour at least," Will snuck up behind them by going around the other side of the cabin. Both women jumped out of their seats. Will was laughing while holding a plate of cheeseburgers. "So, that means we men can eat our fill of these." He waved the plate in their faces.

"But I wanted a burger. I didn't yell at you." Callie looked up at Will with her big eyes and pouty lip.

"That's right, you didn't yell. That means you get to pick the best cheeseburger on the plate and Georgie and your momma will just have to wait. How's that?"

"OK." Callie scrambled to the table to start eating.

"Traitor" cried Beth. She turned to Will, "Already colluding with my child through food. I can see you are a worthy opponent, sir."

"Oh yes, Miss Daisy, I play for keeps." He smiled that devastating smile and walked over to give Callie her pick of burgers.

"Did he just call me an old lady?" Beth laughed to Georgiana who pointed to her necklace. "Oh, yeah. Man, he doesn't miss a thing, does he?"

"When it comes to you, I don't think he does, Beth." Georgiana smiled sweetly and joined her brother at the table.

I love it when he smiles. It's truly electrifying. Is it really for me; do I bring that out in him? Oh, Georgiana, what have you pulled us into?

Chapter 7 Getting to Know You

Posted on 2009-09-28

After all was cleaned up from supper, Richard wanted to drive into town to play miniature golf with the kids. He even offered to take Callie with them. "You don't have to do that," Beth said nervously. "Why can't we all go?" It wasn't that she didn't want to be alone with Will, it just felt a little rushed.

"How about we go in two cars then," Will offered, throwing Richard his keys. "I'll go with Elizabeth and Callie."

"But I want to ride in the truck. Can I momma?" Callie had a hold of Richard's hand and was leading him to the truck.

"It seems my young date has chosen her ride for the evening. We'll meet you all there." With that, they piled in and took off.

"I think I may need a sweater," Beth was suddenly self conscious. "I'll be right back." She walked into her cabin and checked herself in the mirror. Gasping at her reflection, she had forgotten that she never cleaned up after the lake, had no make up on, and her hair was just about to come unbraided. "Oh good Lord!"

"What? Are you OK?" Will was coming in the door.

"No. I just saw a sea hag and realized it was me."

"Hardly." He was standing in the hallway watching her look at herself in the mirror. "You really have no idea how beautiful you are, do you?"

"Now who said you had trouble speaking to me? That was the perfect answer." She blushed a little as she pulled her hair up into a pony tail, grabbed a sweater and walked past him.

"Why do you always wear your hair up?' being close to her was unsettling in a good way.

"It's easier to take care of, I guess. I threaten to cut it all the time. Callie told me that would be very bad." She chuckled remembering that conversation.

"It would indeed."

'What about you? Why do you wear your hair so short?"

"Because it gets too curly and I look like a poodle. Who would respect a poodle farmer?"

"Something tells me you're much more in Bryan than a farmer. People defer to you just a little too much for that." They were walking to Beth's car. Out of habit, she went to the driver's side as did Will. They nearly collided. "As I will defer to you now, if you'd like," she handed him her keys.

"Certainly, madam. You know, officially I live in Pemberville." He walked around and opened the door for her.

"Pemberville? Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberville?" she was laughing again.

"Oh, again with the book. Yes, my mother used to tease my dad that's when she fell in love with him; when he told her he lived in Pemberville. She said she knew that would be the closest she would ever get to Pemberly. When she saw the house, she decided she would have to marry him. My dad thought it was hilarious. He put up with all her romantic craziness."

"It sounds like you had excellent, loving parents, Will" she looked over him to see his reaction.

"Yes, I did. And like all kids, I had no clue just how terrific they were. And then they were gone." He wanted to tell her so much more, but not on the way to miniature golf. "And what about yours?"

"My parents?" she did not want to get into that subject. Will nodded. "Well," It's not like its some big, dark secret. "My mother was very young when she had me. My father decided he couldn't handle a family, so he baled. I've never met him." She lowered her head, not wanting to see his reaction.

"Wow." He looked over at her and took her hand in his and squeezed. "I don't know what's worse, knowing what you're missing or having no clue."

"They're equally difficult, no matter how old you are. But my mom was a fantastic mother. We were pretty poor at times, but I always knew I was loved. We grew up together really. She wasn't bitter, but her life taught me quite a lesson."

"I would imagine. Are you still close to her?"

"In my heart. She died a little over a year ago."

"I'm sorry. I'm sure you miss her." He squeezed her hand again.

"Sometimes more than others. You know, when the kids do something that you know she would have loved. Or when I need advice or someone to talk to after an exasperating day with them." She paused. "But you do know, don't you?"

"Oh yes," he said softly. "Oh yes." This time it was Beth who squeezed his hand. They pulled into the parking lot to see the group standing there waiting for them. Richard had a smirk on his face, Justin and Georgiana were laughing and Callie was demanding what was so funny and why weren't they playing already.

"Well, it seems we have been dawdling." She laughed. "I think we should show them a thing or two about just who is in charge around here."

"I agree, Elizabeth." Both of them were glad of the conversation even though it turned serious. They had found common ground in beginning to understand one another. It was progress.

Golfing was a hilarious farce for all concerned, except for Callie who was trying very hard to master the putter and the ball. Everyone learned very quickly that she could be a very serious little girl who didn't like to be teased. Of course, Richard ignored that fact and was constantly irritating her. Yet, he was the one she sought out for attention. Around 8:00 they decided it was time to go back to the cabins and start the bonfire and make the s'mores. Callie again was granted the thrill of riding in the truck.

As Will opened her door he commented, "Callie sure likes Richard. All kids do because he still is one, I think."

"Do I note a hint of jealousy there?" Beth's eyes were sparkling with mischief until she looked up into his and saw that same hurt she often observed.

"A little, to be honest. Although I couldn't or wouldn't do his job for any amount of money or adventure." He slid into the car. "But with Callie, I think she's attracted, like most everyone he meets, to his breezy manners and his love of all things fun. I hope she will get over me yelling at you all." He smiled weakly.

"Will, my daughters are just getting to the age when they ask their momma where their daddy is and when will he come for them. I get lots of tough questions thrown at me. They love any attention they get from men, believe me. The more you smile at her and interact, the more she'll see you for who you are." She smiled up at him hopefully.

"And what about you? If I smile more and interact with you, will you see me for who I am?" Again she could see the insecurity and pain in those striking blue eyes.

"I hope I will," she answered honestly. "You have a great smile, you know?" she was now feeling a bit timid. "You need to show it more often. Let people know you don't bite.

"Oh, but I do." He laughed and reached for her hand which she gladly gave. They drove on in silence each with their own thoughts of what the rest of the evening and, in fact, the rest of this week would have in store for them.

When they reached the drive up to the cabins, they could see everyone scrambling around for wood and getting the supplies for the s'mores. Callie was walking around with the bag of marshmallows stealing one and looking to see if anyone noticed. Will and Beth laughed at the organized chaos, but neither one got out of the car right away.

"I want to be with them and enjoy the fun, but I also want to spend time with you. Our time seems really short to start over again. I guess I'm being selfish," Will looked over at Beth to gauge her reaction.

"Well, then you have company, because I was just thinking the same thing."

"OK, then here's a plan."

"Oh, here we go…" she teased.

"It's what I do best. Anyway, what if we hang out until Callie is ready for bed and the others hit the hot tub. Then we can take a walk or just sit on the porch swing."

"You're right. That is a good plan." Beth wasn't sure she was ready to be in a hot tub with Will. Although it had an excitement to it, there was also an intimacy attached that she wasn't sure she could allow.

Will smiled at her answer, but his mind, too went to the hot tub. I can't rush her. I have to keep reminding myself of that. From his conversation with Ed all those weeks ago, Will guessed that Beth must almost 40 or at least a couple years older than his 37. The age thing didn't matter to him at all. But there was innocence about her, even a little naiveté that he found fascinating. Surely she's had boyfriends and lovers. I can't imagine a woman like her being left alone all these years. So much I don't know…

They all had a great time around the fire. Callie wanted to sing some songs and tell scary stories. Seth and Georgiana obliged and then chased her a few times. Callie was positively glowing from all the attention. So was her momma. After a brief argument, Callie was put to bed at 9:30. Georgiana and Seth said they'd stay in Beth's hot tub if she and Will wanted to go someplace. Richard begged off and said that he was taking a soak by himself and then going to bed.

As a group, they decided that tomorrow morning Beth and Callie would have their time together in town. The Stephens' crew was going fishing and then possibly back to the cave. Richard offered to drive Seth, Georgian and Callie into Athens to see the campus and maybe take in a move or go bowling. The unspoken plan was for Beth and Will to have the evening to themselves. Everyone was pleased with the plan.

Beth sat on the front porch swing with her legs tucked underneath her. Will walked up and offered her a beer and they sat quietly for a few moments. Each had so much to say, but really no idea how to start. They turned to each other and almost started talking at the same time. Will deferred to Beth with a nod and a smile.

"I still can't believe that Georgiana engineered this whole thing." She laughed a little.

"I have to say I have a new respect for my sister, and I'm a little frightened of what that little mind can come up with." He laughed as well.

"She dropped hints about you all the time when we spoke."

"Oh really?" He moved a little closer to her, quite interested in what his sister had told Beth about him. "Like what?"

"Well, let's see" she was teasing him a bit. "She would talk about how hard you worked at the farm. She would drop little things like your gifts to herself and Seth. You spoil them, you know."

"It's the least I can do to make up for all my inadequacies." He shrugged.

"Do you honestly believe you are inadequate in raising those two wonderful teens?" Beth was astounded again at his insecurity.

"If you only knew all the mistakes I made at first. And then I keep making them all the time."

"Will, that's an everyday thing when you're raising kids; I mess up all the time. My mom used to say that it's what you learn from the mistakes that matter. And 'love does cover a multitude of sins' you know." She looked into his eyes to see if the hurt was there…it was.

"Why did you want to adopt, Elizabeth? Why did you take on such a … a…" he was going to say burden, but he didn't think that was the right word.

Beth knew what he was going to say. "People ask me that all the time, especially after they've been around Jeannie for any length of time. There's really not a quick answer for that."

"I've got all night." Before Beth knew it, she told him more about her life than even Marie knew. It just all tumbled out. At first, she worried about exposing herself in this way, but once she started, the words kept flowing.

She explained that her parents met in high school. Her mom was a foster child living in a very nice home after a series of horrible experiences. All she wanted was for someone to love her and to feel like she belonged. She met this young man at her new school and he promised her everything she was desperate to have. When she found out she was pregnant with Beth, she was overjoyed. He was not. He was bound for college. He was bound for greater things. He left to go to school and she never heard from him again.

Her mom was allowed to stay in foster care with Beth until she turned 18. She proved she could parent her, so she got a small apartment and worked at Kmart during the day. She was able to get assistance for daycare for Beth who had just turned one. One of her mom's coworkers watched Beth on the weekends so her mom could wait tables. This went on until Beth started school.

Because her mom was such a hard worker, she was eventually promoted to assistant store manager. She dropped her second job, but was gone so much of the time due to the retail world's hours. Finally, a break came in the form of a former coworker getting a local government job. When there was an opening, she called Beth's mom. She worked there until she couldn't anymore with the cancer spreading.

When she finished, she somehow was sitting with her head on his shoulder. He was stroking her forehead and murmuring words of encouragement throughout her story. "Elizabeth, you had an amazing mother. She must have been so proud of you. And she should have been proud of herself that she never gave into pity. But, that doesn't really answer my question."

Beth was enjoying the sensation of his hands lightly touching her. She kept her eyes closed as she continued. "I've watched women all their lives chase after men thinking that they were the answer to all of their problems. Do you know how many women worked with my mom at the store who ended up just like her or had one bad relationship after another? They weren't as motivated as my mom to want more for us. As I got older I babysat for those kids, many of them unwanted and unloved. They were used as pawns in relationships or their moms had to work so hard that they were never home. Not enough insurance, not enough support, it was horrible.

"I was determined to do better. I worked so hard in school. Mom knew that educating me was the only way to break the cycle. I didn't have time for boys. They terrified me. It wasn't until I lived with Marie and met Ed that I ever had any kind of a relationship with a man. He taught me to believe that there are good guys out there, but I…I don't know, time just flew by and I found myself in my thirties with nothing to show for it."

"But you had a degree, a profession. You broke the cycle." His arm had come around her shoulder as she further leaned into him.

"And I was alone. My mom and I were close, but outside of my kids at school, I felt I was not contributing anything worthwhile. So, I talked to my mom and did a lot of soul searching and took the classes to be a foster mom. I wanted to give a child the love that I had, but that my mom had never felt. That nurturing, protective love that says I'll always be there for you. When I met Jeannie for the first time, I was a goner. I didn't know all of her issues at that point, but that curly red hair and sing songy voice – I was just her mom." She had tears in her eyes that she tried to brush away.

"Elizabeth," he turned her around so that he could see her face. His eyes were shining as well, "I don't know how your heart fits into your chest. Your love for your students and for your daughters is so evident. Heck, what you've done for Georgiana in a few short weeks is more than I can say. I am so sorry that you have had no one beside you; that you could never give your heart to a man; that no one was worthy of you."

She didn't have any words. She just nodded. He opened his arms and she let herself be held. She didn't know why, but she felt safe there. She wanted to believe that he could be that man, but letting go and trusting him was so very difficult.

Will was overcome with sorrow at her loneliness, but he marveled at her convictions and her commitment to those little girls. In spite of himself, he felt the strong desire to protect her and to somehow aspire to be the kind of man she needed. And those girls deserved.

They neither one knew how long they sat there. Georgiana and Seth had quietly retreated to their cabin and were long asleep by the time Will awakened to hear Beth's steady breathing against his chest. She already has so much to deal with; I don't exactly come baggage free myself. We're two broken people from two very different worlds. Can we fix each other?

Beth awoke in her room with a blanket pulled over her and no idea how she got there. She vaguely recalled a dream where she was in Will's arms and he was carrying her somewhere. Of course, she realized that he was bringing her to her room. She blushed as she knew her shoes were off as was her sundress and she was wearing still the bathing suit from the day before. She looked over towards the window and her eyes flew open wide as she saw Will asleep on the overstuffed chair in the corner. He's been here the whole night. Everybody will think…Oh good Lord.

She jumped out of bed and was just getting ready to beam him for putting her in this predicament when his eyes opened and a smile overspread his face. "Good morning, Elizabeth." Looking at her again, the smile quickly faded and concern replaced it, "What? What's the matter?" He stood up and reached out to her.

"What's the matter? What's the matter? You're in my room. We've been here all night. Everyone will think…" she was clearly upset and didn't take his hand.

Will started laughing. "Elizabeth, who cares what they think? It was perfectly innocent and even though my back will not thank me for the punishment, I haven't slept this well in months."

"I'm so sorry for your back" sarcasm dripping, "but I have a seven year old down the hall who will wonder at you being in our cabin at this hour."

"Oh. Forgot about that." He looked sheepishly at her and then a grin began again. "Please don't be angry at me. I very much enjoyed our evening and seeing you when I opened my eyes just set the tone for my day." He reached out again.

Beth looked at him and saw the hurt in spite of his smile. Don't push him away. He was the perfect gentleman. Nothing happened. Relax. She took his hand. "I'm sorry. This is happening so fast. I don't know what to do here." She looked over at the clock and paused, trying to hear any sounds in the cabin. "Will, it's after 9. Callie never sleeps this late. I don't hear the TV." They both raced out of the room and saw Callie's open door. Searching through the cabin, she was nowhere to be seen. Just as panic set in, they heard her squeal of laughter followed by Richard's teasing voice coming toward the glade. Beth fell back against Will and sighed.

"Elizabeth, it's alright. We're all alright. Look at me. We're all alright." She did look up at him and the panic disappeared. Her eyes held a look Will couldn't decipher, was it gratitude, peacefulness, hope, he didn't know. All he knew was that at that moment, he had to act what he felt. He bent down and kissed her.

Beth saw him coming and for once in her life, she didn't turn away. She felt his lips gently brush hers and in an instant she was in his arms where she knew she belonged. His kiss deepened and her arms went up to his chest where she could feel his heart beat. She didn't know if this was right or if she was going to pay dearly for caring for him, but at that moment she let herself feel something she had never felt before.

Will reluctantly released her lips and whispered in her ear. "Well, I'm not alright now. Definitely not calm now." She chuckled but that was the last sound out of her mouth for quite awhile.

Finally, Beth knew they had to stop. They needed to go out to both families. "Will," she murmured, "we need to go outside. We need to…"

"What? What do we need to do, Elizabeth?" His breathing was ragged. I know what I need to do, but the question is, do you?

"Will, please don't ruin this moment, please." She looked up at him pleading. "But, my daughter is right outside and we have two teenagers staying here, too. We have to be an example. Plus, I'm starved."

"So am I" he grabbed her again for another kiss.

"For food, Fitzwilliam. For food." She laughed against his cheek as she stepped away.

"Alright. You win. This time." His stomach was growling as well.

"Besides, don't you want to see me in something other than this bathing suit?"

"Oh, please, don't ask me that question right now. You are tempting me beyond what I can bear as it is." He gave her a devilish grin and touched her face, tracing it down to her jaw line.

Beth turned a bright shade of red when she realized what her question could have implied. "Out with you," she was shooing him out of the cabin. "Tell everyone I'll get pancakes going as soon as I clean myself up." She watched him walk out the door and yell something to Richard. She couldn't hear anything but her own heart beating so loud she thought the whole world could hear it. She touched her lips. Lord, help me.

"So glad you could join us, cousin." Richard laughed and punched Will in the arm. "I have been up since 7am when a little bird flew into our cabin announcing that 'momma and Will are still asleep in momma's room and I want to play." He spoke in a falsetto voice with his hand on hips, just like Callie. "Really, Fitzwilliam Darcy Stephens, what a terrible example for all of our sensitive eyes and ears."

"I already had that lecture from the lady of the cabin, thank you very much. And for your information, I slept in the chair." He stretched as he spoke when, as predicted, his back ache was beginning. "I'm too old for that."

"Ha! Too old indeed, my friend." Richard went to punch him again, but this time Will swerved away. Callie came running forward to chase both men as Seth and Georgiana decided to join in. When Beth looked out her window following her shower, she saw the entire group running around and laughing playing freeze tag.

"I cannot believe how much you people eat!" Beth was astonished at the amount of food consumed for breakfast. "That was a whole box of pancake mix, a pound of bacon and a package of sausage not to mention the rest of the strawberries."

"Momma makes the best strawberry pancakes ever." Callie continued her momma's praises. "She makes the best momma's soup, the best meatloaf, the best sgetti…"

"I just bet that she does," Will was trying to engage Callie. "What is your favorite?"

Callie eyed Will for a moment then answered, "Momma's soup. It changes all the time, so it's a surprise. Do you like surprises?"

"Most of the time I do," he answered. "Callie, would you like to take a walk with me while everyone else cleans up?"

"Hey, what's with that?' Richard demanded laughing.

"Well, I just thought…"

"Oh, go ahead you slacker." Richard knew what Will was about.

"Callie, would you take a walk with me? I have some favorite spots and I have something else to show you."

Callie looked over at her mother who nodded her head. "OK. Momma says it's OK. But no yelling."

"That's a deal." The two took off walking toward the glade. Beth watched out the kitchen window. Before they were out of sight, she saw Callie reach up and take Will's hand. She smiled at the picture, but doubt was always nagging her. Can this really be happening? Can we really be happy with him?

Will took Callie to the area of the glade where he had seen the doe and fawn the first day. They were not rewarded with another sighting, but they did see many rabbits and squirrels. They listened to the different birds chirping and Will tried to remember the names of the wildflowers growing around them. Callie was notably impressed with how much Will knew and kept asking lots of questions. He chuckled to himself remembering Georgiana at this age and how she never ran out things to ask.

He took her to a bridge where they watched the water flowing over a small falls and he taught her how to skip rocks. Again, Callie was watching him closely and was imitating his motions. She looked up at him and stated simply, "You are very tall Mr. Will."

"Yes, I am."

"Your hands are really big, too."

"Yes."

"They are rough in spots. Why is that?" she showed him the calluses on his hand.

"Those are from lots of hard work on my farm."

"You have a farm?" Callie was getting excited.

"Yes, I do. Not far from Justin's and Rachel's house."

"Oh. That's far away from us." Her smile faded a bit.

"It's not that far really. Do you know what I have on the farm? I have horses, beautiful horses." He knew he was shamelessly trying to win her over.

"Lots of them?" Her eyes grew wide.

"Yes. And I have a pool…"

"Wow. Are you rich or something?"

"Shh…we'll keep that our secret, OK?" He reached for her hand again as they started to walk back toward the cabins. "I have something I want to show you when we get back to my cabin, OK?"

They talked about school and her friends and even about Jeannie. Callie told Will that she missed her sister, but she loved her time with her momma. Callie also explained to Will the secret that Jeannie was trying to find her Grandma's butterflies that she sent from Heaven. She simply stated that was how Jeannie knew Grandma loved her. Will asked her if she looked for them, too.

"Yes, but they are for Jeannie. She's the one that needs them." She boasted.

"And what do you need?" He bent down to get to her level.

"Just love. And my momma."

"I'd say they are the same thing." He smiled at her. "I think you'll always have them, don't you?"

"Yes. But Jeannie will keep chasing those butterflies." She shook her head as if she knew Jeannie would never find what she searched for. Will saw a wisdom about her that belied her years.

When they reached the cabin, Will walked with her around the back that was hidden from the view of the other. She waited on the deck by the hot tub. He came back with his sketch pad. "I'd like to show you something." He turned it the page of his sketch of Beth and the girls.

She looked at for a second and then said, "That's us. That's us! But how did you see us?"

"I used my imagination. I dreamed that I saw you all out there chasing the butterflies." He was pleased that she seemed so happy with the drawing.

"Can I have it? Please." The eyes batted, the lip came out to a pout.

"Oh, you have charms, don't you? I think I could part with it if I knew that you would take good care of it." He started to tear it out of the book.

"Do you have other pictures in there?" she tried to peak around him.

"Yes, but they are not finished yet. I will show you more sometime. Now we have to get back to the cabin. Your momma will think we've run away."

"No, she wouldn't think that. We'll never leave my momma, will we?" She took the picture and folded it several times. Then she put it in her pocket. She reached for Will's hand again.

"You may be right about that, Callie." I hope you are anyway.

Beth and Callie had a fun time together while the others went on their adventures. They drove into town and got their nails done. Callie was beside herself with excitement at being a big girl. She talked on and on to her momma about the fun morning with both Richard and Will. She said she shared some secrets with Will that she would not tell her momma Beth could tell that whatever they did with their time together, Will had won Callie over.

After nails, they went into a little tea room. It was decorated like Victorian England and both mother and daughter were thrilled. Callie had a doll with her and they even set a place for her. They chatted about many things. Beth mentioned Jeannie several times with Callie not saying too much. Finally she told her momma that sometimes Jeannie scared her when she got so loud or when she hit herself so hard. She asked her mother again if Jeannie would be coming home from camp.

"Of course she is, honey. Today is Wednesday, tomorrow is Thursday, and then on Friday, we will leave here in the afternoon and then meet Jeannie back at her camp for a big picnic. Then we'll go home and talk about all the fun we had this week." Although Beth missed Jeannie, she silently wished for the days to go slowly. Last night was amazing talking with Will as she did. And she couldn't think of this morning without blushing and touching her lips. Yet she felt that there was so much that Will needed to say, to explain to her. His haunted eyes came into her mind again and again. At the same time, the issues of Seth and the accusations about that Gloria woman inched their way into her happiness.

Callie was satisfied with that answer and they finished their tea and cucumber sandwiches with chocolate scones. "I'll have to swim one hundred laps when we get home from all I've eaten this week, kiddo." She laughed.

There was a public playground down the street by an elementary school. Callie played with some kids there while Beth enjoyed the cool breeze and watching the people walking around. Eventually Callie joined her momma and they walked on to a craft mall in the center of town. "Can we buy something in here, Momma?" she begged.

"You're already quite the shopper, aren't you? Alright lets see if we can find something for Jeannie and then for our friends who've been so nice to us."

The store had everything imaginable. It didn't take long for Callie to find a vendor with hand made doll clothes. She picked out a couple for her dolly and was quite happy. Down the aisle they found a beautiful pillow with embroidered butterflies all over it. Mother and daughter looked at each other and picked it up. Callie carried it through the store happy that Jeannie would have new pillow to hug when she was sad or angry.

Beth had no clue what to get for the Stephen's family. As they continued, there was a stall with all kinds of teddy bears dressed in different outfits. They found an army bear right away and they both agreed he was perfect for Richard. Next was a farmer that they thought for Will but then Callie said that Will was a cowboy because he had horses. So the farmer was designated for Seth. Then they found one dressed up and holding a cell phone. Beth thought she was too cute for Georgiana. Will was the difficult one as there seemed to be no cowboys around. Callie gave up and starting walking on to the next row of creations.

Nothing seemed to really fit as Beth just couldn't picture Will as either a cowboy or a farmer. She just kept thinking of his arms around her and how she felt so protected. She thought of how he took care of those kids and probably Richard, too for all of these years. As she kept walking, she saw the cutest stuffed penguin with a baby penguin holding on between the adult's legs. The little one looked so cute while the older penguin's head was bent down looking at the baby. It dawned on Beth that it was the male penguin that took care of the chicks when they hatched. (Truth be told, she only knew that fact from watching "Happy Feet" with the girls.) "That's it," she said as she picked it up. Although it could stand on its own, it was very soft and cuddly. And perfect.

Armed with all of their purchases including a beautiful sundress Beth thought she could wear that night, they headed back to the car. By the time they reached the cabin, it was nearly 4 o'clock. They could hear music playing from the other cabin and both Will's truck and Richard's jeep were pulled up. When they reached their own door, a note was sticking out.

Miss Callie should be prepared for her carriage to arrive at 5pm. She
should bring a light jacket and of course her baby for an evening of fun.

Miss Elizabeth should be prepared for her carriage to arrive shortly
thereafter. Her choice of attire is up to her.

"Momma, what will you do tonight?" Callie was dancing around and trying the new clothes on her dolly.

"I'm not sure, but I don't think it will involve Applebee's."

Promptly at 5, there was knock on the door. Richard was standing there with a little rose. He bent down and gave it to Callie. "Miss Callie, your carriage awaits," he bowed and then stood up and winked at Beth. "Don't wait up for us. And don't do anything I wouldn't do. This of course, leaves you wide open to just about anything." He laughed as he took Callie's hand and ran down the gravel drive before Beth could reply.

Beth went back to her bedroom and examined herself in the mirror. Her cheeks were still a little flushed from Richard's tease. She wondered about what to do with her hair, but in the end, she pulled it up into a chignon and attached it with pins. The dress looked like it was made just for her, flowing with the pinks and corals that she loved. "OK," she said out loud. "You are ready for this Beth Thomas. Mom, if you are listening, this could be the start of something really good. Wish me luck." Then she heard the knock on the door.

She opened it to find Will standing there with an array of wildflowers hiding his face. "Special delivery for a Miss Elizabeth," he said in his best English accent. "From a cheapskate named Fitzwilliam."

"Oh, no," she laughed at the accent and not the sentiment. "You are mistaken. These are very precious and not cheap at all, sir. There will be no tip for you if you continue to disparage the gentleman who sent these." She took them and went in search of a vase which she found under the sink. "These are perfect." She placed them on the table.

"So where's my tip then, Miss?" Will kept up the charade with a mischievous gleam in his eye.

"Hmm, I don't know if you deserve one, sir." She said with mock severity.

"Oh, I do, Miss as I have had to put up with two scoundrels and a saucy maiden all day while wishing I could be doing this…" He closed the distance between them quickly and caught her up in his arms and kissed her hungrily.

"Sir, what will the gentleman who sent these flowers say at your impertinence?" she giggled as she pulled away from that breathtaking kiss.

"Hang the gentleman who cannot bring the cheap flowers himself." He laughed and pulled her to him again.

After several minutes, Beth knew she had to once again break apart, "The gentleman might hang if he fills the lady with kisses but not food."

"The lady seems to be hungry an awful lot." Will answered in his regular voice but was laughing just the same. "Alright, your carriage awaits Miss Elizabeth."

Will opened the door for her and then made sure she was settled before closing her in. He ran around to the other side. Calm down, man. You are acting like a love struck adolescent. "Did you have a good time today?" that's good. That's safe.

"We certainly did. We did all sorts of girlie things." She showed him her nails. "Callie was quite impressed with herself. Then we had tea in an English tea room. That was a blast. I have to say that I quite felt like Elizabeth Bennett this afternoon." She laughed at herself.

"Well no wonder you're starving. How filling can those stupid little sandwiches be?"

"How do you know about those stupid little sandwiches?" she was amused.

"My mother and Lizzy, my sister had tea parties all the time. They used to try to rope me into them. She was six years younger than me, so a ten year old boy found that quite horrifying. The older I got, the more horrified I was. She made me read that book when I fifteen. Fifteen, can you imagine? And then I had to talk to her about it. Lizzy was only nine, but she read it with my mom also. I think they read it together every year."

"Oh, Will, I'm sorry but that is too funny." She was giggling as she poked him in the side.

"I remember one time I told her that if she didn't lay off that book, I was going to become just like Wickham. She actually made me go to my room and write a paragraph on why that would be a very bad idea. Needless to say, I never used that tactic again." He was laughing at those memories. "You know, I haven't thought about that in a long time."

"Will, how many times have you read "Pride and Prejudice", seriously?"

"Hmm, let's see. When I was fifteen, my senior year in English class, then my sophomore year in English Lit," he suddenly turned serious, " the year my mother died, I read it to Georgiana when she was about 9, then we read it together when she was 14. I read it with Seth because he was having a conniption about reading it this past year. And I suppose I'll read with her again this year coming up when she takes English Lit for her senior year. How many is that?" he smiled again.

"I lost count. Did it help you to read it after your mother's death?" This seemed like an important question somehow.

"It was bittersweet to say the least, but I think I have to back up a little and tell you some about my family for you to understand that answer."

"Please do, Will. I feel like all I did was talk last night. You were a great listener, but I don't like to monopolize a conversation."

"Believe me. I didn't mind." He stopped the truck. Beth looked around, but she didn't see any restaurant. There really wasn't anything around. Just a field and then the Hocking River flowing on its way. "Come on," he motioned. "I'll talk while we get dinner ready."

She decided not to question him, to just follow his lead. He opened the tailgate of the truck and inside was a huge picnic basket, and a blanket. "Oh, my!" she exclaimed. "Will, this is a perfect spot for the picnic." She stood on her tip toes and kissed him on the cheek. He turned quickly and kissed her where he much preferred to be kissed. 'Hey," she said, "no tricks, mister. You are going to tell me more about you and your family."

He laughed, "Yes, but that's a great stall tactic. Is it not?" He took the blanket out and handed it to Beth while he carried the basket. Beth had never seen one so big and he lifted it like it was empty. She again wondered at his strength and how physical he was. He motioned for her to follow him and they walked a little down river. There were beautiful lilies blooming along the road and then there were shrubs and other wildflowers around the spot where he indicated she should put down the blanket. She sat down and he began talking as he unloaded the contents of cheese, fruit, crackers, wine and something that looked quite sinfully delicious in a box. When she went to peek, he swatted her hands away. "OK, my parents met while they were in college. My mom was going to be an English teacher, there's a surprise, and my dad was going for engineering. They were both juniors at the time. I think it was at a sock hop or some such nonsense." He laughed.

"Just like Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy." Beth added.

"Yes, only my dad was not silent and brooding. If anything, he was Bingley to my mom's Jane. Anyway, they fell in love instantly as the story goes. My mom was from a family of teachers in the Cleveland area and my dad was the farmer from Pemberville's son. He wanted nothing to do with farming. My uncle Jim was the oldest and he was supposed to stay home and work the farm. Richard's dad was already in the service and stationed in Germany. But in my dad's senior year, Jim was crushed by a tractor falling over on him. My dad quit right then and came home. He never regretted it, though, that I could tell."

"Oh, my goodness. That must have been terrible for your grandparents and family." She put her hand on his. Will grabbed it and squeezed tightly. She's going to help me get through this tonight. I can tell right now.

"According to my dad, my grandfather was made of sterner stuff and it was never mentioned again. So Dad came home and took up the farming full time. My grandfather had emphysema and couldn't be much help. Anyway, my mom did graduate, but she never taught in a school room. She was a farmer's wife through and through."

"And then little Fitzwilliam came along…" she smiled at him to encourage the story.

"Yes, little serious from the womb Fitzwilliam. I suppose I was aptly named. I was born the first year of their marriage. Then my mom had several miscarriages. I was young, but I knew something made her so very sad. When Lizzy was born, what a celebration that was. I was quite jealous at first, but she grew on me. I'm afraid I turned her into quite a tomboy." He laughed remembering their antics. "Anyway, two more miscarriages, then Charles was born when I was eleven. He was a crazy baby, always on the move. But he was so funny. And he worshipped me. He drove me crazy, that one. Then she lost twin girls fairly far along, so she named them Jane and Mary. I think I was thirteen then. Then Catherine was born when I was fifteen. I was mortified then because, of course, I knew that meant my parents were still 'doing it'" He laughed again. "Two years later Lydia came around in between my junior and senior year of high school. Finally, Georgiana was born when I was twenty. I wasn't mortified anymore. I had a good healthy respect for my dad." He smirked.

"Will, you must have driven them crazy." She was laughing as she popped a grape in his mouth.

"I was certainly moody. I couldn't wait to go away to college. I listened to my dad as he tried to teach me farming, but he understood that, like him, it was not the only thing I wanted to do. He let me fly away. He never pressured me. Lizzy and Charlie loved the land. They were going to be his students of farming." He got a far away look in his eye as he said this. Beth didn't know whether to say something or just let him be. She chose to stay quiet.

"I got a chance to go to graduate school on fellowship, and I jumped at it. I didn't come home much, but if one of the kids was in something special, I had better be high tailing to Pemberville to support them. That's why I was home that weekend, because Lydia had her first recital and mom declared all hands on deck. I was not too happy about it, but home I came." He stopped there and looked over at Beth. "I don't think I've ever talked that much about my family to anyone before. I don't know if I've ever talked that much in one setting before." He wasn't sure if he was looking for acceptance or the usual disinterest that women would show him when he talked at length, but he saw was empathy and something else, but he was afraid to question.

She reached over, took his hand and held it up to her lips the whole time still looking in his eyes. Although it was a simple gesture, Will didn't think he had ever held that intimate of gaze or contact in his life. He was fighting back tears as he shook his head to clear out the ghosts. He started to laugh and was going to say something that he hoped was funny, but Beth shook her head, "Don't Will. Don't try to hide behind your mask. It's me who has all night tonight. I have a feeling you have fourteen years bottled up just waiting to explode. I'm here. I'm not your family; I'm not a business associate; I'm not a groupie after the eligible bachelor. I'm your Elizabeth. Let me be your Elizabeth, Fitzwilliam."

She wasn't asking for his money, his possessions, his body; she was asking for him. No one had ever asked him for that before. A battle raged inside of him: I can't give her that; she's asking too much; run away now. Are you crazy? She wants you, just you. She's asking to give up this burden and let her share it. She wants to be my Elizabeth. He had removed her hand from his without thinking and was sitting straight up and still. Beth watched this battle play across his face and posture.

He was not aware that as his demons were fighting each other, Beth was clearing up all the food and putting it away. She set the basket aside and rearranged herself on the blanket behind him. She put her arms on his shoulders and started to pull him back. His body went rigid fighting against her pressure. "Don't, Fitzwilliam," she whispered and he relaxed and let his body fall back. His head landed on her lap and she cradled it with her hands massaging as she spoke, "You can be quiet; you can talk; just let me be here for you." He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

The next thing he knew, he was running once again around his parents' van trying to get in somehow. He heard screaming from the other car and knew something was burning by the smoke and terrible odor. He looked through the window to see mangled bodies and blood. Nobody was moving. No doors would open. Again the screaming. He ran to the other car as flames shot out the crumbled hood. His aunt and uncle were slumped over. He looked in the back to see little Seth in his car seat screaming and straining to get out.

Paramedics were all around him, yelling at him to get out of the way. He pulled them off and kept trying the door, not realizing how hot the metal had become. Finally pulling it open, he lunged for Seth just as the little boy undid the harness on the car seat. "You're OK, Seth, you're OK" he was yelling to the boy to get through to him. He heard popping noises and the flame shot higher. Firefighters grabbed Will and pulled him away from the wreckage. He was screaming to let him get back to his family…

"Will…Will…Fitzwilliam…you're safe…Seth's safe…wake up. Please, wake up." Beth was shaking him slightly and looking down into his face. Tears were streaming down and he was fighting against her touch. Suddenly his eyes flew open and she saw the sheer panic and terror that he must relive again and again. He rolled off her lap and sat up raking his hands through his hair and angrily wiping the tears from his eyes. "Fitzwilliam, don't move away from me."

"I don't let anybody see me like this. I'm sorry. This was a mistake talking about it tonight. I ruined everything. You must think I'm crazy after all this time to be still having nightmares." He was embarrassed and angry at what he considered to be weakness.

"Does Seth have nightmares?"

"Sometimes. He always has to have music or the TV on when he sleeps. He can't stand total silence."

"Do you think Seth's crazy?"

"For Heaven's sake, no. He was four years old. The only survivor of a horrible accident. I'm amazed everyday at how much he has it together."

"Then why are you so hard on yourself?" She had moved closer to him again and was hugging him, rocking slowly.

"Because I was an adult – am an adult. I had to be strong for him and Georgie. I had to listen to them scream and cry for their mommies and daddies. I had to keep going…" he stopped and hung his head again, not even trying to stop the tears this time.

"And you did it. Day after day you were there for those children who needed you so desperately. And now they are getting to the point where they are ready to fly like you did. You can let them go, Fitzwilliam. You have given them all they need and then some. You can let go now. They are going to make their way in the world and be fantastic at whatever they do." She was stroking his face as she continued to rock her body. His tears turned into sobs as he finally released all the years and the heartache he held in for so long.

And then he was silent. Beth wondered if he had actually fallen asleep again, but then finally she felt him shaking and she thought his tears had begun again. This time, though, it sounded more like laughter. "Fitzwilliam?"

"Oh, God," he was laughing. "We are the world's worst dates! We would give Oprah a run for her money I think." He pulled himself up from her and then opened his arms for her to come to him. Beth didn't hesitate as she was feeling so much as well.

"Well, no one else would put up with us, I believe. But you don't have to make light of this, you know." She looked back up in his face.

"Just hold me again…" he pulled her back to his arms as he kissed the top of her head. His kisses traveled through her hair and down to her neck. She melted into his embrace and let him take all the comfort from her that she could give. After awhile, he looked at her again. "What was I saying during the dream?"

"You were calling out names, then you were yelling to let go. Then you were talking to Seth and then you said, "Let go of my hands." But I wasn't holding your hands, Fitzwilliam"

"Oh. No, I'm sure you were not." He took a deep breath and started again. "When we came up on the accident, I threw the car in park and ran over. Even though cops, paramedics, firefighters were everywhere, I got to the van. I couldn't get any of the doors open. I kept yelling out everybody's name. Then I heard Seth screaming in my uncle's car. I didn't want to leave my family, but I heard him loud and clear. I didn't understand why no one else could hear him.

"I got over to the car and was trying those doors. I didn't realize the car was on fire. I mean, I smelled smoke and heard popping noises everywhere, but I just had to get Seth out of there. They were all yelling at me to get back, that there was going to be an explosion. I finally got the door open somehow and got Seth out of there. By then he was unconscious from the smoke. People kept saying that he wasn't yelling, that it was all in my head, but I knew that boy was screaming and that he was alive.

"A paramedic pulled us into a ditch by the road when the explosion happened. There was nothing anyone could do at that point. Other rescuers were injured trying to help. They told me later that everyone except Lyddie died on impact. She was in a car seat, too, but I didn't hear her screaming. I didn't hear my own sister screaming…" He sobbed again.

"Fitzwilliam" Beth had no cognizant thought that she was now calling him by his given name all the time. "There's no way you could have saved her and Seth. Your heart heard him and you went to him. You are not to blame for her death." She was reaching into her purse to try to find some tissues. Her hand finally felt a handkerchief that one of her students had embroidered with her initial on it. She handed it to him as he wiped his face.

"That's what the medical examiner said. He said that she sustained head and neck trauma and probably wouldn't have made it anyway. My hands were burnt, but I didn't realize it. That's what I was getting at. When you heard me say to let go of my hands, that was me fighting them off when they were trying to treat my hands. I had to get out of there. I had to get Seth and Georgie and get out of there. But, of course, they made us go on to the hospital. The firefighters got Georgie out of my car and took her on to the ER where a social worker stayed with her.

"There was nothing left, Elizabeth, nothing left of my life except those two traumatized children. I had sacrificed one child for another. Even worse, I should have let Charlie stay home with me like he wanted. Lizzy didn't want to go then, either…" he voiced died away again in his remorse and sorrow.

"You were, what, 23 or so, how can you blame yourself for not wanting all the tag alongs? You are not responsible for their deaths, Fitzwilliam. You have to stop torturing yourself over that. The two that you have raised are phenomenal and caring, and they love you so much. They love Richard, too, but in a different way. He's like the fun uncle who comes and gets everybody wound up so that the parents have to calm then down for bed." She was caressing his face as she spoke while her other hand sought his again and held tightly.

"That's an understatement. Richard is a different issue altogether. I have run every range of emotions on that man and still do at times. But, that's for another day, I think. All I wanted to do tonight was to impress you that I can throw down a date so much better than preacher man, and look at the chaos I created." He smiled looking a little embarrassed.

"That's the last I want to hear about preacher man, OK? Three dates does not a relationship make. I believe there needs to be only two with lots of angst thrown in to make it right." She smiled back and he took her in his arms again.

Will was well aware that he hadn't addressed her statements about his guilt. He knew that would take a long time to heal from that, but he did believe that tonight was a beginning. No one, not even Richard knew about Lydia. He also had never spoken of Charles wanting to be with his big brother while Georgiana slept. She did not judge him. She listened and comforted. And she still wants to be my Elizabeth.

Will motioned to the picnic basket, "I ruined our dinner, I think." Beth went to protest but her put up his hand, "I know, I know, but all the same, I had a great dessert in here, but now I'm afraid the mosquitoes will be set upon us soon. Why don't we pack this up and head back to the cabins. I can make a bonfire or we can sit inside and maybe have some coffee, or, better still, we can relax in the hot tub." He looked at her expectantly.

Back with him to an empty cabin. Fire. Hot tub. Either one can get us into trouble. But I'm not a teenager; I'm a grown woman who has waited so long to be loved… "Why not head back and see where it goes. I think I could do with a good cup of coffee and I do want that dessert, whatever it is. If it has chocolate, it's heaven to me."

"OK, Elizabeth, you don't have to hit me with a brick. You're ready to be intimate with words and emotions but not with your b…"

"Please don't be angry with me."

"I'm not." He smiled at her and took her hand.

"I know I'm a bit older than you, and we neither one are babes in the woods. You have way more experience than I have and…" she was searching for a way to explain herself.

"You make me sound like letch or something." He laughed, and then looked at her seriously, "Elizabeth, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't physically attracted to you or that I didn't want to make love to you. But I also know that what we've shared in the last two days is way more intimate and precious to me. I will wait for you. I'll try very hard not to pressure you in any way. And anyway, just how old are? Should I be getting a walker or something?"

"Ha, ha. Don't you know you should never ask a woman her age? And you should NEVER, EVER tease her about it!" She laughed as she threw the blanket over his head and ran off to the truck.

"Hey, no fair! Unfair advantage!" He pulled off the blanket and took off with it and the basket and reached Beth with seemingly no effort. "I'm not letting you get away that easy, Miss Elizabeth." He growled as he pulled her to him once again.

After several moments, it was Beth who declared unfair advantage. "You, sir, are too tall and fast for me to escape. I believe it is I who is disadvantaged." She giggled into his chest.

"Oh, no, old woman, you have me quite at your pleasure." He had thrown the picnic things in the back of truck and was upon her again. This time he picked her up and twirled her around before opening the door and unceremoniously dumping her in the passenger seat.

"Is this the way you treat your elders?" She laughed. "OK, I'll answer your question if you answer one of mine. Deal?" she saw Will nod in agreement as he ran around to his side and settled in the truck. "I skipped kindergarten because I was just that smart," she laughed, "so I started college when I was seventeen. I went to summer school to get out as soon as I could. That made me twenty when I graduated. So…that makes me an old lady at thirty eight."

"Well, that's nothing. I'm thirty seven. I'll be thirty eight right after Christmas. And you?"

"I just turned thirty eight in March. Whew, I'm relieved I'm not that much older than you." She laughed. "And now, my question."

"Oh, is this going to be deep or something? I don't know if I have it in me…"

"Shush. You promised; gentlemen do not go back on their word, sir." She teased him further by trailing her index finger down the side of his face.

"And an unfair advantage again. I must teach you to be more sportsmanlike I think or else we may land in a ditch. OK, what is the question?"

"I actually have several, but I'll settle with this one for now. You've talked about college and even going on for a Master's, but you've never said in what. What were you studying?"

"That's it? That's the big question that you're burning to know the answer to? I have a Liberal Arts degree. Does that reveal something deep within me?" He teased.

"Liberal Arts? What were you pursuing your Masters in?" she was astounded for some reason. She had actually pictured him in accounting or engineering.

"More of the same, I guess" for some reason, he was suddenly insecure about revealing his art to her. He knew it made no sense as he had just spilled his guts to her about his life, but his art seemed way more personal and subject to rejection somehow.

"What kind of answer is that? Liberal Arts is fairly broad, you know. Why clam up on me now?" She gave him her best pout.

"Now where have I seen that face before? Oh, yes, it was on your daughter just this morning and I couldn't resist her either." He laughed.

"Yes, she told me the two of shared some secrets. She was quite impressed that she knew something I did not. Care to enlighten me?" Again she was tracing his face with her finger.

"Man, I am crying foul! I will not reveal my secrets with Callie. Suffice it say that we had an excellent time and she is very wise for her age."

"Well, I'll take full credit for that then." She laughed then told him some stories of "Callie-isms" as she called them.

Will was glad he drew her away from her line of questioning. Besides he was interested in learning about Beth's daughters. By now they were pulling into the cabin's driveway as the sky was beginning to get dark. "I think I could do with some coffee right about now. Your place or mine?" He grinned at her suggestively.

"OOO, I'm not sure I like the look of the wolf in you, sir. I suggest it be my place then." Beth thought that would be safer because they would be bringing Callie back after the trip to Athens.

"Works for me. And you are in luck - with the chocolate thing, that is." They walked into Beth's cabin and he started to unpack the basket. He opened the box to reveal miniature éclairs and bon bons .

"Oh, my. I really will have to do those hundred laps when I get home." She laughed and picked out an éclair to set on a plate. She was starting the coffee and humming a little while she moved around the kitchen.

"Did I tell you how amazing you look tonight? No really, I mean it, don't give me that kind of look. I couldn't believe how good you looked when I first saw you yesterday. Wow, has it only been a little over a day? It feels like ages ago."

"I'm not sure how to take that. Is my company that tiresome? Do the minutes drag by? Am I really that tedious…" before she could say more the éclair found its way to her mouth courtesy of Will.

"You know I didn't mean it like that, wicked woman. But I am serious. Swimming has done amazing things for you." He let out a little whistle.

"OK, for that you are forgiven. Going there has helped me so much. I'm glad that I look better – at least to you anyway, but the main reason I started going was for a little stress relief."

"And did you find that as well as a boyfriend?" he teased.

"We said that was a closed topic, sir." She feigned indignation.

"Ok, Ok, I'm just not sure I like it that he got to see you in that suit before I did. Oh, and I guess he'll keep seeing you when you two swim. Me not like that. Me want woman to self." He beat his chest and growled like a caveman.

"Listen Cro-Magnon man, I think Jim will be just fine. I truly believe I'm not the only woman he's been seeing. You have no idea what an eligible good looking single man can do to a congregation."

"You're right. I only know what a supposedly rich single man can do almost anywhere he goes in a small town." He said dryly.

"Oh, you think you're all that, do you?" she started singing "You're So Vain" and sashaying around the cabin, "'I bet you think this song is about you, don't you, don't you, don't you now'." Will nonchalantly walked across the kitchen and then grabbed her as he fell onto the couch. Beth landed in his lap giggling and pretending to put up a fight. "Oh, no, what am I to do. This big, strong, vastly rich man has me trapped. Whatever am I to do?"

They wrestled a bit on the couch which ended as Will had her pinned and he looked down into her face. "Give up?" he growled as he moved closer to her smiling wickedly.

"Ouch, Fitzwilliam, you're hurting me!" Beth yelped.

Will rolled off in an instant, "Elizabeth, I'm so sorry. What did I – Hey! Unfair advantage again!" Beth was laughing hysterically that Will had fallen for the oldest trick in the book. "That's it, woman. You've won for the last time tonight." He grabbed her and set her again on the couch then he began to kiss her fingers, then hand, wrist, up her arm, continuing to set off every fiber in her like an electric current. He traveled up her shoulder, onto her neck, her jaw, chin, cheeks, nose, and forehead and then started back down again, hovering just above her lips.

Beth was breathless, excited and terrified all rolled into one. I could give in so easily now. I think it's what I really want. I know it's what he wants, but…but…Will saw the confusion mixed with the desire he was creating in her. He knew exactly what he was doing, but he realized that she really didn't. He stopped suddenly. And stood up, walking toward the windows.

"Wha, Wha, What's wrong?" Beth stammered breathlessly. "Did I do something wrong?"

He turned around quickly. "No, no, God no. It's me. Not an hour ago I promised I wouldn't pressure you and here I am seducing you knowing full well you were just about to give me anything I wanted. I'm sorry. Truly I am."

"It was me, too. I think I might be teasing you just a bit too much. Fitzwilliam, please don't be angry with yourself. You are considering my feelings and convictions and that just makes me respect you all the more. I do care for you. More than I ever thought possible and certainly quicker than I ever imagined I could. But I just can't…"

"I know; I know. Come on. Let's stop being so hard on ourselves and just relax. You get the coffee and I'll get the dessert. And I'll try not to attack you in the next fifteen minutes. Outside of that, I make no promises, madam." He smiled wickedly, but she knew he was good at his word.

"Elizabeth," Will decided to broach a topic that had been on his mind ever since meeting her and the girls. "Will you tell me more about Jeannie? Just what is her diagnosis? She doesn't seem autistic to me, and yet, she fixates on things and obviously can get quite agitated."

Her mind flashed briefly to other times over the years when she had been asked the same question by all sorts of people. Some genuinely cared, others were just curious. Beth believed Will to be in the former group. At least I hope so. She was preparing to answer when Will's phone went off.

Will listened without saying anything. Laughed a little, and then hung up. He looked over at Beth, "I don't know if this is a good thing or not, but that was Richard. They are almost here from their jaunt up to Athens. He said that Callie is sound asleep and that they are all bushed. So, he said they were just going to bring Callie in with them and call it a night. They don't want to disturb us." He looked at her sheepishly.

"Another conspiracy I see." She looked at him and sighed. "It's alright with me as long as they don't think I'm trying to pawn her off on them."

"I don't think they're thinking that at all. They're all little matchmakers and feeling quite smug about it right now. I say let Callie stay with them tonight and she can wake Richard up the same as she did this morning. I say let Momma have a morning to sleep in. Now, where were we…oh yes, you were getting ready to answer my question about Jeannie."

They settled back into the couch with Beth resting against Will, much like she had the previous evening on the swing. She began telling him about all the tests done on Jeannie an all the appointments she has with her on a weekly or biweekly basis. She tried to define all the initials surrounding her multiple diagnoses. Will's head was spinning. "How do you do it? Day in and day out, how do you do it?" he was incredulous.

"Some days are better than others. She has come such a long way in the past several years, but when my mom died, it really set her back. It was like she just couldn't process what had happened, so she just went inward again. Then she has become more and more fixated on the butterflies. My mom told her that she would send her butterflies to watch over her and to remind her of how much she was loved." Will nodded, but decided not give Callie away by what she had told him that morning. "She gets fixated like that and it's so hard to pull her away. Sometimes she gets quite violent, but mostly towards herself."

"I saw a little bit of that during church that Sunday, but that's not all, is it?" He held her more tightly trying to signal that it was alright for her to continue what was probably painful to discuss.

"No, that's not all. She's been in the hospital several times. Most of the time, they monitor her and then change her meds. The last couple of times, I had to take her to the ER because she was trying to hurt not just herself, but me." She turned so that she could see his face.

"You? Why would she try to hurt you? She obviously loves you." He was shocked and not in the least a little scared for Beth.

"It's difficult to explain but a lot of times adoptive children act out against their mothers. Also, I'm the one who reigns her in all the time. I'm the one who tells her no or makes her do her homework. I know Jeannie loves me and I believe she knows I love her, but she has all these emotions running around and she just doesn't know how to handle them all. She doesn't process the way you and I do. She doesn't react the way a typical child of ten reacts to things. Even when she's happy, she will bite herself or just act out in a bizarre manner."

"So you're on high alert all the time, right?" His mind went back to how she acted the first time they met at Justin's party.

"Constantly. I never know how she might react. But don't get the impression that it's always so bad. She can be so funny and delightful. We giggle and play a lot. She and Callie act like typical sisters much of the time." She didn't want Will to just hear about the negatives of her lovely daughter. She needed him to believe how much she was loved.

Will was quiet again. He was trying to remember what he was learning all those years ago in his classes on Art Therapy. It was all kind of jumbled together and he cursed himself that he didn't go back and continue his studies. I could have helped her. I could truly could have been of help to her and Jeannie.

She looked at him quizzically, "What are you thinking?" Are you trying to figure out the nearest exit and run as far away as you can?

"I was thinking I wish I could help you. I was thinking how trapped Jeannie must feel at times."

"It's hard to say what all she thinks really. She doesn't tell me when she's not feeling well. I don't know if someone has been cruel to her at school. Sometimes when I'm helping her get a shower I find these big bumps on her head and I have no idea how they got there. I don't know if she's in pain or has a headache, because she just doesn't tell me. I give her acetaminophen sometimes because I think she must be hurting although she doesn't tell. Yet, if I hold onto her hand to keep her from hitting herself, she screams in pain as if I'm beating her."

Will was silent, taking it all in. They heard Richard's jeep pull in and then the cabin door close.

Richard was very happy that things seemed to be going well for Will and Beth. He was, however, a bit distraught that he had no time whatsoever to discuss his future with his cousin. In all of his planning about this week, Will falling in love was nowhere on his radar. Perhaps, though, this was a good thing as Will would be in a good mood and he would have someone else to share his anxieties over the deployment.

He slid into the hot tub looking up at the cloudless night. His cousin had told him repeatedly that he didn't think he could handle any more than what was on his plate now. Even though the kids were so much older, different worries like driving, grades and relationships drove Will to distraction because he could not control them. Richard had seen Will's frowns when Seth repeatedly talked about Rachel. He sighed knowing that a confrontation was going to be had; it was just a matter of when.

I will talk to him tomorrow. Beth can help buffer all of this, I'm sure. Realizing he was taking the coward's way out, he chuckled. I think my chances are better in Afghanistan than when all this comes to blows.